《Eodem: a Rifle and Sword Adventure》


 1 Chapter 1: Planetfall

    Samantha Rose peeked through the colony ship''s window to see the newly claimed planet she will settle down in for her first Tour of Duty.  Her eyes widened in awe as the young woman marveled over the Earth-like planet that the Colony Ship ''the Eodem'' hovered over. It means roughly ''same'' or more appropriately by the insistence of the Osei Korporasie ''Coexist'' in Latin. The reason behind that name as there is a wide variety of people of many races, cultures, and beliefs. If Samantha has recalled correctly, there were Americans, Russians, British, some Asian countries she can''t remember the names of and even Nigerians onboard the Eodem. Overall, they make about not including the ship crew of around 1000 people.


    Samantha''s reasons for being on board was more of a tour of duty than finding greener pastures like most of the people on board. She has just recently graduated from Officer Training School from the United Federation of Earth (or UFE for short) in what was once called WestPoint in the United States. Her first assignment as an Officer of the UFE Colonial Militia is to organize and train the colonists to be able to form a sizeable defensive force to fight out hostile wildlife, raiding pirates and enforce the law as a police force. Sam''s superior would be Colonel Kaidan Polonsky who is the commanding officer of the planet''s Colonial Militia who is she has yet to meet.


    "Lieutenant¡­ Uhm¡­ Sam...somethin¡­ Rose?" A rough voice spoke behind her, raising her respective rank in the United Federation of Earth''s Armed Forces. It sounded like the man was British of the Cockney variety judging from the accent.


    The Lieutenant, fresh out of West Point Academy turned around to meet a large man wearing an Exo-suit standing in attention to her. Judging by the badge by his shoulder, the man is a Sergeant.


    "Yes, soldier?" She asked.


    The man saluted to the woman and was promptly saluted back.


    "I am Sargent Lewis Crocker. I will be your second in command and I''ll also help you integrate into the field as a full-fledged field officer. Additionally, I would like to inform you that I am to escort you to Colonel Polonsky right now for a briefing of your duties." The Sargent informed her.


    "Affirmative, take me to him," Samantha said.


    "I gotta say compared to the places I have been in my career Lieutenant, this is the first non-shithole I have ever seen. Forgive the language." Lewis commented.


    "Sargent? Where did you tour?" Samantha asked.


    "At first Mars fighting off Islamists then some Mountain Planet that makes the good old Himalayas look like a vacation spot and then finally I patrolled in a slum in Kesserheim. Believe me it nice to see some trees, flowers and rolling hills for once. As I can say¡­ I have seen some scary shit. I mean, have you seen those photos the probe made?" Lewis answered.


    "Yeah, I have seen them. Indistinguishable from Earth before the Urbanization. It''s too bad we lost the probe for some reason the government won''t explain. Some people say it''s too good to be true, ''a perfectly Earth-like planet? Ridiculous!''. They even added that it was the work of aliens!" Samantha replied.


    "I don''t believe that shit from those conspiracy nuts anyway," Lewis grunted.


    The two soon arrived at the Captain''s Deck where Samantha is to meet with her superiors. They both entered the room together to see that the colonial leaders were expectantly waiting for her by a large holographic table that displayed a hologram of the planet ''Benham-3''.


    "We have been expecting you, Lieutenant. Please have a seat next Sargent Crocker." Said Colonel Polonsky.


    Sitting down on a nearby chair, Sam gulped nervously as she has her first real mission briefing. Several other chairs were filled with other officers who are also her peers. Compared to everyone else she was the odd one out due to her greenness.


    "Alright men, within 24 hours we will be touching down on Benham-3 at the prearranged coordinates and begin the construction of our colony. Your job is to organize a militia to protect the colony while it develops from God only knows what kind of creepy crawlies might be there. I know that some of you had just been transferred from other places or were just fresh out of the Officer School but I can assure you that if we follow the plan things will run smoothly for about¡­ Uhm at least a year and six months minimum." Jeremy White, the Benham-3 Colonial Governor said. The man, as Samhain can remember reading from is a Ph.D. in Agricultural Developments. Jeremy is assigned to handle the civilian aspect of the colony''s wellbeing but he also has to get involved in the colony''s defense since he is effectively also the commander and chief of the colony too.


    "So far we are currently undermanned in our militia than what is supposed to be our minimum. We lack about 47 personnel out of 100 and we lack willing volunteers so we may be forced to enact a Draft for recruits once we get the colony rolling. Now grab these files I have stacked next to me as they will brief you in detail of your duties for the next few weeks." Colonel Polonsky said.


    Samantha and Lewis stood up and grabbed their squad''s respective folder and opened it. The briefing from her point of view felt more informal than normal from what she is used to hearing back in WestPoint.


    "Alright so we are called the ''Stryder Group'' and our job is Studies, Observations, and Reconnaissance we will get missions on exploring the wilderness the old-fashioned way," Samantha said while her eyes browsed the file studiously.


    "Unfortunately, we are undermanned. Kayin and I were the only other members of Stryder Group before you came." Lewis added.


    "Kayin¡­ Do you mean this black man? Let me see¡­ Ah, so he is a Combat Engineer who operates gun drones and turrets and also has trained with demolitions. Nigerian and 6''5 feet of your height, slightly taller than you." Sam said.


    "Yeah, he is alright. Kind of laid back, probably because he let his drones and mines do most of the work. But overall I like him despite being a soft-spoken one." Lewis added.


    "Anyway, back to file, we are undermanned by four more people. We need the likes of a marksman, grenadier, a rifleman and a combat medic. Well¡­ I did do quite well in the first aid classes back in WestPoint but I struggled with the tourniquet. No Red Crosser''s?" Samhain asked.


    "No, but I already have someone in mind for the Marksmanship role. Names Obediah Root. Old man, but he''s a member of the Interplanetary Hunter''s Association and knows how to shoot. Is it also an excellent scout and survivalist? I asked him earlier if he is interested in several extra packs of rations but he says he will think about it."


    "Well let''s see if he is interested later. Anyway, I will see you later Sargent Crocker. I need to get into my bed and rest for tomorrow."


    "Alright, then I''ll see you soon Lieutenant." Crocker Saluted.


    -----------


    The very next day, with all systems check for the first landing of the UFE into the new world complete, the Eodem sets her feet down on Benham-3''s soil. The activity inside was lit abuzz at the loading bay as people scrambled to get everything that is needed to build the colony out of the ship and onto the ground immediately.


    "Alright steady¡­ steady! Go!" Kayin signaled a large truck to safely descend from the colony ship''s rampart.


    "Good that''s the last one now," Samantha said.


    The Eodem deployed the engineers that she held as soon as it a touchdown on the green fertile plain it has set foot on. The soon to be established colony was surrounded on its south a small lake that will act as it''s freshwater source while on it''s north and eastern directions was a dense forest that will soon be cleared off to add more room. By the west is by far the only unchallenged approach of their surroundings with a clearing that leads to the great unknown. Foundation digging and the moving out of the colonies supplies are being implemented as the makeshift Colonial Defense force began their routine patrols.


    Sam, Crocker, and Kayin moved around near the ship''s docking bay as they overview the dozens of people leaving the ship to taste the fresh air of the new world. One of those people was a middle-aged looking man with a thick black beard who approached them. He carried a large bag behind him that looked like it came straight from a department store''s camping section.


    "So, Sargent Crocker, I made up my mind about that offer you told me. I will take it. I mean I would love to get my hands on some of that Spaghetti rations you said are popular with soldiers." Obediah Root greet.


    "Ah! Obed! That''s great news. I would like to introduce you to my C.O. Samhain Rose." Lewis replied.


    "Wait, Sam is a woman? That''s surprising." Obed said. He observed Sam and her figure with astonishment that has gotten the woman with a slight annoyance.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "So, Obed, you will be my squad''s marksman, right? Sargent Crocker told me your handy with a rifle and have a good eye despite you¡­ advanced age." Sam replied.


    "I may be old but I am reliable if that is what you''re saying. No, I am here to give you my volunteer signup letters to you. So, when do we start." Obed said.


    "We can start right now with something easy. Just make sure these colonists have safely disembarked and then we patrol around the camp for today." Sam ordered.


    Obediah dropped his bag and brought out two unusual items from his bag. First was a long bolt action hunting rifle from his bag.


    "This is my Ruger .308 Rifle. Although not up to par with the latest tech in sniper rifles there''s a reason this why it''s still in production and popular for hunters looking for a great value. But wait¡­ that''s my primary, this is my beauty." Obediah demonstrated his rifle to the squad then proceeded to grab the show his next weapon.


    He showed to them a silvery hand cannon which looked like it could house large rounds and cause serious damage whether near or far.


    "An ''Elephant Killer'' I presume? Damn you must be anticipating big game huh?" Kayin said.


    "That''s right isn''t she nice? I cleaned it myself." Obed smiled.


    "And outside the regulations of standard issued weaponry." Sam criticized, she crossed her arms to express her disdain. However, Lewis placed his hand over her shoulder.


    "At this stage right now, we need all the muscle we can work with. There''s a reason why I asked him to join us. Besides based on my experience, the farther you are from the Core Worlds of UFE the laxer we are about those rules. Trust me you''ll get used to this with time and besides no one tries to enforce the regulations in the first place since its just a waste of time. Plus, he''s an American and they love their guns." Lewis said.


    Sam shrugged and let go of her grievance with the American Hunter. She looked back onto the ramp and then noticed that a man was being escorted by two armed guards. He was wearing a brightly colored neon jumpsuit with a serial number behind his back and a name tag on his left breast that said ''Diaz''.


    "Hey don''t push me, let gravity do its work." The prisoner said.


    "Shut up you scum! You are needed as manual labor by the construction zone right now so make you thieving ass useful!" said one of the guards.


    "I didn''t know that we have penal colonists with us." Said Samantha.


    "Yeah from what I have heard from the guards he was a bank robber who worked for the Romero Mob before he got unlucky," Lewis added.


    "Hey, to be fair I wasn''t even they intended target of that sting op I got caught in. It was the fencer was the real target." The prisoner turned around to face the squad.


    "Hey! No stopping! Off you go!" the guard said as he was lifted by his two escorts and was dragged away to his fate.


    "Please, I hear you are conscripting people or something. Please take me with you! I hate these two guys here and they call me racist names!" the prisoner yelled while being carried away. He was kicking and struggling to be free but the two guards simply overpowered him.


    "Like I would¡­" Samantha thought to herself with a snickering feeling of elitism and moral superiority over a criminal scum like that ''Diaz'' fellow.


    The rest of the day went up with nothing else unusual for the squad other than the occasional lost child looking for his missing parents and a few radio calls from HQ back in the colony ship. By nightfall, the prefabricated houses that will serve as temporary housing for the construction crew and the security team were built alongside a storage house for the building materials and food that will be cooked in a mess tent that was built adjacent. The rest of the colonists retreated to Eodem because of the comfortable air-conditioning provided compared to the cool light breeze that was washed to the outdoor camp.


    Samantha settled into her bed which will be her new sleeping abode for the next weeks until a real house can be built for her and the rest of the Defense Force.


    --------


    Another day has passed for Samantha''s first tour of duty. It was all surprisingly quiet for her. She was expecting to be bombarded by hoards of paperwork, assignments or other missions but the Colonial Defenses'' High Command was acting very conservatively as of late.


    As for her second in command however, if Lewis knew anything from his 20 years of service it''s that something doesn''t feel right about this place. He felt like he was having another sleepless night in the middle of a warzone where he is always alert at his surroundings in case an enemy tried a midnight attack on him and his brother-in-arms, a real fear when in the field. His eyes reddened with exhaustion and sand as he prematurely rose from his bunk bed. His squadmate Kayin took the top part of the bed while the new guy Obediah slept at the bed adjacent to his left. For the women like Samantha, she was in a separate barrack tent for the women members of the militia.


    "Ah¡­ fuck¡­ another sleepless night again¡­" Lewis rubbed his eyes. Walking out of the door of the barracks he noticed judging from the faint glow of the tent''s clock that shone with glow in the dark paint on its hands and hour signs that it was around 4 am. Even though many of the planets that the UFE has expanded upon, scientifically speaking, planets have a different means of rotation around their axis and to spin itself around 360 degrees of itself the Earthlings are so used to the standard 24 hours a day, 7 Days a Week and 365 Days a year plus one extra day for every four years that they have still maintained the standard 12 hour or military hour clocks and the Gregorian Calendar despite the actual ''time'' on the planets to say something different otherwise. He can recall during his tours of duty that there were several planets where the sun stays up in the sky much longer than back at Earth that it was normal to sleep for 6 hours during ''a clear day in the sun'' or the other way around where it is pitch black as night but his watch would always say that its only noon.


    "Might as well just sneak off a bit and enjoy the peaceful air. It''s beautiful out here compared to the last ones." He said in his mind. Compared to all the other places he has been and serviced, Benham-3 was like a trip to a Nature Preserve. He was tired of the many ''Shithole'' places he had to call his office space from desert wastelands to Wintery Mining Colonies on the verge of socio-political collapses so he, with a few back-scratching and kiss-assing to his commanders he was transferred to the quieter job of being part of an expedition to the lush continental world of Benham-3.


    Walking out of the barracks he quietly strolled around the camp. He envisioned that the on-going construction that was quietly sitting idle at the dug-up land to rise to a peaceful community. ''Peace'' a word that he finds an elusive luxury to him. Perhaps after he finishes this tour of duty he will retire from active service and might even buy a piece of land here and settle down to live on the rest of his days quietly. But that kind of tranquility has today evaded him again as he noticed a suspicious smoke cloud rising above the construction yard.


    "Smoke? Fire!?!" Lewis internally exclaimed.


    He stopped his strolling and began to job forward to the seen. Something has gone wrong if a fire accident of some sort happened THIS early during the colonization period. Running past the tents, the sleeping civilians he reached the source of the smoke¡­


    It was the storage tent where they keep a good chunk of their starting food supplies ranging from soup cans, luncheon meats, instant drinks and even a huge box of Grandma Curly''s Italian Spaghetti Sauce which is the love of many children and soft-hearted manly men everywhere were on fire. Razed in flames and smoke towering above it, Crocker watched in horror and micro-flashbacks of his previous battles in the field flooded his mind for a moment.


    His mental blue screen of death was halted when he hears incoherent screaming and yelling coming closer to him. Large humanoid figures in what looked like they were wearing cloaks and some crude looking leather ware emerged from the smoke. To his shock, the cloaked figures had faces of real and normal flesh and blood humans and their said faces had a sociopathic glee painted on their heads. They were wielding an assortment of weapons of what Lewis can remember were commonly used during the Late Medieval Ages. He counted about ten figures walking closer to him as he noticed that they began to laugh and tease him as if he was some sort of prey. One such figure held a wooden crossbow by his hand and began to aim at¡­


    "FUCK!" Lewis exclaimed as he reflexively ducked and turned tail and ran. Normally he would fire back and seek cover at a similar situation back at his previous campaigns but he was essentially naked with only the clothes on his back and his skin.


    "I need to wake everyone up!" Lewis instinctively told himself. With the concerns and lives of dozens of people weighing him. He ran around through the colony camp towards his barracks while crying out to the civilians and any Militia member of the horrible changed of events.


    "We are Under Attack! Attack! We are being Attacked! The fucking food store IS BURNING! IT''S FUCKING Burning!" He cried into the night. Several people began to wake up by the sudden noise coming from Crocker and woke up in confusion while others had his words fall into deaf ears unaware of the danger they are in.


    Lewis continued to run, his heart racing and adrenaline pumping through him. This was the same surge of power he had felt in all of his long career of combat duty. Yet Lewis couldn''t believe what he had just seen. Men in Late Medieval Wear and Arms? Is this a dreamlike sort of crazy Stuck-in-another world show where the hero from a cosmopolitan modern background has found himself in the middle of a fantasy world filled with danger and monsters at every corner?


    Then a loud neighing of what would come from a horse followed by an even louder sound of a horn going off was heard. At first, Lewis thought it was the Hazard Alert Siren that would warn colonists of an incoming natural hazard is approaching but the pitch was too low for it to be the real siren, plus the noise was coming from the direction away from the ship where the siren would be. Turning around to the direction of the sound he saw a man wearing similar clothes from the same earlier intruders on a horse. To his fridge horror, the expedition didn''t bring any horses¡­


    "Hiya!" said the strange cloaked figure on the horse with an open iron sword unsheathed on the man''s hand. His steed raised itself and stood upward on its hind legs and charged towards him.


    His instincts and body memory kicking into the old soldier, Lewis rolled sideways and narrowly dodged a vertically superior slash from the horseman. Quickly standing up, he saw the horseman turn around to make another charging run to cut down and trample his quarry. As the intruder charged again towards him, Lewis bent his legs in anticipation. At the last possible moment, he dodged the blade of the intruder again. The horseman yelled in frustration as he harmlessly cantered past Lewis and turned around again, more determined to kill Lewis than before.


    "Enough of this shit," Lewis said.


    Setting one left foot forward and his right foot back in a ''get-set'' position like in a grade school relay race, he set his sights on the center mass of the charging horseman closing in towards him. With a loud and mighty roar that was past down from his Maori heritage from his mother''s side, he charged aiming straight at the center breast of the horse and with a great big leap he tackled down the horse alongside its rider with it. Climbing out of the body pile with a sore shoulder he walked over the knocked down horse and over to the rider whose pelvis was crushed by the weight of the horse. Lewis knelt down and repeatedly punched him in the face until he was sure the man was not going to wake up from that anytime soon. He began to pant heavily after his repeated pummeling of the poor man until his hands felt sore. If he was wearing his Exo-suit he wouldn''t even feel that much soreness from his shoulders nor the aching of his unprotected knuckles from the repeated ground and pounding he delivered. Standing up and grabbing the sword of the unconscious rider in case he encounters another of these¡­ intruders¡­ or more like bandits seeking to plunder a defenseless camp of people. Reasoning that thought earlier made Lewis blood boil again.


    "Barracks¡­ Barracks!" Lewis suddenly remembered what he was supposed to do and dashed towards his objective.


    The once serene and sleepy environment was turned into a nightmare vision straight from the scenes of a terrorist attack at a refugee camp in the news as bandits flooded by foot and by hoof at the camp. Tents were set on fire and belongings were stolen. Lewis soon saw one such enemy bandit in front of him with a sword in hand and tensed into a defensive position. With all of his strength and adrenaline, Lewis charged and buried his sword down at the bandit easily penetrating his parrying stance and killing him outright. However, the sword was buried so deep into the hostile human that the soldier struggled to set it free. With a strong pull powered by his legs to his arms, he pulled out its sword only for the blade snap of the sword handle. If this sword''s quality was can be graded by him, not even a LARP gamer nor a Prop Manager would ever want to use it. Dropping the broken weapon to the ground, Lewis ran again this time to not get distracted by the horrors he is witnessing around him.


    Dashing and strafing away from any of these hostile bandits he made it safely to his barracks which was still unscathed from the bandit''s hands. He could also hear the loud blaring of the Hazard Siren coming from the Eodem in the distance noticing now that the higher-ups have noticed the chaos from outside their ship. Quickly opening the door, closing and locking it behind him. He yelled at his fellow soldiers who were just rudely awakened from their slumber by the sound of the alarm siren rather than the barrack''s alarm clock that goes off at 5:30 AM...

 2 Chapter 2: a Fiery Dawn

    (About 6 Months before the events of Planetfall)


    Emperor Uldin ''the Blackened'' eyes could only stare in both awe and in anxiety as he saw a mysterious comet pass by his palace. In the most common of tongues, the comet was called ''Geltagar''s Comet'' that passes about every 200 years or more. The old stories stated that whenever the comet ever made a pass from Gliesia a great change was about to happen very soon.


    The Emperor remembered his history lessons that whenever the comet was recorded to have passed by, a great and tide changing event or series of events would affect the entire world for good or ill. One such recording of the comet''s passing was the collapse and splitting of a once united Elven continent from across his empire''s borders due to political infighting, ideological disagreements, and courtly intrigues. The continent has been a state of cultural, political stagnation as no side seemed poised to decisively end the war. Emissaries of the two sides have been known to pay off mercenaries from all over the world to the meat grinder in an effort to break the stalemate but to no avail. The once-proud Elves were caught in a balancing act of both maintaining the war effort whilst also keeping their civilization relevant in the Geo-politics of Gliesia.


    The next time it had passed, several volcanic eruptions in the northern peninsula have caused the region to become unsuitable for farming but the aftermath of that disaster was the opening of several rich mining veins of a new kind of metal called Scandanite. The metal is very malleable at its purest form but when fused with more commonly used metals such as iron can forge into very durable weapons and armor. It was to no surprise that with their new arms in hand the northern peninsula tribes began to raid their southern neighbors for goods and luxuries not found in their homeland. The Northmen sailed and pillaged to the farthest reaches of Uldin''s Empire and beyond with no signs of stopping.


    And the previous passing of the Comet was by far the most relevant to him. For when the comet passed, the ancestors of the Slaegi formed what would be known as the Empire of Slaegia with an iron authoritarian fist. Forming great cities and conquering far off territories, they stamped out all who dared oppose them from political, military and religious organizations alike.


    For Emperor Uldin, in order to keep his empire from falling into a state of anarchy and go the same way as their Elven neighbors, he had imposed several Machiavellian methods of keeping everyone happy from Bread and Circuses, Political Subterfuge to observe and detect any kind of hostile takeovers and even some good old fashioned Public Relations were propaganda of how ''Advanced and Safe'' the Slaegian Empire is. He has even created an organization of ''National Heroes'' who have proven themselves to be both fanatical at the Empire''s Ideals and are skilled at quashing dissent and the occasional invasions from hostile neighbors and rivals.


    Yet the comet''s arrival has made the Emperor Nervous. What could the omens mean? To answer this question, he hurriedly walked to the Empire''s Conclave of Mages. The Conclave is an organization that is dedicated to the study and harnessing of magic in all its forms. It has attracted scholars from all over the world due to its famed library and observatory in the capital. The services that the Conclave can provide to the Empire were education and private tutorials on harnessing Magic from gifted individuals who can afford the tuition, the collection of magically attuned artifacts and crystals but most important in the light of recent events for Uldin, Astrology.


    "Grandmaster Owyne!" the Emperor hailed. He noticed that Owyne too has the face that turned pale with worry just like he is.


    "If it''s about Geltagar''s Comet I am working on it. Come!" the Grandmaster said.


    The Emperor followed Owyne, one of his most trusted advisors and closest of friends into the observatory of the Conclave. Entering the room, he was surrounded by many Wizard''s and Mages that form the administrative power of the Conclave. All were nervously whispering to each other what the comet''s passing could mean for everyone. Owyne walked up to large luminescent crystal where several high-ranking wizards awaited him. It is called ''the Mirror of Aunsellus''. Its purpose was to detect fluctuations in the planets mana energy levels and also used as a conduit of power to globally cast spells from within the confines of the Conclave without having to be near the targeted area. The crystal shone brightly illuminating the room in a rainbow of colors as the wizard stood in front of it.


    "My fellow wizards and nobility of the Empire! We are gathered here on this very hour in a time of great uncertainty. The appearance of Geltagar''s Comet has caused the magic of this world to writhe and scream. Many of our more mana sensitive of colleagues have collapsed in exhaustion over this disturbance." Owyne spoke to the crowd.


    "Aunsellus, the Founder of this very conclave and recipient of this very crystal, the Mirror of Aunsellus from Aralaya, the Goddess of Wisdom.


    The Grandmaster Wizard turned around and raised his hand close to the Mirror of Aunsellus. Magical energies poured out of his hand and connected to the crystal.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "I and my fellow Master Wizards will now use our powers combined to interpret the signs of this Comet to foresee our future." He continued.


    "But that''s only theoretical possible! Seeing the future? The scholars said you need to expend a lot of Magical Power just to even get even a glimmer of foresight." Uldin questioned, his eyes widened in shock.


    "I know my lord, but the comet''s passing has caused the magical energies of the world to be more sensitive and easier to draw from. Plus, I know it''s theoretical but now due to our circumstances, we must put this theory to the test. It''s for the good of everyone here and Gliesia." Owyne replied.


    The Grandmaster, unlike many people who shared high reigns of power, was always someone who''s a concern for people lower is always given a priority. Having climbed his way up to his title of Grandmaster of the Conclave of Mages by participating in projects, expeditions and campaigns that concerns the well being of the Empire''s Citizens and Military such as using wards to fend off rogue spell casters who turned to banditry and using shielding spells to protect knights in the thick of battle has made him respected among his peers, the common folk, nobility, and soldiers. However, despite such achievements and fame, he has been slowly aging and death which has many of his peers and supporters concerned of succession and also him dying with many secrets and ideas that remained locked inside his head.


    Owyne closed his eyes and begins to concentrate his mana through the crystal in a bid to break through the fabric of time and see the other side. The other mages assisted by pouring their powers into the crystal. The passing of the comet has increased their mana reserves and output efficiency greatly. If they had done this within a time of the mana energies being in their regular climate they would have collapsed in exhaustion by now.


    Uldin, the Nobles, Empire Generals and Mages alike could only watch nervously at the people near the giant crystal. Many of them held doubts and optimisms of the Grandmaster''s assurance that his plan will work. For minutes that felt like hours, the hall was silent no one dared disrupt the Master Wizards'' concentration.


    Then Owyne''s eyes opened. But instead of the whites of his eyes and his dark brown irises, his eyes illuminated brightly with the sky-blue energies of magic.


    "I can see the veil break open! I have reached heavens!" Owyne yelled.


    The crowd gasped in awe.


    "Yet I do not see paradise! Just nothing but the stars and Anadi''s Palace. The rest is all just the void." He added. The wizard''s hands began to tremble to show the first signs that he is reaching mana exhaustion.


    "Wait¡­ I hear a great roar in the void. By the Gods, it''s a Celestial Messenger! Wait¡­ no its not of any of our Gods¡­ I see¡­ the birth of a new God! It rises¡­ Hungrily!" The Grandmaster suddenly shouted. His body began to sweat heavily.


    "They are not Gods¡­ but DEMONS! Their bodies clad in iron and magic of fire and brimstone!" Owyne raised his voice louder.


    "The Celestial Messenger sees our world and demands it as a meal! And¡­ And¡­ AAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!"


    Owyne and the Master Wizard''s eyes that were shone with light exploded in geysers of blood as they collapsed. The magical energies exploded throughout the room causing a great shockwave that knocking down several members of the audience.


    Screams echoed the hall as Uldin, his bodyguards and other members of the Conclave rushed towards the bleeding Master Wizards.


    "Grandmaster! Are you okay? Speak to me!" Uldin questioned. The revelation brought forth by Owyne has opened up even more questions than answers about the comet''s prophecies.


    After leaning on the lap of a Healing Mage who wrapped his now empty eyes sockets with bandages. Uldin curled his finger backward, gesturing the Emperor to move closer. Uldin leaned a mere inch from the lips of Owyne to hear what he has to say.


    "All the world will burn by the demon''s hand¡­ Less we stop their Messenger from seeing¡­" He whispered to his ear.


    -------------------------(Back to the Present)--------------------------------


    Samantha didn''t have time to even wear her shoes when the sirens rang. She had to quickly rise up from her bed and run outside to find out what was going on. All that greeted her, however, was fire and screaming.


    "Wha- This¡­ Can''t be happening¡­" Samantha said. Her mind raced within her struggling to understand what''s happening. A fire? An Accident? A natural hazard of some sort? Letting her mind be clouded with so many thoughts however, has to lead her to be unaware of a sinister bandit who sneaked up behind her and pushed her down.


    Samantha tried to push her self back up but a quick leather boot of the bandit pushed her. Fearing for her life she bit the man''s feet as hard as she could, causing the man to yelp in pain and recoil his foot away from pressing down on her. She could swear she may have made her assailant''s toe bleed. Spitting out any possible dirt she might unintentionally put on her mouth and stood back up.


    The bandit yelled out in a language she couldn''t understand but she presumed if she could it would most likely be "You bitch! I am going to kill you!". He charged with his axe in hand ready to overpower Samantha with his superior weight and height until¡­


    "RRAAAGGH!" A voice yelled as a bright orange blur moved past her. Her eyes could barely focus on what she saw before the bandit collapsed to the ground with a horrible black eye and cut on his face. The orange blur soon visualized itself with a familiar orange prison garb. The prisoner after checking to see that the bandit was definitely not coming up from a quick and hard blow from a concrete brick to his soft unprotected head grabbed the man''s axe and began to grind it on his handcuffs.


    "Oh¡­ it''s you again..." Samantha said to ''Diaz''.


    After Diaz cut his binds free he stood up now able to move his hands around freely again. But his newly acquired freedom (of movement at least) was soon disrupted when Samantha grabbed him by the neck and pushed him to the wall causing him to choke.


    "How did you get away from your guard''s scum?" Sam angrily questioned.


    Diaz coughed air and spit only being able to utter one single word.


    "D¡ªD---uck¡­."


    Alarmed by his words and with only a second to react Sam let go of Diaz and ducked. Just barely dodging a straight thrust towards her center mass. Diaz too also quickly dodge the blade by sidestepping as soon as Sam''s grip was released. The bandit''s sword shattered upon impact with the hard surface of the wall causing him to be stunned with disbelief over the loss of his blade. Capitalizing on the opening, Diaz uppercut the groin area of the bandit causing him to bend over in pain grasping his prized jewels. Samantha added her own damage by punching the man by the chin, the most vulnerable area of the human head or at the very least she assumed that bandit is a human. Their attempted murderer fell down face first on to the ground unconscious. Diaz gasped for air whilst Samantha cracked her knuckles.


    "Teach you to assault a woman. And you! You haven''t answered my question." Samantha pointed at the prisoner.


    "Bleh, you talk like we are enemies yet we fought like brothers a second ago." Diaz replied.


    "That''s not what I want you to tell me. HOW!?!" Samantha pressed.


    "A Criminal''s Secret, but I can tell you this, my guards didn''t know what hit them when these¡­ Uhm people showed up." Diaz answered. He pointed at the two unconscious bandits they had fought a moment ago.


    "Damnit, well I guess you are just going to run away now huh?" Samantha gnashed her teeth and clenched her fist ready to pounce at the criminal if he as much flinched his legs.


    Diaz calmly relaxed his composure and turned his arms left and right then faced Samantha.


    "Do I look like I have anywhere to run to? The ship will only lock them up and I don''t have any survival skills to get out in the unknown wilderness and I am not in Kesserheim anymore for fucks sake." Diaz said.


    Samantha absorbed the words of Diaz very carefully. She hates to say it but the ''criminal scum'' has a point.


    "So, what do you choose?" Samantha asked.


    Samantha blushed for a second at his words especially when the man called her pretty. But soon realizing the man was getting inside her head and that she has other priorities at hand she snapped back to reality.


    "We need to get out of here," Samantha said


    "Of course, Lieutenant~~~ Lead the way," Diaz said. Samantha can only roll her eyes over the criminal''s attempts at suave words.


    The two now moving together as a pair, they ran through the burning campground. Both of them could only stare in horror as they saw bandits stealing, kidnapping and burning the whole place. The sound of fire, guns, screaming, and sirens drowned their ears as they confusingly forged onwards.


    "Hey, aren''t those guys over there your squad? Looks like they are putting up a fight." Diaz pointed.


    Sam turned her eyes to his direction and saw Crocker, Obed, and Kayin making a stand against a large group of bandits by while guarding a few boxes of guns, ammunition and a group of civilians. The two lowered them to avoid stray gunfire and dashed for the cover and safety of the militia soldiers.


    "Check your fire! Check your fire!" Crocker yelled.


    Samantha safely made it to the makeshift cover her squad has made followed by Diaz.


    "Lieutenant! Thank God you are here." Crocker said. His face was sweating and weary from the combat action he has suddenly found himself in. The same can also be said for Obediah and Kayin too.


    "Hey aren''t you¡­" Kayin commented on Diaz who followed Sam.


    "Yeah shut up!" Diaz said before ducking for cover by the boxes.


    "Sargent, what the hell is going on? S-Sitrep!" Samantha asked.


    "Shit, where can I start? I saw a bunch of these assholes burning and stealing our stuff. Me and rest grabbed some guns from the armory and placed them here so we can pass along some of the guns to the other Militia soldiers and anybody willing to fight back. Most of them grabbed a gun and head straight to the ship for cover. We were about to go when Polonsky radioed in saying we should hold our ground here and cover the retreat and perhaps hold on if more of the civvies straggled behind. I guess he was right hence the people in our back. But they are just kids or too scared to fight. And then it all went to shit when these bandits assaulted again so we are pinned down right now. Go grab a rifle from the case behind us and let''s deal with them." Crocker said.


    Samantha and Diaz turned around to see the case was opened that revealed a handful of spare arms and ammunition. Additionally, she saw the frightened and crying faces of the civilians of that were trapped in the middle of a battle. A mother was holding her three crying children and a young woman had her hands clutching her head while swaying her body back and forth.


    "Mommy!" One of the children cried.


    Samantha felt the weight of the world and the heat of the battle burden her as she nervously grabbed a rifle from the weapons case alongside Diaz. But before the criminal could get his hands on a weapon, Samantha grabbed his forearm firmly.


    "And what are you doing?" Samantha questioned firmly.


    "I got a right to defend myself, right? You''re barely keeping this corner standing with the MG and all." Diaz replied.


    Sam began to reason herself to the scenario at hand. She recalled from her leadership training that there will be times where there will be choices that seemed to be unsavory at first glance but if certain criteria have been present can ultimately be the correct choice. She bit her lips and swallowed her pride.


    "Fine! But under two conditions! You return that rifle as soon as this is over and if I see you do anything funny I will kill you myself." She said.


    "Yes, ma''am¡­" Diaz nodded while cocking his assault rifle, aiming his gun at the enemies and opened fire cutting down three of the intruders.


    "Wow, nice shot kid, for a criminal," Obediah commented.


    "I had practice¡­ with cops." Diaz chuckled.


    "Oh God, I can''t believe I fighting alongside a robber!" Lewis added.


    The team dug into their fighting positions holding their ground valiantly against the hordes of bandits. Kayin''s flying drone armed with a machine gun turret worked in tandem with Lewis'' SAW Gun. When they had to reload their weapons, Samantha, Diaz, and Obediah covered for them. The bandit intruders who have never seen such kind of firepower before either charged blindly to the kill zone or took cover from the tents to avoid its sight only to get sniped by After about twelve grueling minutes suppressive fire. The hordes of bandits seized their advances. By Samantha''s account, she can confirm about 56 combined kills from her team. Everyone sighed in relief as they stood up from their cover and observed the aftermath.


    Bodies of the slain littered the ground as the squad and the civilians stood to watch in awe and fright from the scene.


    "Did we really do this? All of this?" Diaz said.


    "Yes¡­ I can''t believe I used my rifle and revolver on¡­ people¡­" Obediah said.


    "The first time is always the hardest old man. Take it from me." Kayin placed his hand over Obed''s shoulder.


    "Alright let''s regroup to the ship an---" Samantha was about to relay her orders when a sharp ring coming from a radio interrupted her.


    Crocker grabbed a radio that was tucked by his shoulder and pressed the answer button.


    "Crocker! We need backup¡­ Shit! It''s--*Static*-- Attacking the ship!" said Colonel Polonsky on the radio.


    "Colonel! I just found my commanding officer. Repeat that phrase again." Lewis replied.


    "Some sort of creature of fire and rock. There was this guy who was wearing these strange looking robes and jewelry. That guy did some hand waving and the outcome pops this creature. We need every rifle on the deck or the ship goes down in flames! Get Sam and the rest of your squad here now!" Polonsky ordered.


    "Roger!" Lewis said before dropping the radio.


    "Did I just hear what Polonsky said was attacking the ship?" Asked Samantha.


    "''Fire and rock creature'' right? Did my ears really hear that?" Lewis questioned back with a confused face.


    "Yeah, I heard that too." Diaz raised his hand.


    "Me three," Obediah added.


    "My brain is still trying to process that¡­ Uhm yeah¡­ I am confused¡­" Kayin said.


    "Well, we can all say ''What the fuck?'' when we finish this. Let''s go, everyone." Samantha ordered snapping the squad back to the task at hand.


    The group, alongside the civilians they protected made haste to the Eodem. They can see smoke and eruptions of fire that silhouettes the ship from the distance as they walk. Most of them could struggle to breathe the air and had to crawl down to avoid the fumes. Covering their faces to avoid smoke inhalation the group followed Samantha through the smoke.


    "Bleh, we are just in front of the ship. I can¡­ barely breathe¡­ In here." Samantha ordered as she pushed down the door of an intact storage house. The team alongside the civilians hurriedly went inside and quickly closed the door. With clean air, everyone breathed easily.


    "*Cough* Shit, I bet that fire creature Polonsky said did all of this. Lewis checks those windows, make sure no smoke gets inside for now." Samantha said.


    Lewis walked up to a nearby window to check if is closed. Confirming the window''s closure, the SAW gunner curiously looked outside. He saw the fire creature wreaking havoc at the Eodem.


    Its height was about 20 feet tall, 10 meters wide and covered head to toe with fire and rock. The creature''s hand shot fire that scorched all that touches. Lewis could see the people in the Eodem struggling to even hurt the creature but the bullets didn''t do anything to it. He also noticed that behind the monster was a man in a hooded cloak who was holding a stave at hand and waving his arms like he is commanding the beast. A distinctly blue colored amulet was also on the man''s chest that grew brightly like a beacon of energy that powered the summoned creature. The gunfire from the militia pinned down in the ship tried to desperately bring down the monster but to no significant dent to the body.


    "Damnit, the boys are doing jackshit to that thing!" Lewis said.


    "What! No! Oh no! It''s game over man! Game. Fucking. Over!" Obediah panicked. His breath quickened and his teeth gnashed. He knelt down and began to pray. He was joined alongside Diaz.


    "Sweet Mary, Joseph, and Jesus! Our Father who art in heaven, holy be thy name! Thy kingdom comes you will be¡­" Diaz loudly prayed, reciting the Lord''s prayer.


    "Sam! What do we do?" Kayin yelled. His voice was the tone of one who is panicking.


    "Shit! Think Sammy, THINK!" Samantha thought to herself.


    Everyone in the colony, every soldier, every civilian''s life was now hanging by a very thin thread that will be burnt if the ship goes down. Her eyes scanned the contents of the storage room. There are food stocks, barrels of water, Liquid Petroleum Gas canisters and several fire extinguishers¡­


    "Hold on! It ain''t over yet. Lewis grab those Fire Extinguishers now!" Samantha ordered.


    "What? We are going to fucking snuff out the fire with them? Really?" Lewis questioned.


    "Yes¡­ if my theory is correct." Samantha said.


    "Is it really time to be thinking about theories at a time like this?" Lewis asked again.


    "To save you from having to explain something I learned from chemistry and physics. Yes, it''s a time right now. Now go get them!" Samantha yelled.


    As Lewis gathered the fire extinguishers, Samantha walked up to her two panicking squadmates who were still panic praying. She slapped both Obediah and Diaz out of there state and yelled:


    "I need you to aim at those fire extinguishers after Lewis tosses them at the monster," Samantha said her plan.


    "I have to toss them?" Lewis questioned.


    "Yes, Sargent! Now get ready all of you and wait for my signal."


    The team gathered outside the building with Samantha, Kayin, Obediah and Diaz crouching behind cover while Lewis gathered the fire extinguishers and stacked them on a pyramid next to him. The Fire Monster continued to ravage the Eodem leaving the squad undetected to set up their ambush. Samantha raised her hand signaling to Lewis went to get ready. The Sargent grabbed the first fire extinguisher from his pile and carried it over his shoulder. With a quick downward twitch of her elbow, Samantha signaled the first release. With all of his might, Lewis threw his load at the monster directly hitting him but not hurting him, the fire extinguisher simply impacted the monster''s body and dropped harmlessly on to the ground.


    "Fire!" Samantha yelled.


    Obediah, with his Hunting Rifle, scoped the fire extinguisher causing the canister to erupt in a bright white smoke. The creature yelled loudly as if it was in pain, confirming Samantha''s hypothesis. If there was anything she has seen in RPG games is that Fire Elementals such as the giant monster right now are weak to fire and theoretically no differently weaker to a good old fire extinguisher.


    "Holy Shit! That looked like it actually hurts." Diaz smiled.


    "Come on! Again Lewis!" Samantha yelled.


    Lewis grabbed another extinguisher from his pile and threw it at the fiery beast. It was another direct but harmless hit. This time it now got the creature''s attention.


    "I got this one!" Kayin yelled. He aimed his gun at the fire extinguisher and opened fire. The white smoke discharged out of its metal prison. The fire-retardant chemicals touched the burning skin of the Fire Monster causing the plasma-like body to solidify into the black rock. From the looks of it from Samantha''s point of view, she looks like she is halfway into freezing the monster to death with fire retardant chemicals. Her plan turning the tide of the battle into their favor she signaled again for Lewis to throw one more Fire Extinguisher at the beast.


    "RRRAAAGGH Take this you burning piece of shit!" Lewis roared as he threw the last fire extinguisher at the monster. Hitting right at the head of the beast, the monster reflexively grabbed the canister, it''s a hand covering most of its body but the nozzle.


    "This is my shot!" Diaz said. With a focused aim from the iron sights of his rifle, Diaz shot a precise bullet directly at the exposed nozzle of the fire extinguisher. Bursting forth its content right at the face of the creature and at the arm it was holding it, the Fire Monster was now completely Frozen, its once fiery form now at a fragile dark rock state.


    "Everyone! Light it up!" Samantha radioed every Militia soldier.


    The soldiers in the Eodem, Samantha''s Squad sprayed hundreds of bullets at the defenseless beast cutting it down to a fine ash mist bringing it down to the ground to never harm another innocent again.


    "It''s going down! The beast is dead! Hooah!" Radio chatter from everyone connected blanketed the airwaves in the noise of celebratory cheers.


    The man who was controlling the monster was now completely defenseless that his creature was slain from the mysterious invaders. He yelled out an angry roar, turned around towards Samantha''s team, his hands powering up for a powerful magical attack fueled by anger and hatred.


    "Oh no, you don''t." Samantha quickly fired a burst fire of rounds hitting center mass at the mage killing him instantly. The mage fell backward to the ground succumbing to his wounds, his magic powers fading away from his hands until only a weak spark fizzled out of from the carcass before going away completely.


    "Good Job everyone¡­ all of you." Samantha rested her rifle by her shoulder, the barrel facing upwards to the sky. She walked towards her confirmed kill and noticed the brightly colored necklace the deceased mage is wearing. The necklace blinked brightly like a beating heart with a neon blue light as if it was alive.


    "What a strange piece of bling. I wonder what my fencing friends would say of this thing would be worth." Commented Diaz, marveling at the bright necklace like a jewel locked behind a glass dome.


    "Don''t think so. He''s probably fuck-all kilometers away from you." Lewis said.


    "I bet the scientists on board would love to get their hands on this thing. We should give it to them." Kayin suggested.


    "You''re right," Samantha affirmed. She yanked the necklace from the corpse and firmly grasped the crystal. She took a moment to stare at the necklace''s beauty, its shimmering reflection impressed her.


    "Lieutenant Rose! I would like to congratulate you for saving everyone in this¡­ hey, why is that prisoner carrying a gun?" Colonel Polonsky walked up to Samantha. He noticed Diaz who was still wearing his orange prison clothes holding a rifle.


    "Uhm, yeah I should keep that promise now." Diaz softly said. He dropped his gun to the ground and knelt while placing his hands behind his head.


    "I deal with you later. Lieutenant Rose! Congratulations on taking down that Fire Golem. If it weren''t you throwing those Fire Extinguishers at that monster we would all have been dead." Polonsky saluted.


    "Well, I came up with the idea. Lewis was the one who threw the cans at the creature. My team was the ones who shot the extinguishers to make them explode." Samantha humbly said.


    "If that''s so? Wait for even the prisoner too?" Polonsky questioned.


    "Yeah, He shot the third one. That was actually pretty amazing if I say so myself." Obediah commented.


    "Yeah I got to say that was an impressive shot coming from the robber," Lewis added.


    "Yep, take my word for it too." Kayin scratched the back of his head while facing the ground in slight shame that a common thief outshot him and even Obediah.


    "Is this true Samantha? Don''t lie to me." Polonsky asked her.


    "Yes¡­ He shot the last canister when the monster nearly covered it¡­" Samantha swallowed her pride.


    "Well, Mr. Vincente Diaz, convicted for multiple armed robberies that some of which have resulted in the homicide of several law enforcers, Kesserheim Colonial Militia and an Ice Cream Vendor. Who instead of facing lifetime imprisonment chose exile to a planet under watch from two parole officers, great shot. Where are those two officers anyway." Polonsky said to Diaz.


    "Ok, first off the Ice Cream Vendor was caught in the crossfire. And for escort, yeah, they died¡­ Some of them bandits slit their throats. I barely managed to wiggle out of there with my skin intact." Vincente Diaz replied.


    "Well due to in light of recent events, I don''t think I have too locked you up and waste precious resources feeding and guarding a prisoner who''s only useful job is manual labor. But you have indeed proven yourself by saving us. How are you interested in being a member of the Mili-"


    "YES!" Vince said.


    "Militia¡­ okay, but I will have to assign you to Samantha as your newly assigned parole officer." Polonsky said.


    "Wait what?" Samantha objected.


    "At this point in time Lieutenant, we need every-man on deck to clean up this shit. I have to make dozens of calls to several people right now and I have thought off a way how to explain what the hell happened a while ago. As for your new ''Squaddie'', keep him from causing too much trouble and if he does, you have the right to terminate him on the spot. That is a direct order!" Polonsky raised his voice.


    Silently absorbing her pride and clenching her fist she looked at Polonsky in eyes.


    "Yes, Sir!" She saluted.


    "And that necklace on your hand. Give me that. I want Doctor Mahelona to see this." Polonsky added.


    Samantha handed over the blue necklace over to the Colonel and stood up tensely at him. Her face was cold but receptive to orders as the Colonel observed the object before placing it in his pocket.


    "Good, dismiss! Alright, Engineers, I want this mess cleaned up by sunset." Polonsky turned around, massaging the stress in his head leaving the squad alone as people disembarked from the Eodem.


    "Come on C.O. Let''s give Diaz a proper welcome, Colonel''s Orders." Crocker said.


    "Stick.With.Me.Scummy." Samantha punctuated. There was a tone of disgust over being associated with a criminal that she exhibited towards Diaz as she leads him to the barracks.


    The former prisoner shrugged his shoulders as he followed his new commanding officer.


    ------------------(Meanwhile, miles away) -----------------------


    In a house covered by nature''s hands, a Vampire Enchantress threw her personal belongings all over her room. She just fought off a raid of ''Burning Horse'' Bandit Family when she noticed that her favorite Mana-infused necklace was missing. It was the most prized possession from her deceased family past down to her. The blue-colored Mana-infused necklace of the purest quality money and labor can create was used as a magical amplifier and battery for her experiments. She was on the verge of what could be a significant scientific breakthrough but she needed her necklace to make the final push. She pulled her raven hair in anger and yelled.

 3 Chapter 3: Vampire Nights

    (About 10 hours later after the Bandit Raid on the camp)


    Governor Jeremy White, the appointed Colonial Governor of Benham-3 courtesy of the UFE Bureau of Colonial Affairs and Initiatives was having the worst day of his political life. What was supposed to be a routine colonization to a pleasant climate and uninhabited planet was instead a firestorm of questions, dead bodies and destroyed government issued equipment. There were over a tally of 346 reported injured, 8 dead civilians from the colonies casualty report while these ''Bandits'' had over 151 dead including that giant fire monster that Samantha and her squad heroically killed off. He was given a strange crystal blue necklace from his right-hand man Colonel Polonsky and had earlier tasked the Eodem''s resident scientists for answers over what exactly did they just acquired and who or what just attacked the colony.


    "Alright Science Team! I want a status report now." White opened the doors to the laboratory of the colony ship. There he found several scientists who were holding papers of their findings at hand, some faces showed nervousness while others showed confusion. After a brief silence, a scientist who was sitting by a chair stood up.


    Doctor David Mahelona wiggled his way through the laboratory. Being more of your typical ''fat nerd'' who doesn''t care about the input of food he takes, he had to carefully move around his laboratory without accidentally knocking over the expensive equipment. This doesn''t help the fact that he wasn''t expecting this morning to be greeted by what everyone could only describe as "a Bandit Raid with a giant fire monster" only made him more stressed out than he normally is supposed to feel. A Native Hawaiian who got a Ph.D. in Physics by education, David was the go to scientist who Colonel Polonsky can entrust the task of analyzing the mysterious blue-colored crystal necklace they have acquired from a dead bandit that day.


    The necklace was tucked neatly inside a vacuum container that had various recording and observational gadgets attached to it like a prize piece in a jewelry store. The computers attached to the gadgets recorded the strange necklace producing curious signals and frequencies that the physics doctor could only be astonished to see.


    "No Radiation, yet the compute says it can give off energy that are close to a kilo of Uranium-235. I am surprised nobody reported any signs of Radiation Poisoning sir." Dr. Mahelona said. His eyes showed his disbelief over the readings on his computer screen.


    "I am just as surprised as you are too doctor. Other than energy readings what else can you get from it?" the Governor asked.


    "That''s good to hear Dr. Mahelona. Let me know when you have more findings. Now as for you Doctor Lee Haneul." Rodriguez turned to another doctor who was beside the Hawaiian.


    A physical contrast to Dr. Mahelona''s masculine, tall, weathered and fat physique, Dr. Hana Lee Haneul, a newly licensed surgeon was short of 5 feet and 2 inches, ideally feminine and a bachelorette of 26 years of her age. She too was rudely awakened by the bandit attacked and was tasked with examining the corpses of the slain bandits alongside other qualified doctors. Yet instead of a face of astonished confusion, her face was if she just saw a ghost. She was frozen in place, her lips not moving like a lifeless department store mannequin.


    "You look scared Hana, what''s happening?" Dr. Mahelona asked.


    "They. Are. Human." Were the only words that escaped Hana''s mouth.


    "They are ''Human''?" Both the Governor and Dr. Mahelona said.


    "Everything in their bodies that me and Father Bishop dissected are¡­ Human Blood, Human Organs, Human Bones. We didn''t kill aliens¡­ we killed¡­People." Dr. Lee Haneul said. Her eyes were in the verge of tears. She has always been a utilitarian pacifist who upheld her Hippocratic oath diligently but the sight of bullet ridden bodies has made her descend into a state of Shell Shock. In her few years of experience as a surgeon she had never seen so many dead bodies before that no field trip to morgues could prepare an upcoming doctor to face.


    "Shit, Shit, Shit¡­ How the hell I am going to explain this too command, to the press, to everyone upstairs?" White rubbed his forehead in frustration.


    The Governor''s burdens have become heavier by the hour as more developments happened around him and all of it was bad news and more bad news. He wishes just for once can he hear something that produces to fill the many questions that are on everyone''s minds right now.


    "What did we just get ourselves into¡­" White begged.


    -------------------------(Outside the Eodem)--------------------


    Vincent Diaz looked at the mirror inspecting his new clothes. Having now traded his orange prison garbs for a comfortable plain olive t-shirt that had the Colonial Militia insignia imprinted and a vest that had pouches for magazines and a pistol holster. He smiled at the new conditions he has gotten himself in after ditching his dirty prison cell for a nice bunkbed inside a barracks though he does miss the privacy the he traded off for the barracks but it was an acceptable tradeoff.


    "Atten-shun!" Samantha marched into the room alongside Kayin, Lewis and Obediah following her close.


    Alerted by her appearance, Vincent clumsily tensed his body straight and saluted his superior.


    "Sloppy! I have seen children salute better than you! I said Atten-shun!" Samantha yelled like a drill sergeant.


    Vincent adjusted his posture and saluted again to Samantha. He silently expressed his frustration over being ordered by a woman younger than him painted his face.


    "With feeling! Atten-shun!" Samantha yelled again.


    Erasing his earlier face, Vincent again tensed up and saluted to his superior with a cold and stoic face below his saluted hand.


    "Much better ''Prisoner'' and I will call you that until I deem otherwise." Samantha said.


    "What are your orders Sir, I mean Ma''am! I mean uhm¡­ Lieutenant?" Vincent asked.


    "I am called ''Lieutenant'' or ''C.O.'' from the likes of you. I am here to formally receive you as a member of my squad."


    Samantha''s hands held an assault rifle over to Vincent, she was hesitant to say another word and her hands trembled. Promptly grabbing the gun and holstering it to his shoulder Vincent saluted again.


    "So, what''s our duty today madam?" He asked.


    "We will have to report to the Colonel right now. He says that he is assigning us as a ''Study group'' or something." Samantha answered.


    "Sounds exciting¡­ adventure! I mean yes ma''am!"


    --------------------- (at the Eodem''s Conference Room near the Bridge) -----------


    Satellite pictures and photos of the necklace acquired by Samantha were stickered by the white board. The lieutenant and her squad were the only people being briefed in the room. The Colonel swallowed himself as he began to speak.


    "Stryder Group! Your mission today is a recon of an area as seen by these photos here." The Colonel said. He pointed at a satellite picture that''s contents looked like a bird''s eye view of a forest.


    "Governor White passed me these pictures from Doctor Mahelona and he said that the blue crystal from that necklace you managed to nab from that ''Mage'' this morning is but a piece of what could be a larger deposit of them. The Nerd wants to have more of these blue crystal energy gem things for more experimentation. Tomorrow, noon I want you and your squad to investigate the area, find out what exactly is there and report what you find. Go in armed and ready for a fight if the worst happens, God only knows what could be out there. Also, you, Lieutenant will also be given a Camera." He Added.


    "A Camera for me? Is it like one of those laser-designators that calls down airstrikes? A GoPro? Or a Thermal Camera?" Samantha asked.


    "No, just a normal professional camera. It''s for documentation purposes only and nothing more. I initially wanted to give the camera to Kayin but I wanted you to use because I believe you will be more¡­ observant than your squad." The Colonel said.


    "I see, I''ll shall take as many as I can." Samantha said.


    "Dismiss!" the Colonel told everyone.


    ----------------- (The Next Day at the Armory) ------------


    Obediah sat down by a crate and cleaned his weapons. The morning of that day was a pleasant shine from Benham-3''s Sun with a few clouds dotting the sky. Being a perfectionist, he always demands his good old rifle and pistol to be at the optimum quality for the best possible performance. Having been a long-time member of the International Hunter''s Association has taught him to treat his rifle like if it was his. Not that his real wife who was brought along alongside their young daughter would have mind since he too named his rifle and pistol by their names respectively.


    "Ok, Leah''s bolt is spotless and the cock of April is greased¡­" He smiled, satisfied over the conditions of his weapons that are as pristine as the day the weapons rolled out of the factory.


    "Ha, a cock on a girl. That''s funny¡­ oh¡­ it''s your revolver you are talking about¡­ sorry Obediah." Vincent voice suddenly erupted from behind him. The ex-prisoner was holding a cup of hot coffee that he sips for his daily dose of caffeine.


    "It''s okay, I am in a calm mood today Vince. Just getting ready for the recon we doing." Obediah turned to face him.


    "Finally, a decent response from someone and I am finally getting sick of being called ''prisoner'' and ''thief'' from everyone. You seem cool by my eyes. Are those your guns?" Vince asked.


    "Yeah, the rifle and the six-shooter are named Leah and April after my wife and daughter." Obediah demonstrating the weapons to the new guy.


    "Fine weapons, I am more of an assault rifle user myself, although this government issued rifle I have is a bit larger and heavier than what I normally am used to wielding. I bet its still there back in Kesserheim locked up asking ''Where is Vince? I miss shooting stuff with him. Oh, Boo Hoo!''." Vince chuckled reminiscing his days as a criminal.


    "Yes! Ha! Ha! I sometimes treat my guns as if they were really my family, much to the annoyance of my real one. My wife would ask about which ''Leah'' that I am talking to. What about your gun Vince?" Obediah said.


    "That I can relate old man. My old rifle was custom AR styled gun that shoots .308 Winchesters because the barrel is also acts as a suppressor because, well not to sound creepy to your old man but I need my gun quiet. I call her ''Blackout''." Vince said.


    ".308 Winchester? Shit that''s the same ammo I use for Leah. Glad to see someone uses .308 other than me." Obed stood up and shook Vince''s hand.


    "Why are you farming folks really that cut off from the city people? Pah! What the hell am I saying, I made a friend now right?" Vince asked.


    "In a way yes. What''s your opinion on Gauss Rif---" Obediah was about to continue the gun talk with Vince when he was interrupted by a loud voice from their pockets.


    "We are moving out in 3 three minutes! Get your gear and hop on the Land Cruiser everybody!" Said Sargent Crocker over by the radio.


    "Let''s continue this talk on the road? You and I sit together by the turret?" Vince proposed.


    Obediah locked the bolt of his rifle and twirled the chamber of his revolver. He smiled silently saying ''Yes'' to the thief.


    --------------------------------- (Meanwhile in Iris'' Cadohagan''s House) ---------------------


    The young (at least in her race''s standards) Vampiress have the whole day getting into her. Her frustrations over the loss of her prized necklace and the halting of her experiments and the fact that the Burning Horse Bandits have ransacked her home became gotten her into a very agitated mood. She used her magical powers to commence the repair and cleaning of her dilapidated abode. Various cleaning implements such as mops, brooms and towels began to wipe away the filth and damage from her home to make it a worthy respite for the Vampire witch.


    Her house was situated in the middle of a forest so she can be near to as many alchemical ingredients as possible without having to worry about people competing with her over the many herbs, roots and plants that the forest has. Normally, venturing this deep into the Verden Valley Forest would be dangerous as there are bandits and predatory animals that lurk inside the place ready to pounce on unsuspecting victims. Most of those hazards she can easily fight off with her vampire abilities that she was born with like enhanced reflexes, strength, speed and Magical Attunement with her mana energies that she is proficient in wielding. She can easily burn trolls to death with a fireball, electrocute bandits with bolts of lightning from her hands and poison predatory animals with miasma.


    Yet despite her abilities, she is just one woman against hundreds of dangers and even she can be overwhelmed. She cursed herself, gripping the right side of her chair hardly when she had to fight off the Burning Horse Bandit''s Fire Golem to protect her home from getting torched. But the monster was just a distraction for the bandits to run inside his house and steal her Pure-Mana Crystal necklace from her. Mana Crystals are often found deep underground in mines. They most common of crystals tend to be tainted with other impurities that negatively effects the amount of energy the crystals can give off so it needs to be refined to remove the impurities before it can be used. Energy from Mana Crystals are used to fuel spells from your mundane Candlelight and healing to the more destructive elemental spells casted by wizards. Oftentimes Mana sensitive users become mages who can extract the energies from deep below Gliesia''s earth and cast their spells but it takes awhile and the time to charge their powers is dependent on the users. To make spell casting more efficient, Mages such as Iris herself would wear special pieces of jewelry that would allow them to quickly tap into to energies instantaneously. Which of course she can''t do because of the now aforementioned robbery.


    "Relax Iris, you are going to give those Bandits a piece of your mind once you finish cleaning up this mess." She said to herself as she gestured her hands to command a broom to sweep up her littered floor. The broom animated to life by her magic went to work as Iris sat down by a chair and wiped of the sweat off her brow. The magic she has used has caused her to burn several calories that lightly bathed her ivory skin.


    For a moment¡­ there was a relative peace behind all of this destruction, her hectic scientific work has reminded her that she had taken her moment of rest for granted. The vampire''s eyes began to feel weighted as she drifted to sleep¡­ unknowingly cancelling the spell she casted on the cleaning implements as they dropped on the floor.


    ---------------------- (A few hours later outside Iris''s Home) ---------------


    "Diaz, take point." Samantha ordered.


    "Hmmph¡­ I am¡­ ''Compelled'' to agree." Vincent pouted. He moved pass his squad mates and approached the rusty door that was of a wall that was slowly being reclaimed by nature in a blanket of vegetation. He opened the door causing the rusty hinges to shriek from the friction of movement.


    Stryder Group have just stopped their Land Cruiser by the triangulated location of the energy signals that Dr. Mahelona pinpointed. To the squad''s surprised, what was expected to be a small clearing to investigate was instead a walled house that was in the middle of a forest. The growing greens of nature provided the perfect camouflage to fool the UFE''s UAV recons. The forest''s trees also covered the shadow of the house to also not give away its position.


    Samantha was perplexed by the house being put right there in the middle of the forest. Who would build a house right here away from civilizations?


    "You know guys, it feels like that there''s more to this house than meets the eye. We should keep our toes up just in case." Samantha said.


    "You just read my mind Lieutenant." Lewis said.


    The squad entered through the door and were greeted to a what looks like a garden in disrepair. There were several random gardening tools that were laid down on the ground and the soil showed signs of uprooting with empty holes and plants with their roots laid exposed to the surface.


    "Whatever happened here, the people must have left in a hurry. Did you think we were spotted and they bailed?" Kayin theorized.


    "I don''t think so. The gardening tools and plants that are spread across the place. If your planning to bail with your plants you wouldn''t just uproot them." Samantha answered.


    "Hey Boss lady! The house looks interesting, I''ll bring the new guys with me and check it out." Lewis said.


    "Alright, see if you can grab anything interesting." Kayin said.


    Crocker nudged at Vincent and Obediah to follow him to the house. Just like it''s walls, the vegetation blanketed the structure in jade colored leaves and foliage.


    "Damn, in all of my years as a robber, this place is a fucking shithole." Vincent commented. He looked at his shoes and probed the wooden floor by stepping on it. Every time he tapped his feet, the wooden floor made a loud creaking noise that irritated his ear.


    "You can say that right kid. I will only live here if I was paid a million dollars." Obadiah said.


    "Amen to that." Lewis smiled. The two new members have been so far being quite competent for their jobs despite them having no prior military experience. The Sargent grabbed the knob of the door and pushed it open. To his horror, his face became pale.


    "What the hell¡­" He opened the door further and saw that the room looked like a living room in disrepair with a sofa, chair, a fire place and several cleaning equipment and other stuff littering the floor. But what stood out the most was there was a woman sitting lifelessly on a chair. She was in absolute pristine condition with now visible scars and a face as white as snow.


    "Lieutenant! I found a body." Lewis radioed in.


    "Okay, see if you can examine it." Samantha answered.


    Lewis, Vincent and Obed walked inside the room and approached the body. The woman looked like she was no older than around her early to mid-20''s. Her body showed no sign of any kind of decay or any violent means of death like wounds or bruises.


    "Wow, she''s pretty." Vincent said as he examined the body.


    "No signs of a struggle or any skin discoloration. Suicide? Maybe she offed herself?" Lewis said. He caressed the woman''s left cheek and felt her icy cold skin. She looked like she had died recently for about a day or two. Lewis index and middle finger stuck together and pass below the woman''s jaw line towards her neck. He pressed his two fingers and to his absolute shock¡­ he felt a pulse.


    Before he could react, the ''dead'' woman''s eyes flashed open. She pounced at the Sargent and grabbed his body and opened her mouth to reveal 4 canine fangs. She dived her mouth onto Crocker''s neck and bit it. Vincent, reacting quickly, tried to pry the woman away from Lewis but with inhuman reflexes, the woman grabbed Vincent''s hand and pushed it away with her strength forcing him back to a wall. Standing up, the woman dashed towards for the robber and bit his neck too. Her tongue feasted upon the blood that erupted from the veins of his neck. Losing blood and feeling weak, Vincent passed out.


    After tasting the blood of the two soldiers, the woman turned around to the third man who intruded her, Obediah. She turned around to see Obediah aiming his revolver at her.


    "Die you fucking Vampire!" Obediah yelled. His finger squeezed the trigger and a loud thunder and bright flash followed.


    ----------------------------------------- (Iris''s POV) -----------------------------------------------


    Iris'' body electrocuted in shock as she felt a great and concentrated force pierce her chest. She looked at herself and noticed that she received a wound right by her right breast. Thanks to her vampiric regeneration and resilience, she can easily shake it off. Then another loud thunder from the bearded intruder''s strange metal magic wand was heard and this time, her abdomen ruptured with blood, again another wound she can easily shake off. Then a third thunder, a fourth thunder, a fifth thunder. Her body was struck from her center mass by the intruder''s magic attacks. Was this person a mage that can cause people to bleed at random places by aiming his wand at her.


    Then a sixth thunder from the man''s metal wand was made and Iris'' head felt a great force that pierced her left eye. Yet even that, she can easily walk off the wound and all those she had felt despite the injuries. She slowly walked closer to the man while she slowly regenerated her body. The man''s face grew pale with dread as she fully regenerated her body from her wounds.


    "What¡­ the¡­ hell are you?" the Man spoke.


    "I am Iris Cadohagan! The last of the Cadohagan Blood line! Know your place you filthy peasant!" She roared, she raised her hand into the air ready to strike the man down.


    "Did you just speak in Engl---" the bearded man was about to question back to her before Iris'' hand knocked him out cold to the ground. So, such is the fate of humans to the vampires. To be bullied down and be treated as dumb cattle.


    Her kind, the Vampires used to be the dominant species in Gliesia for millenia, being allowed to feed on the backwards humans as they please. However, they are in a state of decline in terms of population for over 500 years due to the rising human kingdoms who have began to build vast empires and states within those years. This has cause many vampires to scatter out to due to competition and being hunted down. Several Vampires have been infiltrating the Human Kingdoms and blended into human society with mixed results. Others, like Iris, chose to hide in isolated areas of the planet''s wilderness and only come out to feast for blood or obtain certain luxuries found in the human built settlements. She rues the day when the Vampires finally rally together and descend upon the humans in order to put them in their rightful place as slaves and cattle for the Vampires to use as they deem fit.


    She observed her three victims who lay down on the ground paralyzed from the venom she secretes from her fangs to paralyze ''cattle''. Their clothes were strangely colored green with several strips of brown and black dots covering their attire. Their metal wands were just as strange as their clothes since the usual shape of a wand and magic staff is a stick or polearm with a magical crystal infused to it. There were no crystals insight which has confused her.


    "What are you humans even using?" She mumbled to herself.


    Iris picked up the metal wand from the bearded man''s body and observed for a closer look. It had a stick like part with a hollow inside that she noticed have been intricately carved to circular swirl. Then she looked at the handle of the metal wand which was made of a firm leather and was ergonomically designed for someone to hold it comfortably and firmly. She has never heard of any mage who would customize their wands to be this intricate, perhaps these humans were Vampire Hunters who were sent to kill her but failed.


    Iris cannot wait to suck the blood of the three men dry but first she needs to be sure that there won''t be more Vampire Hunters after her. One of her kind''s abilities, Called the Rite of the Blooded Mind is that she can, while draining the blood of her prey can absorb the memories and knowledge from the person''s blood. It''s an intricate process that she needs absolute privacy and intimacy as she has to combine. She observed her three victims and looked at all of them with disgust. The first man who tried to touch her earlier has an impressive physique but she despises men with shaved or bald heads. The second one was much more lean and fragile than the man who has some really attractive short hair but that man has tattoos on his skin and Iris dislikes the ink as it tasted like sour milk to her. The bearded man was simply just too old for her own preferences as she likes her meals young and healthy. It looks like Iris must have to suck up her own pride and choose which of the poisons would taste the least bad to her. As she was contemplating who to perform the Rite of the Blooded Mind the sound of footsteps was heard coming from her living room''s door.


    "Hey! You! Get down on the ground!" A loud voice erupted.


    Iris turned around to the sound of the voice and was greeted to the sight of a woman with red hair pointing another one of the metal wands/staffs at her. She was around the same height as her and despite the battle gear the woman was carrying she was quite appealing to Iris'' taste. The red hair reminded her of blood, her fair skin that was almost as white as hers but with a slight tan and then her blue eyes which is her favorite color to paint one''s eyes with. Iris smiled menacingly at the woman causing her to sweat anxiously.


    "It is rude you know to attack your master human-swine." Iris mocked.


    "What? Did you just speak in English?" the red headed woman asked.


    "I do not know of this ''English'' you speak off. Now come here to me." Iris answered. She pounced at the redhead and grabbed her by the throat and leaned her over the wall, knocking her weapon away from her hands.


    "Let me go!" the woman angrily yelled. She fought back by smashing her fists downwards at Iris'' head and kicking the vampire''s abdomen to create some distance between their bodies.


    "Your puny attacks are no use to the Superior Race human filth! Now hold still while I drain your blood, body and mind." Iris laughed. Her fangs drew out from her mouth, paralytic venom secreting from her saliva glands and ready to perform the rite.


    "Kayin! Kayin! Help!" the Woman cried before Iris sank her teeth to her.


    The red head''s resistance dwindled as her stamina was sapped out from the venom. Her kicking and punching slowly weakened until she fell down limp from the blood that was drained from her. Her eyes rolled up in ecstatic bliss as she drifted to unconsciousness. Iris stood proudly before her new victim and reveled at her power. The intel she will gain will be the most useful to find out who are these people are how they managed to find her. As the woman''s blood nourished her, the life essence of her began to reveal the person''s secrets. Iris could see the most recent memories of that woman were now being projected in her head. She and her team of 4 other people have arrived at her house because a ''Mahelona'' told them there was magical energy in the location. Iris doesn''t recognize what kind of person would have that kind of name, perhaps it''s from some far-off nation she has never heard of. And for the other member of her team, she will deal with him in due time.


    But that aside, what the memories have intrigued her the most is that she could see that the intruders weren''t Vampire Hunters, they were instead hunting for Magic Crystals. Iris knew that during her experiments she had unleashed large amounts of energy from within her house that can attract unwanted attention if not the fact it was right at the middle of the Verden Valley Forest, one of the most dangerous areas within the local region. Additionally, she has also casted several wards around her house that helps out any magic-detecting devices and spells from sensing her abode. But right now she can fill the bliss of consuming blood from her enemies. She closed her eyes and savored the taste of fresh blood that was still in her mouth.


    "Lieutenant? Samantha? Say again?" A deep and static voice suddenly interrupted the tranquility of the scene. It came from the unconscious redhead''s body.


    Examining the body, she noticed that it came from some sort of box shaped device with a stick poling out of it.


    "Lieutenant what happened? What happened to Sargent Crocker, Obediah and Vince?" the voice in the box said.


    "Hello? Who is there?" Iris said to the box. But no reply was heard. She began to probe the box with her lithe hands to see if she had to press something in order to be able to talk to the voice. Her fingers slide to the left side of the device and she felt that it was rather loose and slightly detached from the object. Nodded that this could be a button, she pressed her fingers causing the device to make a ''click'' noise.


    "Hello? Who is in here?" Iris asked again.


    "Who are you? I don''t know you?" said the voice.


    "You do not know me? How na?ve and stupid can you be human. But I digress, I am Iris of House Cadohagan and you have intruded into my property. So, I have decided to take you all down and turn you into my thralls you filthy peasants." Iris taunted.


    "Human? What have you done to my friends? What, what are you?" the voice questioned.


    "Ha Ha Ha! You are more na?ve and pathetic than I thought human. I am a Vampire who is skilled in the arts of magic and enchantments. Your friends are safe but lying on the ground sleeping. Once I am done finding you, I will make slaves of you all! Now¡­ I smell that you are in MY garden. Please stay there while I bite you and turn you into my thrall." Iris laughed.


    ----------------------------(Kayin''s POV)-------------------------------


    "Shit!" Kayin swore. He was the last man down on his squad, his team are knocked out or worse and he has to fight, if there is any credit to what the woman said, she is a Vampire who can also speak English with a seductive Romanian accent.


    "HQ! I need back up. There is Vampire who captured or maybe even killed off my team and I need back up." Kayin said to his headphone mic.


    "This is Colonel, did you just say Vampire?" Polonsky asked.


    "Yes! I think she is, I mean she spoke to me in English saying she is a vampire and all." Kayin answered.


    "She spoke to you in ''English''?" Polonsky asked emphasizing his shock on a native of the planet to be able to speak English.


    "I do not know how she can do that but I don''t want to be around and end up as my squad so hurry!" Kayin yelled.


    "Roger, ETA 15 Minutes." Polonsky said before signing out. His fading words were then followed by the cold static sound of Kayin''s headset.


    Refocusing himself, the Engineer observed his surroundings looking for a means of survival against this scary of opponents. He has never fought a real vampire before so he has to trust his instincts. He can hear the faint howling of wolves and hooting of owls that indicate that night time has now arrived. If Kayin remembers his popular vampire knowledge which was quite limited to him since he was never interested in the supernatural to begin with, Vampires are nocturnal creatures.


    "Damnit all to hell¡­" Kayin thought, realizing that his odds of survival have dimmed.


    He desperately looked at his backpack for anything he might have. To his amazement he had two packs of Thermite Charges that are perfect for Heliophobes like Vampires. His personal E-Tool with an imprinted Smiley face on the head that he calls ''Optimism'' for it always see''s the best in what Kayin is tasked in building or blowing up structures. A shot of Adrenaline drugs, good for countering the Vampire''s venomous fangs. Last but not the least was a spare MRE Pack that contains a hearty meal of Grilled Chicken Breasts with Garlic and Herb Seasoning. Other than the contents of his backpack he still has his 12 Gauge Shotgun by his side too.


    "Ready or not¡­ here I come~~~" Iris spoke into his headset.


    "Bring it on bitch!" Kayin said.


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    After gathering his belongings Kayin crouched down and sneakily stride his way through the garden in order to avoid the detection of the Vampire as much as possible. He held a pack of Thermite by his side. He honestly doesn''t know if the Thermite will work on the vampire. Best case scenario would be he kills her with just only one and the worst case would be she is immune to the burning that the Thermite will inflict.


    "So, your leader Samantha her name is. She is quite the feisty one, isn''t she? Among your friends, she was the most defiant of the bunch. I got to say, she is quite beautiful for someone who serves as a soldier. When I am done with you, I can''t wait to make her bend on her knees and beg for me." Iris said.


    "Not that I can help it. You stay away from her." Kayin objected.


    "And you, my, my, your skin is black as night. I have never seen a human whose skin is like that nor have read about a nation as dark as yours. You will make an excellent trophy concubine for me along side Samantha, Kayin." Iris taunted.


    "Are you racist? Because you sound like one. ''I want to have an African Servant as my concubine.'' I ain''t anyone''s servant. And you swing both ways? What the hell is wrong with you?" Kayin angrily roared.


    "Racist? No, my sweet little human. I do not discriminate on who I enslave. I enslave all people and Africa, wherever in Gliesia is that place in I will gladly make slaves of you all!" Iris laughed.


    "Well I hope you like the very sunny weather because take this!" Kayin said. He emerged from his cover and primed the first pack of Thermite and tossed it at the Vampire. Iris'' quick reflexes dodged out of the and laughed again at Kayin.


    "You resort to throwing rocks at me? How pathe----" Iris didn''t have enough time finish her sentence when the Thermite detonated causing he fiery eruption to occur right behind her. The Vampire witch back burnt painfully as she knelt down the floor and cried. Adrenaline soon flood her body with power as she conjured an ice storm spell to kill the flames latched on her dress and flesh.


    "I have got to say Nightman, that was clever but how much longer can you hold out?" Iris teased.


    "Nightman? From where I am standing, You.Are.Racist." Kayin taunted.


    "Racists? I have you know I have my fair share of drinking the blood of Elves, Orcs, Dwarves, Lizardmen and Humans. So, am I really ''Racist''?" Iris defended herself.


    "Oh, you are not just a Vampire with an admittedly nice dress and beautiful figure but you are also a Xenophilic Blood Drinker shit face bitch¡­ uhm thing!" Kayin dissed while picking up his second pack of Thermite.


    "Please save the flattery AFTER I enthrall you with my beauty Kayin. Now ready or not hear I come~~~." Iris dissed back. She stood up and began to scan her environment for Kayin.


    "You know, you are quite strange you know? Your metal Wands and Staffs and the fact that you can cast fire spells without actually using any Mana that I can detect you have or have not. Tell me, what is your secret Nightman?" Iris asked.


    "Like I will ever tell you!" The Engineer yelled.


    "Found you!" Iris happily announced, her eyes darted towards Kayin''s position. She turned her body towards the direction where Kayin hid behind some bushes at.


    With his Thermite in hand, he primed the device, counted 1 to 3, and tucked the explosive behind the leaves of the bush and slowly backed away. Hoping his timing and angling was right, he positioned himself at the opposite end of the bush. The Thermite then detonated just as Iris'' body was brushing through the bush causing her to be caught right into the middle of the blast and setting her entire body aflame.


    "GGRRAAAHHH!!!!" Iris writhed in agony. She dived at the garden''s soil and rolled over repeatedly to kill off the flames leaving her open to Kayin who readied his shotgun.


    "Die witch!" Kayin yelled as he aimed his shotgun at the Vampire. He unloaded shell after shell of Buckshot at the witch which tore her flesh apart from the sheer cutting power of his weapon. Iris screamed louder and louder after every shot she was inflicted with.


    "RRRRAAAHHHH!!!! I will feast on your blood! Get over here and kneel!" Iris angrily yelled. Desperate times came for desperate measures as it was do or die now for the Vampire. While still on fire, Iris picked herself back up, her regeneration slowly healing her back to her original form from all the damage she received from the Engineer. Kayin stood in astonished horror over how the Vampire was able to survive such blows from him and his gadgets.


    "Why won''t you die?" Kayin yelled in confusion.


    Iris grinned her teeth, licked the blood off of her mouth and strut slowly towards Kayin. Conjuring another ice spell to shake off the fire from her body.


    "You underestimate the power of the Vampires Nightman. I must say, that trap of yours actually caught me off guard. Perhaps you humans aren''t that stupid after all. I could always use a new butler who is smart, plus your skin would make quite a trophy for my peers." She said sinisterly.


    "I am not anyone''s slave! You don''t know what my kind has been through. Now fight me, I will fight as long as I can." Kayin defiantly declared.


    "Fight you? I do not want to spoil my new slave. You humans are so easily broken by us and I wish to relish my new servants shelf life. I can''t also wait to know what you know about your strange magics. Now, look at your mistress and kneel. ~~~" Iris reached her hand towards Kayin.


    Her eyes glowed bright red as mystical energies began to form at Iris body and shot forward towards Kayin. The energies pierced his brain causing his mind terrible pain. He tried to fight it but the energies had probed his brain and began to fiddle him with commands. The magic forced his body to kneel down before Iris and throw out his shotgun.


    Now standing triumphant over the Engineer she laughed at the change of situation as now she has the advantage over him.


    "I honestly never use this in the middle of a fight but I was forced to right now. I hate having to or harm my new toys. It''s not everyday that I encounter such a handsome fellow like you. Especially with that delicious looking skin color of yours." Iris said. She now at an inch between herself and Kayin staring him like a child looking at a beautiful toy in a store.


    Kayin tries to fight back but whatever magic the Vampire Witch inflicted upon her has left him completely motionless.


    "Like I will tell you anything!" Kayin barked in a last-ditch effort to keep himself alive before help could arrive.


    "Oh, you do not have to tell me what you brain knows¡­ Your blood will suffice now tilt your head and close your eyes¡­" Iris whispered to his ears. She caressed Kayin''s neck and tilted left. She pulled out the fangs from her mouth, closed her eyes and dugged her canines right into Kayin''s Carotid Artery.


    The Vampire began to will her magic powers into extracting the deepest memories of her newest victim as she indulges her appetite for blood on the Nigerian. She began to explore the very nooks and crannies of Kayin and began to see his thoughts and minds.


    "I can''t believe I will die here by some Horror Movie Monster." Kayin''s thoughts echoed at Iris.


    She has no idea what a ''Horror Movie'' is according to her knowledge, perhaps its just another means of art that the Humans use to communicate with each other while enjoying themselves, like a Play that she sometimes sneaks into and watch just to see the prey dance and act silly in front of swathes of crowds.


    More memories of Kayin began to reveal themselves to Iris, this time she see''s through his eyes what looks like a table with many similarly colored people sitting aside Kayin. They were all facing him in happy faces like if they were celebrating some event with Kayin.


    "Happy 10th Birthday my son! I made this Maafe just for you!" Said a large woman carrying a giant bowl of soup by her hand that had a pair of candles that spelled out the number ''10''. Iris could feel the great warmth of the Birthday Party release a hearty aura coming from Kayin that she is sensing. It had honestly made her smile over the sight of Kayin and his family celebrating his birthday. She laments such moments due to her upbringing be a very lonely life.


    She then saw Kayin blow out the candles and hungrily chowed down on his ''Maafe'' soup. As the food entered his mouth, an explosion of flavors flooded Iris'' tongue causing her to fall into ecstasy over the food. During the Rite of the Blooded Mind, Vampires can also sense not only the sights and sounds of a person''s memories that they are ingesting and experiencing themselves but also the taste and smells of those memories too.


    Another vision from the annals of Kayin''s memories was revealed. She now see''s herself in a giant lecture hall in what looks like a college. There she saw a frail old man whose clothes and posture is Sage like in appearance took up the mantle and began to speak.


    "Welcome to the ''Introduction to Engineering'' Class. I am your professor and I am going to be your best friend and your worst enemy. Now! Onto the board!" The man said.


    The man''s eagerness to share his knowledge with complete strangers astonished Iris. She has never met a mage who has openly talked about his secrets to people was completely alien to her. Normally mages only entrust their knowledge to worthy apprentices who are either just one or a three according to how much a mage can handle teaching them. But the classroom she has seen was filled with perhaps fifty people who were listening intently to this man. The Sage person began to write to speak in tongues as he wrote down numbers, arrows and shapes that Iris couldn''t understand causing her to get a headache. Then the Sage started to show pictures of massive towers in alien geometries with great glass windows that covered every inch of the structure which began to confuse her. Then she saw the Sage demonstrate great iron beasts that build these structures in mere days that scared her. She became more terrified as more information flooded her primitive mind. Numbers, Equations, Formulas, Theories it all made sense yet Iris lacked the mental capacity to fully understand it.


    Her mouth loosened its grip on Kayin''s neck as she turned away from him, eyes widened and face frozen from the revelation. Then she screamed¡­


    "Too much! Too much! Too much! Too much! Too much!" She repeated. She gripped her head as the information she has absorbed from Kayin overloaded her brain. For each second in her cracking state, she saw more visions of grand towers, great steel beasts and human''s who come from another world with powers to mock Gods with.


    As the Vampire slowly crumble before the revelation that she drank the blood of some sort of ''Divine'' being whose powers were beyond her and every person and living thing in Gliesia, the sound of helicopters disrupted the silent night. Then large spotlights lit up the darkness and aimed themselves at her.


    "We need that one alive! Hit''er with the tranq''s." Said a man in the megaphone from one of the choppers.


    A sniper on board aimed his rifle at the Vampire girl and unleashed a Tranquilizer shot at her. As the drugged bullet pierced her skin, Iris could feel relief from her revelations as the sedative effects lifted her headaches as she fell to the ground in a blissful sleep. As the Vampire lay knocked out on the floor before him, the magical influences that had impeded him waned and the Engineer regain full control of his body. Feeling the effects of the Vampire''s venom he could barely move a muscle and collapsed onto the cold stone floor of the garden. UFE soldiers rappelled down from their choppers and rushed towards him.


    "Thank God you are still alive Kayin. Where''s the rest of your squad?" Said Sargent Mendoza, another soldier of the UFE who''s squad is also assigned to Studies and Observation just like Stryder Group.


    "They are in the house I think. She mentioned she kept them down but not out. They maybe still alive." Kayin muttered as Mendoza''s men carried him over to the chopper.


    Meanwhile he noticed that Iris was also taken by the soldiers and was strapped into a bed with reinforced straps to prevent her from trying to escape her confines. She was then dragged to an awaiting helicopter where the Vampire will undergo studying from the Eodem''s science team.


    As Kayin stepped into the chopper, he reflected upon the experience of fighting the Vampire. He had felt like he was wrestling with God due to the Vampire''s impressive regenerative abilities and ''Magic''. Yet he was also just as equally astonished that Iris mentioned that she was impressed by his creative use of Thermite charges and most embarrassingly, the fact that the Vampire actually called him ''Handsome''. He was never the type of person who would go out of dates due to his duties as a soldier and engineer. To be called Handsome was something that caught him off guard but perhaps it was an attempt by the Vampire to flatter him. His mind continued to entertain such thoughts about that day until he noticed 4 shadows approach the chopper.


    "Kayin¡­ your okay¡­ ahh¡­this venom¡­ makes my body¡­ weak¡­" Samantha said. She was carried over by one of Mendoza''s men alongside the rest of the squad.


    "I am happy to see you¡­ you won''t believe what just happened to me." Kayin softly smiled.


    As Samantha took a seat across him, Sargent Crocker followed him alongside Diaz and Obediah.


    Crocker had an icepack on his head as he sat adjacent to Samantha whilst Diaz and Obediah sat next to Kayin.


    "Fuck this venom. I can''t think straight¡­ Vinny, say something that will make me think or something." Crocker said.


    "Oh¡­ uhm¡­ think¡­ think¡­ oh I got it. I guess you can scratch get bitten by a hot vampire chick off of all of our bucket lists amirite?" Diaz joked yet judging by the tone of his voice he was practically forcing the words out from his lips while battling to regain control of his half-paralyzed body from Iris'' venom.


    Crocker cringed and threw his icepack at the one who traded his bars for stripes.


    "You can''t joke for shit you Flip cunt. You''re on Latrine duty once you get your feet back in order." Crocker spats.


    "Hey your arm is working again." Diaz pointed.


    "Hmm¡­ I guess your right. No more Latrine duties." Crocker said as he turned his eyes to his now functioning arm.


    "And thanks for the Ice Pack by the way Sargent." Diaz said as he indulgently lay the icepack on his forehead.


    "Nevermind, Latrines for you." Crocker teased.


    "D''oh!" Diaz cringed. He then proceeded to flip his middle finger and stick out his tongue as a silent ''Fuck You'' to the Sargent.


    "A rebellious one, very entertaining to fuck with. Stay you, Diaz. Stay you so I can have a clean toilet for my midnight shits." Crocker smiled.


    As the chopper was about to took off from the garden, the team sat their relieved that they have survived another dangerous mission together. Kayin felt the proudest of the bunch as when the lives of his team hang on a wire, he managed to hold off until help arrived.

 4 Chapter 4: the Revelations of Iris Cadohagan

    When one falls under the effects of a Major Tranquilizer drug, the individual will experience under than a temporary physical disable, is a great reduction of activity in their brain which will remove the feelings of anxiety, fear, tension, agitation that the person is blighted by. For the Vampire Witch, Iris Cadohagan, the darts that punctured her snow-white skin had what she would describe as the very first feeling of relief in all her long living life. The countless hours, painful studies and grueling experimentations felt like they had all melted away and in just her little bubble, she could feel absolute freedom of thought.


    "So, this is what bliss feels like?" Iris spoke to herself inside her mind.


    It was absolute darkness and the only things she can feel in her catatonic state except for the hearing of her own heartbeat that was softly being heard and the feeling of being submerged in a set of thoughts. Yet for Iris, her own memories were only filled with nothing but failure and sleepless nights in her study. Whenever she tried to reexperience such memories, she was struck with great shock that hurt her mental conditions and her mind suffered like an animal whose foot was caught in a leg trap.


    With her memories practically off limits for her to think about she was there again swimming inside her mind. At first, Iris didn''t mind but the nothingness of her brain soon got over her as she eventually got bored being idle within her mind.


    She began to swim through her memories searching for something to keep her stimulated. Then she came upon the memories she siphoned from that ''Nightman'' that she performed the Rite of the Blooded Mind on.


    At first, she hesitated due to the last time she had done the Rite, she suffered an epileptic shock that nearly killed her. The many memories, knowledge that the ''Nightman'' has stored was so much to bear for Iris. At first, she thought that the ''Nightman'' was some out of the ordinary adventurer far away from his homeland (wherever it is) in search of riches. Then after a brief demonstration of some fire magics from him, did she think that the man was some sort of wandering mage. But after Iris bit him and drained his blood did she saw images that she couldn''t comprehend. They all came so fast yet the memories were as clear as spring water to her that she was lucky she could handle the mental shock of them all. There were numbers, symbols, geometries, shapes, and theories that all sounded she could understand but for some reason could never grasp.


    "Perhaps I went through them too fast. Maybe I should take it slower." Iris reasoned.


    She focused her mind to reenter the memories of the ''Nightman'' but took care not to overdo herself less what had happened earlier occur again.


    She closed her eyes¡­


    The first thing Iris sensed was the sound of soft chirping birds in ambivalent background, then the sound of horns and the footsteps of people that sounded so near to her. She then opened her eyes to a bright blinding light followed by the sights of the said sources of the footsteps. She was surrounded by dozens of people who walked passed while inside an urbanized environment that she can''t recognize yet feel so familiar. Many of fashionwear didn''t fit the description of any Gliesia''s nations. She noticed some people wore black coats with a neck wear that dips down to the length of their torso''s. Another group of people wore colorful clothing that would not be out of place of a traveling troupe entertainers, and they even have to outlandish hair to complement their clothes. The buildings she was surrounded by titan above her. Their height could even match the Slaegia''s Palace District in Harinpoint and the Elven Spires of their ethereal continent, and they were virtually everywhere as far as the eyes could see and perhaps even beyond the eye''s vision too. The buildings were all covered head to toe with glass panes that reflects all images that passed by her.


    Iris peeked at the mirrors and observed herself. Her reflection was the image of a tall black skinned man in a blue long-sleeved shirt. She must be experiencing Kayin ''the Nightman''s'' Memories again. This time however, she doesn''t feel a slowly growing mental knife being punctured into her brain so her ''taking it slow'' approach must be working. Whatever she is in, she has stumbled herself into another world although it''s only virtual in nature but memories do not lie.


    She began to walk forward experiencing the memory before her. She can see what looks like vendors selling food in the streets, some of them look liked sausages that were placed in a loaf of bread that was sliced in the middle to allow room for the sausage to fit in between. She passed by strange metal carriages that move without horses that Iris couldn''t understand how it can even operate without them? Was it perhaps magic? Were people in this city all powerful mages? It''s more practical to walk than to magically lift yourself to move around.


    She turned her head to the buildings next to her, the glass windows revealed a trove of exotic treasures being sold to the public. Iris could make out the merchandise are jewelry, delicious foods, perfumes, furniture that this world offered. Some were styled over familiar designs with intricate patterns similar to the fashions back in Gliesia, others however were of a more minimalistic approach with singular colors and blocky shapes. Continuing to window-shop, Iris then came across a window that displayed women''s clothes of Formal flavorings. There were gowns, blouses and dresses that sparked Iris eyes with much desire. The Vampire Witch eyed a stylish purple dress that was the centerpiece of the collection and imagined herself wearing it.


    "I could be the talk of the Tyr Rian Annual Ball with that dress. It would make even Princess Aria and those snooty Slaegian Nobles jealous." She thought, she could imagine herself twirling around the Tyr Rian Annual Ball held nearby from her forest home in the Purple Dress. It was so one of a kind that no tailor in Gliesia can hope to fabricate.


    "No tailor¡­in Gliesia¡­" Iris soon began to realize to her amazement and horror.


    The strange black metal magic rods that struck her, the city, the culture, the numbers, symbols, they began to slowly make sense. These ''Humans'' aren''t from Gliesia let alone some far off nation. Then where did they come from.


    "In our next piece of news today in Good Morning America¡­" Said a voice from next door.


    Walking over to the next set of windows she noticed that crowd of people were staring at whatever the windows had in display. Examining them, she noticed that the people were looking at a set of what she can only describe as Magic Mirrors. There was a person in a well pressed coat being displayed on the screen. Additionally, there where was several smaller screens that were being displayed inside the bigger screen that showed images and words. Thanks to her acquired knowledge of these new ''Humans'' she can read the text on the Magic Mirror:


    "New Habitable Planet Found: Called Benham-3" the text said.


    "The United Earth Federation''s Bureau of Colonial Affairs is now seeking applicants for a new colony to be built on the planet." The man on the Magic Mirror just said.


    That person then leaned his head to his hand as if he was listening to an inaudible voice. The man seemed to be listening intently to what ever being was speaking to him, then his eyes widened in surprise.


    "This just in, for folks who are listening from New York. Check out your window and see the brand-new Colony Ship the Eodem perform a routine test flight. The ship will be used for the colonization efforts of Benham-3."


    The crowd watching the Magic Mirrors dispersed to look up into the sky in search of the Eodem.


    "A Ship that can fly? What kind of boat can even do that?" Iris asked herself.


    "Look up in the sky! There it is!" said one of the people.


    The crowd began to cheer as a slow thundering sound began to form. Iris turned her head skywards to see that her eyes were shadowed by a great object that blocked the sun. Refocusing her vision, she noticed that it was a large wingless object that floated above the city and to her amazement it had the name ''the Eodem'' written on its surface. The crowd cheered as the flying ship floated above the cityscape.


    "What new discovery across the stars will she and her brave pioneers and crew will find? Perhaps you can be one of them. Sign up and explored Outer Space and the heavens beyond today at the UFE Colonial Affairs Bureau website today." Said the Magic Mirror.


    ''Across the stars? Giant Flying Boats? Exploring the heavens? Have I attacked Gods?'' Iris mind flooded with more eldritch questions.


    She had more answers but now even more questions that are harder than the last. Who were these Humans? Are they the Gliesian Pantheons of Gods from all of her world''s races now descending upon their world? Are they demons coming to conquer their planet? What and who are these people she has seen?


    Iris began to collapse on the concrete floor of the city laughing hysterically before slowly screaming in terror


    ---------------------------------(Back in the Real World)---------------------------------------


    "NNNOOO!!!" Iris yelled as she opened her eyes and quickly rise up. Yet she recoiled back to the soft cushioning of a bed.


    She looked at her own body and noticed that her arms and her waist were restrained by belts. Normally if a Vampire who is caught in this predicament would most likely be locked in some prison by Vampire Hunters where the unlucky Vampire would be tortured for information. The very thought of that angered Iris as she struggled to break free from her bonds.


    "Let me go this instant!" Iris growled


    "Ah! You scared me!" Said a soft voice.


    "Who is there? Show yourself." She said.


    A woman in a white gown rose up from beneath the ground and scratched her head. The woman''s skin was pale as Iris and her hair was as black as night just like the Vampire Witch.


    "Who are you? What have you done to me? Let me go!" Iris roared.


    "Please calm down¡­ uhm miss. I am not here to hurt you." The pale woman said.


    But Iris continued to struggle.


    "How can I trust you? Maybe you are a Vampire Hunter coming to torture the secrets out of me?" Iris said.


    "I am not a Torturer. That''s against my Hippocratic Oath and I am here to study you." The woman said.


    "Study me? Well get your knives and holy water out and cut me up! I will tell you nothing." She defiantly pouted.


    "Please miss, I won''t even dream of doing that to you. Miss¡­ uhm¡­ tell me your name. You do have a name Miss Vampire?" The woman asked.


    Iris mind was pierced by that question. The pale woman asked for HER name. If she was a Vampire Hunter she wouldn''t even bother to ask that question as they often dehumanize the Vampires as nothing more as deceitful monsters who must be driven to extinction. So, for a moment, Iris calmed down and lowered her guard.


    "Iris, Iris Cadohagan. What is your name?" She replied then followed it up by a question.


    The pale woman softly walked towards Iris and sat next to her by the left side of the bed.


    "I am Doctor Haneul. But you can call me Hana if you want." She said.


    "Hana that is a¡­ beautiful sounding name." Iris responded.


    "Iris too sounds beautiful too. So¡­ Miss Cadohagan or if you want I can call you just Iris if it makes you feel more comfortable if we skip the formalities. So, tell me about yourself Iris." Hana interrogated.


    Iris sighed in relief, this questioning was nothing like the horror stories that the sparse survivors and escapees of the Vampire Hunters would have entailed. But she is still bounded by the bed so for now she will indulge Hana with the pleasure of talking to her if it means buying her time to formulate a means of escape from wherever she is.


    "Well, I assume you know by now I am a Vampire." Iris began confessions


    "I know that already Iris. Now I want to know from the reports that you were shooting out ''Magic'' from your hands at a Private First Class Kayin Mudwin. Does he ring a bell? Big tall man with black skin?"


    "Yes, the ''Nightman'' I bit. There''s something I have learned from him¡­" Iris answered, she paused while recollect the memories she had seen from his mid.


    "Before we talk about PFC. Mudwin first I want to know from you how you can perform this ''Magic'' that the soldiers have seen you do." Hana pressed.


    "Well how should I start this? I mean you are asking me how Magic works? Well we draw out our powers from the earth through these crystals that provide a rich source of power called ''Tur''ambal'' from the Elven words of ''Magic Crystals'' who first discovered them. It is said that the crystals that are deep within earth can allow one to harness the magical powers into 5 types. There is Destruction, Restoration, Conjuration, Altercation and Illusion. Some people can wield magic better than others and whilst others are more specialized in a type of magic. As I assume you have known Miss¡­ I mean Hana, I have demonstrated to Kayin my powers in Destruction Magic." Iris answered.


    "Interesting, so what kind of Mage are you?" Hana continued.


    "I am proficient in Destruction Magic that''s a start. I have begun to practice Conjuration but on the field of Summoning monsters and the undead but I find that unappealing since I am more of a ''Hands-On'' person. I am also an adept Arcane-Crafter of Destruction-Based Magic." Iris answered.


    "Arcane-Crafter? What is that?" Hana asked.


    "Well, I can basically give magical effects to items. Most of the people who practice Arcane Crafts live in the cities where they perform more practical and harmless enchantments like ''Nourishment'', ''Metal Hardening'' and ''Fortify Magic Siphoning''. I practice more destructive enchantments like ''Fire Explosion'', ''Poison Cloud'' and ''Blizzard'' which has been under scrutiny my the Slaegian Empire for decades." Iris said.


    "Why under such scrutiny by these ''Slaegian Empire'' people?"


    "Well, the Slaegian Empire, the Liege of the Principality of Tyr Rian where I live in the Verden Valley Forest has been cracking down on people who can perform Destructive Based Spells and Arcane-Crafts for over decades due to the rise of magical insurgent attacks by bandits and Northmen." Iris said with disdain.


    "That sounds reasonable to me. I do not like the sound of those ''destructive enchantments'' you have told me about. You do look upset about it. Why is that?" Hana asked.


    Iris sighed then bit her lip. She had looked like she is hesitant to say her next words.


    "The intended target of the Destruction Magic ban was my kind the Vampires. We are hated and feared from all over the continent due to our powers and long history with the Humans. I am surprised you are so unaware of all of this? What part of Gliesia are you from that is so isolated from the rest of the world?" Iris asked a question to Hana now reversing the tables.


    "To tell you the truth Iris we are not from this world at all. We come from a far away planet from the sky and travelled here to this planet that we call Benham Three. I assume that Gliesia is what you call this planet am I correct?" Hana replied.


    In the first time in her long life, Iris felt humiliated. She has seen


    "Yes, I guess. If you are from the Skies are you Gods? They say that people who come from the Sky are Gods." Iris asked with an eager tone. Her eyes widened in excitement and fear as she leaned forward and stared at Doctor Hana intently.


    "No, the United Federation of Earth are not Gods. We are just like normal humans. Although I believe you think we are because of Clarke''s Third Law." Hana said.


    "Clarke''s Third Law?"


    "It quotes ''Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.''. According to the reports Stryder Group made when they came back, Kayin threw several packs of Thermite charges at you. Thermite by the way produces fire. So, by your logic, you think Kayin is a Fire Mage or something like that?" Hana hypothesized.


    "Yes, though I find it strange that when he threw those spells at me. I didn''t sense any Magical Energies within him or those Thermite Spells." Iris remembered, her observations of her Nightman Adversary was a curiosity to her.


    "Thermite is not Magic Iris. It''s a compound that burns. Although its best you talk to an Engineer like Kayin for a question like that because I am a doctor not a soldier." Hana said. She struggled to continue smiling after explaining her limited knowledge of military hardware to the Vampire.


    "May I ask Kayin to be her right now?" Iris asked.


    "The man who you attacked his team and bit? Why? I doubt he would even agree to even her about you after what you did to him? Perhaps I can get maybe Sargent Kincaid or Doctor Shimazaki to¡­" Hana said but was interrupted by Iris.


    "No, I need him. I need him to explain these numbers and symbols in my head?" Iris said. Just thinking about the eldritch images caused her to get a headache from the sheer confusion it brought to her.


    Hana was astonished by Iris'' reasons of asking for Kayin. When she mentioned about numbers and symbols in her head she knew that something is seriously was wrong with her. She leaned forward closer to Iris and pressed for more information.


    "What are these things you have in your mind right now? Why ask for PFC Mudwin specifically?" Hana asked.


    "When I bit him, I did something more to him. I also ''bit'' through his mind and began to siphon then examine his memories and thoughts. Originally, I wanted to know what his Magical Knowledge was but instead I saw his memories that included great flying boats that titans over buildings, giant skyscraping towers made of glass, Magic Mirrors with people and words moving around then these numbers and symbols. They all make so much sense yet I just can''t grasp it." Iris said.


    Hana was understandably shocked by what Iris just told her.


    This ''soft headed'' approach to interrogating such fantastically hostile creature was indeed paying off, the revelation of what ''the Vampire Witch'' is capable of has both terrified of her and fascinated of her. This vampire was able to ''siphon the memories and thoughts'' of Kayin? She has thought that perhaps these ''numbers and symbols'' that Iris has described that she was getting confused by were in fact Scientific Symbols and Math Formulas. That would explain why she said that ''it made sense but unable to grasp it''. She wasn''t expecting much from such a primitive native of this ''Fantasy World'' of Benham-3 or also known by the natives as Gliesia, however the amount of scholarly capacity that Iris knows about her respective field is something that can be useful for the Colony in being able to survive under these New World conditions.


    "I will get Kayin and see if it will be okay if he can entertain your questions but I don''t have any guarantees that he would agree to come. Stay here Miss Iris and don''t try anything. There are guards outside this room right now and I would hate to see you hurt after what we have accomplished so far." Hana said in a reassuring voice. She stood up from the bed and began to collect her notes and placed them in a bag on a nearby desk.


    "Are you sure you will come back to me Doctor?" Iris asked.


    "Just give me awhile to sort through these notes and I will get back to you before you know it." Hana smiled.


    The Korean Doctor walked out of the room but before she exited she showed a reassuring smile to the Vampire which the captive Iris was comforted to see.


    After getting outside of the room, Hana sighed then pressed her hidden Earpiece by her right ear and called out to her contact from the other side of the device:


    "You have heard all of that Governor White?" Hana said.


    "Yes, we heard and saw everything. The plot thickens Doctor. It is a good call having you doing the interrogation of the Vampire Doctor Haneul. What could have taken days was accomplished in about thirty minutes from you." Governor Jeremy White answered from the earpiece.


    "Right now, we have Iris'' trust right now and its best we capitalize on it. Get me Private First Class Mudwin to report to the Medical Bay as soon as he can." Hana said.


    "I don''t know if he will agree to it after fighting her. But I will call Lieutenant Rose now and try to persuade her to send out Mudwin." The Governor replied.


    -------------------------------------(30 Minutes Later)---------------------------------


    After what had seemed to be the longest and most tense moment of Iris'' life, the door to her room opened. The first entrant was Dr. Lee Haneul who stride quietly towards her and sat down. Then a large man in the same garments that Iris remembered seeing the UFE wore when they invaded her home. By the sight of the man''s left breast she noticed that the name tag there is stated to be ''Mudwin''. However, Kayin was wearing several peculiar accessories compared to what the Vampire remembered seeing him. He wore 2 different sets of neckwear, a wooden crucifix and a braid of garlic. By his hands he held in his left a mirror and a wooden stake on his right. Iris grinned her teeth at Kayin as she laughed that this man thinks that these mundane items, Crucifix aside, can even remotely harm her.


    "I don''t think you can harm me with those Nightman." Iris mockingly teased.


    "That''s exactly what a Vampire begging for her life would say. Are you just going to just keep calling me that? ''Nightman''?" Kayin frowned.


    "Private, Iris, please settle down." Hana mediated.


    The two stilled their emotions and calmly rested themselves. Kayin however was still under tension as he stared daggers at Iris, ready to pounce at her in case she tries to make a move.


    "Now we are gathered here today because Iris has been shown to be cooperating with our interrogations after she had been det-- I mean after she checked in to our medical bay. And Iris would like to ask a few you question for you Private First Class Mudwin." Iris said.


    "What kind of questions? Why do you want to know?" Kayin asked.


    "While I bit you ''NIghtman'' during the first time we met, I did a bit of a¡­ let''s say a ritual that allows me to collect your memories while I drank you blood."


    Kayin stood up with his eyes widened in shock. Then his face painted with anger as he cruelly pointed his finger at Iris.


    "You looked into my memories? What did you see? You cannot know what I know!" Kayin yelled.


    "Please, these symbols, numbers, and images in my head? I must know!" Iris pleaded.


    "Like I will every tell you! This conversation is over!" Kayin angrily stood up and proceeded to storm out of the room.


    "No! Kayin we just barely begun." Hana begged but the Nigerian ignored her.


    Iris simply couldn''t lose this opportunity to find the answers that plagued her mind. She was at the verge of breaking down in a panicked cry as she tried to find a way to keep Kayin from leaving her in the void of ignorance.


    "May I at least ask you about ''Maafe''?" Iris said.


    Kayin paused as he was about to turn the knob of the door as his ears heard the word of ''Maafe'' coming from the Vampire.


    "And what do you know about it?" Kayin softly spoke in a stark contrast to his tone a few moments ago.


    "You were serve this brown soup called ''Maafe'' during your Tenth Birthday. May I at least know what exactly it is?" Iris asked. Her words seemed to be able to pierce through the Nigerian''s tough exterior as the man loosened his posture and began to breathe slowly.


    "It is my favorite dish back when I still lived in the US. My mom used to cook that for me." Kayin said.


    "Your favorite? It actually tastes quite good." Iris said, now calmed to see that the Nigerian is now more sociable.


    "Alright, I will entertain some questions for awhile Vampire."


    Kayin walked back inside the room and then sat down next to Iris'' left side. Now with the answer right in front of her, Iris readied herself for the questions she will ask and the revelations will she obtain.


    "So, what do you want to ask me Vampire?" Kayin asked.


    "My name is Iris, not Vampire." Iris objected.


    "Says the woman who calls me ''Nightman''. And I am the only racist in this room?" Kayin rebutted.


    "Fine, Kayin Mudwin¡­ what are these symbols and numbers in my head?" Iris asked.


    "Well you got to be more specific on what kind of stuff your seeing in your brain of yours." Kayin sternly scolded.


    "I can draw it." Iris said.


    "Oh, here you go." Dr. Hana said. She turned the papers on her clipboard over and passed it with a pen to Iris.


    After receiving the writing implements and drawing medium, Iris drew the letters ''Pb'' then drew the numbers of ''82'' on top of the letters. She turned the clipboard over to Kayin for him to examine.


    "That is the Periodic Table you must be seeing, and this is one of the elements. Lead! Yes, that''s what ''Cu-29'' is." Kayin said.


    "Yours magics have elements too? That is a strange way to say Fire, Ice, Dark, Light, Life¡­ or something. How can Lead be an ''Element''? I mean I only recall Lead ever being used to make Official Seals, Paint and Statues." Iris commented.


    "Oh, you won''t believe what kind of things we can do with Lead. Power, Ammunition, Cables can''t live without. Maybe I can show you one such thing later. Next question." Kayin eagerly said.


    Prompted by the answers she obtained and the eagerness from Kayin, Iris flipped the paper of the clipboard again and drew another series of symbols and numbers. She drew the letters ''dS'' then the symbol ''¡Ý'' and finally the number ''0''. Turning it over to Kayin to examine, she froze awaiting her answer.


    The Nigerian stared at the equation for over a minute struggling to identify the symbols Iris wrote. Even Dr. Hana who was observing the makeshift interview was just as confused as him. For a moment all was silent.


    "Did I give you a hard one?" Iris asked breaking the monotony of the room''s soundless void.


    "No, but I think I can help. Ok, give me a second let me check my phone." Kayin said.


    He reached into his left pocket by his pants and grabbed a small orange colored rectangular device from it and held it firmly in his hands. His hands had seemed to spark the device to life as the screen lit up like the Magic Mirrors that Iris remembered seeing in her visions.


    "That thing, it looks like something I saw in my visions of you. Only they are bigger and people and words that move were in it." Iris pointed out.


    "Really? Bigger Smartphones? Oh, you mean Televisions. What did you remember seeing from the TV''s?" Kayin asked.


    "They were talking about a giant Flying Boat that was recruiting people to colonize a place called ''Benham-3''. ''the Eodem'' flew past above me and it was large as a town. Your ''United Federation of Earth'' are godlike compared to us." Iris said. Whilst she spoke, Kayin placed the pint-sized Magic Mirror above her drawing. A loud snapping sound occurred before Kayin took his Magic Mirror back close to him and began to fiddle his fingers with the device.


    "Alisa! Can you identify the formula in this drawing I took?" Kayin asked his Magic Mirror.


    "Identifying¡­Searching Database¡­I found your answer. This is the formula for the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics." A voice replied from within the miniature Magic Mirror or ''Smartphone''


    "Alisa! What can you tell us about the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics?" Kayin asked again to his ''Smartphone''.


    "The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the state of entropy of the entire universe, as an isolated system, will always increase over time. The second law also states that the changes in the entropy in the universe can never be negative." Said Alisia.


    "Entropy¡­ Universe¡­ It''s basically saying that Energy goes away as time passes." Iris answered.


    "Yes, that''s it. Are you getting the answers you seek?" Dr. Hana asked.


    "Yes, and I got so much more to ask from you." Iris smiled like an eager student.


    "Uhm, I am sorry am I afraid I can''t just give you all the answers you want by me alone. You can read and understand our language, right?" Kayin inquired.


    "Yes, almost perfectly I think." Iris answered.


    "Well I can give you a book later about how our Science and Technology works so you can read. If¡­" Hana said slowly stopping to catch herself from completing her 2nd sentence.


    "If what?" Iris asked astonished by the request. She was doing so well getting the answers but now she has been hit with a wall that halt her progress.


    "And what do I get from this proposition?" Iris asked.


    "Well the books I promise you is one such compensation. You can even live here in our new town once it''s built. We can even do some favors for you in exchange for your help. With consultation from Governor White of course." Hana negotiated.


    "All right, although I do want add that I am not interested in the living with you due to¡­ personal space reasons but I can agree with the rest." Iris nodded.


    "Whew! For the first time in five long days we have some good news after that damn Bandit Attack." Kayin smiled.


    "You¡­ we were attacked by bandits sometime ago?" Iris asked.


    "Yes¡­ when we landed five days ago some men tried to burn us and kill us. We fought them off well but then one man in robes summoned some giant Fire Golem monster and tried to burn us alive! Thankfully Lieutenant Rose alongside me and the squad killed it with Fire Extinguishers¡­ Fire Extinguishers." Kayin laughed.


    "You fought the Burning Horse Bandits and won?!?" Iris exclaimed catching both Dr. Lee Haneul and Kayin by surprised.


    "Why? Who are these ''Burning Horse Bandits''?" Kayin asked.


    "They are the most dangerous family of brigands this side of the Principality and Valley. They have been known to raid villagers and extort money off of the people from all walks of life. Everyone is scared of them as they have over 1000 members." Iris said.


    "That sounds troubling. What else did they do?" Kayin asked.


    "I have heard that if someone refuses to pay up? Their home gets trampled by their horsemen first as a warning. If they refuse again, they sent their pyromaniacs or sometimes a Fire Mage to burn your house when you are away. If you still refuse then they kidnap you and your family and burn all of you alive as a warning to others to pay their ''Protection''." Iris said.


    "My God that''s horrible. They are definitely bad news. Would it be great with you if we can maybe take them down or something for you? Nobody should live like that." Kayin declared proudly.


    Iris was shocked that those words came out of the Nigerian''s mouth. Very few people had the guts to stand up to the Burning Horse Bandits, not even the nobility of the Principality of Tyr Rian where she lives couldn''t lay their fingers on them due to bribery and blackmail that their leader Devico would throw at them. Devico practically had free reigns on what he could do in Tyr Rian and nobody could stop him. Yet these people from another world stood up to these oppressive outlaws so confidently that Iris assume Kayin is suffering from a case of suicidal overconfidence.


    "But¡­ I have seen them do horrible things to so many people. They once robbed me and stole my most prized possession, a Purified Mana Crystal necklace. I use it to power some of my more potent spells and demanding experiments but I lost it when the bandits raided my home." Iris sadly muttered.


    "A Mana Crystal? Hey Doctor Haneul, you said that the science team is working on studying some necklace we found on a dead ''Mage'' guy who my team killed after we took down that Fire Golem right?" Kayin asked Hana.


    "Yes, do you think it''s hers?" Hana wondered.


    "Do you have it now? Let me see it. It is not only a valuable possession of mine but a family heirloom of the Cadohagans." Iris said.


    "Well it does look pretty to hang in a Jewelry Store when I saw it. Maybe it is your necklace. Hana can you get it from Doctor Mahelona?" Kayin asked.


    "Sure, wait here. Kayin keep an eye on our guest while I fetch the necklace."


    Hana stood up and exited the room leaving Kayin and Iris alone together. It was all quiet staring with both of the two physically contrasting figures. Iris was excitedly by the edge of her seat hoping to be reunited with her necklace while Kayin however was alerted off the edge of his chair when he was told that the necklace will be given back to its previous, magically attuned owner. What if Iris uses the power of that necklace to escape?


    Then a knock on the door before it was opened and came in Dr. Lee Haneul and another man. He was tall and authoritative in appearance and wore the green garments that UFE soldiers were wearing.


    "Iris Cadohagan, I am Colonel Polonsky, Commander of the Benham-3 Colonial Militia." The new comer in the room sternly said.


    "And what brings you to me Colonel?" Iris asked.


    The Colonel silently grabbed an object from the breast of his jacket, it was the necklace they have retrieved from the mage who was controlling the Fire Golem.


    "That''s my necklace!" Iris excitedly exclaimed. Her irises opened in joy as she tried to reach for her necklace but the restraints locked her in place.


    "So, Samantha''s ''wild guess'' was correct. You are indeed the owner of this necklace. I got to say madam, it''s indeed beautiful." Polonsky complemented.


    "Yes, it is as I said before a family heirloom now can I have it back?" Iris asked.


    "No¡­ at least not yet." Polonsky slyly said as he slides back Iris'' necklace to his jacket


    .


    "What? How dare you! Give it back!" Iris snapped. Her body struggled for freedom beneath the restraints but she was tied down by reinforced fibers designed to tie down a rampaging elephant.


    "I will return it in time Iris so please calm down." Polonsky said.


    "How soon?" Iris growled her teeth showing and her eyes hungered for blood causing everyone in the room to shudder fearfully.


    "Work for us and in time this necklace will be back into your hands. You can either play nice or be put down where you lay. I am giving you a chance right now Ms. Cadohagan. Now choose what happens next." Polonsky shrewdly responded.


    Iris gulped, being under the servitude of someone is undesirable for a woman of her kind and status but she will get her necklace back but what if they don''t keep their word? Her next choice was to break free from her leather straps, grab her necklace and fight her way out of the place, she knows that she isn''t too far away from her home but what kind of opposition will she face outside of that door? There could be more soldiers waiting for her to try and make a move that would gladly shoot her down. So far Dr. Lee Haneul and Kayin Mudwin were so far being nice to her right now and it was playing to her advantage until then.


    Iris reasoned herself for a moment until she come up with her choice. With a swallowed pride she says:


    "Alright, I will help you." The Vampire Witch said.


    "You made the right choice Ms. Cadohagan. Dr. Lee Haneul, I assign you to be her liaison. I want you to study what she knows and relay it back to command." Polonsky ordered.


    "Yes Colonel." Hana nodded.


    ------------------------------------------------(The Next Day)-------------------------------------------


    "Hey Hold still¡­ I need to get this screw back¡­ and done!" Kayin ecstatically said.


    He backed off a laying down Vincent as he finished reinstalling Vincent''s Battle Augmentations. The ex-thief had used several augmentations during his old criminal career such as a Rapid Movement Booster. The R.M.B Aug allows an individual to dash and quickly move almost instantaneously in whatever direction he chose. Its initial purpose was to allow soldiers who are often in the role of the Pointman to reflexively react quickly in close quarters and emergency situations for superior combat performance compared to their ''Naturalised'' adversaries. However, the R.M.B Aug has found its way into the hands of criminal elements which is used by them to get away from Law Enforcements or get an edge in combat in a pitch. Although, Vincent was given an older and inferior model of the Aug he was used to having before it was confiscated during his arrest.


    "Okay, Kayin. Alright ready with the watch?" Vincent asked Samantha.


    "Let''s see what you got. Ready? Set? Go!" Samantha shouted as she pressed the button on her smartphone''s stopwatch to go.


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    Vincent activated his Rapid Movement Booster and launched himself forward breezing past his squad mates as he approached the large empty cargo crates that Samantha has set up for training, he with the Aug''s aid quickly mounted the steel mountain and climbed to the top.


    There the next obstacle was a 10-meter gap to the other side of another mountain of stacked cargo crates. The record for the longest ''Natural'' jump distance was around 8 meters but thanks to the R.M.B Aug it can easily go beyond that distance. Vincent tossed himself forward as his Aug pushed his legs like no ordinary man can even dream of achieving towards the landing in front of him¡­


    "He sticks it! Woo! That''s what I am talking about!" Crocker cheered as he clapped his hands loudly. He was joined by Obediah and Kayin who also clapped. Samantha however was still doubting Diaz''s abilities as she stared at her stopwatch.


    "There is no way he can beat it in 30 seconds¡­" She said to herself.


    After climbing down the crates, the next obstacles were a dozen logs that were constructed like hurdles that he must successively clear. Dashing forward, Vincent cleared them with the grace of a Kentucky Derby Champion Racehorse.


    "Look at him go." Obediah commented.


    For the last obstacle in his way from victory was a barbed wire field that he must crawl under whilst subjected to mud. Diving down and slightly sliding a few feet, Vincent and his Augmented body got to work crawling through.


    "This is the hardest part of the course. No way, no way he can make it." Samantha said.


    Vincent''s limbs plowed through the mud like a real plow as he effortlessly pushed himself through the mud. After he was out of the barbed wire, he stood up and began to run for the last meters of distance to back where he started.


    "Come on home stretch you can make it!" Kayin cheered.


    Using the ''Dash'' ability from his R.M.B Augs, Vincent covered the ground with his feet but to the naked eye, it was almost as if he was blinking rapidly towards the finish line.


    With a final mighty roar from him, Vincent dived forward to as his body flew past the finish line and his squad mates body slamming on to the Gliesian floor.


    "So¡­ how did I do?" Vincent exhaled as he breathed heavily and sweated profusely from his exertions.


    "Just a few milliseconds to spare. I got to say Private Diaz. I am impressed." Samantha smiled although it was forced from her as she still see''s the ex-thief with contempt.


    "Ha! Twenty-Nine point something seconds. If only I had my old Augs back I can give you half that time." Vincent boasted.


    "You know that can''t be right?" Kayin said.


    "I know, but I could dream¡­." Vincent said as he picked himself back up and brushed off the dirt from his shirt.


    "Atten-shun!" Yelled a voice that broke the light-hearted moment.


    Stryder Group scrambled to form a line, stand proudly and saluted to Colonel Polonsky walked towards them. Alongside him was Iris and Dr. Lee Haneul.


    "Your discipline is starting to show now. That is good for your next mission." Polonsky complemented the squad.


    "Thank you sir!" Samantha saluted.


    "At ease Lieutenant." Polonsky said. The squad rested their postures and awaited their new orders.


    "I have a relatively easy job for you that will not involve fighting anyone. As of the moment we have been gathering intel from our new informant Ms. Cadohagan for intel about this land and she has told me that she has several books from her home that she would like to show to our science team. I have assigned your squad to escort Ms. Cadohagan back to her home and retrieve these books." Polonsky briefed.


    "Yes¡­ Sir¡­" Samantha hesitantly said. She couldn''t believe that she now has to treat the person who almost killed her and her squad was now to be treated a VIP.


    "Is that some reluctance coming from you Lieutenant Rose?" Polonsky grumbled at Samantha.


    "No sir!" Samantha picked her discipline up and saluted back to the Colonel.


    "Good, I want Ms. Cadohagan and those books of hers to be back here within the next hour. Dismiss!"


    ------------------------------(on the Rode to Iris'' Home)---------------------------------


    The road was quiet that day as Stryder group returned to old dilapidated house with Iris in tow and the theme inside their Cruiser was tense to say the least. Iris sat between Vincent and Kayin in the back, Samantha driving, Obediah on Shotgun and Crocker manning the MG turret. All of the squad members honestly didn''t want to go back to that wretched place and having the owner who almost killed them inside their Cruiser got everyone on edge.


    "Why do you all feel scared? Am I not your friend now?" Iris asked.


    "Well for starters you tried to kill us more than a day ago. And we are not your friends." Samantha talked.


    "It is rude for a lady to talk without facing the person they are talking to." Iris pouted.


    "Well hello there Vampire Girl! I am driving right now I can''t just face you." Samantha talked back.


    "How rude!" Iris snapped. The Vampire leaned forward towards Samantha but Kayin stopped her.


    "Not a good idea right now miss. Sit back." Kayin sternly said. The vampire grudgingly agreed as she leaned back to her seat.


    "I am just bored right now. All of I have been doing was just talking with Doctor Mahelona and Hana for hours and I could really use something to¡­ relax with." Iris sighed.


    "If you want a bite, it''s a no from me." Vincent said as he covered his neck from Iris.


    "I am bored, not hungry your naughty little rascal." Iris returned fire.


    "Oh, the Vampire is sassy." Vincent teased.


    "Hey, I am actually quite bored too¡­ just like her. I think I can help with that for everyone. I got some nice beats from my phone that I listen to when I go on road trips. Maybe you can listen to my favorite Southern Gothic song if you want. This won is a goldie." Obediah suggested.


    "Oh, sure if it''s coming from you. Play it." Crocker said from the turret.


    "What is ''Southern Gothic''?" Iris asked.


    "It''s best you listen to it. I hope you will like it." Obediah smiled.


    He placed his phone on a portable speaker he keeps and twiddled his fingers to select the song from his playlist.


    At first there was silence, then a beating drum and the sounds of strings coming from a guitar played.


    The lyrics from the Obed''s speaker ringed like hush lulls to Iris. She has never heard of the kind of music before and not even the famous Elven Bards can even hope to match the rhythm that she has heard. She was in bliss as she indulged herself in the audio that besieged her ears smiling happily and eyes closed.


    "I think she likes it." Obediah said.


    "Quiet¡­ let me hear this¡­" Iris said.


    "Yeah definitely like it¡­ hey is that smoke?" Kayin pointed.


    Samantha looked forward from her Driver''s seat and noticed that was the direction they are taking to go to Iris house.


    "That''s where we heading right? Floor it Lieutenant." Crocker shouted as he cocked the Machine Gun readying himself for a fight.


    Samantha stepped on the gas of their Cruiser causing the engine to roar as it sped past the Verden Valley Forest''s trees. Iris hanged on tight from her seatbelt as she braced herself on the tremendous or at least by her kinds standards speed of the Steel Horse that the UFE can commandeer.


    As the cruiser parked wildly at the entrance of Iris'' home the place was a smoldering mess of ash and fire. The squad and Iris got out of the vehicle in utter dismay as they saw the house was now nothing but blackened wood and scorched stone. From those ruins the banner of a horse standing upright with a inflamed illustration in the background was posted in front of what was Iris'' front door.


    Iris knelt down and gathered the ashes of her razed home and cried, wailing loudly to the sky.


    "I curse you all Burning Horse Bandits! And may your disgusting leader Devico die a thousand deaths!" Iris screamed.


    "Iris, we are so sorry." Kayin comforted her. He placed his hand on Iris soldier and rubbed it which was a small remedy to her emotional state.


    "I know, it''s not your fault¡­ It''s the fucking Burning Horse''s fault!" She growled.


    As the Vampire mourned the loss of the very home she has built with her own two magical hands, Samantha, in the back, solemnly contacted her superiors by the radio.


    "HQ, this is Stryder Lead, Iris'' home was destroyed by hostile elements." She said.


    ---------------------------(Flashback: About a Week after the Conclave Explosion)---------------------


    "By GODS! THEY ARE BACK! THEY ARE MORE! THEY KILL KILL KILL!!!!" Owyne screamed, he kicked in flailed his arms like a crying babe as several of his Magi Peers kept him still and from hurting himself or other people.


    "What did he see in the visions?" Said one of the Magi.


    "I do not know? Apprentice! Where are that elixir?" Said another.


    "Right here master." Said the Magi''s apprentice.


    She passed bottle to her master hurriedly whilst he was struggling to keep him in place. The elixir that was given is a special brew used to sedate restless people and help them feel calm. It was made from special herbs that were imported from the Elven Continent of Alfel Nora which the ingredients can only be found from. Despite the Sleagian Empire''s envy of the access of unique resources that grows from that paradise-like land, they have got to say, those arrogant Elves do know how to make some great brews. Popping the tap open, the Magi placed the elixir onto Owyne''s lips and force fed him the drink. As the Grandmaster swallowed the concoction his flailing waned until he was resting comfortable at his bed.


    "Ahh¡­ Queen Elisven''s soil¡­ it feels so¡­warm and loving¡­" Owyne dreamily muttered.


    "Grandmaster¡­ can you speak to us¡­" the Magi said calmly.


    "What do you want from me?" Owyne said.


    "The visions? What did you see? What are these ''Demons'' you spoke of?" the Magi asked.


    Owyne was silent as the question wondered through his ears. Oh, how will he explain the horrors he has seen from to his peers. He saw doom and destruction for all and he could get executed for such Defamation and Livel.


    "Listen carefully and do not tell anyone what I will say. Demons hunger from the stars and see our world as a meal for which to satisfy their desires. In their eyes they will see us a bountiful cornucopia for which to devour greedily too." Owyne spoke.


    "That can''t be true! You surely jest grandmaster!" the Magi exclaimed. He frantically tried to keep his calm but he knew that Geltagar''s comet''s prophecies a great change and the change was apocalyptic that the Empire and all of Gliesia will not want to experience.


    "Gods forgive me but I saw it with my own eyes. May they have mercy on us all!" Owyne said.


    "Are we truly doomed to die?" another Magi asked.


    "They will send their ''Eyes'' to scour the land for souls to eat and when they see us they will gladly come and eat us¡­ They will come and scour they will¡­ See all¡­ Wait¡­ if¡­ they see souls¡­ hmm¡­" Owyne caught himself as he remembered the visions.


    He saw ''Eyes'' fall down from the heavens to scour the land for souls. From the legends and myths of Gliesia, Demons need souls as nourishment just as a person needs food to survive. And since no hungry entity would go to a place where there is no ''food'' to consume¡­


    "I think I know how to stop the Apocalypse!" Owyne happily jumped out of his bed, a spark of genius lighted his mind as he began to enact his heroic plan to save his Empire and all of Gliesia.

 5 Chapter 5: the Principality of Tyr Rian

    Iris snuggled herself by the blanket while holding a cup of a special brew that the UFE call ''Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows''. Whenever she was in the verge of crying, Dr. Lee Haneul told her to take a sip of the Hot Chocolate and if she needs to de-stress herself she can always chew on the pillow soft Marshmallows to gnash her Canines to. While the Vampire Witch was kept from wailing loudly with her provided comforts, Colonel Polonsky and Stryder Group were gathered next to a table across the room.


    "Well this just got worse, and I thought Iris will be such a good help. Rose, so these ''Burning Horse Bandits'' are not only the people who burnt Iris'' home but were also the people we fought before with the Flame Golem?" Polonsky asked.


    "It was confirmed." Samantha answered.


    "And judging from the accounts we got from Iris, they are bad news. Arson, Murder and horrible Street Art. These people sound very much they need to be stop." Polonsky said while reviewing the notes he has obtained about Gliesia on the table.


    "So, what happens now Colonel?" Crocker asked.


    "Well without the books to give us our needed knowledge of this place will have to do this the old-fashioned way and just walk up and map up the land. Mudwin I want your Drones to be ready to conduct a Geological Survey of the area near the city of Tyr Rian." Polonsky said.


    "Tyr Rian?" Samantha asked.


    "It is a city that Iris has mentioned about during our interviews with Hana and I conducted. From what she said, it''s a large walled city northwest from our settlement. Said to be home to the local ruler of this place. A ''Prince Clovich'' by the name, his family, the Rian''s have been ruling over about everything within a 35-mile radius from his city. According to Iris, he is received rather contently for a 30-year-old leader. I want you to go scout out the city, upload me the survey data and await further instructions." Polonsky ordered.


    "You are going to the city?" Iris interrupted.


    "Yes, how are you feeling Iris?" Samantha asked.


    "Better, thank you for the blanket and this medicine called ''Chocolate''. I feel much better now. So, you are going to Tyr Rian? I can be your guide about the place. I have been to the city every now and then to buy food and ingredients for my experiments. I do have some¡­ uhm¡­ errands¡­ to do in the city." Iris said.


    "Well, I don''t want to have Stryder Group go in completely blind and you asked nicely, very well. Iris shall accompany you to Tyr Rian as Auxiliary Support. Now pack up as much gear as you can fit on your cruiser because this mission could take a few days to complete. Dismiss!" Polonsky raised his voice.


    Stryder Group saluted to their C.O. and moved out.


    -----------------------------(On the road to Tyr Rian)-------------------------


    "Your so naughty Obed, I thought you hillbillies were conservatives! But no¡­ you snuck up on them mid-sex and shot them." Samantha laughed.


    "Is that even legal?" Vincent asked.


    "That''s pretty rich coming from you." Samantha said.


    "Oh, for real Lieutenant? You said naughty and from my experience, the way you said it is the same on how a hooker would say ''You have been a naughty boy''." Vincent mocked in his best ''seductive woman''s accent.


    Kayin, Iris and Crocker couldn''t help but chuckle at the story Obediah had shared. Without the luxury of the internet and television yet they had to rely on story telling to keep themselves entertained in the road.


    Some of the stories that group shared were ranging from funny to the bizarre. It started with Samantha''s first attempt on trying to cook an omelet for her dad during Father''s Day but ended up causing her to call the fire department because she almost burned down her family''s house down. Crocker''s story was during a time in his college years where he was hazed by his Fraternity mates by streaking naked around the campus while his friends were pelting eggs at him. For Kayin, he told the story where he had become a victim of a Japanese Variety Show prank. Then there was Vincent who told the story of the time he snuck inside a fancy charity raffle and stole a Sports Car in front of the city''s elites whilst it the raffle was being drawn.


    Iris couldn''t help but smile as she had heard those stories. Kayin had helped her by explaining several of the unfamiliar terms she had heard from them. She was still trying to grasp the English Language she has acquired from the UFE and if she can linguistically compare her mother tongue to English, they share several grammar settings and rules with the English Language having new words that her old tongue didn''t have a word for due to cultural and technological differences.


    "Hey, how about her? She hasn''t told us something about herself?" Vincent asked the group. He pointed his finger at Iris which caught the Vampire in surprise.


    "Me? But don''t you hate me after I almost killed all of you?" Iris asked trying to deflect Vincent''s question.


    "Well you are playing nice right now so we might as well play nice back. ''Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.'' So, let''s forget that shit in your¡­ uhm yeah not going there but you get the idea." Vincent said.


    "Amen to that!" Obediah praised.


    "Come on Iris, we shared stories and you might as well share yours since you''re with us now." Kayin encouraged.


    "Yes Iris, go share one. I don''t want to be the odd one out for my woman story. Got anything funny or interesting to say? Maybe about Gliesia or about yourself?" Samantha asked.


    "Okay¡­ not about myself but I can talk more about Tyr Rian." Iris answered.


    "More intel the better Vampy." Samantha added.


    "Well, officially the name of the land we are in right now is ''the Principality of Tyr Rian''. It''s a dominion of the Slaegian Empire which rules from its capital Haringpoint. In exchange for protection, the Principality provides the Empire military access to its lands and the power to levy men when the Empire goes to war."


    "So, the Prince answers to this Slaegian Empire? How big are we talking about?" Samantha asked.


    "From the northern mountains about a month''s journey, to the southern riviera''s that takes a week. The easternmost point of the Empire is the capital that takes a fortnight to get to and from and then Tyr Rian is by far the easternmost dominion of the Empire." Iris explained.


    "By Far?" Samantha asked.


    "Its armies are expanding and conquering new territories. However, the Northern Mountains are a front for the Slaegian Legions because of the Scandanite Barbarians from there Island Continent up north. So far that''s the only place of trouble in the Empire right now since all that is left Eastward is uninhabited forests and plains that nothing of interest is found so no one would willingly go there unless they are part of trade caravan bound for the Eastern Kingdoms far away from here." Iris added.


    "So basically, they are pretty fucking huge? Any chance we can go to Haringpoint and drop by to say hello?" Crocker asked.


    "I don''t think so. The Slaegian Empire tends to be very¡­ ''defensive'' to foreigners even if they look human." Iris softly sighed. A sense of sadness and resentment from the Vampire''s face was painted on her head as she expressed her words.


    "Okay then uhm¡­ so we will be approaching Tyr Rian in a while. We should hide the Cruiser by some trees and we can get to work. I will have to accompany you to the city in order to keep an eye on you for security reasons if you don''t mind." Samantha asked.


    "I don''t I just need to withdraw some Ducats from the bank. They are the Empire''s Currency by the way." Iris said.


    "Hey Sarge! I suggest you will want to take Diaz with you just to be sure." Crocker suggested.


    "The criminal? Why?" Samantha snapped, almost busting a nerve on her forehead.


    "I am too conspicuous with my Exo-Suit and LMG plus Kayin needs Obediah to assist him with the navigational equipment while he pilots the drone." Crocker argued.


    "But what if he tries to run away?" Samantha rebutted.


    "I have nowhere to run to for crying out loud. Look I am practically just stuck here being bossed around by you Lieutenant. I got no contacts, no stashes, no safehouses! All I got is the clothes on my back, my ''Unique set of skill'' and this UMP! I mean people still make these?" Vincent said.


    "Hey, respect the classics man. It may not be a good at spitting bullets but there''s reason why the SWAT''s still use that museum piece." Crocker said.


    "Point Taken from the Maori. Now stick your tongue out and scare me like the Sargent you are." Vincent teased.


    Crocker stuck his tongue out and wiggled it around his mouth causing the group to roar in laughter.


    "Is this how you Earth Humans talk to each other? I wish I could have met you sooner." Iris chuckled.


    "Yeah fine you can come with me and Iris if only just to make going to the bank a bit less tedious." Samantha spoke in defeat still resenting the Ex-Thief and silently cursing Colonel Polonsky. When she gets the chance, she will request that Vincent gets transferred to another squad so she doesn''t have to suffer his manners of speech anymore.


    ------------------------------------(Inside Tyr Rian)-------------------------


    The city was like something straight out of a fairytale book according to Samantha. She can see hundreds of people, Human people walk around the city going about their day to day business from merchants selling there wares to women fulfilling there chores whilst making small talk with their neighbors. Sneaking a few shots of her camera in a careful attempt to not attract attention to herself, she discreetly snap shot from the covers of her jacket that has concealed her foreign gear and weaponry. Wearing similar disguise, Vincent deeply inhaled the primitive but metropolitan air of the city.


    "Ahh¡­ civilization or at least at its most based of states. I can hear the yelling of vendors, screaming, some town gossip and¡­ oh shit that dog over there just shit!" Vincent said.


    "Don''t get distracted Diaz, we have a job to do. Iris lead the way." Samantha scolded before turning to the Vampire witch.


    Iris curled her finger backward urging the two to follow her as they continued on their walk through the city.


    As they strolled pass people, Samantha could hear the voices of the Tyr Rian residents talk to each other, not in a weird alien tongue but in crisp clear English.


    "Have you heard about the explosion in Wizard''s Enclave in Haringpoint?" said a young man who was conversing with another one.


    "Mister can you please spare me a coin?" an old beggar pleaded while he leaned on a wall.


    "How much for this fine carpet of yours merchant?" a rich looking man said in an attempt to haggle.


    "Fresh Vegetables! Get your Fresh Vegetables!" said a middle-aged woman who was vending her farm''s produce to the public for Ducats.


    These voices besieged her causing her to suffer a migraine. She stopped in the middle of the pavement rubbing her forehead for relief. Iris paused her walking and softly moved to the Red Headed and placed her hand behind her back.


    "Is something wrong?" Iris asked concernedly.


    "I can here everyone¡­ in English it hurts a bit. I can barely think and see straight." Samantha spokes.


    "Me too. It feels overwhelming for me, hearing people speaking normal¡­ as in OUR normal." Vincent commented.


    "It''s because I took the liberty of enchanting everyone of your squad before we departed with a spell that allows you to understand us. I call it ''the All-Tongue''. You can hear us Gliesians as if we were speaking in your language and when you speak to us it''s the other way around." Iris explained.


    "You casted a spell on us without telling us? Iris what the hell? You can''t just do that." Samantha snapped.


    "Why? I thought it would help you? I was told by Polonsky and Doctor Hana to ''help'' you as your guide." Iris said shocked by the sudden tone coming from the Lieutenant.


    "Look Iris, we are still in a state of shock over this ''magic'' mumbo jumbo that this place has and many of us are pretty damn scared of it." Samantha said.


    "Why? Magic was a blessing from the Gods to help the people of Gliesia thrive." Iris argued.


    "Okay, first off I don''t care about your religion right now Iris. Just please for our sake don''t cast any of these ''Enchantments'' on us without our permission." Samantha said.


    "Fine, I promise¡­" Iris sighed.


    "Make that a swear Vampy, just to be damn sure. Swear us and the rest of the squad that you won''t cast any enchantments on anyone without their permission." Vincent added whilst he raised his hand.


    Following his gesture, Iris raised her hand to begin her oath.


    "I swear to not use my enchantments on anyone of the Stryder Group soldiers¡­"


    "Make that anyone from the U.F.E. please." Samantha interrupted."


    "¡­and to any of the U.F.E people that I¡­"


    "Iris Cadohagan the Vampire Witch." Vincent said.


    "¡­Iris Cadohagan the Vampire Witch have solemnly sworn to uphold." Iris finished her swearing.


    "That''s good to hear from you Iris. Now let''s keep going." Samantha smiled.


    They continued to make their way through the city until they have reached metropolitan center of Tyr Rian which is the City Square where many important buildings were found. Iris pointed at several significant buildings that Samantha noted (and took a sneaky photo of) such as the City Hall where the Principality discuss political theories and issues, the Drunken Bastard Inn where they offer quality meals second only to the Prince''s own dinner table, the Courthouse which houses the local branch of the ''Adventurer''s Guild'' where brave people ranging from mercenaries, heroic men and thrill seekers seek jobs to bring peace and order throughout the land from dealing with bandits, caravan protection and more. Finally, Iris then guided them to their destination, the Bank of Tyr Rian.


    It was a grand building with roman like inspirations for their outward aesthetics. It also was decorated by a few flowers that made the building inviting for those who wish to deposit their money inside.


    "Well this it, just come inside with me and keep quiet. This will only take a while." Iris spoked.


    She pushed open the door and the trio went inside the bank. They were greeted in a welcoming environment with marble floors, potted plants and a warm fire place. As they were about to move forward a voice thundered in front of them.


    "Iris? Is that you again?" said a small white bearded man in an elegant cloak.


    "Greetings Luthor, how is the city''s greatest Dwarven merchant doing?" Iris smiled that Samantha saw as a sign that the Vampire is in good terms with the Dwarf.


    "Oh, business is usual for me. I got to thank you for the exotic help in making that Fire-Spewing Axe for me. I made about 3000 thousand Ducats in that auction. A new record! Who are those people behind you?" Lutheor responded.


    "Oh, these are some mercenaries that I hired as protection while I do some¡­ ''Witch Business'' if you know what I mean." Iris answered. Samantha could easily see through that lie whilst she stood still behind her.


    "A secret job huh? Well I don''t want you to interrupt your business here in the bank. I heard what happened to your home by the way. If your looking for ways to earn more Ducats, I got some jobs I can show you at my house later. I just need to finish some paperwork here and we can discuss business." Lutheor said.


    "Let me withdraw from the bank and then we can talk." Iris smiled.


    "Good to hear!" Lutheor smiled as he waved off the Vampire


    "Who is that Midget? Friend of yours?" Vincent asked.


    "Lutheor Mirien, a Dwarf Merchant who lives here in Tyr Rian. The richest man in the city, even richer than the Prince. Do Dwarves exist from your world?" Iris replied.


    "Depends, is Dwarfism in Benham-3 a Race of people or a deformity?" Samantha inquired.


    "A Race of People they are. They normally live on top of the mountain regions but many Dwarves live in the lower lands to interact with others. What do you mean by Dwarfism being a deformity?" Iris asked in confusion.


    "Well some Earth Humans in our world are born abnormally short. Despite their parents being average height. It happens every now and then." Samantha answered.


    "Are they discriminated for being small?" Asked Iris.


    "No¡­ it''s highly discouraged in our society to put down people of different height. Besides, most of the ''Dwarves'' we know from Earth tend to be actors and really great ones to boot." Samantha smiled.


    "I would like to see these ''Dwarves'' of yours one day. Now please sit down by that bench and wait for me as I withdraw my money from the bank." Iris said.


    Samantha and Vincent turned around and sat down by the provided chairs of the establishment as they see their Guide enter the waiting line to interact with the Bank Clerk. For Samantha, so far, she has observed Iris for her time with her and by her judgement she is going out of her way to win over her people''s trust. She was not acting the same during their hostile first encounter earlier in her burnt up home back in the forest. The Lieutenant also has to give some credit due to Vincent Diaz for helping her make Iris promise¡­ or swear to not use her magic to affect them without their permission. She can see that the Penal Soldier knows how to double down on persuading people shrewdly, probably an acquired talent from his old underground career. The Lieutenant watched the Vampire slowly inching her way through the waiting line of the bank. Iris'' posture was ladylike in stature that Samantha deeply admired from the angle. The Vampire, combined with her beautifully youthful exterior was like a masterpiece waiting to be drawn, painted or taken a photo of. Yet Samantha was unsure if she can even take a photo of her due to the fact that Vampires¡­ or at least according to various sources from fiction writers, don''t have reflections and her Photo Camera is no different from a Mirror.


    After processing the thought of capturing the image of Iris, Samantha kicked up her feet and began to wait patiently again.


    As for Vincent however, he has decided to pull out a cigar from his pocket and light it up with his lighter. Huffing Carbon Monoxide in the air he casually lay leaned back his arms and silently waited.


    "That could kill you, you know?" Samantha whispered.


    "Meh¡­" Vincent sighed.


    Silence and the occasional thumping sound of a stamp were the only noises that the bank could entertain their ears which has caused the two to get bored of the monotony of their predicament. Samantha aimed her eyes back at Iris and is amused to see her now right in front of the Desk Clerk of the Bank ready to withdraw her Ducats.


    Then just as she was about to get a big sack of her money, the grand doors of the bank have opened. Out came seven men who carried a large chest, and judging the look on the men''s grunting faces, they were carrying a heavy one. She also noticed that each of the men all wore an orange colored neck scarf which is a common attire for those who are associated with the Burning Horse Bandits.


    "Hey Bank Manager! Got another big money of Totally Legit earnings from our boss Devico." Said one of the Bandits.


    A slender man in a business attire walked out of the desks and approached the Bandits angrily.


    "How many times do I have to tell you? I can''t accept more of these large Deposits of Ducats anymore! The Auditors are going to tear me apart when they ask me how your Boss got this much money in such a short time?" the Bank Manager Pleaded.


    "Look me in the eye¡­ We got the entire Principality in our finger tips and you think you can go against us? By any chance do you remember what you did in Temirun?" Said the Bandit Connivingly.


    It was a signed that whatever this ''Temurin'' is, was enough leverage for the Bank Manager to comply in defeat as he stepped aside to the snake-like tongues of the Burning Horse Bandits. Just as they were about to move their cargo to the Bank''s Vault, one of the Bandits, who Samantha assumes to be the leader of the group raised his hand to pause his troops. He turned his eyes towards the Bank''s Desk and aimed them straight at Iris.


    "Well, well! If it isn''t the Principalities resident Witch Iris Cadohagan. I want to get some feedback from you. How did you like our little ''redecorating art'' that we did to your house?" the Bandit Sargent smiled in a mockingly coy attitude.


    "More like Vandalism. I say I give it Zero Star Rating." Iris answered back.


    "You know you have been stubborn when paying ''our taxes'' so we had to give you some ''encouragement''. Yet, you still say refuse." The Bandit Sargent said.


    "I have a life you know! I got more important things to do than to listen to the likes of you scum!" Iris exclaimed.


    "Ha! She said she has ''a life''. Well there is no point hiding it. Ladies and Gentlemen, I declare Iris Cadohagan as a Va----" the Bandit Sargent was about to reveal Iris secret to the Bank Customers and Staff when Samantha interrupted him.


    "Hands off my¡­ client! Don''t say a word." The Lieutenant said as she pointed her rifle at the Bandits.


    "Oi¡­ I recognize you¡­ those weirdos we tried to raid from the Verden Valley! You killed my brother in that Raid on that Refugee Camp with the weird boat. Boys get her!" the Bandit Sargent commanded.


    The 6 bandits all charged forward with their weapons drawn at Samantha''s direction. With her carbine she let out a burst from her gun and managed to down 3 of the men. Also firing alongside with her was Vincent who with his SMG got the Bandit Sargent and two more of the Burning Horse Thugs.


    "El-tee look out!" Vincent warned.


    The last surviving adversary who screened himself with the bodies of his comrade managed to get close to melee range. Samantha reacted quickly by backstepping but it was too close to leave her unscathed. The Bandit stabbed Samantha''s left leg with his Dagger. If it wasn''t for Sam''s quick reaction she would have been struck to the stomach. Still not immediately realizing the wound she shoved the barrel of her carbine at the head of the enemy and discharged a bullet instantly killing him. The Lieutenant fell down on the floor panting for breath as she processed what she has done and the scenario at hand. She turned her eyes to the sharp pain on her leg.


    "Damnit! Ahh!" Samantha Cursed. She clutched her left leg''s wound with her hands and grind her teeth in a futile attempt to ease her pain.


    "Miss Rose!" Iris exclaimed. She ran towards the Amber Haired Lieutenant and knelt before her.


    "Where''s that fucking Med-Gel?" Vincent asked.


    "Lieutenant Rose? This is Crocker. I heard your mic give out gunshots! Respond! I what happened to you three? Are you all okay?" Said Samantha''s Radio. It was the voice of Sargent Crocker behind the device.


    Grabbing the Portable Radio from Samantha''s chest rig, Vincent pressed the call button nervously and answered.


    "This is Vincent¡­ I mean Diaz. We got attacked by some of them Burning Horse Bandits we all hate." Vincent answered still holding the call button.


    "What the hell happened? Where''s the El-Tee?" Asked Crocker concernedly.


    "I am here. One of them stabbed me in the leg¡­ Ahh¡­ Where''s that God Damn Medigel?" Samantha yelled.


    "Damnit! Patch her up. You got to get out of that place!" Crocker barked.


    Vincent frantically probed Sam''s Chest Rig''s Pockets for the Medigel. His hands clumsily glided over her body as he desperately trying to find the healing implements.


    "Don''t touch me like that!" Samantha protested Vincent''s handling of her body.


    "Well where the fuck is the Medigel?" Vincent shot back.


    "Right abdomen, Middle Pocket¡­ ahh shit¡­" Samantha gnashed.


    Reaching for the designated area, Vince reached for the pocket and grabbed the Medi-Gel. It was a refillable spray device created to block off bleeding quickly. It is a vital item of any 22nd century First-Aid Kit and it nearly killed the Bandage Industry.


    First shaking the spray prudently before use, Vincent sprayed the Medi-Gel at Samantha''s wound as the Lieutenant took deep but calm breaths.


    "Can you get up El-Tee?" Crocker asked.


    Samantha, with the help of Iris picking her up limped her way to the door of the bank.


    "Oi! I heard noises coming from the Bank! This could be big lads." Said a voice behind the door.


    "No, That''s Principality Guards." Iris said.


    "Shit the heat is coming down on us Sam." Vincent added.


    Samantha panicked over the thought of Capture by hostile natives. She has feared that due to the fact she was a woman, she would be treated much worse if she was captured. Horror Stories of ****, Torture and Humiliation circled her mind.


    "We can''t get caught here, right here and right now. We need to buy us sometime to get out here. We need a¡­distraction." Samantha said.


    "A distraction¡­ I think I got it. Learned this in Prison Breakout Movies." Vincent eagerly jumped.


    He turned to the abandoned Burning Horse Bandit''s Chest and pulled the heavy chest to the door. He opened the chest and brought out the sacks of gold housed inside. Whilst opening the sacks, Vincent opened the door where a crowd of curious onlookers stared at the strange man carrying sacks of gold from the Financial Institution.


    "The Bank has declared a MASSIVE Refund on all accounts and those who have yet to open one¡­ Here is some free money!" Vincent yelled. He threw a handful of gold coins to the bystanders.


    The crowd rioted over the money being freely given away by the mysterious stranger as people fought amongst themselves to catch as much currency that their hands and pockets can hold. He repeatedly threw more coins at the populace which has caused a group of Principality Guards to trip over and even try to loot some of the Ducats themselves.


    "Okay, we got time. Now what?" Vincent Asked turning to Samantha who was being attended by Iris.


    The Vampire Witch felt adrenaline once again flow inside her as she began to initiate her instincts. She turned her eyes to her Dwarfen friend Lutheor.


    "Lutheor! Remember the times I have helped you acquire so many exotic goods when you overextended yourself in the deals you made with your clients? You told me back that ''I would return the favor to you one day''." Iris asked the Dwarf Merchant.


    Lutheor emerged from his hiding spot from under a table that he his child-sized stature can easily make use of as a place of concealment. The Dwarf''s expression was in utter surprised by the honeyed words coming from his Vampire friend.


    "Yes¡­ You want to pull that right now?" Lutheor Asked.


    "I need you¡­ to help me¡­ and my friends find a place to hide from the Guards." Iris said.


    "Friend''s? I thought they are your Body---"


    "Just Do it!" Iris yelled.


    "Of course! Follow me, I can take you three to my Inn." The Dwarf adamantly spoke as he stood up and gestured them to follow him.


    "This is Vincent of Stryder Group. Iris and a Dwarf is leading us to a safe place!" Vincent radioed.


    "Say again, a ''Dwarf''?" Crocker answered.


    "This is Castle Lord! I got the sitrep from the Second in Command. How is Stryder Lead?" Said Colonel Polonsky using his Code name.


    "Blocked the Bleeding sir with some Med-Gel. Sam should be okay." Vincent answered. He picked up Samantha and placed the weight of her body over by his back and sheathed his SMG by its Bandolier.


    "Affirmative, and may I remind you Private that you must refer to your fellow soldiers by addressing their Rank then Last Name." Said Polonsky.


    "Yes, Yes Sorry." Vincent grudgingly apologized. He was not the type of person who does Formalities.


    "Good¡­ Castle Lord out!" Polonsky signed off.


    --------------------------------(One Grueling Saddleback Carry Later) ------------------------------------


    "Ahh¡­ fuck my back!" Vincent complained as he twisted and turned on the sofa that he rested on.


    He had to carry his C.O. through tight and dark corridors of the city whilst avoiding the eyes of the City''s Law Enforcements. He had tripped several times due to the unmaneuverability of the alleys of Tyr Rian. For him, it was like carrying a block of concrete blind while angry German Shepherds were chasing him whilst running around for days. However, in reality, he had only been carrying Samantha for about 200 meters as they all didn''t have to go to far from the Bank to their hiding place.


    The Drunken Bastard Inn which was situated not too far away from the City Square was owned by Iris'' Dwarf friend Lutheor Mirien. Not only was the Pint-Sized business man being has holdings in the Mercantile aspects of the Business world of Tyr Rian but he also has invested in Real Estate such as the Inn that Lieutenant Rose, Private Vincent and Iris are currently hiding on. The Rich Dwarf was kind enough to give the biggest room in the Inn for one night free of charge for Iris due to the Bed being both the largest and softest provided in the establishment. Samantha indulged herself inside the luxurious bed drifting to a limbo state of sleep and situational awareness. She feels so vulnerable in this state. She prayed that the City Guard won''t try to search the Inn for the perpetrators of the Dead Burning Horse Bandits in the Bank earlier that day. She has hoped that the Beacon that she quietly activated will guide Crocker and the rest of the squad to their location.


    "Iris, as a Friend and as someone who has provided you with a means of income. What in the Gods name are these¡­ people? They don''t look like any Human Nations I know? They don''t even have a Slaegian Accent. Well they are definitely not some of those ''Black Knights of Haringpoint'' I heard about." Lutheor asked Iris.


    "As your friend too, you have to listen to every word I am about to say. Everything I will say to you after I finish this sentence IS TRUE." Iris emphasized.


    The Vampire began to discuss to Lutheor what had happened to her from the past days. She started with about how her normal day back in her old home where she was just minding her own business when suddenly she was attacked by the strange looking soldiers. She managed to fight them off for awhile but she was captured. She was taken to their ship where a kind young woman named ''Hana'' introduced her to the U.F.E. Humans. She, alongside Kayin showed her so many wonderful things about their world and in exchange for her stolen necklace that the U.F.E managed to obtain, she will become their guide to the world. She found out whilst during her absence her house was burnt down by the Burning Horse Bandits due to not being there to protect it and she has vowed vengeance from that point on that their leader, Devico will die a slow and painful death.


    "So, they have your necklace? And you agreed to be their guide? I am surprised. These¡­ ''New'' humans are strange indeed." Commented Lutheor.


    "Strange is an understatement. They got flying boats!" Iris added.


    "No way, like the Steamships I had back in the Mountain Provinces?" Lutheor asked.


    "Yes, but bigger! And can house thousands of people inside it." Iris said.


    Lutheor backed away from Iris with his mouth agape. His thoughts, just like what Iris experienced beforehand couldn''t fully grasp the words and concepts that he has heard. He dreadfully stared at both Samantha and Vincent who lay they''re with the Penal Soldier staring back at him.


    "You look like you saw a ghost." Vincent commented.


    "Are they indeed true¡­what Iris saw. Are there more of you by the Verden Valley Forest? How long were you there?" Lutheor asked taking a moment to pause between each sentence.


    "Yes, and we were around about a week. Probably the craziest week of my, Sam''s, Maybe the Cockney, Kayin and Obed''s life. First there was the Burning Horse Bandits who we fought off¡­"


    "Wait, you fought the Burning Horse Bandits?" Lutheor Interrupted.


    "Yeah, killed a giant Fire Golem thingy that one of them summoned where we got Iris'' necklace from but we didn''t know what it exactly it was back then." Vincent explained.


    "How many tried to attack your Camp?" Lutheor asked.


    "From the body counts, about two hundred dead¡­ plus that Summoner guy and his pet." Vincent answered.


    "I can''t believe what I am about to say this, but you''re a Hero like the days of old!" Lutheor happily exclaimed. He walked up to Vincent and merrily shook his hands in euphoric gratitude.


    "Uh¡­ Thank You rich midget person. Is that a good thing?" Vincent asked in confusion.


    "As Iris has explained, the Burning Horse Bandits are plague upon our land. No one is brave enough to fight them. They got gold, goons and guts to back themselves up. I heard they even blackmailed much of the Tyr Rian Nobility to look the other way. But you, you fought back and shattered the illusion of their so called ''untouchability''." Said Lutheor.


    Intrigued, Vincent leaned closer to the dwarf. Samantha, who woke herself up to be able to hear what the Dwarf Merchant was telling.


    "You could have a shot in hundred Eon''s to take that bastard down. I am damn sure that if you do the entire Principality a favor by taking down Devico and the Burning Horses¡­ your people can be on the good side of everyone." Lutheor said.


    "How come?" Samantha asked.


    "Well Samantha did tell me your leaders are trying to understand what is happening and in my experience as a Businessman, the first impression is the best impression which I am very sorry to say you didn''t have because of them am I correct on this?" Lutheor asked.


    "Indeed." Samantha answered.


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    "Well, I am a very well-connected man with a huge grudge against them. And anybody who isn''t one of the Burning Horse Bandits will gladly want to see them gone. If you can get inside Devico''s Compound and destroy all the Blackmail Material he has on everyone, he will be powerless to defend himself. The Principality will be thankful and you can have the peaceful First Impressions your leaders had always wanted with an audience with Prince Clovich and to sweeten the deal, there''s a thirty thousand Ducat Bounty on Devico''s Arrest that no one was able to claim yet. Wait¡­ I am getting ahead of myself¡­ it''s going to be heavily defended." Lutheor said. He tapped his chin in a second thought when he realized he didn''t think this through with what his plan was.


    "Well, I can call Polonsky to send some men over to take him down. We too have an axe to grind with them." Samantha rebutted.


    "Well in that case, I can easily bribe the Gate Guards to look away while your soldiers get in Red-Haired." The Merchant smiled. He snapped his fingers in delight in excited anticipation from the freedom from the menacing Bandits who ransacked the Principality for Decades.


    "I am going to think that you and Governor White are going to be the best of friends." Samantha smiled.


    A knock on the door interrupted them as a familiar voice spoke.


    "Lieutenant? Are you in there?" said the voice of Lewis Crocker.


    "Yes come in." Samantha replied.


    Iris walked towards the door and pulled it opened letting Crocker, Obediah and Kayin into the room.


    "It''s good to see you. How''s is your magic bird thing working on?" Iris said to Kayin.


    "Thanks, the survey was uneventful but I got all the data I need." Kayin replied.


    Lewis walked up to Samantha''s bed and knelt down on her side whilst resting his weight on the but of his LMG.


    "You can still walk right? How''s the Leg?" Crocker asked.


    "I can walk slowly by tomorrow at best. But I don''t think I can go in a fire fight for a few days. I''ll just be stuck being the field leader for the time being. By the way, Sarge, Obed, Mudwin, meet Lutheor." Samantha said pointing at the pint-sized man next to the three new guests of the room.


    "Whoa are you¡­ a Dwarf?" Obediah asked dumbfounded on what he is seeing.


    "The name is Lutheor Mirien, Tyr Rian''s most famous Businessman and a proud member of the Dwarfen Race. Me and your friends were discussing a way to help you meet up with the Prince who I believe your leaders would love to meet. And don''t worry, Iris gave me all the details." Lutheor said.


    "Well how?" Crocker asked.


    "You will need to do something for him first to grab his attention. The Prince rarely leaves his Castle unless he has a good reason to. Taking out a mutual enemy could lure him out for talks." Lutheor cunningly explained his plan.


    "Go on, I am liking this¡­" Crocker smiled.


    "You know the Burning Horse Bandits? I believe you have already met them. If you take them ou-"


    "Sign me up, in fact sign everyone in the Eodem up! We all want to give those buggers a taste of their own medicine." Crocker enthusiastically said.


    "Count me in." Kayin followed.


    "For my Family." Obediah followed forth.


    "I love your enthusiasm!" Lutheor said as he ran to them and shaked the three happily. "You can''t fathom how everyone will be grateful when you do this." Lutheor said.


    "Take my word for it. Especially you Kayin." Iris winked.


    "So, what happens now? What''s the plan?" Crocker asked Samantha.


    "I am going to have to make some calls. We are going to need some big guns for this." Samantha smiled. Already her head had several brave men she has in mind that will gladly take up arms to avenge those that had fallen those days ago when they first arrived in Gliesia.


    ------------------------------------(Meanwhile back in the Eodem) ------------------------------


    Governor Jeremy White and Colonel Polonsky stood in front of a court of their peers in the U.F.E Government. They were just holograms but the virtual images excreted an aura of dismay and fury to the two as they had reported the news to their Superiors about the Attack on the ship earlier that week.


    "So, not only were you attacked and 6 people of those colonists died that day but you are also telling me that our initial probes on the planet was ''Dead Wrong''?" asked U.F.E Colonial Bureau Chairwoman.


    "Yes, Madam Chairwoman. Our new findings have come up with completely contradictory data from Mudwin''s Survey Readings. Instead of empty plains, the drone found sprawling farmlands and little hamlets that dotted the land surrounding the Landing Zone. Reports from both the Post-Mortem of the dead hostiles who attacked us has us to believe that the natives who live here are and by every way, ''Human''. As for the Attack, we were completely off guard because we all thought we are going to land in an uninhabited world but thanks to the efforts of Colonel Polonsky and his Colonial Militia they managed to fought them off. Credits to Lieutenant Rose for taking down a giant Fire Golem. If it wasn''t for her, we would have all been dead." Governor White said.


    "Human Aliens? Am I hearing that correctly?" the Chairwoman asked.


    "Yes, they are human, same Physiology and Shape and Size. Their technology levels as observed by eye witnesses are somewhere deemed in the Late Medieval to Early Renaissance technology judging by the clothes on their back and primitive weapons that they had wielded." Governor White answered.


    "We have come to you Chairwoman and members of the Board to request for additional resources from you. May I recommend extra firepower like new weapons and vehicles for my militia to work with." Suggested Colonel Polonsky.


    "Due, to several economic restrictions from our side Colonel I don''t think we can deliver you ''New'' hardware but I can attach a Marine Division from a Naval Light Carrier to the second wave of colonists. The investors have been getting reluctant to invest in the Benham-3 Expedition. News of the attack has spread like wildfire and Debates back in New York are arguing about the Ethics of interacting with Primitive Natives and the whole ''Prime Directive'' mumble the public hash tagged in Social Media." The Chairwoman said.


    "Thank you, When we have additional data we will send it to you back in New York. This is Governor Jeremy White signing out." The Governor said.


    The holograms disappeared leaving the two men in the Holographic Communications room alone. Governor white placed his hand on his forehead and sighed in relief. It was a scary predicament to go face to face with the judgmental big wigs of the UFE Government and he barely got out of the Holographic Conference with them.


    "Damnit, the Second Wave won''t arrive until next month." Jeremy frustratingly said.


    "Calm Down Jerry. We are doing as best as we could and the past is past. We mourned the dead and now we must persevere. My squads are already roaming the planet for intel and I am just as confused on why the Probe''s data was off. Right now, as a Governor we need these colonists to be doing something useful for everyone. We can''t just sit here and wait a month doing nothing. Those Greenhouse Farms aren''t going to build themselves!" Polonsky said taking charge of the situation.


    "You are right. I will start rolling out the glass panes and frames now." Jeremy said snapping back to from his near nervous breakdown.


    "Colonel! We got a call from Lieutenant Rose! She has got some good news about the City of Tyr Rian and about those Burning Horse Bandits, those people who attacked us." Said a Communications Officer who barged inside the room.


    "Finally, something good for a change¡­ Give that radio to me." Polonsky said.


    He grabbed the radio and placed the stereo part of the device on his ear and listened to Samantha''s call. After explaining to him their plans on meeting Prince Clovich and how they can strike back at the Burning Horse Bandits, Polonsky had only one phrase to respond to the Green Redheaded Lieutenant.

 6 Chapter 6: Operation Scorpion Sting Part 1

    Bard Music plays behind Stryder group as the squad, plus Iris dined in to a meal. From what Lutheor can willingly give out for free was a fist sized loaf of bread and a bowl of Stew. From what Samantha can deduct with her tongue as she tasted her food was what taste like a mediocre mix of mushrooms, onions, carrots and turnips if her mother has taught her anything. She has tasted better, much better. Even cheap diners back in the home worlds of the UFE had better food than this.


    "Well, it''s medieval food for normal people. What did you expect? Gordon Ramsay?" She said to herself.


    The squad were waiting for the requested reinforcements from Colonel Polonsky. He has promised men and equipment for Sam''s proposed ''Revenge Operation'' against the Burning Horse Bandits. With promises of establishing a proper diplomatic opening with the newfound natives of Gliesia and some form of legitimacy at the fact that by technicality, the Eodem is trespassing in Tyr Rian and the last that the Governor, the Colonel and the Powers Above them, another bloodbath that the news feeds back home will tear apart. So in essence, the opportunity, if Lutheor''s reassurance backed by Iris commendations are to go by was something that can''t be missed.


    "So, you think our boys will go through? I heard they are packing some big guns like Mounted HMG''s and Grenade Launchers." Asked Kayin.


    "Lutheor is going to use some of his Crazy Rich Dwarf influences to let them through. Judging by his character, he is going out of his way to help us." Samantha said.


    "Well, I don''t blame him. The sooner these Burning Horse Men are gone the better for everyone." Iris said.


    "Tyr Rian will sleep soundly knowing they will be no more." Samantha nodded as she grabbed her bowl with both of her hands and drank up the last vestiges of food from it.


    The Drunken Bastard Inn was thriving with life as Samantha observed her surroundings. Most of the folks were merrily drinking their troubles a way with mugs of beer and rows of dishes. Many of the establishments patrons were men but she noticed a few women too. The attire of the Tyr Rian people was what looked like work attire in suited to a Medieval technology such as Bakers, Huntsmen, some Guards who have finished their patrols, Milkmaids and the occasional rich merchant. This is in contrast to the Modern Military uniforms and equipment that Stryder Group wore hidden behind their cloaks not to attract attention among themselves.


    The patrons would take rowdily and may even challenge themselves to drinking games like sugar rushed children. In her conclusion of her observations, the Drunken Bastard definitely earned its title.


    "Lieutenant Rose, I heard what happened to you. Your going to be okay?" Asked Sargent Mendoza.


    "Yes, it''s just going to ache for a few days but I am still healthy. I am just going to have to be in the back for this op. So, what did you bring?" Asked Samantha.


    "More ammo for you, a couple of MGL Grenade Launchers with HE rounds, an Anti-Material Rifle, C4 explosives, two of our Cruiser with a Mounted HMG plus yours that you asked for us to drive it here to you, so that makes it three Big Brownies. For the Manpower, other than me and my squad of seven I also got another Militia squad of five and 16 ''Volunteers''." Answered Mendoza.


    "Volunteers?" Samantha asked.


    "Most of them are family of the six people who were killed during the attack. Then there''s Father Rudy Bishop who is probably taking the whole ''Eye for an Eye'' and ''Smite the Heathen''s'' a bit to seriously. But who am I to judge a fellow Catholic? I can''t even be chooser right now." Mendoza replied.


    "You let CIVILIANS join you? Why?" Barked Samantha.


    "Look Lieutenant, these men had family that died during the attack and they can shoot straight. Governor White has stretched everyone else back in the Colony to the near limit. We are all that can be spared at the moment."


    "What is happening back there to begin with?"


    "Well I can say that Governor White is now constructing homes, farms and other town buildings for the Colony just as planned. You have got to see the new Green House Farming Complexes, they are a wonder to look at when we are done with this shit. So what''s the sitch on this Devico guy?" Mendoza replied.


    ---------------------------(A moment later in the Drunken Bastard Inn''s Cellar) --------------------


    Lutheor placed a large schematic map on the crate for all of the UFE people to see.


    "Now this is Devico''s Mansion which also is the Headquarters of the Burning Horse Bandits." Said the Dwarf.


    Several jeers echoed from the UFE soldiers who gathered inside the cellar. It was a cramped up place filled with vintage wine caskets and beer barrels that the UFE soldiers and volunteers were barely able to fit inside. Samantha, Mendoza, Iris and Lutheor were standing closest to the map to plan out their attack.


    "So here is the thing about this place, the Mansion is surrounded by a Market where the Rich People of the city go to buy exotic goods. Devico and I have been competing for the Nobles for years." Lutheor informed.


    "How is that important?" Samantha asked.


    "He only bothers to relax his security during the day to allow the freedom of goods and customers in and out of his mansion. When its night time he has got a whole army of thugs and bribed guards surrounding the mansion." Lutheor said.


    "But during the day there will be Civilians involved. I don''t want to get them caught in the crossfire. Mendoza is it not too late to get some Night Vision Goggles from Polonsky?" Asked Samantha.


    "No, it''s all being used for the Security groups back at base for the Construction. A Night op isn''t an option. It HAS to be Day." Mendoza reluctantly said.


    "Damnit, what about the Volunteers? They aren''t even soldiers to begin with. How can I be sure they won''t get to trigger happy and accidentally shoot a Civ?" Samantha complained.


    "I am actually an ex-SWAT Officer so I know my trigger Discipline." Said one of the Volunteers. He was an old and grizzled man whose body was rotund from years of disuse of physical exertion.


    "I know a thing or two about restraint El-Tee." Said another Volunteer who was young and wielded only with a Pistol that looks like it was bought from a discount gun store.


    "The Lord guides my shots and I will pray that only those deemed unworthy of his Forgiveness will be smited by our guns." Said Father Rudy Bishop who raised his 12 Gauge Shotgun in the air.


    "Don''t worry about Casualties. I have my fair share of Battlefield Trauma, no one of us or any civ will die on my watch." Said a confident UFE Combat Lifesaver.


    "Oorah! Porro Terra!" cheered another UFE soldier.


    "Porro Terra!" Everyone in the room cheered.


    "That''s promising to here from you. I hope that can be translated in the field tomorrow. Lutheor please proceed." Said Samantha.


    "What a great battle cry! Oh yeah, uhm¡­ so the Mansion is three floors tall and the office where Devico is in the Top Floor. But its guarded from top to bottom with all of his cronies as the second floor and a few parts of the first floor are also Barracks for his men. He built his home like a makeshift fort to withstand any determined siege. I am talking about Battlements on the roof, Murder Holes by the walls for Ballista and Archer Fire and an iron studded gate which is the only way inside the Mansion." Said Lutheor.


    "Wow, we really aren''t welcome in there?" Commented Vincent.


    "Of course, we aren''t welcome in there." Sneered Samantha.


    "Any chances of a small insertion? I can easily slip inside and maybe make the siege a bit easier¡­ like I don''t know open the big ass gate¡­ kill some of the archers to lay the heat off of you on the ground or something like that?" Asked Vincent.


    "None I am an afraid, Devico only opens his Gates to Monthly Supply Wagons, to his own men or during Business Deals." Lutheor said regrettably.


    "I can cause a distraction." Said Iris.


    The entire room turned their gaze at the Pale Woman who stood next to Kayin.


    "What do you mean?" Asked Mendoza.


    "Well, I owe a lot of money to the Burning Horses. They burnt down my home and I want my revenge just as much as everyone in this room. I say, I will go to the front of the Mansion and tell those¡­ whoresons that I will now pay up. They are bound to let me in when I showed them the large sack of Ducats I¡­ withdrew." Iris said. Her voice was menacing showing a steel determination that could send shivers down the spines of those who wrong her.


    "But Iris, that''s your entire Life''s Savings." Lutheor objected.


    "I can always get more from you Lutheor. What''s ten thousand Ducats compared to seeing the Burning Horsemen go down?" Iris argued.


    "But you know Devico know''s you are a Vampire, right? He probably has a few Hunter Weapons and Traps meant just for you." Lutheor continued to object. As the Dwarf said those words a stunned silence from all of the UFE men in the room passed through as the soldier''s eyes stared at Iris in utter disbelief.


    "Wait¡­ you are a Vampire?" asked Rudy Bishop. He closed his fist and his body tensed up as he walked towards Iris and Punched her knocking her to the ground.


    "Begone spawn of Satan!" roared Bishop. He landed two punches at Iris face before his hands were bounded by the timely intervention of Samantha and Kayin who stopped the Pommeling.


    "Calm Down Father!" Ordered Samantha.


    "Did this Demon hypnotized you to fall for to her whims!?!" Roared Bishop.


    "I am not." Iris Denied. The Vampire slowly stood back and swiped away the dust she collected when she was grounded.


    "Vile Demon! I will never trust you!" Bishop continued to roar.


    "Then tell me how you can trust me?" The Vampire asked.


    "Submit to the Lord Jesus and beg he does not smite your Evil Body with his Holy Power." Bishop said.


    "Alright, if it means you will trust tell me more of this ''Lord Jesus''." Iris calmly replied. She disciplined herself which was not normal when she is threatened by Vampire Hunters, Burning Horse Bandits or anyone who would foolishly dare to cross her.


    "A Vampire wanting to learn more of Jesus. That''s funny you know Iris, it''s like¡­ uhm the way how your Fantasy World apparently works I assume, an Orc going full Buddhist." Vincent said.


    "What''s a ''Buddhist''?" Iris asked.


    "Pacifist." Vincent replied in only one word.


    The response was immediately understood by Iris. She see''s that listening about ''Lord Jesus'' is something that no others of her kind have ever done. This ''Lord'' must be some sort of powerful king that the UFE people follow if the reverent Rudy Bishop whom he represents is true.


    "Father Bishop, Iris, we can discuss this in our room upstairs later. I want this operation to go smoothly tomorrow and if I can''t get either of you to cooperate then I will kick both of you out of the fight and make you stay here in the Inn." Samantha mediated.


    "Very Well. Continue the Plan." Bishop acknowledged. He turned around and stood back into the middle of the huddle mass of soldiers as Samantha returned to the Map.


    "With that aside, here is the plan. Vincent and Iris will get close and infiltrate the Devico Mansion under the guise of her paying her overdue Protection." Samantha said.


    "That''s where another problem comes in, since Devico knows Iris is a Vampire, he will come in prepared. I am talking about Crossbowmen equipped with Blessed Tip Bolts. If they hit Iris she is could be hurt really bad or worse killed outright. And that''s before the fact that everyone in the base will have their eyes on her if she makes a move." Lutheor said.


    "But they will all look at her. They won''t be expecting any kind of serious backup, right? While Iris is distracted that can leave Vincent the opportunity to Infiltrate the base." Samantha said.


    "Just need to sneak through the gates and I can have the whole place to play in, right? I can do that. I have my ways." Vincent confidently boasted.


    "Good, now I have just plot something up for those Blessed Tipped Crossbow men. Okay if those guys are sniping from a Vantage Point you will have to take them all down quietly." Samantha said.


    "How many are we talking about?" Vincent asked.


    "They are very rare to be given to the hands of non-Hunters. Their weapons and gear take time to craft. I guess maybe about four of them at most but how will you find them if they are hiding?" Iris said.


    "A Deep Sonar Scan from my UAV Drone can easily find them." Answered Kayin.


    "Good we will need that. If they decided to aim their bows and shoot you down point blank as you step inside the place, Vincent throw a Flashbang at them and you and Iris will take them down as they get caught in the flash." Samantha said.


    "You have Flash Bombs? I am quite surprised you do." Commented Lutheor.


    "But that will mean this operation will go Loud real fast right?" Crocker added as he raised his hand in questioning the plan.


    "When that happens, we go to Plan B. We storm the castle. Bring out the HMG''s and C4''s and Punch our way in. Be careful though of Civillians. So, check your fire out there." Samantha said.


    "You will have to grab Devico fast. He will make a run if he see''s any attempt on his life. You will also have to burn down his Library filled with Blackmail Materials on every significant person in the Principality. It will be in his office where he works. But you HAVE to succeed in this¡­" Lutheor said before suddenly pausing.


    "Yes, we do have to succeed¡­" Said Samantha.


    "No, like REALLY HAVE TO SUCCEED." Lutheor raised his voice.


    "Is there¡­ something you''re not telling us?" Samantha questioned.


    "I was going to tell you this now. Your plan, the way I see it will most likely get messy really fast. My Influence can go so far. If Devico isn''t in Jail by the time the fires have cleared, everyone in this room including me will go to Jail. The Prince won''t tolerate fruitless violence and I bet that weasel Devico will wiggle his way to the Prince one way or the other. He can be slimy rat." Lutheor said.


    "Oh great, this is Op''s gone ''Critical''." Crocker responded with sarcasm.


    Samantha absorbed the words of the dwarf to her heart and looked down on the floor absent mindedly as she went deep into her mind. She is going to risk the lives of 35 people for a shot at peaceful living in this world. The weight of her decisions rest upon her now as the physical pain from her leg injury faded into obscurity being replaced by the ailment of the responsibilities of a Leader must undertake for the sake of his commanded. She looked back up to her men who looked at her with weary and anxious eyes.


    "If anyone of you wish not to partake in this operation any more, please raise your hand." Samantha asked in the vain attempt to lessen the burden of the souls she will carry into battle.


    "We all lost someone when they attacked Ms. Rose. I ain''t standing here and live the rest of my life that I won''t avenge my Daughter''s death." Said one of the Volunteers.


    "This is too good of an opportunity to strike back. I won''t turn this down." A UFE Soldier said.


    "Me too. I lost my home to them." Iris added.


    "And I lost many business ventures to those bastards." Lutheor added too.


    Sam swallowed herself. It looks like nobody is going to chicken out of this ''Revenge Op'' that she will conduct. She will have to go into battle with all of her eggs in the basket and go all out or nothing.


    "Very Well, I will leave all of you to prepare. We will¡­ We Must¡­ win tomorrow. Not only for ourselves but for the people of Tyr Rian so they¡­ will no longer suffer under the tyranny of the Burning Horses. Porro Terra!" Samantha saluted.


    "Porro Terra!" Everyone of the UFE people cheered.


    As they steeled their Determination, Samantha was still left in her own mind. She is about to conduct her first Military Operation for real with no safeties, no second chances, no grading with scolding remarks from her Drill Instructors, this was for real with real soldiers, real weapons and the real chance of death. She was now about to take the first big leap into the real world of Military Field Command.


    And Samantha felt like she has been thrown into the deep end of the pool.


    -------------------------------(Later that Night in the Room) --------------------------------


    Vincent spied at his target through the Binoculars of Samantha. His eyes observed every nook and cranny of the Mansion Fortress that their room provided a convenient location to observe from. It was surrounded by market stalls that tomorrow will be filled with innocent civilians who will freely walk around causing a hazard. He maybe a criminal but he would never go out of his way and hurt civilians unless absolutely necessary. He is a Pragmatic Criminal, not some dumb Rent-a-Hood thug who shoots ''Gangsta Style''. He scanned the building and thought of ways of entry into the Manor. He can easily climb the scale the wall quickly with his R.M.B Augmentations before anyone could notice or he can slip inside through by hacking down one of the Thugs and steal their clothes as a disguise but that option is revolting if Medieval Hygiene has anything to say.


    "How confident are you on getting in?" Samantha asked walking towards the Ex-Criminal.


    "Three out of Five I can say." He answered.


    "Better make that a Five over Five by tomorrow. If you don''t get in we lose Iris." Samantha reminded.


    "Your compelling charisma inspires me to great heights." Vincent slyly mocked.


    He carelessly passed the Sam''s Binoculars back to her as he grabbed another Cigar from his pocket to smoke his stress away under the Moonlight. Gliesia was surprisingly similar to Earth with a single moon and a single sun to light the two halves of day and night.


    The Lieutenant turned around to the next person she will check and it was Obediah who was reading a piece of paper while at his foot was the case where the Super Barret Anti-Material Rifle was kept.


    "So, how''s your new rifle going along Soldier?" Asked Samantha. As she smiled at the old man.


    "Like crap, I never fired something this big before in my life. Those Recoil Dampeners Mendoza told me better do what he told me too. My Leah barely kicks¡­ or maybe it''s because it was the only rifle I use and I am used to handling her." Obediah confessed.


    "It''s your rifle. Don''t worry, I fired one before during basic training. You can count on my word." Samantha reassured the Squad Sniper.


    "Alright, but I just hope I got enough rounds for the fight. I got only 15 rounds and 3 cartridges. So those bullets better punch through those walls." Obediah said.


    Samantha walked back to the bed so she can sit down and relieve herself albeit temporarily from her stress. She shares the bed with Iris and Crocker which is large enough to accommodate the three of them barely. She only trusts Crocker, her second command to be sleeping near her and the Vampire insisted that she sleeps on the bed because she doesn''t want to sleep on the floor ''like a peasant''. For Obediah and Kayin, they were happy to sleep on the wooden floor with their sleeping bags while Vincent was content of sleeping on the room''s provided sofa.


    She panned the view of her men in the room. It was all quiet with Vincent outside in the balcony smoking, Obediah assembling the Anti-Material Rifle, Crocker eating a snack bar, and Kayin quietly sitting down on the floor reading a book to Iris so she can learn more about ''UFE Culture''. Then a knock on the door disturbed the room. Clutching her pistol from its holster, Samantha carefully approached the door prepared for a fight.


    "It''s the Father. Open up." The voice of Father Rudy Bishop spoke from the other side of the door.


    Relieved, Samantha let go of her pistol grip and opened the door letting the Bald-Four Eyed Man of God into their room.


    "I am here to give prayers before battle to you in anticipation of tomorrow. I have done the same to the rest of the soldiers already and you''re the last. Also, I promised to talk to Iris." The Father said.


    "Peacefully Talk with Iris." She reminded him.


    "Yes, for Jesus is a man of Peace and Love and who am I to say know to someone who would like to KNOW about him." He said with a slight change in his accent to express his contempt to the Vampire.


    Everyone in the group stopped what they were doing and gathered around in a circle. Samantha lead Iris to sit by her side while Father Bishop stood across from their side of the circle.


    "Before I give you my prayers I believe we have new member in our congregation who would like to be introduced to our Lord Jesus Christ." Bishop said.


    "He is here? Jesus is here?" Iris asked.


    "He is everywhere. In everything and everyone. Or at least from Earth as the sayings goes but I believe his reach is beyond Earth and he follows all of his chosen people to the stars." Bishop explained.


    "So, he is not here?" Iris asked again.


    "He is in me and everyone. But the question for you¡­ is he inside you?" Bishop asked Iris.


    "Uhm, no¡­" Iris answered.


    "Perhaps I said that wrong. Vampire¡­ I mean child, who do you think Jesus Christ is based on what given information you have right now?" Asked Bishop.


    "Uhm¡­ He is your ''King'' and your like¡­ I don''t know, someone who represent him?" Iris answered poorly as he was nervous if she even responded the correctly.


    "Yes you are indeed correct. But I believe such a materialistic being as yourself do not understand what I really mean by ''King'' and I ''representing him''. So, in a way, you are correct and at the same time wrong." Bishop replied.


    Iris was dumbfounded by the Father''s response. Being correct and wrong at the same time? She needs to know how that is even possible.


    "You say I am both correct and not at once. This ''Jesus'' person, you call him in one of your ''Cellphone'' gizmos and talk to him, right?" Iris rephrased her answer.


    The Father couldn''t help but laugh softly at the response of the Vampire, even Obediah and Vincent discreetly grinned a smile.


    "Oh, no I do not call him via a Cellphone or through Skype. I call him through prayer." Bishop said.


    "Wait, ''Jesus'' is your god? God-King?" Iris asked as she pieced the puzzle of the ''Jesus'' equation together.


    "Not God-King. He is God and the King. You ask like you still believe in Polytheism. Worship of many and most likely more ''Specialized'' deities."


    "We have a God-King who is the God of the Sun and Day, his Wife Goddess of the Moon and Night, a Farming God, Water God, God of the Dead, Goddess of Love, God of Wine and more." Iris explained.


    "I am not interested in your ''Gods'' right now Miss Iris the Vampire. What I am here for is are you interested in Jesus Christ? You are quiet a curious one am I right?" Bishop asked.


    "Yes, if it means you will trust me. Introduce me to this ''Lord Jesus Christ''." She asked.


    "Very well, I will give you a brief summary. I shall state you the basis of our peoples'' faith to you. If you know what I am going to say everyone, please join me in reciting¡­ or in this case for our new member here the Creed." Father Bishop said.


    "Yes Father¡­" Said everyone in the room in unison.


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    "Altogether now¡­" the Father called out. He took a deep breath and began to speak the Gospel to Iris.


    "Lord Jesus Christ, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit


    maker of heaven and earth,


    of all things visible and invisible.


    begotten from the Father before all ages,


    God from God,


    Light from Light,


    true God from true God,


    begotten, not made;


    of the same essence as the Father.


    Through him all things were made.


    For us and for our salvation


    he came down from heaven;


    he became incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary,


    and was made human.


    He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate;


    he suffered and was buried.


    The third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures.


    He ascended to heaven


    and is seated at the right hand of the Father.


    He will come again with glory


    to judge the living and the dead.


    His kingdom will never end.


    And we believe in the Holy Spirit,


    the Lord, the giver of life.


    He proceeds from the Father and the Son,


    and with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified.


    He spoke through the prophets.


    We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.


    We affirm one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.


    We look forward to the resurrection of the dead,


    and to life in the world to come. Amen."


    Bishop inhaled greatly for air as he finished professing the Creed to Iris. For the Vampire she was struck with great mystery as she heard every word in detail. A God in three forms, both Father, Son and Spirit? Came down and became a man? This ''God'' was unlike her world''s Pantheon. First in contrast to the Gods she knows by name and hand, ''God'' is the God of Everything. The next peculiarity was ''God'' becoming man. Normally the Gliesian God Pantheons¡­ or the Human ones she was familiar with normally just choose a person and bless them with power and might to fight whatever force that stands oppose to them, from the Northern Raiders, Evil Cults trying to resurrect a fallen Rebel God, the Nomadic Orcish Horse riders from the south and even her own Vampire Kin.


    "Your ''God'' Lord Jesus Christ is different something I have heard before¡­" Iris said. She became perplexed by the proclamations from Bishop, her face became limp as she stared at the bishop with jaded eyes.


    "Amen I say to you Iris. That means ''so be it''. You now know who I believe. But tell me Iris¡­ uh Cado¡­ Hag¡­ uhm Iris¡­. Who or what do you believe in?" Asked Bishop. His words pierced Iris heart which forced her to reflect on to herself.


    "I¡­ I don''t know. I was never someone who seeks something higher than myself. I was always focused on survival. Being hunted and ostracized by nearly everyone you meet. The Gods of this world hate me for being a Vampire." Iris said.


    Bishop smiled after hearing what Iris has to say. His vocations and training has taught him that Christ will always see the best in people and will destroy those who would do harm to his flock. Iris looked harmless despite her fangs, snow white skin and penchant for blood. If Jesus truly thinks this creature was unworthy of salvation and is in fact a demon as the Bishop thought, she would have been dead already.


    "It''s quite Ironic. I feel for you Iris. Many people I have met, seen and talked to are just like you. Hated, unloved and all, I am also quite surprised that even after I was dousing myself in my supply of Holy Water, wearing three different crucifixes and having a wooden stake on my back and you''re not immediately vaporized speaks volumes. And is that your reflection?" Bishop pointed. His finger was at the direction where a Dressing Mirror was placed.


    "Yes, I can see my reflection¡­ is there something wrong?" Iris asked.


    "Vampire¡­ are not supposed to have one. Are you even a Vampire?" asked Bishop.


    "Yes, these Vampires. They are just Myths right in your world? Something to keep children from being naughty or people from going out at night. What exactly do you define a Vampire?" asked Iris.


    "Well, no reflections aside, you hate garlic, evil, likes to suck other peoples blood and hates Jesus worst of all." Bishop said.


    "I don''t hate Jesus and I planted garlic on my old garden. You only got the Blood part correct Holy Man." Iris said.


    "So, what''s the purpose of drinking blood?"


    "Well I have to drink blood to sustain myself. Food is an inferior substitute. Additionally, I use blood to fuel my spells." Iris answered.


    "Curious you are very curious." Bishop clutched his chin with his thumbs observing Iris as she lay there for him to judge.


    "Very well, I will trust you for now Iris. Do not disappoint me. Now everyone blessing before tomorrow." Bishop said. He raised his arms as everyone in the room nodded their heads down to receive the Father''s Prayers.


    Wanting to learn more of this Jesus, Iris too joined in the receiving of blessings. At first due to being the anathema of her world''s Gods she might receive the same fate as with the Earthling''s single God. But as she laid bare for the Earthling God to see. Iris could feel something she had never felt in all of her cold-undead life.


    She felt like she was being loved¡­


    ----------------------(Meanwhile in the other side of the Planet in a magical land)---------------------


    Elven-dominated continent of Alf-el Nora is situated in the greatest concentration of Mana Crystals in the world of Gliesia. The Elves were the first to utilized the Crystals Pow


    ers for their use in turning their lands into what most people could only describe as ''Paradise''.


    From their emerald plains, golden farms, technicolor flora & fauna, sprawling towers and the elegant artistry of their cities and towns. Alf-el Nora was the ideal homeland for the All-Powerful Elves. It is said in the Holy Texts that the Elves associate with their Pantheon of Gods that they are blessed with a special connection with the world''s Mana Crystals which provides them with greater arcane potentials and long lives of the life expectancy of around 1000 years. The legends also say that the Elves are given the responsibility of the caretaking and advancement of the world so they were given this magical power to use as tools of leadership and guidance for not only them, but the rest of the planet of Gliesia.


    However, with such power in their hands, many grew ambitious with all of the magic in their fingertips.


    The first signs of political dissidents were kept inside the secure halls of the Elven Parliament. A large and influential group of elves consisting of princes, Mages and several young, talented but hot-blooded generals believed that they must use the Mana Crystals to dominate the entire world and enthrall the lesser races to their whims. They call themselves ''the Black Tree Pact'' or popularly known by everyone else as the ''Dark Elves'' due to their uniforms and heraldry favoring Dark Colors like Purple and Black with complementary Yellow highlighting depicting their ''Black Tree'' Logos that they proudly bare. Their Ideals were of the ''Assimilation of all races to the Elven Way of Life'' and to hoard all the crystals for themselves to be used for their own. By their own reasonings, the younger races are too immature, childish and ultimately too inept to wield the magical energies the Mana Crystals so they must be brought to heel by strict and authoritarian guidance from the Elves.


    The other side of the coin however is the ''Ethuilen Entente'' named after the capital of the Elven continent Ethuilen. Consisting of the Elven Royal Family with their loyalists, merchants, philosophers, religious leaders and the ''Old Guard'' of the Elven Military. They believe in more Soft-Handed approaches for their responsibilities to the world such as mutual respect, formalities and diplomacy with the younger races. Their core beliefs are that although the younger races are still relatively new in terms of Elven Standards of life expectancy they must be treated with care from caring and benevolent parents which the Elves will take the responsibility of doing.


    The disagreements between the two factions were verbal at first, then segregated discrimination between those who follow the ideologies of either groups happened before an all out Elven Civil War happened in Alfel Nora. The battleground was split between them two factions where the Pact was situated at the northwestern areas of the Elven Continent while the Entente was based by the South Eastern side of the land. The war was fought for over five grueling years with massive loss of life, families being torn apart and material damage to the continent before a truce was signed. The Pact and the Entente agreed that they will cease their active hostilities towards each other via a non-aggression and the establishment of a border that cuts diagonally separating the two.


    During the Aftermath, the Entente focused on inwards economic restoration via establishing trade routes and diplomacy missions to the world outside their continent making the continent rich in Ducats and Imported Goods. For the Pact however, they set sail to conquer the lands west of their homelands and subjugated several kingdoms and peoples from the west. Exploiting the natural resources of the land and fielding Levied Soldiers from their subjugated, the Black Tree Pact became has fielded some of the largest tracts of exploitable land for themselves and fielded an impressive army of legions of Beastfolks, Orcs and Desert Human Puppet States with an economy to support its wait. Tensions have been quiet between the Entente and the Pact until the coming of Geltagar''s Comet. When the Comet last made a past, it was followed by the great political splitting of the Elven Continent and the subsequent civil war. The present passing has caused the Elves to go in a frenzy over the Comet''s meaning. Both factions, from the jumble mess of interpretations and speculation, many of the Elves believe that it is a good omen for the Reunification of the continent. Each side ordered a massive militarization of the border garrisons. Yet both sides are too scared to make the first move of war as both the two factions fear mutually assured destruction between the themselves and a repeat of the devastation that has ravaged their lands before during the civil war.


    At the Royal Palace in the city of Ethuilen, the seat of the current ruler, the Financial Genius King Aslanidor the Rainmaker, his beautiful Queen Elisven, and their three children reside. The children consisting of Lunafreya the eldest and the heir to the kingdom''s throne who is a brilliant statesman (or Elf Woman?) and was absolutely adored by the Entente Elves for her beauty and grace, the middle child and only son is Valorion who is an upcoming soldier and general of the Entente''s Military, and the youngest is Aliathra who is a gifted mage in the arts of restoration and illusions, an excellent archer who won several tournaments and a beauty to match her older sister and mother.


    Tensions were heightened due to the major military activity at the border as many important officials in the city rush to enact plans, orders and early mobilization protocols.


    Aliathra, one of the Royal Children was called to her mother that day. Her blond hair was combed downwards to flow like the waves of the oceans as she walked into her Parent''s Bedchambers where her mother was sitting on her lofty chair overlooking a balcony.


    "Mother, you called for me?" Aliathra said kneeling before her Maternal Figure.


    "My Youngest Daughter, you have heard about the Comet''s Passing and the Border Garrisons being mobilized?" Queen Elisven asked.


    "Indeed mother, I am¡­ scared of what could come¡­ I do not want to see our home being torn apart by war." Aliathra said.


    "I know my child. But such is the way of the world of ours. Division and Strife between different people is a reality and we Elves are no different. For all of your life, your father shielded you from the dangers of the world. He gave you private tutors in the Magical Arts and in Archery that you have excelled in. You were given everything you wanted in a silver platter, but I feel like we and the rest of Ethuilen have spoiled you too much. That is why I have you sent to Military School with your brother to learn many useful skills in case the worse happens such as you being attacked or even war with the Dark Elves." Elisven spoke. She shed tears from her eyes as in all of her long living life she has seen her youngest child grow up to be a beautiful and talented woman with her whole life ahead of her.


    "Aliathra¡­ my youngest daughter. Now at the age of two hundred ten, I have a task for you. A real one of the upmost importance. I believe the Ranger Training that you acquired in Military School will be useful for this task." Elisven said.


    "What do you require of me?" Aliathra asked.


    "I need you to go to the Eastern Continent of Ysanigrad where the Slaegian Empire is. There was news that when the Wizard Conclave of Haringpoint tried to see to the future of the world but they have gone dark. I want you to investigate what has happened and report to me. If necessary you must lend your support to the Empire''s Adventurer''s Guild in case the worse happens." The Queen said.


    "But doesn''t the Humans don''t look well on us Elves?" Aliathra questioned.


    "These are uncertain times and we must reverse this uncertainty with knowledge. Despite our differences, the Empire is without any doubt our closest partner and ally even if its more for their own conveniences. Expect to be journeying alone in Ysanigrad however, but your Survivalist training with the Rangers should be pivotal." Her mother said.


    "Alone? No bodyguards or any kind of support?" Aliathra asked. Her eyes were flustered with shock over the difficulty of her task. She was used to having help from the Royal Guards protection or a few of the Entente''s Noble Houses for support but to be sent alone with nothing but her wit and gear on her back is a surprise.


    "Yes my daughter and it pays me to say that but our nation''s resources are currently pooled to the defense of the Border. Do not worry my daughter, the most of the common folks of the Human Nations are ignorant of our affairs so they are unlikely to notice you, this is a discreet task after all since your unofficially there." Her mother answered.


    Aliathra stayed kneeling still as she heard those words from her mother. She has never left the city of Ethuilen before and never knew anything about the Human Kingdoms and Nations other than the occasional diplomats and merchants who speak stories about their lands filled with forests, brave knights and cities as large as the bases of mountains. Thanks to her Ranger Training, she can still easily navigate her way around a map and a compass when in a pinch but she has yet to put her Ranger Skills to practice. Her restoration magics and archery can be useful for when she has to blend in with the Adventurer''s Guild whose headquarters is in Haringpoint. The Guild has been known not to discriminate their Agent''s race and backgrounds despite the Slaegian Empire''s Foreign Policy being leaned to a light shade of Xenophobia and Nationalistic Rhetoric.


    "As you say Mother. I will gather my things and embark for the Human Lands." Aliathra affirmed.


    She stood up and bowed to her mother and left the room to prepare for her mission.


    For the Youngest of the Elven Royal Family, the Elven Pantheon of Gods deemed her fate is to collide with the UFE soldiers and Stryder Group which will cause a great change for her people, the UFE Humans and the entire Elven Race in Gliesia.


    -----(Back in Tyr Rian on top of the Luxury Suite of the Drunken Bastard Inn the very next day) ------


    "Sniper''s in position." Said Samantha''s Radio. It was from one of the UFE squads who set up a Sniper''s Nest at the opposite side of the Square overlooking Devico''s Mansion.


    "Roger, engage all targets on my signal. Ground Strike Group, how is the situation down on the ground?" Asked Samantha.


    She stood there the Suite''s Balcony overlooking Devico''s Mansion building with her binoculars. Below her in a prone position was Obediah who wields the mighty Super Barrett Anti-Material Rifle.


    A click on the radio was heard as the voice of Sargent Crocker spoke through it.


    "All ready to go for us but its gonna be a bit of a shit show for us. Lots of Civvies at the Market. And dear lord, those Burning Horse Bastards are selling ''Stolen Grain'' at a premium." He said.


    "Can''t wait to bring these fuckers down. For those who have died, suffer by their hands. Us, Lutheor, Iris and the people of Tyr Rian." Said Captain Mendoza.


    "We will today, I assure everyone. Iris are you ready?" Samantha checked on the Vampire who was given a small earpiece radio that she can communicate with Samantha and Captain Mendoza.


    "I¡­ yes I can hear you and¡­ I am ready¡­" She said while breathing in and out from her lungs.


    "Are you nervous Iris?" Samantha asked.


    "No... Yes¡­ No¡­ Yes, I am nervous. I am nervous. I mean this ''Radio'' you gave me is creepy with all those voices in my head and everyone talking to me from far far away." Iris said.


    "Oh, the Horror Movie Staple is scared of a radio. I am so shocked that Clarke''s Third Law is in effect." Said Vincent.


    "Shut it Thief, I need you take this seriously. Iris, think about not just you but the whole Principality. You are going to do everyone a whole favor by getting rid of these Bandits and it will feel good when we succeed." Samantha reassured.


    "If we succeed." Iris said reluctantly.


    "We will¡­ Devico will have no idea what''s going to happen next. Diaz, can you find a way inside the place?" Samantha asked.


    "Yeah, I think I see an opening but I need Iris to distract them long enough for me go in. You got the ''goods'' Snow White?" Vincent said.


    Iris looked at her coin purse. It was the last of her material wealth from her savings account from the back yesterday. She is risking poverty and even the possibility of being outed as a Vampire to the entire city. She will die alone and forgotten with her Family''s Bloodline ending with her in a tragic note and a cautionary tale to all the hidden Vampire Bloodlines of how the once mighty Cadohagan House had fallen in a depressing tale of misfortune and death.


    Yet the rewards of this gamble with UFE soldiers could mean the freedom that she has longed to have for herself. She has seen what the UFE are capable of with their lightning fast soldiers striking down all opposition, the superior accommodations they provide for her in exchange for her service and even the comforting companionship of the Pale Skinned Korean Doctor and the Nigerian Combat Engineer with skin as black as midnight.


    Mustering her bravery, she placed her purse on her pocket and radioed Samantha.


    "Let''s do this." She said stoically.

 7 Chapter 7: Operation Scoprion Sting Part 2

    "...All teams, commence Operation Scorpion Sting." Samantha Ordered.


    "Move in Iris and stay calm. Diaz got your back." Kayin said. He was overseeing Iris and Vincent through his flying drone that was looking down on the vicinity of Devico''s Mansion.


    "You got this Snow White." Vincent added.


    The Vampire, with the pocket of all of her remaining Life''s Savings nervously walked towards the HQ of the Burning Horse Bandits. Using the hood to conceal her body from the crowds and the sun, she breezed unnoticeably from the crowds of people who were out that day for their daily business. Merchants sold Luxury Goods to buyers dressed who were in Noble''s apparel consisting of surcoats, decorated belts, long socks and hats in flamboyant shapes and colors. There were also artisans and the common folks who wore more down to earth clothes like dirtied shirts, trousers and less colorful dresses. As Kayin watched Iris and Vincent separately move closer to the target, the Nigerian couldn''t help but feel concerned over the conditions he has to work with. So many innocent civillians are not going to expect such a loud and full-frontal attack at this common place of gathering and he fears the tragic loss of human death for the Gliesians who live in Tyr Rian.


    "I hope you will practice restraint with that 270 Delta gun of yours." Kayin said to Crocker.


    "Oh, don''t worry, this beauty of mine is the best of both the LSAT''s Low Recoil and the Punch of an M60. No Stray Bullets coming from me. Just shoot a few shots off and the Civs'' will run and duck out of there." Lewis replied in his thick Cockney Accent.


    "You better. Is that Exo-Suit of yours even necessary?" Asked Kayin again.


    "My Mark 4 Hercules Armor? I saved lives and punched people with this. It''s like already as how the Japanese would say ''an extension of your body''." Crocker said.


    The Grizzled Brit flexed his muscle at the Nigerian in a proud demonstration of his masculinity. Crocker was a well-built man who works out in an intense regimen of weights and Ab Workouts causing him to be a muscular 200-pound man at his height of 6''2. Compared to Kayin he has a normal body neither too light nor too heavy of 5''10 and 160 pounds.


    "I am not talking about your suit Sarge as great and powerful as it is. I just feel sorry for the Burning Horse Bandits. We good Ballistics and Futuristic equipment while our quarry barely has an understanding of Projectile Warfare. We are, by their standards could be comparable to God-Like Mages being sent to kill five-year olds." Kayin commented.


    "Strike Team move closer by twenty meters." Samantha radioed.


    "Roger, remember boys and girls. Watch your fire and don''t let these Fuckers get any close to you." He replied.


    "Wilco!" Said one of the accompanying soldiers.


    As the UFE soldiers walked discreetly towards the Mansion at the center of the Market with their weapons and gear cloaked by their jackets to not attract attention from the Primitive Natives, Iris Cadohagan has made it to the from Iron Barded Gates of Devico''s Mansion. She hailed the guard on top of the gate''s tower drawing his attention.


    "Who calls?" Asked the gate guard.


    "Iris Cadohagan." The Vampire replied.


    "On what kind of business?" the gate guard asked in a stumped tone. He was surprised to see that the Vampire was, out of characteristically, appearing right at the front door of his Boss'' home and headquarters.


    "I am here to pay off my¡­ protection¡­ money." Iris hesitantly spoke with each word from her sentence being lowered in volume to a near faint whisper. She never imagined herself saying those words of defeat to the Burning Horse Bandits less alone right in front of her most hated annoyance Devico.


    "What is that again?" the gate guard asked again. He leaned his ears from his elevated position down to the ground below.


    "I¡­ Am¡­. Paying¡­For¡­Protection¡­" She said again brokenly with a mildly raised voice.


    "Speak up you bitch!" cussed the guard.


    "I am Paying Protection Money!" Iris angrily roared. Her superhuman lungs pierced through the heightened abode where the Burning Horse thug was.


    The gate guard recoiled in shock by the sudden shouting of the Vampire that he nearly lost his footing and his armored hat.


    "Okay Lass, by the Astral Gods okay. I will let you in. Oi Egbhert! Open the Gate!" the gate guard said.


    The Barded Gate slowly opened to Iris. It''s creaking noises unpleasantly scratched her sensitive ears as the Portcullis that is seals the entrance slide slowly upwards to allow the Vampire Witch entry. With no turning back now and the hope of both help from the UFE and the prospect of the dismantling of the Burning Horse Organization, she walked inside the Mansion''s Property.


    The inner courtyard of the building is a blandly stoned floored clearing with dozens of crates and barrels littering the grounds. One of Devico''s Modus Operandi''s is the ''obtaining'' of commodity goods or simply something people will pay hundreds of Ducats to pay for like medicine and weapons. He would often sell these items at exorbitant rates way above the accepted market value. But the people of Tyr Rian couldn''t do anything about it as the Burning Horse Bandit''s ''Legit Front'' monopolizes most of the Trade of Tyr Rian except for a few competitors like Lutheor Mirien who all are barely afloat from their own entrepreneurial wit alone. Normally this would invite an investigation team of the Principalities Tax Collectors. who would check on his hastily accumulated wealth and seek any accounting anomalies from his number books that all businesses keep to track their purchases and sales. Devico would counter the investigators through bribery, blackmails to key officials and occasionally if things get desperate, a ''disappearance''. For the leader of the Burning Horse Bandit''s Leader, he was on top of the world as he stood up from his office building and headed to the balcony that oversees his mansion''s inner courtyard.


    "Well, Well, if it isn''t the Pale Witch of the Woods herself Iris Cadohagan." Devico smugly declared.


    "Enough of your tripe Devico." Iris raised her head and frowned at the Bandit Leader.


    "Oh, still not getting over that ''Accident'' your house? I am terribly sorry for the ''Tragedy''." Devico sarcastically apologized.


    Iris held back her anger as she gnashed her teeth and aimed daggers from her eyes to the Haughty Bandit Leader above her.


    "I worked hard at that house. I built it with my own two hands." She said fighting back her tears.


    "Oh, come down milady. You wouldn''t want to spook my guards with your witch powers. And don''t make me laugh on your ''hard work''. I know you are a ''Bloody'' cheater on the whole ''Magic'' business of yours with Lutheor Witch." Devico said mentioning Iris kept secret from the people of Tyr Rian.


    The Vampire gripped her hands at the hearing of her Dark Secret that Devico toyed with her and wrapped his grimy hands around her like a string to a puppet. If word had gone out of her Vampiric Nature, hoards of Inquisitors and Hunters would hunt her down and kill her. She feels so vulnerable being in the mercy of the Bandit Lord. All she could do was stand idly at the middle of that courtyard while Devico watched below menacingly.


    "Guards¡­ it has seemed our guest is rather silent right now and I was having so much fun conversing with her. Please¡­ Motivate her." Devico ordered.


    Four Men appeared out of the main door of Devico''s Mansion carrying crossbows. They ran towards Iris, surrounded her from all sides and aimed their weapons at point blank range. The Vampire Noticed that the Crossbows were equipped with the special ''Blessed'' Bolts that can Critically Injure and even kill a Vampire in one shot.


    "My Sentry told me you have my long overdue Protection Money. Hand it over." Devico called.


    "But it is my Life''s Savings¡­" Iris objected.


    "Do I look like I care?" Devico snapped back.


    The Vampire Witch sorrowfully reached to her pockets and grabbed her coin purse. She opened the bag and looked sadly at her money. She will be reduced to a lowly beggar when she hands over the last of her Ducats to Devico. She was about to lose hope and hand over the purse when a voice spoke through her ear.


    "Hey Snow White, I made it in." Spoke Vincent. "Shit¡­ you''re in a pickle aren''t ya? Okay listen to me carefully. I am goin to count to three. A three I will throw a Flash Bang Grenade at your position blinding them. Close your eyes so you won''t get blinded. Then once they are down take the down the two tangos at your right. I will deal with your left. Ready?" Vincent quietly explained.


    With renewed hope, Iris steeled herself clutching her hands and her money purse. The Crossbowmen armed with the Blessed Bolts, placed their hands on the triggers as Devico continued to call out to the Vampire.


    "My money¡­ NOW!" Devico exclaimed impatiently. If he doesn''t get his Protection Money that instant he would most likely pry that money from Iris real dead hands.


    "One¡­ Two¡­" Vincent began to Countdown.


    "Kill her!" Devico shouted.


    "THREE!" Vincent yelled as he threw the Flashbang Grenade at Iris Position.


    The Vampire closed her eyes quickly just as the grenade exploded in a blinding light stunning and disorienting the Crossbow Bandits.


    With Adrenaline fueling her rage, Iris unleashed her Vampire Claws from her hands and slashed the two bandits on her right with two quick left and right hooks killing them instantly on each hit. Vincent emerged from his hiding place of barrels and opened fire on Iris''s left sided hold-uppers with a burst of his UMP-45 taking them down before they could get a shot off.


    "Iris! Get to Cover!" He yelled as he grabbed the Vampire and dragged her back. The two were under a hail of Bolt and Arrow Fire as they dove into a barrel of crates.


    "Vincent! You saved me. How did you get in?" Iris happily thanked the Ex-thief but was surprised by Vincent''s ability of penetrating the Mansion''s Security constructed features.


    "A good thief never reveals his secrets." Vincent dodged the question. He never liked revealing his tricks of his trade due to his Omerta.


    He peeked slowly from the corner of the crate to see where the missle fire was coming from. Catching a glimpse of their attackers he saw one man armed with a Longbow aiming right at his position and his eyes met with his.


    "Damnit!" Vincent yelled as he recoiled back to the safety of his cover clutching his right eye in pain.


    "Vincent!" Iris yelled concernedly at the Ex-Thief.


    Letting go of his right eye, Vincent opened them and with what seemed like a stroke of sheer luck that the arrow missed him by an inch as he looked over the top and noticed that the arrow narrowly implanted itself a mere inch from where the end of the crate was.


    "Fucking shit, Samantha we are going loud. Go loud. I need suppression fire over here!" Vincnet yelled at the radio.


    "Copy that! Strike Team. Move in and take down the package." Samantha ordered.


    The UFE Soldiers and the brave volunteers uncloaked themselves and exposed their gear and weapons in broad daylight. The fantasy world people turned their heads at the strange warriors who revealed themselves in their alien armor. Some were stunned in astonished admiration while others frozen in fear over their intentions. Captain Mendoza stepped over a Table and shot a burst from his Assault Rifle and waved wildly.


    "Everyone get down!" He screamed.


    With the group''s intentions made clear by the civilians. The people of Tyr Rian ducked in cover and began to flee away from them. The resulting commotion caused chaos among the ranks of the Market goers as they scrambled to get away. There was screaming, tripping, accidental bumping and people praying for safety to their patron gods as the Ground Team made their way through the Markets striding past the screaming civilians. They were followed by the Land Cruiser''s armed with the intimidating and the old reliable Browning .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun.


    "Contact!" Yelled Mendoza. He quickly gunned down a Burning Horse Bandit who had pulled out his sword and tried to charge at him while he took point.


    "Lay Covering Fire for Vincent and Iris! Roof! Take them out." Samantha said intensely at her radio.


    "I see''em. I got a shooter on the roof of the two-story building front!" Kayin exclaimed as he fired his Grenade Launcher at the roof of Devico''s Mansion. The 40 x 46 mm HE Grenade exploded on impact as the ceramic tiles of the roof erupted causing the Archers and Ballistaes to be launched flying from the great and awesome force of the explosion.


    "Come on!" Vincent yelled to Iris. He firmly gripped her shoulder and dragged her out of their cover and dashed to the gate tower''s door a few feet away from them.


    He kicked open the door and swayed his UMP side to side to check for hostiles. "Clear!" He yelled as he sheathed his SMG and looked upwards to the spiral stairs leading to the Opening Mechanisms.


    "Fuck, I hate stairs. Alright Iris, stay behind me." He said.


    The Vampire Witch Nodded and prepared her claws as the two made their way upwards.


    Meanwhile at the city streets below an intense Magic, Arrow and Gun Fight was taking place. After quickly dispatching the guards patrolling the ground, the Ground Strike Team are now besieging the Mansion itself. Volleys of Missiles both Magical and the Physical flew across each other as the fire fight was slowly but surely tipping over the UFE''s favor due to their superior weapons and explosive ordinances from Kayin''s Grenade Launcher.


    "Come at me! I will strike your Heathen Souls!" yelled Father Bishop as he let out a barrage of Shotgun slugs at the building.


    "Grenade!" Kayin shouted. He turned around and fired his MGL at a window where several Crossbowmen and Mages were defending in. The great explosion that followed caused a huge hole of splintered wood and charred stone where the section of the Mansion used to be. As soon as the ashes cleared from the explosion, the defenders from the house seemed to stop firing back as all became quiet from the city street level.


    "Everything''s clear outside. You got 30 seconds to open that gate. Haul Ass." Samantha radioed.


    After listening in to Samantha''s update, the Two Infiltrators continued to make their way up the stairs panting heavily from the exercise of their legs and lungs. As they were about to reach the end of the flight, the same Gate Guard who talked with Iris earlier ambushed them from the top of the stairs. Using his superior height advantage, he thrusted his spear towards Vincent. Thanks to his Rapid Movement Booster Augmentations he was able to weave sideways to dodge to spear''s tip. Vince bended his legs while thrusting his hands to grapple the guard''s thigh and arm and carried him over his shoulders before slamming him on the ground with a mighty throw. Dazed by the attack, the Sentry barely had any time to recover his bearings before his chest was slashed open by Iris'' claws killing him.


    "Nice job." Vincent complimented.


    "You too." Iris gave her gratitude back.


    The two soon made it to the top of the stairs and opened the door to the Gate Mechanism Room. It was filled with an amalgamation of machinery and steel chains that work in tandem together to make the Heavy-Duty Gate of the Mansion slide up to open and slide down to close. Seeing a winch that has large chains wrapped around it, the two jogged over to it and began to pull the winch up. The Portcullis moved upwards as the UFE soldiers looked on in pleased smiles.


    As Crocker looked on he noticed that from the hole that Kayin had earlier launched a grenade to, a large figure arose from the shadows. The figure barely was seeable with the naked eye before it dashed across the room towards the direction of the Gate Mechanism Room. Lewis unleashed a Burst of his LMG at the figure but he missed as the shape moved out of the way and disappeared.


    "Guys you got a big fast mover heading to your direction. I can''t get a shot off." Crocker radioed in.


    He turned around to see that the gate was now a quarter and a half open allowing people to freely walk inside. He rested his LMG by his abdomen as he walked towards the gate and taking a deep sigh of relief that the mission is so far going smoothly as expected by Samantha.


    "A wha----" Vincent radioed back before static followed.


    "Vince!" Iris yelled. She saw the Ex-Thief being thrown away from the Winch as a giant Ogre grabbed him and threw him across the room. Following him was Iris who the Ogre grabbed and did the exact same thing to the Vampire launching her at the opposite end of the room near the same spot where Vincent landed.


    "Eghbhert hates manfilth who touch Gate Wheelie! Eghbhert Hates Intruders like Boss-man Devico!" the Ogre said as he grabbed the Winch Mechanism and worked his strong hands to close the gate as quickly as the machinery can command. The Portcullis began to rapidly slide downwards on top of Crocker.


    "Sarge watchout above!" Yelled Samantha who could only watch and hold her breath as Crocker turned his head upwards.


    "Oh shit!" Crocker exclaimed as he dropped his LMG to the floor and raised his hands upwards and grabbed the Gates'' frame. Channeling the power of his Exo-suit from his legs, he shoulder pressed the gate causing a great dust cloud to explode from the point of impact shocking the UFE soldiers who were still behind him.


    "Get in! Get in!" He ordered.


    Seeing that the Exo-Suit cladded soldier has opened albeit momentarily the gate. The UFE soldiers flooded through the gate whilst Crocker strongly held firm.


    "Why¡­Wheelie¡­ Nogo¡­all way?" The ogre questioned to himself. The Winch should have went all the way down but unseen force was stopping from fully being pushed down. Angered, the brute pushed harder with all of his strength.


    The Portcullis slowly began to lower down. Crocker had to bend his elbows downwards as the gate''s stake tips slowly got closer to his face.


    "RAAAGGHH!!!!" Crocker roared as he struggled to keep the gate open. The Brit fell on his knees as the gate''s weight slowly began to overwhelm him. He can even feel the force of several arrows pierce his armor in vain but were stopped instantly before the arrow tips could touch the more delicate parts of his body.


    Meanwhile the onlookers from the Citizenry of Tyr Rian looked curiously at the man who was holding the Portcullis open. They were amazed to see both the man hold the gate open with his bare hands despite Eghbhert the Ogre Gatekeeper pushing it back down, still persevering even after being shot several times by the Burning Horse Thugs, and the sheer fact that he and the group of mysterious soldiers are standing up to the hated Devico and his Bandits. The crowd began to cheer for him behind his back.


    "Go! You can do it!" said one peasant.


    "Don''t let those bastards win!" added a rich nobleman.


    "Come on love! Show me what you got!" cheered a Street Crumpet lusciously.


    Hearing all the cheers behind him echoed deep inside Crocker. Listening to people telling him to persevere gave him the will to redouble his efforts and pushed back up the heavy gate with a mighty roar from his lungs. He lifted himself from his knees and mightily pushed the gate back upwards. The bystanders erupted in cheers as the brave strangely armored man stood back up.


    Whilst Eghbhert the Ogre continued to push the Winch down. Vincent managed to recover from his fall and get back up to his feet.


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    "Damnit, some big guy is trying to close the gate!" Vincent Radioed.


    "Crocker is barely keeping it open. Take him down." Samantha replied.


    Vince aimed his Ump at the Ogre and fired a barrage of Full Auto fire at the beast. All 25 bullets from his clip pierced the Ogre''s body but the giant humanoid was still breathing, albeit heavily from his wounds still trying to push the Winch down.


    "Shit he shrugged off a full clip." Vince anxiously radioed.


    "Where is he? I think I can get a shot off." Obediah radioed in from his vantage point.


    "Laze it!" Samantha urged.


    Grabbing his laser designator from his pockets, turned the device on causing the small handheld electronic to burst to life with a brightly lit green laser came out from it.


    "Hey Ugly! Eat Fifty Cal bitch!" Vincent delivered a Pre-Mortem One Liner at the Ogre as he aimed the Laser Designator at Eghbhert''s head.


    Before the Ogre could even react, his face exploded in a bloody pulp of brain matter and bone. The giant fell down dead as his limp arms let go of the winch.


    "Big Guy is dead. Nice Shot Obed." Vincent radioed


    "Thanks for the Spot." Obediah answered back.


    Vincent turned around to Iris and helped her back up to her feet. After thanking him for the gentlemanly gesture, the two made their way back to the Winch. Iris non-chalantly slide her fingers at the bloodied hole where the Ogre''s head used to be to catch some fresh blood off of the Ogre.


    "Waste not what not." Iris said as she licked off the blood from her fingers. "Not bad¡­ for an Ogre." She added.


    "Yuck! If you''re gonna do that more often, not in front of me okay?" Vincent cringed.


    He promptly grabbed the Winch and pulled it back up until the mechanism was now all the way open.


    Fully relieved from the heavy-ton weight of the Gate. Crocker turned around to the cheering crowd of Gliesians and curled his biceps.


    "He toa ahau!" He yelled triumphantly in his Maori Tongue.


    For that old-soldier, he had achieved something he had always wanted to hear but never knew he would live to actually obtain, praise and appreciation from people He could remember all the heartache of the political scene back in the UFE worlds over various controversies from condemnations from vicious journalists to hateful insurgents. In that moment, those horrible war memories melted away as he lived the moment. People were throwing their cheers, loose currency and even a couple of women''s undergarments at him.


    Meanwhile back above the Gate Tower, Iris and Vincent rested for a moment with a canteen of water. Iris merrily sipped the metal container as Vince watched her.


    "You look pretty drinking water. Sweat falling from the brow. I got to say, Damn Girl¡­" Vincent flirted.


    "You know how to please a woman¡­ but¡­ I have someone in mind already¡­" Iris replied.


    "Oh, you going dating with someone? Hope the bastard doesn''t freak out over your teeth." Vincent warned.


    "Oh, it''s someone from the Colony and¡­ I have yet to tell him about it." Iris quietly said. Her voice faltered as she finished her previous sentence.


    "Really? Who---" Vincent was about to ask until he was interrupted by the beeping alert of his radio.


    "Uhm, Vincent, Iris¡­ we got a Magical Problem here¡­" Kayin radioed in.


    "What is it?" Vincent asked.


    "Take a look outside¡­ have Iris look into this¡­ It''s¡­ uhm¡­ how do I¡­" Kayin said. His tone was of confused rambling as he stuttered to communicate his thoughts over to Vince.


    Ex-Thief followed by the Vampire Witch, moved towards the window that overlooked the Inner Courtyard to investigate. When they edged themselves over to the window, they saw that all of the UFE soldiers were gathered in front of the Mansion''s front door and were trying to breakthrough it but a wall of rocks impeded their progress. Several of the soldiers were trying to use their small arms to chunk off the wall


    "Nothing is working! It''s Bulletproof!" Said one of the Land Cruiser''s Machinegun Operators after he let out a mighty burst from his .50 Caliber gun.


    "Stand back! Explosive Charge!" Yelled another UFE soldier. He tossed a C4 at the wall and triggered detonation. After the resulting explosion, the soldiers noticed that their obstacle has begun to show several signs of damage by cracks in the rock''s surface


    "That Rock Wall Spell is just going to be regenerated." Iris commented.


    "You know this magic?" Vincent asked.


    "Yes, it''s normally used for engineering purposes but clever mages can use it to block off pathways. Trust me, I have done it myself." Iris replied.


    "Well that Rock Wall is going to let Devico get away!" Samantha radioed into their conversation.


    "Can you find a way to take it down Iris? You''re the ''Magic'' expert here?" Samantha asked Iris.


    "I know that Rock Wall is an Earth Spell so it should be weak to Water and Ice Destruction Magic." Iris answered.


    "Well, go down there and see what you can do. I'''' see if I can cut off Devico from his left flank, try and buy you guys some time." Vincent said.


    "Sound''s like a plan. Make sure he doesn''t get away." Samantha said.


    Turning down his communications. Vincent turned around and kicked open a door to proceed deep into the depths of the belly of the beast not before gesturing a thumbs up, a sign of ''Good Luck'' to Iris for the UFE. The Vampire smiled in amusement that she has gained the likings of the Ex-Thief do to their coordinated teamwork together.


    Flying down the stairs from earlier, Iris made herself back into the Inner Courtyards where the rest of the UFE army are standing idly by over the Rock Wall.


    "You can''t even breakthrough this door even if the blind and the lame are left to defend it!" the voice of Devico spoke taunting the UFE soldiers from his Office Room on the top floor.


    "Nyah! Nyah! You''re a bunch of losers!" teased one of his henchmen.


    "May God send you to the deepest pit of hell!" Bishop fired back. He waved his shotgun at them and cursing them to high heavens over the despicable sorceries that impeded his and the UFE''s ''Crusade'' against the Burning Horse.


    As the exchange of profanities continued, Iris touched her chin with her finger in deep thought. As she observed the Rock Wall, she noticed that the mages conjuring it have made it unusually strong in structural integrity. It would take a great amount of Magical Energy expenditures from her to make a dent in that. If only she had a Magic Wand or Staff to amplify her power, she can''t do much with her bare hands and will alone without dangerously pushing herself to exhaustion that not even her Vampiric Physiology can hope to survive off without adequate care.


    "Stand Clear, shooting a HE!" Kayin declared. He wielded his MGL and aimed at the obstructed door and fired his Grenade Launcher. At first, Iris could hear the device give out a moderately audible ''chook'' sound from Kayin''s weapon before a loud thunderous roar from the 40mm Grenade Round impacted and exploded center mass on the Rock Wall''s surface.


    The dust clouds cleared that the infractions at the Rock Wall has now become more visibly larger to the naked eye and showed signs of collapse.


    But before the soldiers can celebrate and fire another explosive ordinance at the Rock Wall a loud voice echoed from within the mansion.


    "Fire!" the voice spoke.


    The Rock Wall quickly broke formation and was now a loose collection of flying rocks that were the size of a man''s head. The floating pieces of Earth began to fly forward at the direction of the UFE Soldiers. Men ducked in cover as the courtyard became an obstacle course of debris and broken crates as everyone tried to protect themselves from the enlarged projectiles. Iris dived a pile of barrels as she hid from the oncoming fire. She slightly peeked sideways to see the ongoing chaos. She saw that most of the UFE soldiers have crawled to safety behind similar cover or at the back of the Land Cruisers.


    As her eyes scanned the horizon she noticed that there was a familiar black faced soldier who lay on the ground shaking his head with a stunned faced.


    "Kayin!" Iris shouted. She dashed out of her cover using her Vampiric reflexes and agility to dodge the flying rocks.


    She made her way to the Private First class and cradled him to her arms. He was still gripping his Grenade Launcher in his hands. She instinctively looked around for imminent signs of danger and saw a dozen rocks flying towards her. With magic conjuring from her hands, Iris created a Rock Wall of her own that shielded Kayin and her from the debris. She clutched the head of the Nigerian with arms as she hears the thudding sounds of the rocks impact her Rock Wall. Dust clouds of dust percussions from behind her fell down to taint her raven hair. When the noise stopped, Iris peeked over again from her cover to see that the rocks that were previously thrown around like dodgeballs at the UFE were now returning back to their point of origin which was the Mansion''s Entrance Door. The rocks quickly reformed the wall''s structure to its original unblemished state.


    "God fucking damn you!" Crocker explained as he saw the Rock Wall repair itself. After all that firepower expended, they were back to square one.


    "Man down!" yelled a UFE Combat Lifesaver. He rushed towards Iris and Kayin alongside Father Bishop.


    "Kayin my son, what did those heathens did to you?" Bishop asked.


    Iris looked at the Engineer''s Face and noticed his eyes were closed, his face sweating and his breathing was heavy.


    "He has a concussion. I saw him get grazed by a rock before falling down. Thank God for Kevlar Helmets." The Combat Lifesaver said.


    "Will he be okay?" asked Iris concernedly.


    "Yes, but he is effectively knocked out of the fight for a while." The Medic said.


    "Damn you wicked sorceries! I will smite thee!" Bishop frowned, he raised his fist and directed it to the Mansion.


    "Keep quiet! Your going to make it worse for Mudwin." The Medic protested. He pushed the Father''s head down to their cover and quieted his angered shouts.


    "I have to say, I think I misjudged you a bit Iris. You did save him. But you need to do more to trust me." Bishop complimented.


    "Thank you. I never I would say that to a Holy Man before." Iris said. Her eyes then darted to the Grenade Launcher that Kayin was holding on his hand. It was laid aside of him on the ground whilst the Medic was attending him.


    "That''s a pretty strangely shaped staff you have there. Not anything like your ''Guns''." She said Curiously.


    "It''s an MGL Grenade Launcher. It fire''s High Explosive Grenade Rounds. You saw it right? Pretty impressive right?" Bishop said.


    "Yes, so it''s a weapon, right? Like your guns." Iris asked.


    "Indeed, it just shoots what I said, Grenades rather than smaller bullets. But why are you asking me right now? We are in a fight and we are losing." Bishop blasted.


    "Does it still have those ''Ammo'' things inside it?" Iris asked.


    Bishop crawled towards Kayin''s MGL, carefully retrieving it without disturbing the Medic''s work with the Engineer. He flipped over the revolver-like ammo storage of the gun and counted the holes over the filled ones.


    "It has three rounds left not including the rest from Kayin." Bishop answered.


    "Give it to me." Iris said.


    "What?" Bishop asked, dumbfounded of what he just heard. Did the Vampire who is also a Primitve Native of the Planet asked him, to give one of the UFE''s weapons to her?


    "Give it to me! I have a plan." She said.


    "What''s your plan?" Bishop asked again, still reluctant to relinquish the weapon.


    "This plan!" Iris exclaimed. Her hands conjured in blue energy that felt cold to the touch. She reached over the MGL and gripped the weapon with her bare hands.


    When the cold steel of the Grenade Launcher met with Iris'' hands, the magical energies from her transferred to the gun encasing it in a blue ethereal aura enchanting it with her Magics. Bishop could feel the weapon give out a cool breeze of ice from the device astonishing him. His utter amazement caused him to loosen his grip letting Iris get a hold of it as he tries to comprehend what he just saw happened right in front of his eyes.


    After retrieving the MGL and enchanting it with Ice Magic. She aimed the weapon at the Rock Wall and pulled the trigger. The 40mm grenade round shot forward which left a white trail of sparkling ice particles from its point of launch. It made contact with the Rock Wall causing it to explode in a great powerful blizzard. The Ice fully encased the Rocks in frozen ice.


    Smiled that her theoretical plan worked she turned to the UFE soldiers.


    "What are you waiting for? Shoot it now! It will chip away the ice." She cried.


    "Open fire!" Crocker ordered as he aimed his LMG and fired a hail of bullets at the now frozen Rock Wall.


    With the combined firepower from the small arms of the UFE soldiers and the three .50 Caliber Brownings, they managed to chip way the ice encased Rock Wall away opening the path forward.


    "Move in! Go! Go! Go!" Mendoza yelled.


    The UFE soldiers stormed inside the building locked, cocked and ready to rock. They began to shoot down all of the Burning Horse Bandits who were trying to fight back after their defenses failed but to no avail.


    "How did, How¡­ Iris? What the fuck did you do and why is that MGL colored blue and sparkly?" Crocker inquired.


    "Well, one of things I can do is enchant weapons. I know for a fact that your Guns are weapons so I theorized that, let''s say if I enchant this big Thunder Wand with Ice Enchantments, it will shoot out and explode in a mighty Ice Storm of Magic. I guess my theory is indeed correct." Iris said.


    She turned around to the door where it was reduced to a large and aesthetically ugly hole in the Mansion''s otherwise pristine exterior and that is when not accounting for the eroded earth, ash marks and slowly melting ice from the previous explosion and bullet storm.


    "I am not mad¡­ that''s actually pretty fucking amazing!" Crocker smiled. He moved his arms forward in a fist which caught Iris by surprise. She recoiled and stepped back.


    "Are you trying to punch me?" Iris asked.


    "Oh no! Sorry, it''s called a ''Fist Bump''. It''s a show of respect to people. Come on, curl your hands and fist my fist now." Crocker explained.


    Iris followed the Brit''s instructions and returned the fist bump to him. A surge of happiness emerged from her mood as she felt euphoric over it.


    "Like that? Respect?" Iris asked.


    "Yeah just like that. Hey where is Diaz?" asked Crocker.


    "We split up. He is going to cut off Devico from running away." She answered.


    "Alone? Fuck, we need to box that bastard now! Let''s go! Bishop you''re with us." Crocker said.


    "And can I have more of those ''Grenade'' ammo?" Iris added.


    The Father nodded and knelt over to the incapacitated Kayin and retrieved his pouch of 40 mm Grenade Rounds. Quickly picking up his shotgun he dashed back to Crocker.


    "Lead the way my son. Smite the unbelievers!" He declared.


    "Ah-fucking-men!" Crocker affirmed as he reloaded his LMG with a fresh belt of ammo and cocking it.


    The three break their way through the enforced opening and began to storm the mansion with Crocker leading the way.


    Iris would constantly enchant and disenchant the Grenade Launcher to be able to fire a variety of magically enhanced grenades from Poison clouds that cause the defenders to collapse in their own vomit, Electric Shock which paralyzed any charging thugs'' dead in their tracks and an ''Ice Bomb'' which turns the Burning Horsemen into human popsicles. She did have to take care of not giving the Bandits a taste of their own medicine however because she is indoors and when she suggested a ''Fire Bomb'' to Crocker, Lewis replied:


    "Fuck no! You wanna burn this lot to the ground¡­ while we were INSIDE it?" the Brit protested after he delivered an Exo-suit enhanced straight punch to a hapless Bandit who managed to get too close to him.


    The three continued up the multi-storied mansion. Iris became more familiar in the handling of the MGL. Unlike most medieval weapons from Gliesia such as the mundane swords and daggers to the magical staffs and wands, the MGL was heavier than she was normally used to when in comes to them. The scope that was railed on top of the launcher helped her aim and get used to how the weapon quirks and behavior. Her hands became used to the slight recoil that the launcher does after she triggers the firing mechanism. Additionally, at first when she had run out of ammo, she struggled find a way to reload the device. Thankfully Crocker was there to show her how to open the launcher''s ammo storage and showed her how to place the 40mm grenades inside properly.


    After fighting their way up Devico''s mansion, the three made their way up the stairs into the top floor where Devico''s office is. But before that, they need to breach the hallway first.


    "Clear!" Crocker said as he kicked open the door and swiftly moved inside. He straffed the room and swayed his LMG in all directions to search for hostiles but all he found were the corpses of Burning Horsemen who died of bullet wounds.


    "Took you slow pokes long enough." Diaz''s voice echoed.


    He emerged from the shadows casually drinking from a bottle of decanted wine.


    "Are you drinking in the middle of a mission?" Crocker growled.


    "I got bored. Dealt with these fucks a few minutes ago. They got like an entire cellar at the door behind me. When this shit''s over let''s celebrate with some of this stuff. I can tell if my old boss taught me anything of Sommelier know-shit." He said placing the wine bottle at a nearby table.


    "If we get a reason to celebrate. Have you seen Devico?" Crocker asked.


    "Yes indeed. He is hold up by his office by the shiny gate at the end of the hall way. Haven''t seen anyone come in or leave. Bet he is shitting himself right now. I mean, Ice Grenade? Iris that''s genius." Vincent laughed.


    Iris blushed over that comment from the Ex-Thief over her plan with the MGL. She honestly didn''t know if Enchanting would work with the UFE''s guns to begin with. It was a wild gamble that paid off well.


    "Good on you my son. Shall we end this Crusade once and for all?" Bishop asked.


    The regrouped UFE soldiers walked together in unison down the hallway ready for the final confrontation with the feared Bandit Lord of Tyr Rian.


    "El-tee, we are reaching the objective. Can you see what''s our opposition?" Asked Crocker.


    "I hear you Sarge, I count seven tangoes and the target himself. Be advised the target is ducking behind the cover of his desk. Obed is going to provide fire support over." Samantha radioed.


    "Told you he is shitting himself." Vincent commented.


    The four now arrived by the vicinity of the large door. It was intricately designed with various mythical figures from pictures of what looked like unicorns, eagles, dragons and a several nude women.


    "In the count of three we wi---AAAAHHHH!!!!!" Crocker was about to tell his orders when he felt a great ejection of electricity zapped him as he touched the door handle. He fell down on the floor gripping his hand injured hand with Bishop catching him to ease his fall.


    "What sorcery is this?" Bishop asked in shock.


    "The door! It must be under the effects of Soul-Binding." Iris reasoned.


    "What the hell is that supposed to be?" Crocker asked. Getting back up to his feet with the help of Bishop.


    "Soul-Binding was originally used by Nobles to protect family heirlooms and valuables. The enchantment works by linking the soul of the owner with the item so only he maybe the only person to hold it. If someone other than the owner was touch the said item, it will deliver a shock that dissuades any thief from trying again." Iris explained.


    "So, like some sort of Biometric Scanner? If you''re the person by blood, DNA and fingerprints¡­ or in your case¡­ ''Soul''. You can touch it, but anyone else will get electrocuted?" asked Samantha.


    "Indeed, most likely the door is linked with Devico himself." Iris replied.


    "But that door is the only way in." Vincent said.


    "Shit, we need to get Devico and his Blackmail material or all our work here is for nothing." Crocker protested in frustration.


    Soon the three men who accompanied her began to argue. They yelled over what to do now and ''Plan B''s'' whilst Iris was left alone with the MGL at her hand. Looking at the Ammo Cartridge of the launcher, she can see she now has only one 40 mm round left. She looked again at the large door that guarded Devico''s office. It was made of reinforced steel from what looked like dwarven casting. She recalled her old notes about metal and came up with an idea, albeit a very crazy one.


    With her mind and mana energies working in tandem together, her hands conjured the red and heated energies of a raging volcano. She then transferred that knowledge of the magic into the launcher enchanting it with fire magic.


    "Samantha, tell Obediah to get ready to fire. I am going in." Iris radioed.


    "Really? Okay, you better now what you''re doing." Samantha answered.


    Aiming her launcher at the door, she took a deep breath as she put all her faith at the might of her new weapon the MGL. She squeezed the trigger and the grenade round that fired flew out with a fiery trail as hot as a Dragon''s breath. When the grenade impacted the reinforced door, a powerful explosion that melted the hinges of the door and sent it flying across Devico''s office. The fire also incinerated two men who were standing beside the door. The last of the Burning Horsemen steeled themselves but the resultant smoke cloud impeded their vision.


    With an opening cleared. Iris set aside the Grenade Launcher and raised her claws. She dashed towards the door followed by Crocker, Bishop and Vincent. The Vampire, using her superhuman eyes she spotted a blinded hostile and cut him down with her claws. Her male companions also took their share of the kills with Bishop, Vincent and the Sharpshooting support of Obediah from across the street with his Anti-Material Rifle whilst Crocker took the last two down with his LMG.


    "Clear!" Crocker declared.


    Vincent walked towards the desk and grabbed Devico by the neck. He was shorter than the Thief by a few inches but weighed more than him. He raised the man as high as he could with his arm, slightly choking the now defenseless Bandit Lord.


    "This him?" Vincent asked.


    "Yes, it is. Keep him there. I will get rid off of the Blackmail material." Iris said. She walked towards the shelves of books of Devico''s office and began to search it for his files.


    "Please, I can give you five thousand Ducats if you let me go." Devico pleaded.


    "Shut up!" Vincent yelled. He sadistically slammed down Devico''s head on to the leg of his desk before following a swift front kick slightly fracturing his skull.


    "You can''t bribe another Criminal friend." He talked back. "Iris, see that dirt material¡­ that''s slang for ''Blackmail'' mind you." He said.


    The Vampire Witch began to scour the library shelves, moving past books as fast as she could. She was helped with Bishop who helped her pull out the books from the upper shelves which she couldn''t reach. For each book she grabbed she would quickly flip through it in a brisk pace to see if the content was the gossip and damning evidence that Devico collected about the powerful elites of Tyr Rian that had kept him untouchable throughout the years. As she searched frantically for the book, Devioc turned his eyes towards the Vampire.


    "You will never find my book Witch! Ha ha!" the Bandit Lord scoffed.


    Vincent was about to give another sadistic punch to Devico, the Bandit lord pulled out a knife and tried to swipe the blade to him. His captor managed to quickly dodged the knife''s edge by merely a centimeter. The ex-thief grabbed the man''s hand, twisted the arm to disarm him to get the knife for himself then push the arm inwards. He slammed the man''s knife on the palm of his hand pinning it to the table.


    Devico let out a shrill scream that could be heard from outside his mansion.


    "Damn! You scream like a little bitch." Vincent spats. "Where is it?" He asked again.


    "In the safe¡­ but you will never crack it by the time the city guards arrive and arrest you all. That the lock is made out of the thickest Scanda----" whilst Devico boasted about the security of his Safe, Sargent Crocker walked to the safe that was behind his desk and in one great heave from his Exo-Suit, he ripped the safe''s door.


    "-danite¡­" Devico finished his sentence as he looked dumfounded at the breach of his most secured asset.


    Crocker reached into the safe and in a few moments, he managed to grab an untitled grey and red colored book.


    "Hey Iris, think this it?" Crocker asked. He tossed the book to the Vampire who began to quickly read through it.


    "Yes, this it!" Iris smiled. "By the Gods, he has Blackmail on virtually everyone. The Captain, the Prince, the Princess, the Chief Tax Collector, the Judges, Lutheor and¡­ here it is, Me." Iris continued. She ripped several pages from the book which has contained all the compromising information about her. After she has grabbed the pages, she conjured her hands to catch on fire, burning the papers to ash.


    Devico''s face dropped into despair as he was finally defeated. He nodded his head down in shame as the Bandit Lord and his entire organization was obliterated in just one morning.


    "Yeah that''s right sucks to be you!" Vincent teased.


    "We did it!" Crocker raised his fist in celebration.


    "Glory be to God!" Bishop added.


    "Yo Sammy girl, got the package and the Blackmail. Mission Success hooyeah!" Vincent radioed in.


    At the other side of the street by the Drunken Bastard Inn, Samantha sighed in relief then smiled in great self-accomplishment as her first operation was a success. There were several unexpected deviations during the execution, but all of the men involved managed to breakthrough regardless.


    "Congratulations everyone! We did it." She radioed into everyone''s communications.


    The UFE soldier''s and Iris began to cheer and congratulate themselves over the battle-scarred ruins of the mansion. Men chanted ''Porro Terra'' in high volumes and the civilian volunteers could be heard hugging each other in relief that they have all survived. There were a few injuries but according to the Combat Medic''s reports, the casualties should be able to make a full recovery in no time.


    "We did it Lieutenant Rose." Obediah smiled as he let go of the Anti-Material rifle he was holding.


    "You''re not a bad shot with that gun too. I was worried you might not handle the recoil." Samantha replied.


    "Oh, don''t worry, I got very steady hands." The redneck laughed.


    Just then, a knock on the door interrupted the two.


    "Miss Rose? It''s me Lutheor. I have someone who wants to talk to you." the voice of Lutheor spoke.


    "Who?" Samantha asked, she readied her pistol in hand, ready to fight back. She has feared that the Dwarf might have sold her and her team out despite them taking down the Burning Horsemen.


    "Miss Rose? This is the Tyr Rian City Guards. Prince Clovich has summoned you." said another voice the El-tee doesn''t recognize.


    "And what happens if I don''t?" Samantha asked. She aimed her pistol at the door ready to fire if the City Guards decide to barge through.


    "We won''t arrest you¡­ Yet¡­ if that is what you are asking. The Prince wants¡­ ''an explanation''." The voice of the City Guardsman said.


    "You can trust me in this. I explained everything to them." Lutheor vouch.


    Samantha absorbed the Dwarf''s words. She had always seen the Dwarf as a character of an honest to goodness businessman. If the Dwarf could keep Iris'' secret of her Vampirism safe throughout those years as she has explained, then it would not make any sense for Lutheor to sell her and her men out.


    "Very well, take me to him." Samantha said, lowering down her pistol.


    -------------------------- (A few moments later, back at the Mansion) ---------------------------


    The UFE soldiers were in a tense standoff against the Tyr Rian City Guards. They aimed their guns at the them whilst the Gliesian Natives aimed their Archer Bows, Crossbows, Swords and Halberds at them. Their cheering and celebration was cut short when the City Guardsmen rolled into the scene and the men were forced to make their stand inside the battle-ruined mansion entrance. Crocker and Captain Mendoza managed to discipline everyone from firing a shot less they ruin their chances of a diplomatic dialogue that they have fought hard that day to get.


    "You are trespassing at my territory explain yourselves!" yelled a regally dressed blond haired man in ornate armor who rode pass the City Guards on his giant horse cladded in Tyr Rian Heraldry.


    "Who is he?" whispered Crocker to Iris.


    "That is Prince Clovich, the ruler of Tyr Rian." Iris answered.


    "What do we do?" Crocker asked.


    "I don''t know? Where is Lutheor?" She replied.


    Whilst the Prince and the guards stood in ignorant stoicism from the face of the UFE''s guns, movement was spotted from behind the lines of guardsmen. Out pop none other than Lutheor Mirien. He brandished a diplomat''s smile as he walked right in the middle point of the divide between the UFE and the guard''s battle lines.


    "Friends, Friends, don''t be so scared right now. We are all friends here." The Dwarf said interceding the two parties.


    "Lutheor, are these the ''Friends'' of yours?" Prince Clovich asked.


    "Indeed, although they are more of a ''Friend of a Friend'' milord." Lutheor answered. "They are¡­ uhm¡­ Mercenaries as you can see from their weapons." Lutheor pointed.


    "Those are some rather strange weapons that they wield. I have never seen those and that armor of theirs where are they from?" asked the Prince.


    "Uhm¡­ yeah¡­ they are from¡­uhm¡­" Lutheor tried to answer that question from his liege yet he has forgotten how to answer that question.


    "Earth¡­ Prince... We are from Earth." Samantha said after pushing her way through the soldiers. She was followed by Obediah and an escort of two City Guards.


    "And who you might be?" asked the Prince.


    "I am Lieutenant Samantha Rose. My¡­ Lord. And I am responsible for this." Samantha said.


    "You know that there are two things you have just done. First off, you have been causing a loud commotion inside my city and from the reports I have gotten, there was ''magic'' involved of some unknown form. Normally freely throwing magic around in a populated city is a punishable offense." Clovich sternly said.


    "I understand that completely." Samantha nodded.


    "Then the second of course, is that you and your men are trespassing at a Nobleman''s property. That too is a crime but I know from this ''Noble'' that he is very ''unpopular'' with everyone here for very ''unscrupulous'' reasons. I assume Lutheor has sent you to do be, here hasn''t he?"


    "Yes, he did. Lutheor explained the details to you I presume?"


    "Where is Devico?" the Prince asked, leaning downwards to stare at Samantha''s azure eyes.


    "He is there with my men." She answered.


    She turned to her soldiers and gestured them. From the crowd of UFE soldier''s emerged Devico who was being held on gunpoint by Vincent.


    "That is indeed him. Can you justify, the ''accusations'' against him to warrant such a racket in MY city?" raised Clovich.


    "Hey, who has the book?" Samantha shouted.


    She was answered by the emergence of Iris who raised the big book of Blackmail on her hand who walked in front of the UFE soldiers proudly. She then moved towards Iris and handed her the book. Taking the book from her hands, Samantha passed the book to the Prince who took it from her as quickly as he can be able to reach it. The Prince read through book studiously. Samantha wondered about the meanings behind the unknown characters of whatever alphabet the Gliesian''s used as she stood there. As she observed the Prince''s face, she noticed the tiny hints on him that he was reading the contents of the pages with utter shock by the look of his widened eyes. Before Samantha could analyze him further, the Prince closed the book and handed it over to his back.


    "Take Devico to jail and have this destroyed." He ordered.


    One of the more ornately armored guards walked to him by his side and grabbed the book while another similarly dressed guard took Devico to custody. Hopefully that will be the end of the Blackmailing plague and reign of terror by the Burning Horse Bandits that has stagnated the people of the principality for decades as Samantha hoped it would be the case.


    "So, Ser Rose. Where do you come from? I am honestly curious about you and your people." the Prince turned his eyes back to her. His voice was less stern than earlier as he began to open courteously to her.


    "We come from a land far away milord." Samantha said.


    "Where is that land then?"


    "We come from a nation called ''the United Federation of Earth''."


    "''Earth''? Never heard of a place before by that name." He said baffled by the answered.


    "Well Earth isn''t here per se. We landed our colony at¡­"


    "What did you just say?" Prince Clovich interrupted.


    "Not here in Gliesia per se." Samantha answered.


    "No after that."


    "We landed our colony at¡­ uhm Iris¡­ Verden Forest Valley, right?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes, my Prince. They live in Verden Forest Valley." Iris said.


    Samantha was left frozen in shock when Iris used the word ''lived''.


    "Live in the Forest Valley? How come I never got any permissions from you?" the Prince snapped. His teeth grinned in anger as if he has spotted an intruder in his realm.


    "Look we had no idea that there are¡­" Samantha tried to explain but was stopped when she heard the sharp note of a drawn blade from its scabbard.


    "Trespassers! All of you!" Clovich roared brandishing his sword.


    Samantha felt the strong masculine hands grip her shoulders behind her as she was seized by the Guards. She saw Obediah getting seized with her and the UFE soldier''s aiming their weapons at them preparing to fire as the situation has gone completely south.


    "Please! I have a family and kid!" Obediah begged.


    "Whoa stop everyone let''s not be too hasty right now!" Lutheor tried to defuse the situation but a sword aimed at him silenced him from speaking further.


    "Do you have any last words before I send all of you to prison?" He pressed.


    "Iris fix this!" Samantha focused on the Vampire.


    Iris was now at fault for the negative scenario at hand. Sword''s aimed at her and the UFE gun''s behind her, she is good as dead if she doesn''t find away to soothe out the now heated tension between the two parties. She quickly began to consider her next words for something, until she figured out something that could leverage the prince to let her new friends go in peace.


    "My liege, before you decide to take any more action from this point and onwards may I tell you something I know through a whisper?" Iris said.


    "You know something witch? What is it?" Clovich asked intriguingly.


    "It''s about my friends that you must hear between me and you only. I can just whisper it to you right now." Iris replied.


    "Very well, I will entertain you. But after that I will throw you all to jail." Clovich nodded.


    Iris could hear from her enhanced hearing the cocking of guns from behind her as she knows that when their ''black powdered staffs'' make the ''clicking'' noise. They are about to fire their metal projectiles and gun everyone down.


    "Everyone, I got this." Iris turned around and held her hand and gestured an awkwardly conceived thumbs up.


    She turned back to see that Prince Clovich has now stepped down from his horse and was now waiting on here with his arms by hips, patience slowly growing thin. Iris leaned over and cupped her hands to Clovich''s ear to prevent anyone from eavesdropping. She place her mouth closed to him and whispered:


    "I read Devico''s book and I know you spy on the Empire for the Elves." Iris said.


    The Princes face grew pale in fear as his dark secret that Devico used to wrap him under his finger. Espionage for a foreign power was a punishable by death according to Imperial Laws.


    "But¡­ I understand why you do it. It''s for your sister. You care for her. Want to see her happy." Iris continued.


    "She is my only family left. What are you implying?" the Prince asked in a hushed voice.


    "I have seen these people perform what are miraculous that not even the best mages from the Conclave or from the Elves can hope to achieve. Look at them with their alien weapons and armor. They can easily cut you and your men down in minutes. But, I have seen them with flying boats, clothes that can make a nobleman green with envy, and the food as far as the eyes can see." Iris described.


    "Surely you are just jesting me right now." Prince Clovich answered. His left was slowly inching to his sword.


    "I am not milord. For I know a woman who is one of the Earth People who can heal people regardless of disease, her name is Hana and you can take Princess Aria to her. So, let me ask you, no actually make that let me propose to you a compromise. You let my friends, me and Lutheor go for now and when at your most convenient time, I can take you to where the Earth People live in your land. If you are not impressed by what they can offer to you as friends. You can jail or kill me, Lutheor and them as much as you want. Go ahead, call all your soldiers, call the Emperor, the Inquisition. But I plead you, as a citizen and as an associate of the respected merchant Lutheor Mirien of Mirien Trading Company to please, give my friends the Earth People a chance to be your friends." Iris advised.


    The Prince analyzed her words meticulously. For one long and harrowingly tense minute, the Prince just stood there in front of Iris whilst the tension between his guards and the UFE was frozen.


    "Very well, I will let them go and give them a chance to impress me. Guards, let them go at least for now." the blueblood signaled his men to stand down.


    The guards followed their leader without question, they lowered their weapons and let go both Obediah and Samantha. The Prince then turned to Iris and Samantha with a hard-nosed aura that unsettled the El-tee.


    "My earliest convenience is three days from now. I expect you Lutheor and Iris to take me to where the Earth People live. I will bring several of my Nobles along with my sister Princess Aria with about one thousand guards as my security. I expect to be entertained by you, ''the Earth People'' as Iris described in a way fitting of a man of my status. Fail to impress me or make any hostile moves against me and I will send in the full might of Tyr Rian and the Empire down upon you. Do I make myself clear?" the Prince said.


    "Yes milord." Iris bent.


    "Indeed." Samantha followed suit and bend down.


    "Then it is settled then. Men! Return to the castle!" Prince Clovich commanded.


    He climbed back up to his horse and turned around leaving the UFE alone in the ruined mansion relieved that the situation was defused from what could have been a very bullet rainy massacre.


    "My God! Praise thee we are alive!" Bishop declared.


    "I don''t know what you said to him but I love you now!" Vincent cried in joy.


    "Fucking great fucking job, you fuckin cheeky little bugger!" Crocker profanely congratulated the Vampire patting Iris on her back. "El-tee, you got to tell the news to command now." He added gesturing his hands to form the hand signal of the phone.


    "Ouch guys¡­ I just got cleared to walk by the medic. I should be good to go for three days¡­ hey¡­what the? Why the fucking is Iris holding my grenade launcher?"


    "Oh, you should have seen it. I''ll explain it on the way home. Come on, let''s exfil the hell out of here." Crocker said to the recovered engineer.

 8 Chapter 8: the Conference

    For the continent of Ysanigrad, the shining beacon of civilization there would be undisputedly the Slaegian Empire whose capital is the large port city of Haringpoint. Its territory outside the city extended to about 27 other regions of various sizes and topographies. Each of the regions ranging from provinces and vassals called Principalities are rich in resources whether it comes in bountiful farm fields, rich underground mines or being famous for the manufacturing of a certain good. Yet it has their downfalls.


    To the North, Raiders would descend from their desolated continent and attack the fishing villages and mining towns of the Empire''s northernmost nerritories. To the East lay a vast desert where Nomadic Orcs would besiege fortress towns in order to access the fertile grounds beyond. To the West is the Arrogant Elves, despite being split into 2 distinct factions, the Empire fears the worse possible fall out to happen if the Entente and the Pact go back to war one day. And right at the middle of their territory, Bandits roam free and there are rumors of an underground sect of unknown intentions plotting a massive uprising of fantastical proportions.


    The Empire''s armies could only do so much to deal such threats throughout their lands.


    In order to quell such lawlessness, the Empire created the Grey Order or more popularly known by the common folks as the ''Adventurer''s Guild''.


    The system in place is rather simple:


    ? People from all walks of life can write up formal a request called ''Quests'' and post it to any of the various branch offices of the Adventurer''s Guild scattered through out the Empire. They will need to pay a fee depending on the difficulty of the said Quests which will be formally classified into categories by an official who will grade them via a ''5-star'' system. (1 Star being Easy and 5 Stars being Dangerous)


    ? The Quest ''givers'' are ultimately responsible of the reward when the Quests has been successfully completed. These can range from material goods to services. All of the said rewards should be proportional to the rated difficulty of said quest.


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    ? Quest types can vary from Investigations, Escorts, Clearings, Acquisitions etc.


    ? Anyone, regardless of race and origin can become a member of the Adventurer''s Guild. However, it is known by the several members of the Imperial Government that they would use the Guild''s Human Resources for several clandestine government assignments.


    The Grey Order''s Headquarters is stationed right inside the Palatial District of Haringpoint where it first opened their offices to the citizenry. The Guild has existed for over a century. Initially most of the members of the Guild were citizens of Slaegia ranging from ex-Legionnaires of the Empire to citizens who can afford or are brave enough to take up a weapon. Then it has progressed to a diverse roster of Mages from the Conclave, Warriors from the Dwarven Mountain Kingdoms, Elves from Alfel Nora, even several Orcs and Northmen and much more. Most of the prolific members of the Guild work inside the HQ of the Guild in the Empire Capital where the most lucrative, nationally pressing and dangerous missions are often written to.


    "I am telling you, my visions say Tyr Rian! They will land there, see the people and unleash their might!" exclaimed Grandmaster Owyne of the Conclave of wizards.


    He is conducting a meeting of some of the most successfully Adventurer''s Guild members who he has hope can help him in such a cloudy time in the aftermath of Geltagar''s Comet. They were initially briefed over the facts beforehand such as the Conclave''s attempt to see the future, the massive magical explosion afterwards and the traumatization of the Conclave''s most powerful member Owyne.


    The Grandmaster, after spending weeks recovering from the explosion a month ago could now be seen in the libraries of the Conclave studying demonology books and mystical creature''s encyclopedias in his search for answers. Whenever he described the ''Man-Demons'' of Metal'' to such experts he was given replies of utter scoffing and confusion as they didn''t know what kind of creature he was describing for no such creature has ever been recorded to have even existed. Based on his fruitless search for answers based on all the accumulated knowledge the Empire has acquired throughout its time, the Grandmaster concluded that the creatures he saw in his premonitions were an entirely new species of unknown origin.


    "Grandmaster, surely you are still slightly off you head after that accident of yours?" asked Ser Petur the Faithful. "Tyr Rian? One of the smaller regions in terms of size and wealth in the Empire, is where these ''Demons'' you say will invade? Those poor souls they won''t stand a chance when they arrive we should rally the Legions and the Guild and march!"


    Ser Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf is a valiant ''Knight-for-hire'' who is in the Guild for ten years and has racked up over 400 completed quests, a quarter of which were classified as 4-Star Difficulty in the Quest Grading Systems. He was known far and wide for his bravery and ever resolute composure against the odds when he fought Orc Warlords, Necromancers and Monstrous Beasts. These deeds were accomplished by a form of Weapon''s Conjuring Magics he has pioneered where he can summon ghostly images of multiple weapons ranging from spears, swords and great battleaxes out of thin air and control telepathically. He uses his powers to multiply the damage he can do within one moment to exponential multiplications. He is also popular with the common folk for his bravery and is quite the bachelor to many young women at his ripe age of 29 years. Yet despite the publicity he receives, whenever danger arrives at any given moment, he would be the first to take up arms, hence his nickname ''the Faithful''.


    "But I saw those visions, is Tyr Rian the only place that brands the heraldry of a windmill on a green and red checkered Kite Shield?" Owyne took his point across with his question. He was damn sure he saw the heraldry of that backwater region in his visions.


    "I have to disagree with you Petur my friend." said the Prodigious Sorceress Carliah Silverdane standing up proudly in her lion mane like braided hair to object the sanguinary Knight "It doesn''t make sense for them to invade such a remote town. There is barely anything but farmlands and the small time Mirrien Trading Company. Would it make more sense for them to strike at a more¡­ important city like the Fortress City of Littlehill, the Trading Hub of Neugonia or Haringpoint directly?" she questioned.


    The Sorceress is best described as a Jack-of-all trades magic user able to do a variety of basic and intermediate spells from the Destruction, Restoration, Altercation, Conjuration and Illusion.


    "Perhaps they will use Tyr Rian as a staging point, it is military weak after all? Take down Prince Clovich and his Guards then flood in the rest of their armies unhindered before we can have a chance to react? And then once they got their entire party gathered, flood over the entire East of themselves and push all the way to Haringpoint." Reasoned the cold and calculating Mita ''the Northern Crow'' who was instead of sitting down on a chair, was leaning on the wall with her arms crossed listening to Owyne''s ramblings cladded in her skin tight ''Rogue Armor''.


    A Rogue by trade, she was responsible for numerous subversive security breaches of fortified buildings and a handful of assassinations of rogue elements. She is proficient in close quarters combat with her dual daggers and an excellent shot from her custom one-handed dwarven crossbow. She is mostly through and through a mercenary only interested in the money that the Imperial Government pay her handsomely with.


    "Can you give us more details of the visions you see, surely there is something you can remember that can help us. Just even a tiny bit of information?" inquired the grizzly tattooed dwarf Findrum.


    A Monster Hunter who has claimed the heads and cadavers of Minotaurs, Dragons, Lamias, Trolls and much more. He is one of the oldest members of the Guild. Despite his size of only a mere 5 feet, the Dwarf can go toe to toe with the strongest of beasts. He is also one of the humblest and honorable of the Guild as he pays great respects to those who fallen as his quarry. He can often be seen when outside his Monster Hunt Quests teaching the tricks of his job to the next generation.


    "Well¡­ I did remember that the De---" Owyne struggled to remember when the door to their meeting room knocked.


    "Who could be knocking at an important meeting like this?" Carliah rattled.


    Owyne walked towards the rooms door and slightly opened the door peeking outside to see who is disturbing them in such a time like this. As he looked he spotted a lithe young elf woman standing in front of him in a leather Ranger Gambeson of the Ethuilen Entente Elves and topping golden blonde hair. The Elf looked at him with buoyant eyes that could pierce the most stone-cold of hearts.


    "Greetings, I am Princess Aliathra, I am with the Elves and I was told to find Grandmaster Owyne." Aliathra explained herself. "I was sent her by my family to investigate the omens about the Comet''s passing." She continued.


    "Well you have come into the right place. I am just talking about it with some of the guild members. Take a seat and listen quietly. I was just about to tell something important." Owyne smiled. He pushed the door further allowing the Elven Princess to walk in.


    The four senior Guild members widened their eyes at the beautiful woman in utter awe. For someone who is an Elven Ranger of her apparel she is marvelously pleasing to the eyes. Most of the Elves who have undergone training are masculine in build due to the harsh training that they have entail and the dangerous assignments they are given. Both Petur and Mita felt rosy in their minds over the Ethereal beauty of the foreign warrior from Alfel-Nora.


    "People, this is Princess Aliathra Lareththor, daughter of King Aslanidor and Queen Elisven." Owyne announced.


    "A Princess in here? Your quite well armed for a Princess." Mita commented pointing to Aliathra''s Elven Bow.


    "My Father the king didn''t want to have his youngest daughter be a spoiled child locked in a gilded cage. That''s why he sent me to train with the Rangers." Aliathra said.


    "I was told Rangers have masculine bodies and strong muscles even the women. Your body is still quite feminine." Said Petur.


    "I only had Ranger Training for only half their training regiment under a private instructor being taught archery and survival only. But I can make up for it for because I am also an excellent Restoration and Alteration Magic." the elf answered.


    "So, what brings a Princess, let alone an Elf Princess from Alfel Nora here in Haringpoint?" asked Mita.


    "The Queen, my mother has sent me to the outside world to investigate the Comet." she answered the Rogue.


    "You say that like it is your first time." Petur noted.


    "This is my first time indeed being outside my country. I hope I and the rest of the Ethuilen Entente can help you in your investigations." Aliathra graciously spoke.


    "Don''t worry, the Empire will keep you safe during your mission on behalf of our friendship." Owyne heartened the Elf.


    "Please, inform me the details." Aliathra bided Owyne.


    "Okay, let me continue what I was about to say." Owyne nodded, he paused for a moment to let Aliathra sit down. "As I say, I remembered seeing ''Eyes'' fall down from the heavens to scour the lands for the Demons to feast upon. They will see our lands and greedily come over to feast on our souls and destroy all that we hold dear." Owyne said remembering the apocalyptic images from that faithful day.


    "Hold on for just one moment!" clamored Findrum. "They will send ''Eyes''? Explain."


    "I saw it. The eyes that the ''Demons'' send to scout our lands is held in a pedestal where a giant ''Eye'' is presented. It is carried over an admixture between broken clumps of metal and a small carriage.


    When the eyes will see our homes, our farms, our cities we will all face the wraths of the fires of hell on our soil." Owyne finished his ramblings


    .


    "You said ''will see'' am I correct?" asked Findrum.


    "Yes, they will see our homes and the Demons will descend upon us." Owyne acknowledged.


    "Hmm, call me crazy but I think we can actually prevent the Apocalypse from ever happening." Findrum proposed.


    Everyone in the room from the normally reserved Mita, the Intellectual Owyne and the Regal Aliathra all responded to Findrum''s statement with a flat ''What?''


    "What are you saying?" Aliathra asked shocked by the Dwarf''s words.


    "Demon''s from the mouthful I have taken down from those crazy cultists are animalistic in nature. The feed on people and love to do nothing more but sow ruin to our civilization." Findrum began to explain to his peers.


    "So, what are you proposing we do?" Owyne pressed. He leaned his body over to the dwarf eagerly to listen to what he has in mind.


    "Well most Demons must abide to their primal instincts just like any beasts. If they don''t see anything to eat in this case Souls of fully thinking individuals or thrash themselves around in any cities, they will lose interest very quickly." The Monster Hunter explained.


    "Are you suggesting we make Tyr Rian disappear or something like that? Ridiculous!" Petur howled.


    "Hold on for a minute Knight. I think Findrum is onto something." calmed Mita.


    "So, we ARE going to make the city disappear?" Petur questioned dumbfounded by Mita''s contradictory opinion.


    "Not really disappear. Make it LOOK like it disappeared." Mita explained. "Carliah how good are you in casting mirages?" the Crow turned to the Sorceress.


    "Well alone I can hide maybe a house or two for about a day." Carliah answered.


    "How many of the Illusion Mages can the Conclave spare?" Mita asked Owyne.


    "If it means cancelling the apocalypse. We will gladly send ALL of them." Owyne nodded.


    "But we are going to need more than me and all the Illusion Mages to hide an entire Principality. We will need several purified Magic Crystals to sustain our mirage." Carliah added.


    "That can be arranged, what is several tons of pure Magic Crystals to stopping the Demons from destroying us all?" Owyne said.


    "But what about Tyr Rian. The Prince in charge of that place is named Clovich am I correct? You think he will approve such a large congregation of Mages and several shipments of Magic Crystals?" Petur questioned.


    Petur''s questioning was reasonable within the real politick of Gliesia. When large shipments of Magic Crystals which are normally distributed evenly across the Empire. When such a large amount of the Crystals ends up in the same place, let alone a border province, it is normally tied with a massive military built up in preparation of war. The common folks will easily panic which will cause chaos not only in the local provinces but throughout the realm through the word of mouth of refugees and messengers. Owyne knew that he must ensure that public order remains unaffected when they do their Mirage trick on the Principality less the empire shows signs of weakness that invites the vultures from outside their borders.


    "I can ask the Emperor to make up an excuse for us being there. Hopefully Prince Clovich will believe it. That is, it for our meeting today everyone. Carliah, Aliathra and Findrum please make the arrangements with the School of Illusion. Petur, Mita come with me and let us gather the Crystals we need. The meeting is adjourned." Owyne concluded.


    Everyone nodded in acknowledgement to the Grandmaster as everyone stood up from their chairs and head out their separate ways.


    For Princess Aliathra, she was ready and eager to prove her mettle in the outside world as the representative of the Elven race. She hopes that one day she can crawl out of the shadow of her elder sister Lunafreya who is the heir apparent of the Chrysanthemum Throne of Ethuilen. To go down in history as someone who prevented the Apocalypse of the entire world of Gliesia would be a proud title that she can have in her name. Knowing she is the youngest of the three Larenththor siblings, she must prove herself by earning a heroic title that can make her parents and those that came before her proud.


    She proceeded to a discreet room where to nobody can see nor eavesdrop her and reported her progress to her parents via a communication spell. Unknowingly, she will be informed that her mission in Tyr Rian will go smoothly for there is a double agent placed in the most unexpected of roles in the Principalities Hierarchy.


    ----------------------------(Back in the UFE Colony) ------------------


    "You know, we can''t just call our place ''the Eodem'' anymore. I mean it ain''t really catchy for me." Crocker small talked.


    "I agree with you. But I suggest you take that up with High Command. Hopefully when the first Colony meeting starts you can say what we will name this place." Samantha replied.


    The entire Styrder Group squad has gathered together to Obediah Root''s Homestead for a housewarming party. However, there were still several parts of the home that needs to be constructed due to the delays brought forth by the now defunct Burning Horse Bandit raid more than a week ago. Kayin can be seen hard at work finishing the last few parts of Obed''s abode with the help of several construction drones.


    "I have never been able to see a house built so fast." Iris said. The Vampire marveled at the coordinated effort the drones that carried over the steel bars and concrete together with the drones, equipped with numerous gadgets to bring the building materials together into a hospitable shelter for a family.


    "Well, that''s Technology for you Miss Cadohagan. This Greenhouse will provide food for Obed''s Family and to sell off-world." Kayin replied. He was multitasking on the Drone Controls and chatting with Iris who stood next to him as he worked on the holographic screen that controls the droid''s movements and actions.


    "What is a Greenhouse?" Iris asked.


    "It''s like a Farm."


    "But that''s not enough land to be productive." Iris noted the land size discrepancy to the Greenhouse and a Traditional Farm.


    "Well your Farms are built wide. Ours is built tall. You see a Greenhouse, or at least this schematic that I am working on, is designed to plant crops upwards into the air." Kayin explained.


    "Planting food ''in the air'' that''s preposterous. There''s no soil." Iris blasted.


    "Oh no, we don''t need to use soil. We just need to use less than normally needed water, some nutrients and its good to go. By the way Iris, ever noticed that depending on the weather, Crop Yields change?" Kayin asked.


    "Yes, they do change. Much to the frustration of everyone. I have seen my fair share of famines." Iris answered.


    "Green Houses are not affected by weather because it is temperature controlled and sheltered from the elements. Imagine an artificial sun that always stays up. That''s the beauty of it." the Engineer Smiled.


    "And you are building about a hundred of these?"


    "And another hundred in the plans. By my calculations with two hundred Greenhouse Farms equipped for Vertical Farming, I can estimate that we can have a healthy yield of about five times the amount compared to what the Principality can produce with their medieval methods in about a year." He estimated.


    "That''s marvelous. I can''t believe what I am saying but I love what you are doing." Iris jumped in euphoria.


    The Nigerian blushed over the Vampire''s affectionate complements. Being appreciated for his work boosted his own disposition. After making a full recovery from the concussion he had received during Operation Scorpion Sting he had wanted to have some R&R for himself after being cleared by Doctor Lee Haneul. Yet he was immediately assigned to work on the construction of the Colonies settlement buildings like the farms and houses that the people will live and work in. Governor White wanted to double time the construction of all the Colony''s Settlement so when Prince Clovich arrives for the first Inter UFE and Gliesia Conference he can impress them with the UFE''s advance technology.


    "Thank''s Iris. You made my day." Kayin smiled as he concluded the final touches of the Greenhouse''s Construction with the placement of the special Horticulture Glass panels to top off the roof.


    The Private First Class have both the training and experience to build the Greenhouses although he was more use to constructing military barracks and silos during his previous tours. The Schematics he followed were pre-fabricated designs and programmed to the Drones building algorithms so he had no reason to worry of committing any kind of mistake.


    "And it''s done!" cheered Obediah''s Wife, Miss Leah Root.


    "It''s sure is Madam. Now let''s get this party started." Samantha walked behind her and smiled.


    Obediah let loose a small rain of confetti out of a confetti thrower from his hands to kick off his housewarming party alongside his daughter April who also held another confetti thrower but of smaller size for her ten-year old hands. He the Hunter turned to his sides and opened a cooler that contained several dozen bottles of beer for the guests in attendance. There was Stryder Group, Captain Medoza with his squad and a few of Obed''s neighbors who live in the adjacent houses between him.


    Iris looked around her surroundings of the Earth Human hosted party. Unlike the Vampire Balls she attended and the Festival''s she has snuck herself inside, the ''Housewarming Party'' was an alien concept to her. Parties as intimate as fully moving one''s family into a new home is something only the rich can even think of conducting as parties are expensive affairs. You have to pay food, invitations and entertainment to even get a chance for even a single guest to arrive. Yet compared to this, the party''s amenities were humble in quality. The entertainment is a single metal box that magically produces music that the Earth Humans call a ''Speaker box''. The decorations were virtually nonexistent with only a banner that was crudely painted ''Root Family''s House Warming Party''. And for the food is a combination of game meat that the UFE managed to procure from living off the land and fruits and vegetables that the colony brought out from their kitchen stores, some of the said crops were unrecognizable to her. If this was a normal party held by the standards of the Gliesians it would be an utter disaster of boredom and causing the host to become the Pariah of all the Noble Elites for months to come. Yet what astonished her was that despite the lackluster amenities, everyone was smiling and making themselves merry.


    "Strange these Earth Humans are¡­ with the simplest of things they are already happy." She thought.


    Keeping herself from the attention of the other humans, Iris pushed her way through the crowd unnoticeably to find to her more familiar companions just so she can not stand by and look awkward as the rest of them enjoyed themselves. Her eyes soon caught Vincent and Crocker standing idly by a red colored table. Both of their faces aired dissatisfaction as if being annoyed over something. Perhaps they weren''t enjoying the party after all?


    "Hello Vincent, Hello Lewis." She greeted.


    "Hey." Both of them said in unison. Iris spotted that Crocker was trying to repeatedly tap his hand on a valve that is attached to the strangely shaped table. On the surface of the table it was hollow with grid iron bars placed on top of the hole. She noticed that in side the hollow inside of the table was several lumps of coal and wood stacked together to form a base for a fire.


    "That''s a strange table you have there. It even has wheels." Iris commented.


    "This? Oh, it''s called a Grill. It''s like a portable stove, Obed''s letting me use it to cook some steaks." Crocker said.


    "You seem to be having trouble with the table I see." Iris said.


    "Yes, can''t get this damn thing to work." He replied. He continued to try snap his igniter to birth the flames necessary for cooking.


    With a snap of her fingers Iris let loose her magics and instantly ignited a small fire from within the grill setting the cooking device alight in a brilliant flame from below its hollow end.


    "Finally, thought this shitty lighter won''t work." Crocker smiled.


    Tossing the shoddy igniter away he then picked up a pair of thongs and began to place several cuts of meat onto the grill.


    "I am hungry already. I can''t wait to eat. Oh¡­ kinda awkward right now." Vincent said as he looked at Iris. He was leaning on a dinner table with his impatient hands holding a spoon and fork along his plate. The crackling sound followed by the sizzling of the meat as it shared intercourse with flames created a symphony that made Ex-Thief''s mouth water.


    "Awkward?" Iris questioned.


    "Well it''s because your¡­ a Vampy. You like drinking blood, right? Tell me because call me crazy, but I want to know, what''s it like?" the Penal Soldier asked.


    "Well, to tell you the truth. At least I am encouraged to by Hana to do that, I normally drink the blood of the animals that live near the forest where I¡­ used to¡­ live. Like deer, rabbits, the occasional bear, even an occasional Burning Horseman. I do eat other food though like a normal person, it''s just that blood is, how do I say, more nutritious. It also helps with my Magic. Although please don''t tell that to that ''Father'' Bishop friend of yours." She nudged.


    "Don''t tell me what?" Interrupted Bishop who was strolling behind Iris causing her to tip skittishly. The last thing she wants right now is antagonizing her fragile alliance with the religious figure. "Uhm I was¡­ saying¡­ ahh¡­" Iris tried to mutter some sort of explanation for herself when Vincent butted in in front of her.


    "I was telling Iris about some of the food that we are eating as she got curious about them." He lied. "I told her about these Blood Red Chili Peppers that I love to eat." He awkwardly smiled while nudging his elbow to Iris.


    Taking his cue, Iris nodded that what she said was really about these ''Blood Red Chili Peppers''.


    "Well those chilies are quite spicy if I may say so myself. It would be quite the show seeing you eat one child." Bishop said.


    "Of course, I will eat these Chili''s. Where are they?" Iris turned her worried eyes to Vincent.


    "Yes, uhm Crocker can you pass one of the Jalapeno''s over to our Vampire friend." Vincent said.


    Crocker moved his hand over to a basket that contained assorted fruits and vegetables and grabbed a tiny green morsel from it and passed it to her palm.


    "Good.Fucking.Luck" the Brit whispered.


    Iris gulped, what did she just got herself into? She looked at her hand and observed her tribute. It was a small looking fruit that had a slight curve. It''s surface colored in a very polished green that reflected the light of the lightbulb above her. She examined at her companions who looked at her nervously as she hesitates to consume the fruit.


    "How can such a tiny fruit could emit such fear and disdain by these Earth Humans?" she asked herself. She had previously seen the UFE fearlessly fight against her when she invoked her magic and resolutely challenged the powerful Burning Horseman without any flinching. Yet they are afraid of a tiny vegetable?


    Iris overconfidently laughed as she raised her arm and devoured the Jalapeno Chili whole¡­


    Oh, how wrong was her brashness when the juices of the chili spilled on her Vampire tongue. She could feel a creeping heat from within her orifices. At first the heat was as hot as a match''s light but it slowly the invisible fire spread to the rest of her mouth until it felt like the burning pits of Hell that her tongue is tasting. The Vampire began to sweat profusely like she had never sweated before. She felt like she was in a sauna as she distanced herself away from her companions for space. She began to flail her hands aimlessly as the raging inferno in her estuary became hotter and hotter. If she doesn''t quench this heat soon she might even die of by being cooked from the inside.


    "RRRAAGGHH!!!" She screamed as she summoned a great amount of her magic to release a burst of Ice and Snow that sparkled beautifully to relieve herself from the chili''s infernal influences.


    "Whoa¡­" Crocker looked in awe.


    Iris turned herself around and soon found that every pair of eyes in the party stared at her when she demonstrated her Magic Powers right in front of them. The witch was about to collapse in utter embarrassment when she heard the voice of a small girl.


    "Daddy! A snow angel like Elsa!" said Obediah''s daughter April. Her tiny body brushed pass the adult party goers like she passed through a forest until she reached Iris'' feet.


    The girl launched herself into the sparkling snowflakes and ice particles that dotted around her. She looked down at the child and saw that instead of fear and disgust that would be the normal reaction from non-Conclave associated mages, it was the cheer and innocence of a child seeing her first snowfall. For Iris, her cold heart warmed up as she knelt down onto the same height level as the girl.


    "More!" April cheered.


    Smiling at her, Iris conjured more softly made snowflakes from her hands and launched it up to the sky making a momentary snowfall in the middle of a summer afternoon.


    "Hooray! I love my new home daddy!" April cheered as she played around trying to catch the snowflakes.


    "Well I''ll be Vampy. You made my little April happy. She''s been awfully sad when I had to make her move out of New Montana from our old home world to here. Thank you." Obediah applauded.


    "Maybe I am wrong about you Vampire. Perhaps you can be changed." said Bishop.


    "Talk about Letting it go." Samantha laughed as she downed another bottle of alcohol.


    ---------------------------------- (Back inside the Eodem) ------------------------


    Plans were underway for the first ever First Contact between the United Federation of Earth and the indigenous natives of Gliesia. Battlements that had once guarded the perimeter of the Colony Ship were replaced with the sights of beautifully planted trees and garden bushes that aesthetically made the now growing Colony Town into a beautiful mixture of nature and urbanization. Greenhouses who''s shining crowns will reflect the day''s sun in a splendorous display. The soon to be constructed Town Hall that is inspired by the classical Graeco-Roman architecture will be the center of the Colonial Government in this new world. The tents that have provided temporary housing for the colonists now were turned into fully flesh homes ranging from apartments, condominiums and single-family houses.


    With all of these constructions underway, Governor Jeremy White looked on from his office inside the Eodem. His forceful streamlining of the construction of the town has paid off without any problems whatsoever. He had to enlist the manpower of the Colonial Militia to get the productivity boost he needed to make up for lost time. Inside his mind he has already completed the first phase of the Colonization effort for Benham-3 although at the rate he has been informed by the soldiers and the science team, will have to call this planet Gliesia. He just couldn''t help but wonder, how were the scans came out so dead wrong. They were supposed to Planetfall in an uninhabited world with an Earthlike ecosystem, but instead he felt like the entire colony was thrown into the deep middle of Final Fantasy with all the mythical sights he has seen from Fire Golems, Magic and Vampires.


    "Governor White, are you troubled?" Said the audio graphic voice of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs Director Sienna Di Poppo. Her holographic form gently drifted towards the side of the Governor as he overlooked the window of his developing colony.


    "No, I am more of relieved. I am happy that my work has come up to this moment. How is the initial probing reports fare against ours?" Jeremy asked.


    "I have to say; my men have just cross-referenced your data with the old probe''s data and I am just as afraid to say is. There aren''t any discrepancies other than the update of several manmade structures that dotted Benham-3 from your reports. We are just as confused on how our probes were wrong the first time around as you do." Sienna said.


    "Well, then it''s most likely and I can''t believe what I am saying. It has to be these ''Magics'' that the Militia has reported on seeing. I can''t find anymore explanation than that." Jeremy confessed.


    "Maybe that''s it Governor. Perhaps all of those times we have watched movies, shows, and video games of Extra Terrestrials and Fantasy RPG''s have guided us into this very moment. I am glad that we are now holding our first conference with this Principality of Tyr Rian that we have¡­ ''accidentally'' colonized. I am just as nervous as you are for the negotiations and the discussions that will happen tomorrow." Sienna said.


    "You say that you''re not ready as just as me." White commented.


    "Well, none of us could have expected nor be truly ready for what will happen tomorrow." Answered Sienna. "I am just an Astrophysicists in charge of studying the outer fringes of Space. Yet according to my mandate, I am also supposed to represent the entire UFE when we meet Extraterrestrials for the first time. But to be fair, I never knew we would be the superior species in this side of the Diplomatic Table."


    "Indeed." Jeremy agreed.


    "Of course, she has been a lot of help and thanks to her we are able to make a proper first contact with the native peoples of this planet. Well, unlike the first ''first contact''." He answered. His mind can still remember the horrors of the Burning Horseman Assault that attacked them when they first landed. He is glad that both the colony and the people of Tyr Rian are no longer under their tyranny thanks to the intrepid efforts of Lieutenant Rose and Stryder Group.


    "Well according to the descriptions sent to me. ''Iris'' is described to be both a ''Mage'' and a ''Vampire''. Are you sure we can trust her to being the ''Sacagewa'' of this Colony for this world?" the Director asked.


    "And this necklace with the blue crystal, it''s rather special to her and special to the natives by its nature am I reading this correctly? It''s a source of power and also some sort of amplifier for their ''Magic''? Where is that necklace right now? You do have to give it back eventually." Sienna reminded.


    "I will in time. As for the necklace Doctor Mahelona has been studying tirelessly and has sum up with one answer. ''It is a brand new, never before seen element other than in hypothetical drawings. It is the fabled Element-120 or Unbinilium.'' as he said to me. The Doctor said that the possibilities for it could be endless when we find more of these to use for ourselves." the Governor answered.


    "Just imagine the technological advances we can make with this new element." Sienna grin as she envisages the usages of Unbinilium.


    "Technology has indeed got us to where we all are today Madam Director. But this ''Magics'' I fear the possibilities for we are dealing with something we have never have seen before. The soldiers have seen what this Magic is capable of by one person just now. I fear, what if this ''Magics'' doesn''t want us here?" He asked anxiously. He sunk his head down in an uneasy state of fear over the intimidating world he now calls his new home.


    "Did the great scientists hesitated when they toyed with the natures and intricate systems of our God-given world? Did the great explorers faltered when they crossed the ocean in search of new land? Did the great generals at times of war balk to themselves before they charged through their enemies? The answer is no Governor. We have all come to far in our history as a species¡­ now¡­ as a race to reel in now. Don''t you remember the motto of the Colonial Beareau? ''Our Destiny is in the Stars''. If these ''Magics'' try to fight us out? We will survive, adapt and win. Just like our ancestors before us." Sienna lectured.


    "Porro Terra Governor. I will see you and the Prince tomorrow." She bid farewell. Her Hologram disappeared darkening the Governor''s bedroom.


    "Porro Terra." He whispered quietly before he went to his bed to sleep, for tomorrow will be his greatest test of diplomatic dexterity yet.


    Iris'' plan she discussed to him earlier with him and Dr. Lee Haneul better work tomorrow. Or it''s going to be another fucking massacre.


    ---------------------------------------- (the very Next Day) ----------------------------------------


    Prince Clovich galloped proudly through the Tyr Rian countryside. Unlike the day he had first met the strange alien visitors in his battle armor, he is now wearing a velvet cotehardie of the color green with several red dots intricately patterned into the design, in match with Tyr Rian''s heraldry. The Prince was followed by a cohort of one thousand of his best knights and guards alongside a horse drawn carriage that transported Lutheor Mirien and his beloved sister Princess Aria. Their destination was the Eodem Colony Ship. At first when he heard that is the name of the place, he thought it was a joke, a boat in the middle of land? There was no major body of water that can hold a boat capable of carrying about one thousand people. He has doubts over if having a diplomatic dialogue was even a good idea to begin with? He would have just turned away right now if it wasn''t for the insistence of the witch Iris who was accompanied by her escort of Lieutenant Rose and Sargent Crocker who went ahead to make sure that the Gliesian delegation makes it to them safely and smoothly.


    "Brother, are we there yet?" asked Aria from the back of the carriage.


    "I hope so. Are we I grow tired of cantering. When will I see this ''Flying Boat'' of yours?" The Prince said.


    "It''s over this hill." Samantha pointed with her arm.


    The Lieutenant and her second in command waited ahead of the colony to greet the delegation a about a few kilometer away from the Colony with Iris acting as the initial intermediary between the pair of UFE soldiers and the Prince. As the march continued the Prince''s Curiosity got the better of him:


    "So, tell me Lieutenant Rose about yourself and your men." He asked.


    "Well, I grew up with a mother who is a baker and my father are a captain who became a War Hero. Wanting to follow on my old man''s footsteps I joined the military. After graduation from the Academy I was sent here as a Squad Leader. You can already see my Second in Command Sargent Crocker." She waved to the Brit.


    "Hey! I maybe older than her but she''s my C.O. I basically tell the other boys her orders. Other that I am a SAW Gunner. I use this what you would call a ''Fire Staff'' to shoot rapid fire metal shots called ''bullets''. It can break lots of charges this baby." He proudly declared.


    "Crocker is your name? My people are making you famous back in the city." The Prince said.


    "Really? What is it? Wait is it about that gate I held open?" Lewis questioned.


    "Indeed, the gate that sealed Devico''s house is made by the same materials used to make the gates to Haringpoint. The capital of the Slaegian Empire, my liege. It is said that it takes several people or one Ogre to open and close the gate because the mechanism is very heavy. From what the people have told me, they are calling you ''the Ogre-Breaker'' since you held that gate open as strong as several of them."


    "Well thank you Prince. And thank you ''lovely''." Crocker smiled.


    "Your ''lovely''?" Princess Aria asked from behind the carriage.


    "My armor." He answered.


    "It looks nothing like ours. There''s even some uncovered spots on your arms. And they are circular." She commented at Crocker''s arm units.


    "What this armor does instead of protection is strength. It''s how I carried that gate." He answered.


    "You truly are quite a hero. Reminds me of the Adventurer''s Guild doing all sorts of stuff around here. They even passed by sometime ago for some ''studying''." The Prince said.


    "Adventurer''s Guild?" Samantha asked.


    "It''s a group of people that pays bounties for ''Quests'' and they have members who do them. Don''t be intimidated, anyone can take up a bounty, but it takes skill to finish it."


    "Sound''s pretty interesting¡­ What is the nature of these quests?" Samantha asked again.


    "Well there''s Caravan Escorts, Monster Extermination, Item Acquisitions for Ducats."


    "Basically, mercenary work?"


    "Yes, it''s pretty much mercenary work. There''s some requests in the local office back in the city right now."


    "Wow, just like Dungeons and Dragons." Samantha beamed eagerly.


    "Just like what?" the Prince asked.


    "Oh, it''s just an Earth thing." The Lieutenant dodged.


    "Look over there!" yelled one of Clovich''s Knights.


    The Armored Horseman pointed at a crystal canopy that reflected the sun''s light. It was one of the colonies newly built Greenhouse Domes.


    After traversing over the hill, the Tyr Rian diplomatic mission were astonished to on what they saw. Homes, Sheltered Farms and other kinds of buildings littered the grounds with people tending their land diligently. He observed that all of the houses were instead of being made of wood and straw such as the way commoners would build their homes, were instead built on what look like shining metal and concrete. Not even the Emperor himself can afford to build with such means due to how expensive the materials and the people skilled enough to build with such implements. He looked at the people who stopped what they were doing and stared at him in a mixture of emotions ranging from fear, hope and wonder. The people look as human as him every shape and form yet their clothes were of alien compositions and pattern. Were they like lost cousins of his Pantheon''s creation? How can there be others like him who aren''t of their world?


    As he fought the questions within his head, the buildings became less spread out between themselves and more closely packed. Soon, the dirt road disappeared from his Horse''s Hooves and is replaced with Asphalt Road that clicked on every step his steed takes. The buildings on the more urbanized surroundings were of similar to a town with signs and a few natural decorations like a tree and some bushes. Yet the signs he and all of his men examined were of an alien alphabet, however they can recognize that above the strange letters were images of lifelike quality made out of holographic light which indicates what type of building they are. The central area of the colony had several restaurants, cafes, workshops and even a recreational center for the Earthlings to call their own in. Several flying drones that the primitives registered as oddly shaped birds buzzed passed them completing the incongruous look of the whole settlement.


    As the Diplomatic Party marveled at the sights, they didn''t take heed that their convoy was being stopped by one of the UFE soldiers.


    "Prince Clovich! No more horses beyond this point. Governor Jeremy White will like to see you know." A man dressed in blue vest with the initials ''M.P.'' said.


    "Very Well." He acknowledged.


    The Prince Dislodged from his horse followed by his most trusted bodyguards and several high-ranking nobles. From behind him, Lutheor Mirien hopped off the carriage.


    "Is your sister coming with you?" Samantha asked.


    "Of course, Knights! Aria''s Chair!" he ordered.


    Several Knights of Tyr Rian rushed towards the carriage and dislodged a wooden, throne-like chair from the carriage''s back and placed in front of the door. One of the more bulkier soldiers reached into the carriage and lifted Princess Aria bridal style before placing her on the chair. Samantha observed that the young woman wore a blue and beige colored dress while sporting a long and flowing brunette hair with several blond streaks. Her azure eyes pictured excitement from her like a man who has seen the sun for the first day. Samantha thought that this girl was heavily sheltered in a Gilded Cage for most of her life. Yet why would Prince Clovich let his sister our of the safety of her home?


    "So, I will see you later I hope?" Prince Clovich said as he passed by her.


    "Yes, you will. Good Luck over there." Samantha lauded.


    The Prince and his entourage walked passed the Lieutenant and the Sargent of Stryder group, then passed the onlookers until he made it to a table in the middle of an intersection. The prince observed that he was being watched in every angle by armed soldiers and civilian bystanders. If this was supposed to be a trap they would have ended him already, yet the soldiers didn''t move as if not interested in an attempt on his life. They were just standing there from the ground level to the elevated roofs silently watching him. He could feel so eerie just being there for all of them to see like being subjected to some sort of child''s plaything walking around in a dollhouse.


    "Prince Clovich welcome! Please take a seat." Broke the voice of a man. It was one of the people sitting in the table set up for their meeting. It was covered in elegantly with intricately designed engravings and cushioned chairs that were enough for his entourage and him.


    He saw in front of him that there were four people at the table waiting for them. One of them was the familiar face of Iris Cadohagan who had suggested to him to talk with the U.F.E peacefully. The other three however were new to the Prince''s internal registry of faces. One of them was a man dressed in a sharply dressed suit who sported black loosened hair with signs of greying. The second man was dressed in a green colored dress that would blended perfectly with the forests scenery if it wasn''t for the rainbow of colors from his left breast that he wore proudly like a medal. The last one in the table was the most peculiar of them all, an elderly woman whose skin showed signs of aging sat adjacent to the sharply dressed man. The older woman was covered head to toe in a ghostly blue color and her image and stature looked impalpable in integrity like if she was not there yet there at the same time.


    Clovich and his entourage including Lutheor Mirien slowly sat down on a chair as they faced the U.F.E leaders. His sister was placed carefully next to him as she quietly settled herself down.


    "Prince Clovich, a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Governor Jeremy White." The sharply dressed man greeted. "The man on my right is Colonel Patrik Polonsky, leader of the Colonial Militia here who you met several of his men." The governor gestured to his right. "On my left is the Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, Doctor Sienna Di Poppo. Who right now is in her hologram form. I hope your not scared or anything?" the Governor gestured to his left before following with a concerned question to the Prince.


    "Is she a Ghost? Can you summon the spirits of the dead?" Clovich asked nervously. His entire entourage also felt the same to him. Their bodyguard escort readied their weapons still sheathed in their hands as they looked at ghostly figure in fear.


    "Oh, no. I am very much alive your highness." Sienna diplomatically answered. "I am just not physically here right now."


    "Then what are you?" the Prince asked.


    "I am the Director in charged of meeting with Alien Life forms just as yourself. I am communicating with you from a very far a way place because I can''t be here, really here, with my own body in such a short notice so I have to settle with a projected hologram just so I can participate in this meeting." Sienna explained.


    "When you get to know them longer. You will eventually start to understand some of their ''eccentricities'' my lord. Trust me." Iris added.


    "Well I shall take your word for it. So, Governor Jeremy White. Tell me about yourself in this place of yours that you have built on MY land." He emphasized his authority. Peaceful settlers or not the U.F.E are still trespassing on his land. Any self-respecting prince would defend his realm from outside invaders. Yet unlike the Nomadic Orcs nor the Ravaging Northlanders, these people were interested in dialogue.


    "Are they trying to negotiate me a surrender?" the Prince feared.


    He sat in front of the Governor quietly as he began to speak of his story. Governor White recounted the events leading up to their meeting from their first Planetfall to the attack in Devico''s Mansion where the UFE soldiers first met him.


    "I have to say your highness, personally confronting my men on your horseback is very courageous of you. I am honestly surprised you yourself handled the first talks with our soldiers instead of someone more, qualified in the arts of diplomacy other than a battle-cladded Prince such as the way you presented yourself three days ago." The Governor commented.


    "Well when I heard those thunderous noises from your ''Loud Sticks'' of yours, I was inspecting the City Garrison. It sounded like a large scale mage fight to everyone. When Magic Wielders go to fight each other a lot of destruction comes up and about. I have seen fires, ice spikes and poisoned wells to know that I have stop it. So I rallied most of the guards and rushed to the source of all of those noises which is Devico''s Mansion. Then I met your soldiers I am a man who prefers to lead from the front. The Rian Family men are honored for their bravery in the face of battle." He said.


    "I can''t blame you for harboring such fears. But in our world, that is considered reckless and downright stupid. But that''s our culture and not mine so I will respect it despite that fact." The Governor said.


    The Prince leaned his head on his closed fist as he absorbed Jeremy''s words. Judging by his vocabulary, these U.F.E foreigners were nothing close to barbarians. Yet these were still fully armed aliens intruding his land.


    "Brother, are you okay?" Princess Aria tugged his side.


    "I am fine please sit down and don''t move."


    "So, let''s address the reason why I am here now. You are trespassing in my Principality one way or the other. And as the Prince of Tyr Rian I would like you to LEAVE the bounds of the Empire." Clovich rigidly said.


    "I am afraid we cannot do that." Sienna denied.


    "You know, I will have to send my army down on you." He threatened.


    "And did you know what we did to Devico and his Bandits? If you do that this entire home of yours will be a battleground and devasted beyond measure. We are ahead of you in the technological race in every possible way. You, your men, the Empire and most of all, your people will be dragged into a pointless war where nobody will win. Do you want that?" the Director reasoned.


    "But as of the moment, Me and my lieges are seeing you as a threat. How can I stand to them knowing I let armed intruders within the Empire''s Borders?" He grunted at the U.F.E. The prince was ready to fight for his home if it comes down to it here and now.


    "I am losing him. Look''s like I got to use Iris'' Blackmail or any chances of peace will go down the drain." Jeremy clutched himself.


    Silenced engulfed the table as tensions ran high. Then a laugh disturbed it from none other than Iris.


    "You amuse me with all of your ''Empire'' Talk. How about I can¡­ we¡­ can talk about something that will change your mind? But it''s for you and your sister''s ears only. Dismiss your nobles for now. Only the two of you here." Iris said.


    Clovich remembered what the Vampire told him in the last few days of knowing his most compromising secret. He swallowed himself in utter terror as he was being pulled around like a puppet as if the spirit of Devico''s Conniving advances breathed lively at Iris. With no other choice, the Prince temporarily dismissed all of his entourage except for his sister Aria. When he was left alone, the Vampire continued:


    "You keep saying that about your loyalties and oaths are strong between you and the Empire. But I¡­ we all know that isn''t the case." Iris confidently began her blackmailing statement.


    "What are you saying? That I am disloyal? That I would betray my liege lords?" the Prince resisted her advances.


    "No, you''re not completely disloyal per se. What you are doing for the sake of your only remaining family is quite noble of you. Isn''t one of the principle words of the Tyr Rian''s Heraldry say ''Family''?" Iris continued.


    "Quite noble indeed." Sienna commented.


    "Nice save Iris." Jeremy whispered.


    "It''s for my necklace." she discreetly replied sourly.


    "Yes, I am loyal to my sister. I would do everything for her own wellbeing." The Prince confessed.


    Princess Aria gave a discreet smile in response to her brother''s words.


    "Which is why you spy for the Entente in exchange for remedies, albeit temporary ones to make her walk again." Iris accused finishing her compromising statement.


    The Prince internally collapsed, his darkest secret revealed, he had hoped that when Devico''s organization had fallen, that his secret would die with it. He covered his face in shame as he sunk down to the table unable to face anyone.


    "Brother! Is that true? How¡­ how could you?" Aria questioned. The unbelief in her shocked


    expression made Governor White sick to the stomach that he was resorting to such an underhanded and Machiavellian tactic to secure peace.


    "I did it for you Aria. I hated seeing you in your room every day looking outside of your window seeing the other girls run, skip, dance and play. Mother and Father and I thought you were just a late bloomer when it comes to taking your first steps. Then you became two years old, then three, then four, then five, then six, then seven. I had to see you every single day from the day you were born watching you sit by your chair staring at the window of the open land outside. I saw the despair and hopelessness in you every time you have to be carried by one of my knights from one place to another. I gave you those Elven Medicine''s because I wanted you to be happy." He explained himself. The UFE leaders noticed that his voice was cracking up as tears fell from his eyes.


    "You risked your life for¡­ our home¡­ our status¡­ for me?" she said with widened and teary eyes begging for his answers.


    "Yes!" He yelled as he grabbed his sister and hugged her tightly. The two bluebloods cried and wailed loudly as the UFE delegation gave them the courtesy to let their emotions free. They savored their brother-sister moment for over five minutes until their sobbing was reduced to heavy breathing and sniffling of noses.


    "So, what happens now? Will you rat me out to the Empire? Tie me hands up and be your puppet like Devico?" He turned to the UFE accepting his fate.


    "Oh, your Highness. Where we come from, those options are the least beneficial for both you and us." The Governor said. "You care for your sister I respect that and honor a man with strong family bonds."


    "So, what do you want? Why tell me my secret? What will you do to me? Just spare my sister and the people." the Prince asked.


    "There is ALWAYS another option your highness and it''s through us. Are you interested?" Sienna asked.


    "What is this ''another option'' you speak of?" he inquired.


    "Doctor!" Governor White yelled.


    Hana emerged herself outside and walked towards the table whilst brandishing a baton-like device on her hand. She quietly approached the princess tenderly softly introducing herself. From the visage he see''s in the Korean Doctor she has the face of an angel and the motherly love of an angel sent from heaven.


    "Please let don''t move." Hana said to Princess Aria.


    "What is that thing you are holding?" she asked.


    "Something to help me see." Hana answered in the best possible way she can explain her Portable Medical Diagnosis Scanner.


    The doctor slowly probed every single inch of the princess from top to bottom. Aria didn''t dare disturb the doctor as the bright green laser line scanned her frame. Before she knew it however, Doctor Lee Haneul backed away.


    Summoning a Hologram from her hands she analyzed the results of her data.


    "Okay¡­ Muscles¡­ Good but pretty weak¡­ Digestive¡­Just fine¡­Circulatory¡­ healthy¡­Respiratory¡­ also healthy¡­Nervous¡­nothing out of the ordinary¡­Excretory¡­ doing fine¡­ Reproductive¡­ can bear a child¡­ Lymphatic¡­ clean¡­and Skeletal....... Oh my God¡­" Hana froze.


    "What is it?" Governor White.


    Hana walked around the table to the other side to approach to the Colonial Leaders with her results.


    "I know why she can''t walk just as what the prince described. Look at these bones." She said passing the pictures of Aria''s X-ray''s to him.


    "They are¡­ curvy!" he said in astonishment.


    "That is definitely not normal." Iris said looking over the Governor''s Shoulders. "No wonder he keeps feeding the Elves information for those remedies. They were made to help people as pain relievers and promote bone healing. It''s just at it''s effect wane on more¡­ permanent disorders." Iris said.


    "I got to give it up to him. I hate to see my daughter grow up like this." Colonel Polonsky commented.


    "So what now?" Hana asked.


    "Tell the Prince we can reach a mutual agreement and we can help each other and his sister." The Governor ordered.


    Hana turned back to the Prince and his sister as they looked at them anxiously. With a warm smile on her face Hana declared the Good News:


    "Your highness, I am pleased to inform you that we have to means to make your sister walk and stand up straight indefinitely."


    "You¡­ can?" he stuttered to take in the doctor''s good news.


    "Yes, first off we know why your Sister can''t walk. Although we cannot immediately cure her right now. I can make the arrangements for her treatment as soon as possible." Hana promised.


    "Thank you! You don''t know what this means to me and my family. I will do anything you ask right now. What do you wish?" he knelt down to the Governor and looked at him in awe by the mysterious strangers'' generosity.


    "What we all wanted from the beginning. Peaceful Coexistence with you and our people. That is what the name of our ship the Eodem means, to live together in harmony. All I ask is you letting us stay here. And I can add to sweeten the deal, I can share with you and your people a portion of our farm''s harvests and believe me you will want try out some of our food. You will love it, guaranteed. Oh, and Devico''s Mansion. That''s our property now in the city that we will use to see fit to our needs." The Governor detailed his demands.


    "That I can agree with. It''s a deal!" he happily exclaimed.


    "Good to hear! Go get your little entourage back in and let''s sign our treaty." Director Di Poppo smiled.


    The Prince summoned his people who were turned away earlier to attend him again.


    "Hold on! What should we name our colony? We can''t just call ourselves ''the Eodem'' anymore right?"


    "I got a name for the city now. Has been around in my head. It''s named after the city where the ship was first built and then launched from." Polonsky suggested.


    Whilst they gathered, the UFE Colonial Leaders prepared the document which details the agreements of "the 1st Terran-Tyr Rian Gliesian Treaty" signed on the June 5, 2218


    It is summarized as this:


    ? The Principality of Tyr Rian shall recognize the independent settlement of New Albany with its own leaders, laws and territory


    ? Non-Aggression Pact between the people of Tyr Rian and New Albany


    ? Trade Agreement of Goods and Services from New Albany to be sold within Tyr Rian


    ? Hunting Permission for specimens in the Verden Valley Forest


    ? Access to the Tyr Rian Library for study of their books


    ? Leasing of the property titled ''Devico''s Mansion'' in the city of Tyr Rian


    At first, the Tyr Rian Nobles were reluctant at first of signing a Treaty without the permission of their Slaegian masters'' approval but after much persuasion of the great benefits that the UFE can offer to them, they accepted. Prince Clovich swore to Governor White that he will send them the details and he hopes that the Emperor when he sees the benefits of these Earth Humans will gladly join them in the progression of their civilization''s progression.


    But as the Nobles signed their names alongside the UFE leaders, toasted and cheered to themselves in friendship, a vigilant shadow looked on to them in dread by the sight of the leaders'' celebration. It was one of Princess Aria''s Ladies of waiting. The woman faded into the shadows of the newly named colony''s metallic and concrete structures.


    The woman soon found herself in the middle of quiet alley with no avenues of eavesdropping on her. She removed her headdress revealing her long and flowing golden hair and pointy-tipped ears. The Lady-in-waiting was actually none other than Aliathra in disguise. She had a hunch when Prince Clovich came back a few days about a meeting with ''a group of foreigners'' and he has requested that Aria come with her. Sporting the clothes of one of Aria''s own Ladies-in-waiting and covering her head off of its Elven features she infiltrated the meeting and eavesdropped at the meeting with the help of a magic spell that allows her to hear from long distance, perfect for spying and reconnaissance for a Ranger-trained individual such as herself.


    Aliathra summoned a discreet amount of her magic from her hands to form a magically created Messenger Bird nicknamed ''a Tweeter''. The conjured being can delivery voice messages between users and send them flying to where and whomever the magic-wielders wish to be sent to. With panicked tears coming from her face, Aliathra prayed worriedly to the Elven Gods for protection as she whispered her message to the Tweeter:


    "Petur, the plan has failed. The Demons have arrived."


    The elf threw the bird up into the sky with all her feminine might. The creature soared high and flew away from her and New Albany with her distressed mission. To a normal person, the distance between them and the altitude where most birds fly, the Tweeter looked no different to a grey colored pigeon.


    After leaving her sight, Aliathra ditched her disguise and fled to the Verden Valley Forest to hold out until further orders from the Adventurer''s Guild returns to her. She will have to survive on her own through the game of the forests and the waters of the rivers instead of relying on one of her old servants back home.


    As she fled away from the settlement unnoticed thanks to her Elven swiftness, the leaders back in the meeting toasted to each other and made themselves merry:


    "To peace and friendship for all!" Director Sienna toasted.


    "To peace!" everyone responded as they downed their glasses of celebratory Champagne.

 9 Chapter 9: a New Day and a New Purpose

    The sun rose that day in Tyr Rian or more specifically the UFE Colony New Albany as the Root Family prepare for a new day. Obediah''s Wife, Leah had spent the early morning dark time of that day packing foodstuff into the truck. The Root Family Farmstead had several vegetables that were in stock before their trip across space that they keep as spare food to be eaten or sold for trade. They range from Corn, Tomatoes, Bell Peppers and Red Chili''s. The Family, once they got their Greenhouse running will be planting and harvesting these foods around the clock. Ms. Root hoped that she can sell the produce in the weekly Farmer''s Market in Tyr Rian that day. With the help of her husband they boarded over a dozen crates into the truck.


    "Are we ready to go?" Obediah asked from behind the driver''s seat.


    "Yeah honey that''s all of them." Leah smiled.


    "Mommy! I am going to school now!" April exclaimed as she barged outside, surprising her parents.


    "You have fun and stay safe in Elementary dear." Her mother waved goodbye.


    The only child of the Root Family kissed both of her parents in the cheek before she ran off to her school, which at least temporarily will be held inside the Eodem until construction will be complete. As Obediah was about to start his truck for his trip, his radio called.


    "Hey Obed, you ready for the day?" Kayin said as he pulled over the Stryder Group''s Land Cruiser behind the truck.


    "Yeah, hey this market shit got me beat. Say the plan again El-Tee?" asked Obediah.


    "Were going to check out this ''Adventurer''s Guild'' building Iris talks about. Says that it contains ''Quests'' that relays the problems and other things that happens around Tyr Rian. Command wants us to gain the trust of the natives and to acquire currency and materials from within the UFE''s ''New Frontier'' and to be honest with you guys, we might have to redefine it with all these ''Aliens'' we be seeing." Kayin relays.


    The Engineer restarted the engine of the Land Cruiser as he began to follow the Root Family Truck towards the friendly Medieval Fantasy City.


    "Do we have call the humans born here ''Aliens''? I mean they are basically us, right?" Crocker questioned as he ducked below the machine gun port.


    "Yeah but by definition they are not of our origins Lewis. I don''t even know why and how this can be even possible." Kayin questioned himself. He lowered his head down to the driver''s wheel in confusion before focusing again on the road.


    "Well, after the Guild we can pass by the Library. I think they keep some old text books about Gliesia you would love to hear." Iris proposed.


    "That sounds great Iris. You know guys, what does this seems to be like the beginning of a Final Fantasy Game?" Samantha said.


    "Well, we are in a fantasy world first of all. We need to understand the Lore and creatures that inhabit this planet. Then we go do ''Quests'' and gain ''Experience'' and that shit. I am still quite the geek even after Officer School." Samantha said.


    "Ha! Throw in a Dragon keeping treasure and a pretty princess or a Demon Lord trying to start the apocalypse and it''s definitely a Final Fantasy game." Crocker commented.


    "Wait if that''s the case¡­ that means you''re the ''Party Leader''?" Vincent questioned.


    "Yes! No do what I say Thief." She spitefully hissed, making the Penal Soldier cringe as he recoiled backwards.


    "What is this ''Final Fantasy'' you are talking about?" Iris interrupted.


    "Buckle up that seatbelt Iris. I am gonna tell you a story from my childhood." Samantha smiled nostalgically.


    ---------------------(Sometime later in Devico''s Mansion now owned by the UFE) -------------------


    After much cleaning and rearrangement by the UFE the other day to make way for their new property, Devico''s Mansion, now called ''Little Earth Emporium'' as nicknamed by some of the soldiers, was now good as new as if the intense battle several days ago never happened. Several Farmers, Craftsmen and even a few prospective restaurateurs have begun to set up shop. The UFE government has told them that the best way to make a name for ourselves amongst the natives was via cultural exchange and what better way than showing the unique products that Earth has to offer? Devico''s old Mansion will have two new purposes. First it will become a shop that sells Earth Products like food, clothes, tools and other useful items that within reason by the Gliesian Population will both need and want to get their hands on. The second function the property has is to house what will essentially be the UFE''s Embassy to the planet, for now the acting ambassador will be Governor Jeremy White, the bearcats back in Earth are still deciding whether to export an Anthropologist from the core worlds or choose among the colonists to be appointed that position.


    Many curious onlookers gathered around the Mansion where the infamous Bandit Lord lived initially at first due to their amazement of how quickly the UFE cleaned up their mess (which they insist on doing themselves) in over a day in what in the Gliesian''s based on their current technology would take a week without the expensive services of a mage. At the gate where days ago a heroic and mighty stranger held it open which the locals call that hero ''Ogre-Breaker'', the said gate that kept Bandit from the oppressed people separate was now completely removed. All that separated the Locals was a blue ribbon that sealed between the gate''s archway. The Emporium''s hastily formed Security team urged the folks to back off. There will be a grand opening of the Little Earth Emporium that Prince Clovich will attend. The UFE Security Guards are now working in tandem with the Tyr Rian City Guards to keep the crowd under control as the Prince cuts the ribbon commencing the opening of the once forbidden property in the middle of the city.


    In an orderly or as best as Security can allow by the best of their ability, the people from Commoners and Nobility alike flooded the Mansion''s halls to be greeted in a grand bazaar that filled all five of their senses.


    There was a Farmer''s section which is normal for the Tyr Rian''s to see that day due to it being Farmer''s Market day which, unlike their farmers were selling foodstuff that nobody has ever seen before like Tomatoes, Corn, Peppers and even Mangoes. Another section was dedicated to more material goods such as clothes and tools. Then the best part of the Emporium was a makeshift restaurant with tables and a menu displaying several of Earth''s favorite food like burgers, pizza and even some sushi.


    "Can I grow this in my farm?" inquired a farmer when he held an ear of Corn on his hand to one of the shopkeepers.


    "These pants¡­ are stretchy?" a man said as he pulled the pair of jogging pants to test its endurance.


    "Wow, this ''Hamburger'' is delicious! I must have the recipe." A nobleman commented positively as he digged his mouth in the sandwich.


    Samantha aimed her camera at the gathered crowd looking to get some shots of the grand opening for herself. She snapped pictures from a respectable distance in order to not scare the Gliesians with her picture taking. Initially she only had her personal photo camera for taking small snippets of her tour of duty to post in her social media but now she has, unofficially, been the Photographer of all of Gliesia''s sights and wonders. Samantha felt amused undertaking the role of documenting her travels around the planet.


    "Hey, Rose. I finished helping my wife set up shop. Let''s go to that ''Guild'' Building?" Obediah interrupted her.


    "That''s great to hear. Everyone let''s move out." She called.


    Stryder Group gathered themselves together and move out with Iris leading the way. They slowly made their out of the Mansion grounds to the city streets outside. Unlike before where they would hide their gear and clothings from the Native Populations, the UFE soldiers wore them out in the open with pride as they strolled down Tyr Rian''s streets. People would turn their heads at the foreign warriors in astonished curiosity as they reached the Guild building which was down the street from the Emporium.


    The Adventurer''s Guild building was about the size of a normal suburban home of two floors with windows and a wooden front door. It held out a sign at the entrance showing the insignia of the Grey Order/Adventurer''s Guild being a cross section between a piece of paper with written gibberish and a sword signifying that this building provides ''Quests''. The Squad entered the building together to be greeted in a quiet reception room.


    The first floor contained a desk where a lone man slept soundly on his chair, a giant Notice Board filled with papers of news, bounties and other important information and a statue black colored statuette of a veiled figure with several lighted candles surrounding it. Upon the second floor was more lack luster being just a few bunk beds and some tables and chairs reserved for full time guild members.


    "Eyah! Oh people! Oh my!" the man on the desk awoke to their presence. He scrambled to stand up and put up a fake smile as he leaned over his desk.


    "Welcome, Welcome to the Adventurer''s Guild Tyr Rian Branch. I am the Guild Manager of this proud establishment. The name is Flynn." He smiled. "Tell me stranger, are you looking for ''Quests'' or are posting some of your own?" He asked.


    "Just looking around for some ''Quests'' sir." Samantha answered.


    "Hey, you are those ''Foreign Warriors'' that took down Devico?" Flynn asked.


    "Indeed, I was the one who commanded the whole thing too." Samantha replied.


    "You got the makings of a leader miss! So, you are interested in the ''Quests'' quite a number around these parts. Take a look and see what interests you and if you ask, I can also give you some of the talk of the town although right now, its mostly about you folks right now. I mean holding a gate open? Only Ogres can match up like that!" Flynn said.


    "Thanks for the complement." Crocker smiled.


    "No problem Ogre-Breaker." he grinned.


    Samantha turned to her right at the notice board and began to examine it. However, the words were in the Gliesian alphabet so she couldn''t comprehend what she is looking at.


    "Iris, can you read these?" she turned to Iris.


    The Vampire Witch raised her feet up as she looked at the notice board written in her native language in every possible inch. She scanned over a dozen pinned papers as she absorbed the information into her brain. As the girls looked on at the board, Diaz leaned himself close to the candle lit statue non-chalantly.


    "Hey don''t come in close to that unless your placing a candle!" Flynn shouted.


    The Ex-thief recoiled as the Guild Manager walked towards him and tended the statue.


    "Oh Lord Temes, God of the Death forgive me." Flynn prayed as he fixed the statue and took away the burnt-out candles.


    "This is a shrine? I''m sorry. I thought it was just for show." Diaz apologized.


    "It''s okay but please don''t go near my Lord Temes Statuette unless your going to light a candle." Flynn replied.


    Diaz looked down at the black veiled figurine for a moment before turning his head back to the Guild Manager again.


    "So those candles. Are they representing people?" Diaz asked.


    "Yes, sad to say this but yes. Some of the ''Quests'' on the board have taken several lives and the people are getting desperate for some help." Flynn replied.


    "Desperate how?" Samantha asked from across the room.


    Flynn walked back towards Samantha and placed his fingers on one of the pinned papers on the Notice Board to present it to her.


    "Take a look at this one." He pointed. "This bounty is asking for some ''Extermination'' by the swamp near the Verden Valley Forest. It''s Bask of Seadevils. The folks there will pay some good money for their teeth and meat. I sent this pretty blonde lass with a shiny looking bow the other day on this quest too." Flynn explained.


    As illustrated in the poster, the ''Seadevil'' is an alligator-like creature with fish like fins propping its sides and back. The front body of the creature rose upright creating a ''neck'' and giving the creature a height advantage compared to their down-to-earth comparison.


    "I live¡­ I mean I used to go to the swamp nearby to harvest the mushrooms there. Those things can grow to around eight feet." Iris said.


    "Eight Feet?" Samantha exclaimed.


    "Yes, and I heard that they have a poisonous bite thanks to their saliva. Can''t kill you in an hour." Iris added.


    "That''s scary to hear." Samantha lowered her voice and the paper. Before she was about to reject the ''Quest'', Obediah interrupted her.


    "I think I can take it." He said.


    "Really Obed? You can hunt some of these down? They look actually pretty life threatening." Samantha said.


    "I can take care of myself. Besides, the Hunter''s Association probably will appreciate some of the exotic monsters I will be hunting down here. Although, I could use some help. Iris, you said you know the swamp, there right? Can you take me there?" Obediah asked.


    "I don''t think I can go with you because I have to be with Samantha all the time when I am outside New Albany. But I can mark it on that¡­ uhm Gee-Pee-Esss gizmo you use as a map." Iris acknowledged.


    "It is a map Iris." Obed corrected her "And Diaz, can you be my partner? I could use some extra fire power." He then turned to the Ex-thief.


    "Me? on one of your hunts? Really?" He asked.


    "Yeah, it will be fun. You could use some outdoors. Besides you do get them Aug''s right, so you can easily run away if they get to close. Tomorrow is a Saturday and it''s our day off so we can split the cash between ourselves." Obediah proposed.


    "Well, other than pissing myself on the bar on that day, alright let''s kill some Crocodiles." He smiled.


    "Well good luck to both of you. And Diaz! Don''t try to run away now since you can understand the


    locals now." She pointed out.


    "And lose my supply of Bio-Cells? Won''t even dream." He denied her with a hint of snark.


    "Okay, that''s one down to you guys. Flynn, by any chance you have a ''Quest'' that doesn''t involve monstrous creatures? Preferably within the city?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes, I do! It''s relatively easy and safe. The Drunken Bastard Inn is going to hold a show in their place tomorrow night and they need some Bouncers. Will pay good money and free food to any applicants." Flynn said.


    "The Drunken Bastard? We are actually friends with the owner. Maybe he can let us be the Bouncers." Samantha said.


    "Lutheor Mirrien? Your friends with him? That''s pretty neat of you. Just go up to the guy and ask if it''s okay with him that he throws the responsibility of the Drunken Bastard security to him." Flynn smiled.


    "Well looks like while you guys are going out Hunting we will be Bouncing back in the Bastard." Crocker said.


    "Well have fun and don''t drink the beer." Diaz waved.


    "Happy Hunting then to you. And good luck." Kayin said.


    "Alright that settles it everyone for our first ''Quests''. Let''s head back to the Emporium." Samantha said.


    "Ai, my wife''s Corn on the Cobs are on me for the day." Obediah smiled.


    --------------------------------(Meanwhile back in Haringpoint) --------------------------------


    "Petur, the Plan has failed. The Demons have arrived." Said the projected virtual image of Aliathra via her Tweeter Spell Bird.


    The Magic Knight became shaken with denial and horror as he heard the Elven Princess''s grim news. With him at the Grey Order''s HQ in Haringpoint was his colleagues Carliah, Mita and Findrum alongside with them Grandmaster Owyne. Their faces too were of utter dismay.


    "We have¡­ failed?" Carliah softly lamented. Tears of her first failure trickled down her cheeks.


    "So¡­ the End Times are here?" Mita commented.


    "I knew we should have killed that Metal Demon as soon as we saw it!" Findrum grumbled.


    "The plan should have worked! The Illusion¡­ what did we do wrong?" Owyne despaired.


    ------------------------(Flashback about a week before Planetfall)----------------


    A gathering of over one thousand of the Conclaves best Illusion Mages plus an escort of the Empire''s best Paladins have gathered in Tyr Rian''s Verden Valley that day. After getting permission from Prince Clovich for a ''Study Group Field Trip'' in his lands, the Grey Order members and their Conclave friends readied themselves for the so-prophesied ''Eye'' that Owyne obsessively foretold its coming. They have camped out at the field for about three nights waiting for a sign of the ''Demons'' arrival.


    "Grandmaster are you sure the first demons will be here?" asked Petur.


    "I saw it come down from the heavens like a falling star. As it makes land, it will follow a great explosion creating a crater from where it arrived. Then it will see the world for souls to feast upon. Remember the Plan is to prevent it from seeing the world as filled with souls." Owyne said, reminding the plan to Owyne.


    "Is everyone ready? It could arrive at any minute." The wizard asked.


    "Carliah and Aliathra are preparing the Crystals as we speak. Findrum has his blades ready and Mita has been scouting the forests for anything out of the ordinary." Petur reported.


    "That is very good to hear Sir Reikdorf. Pray to the Gods that..."


    Just as Owyne was to bless Petur with his wishes and prayers, the entire camp felt a great convulsion that knocked many unsuspecting Imperial off their feet. Falling down to ground in shock from the great seismic disturbance, Owyne could only freeze in hysteria.


    "They.Are.Here." he cried.


    "Get a hold of yourself!" Petur knocked back Owyne''s senses together with two light slaps to return him to reality.


    "The Demons?!?" Petur exclaimed.


    "Yes, where did that Earthquake come from?" Owyne asked.


    The two ran out of their tent with their feet barely upright to only be embraced by a panicked campsite with men screaming and running away. From up above, the two spotted smoke rising from their west followed by a red-yellowish glow. Just as they were about to follow the source of the fire, Petur noticed that his colleague Carliah, their Elven ally Aliathra and standing frozen at the sight of the unnatural fire.


    "Carliah! Get the mages and the crystals now!" Petur ordered.


    "Y-yes! Let''s go!" Carliah leaded. She waved her hands to her fellow mages as they followed her lead.


    The Heroes hurried themselves towards the source of the red glowing smoke until they ran beyond the edges of the camp to the open field. There was a sense of anxiety between everyone since nobody but Findrum the Monster Hunting Dwarf had experience fighting demons. It is said that Demons possess immeasurable strength, speed and endurance that only the strongest of people can even hope to keep up with. Legends spoke of names of several demons that can challenge the Gods of their world in combat. Some are known to cause volcanoes to erupt in terrible anger, another can cause widespread diseases, and some of the worst can pierce your soul and make you turn against everything you had held dear with immense hatred until their humanity is lost forever.


    Guild Mission dashed themselves across the empty field until the red-yellow glow grew brighter and brighter until they spotted a large crater from where the smoke arose from. The Grey Order halted their advance as they readied themselves. Findrum unsheathed his custom-made axes made from special ''Monster-Bane'' metal or otherwise known as Silver ready to fight what could be his greatest prey yet. On from the front and back lines, the mages summoned up their magic from their hands, wands and staffs ready to conjure the pivotal spell needed for the plan, if of course this ''Eye Demon'' doesn''t come with an escort of its own. Yet even then, all of the Gliesians in that field that day were all equally nervous. The only noise they could here was their quiet breathing and the crackling of the fire coming from the crater.


    Until they heard the sounds of chinking and chipping from the craters as if something was trying to climb out of it.


    "Hit the Illusions now! Now traces of anything." Owyne ordered.


    Carliah, Aliathra and all of the mages that followed tapped their powers from the hastily grabbed crystals back from camp to form the virtual image of an empty world with no signs of sentient life or civilization. The mages hope that they can fool the Demon with their spell. They surrounded the crater in a circle to form the illusionary mirror image which their magic''s outlining traces formed a dome that surrounded the crater in a 360-degree view of its surrounding.


    From out of the crater the shape of a shadow emerged. At first the umbra figure gave the designs of an alien like beast with a long neck but as the image got closer to getting out of the crater, the shadow reduced in size to the child like height of no more than 5 feet.


    "It is the ''Eyes'' of the Demons from my visions¡­" Owyne dreaded fearfully.


    After a few more moments of hearing the ''chinking'' and ''chipping'' of dirt, the shadow of the ''Demon'' finally emerged and everyone held their breath for their first encounter with the Demonic Kind.


    "By the gods¡­ what are you¡­" were the words Petur could only mutter softly as the creature emerged.


    The interloper''s skin was made of metal painted in gleaming silver that reflects like the gleaming towers of the Elves of Alfel-Nora''s towers. The rest of its body was even more alien than the metallic skin, it had a single ''eye'' at the center of its round vase like body which looks almost lifelike yet at the same time is uncannily deceased. At the bottom of its round body is several tiny arms in differing shapes that not even their world''s greatest engineers can decipher its purposes. From the bottom of its As it raised itself from the ashes, to the shock of the Gliesians, it can fly without any visible wings attached despite hearing the obvious fluttering sound of wings which beats abnormally fast.


    "That''s the ''Eye''?" Findrum questioned. "It''s rather¡­ tiny for a demon." He added.


    "Well its more of a scout than a fighter." Petur said.


    The pint-sized Metal-Demon began to float forwards to the Imperial''s position alarming them.


    "Did it see through it?" Carliah anxiously asked the Grandmaster.


    "I don''t think so. It''s not acting erratically and trying to charge like what most Demons do. Have the mages move backwards while they maintain the dome." Owyne ordered.


    Carliah acknowledged and slowly she, Aliathra and the rest of the mages slowly moved backwards. Whenever the ''Demon'' moved, the mages would move in a synchronized fashion. Nervousness run abound by the Imperial''s as every time the alien being paused in its tracks, its oddly shaped arms would probe the ground or plant life it comes near off. Was it¡­ trying to smell for Mortal Souls?


    "It''s rather calm¡­ for a demon. It doesn''t even look like it needs to breathe." Aliathra said.


    "You got that right Princess." Findrum nodded.


    After much probing of the ground and plants, the metal ''Demon'' started to float towards the Imperials camp. Alarmed, Owyne ordered the soldiers to dismantle the camp. Every rope, nail, cloth, campfires and every man-made object were hastily hidden away as the illusional ''Demon'' made its way through what WAS there camp.


    ---------------(Meanwhile in UFE Space somewhere outside Benham-3/Gliesia)------------------------


    It was another routine mission for the UFE Planetary Surveyor Corps. The operators in the control room leisurely sipped their coffee and blankly stared at the screens. They have sent out one of their Probing Drones to the planet Benham-3. Their assignment, scout out a given coordinates for the future landing of the Eodem Colony Ship. It was a boring job of just inputting commands to the Probe to collect samples and observe the surroundings. As the operators looked at their viewing screens, all they could see was just the verdant hills of grass and a forest full of trees that look familiar to the ones grown back at Earth. Everywhere the drone goes and does its sample collection, it only further pointed that the planet was just another Earth-like planet with nothing special or cautionary from what the Probe reported via it''s data uplink to their computers.


    "Looks empty, nothing but trees and grass everywhere. Man, I can''t wait to get off this damn station and get some fresh air." the Control Operator said placing his hand behind his head as he lazily leaned back from his reclining chair.


    "Should we get the Probe backed to the ship?" his colleague next to him asked.


    "Meh, it''s going to be decommissioned anyway for better droids. Have the Colony salvage it up when they drop." He shot down.


    The operator grabbed a telephone that was near his workstation and dialed a phone number.


    "Hello, this is Mata Station. Tell Colonial Affairs that the Eodem has its drop site. The Drop Site is clear for planetfall." The operator said.


    After dropping the phone, he turned back to his workstation and pressed the command for the Probing Drone to shut down.


    ---------------------------(Back in Gliesia, Tyr Rian Principality)-----------------------------------


    The ''Metal Demon'', after much floating and digging around the now cleared camping grounds that is devoid of any signs of civilization suddenly fell down dead much to the surprise of the Grey Order.


    They approached its carcass carefully until they are all pointing their weapons and magic at point blank melee range.


    "Is it¡­ dead?" Carliah asked.


    Findrum emerged from the crowd of soldiers and with a might downward thrust of his Silver Axe he split the ''Demon'' in two. Exposing mild electric currents that discharged from the corpse and strangely colored blood vessels from within. The blood vessels were colored blue, red and yellow yet instead of bleeding liquid it bled electricity.


    "Mages contain that thing!" Owyne ordered it to be sealed with Holy Magics and to be transported to a Demonologist for study.


    "What happened? It just died just like that?" Petur questioned.


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    "Well Demons need souls to feed upon to survive. Since we casted an illusion in order to fool it to think that this place is devoid of souls¡­" Aliathra began to reason.


    "It couldn''t find anything to feed on so it fell dead from hunger!" Carliah concluded.


    "And since if it can''t find any souls¡­" Findrum continued their deduction.


    "The Demons will have no reason to invade because they think there is no Souls to consume. We did it! We prevented the Apocalypse!" Owyne cheered.


    Everyone began to join along in the Grandmaster''s delight as they hugged and tossed around their helmets and hats to the air in celebration. Thanks to the Grey Order''s brilliant plan of deceiving an Eldritch Demon but cancelled the fall of their beloved Empire. Petur hugged Carliah and Findrum in a mighty grasp and thanked them for their helped. Yet he noticed that the Elven Princess Aliathra was slowly walking away from them during the middle of their revelry. Letting go of his colleagues, Petur managed to tap the Princess'' back before she got too far.


    "Hey, stay with us. We can drink and eat together like friends between to partners. My Empire and your Entente?" ''the Faithful'' diplomatically said, reminding her of the positive relationship between their two nations. Petur marveled at her ethereal beauty.


    No other woman he knows or heard of could match the beauty of the female Elves from the continent of Alfel-Nora. Even a humble Elf Commoner could not compare to the Noble Women of the Slaegian Empire in terms of vanity and elegance. From the moment he first lay his eyes on Aliathra, he could only stare in awe at her.


    "I have finished what I was sent to do. I helped your order prevent the Apocalypse so I am done here. I''ll stock up on some supplies and say hello to an old¡­ ''family'' friend before I depart for Alfel-Nora." Aliathra politely declined.


    She gracefully turned her back and walked away from the Magic Knight leaving him behind. Petur lay his head down in shame that his attempts of possibly pursue courtship with the Elven Princess was turned down. Yet¡­ for some reason¡­ judging from the tone of her voice, there was something suspicious about her.


    "There goes that Elf. Of on their Mysterious ways." Owyne said walking up beside him.


    "Grandmaster, when Mita comes back. Tell her that I want her spies to keep an eye out on Aliathra." Petur said.


    "Why?" Owyne asked.


    "I don''t know but my instincts say she is up to something¡­ I can''t tell what." Petur said.


    --------------(Back in the Present Time) ---------------


    "The Plan was supposed to work!" Owyne flipped the tables and scattered dozens of papers and ink that spilled on the marble floors.


    "Mita! I told you to keep an eye on the Elf. What else happened to her?" Petur accused the Crow.


    "I told you again. My spies in the city tracked her until she reached the Clovich''s Castle then we lost track of her. That''s all I could say. Maybe she was on to us." Mita defended herself.


    "That''s besides the point. But does the Elf Princess know something that we don''t?" Petur questioned.


    "That I do not know. But judging from her Tweeter Bird, maybe she does, not from when we last saw her, but now maybe she does know something. She is still in Tyr Rian as of this message''s dispatching" Carliah deducted.


    "So¡­ the Apocalypse is indeed happening now¡­" Findrum depressingly lowered his head fearing the inevitable.


    "Hold on¡­ maybe it was just a mistake. Or some sort of Poor Communication? Aliathra does look rather distressed from the way she spoke so quickly on her message. Perhaps we just need to confirm with her on the details. Then we can decide on a course of action." Carliah mediated the group from descending into despair.


    "You¡­ you¡­ are right. We can''t afford to be emotional now." Owyne calmed himself.


    "Indeed Grandmaster. Mita! I want you try and track down Aliathra again in Tyr Rian, check for Inns, Pubs, the Guild Building there for any signs of her. Owyne, I need you to relay to the Imperial Legions of the news. Have them mobilize near the borders of Tyr Rian and wait for further orders from us. Make sure they prepare for a Demon Invasion. Holy Water, Blessed Bolts, Relics, Demonbane, anything they can get their hands on. If these Demons are indeed pouring from Tyr Rian, we must contain them there. No Demons shall invade the Empire while we still breathe!" Petur exclaimed.

 10 Chapter 10: Open Season

    Two olive garbed individuals slogged themselves across the marshy grounds of the Verden Valley Forest. They were both armed with hunting gear ranging from a rifle, high caliber pistols, a shotgun and their camouflage garments. And they were on the prowl for the creatures dubbed ''Seadevils''.


    Having to relinquish his normal Carbine to the armory that day, Diaz was left slightly annoyed not being able to wield his preferred firearm and resort to using Obediah''s spare KSG shotgun with Slug ammunition that he lends to him for the day. The swamp the the two UFE soldiers who happen to be taking one of the Adventurer''s Guild''s ''Quests'' today on their day off for some money that the two agreed to split their whatever earnings they can obtain today.


    "Shit Obed, the stench." Diaz complained. He covered his nose by pinching it with hit fingers as he continued moving forward.


    "You''re such a City Boy kid. Take some of the outdoor smell." Obediah replied.


    Their surroundings were of large fungus infested trees whose roots look like they were tip toeing away from as much swamp water from their feet. Swamp Reeds and Lilly pads painted the water in a murky green that with the naked eye, nobody could see anything beyond an inch. It was a dreary locale that would naturally be home to such a vile creature named ''the Seadevil''. The only comforting sight in this God-forsaken place were the glowing flora and fauna found beneath the trees ranging from mushrooms, flowers and what looked like fireflies that glow a bright blue rather than the earth native orange color that the UFE are familiar with.


    "Keep you eye on the scanner boy. I don''t want any surprises you hear me." Obediah instructed.


    "Yeah got it" Diaz nodded. He looked on to his attached scanning equipment next to his shotgun and observed the device.


    It worked as both a Sonar Device and a Parabolic Heartbeat sensor that can detect the faintest of heartbeats from the bradycardic (slow heartbeat) Sea Devils, if their similarity to Alligators and Crocodile is correct.


    "Hang on, hundred meters, East. Something big is happening." Diaz said spotting a disturbance from his scanner.


    Alarmed by the detection, the two slowly moved east with their fingers on their triggers. Every second they are inside the swamp and every step they took could risk the possibility of one of the vile beasts ambushing them. Any form of help will likely be factored as irrelevant due to the hostile nature of the swamp when it comes to navigation. The survival of the two hunters rest upon their equipment and their own wits.


    Diaz peeked over the tree and spotted what the pair came to this secluded hellhole, it was a singular Seadevil standing alone in some wet land. It''s back was turned against them as it was eating the corpse of an unfortunate stag.


    "Take the shot." Diaz whispered.


    Obediah strafed to his right under the cover of the Swamp''s Trees to get a better shot at the beast. He re-positioned himself until he got a full view of the creature''s right side without getting detected. Peering through ''Leah''s'' scope, Obediah held his breath to aim. His crosshairs aimed center mass hoping to land a devastating lung shot to the creature on his first shot. He carefully squeezed the trigger and¡­


    *WHOOSH!!!*


    *BANG!!!*


    The sudden sound of sharp flight erupted from across the left side of the monster at the same time Obediah pulled the trigger. In one instant, the Seadevil collapsed face first dead on the ground.


    "What the hell?" Obediah questioned himself as he stood up from his hiding spot and approached the Seadevil corpse. Vincente also emerged from his position to observe the kill with him.


    "Hey you heard that?" Diaz asked.


    "Yeah, I don''t know what that was though?" Obediah commented. He looked at the corpse to get his first real look on his quarry. The entry point from where Obed shot him was a about an inch in diameter and the hunting ammo that he used should have made quick work of the monster''s vital organs the instant the kinetic energies of that .308 Lapua bullet made contact.


    "Look over here! What the¡­" Diaz stuttered.


    Crossing over the corpse, Obediah soon found what was the Penal Soldier was looking at. It was an arrow that punctured around the same mirror imaged area where he shot the Seadevil. However, the arrow was of a strange design. It wasn''t made of a primitive wooden body nor the aluminum kind, no it was made from some sort of sort of glass like body with its translucency. The arrow emitted the same kind of magical energy patterns that Obediah and Diaz observed seeing from Iris and other mages that inhabit the planet. As the two continued to curiously examine the affixed projectile, the mushy sounds of footsteps walking on swamplands harkened behind them.


    "I believe that is my Seadevil. Move along Firen." Said an elegantly feminine voice.


    The two turned around to see a young lithe woman standing behind them. She was proudly parading herself in her blue colored garments that almost seductively (in an impractical sense by Earth Standard) ''V-neck'' that exposed the woman''s cleavage and breastbone. There were several sections in her garbs that sported leather for protection, not that it the flimsy clothes can protect her from anything, perhaps the clothes were meant for speed and maneuverability over safeguards to one''s vital organs. The woman also wore a hood that hid her face adding to hear mysteriousness ever since she unexpectedly made her presence known to the two questing hunters. For someone like them to be seeing a person dress like this, the only time they could ever recall someone else wearing clothes like that was in a Cosplaying Convention. Diaz couldn''t help but keep his eyes on the woman in alluring clothes as she walked towards them.


    "Your kill? No, I killed this thing first. The tongue is mine." argued Obediah.


    "Excuse me? But have you heard the most magnificent sound of my Starfire Bow? That creature would easily fall down in one hit by the grace of my arrows." The woman answered back.


    "Well so those my Rifle! Point Three Hundred and 8 Lapua rounds! Will pretty much kill anything short of an elephant." Obediah rebutted.


    As the two continued to argue over who rightfully earned the recently slain beast as a trophy. Diaz looked down on his scanner to search for more Seadevils to hunt down. So far, no disturbances at the moment.


    "I do not know of this ''Rifle'' you speak of but judging by that hideous thunder it produces it is just another crude magic staff." The woman dismisses


    "Magic Staff? This is no Staff or of magic. This Sniper Rifle had a development period of over ten years in the making and made from the finest Gunsmiths in and from the Earth. Your bow is a weapon we have longed abandoned millennia ago!" He roared over the woman''s offending statement.


    "That thing looks like even a child can wield drunk and blind. My Bow takes skill to take. And what is this ''Earth'' you speak of? Another nation of Firen H?n that I never heard of? Step aside for this beast contains my rightful reward." She snootily replied.


    The woman tried to move towards the deceased Seadevil but Obediah stepped into her way.


    "No way you bitch. The United Federation of Earth has been active for over one hundred and fifty plus years. And we have been expanding across the stars and aren''t going to be stopped now by some kill stealing bitch like you." Obediah asserted.


    "United Feder--¡­Earth¡­ you¡­ you¡­" the woman began to stutter.


    "You heard of us miss?" Diaz asked peering through his scanner''s screen.


    "Your¡­ the people that the prince met¡­" she said.


    "Indeed, we are lady. But we still have a problem with¡­" Obediah acknowledged the woman''s questions but he and Diaz were greeted by a great flash of light conjured from the stranger''s hands.


    "Aer Galad!" she yelled in a strange tongue unfamiliar to them.


    Iris'' ''Language Spell'' that she had provided to the UFE so that they can easily communicate with the natives and be able to listen to what they say, only covered the Slaegian Empire''s dominant dialect called ''Vaikuri''. To hear someone mixing Vaikuri and another alien language was a shocker to the two. But not as the shock of the woman who blinded them in a flash bang like explosion.


    Clearing his eyes, Diaz recovered from the blast thanks to being used to encountering such measures in his experience of being a thief and getting Flash banged by the local law enforcements. He even remembered being greeted to one the day he got arrested. As he restored the vision from his eyes, he can blurrily see that the mysterious woman drew her bow and loaded one of her ''Starfire Arrows'' into the arrow rest aiming at the still befuddled Obediah.


    With a quick reactivation of his Rapid Movement Booster augmentation, Vincent dashed towards the woman in lightning fast speed.


    (Aliathra''s POV)


    At first, the Elven Princess thought that today was going to be another monotonous day of hunting down wild animals for food and money. She has been camping in the woods for a few days alone and is currently waiting for a reply from her colleagues back in the Empire to respond to her distress message. She has seen these ''people who came from the sky'' as told by the native Tyr Rian locals with her own two eyes. The way their leader ''White'' charmed the Prince of Tyr Rian with his honeyed words and their exorbitant promises of curing many of their world''s various problems. Not even the greatest of mages from Ethuilen to Haringpoint can figure out such mysteries and yet these aliens simply dismounted from where ever in Gliesia or the Void that they all come from and start telling everyone they meet that they can solve all of their problems. It sure sounds like a demon''s work in conducting their temptations of the faithful masses.


    She will need to attempt an infiltration or the very least a scouting reconnaissance of this ''New Albany'' location that the outsiders have made their nerve center in Tyr Rian. But for now, she will need to provide for herself. So, she has taken up this ''Quest'' from the local Adventurer''s Guild building in hunting down several ''Seadevils'' a native monster of Ysanigrad the Human Continent''s wetlands. She was told by the details of the ''Quest'' that they only want the creatures'' deaths and they will pay some good money for every tongue presented to them. She can freely keep some of the meat for herself for her own nourishment, it wasn''t as glamorous as the specially prepared food that she used to eat in the palace but it would keep her going with the great calorie content it provides. She still groaned at her predicament, the Elf still longs for the piquant dishes her family''s chefs would whip up to satisfy their cravings. Venision, Fruit Pies and Grilled Fish with sauce, she missed them all.


    Despite being a princess of the Elven Royal Family, she was taught by the investment of her father to take care of herself. The Elves of Alfel-Nora have been split into two distinct factions for centuries and all of the children had to go through some sort of mandatory military service whether being a common foot soldier, Cavalry or even the more elite units such as the Ethuilen Rangers that Aliathra had received training from thanks to the influence of her father. She has learned, outside of her natural abilities to heal, altercation of her body and surroundings, illusions and creating alchemical potions on the move, she has been trained in Survival in hostile environments, Archery Proficiency and Scout Training.


    So there she was, the Youngest Child of the Ethuilen Royal Family all alone in a gloomy swamp hunting down ''Seadevils'' to make ends meet. She had claimed two tongues of Seadevils who funnily enough she caught both mating in a secluded tree. She easily dispatched them with one shot each from her Starfire Arrows, it would seem to her that today will just be another boring night of monster hunting. She just hopes that soon a Tweeter Bird from her Slaegian Colleagues can contact her before she metaphorically dies of boredom.


    Thanks to her enhanced senses, Aliathra detected a lone Seadevil about a few hundred meters southwest from were she stalked. With her race''s signature Elven Agility, she stealthily strides her way through the marshes to be at the monster''s position in a mere half a minute. Placing an arrow on her bow she drew her weapon and let loose the brilliant light blue projectile at the unsuspecting beast. However as soon as she heard the graceful ''Whoosh'' sound of her bow string, she could hear a large unearthly thunder sound from across her position. At first, she thought that it was Isolation that she has been living on for several days has started to perform tricks at her. She boldly emerged from her position and walked towards her kill.


    However, that ''loud thunder'' she thought was a hallucination was actually more concrete as she thought as she spotted two mysterious figures emerged from the other side. The strangers were of humanoid shape yet they wore green garments that almost reminded her of the Dryads and Sylvanite Tree People native to her homeland. Were these sent by her family? If they have to travel across an ocean and miles of land these ''Dryads'' must have some very urgent news for her.


    Yet as she zoomed her turquoise eyes to the ''Dryads'' she noticed that they were wearing shoes and wielded strange black colored staffs. Something a Dryad would never need to be equipped with. They must be the native Humans or Firen in her native elven tongue, off to hunt Seadevils for money too.


    She can understand a majority of the words used in the Vaikuri language of the Slaegian Empire and base on what she is hearing, one of the men who sported facial hair on his chin claimed that he slew the Seadevil and he rightfully earns its tongue. His partner a man in who was similarly dressed as him in olive colored clothing is cleanshaven and had a tan, a color similar to the light brown oakwood of her Elven Homeland. He was simply standing next to him checking a mysterious light that emitted from one of his staffs. The Elf Princess observed closely.


    ''Is that Firen charging his magic?''


    The bearded man began to argue over the rightful claim of the Seadevil Tongue yet the Elf Princess fought back. The argument soon descended into a right of superior armaments, as they fought over who''s weapon was more superior than the other. Then the bearded man said a word that shook shivers down her spine.


    "Younited Federashon of Erf" the bearded man said.


    She had remembered hearing that from Prince Clovich in Castle Tyr Rian a few days ago when she disappeared to be undercover as one of Princess Aria''s many maids. She knew from her nation''s spy network that the Prince of Tyr Rian provides intelligence on Slaegian Empire border movements and fortification details to the Ethuilen Entente Elves in exchange for Elven Medicine to make his sister temporarily albeit very weakly walk again. Yet after she attended a conference with these foreign ''Younited Federashon of Erf'' she saw giant cities that were hastily built made of cold hard metal and stone as if it magically erupted from the Earth, not even the best Magically Atuned architect can even hope to build something in a span of a week, the best could be under a year. Then she met the leader of the ''Federashon'' by the name of ''White''. He whispered something at the Princes Ears that made him and his sister cry as if they were mentally broken then he promised from what she could be able to eavesdrop from the meeting ''to take care of them''. Were these Demons corrupting the mortals to do their bidding? And were these two men part of this ''Federashon''? Is it just another Demonic Ruse to infiltrate their world and turn it into their cornucopia of despairing souls? Were these demons disguised as...


    ''No, not on my watch, not that we can still fight.''


    She conjured white holy magic from her hands in gathering of her Elven Powers "Aer Galad!" she exclaimed. A brilliant white flash erupted from her hand blinding the two ''Demons''.


    Normally ''the Holy Light spell'' she has learned from the Elven Paladins can dispel instantly lesser demons and for the stronger ones they would at least erupt in a silvery white flame. Yet as the bright flash subsided, Aliathra saw to her surprise that the two ''Demons'' were physically unharmed and were merely stunned by the sudden lightning flash that addled their vision.


    "They are stronger than I thought. Take this!" she said to herself. She drew her bow and placed an arrow to shoot down one of the demons while they were defenseless. She took aim and at the older bearded ''Demon'' in the human disguise and drew her bow string.


    It seemed like everything became slow motion in time as just as she drew her bow, the younger fair looking ''Demon'' quickly recovered his vision and focused his face at Aliathra. He charged in inhuman speed at the Elf before she could react and deflected the bow away from the direction of the bearded man as she let go, the arrow narrowly missing him.


    The fair looking demon soon wrestled away Aliathra''s Bow from her grasp successfully prying it from her finger with his brutish strength before pushing her down to the dirty waters of the swamp before he tossed the bow away.


    The Elf recoiled in shock as she roughly crashed her body to the murky waters. It was disgusting that her frame was polluted with such filthy that it drew her anger at the Demons to push her self harder to triumph against them. She maybe outnumbered 2-to-1 but the Astrals were at her side thanks to her blessed bloodline from her Family. She gnashed her teeth as she stood back up and drew her shorts word from her back and began to slash the blade towards the Demon.


    "Die Demon!" she proudly yelled.


    Her adversary dodged every swipe of her blade in a fiendish speed, demonstrating his Demonic Physical Attributes which are superior to any Mortal creature can even hope to obtain let alone surpass. Distressed, the Elven Princess began to push her body to dangerous levels of exertion as she redoubled her efforts yet the Demon effortlessly continued to dodge her attacks.


    Then suddenly the Demon grabbed her arm after she tried to thrust the blade into the Demon''s chest. Her enemy held her arm hand in place with his right hand before he kicked her in the abdomen with a strong 45-degree kick. Weakened by the sudden shock on her core, her grip on her weapon weakened making it easy for the Demon to pry it away from her.


    Now completely defenseless, weakened and exhausted, the Princess was now at the full mercy of the Demon as the brute dragged her across the water and cornered her body forcefully against the fresh corpse of the Seadevil that they have fought over earlier.


    ''Is this it¡­ am I going to¡­ die?''


    She began to cry, shedding tears tears from her face that fell down her fair cheeks. Pinned to the dead monster she could only pray that the Demons grant her a quick death. She closed her eyes to embrace her fate and ancestors.


    Yet from the incoherent speaking coming from the two Demons she could feel¡­ indecision from her empathic senses. Her elven heritage could from close range detect one''s mood and feelings. This was how her ancestors tamed the wild animals to their will and how they, before the splitting of their nation ruled like masters before the time of Men rising into prominence. Could these ''Demons'' have¡­ feelings?


    "Shit¡­ what the fuck¡­ happened?" the bearded one said after recovering his vision from Aliathra''s previous spell.


    "I don''t know Obed, but this girl tried to kill us¡­ Who the hell are you?" said the younger one.


    The man gently removed her hood that concealed her head exposing her golden blonde hair, azure eyes and leaf shaped Elven ears.


    "Whoa¡­" the fair one commented admiring Aliathra''s features.


    The princess doesn''t know whether to feel flattered that a man is admiring her scared being the mad has her pinned and at his mercy.


    "Please¡­ don''t kill me." Aliathra begged. "I---''ll be your slave. I can please you, pleasure you. Would you want to have an Elf as your pleasure slave? Just spare me and my family please." She pleaded in a last-ditch effort to survive her loss. The Princess felt so helpless. She had messed up and failed her mission and all she could do was await what her defeater has in store for her whether chains of slavery or the cold kiss of death, Aliathra lay down defeated.


    "Whoa! Whoa! What? Slave? You and me? No! I am not THAT kind of person!" the faired one said loosening his grip and letting Aliathra go. She caught her breath but yet she was still surrounded by two physically imposing figures who has caught her drained of her energy both stamina and magics.


    "First off we are only arguing about who killed this Crocodile right here and you thought you could get away with this by shooting at us?" the bearded man called ''Obediah'' said to her.


    "I¡­ thought¡­ I ¡­. You¡­" Aliathra stuttered, her mouth dry and thirsty from the exertion of her previous fight. She wanted to accuse the two figures for the Demons that they were yet her parched mouth couldn''t let her speak.


    "Don''t stutter on me woman. You tried to kill both of us. First you blinded us with some flashbang mumbo jumbo magic at are faces and tried to finish us with your fucking ''Star-something'' whatever bow. Do you have any Idea¡­ what we will¡­?" Obediah roared.


    "Uhm¡­ Obed!" the fair faced one exclaimed who stared into the light of his staff. His face plastered in Dread.


    "What the Hell is it now Vince?" Obediah said.


    "We.Are.Surrounded." the fair faced figure who is addressed as ''Vince'' punctuated.


    "What?" Obediah asked.


    "Clicks, Spooks everywhere. We are surrounded." He informed.


    Aliathra observed her peripheral surroundings. It was true, she has sensed 6 Seadevils surrounding them from all sides. She could feel the primal hunger that surged within monster''s mind as they spotted their next meal. And that meal was their flesh.


    "Shit! What do we do? And the girl too!" Vincent asked.


    "For now, we fucking Survive!" Obediah yelled.


    The Bearded man reached out into his pocket and grabbed a strange looking wand from the breasts of his shirt. It was a small handheld gizmo that at first glance, Aliathra could think it was some sort of harmless piece of art made from gleaming silvery metal. It had a curved black leather handle that Obediah held firmly on his palm and a long snout engraved with the words ''Elephant Killer'' at its surface. The bearded man''s index finger twitched inward to his hands to let out a deafening blast that recoiled the strange metal wand and letting loose a fiery chromatic flash.


    The princess covered her ears as Obediah fired his wand at one of the Seadevils. A large detonation of blood spurted out from the monster''s neck, then followed by another thunderous bang from Obediah and then a third one. After his first three shots, his target fell down dead on the swamp floor choking on its own blood. The Elven Princess couldn''t believe such a meager weapon compared to her Starfire Bow can fell such a beast in such a brutally efficient manner. Most wands in terms of Magic Amplification power couldn''t compete against Staffs and were normally relegated to more up close and personal assignments whilst Staffs were more for much larger tasks that requires heavy amounts of Mana to be expended.


    She looked on to the fair faced one named ''Vincent'' who in stark contrast to Obediah''s weapon of choice was holding a significantly larger armament. It was a long staff life with a distinctly shaped snout compared to Obediah''s hand held weapon. With a twitch of his fingers below his dark colored staff he let out a mighty thunderous roar that in one single discharge blew open the body of a Seadevil who managed to get close to melee range in a gory shower of blood and guts.


    What kind of awesome magical powers does these ''Demons'' possess that even the mightiest monsters can easily fall before them?


    "A fuck it''s guts all fucking over me!" Vincent exclaimed.


    The fair faced one reached into his waist and began to pickup red colored shells from his belt and began to load it inside his magical staff from a hole below it.


    Is this how they charge their magic? Through these shells? Is Mana contained within them?


    As she spectated the two fighting against the batch of Seadevils, Aliathra observed that one of the beasts was distancing itself away from the three. Its throat began to bulge and the beast''s eyes aimed straight for Vincent who is currently recharging his magical black staff with ravenous intent.


    "NO!" Aliathra yelled out.


    With a sliver of recovered vigour, she conjured a hastily albeit weakly conjured forcefield with her and Vince under its protected influence. The Seadevil let loose a waterjet from it''s mouth aimed at the two. It impacted Aliathra''s forcefield in full force. Although it dampened most of the dangerous physical force of the Water Jet, the Elf and the fair faced humanoid were still knocked back down to the ground by the remaining force of the jet but were ultimately unharmed except for a few bruises from the resulting impact.


    Vincent, whilst he recovered from the blast briefly turned his head to Aliathra, face sketched in astonishment.


    ''Why did¡­ I¡­ protect him?''


    The Princess, in a brief moment examined the ''Demon''s'' features. His face was indistinguishable from a Human Males in comparison. He had dark brown eyes a rounded nose and a firmly chiseled chin. When He grinned his teeth as he struggled to recharge his staff, instead of Ebony Colored set of Fangs compared to the common depictions of demons among the shared lore of the world, Vince''s teeth were of a normal light-yellow glow with the teeth shaped ordinarily compared to the humanoid races of Gliesia such as Men, Elfs and Dwarves.


    "Cover your ears and stay behind me!" Vincent yelled to her.


    A loud clicking noise from a moveable part of his ''Black Thunder Staff'' below its snout from a thrust down and then up with his hands. The fair faced one aimed his ''Black Thunder Staff'' at the offending creature and discharged a mighty blast that just like his previous victims, inflicted a large explosion that created a giant bloodied cavity on the beast''s center mass.


    Adrenaline began to surge through the Elf''s body rejuvenating her systems to fight for her life. Her Mana Energies slowly recharged within her with the Princess ready to fight for her life. She couldn''t believe that her own safety now falls between the hands of these two ''Demons''. She doesn''t know if she will have to report this back to her Slaegian colleagues over this predicament¡­ if she survives at all today.


    "Shit!" the voice of Obediah rang on her left side.


    One of the Seadevils managed to get close to the bearded humanoid and managed to slips its claws at his right thigh, lacerating it before narrowly dodging away from a complete amputation of his leg. Reflexively, Obediah fan fired his strangely shaped metal wand at his attacker and gave a clean headshot to the Seadevil, killing it instantly. The bearded one then leaned over to the Seadevil Carcass from earlier in pain. His hands began to remove the gloves he wore exposing his fleshy white skin and pressed on his wound. Blood was beginning to spurt out of his wound like a geyser tainting his hands as it desperately tried to impede the bleeding.


    This ''Demon''¡­ is bleeding? But I thought Demons can''t feel pain?


    Aliathra''s eyes widened as she looked at Obediah''s wound. It was bleeding profusely and if he doesn''t get attention now he will pass out or even die from blood loss.


    Should I save this one?


    The ''Demon'' was unlike anything she had ever read. Was her hypothesis of these Aliens who set foot on the Empire''s lands wrong? Her head tells her to save herself and flee away yet her heart says to help the wounded and bleeding. Her thoughts splitted into two directions. Show compassion to these ''Demons'' who could have easily killed her but chose not to and even one of them went out of his way to protect her by yelling to stay behind her while he valiantly fought the monsters or flee with her back turned and leave them to their fate?


    "Aaagghhh!" Obediah Groaned in agony as he clutched his wound. The bearded one could barely stand straight as he pushed the weight of his back to the carcass and opened fire with his metal wand.


    "The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes my lie down in green pastures and the quiet waters of heaven. Refreshing my weary soul." Obediah began to pray, fighting back the painful tears inflicted by his wound. His voice began to fall into soft grogginess with every breath he exhaled.


    "Even though¡­ I¡­. Fucking hell¡­ walk into the Valley of¡­ the Shadow¡­ of Death¡­ I will fear no evil!" Obediah continued. He let loose a couple of shot from his wand that took down another Seadevil, rupturing its flesh with it''s explosive magics. "And aayyy! Will dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever!" He finished his panicked praying and opened fire another couple of shots at another Seadevil, taking the beast down with his wand.


    The strength of his arms began to waver as it shivered, struggling to be kept raised. The bearded one began to limply sink down his back on the carcass until he was now sitting on his hinds above the surface of the wetlands. Still covering his wounds and barely keeping his hands pointing his wand, Obediah turned to Vincent.


    "Diaz! Vincent! If I die here today¡­ tell my family¡­ Leah¡­April¡­ I¡­ was thinking of¡­ them¡­" he muttered faintly.


    This¡­ ''Demon''¡­ has a family? No this can''t be true. This is all a ruse to trick me into healing it. Don''t go! Don''t do it Alie!


    "You are not going to fucking die in this shithole you hear me!" Vincent protested hoping his words can encourage give the bearded one the will to live.


    ''Don''t Heal him!''


    ''Don''t Heal him?''


    ''It is a Demon, leave him. Run!''


    ''But it has a Family!''


    ''So, what? They are just as Evil as he is. They tried to take what is yours!''


    ''But he will die if I leave him.''


    ''It doesn''t matter.''


    ''I am no better¡­ just as Evil as them if I leave him.''


    ''Don''t you dare try! What would your family¡­ the rest of your nation say if they find out that you HEALED a Minion of the Abyss?''


    ''This isn''t fair!''


    ''Don''t you dare Princess Aliathra Lareththor of Ethuilen! Don''t! Cease this lunacy!''


    ''NO!''


    Aliathra beat back her inner consciousness, moving aside the mental barriers of prejudice she has learned through out her life, the Haughty Pride of Elven Superiority and rushed towards Obediah who was slowly succumbing to his wounds. She knelt down infront of him and caressed his cheek with her hands.


    "Please, look at me." She gently spoke to the bearded one. "Stay with me. Everything will be alright." She lulled.


    Obediah''s debilitated eyes moved sluggishly until his grey old eyes met with Aliathra''s ocean blue ones. A glimmer of hope has appeared in front of him as if an Angel miraculously descended from heaven to rescue him.


    "What the hell are you doing?" Vince turned his head behind him.


    "I can heal him. Shield me!" the Elf cried.


    "Fuck me. Fine!" Vince roared. He continued to open fire from his ''Black Thunder Staff'' covering the two.


    With her security assured. Aliathra turned back to Obediah who was life is now hanging by a thin thread. His muscles began to fall limp and his body temperature turning cold as the blood of the reptiles whose corpses surrounded them.


    "Oh Aethanielle, Mother of all life and creation, please heal this one of his ailments so that he may live to see tomorrow''s sun and and bask in your wonderful garden that in your infinite love for all, gifted your holy blood and flesh so that we may live in harmony." Aliathra whispered.


    She firmly placed her to hands and closed her eyes. Magical Energies began to concentrate around her hands in a radiant green glow. Her eyes also matched the colors of her magical energies as she repaired the rupture on Obediah''s thigh.


    "Be healed!" her voice rang like an angelic tone that resonated at his ears.


    His leg began to mend itself back together. The broken blood vessels in his thigh reconnected with each other via rapid regeneration thanks to the healing powers of Aliathra. The incision that had breached his skin also reconstructed itself back to its original state, closing off Obediah''s bleeding.


    Aliathra scanned for the bearded one''s vitals. With her magic she can see through the epidermis of Obediah and examine every nook and cranny of his body. To her surprise, this ''Demon'' had the similar anatomy and physiology as any other humanoid race. The ''Demon'' had a brain of its own complete with a nervous system, a respiratory system, a digestive system, a urinary system, endocrine system etc. things she has learned from her Restoration Tutors back at home.


    No ''Demon'' could ever be as alive as this one.


    The Princess examined Obediah''s Cardiac system and to her alarm she noticed that the heart was slowly failing to pump blood throughout the mysterious being''s body. Placing her hand on his chest, Aliathra prayed to Aethanielle one more time before she expended more of her Restoration Magics. The energies began to flow out of her lithe hands and pierced through Obediah''s chest harmlessly. Seeping into his inner body, the energies manifested itself through Aliathra''s will into a hand that gently grabbed Obediah''s failing heart. Aliathra willed herself to carefully resuscitate Obediah''s heart, rebooting his blood circulation gently.


    "Please stay with me¡­" she whispered quietly to his ears.


    She continued to manually pump Obediah''s blood, hoping beyond hope that he will live.


    "Ack!" Obediah spatted as he jerked his body. His eyes returned to life as he quickly inhaled oxygen and grabbed his chest.


    Aliathra successfully pulled out the ''Demon'' from Death''s door, saving it''s¡­ his life.


    ''It is done. You are safe now. I saved you¡­''


    As Obediah slowly stood back up with the gentle aid of Aliathra, Vincent was able to kill off the rest of their monstrous attackers.


    "Obed, thank God your alive!" he joyously exclaimed.


    "You¡­ you¡­ saved¡­ me¡­" Obediah turned to the angelic elf woman who rescued him from Death.


    "Thank you¡­" Aliathra replied. She didn''t dare say another word after whilst her mind was still clouded with the doubt of her decision.


    The two strangers after they managed to get their bearings in order observed their surroundings. The swamp floor was littered with the cadavers of seven Seadevils who will no longer trouble the good people of Tyr Rian. From estimated what the bounty has promised, the monsters can fetch a over seven hundred Ducats in total.


    "Fine day we had to day eh?" Obediah lightened the mood.


    "Really? You almost fucking died for fucks sakes Obed. How am I going to tell you wife about this?" Vincent asked.


    "We don''t. I don''t want her to stop me from going out to hunt if she finds out of this shit." Obediah answered.


    "Well okay. Let''s cut up these tongues and the get out of here. And maybe we can give some of the tongues to ''Blondie'' here." Vincent pointed to Aliathra.


    Quietly, the Elf leaned over to one of the corpses and recuperate herself while the strangers began to cut out the Seadevil tongues for the bounties. Aliathra reflected on her actions earlier as the thoughts began to fly around her.


    Did I do what is right? The ''Demon'' can go back to his family now.


    Will the Gods punish me? Did I allow myself to be exploited by them?


    Should I run? No, I can''t¡­ too weak¡­ so¡­ hungry¡­


    "Aight! That''s all of them." Obediah said. He carried over seven tongues from the monster''s mouths and alongside Vincent, walked towards her. Yet Aliathra couldn''t help but feel dread as they walked closer to her.


    This it, they will tie me up and enslave me, have their way with me and maybe even extract my powers for their evil whims¡­ I am sorry¡­ everyone.


    "Okay, two for you, two for me and three for the girl." Obediah said. Presenting three trophies to the Elven Princess. The scent of saliva and blood still fresh and dripping from the flesh.


    She couldn''t believe that she was given the largest share of the trophies. All she did was heal and protect the Demon''s while they slay the monsters. Was this the ''Demons'' way of thanking her? She didn''t muster the courage to take her prize. She didn''t even have the will to even move due to her exhaustion and panging hunger.


    "You seem quiet." Obediah commented.


    The Elf Princess subdued any emissions of sound from her mouth still too flustered of what she has experienced. Everything she knows about Demons are now coming into question with every moment she spends with Obediah and Vince. She couldn''t think straight off of whether she should take what the bearded one is generously offering to her or pass it off as a Demonic Temptation trying to make her stray of the path of her principles and virtues she was taught by her mother when it comes to being a role model as a Princess. The hunger on her stomach emitted a gastronomic growl causing her to wince then pat her stomach to comfort it.


    "You hungry?" Obediah asked her.


    Food¡­


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    "We got some food on Obed''s truck if you want. It''s my way of thanking you if you would join us. It''s not every day I get a pretty woman like you to dine for lunch." Vincent flirtatious said.


    "Yeah, I think we got some food. Would you like to have lunch with us Miss?" Obediah asked again.


    I can''t take it anymore. I NEED NOURISHMENT!


    "Yes. I would like to." Aliathra answered.


    "Well good to have you. Get your gear and follow us." Obediah smiled.


    (Later near the edge of the Swamp)


    "Fuck, Obediah what would an Elf eat?" asked Vincent.


    "I don''t know? Aren''t them fantasy snots are maybe vegetarians? I mean being hippies and all. Most of my food here is Chili and Chicken Soup really¡­ hang on!" Obediah answered.


    He reached into the trunk and grabbed a red colored can. Smiling, the bearded one walked to the fireplace that they set up a metal pot over. Placing some water from the canteen. He then poured out the contents of the can to the pot.


    Aliathra can hear the simmering and bubble popping of the food being cooked inside the pan. Then she smelled the aroma that was released into the air. It was an earthy yet citric smell like freshly picked fruit from the orchards outside her home city of Ethuilen.


    ''Smells like home yet so exotic at the same time¡­''


    For the first time after leaving her homeland, Aliathra felt delighted over the scent of lovingly made food. After ten minutes being teased by the smell. Obediah walked to the pot with a ladle and a bowl at hand. He used the spoon to bore through the metal cooking vessel and picked up a couple spoonful of the pot''s contents. He then passed the bowl to her as she got a closer look at her meal.


    The dish she was served was a wheat colored dumpling of sorts shaped like a person''s belly button covered in a red sauce where the source of the ''earthy yet citric smell'' came from.


    ''A strange cuisine these ones eat. It looked like one''s belly button. And the sauce, it''s like blood¡­ Do they¡­ eat¡­ people?''


    Aliathra perception caused her to nervously think over her pre-judged assumptions of the alien meal she has on her lap. Her sensory organs began to go into overload as she shivered frozen in fear. Then a loud thunder erupted to her ears.


    "Achoo!" Vincent sneezed.


    "AAAAGGGHHH!!!" Aliathra screamed, her sensory overload overwhelming her and nearly causing her to spill her over.


    "Wha-Wha-What? Oh¡­ sorry miss. I got a sneeze. It''s okay!" Vincent reassured.


    The elf began to shed tears in her eyes and her nostrils began to clog up as the princess desperately tried to regain her posture.


    "Hey, Hey! Girl don''t cry. I hate seeing pretty ladies like you cry. Here." Vince soothed her. He grabbed a piece of cloth from his eating tray and placed it on Aliathra''s eyes, gently rubbing away the tears.


    "What¡­ is this food you have given me?" she asked.


    "Cheese Tor-ta-lee-nee with some To-may-toe sauce. If you''re a vegetarian, don''t worry. It''s just wheat, cheese and To-may-toe fruit alright? No meats. Come on, try some." Obediah read the can then invited Aliathra to take a bite.


    ''Must¡­ gain¡­nourishment¡­''


    With a provided spoon in hand. Aliathra scooped the belly-button shaped dumpling and a few particles of the ''To-may-toe'' sauce and slowly placed the utensil on her mouth. When the foodstuff made contact with her tongue, Aliathra felt an explosion of flavors that danced with her. The fruity and acidic ''To-may-toe'' complemented with the viscous texture of the melting cheese heartened her.


    The food, despite it''s alien components felt just like she is eating back in the Royal Dining Table back at her home.


    "You like it?" Obediah grinned.


    "Yes, very much." Aliathra answered.


    "So, uhm lady. I am sorry about earlier but if it wasn''t for you I would be dead. Thank you¡­uhm¡­ what''s your name if I can ask?" Obediah asked her.


    Should I lie? What if these ''Demons'' can detect me lying? No point hiding¡­ but I should hide my lineage unless¡­ they know¡­


    "Aliathra, my name is Aliathra" she answered.


    "Wow, that sounds beautiful." Vince said.


    "Well what do you expect from an Elf huh Diaz? An Elf calling herself Debbie, Fred or somethin''?" Obediah playfully chided.


    "You are called Obediah¡­ and you¡­ Vincent¡­ I never heard of these names before. Are you not from the Empire?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh shit. Uhm¡­ yeah¡­ Vince! Uh¡­ how do we explain it to her?" Obediah asked his partner.


    "I don''t know. What if she can''t take it?" Vince reasoned.


    "I will try. Please indulge me about yourselves." Aliathra politely requested.


    "Well¡­ if you insist Elf-Lady. We''ll keep this brief as possible. Obed you start." Vincent sighed.


    "Okay, so me and Vincent come from a land¡­ very, very, VERY far away." Obediah said.


    "How far is it? Maybe I know this place." Aliathra stated.


    "Uh¡­ I don''t think so miss. You see¡­ we both come from ehm¡­ you won''t believe this but¡­ we come from the Sky. We are like ''Sky People''." Obediah said.


    "Surely you are jesting." The Elf blushed.


    "No¡­ we aren''t¡­ We DO come from the Sky¡­" Vince spoke honestly.


    The Elf''s playful mask descended into bewilderment as she his words.


    "You come from THE sky?" she asked pointing upwards with her index finger.


    "Yes, we do." Vince nodded.


    "Are you¡­ Gods? Angels?" she reluctantly and curiously asked.


    "What no! We are as human as¡­ uhm¡­ yeah¡­ as human as we can get." Vincent placed his arms on his hips in offended irritation.


    "But your ''magics'' and clothes are so¡­ other worldly. Surely your Gods or some sort celestial being?" she pressed.


    "God Damnit Obed, I don''t think she understands shit." Vince snapped.


    "Excuse me?!?! I am not some filthy peasant!" Aliathra roared.


    "Whoa! Whoa hold it there. Hold it right there! We are friends here everyone." Obediah restrained them before it escalated.


    "Miss Aliathra. I am sorry for my partner right here. How about we change the subject for now? I don''t think we can properly explain to you our¡­ uhm¡­ ''Origins'' without confusing you. So, let''s engage in some small talk, shall we? So Elf woman, tell me, what brings you here? Do you live nearby?" Obediah asked.


    "I am an adventurer. I live in a camp not too far away from here. I am on a¡­ journey of sorts that I¡­ cannot reveal the details of." Aliathra hiding the details of her mission to the two.


    She has begun to express doubts that these people are Demons based on the events of the day. Yet she isn''t so certain of her rationale right now. She needs to gather more intelligence of these strange people for now before she could push any kind of conclusions. The Princess wonders if she will get any word back from Haringpoint for further orders any time soon. But for now, she will play it safe before doing anything risky.


    "Well must seem like a very grim life am I correct? You making ends meet?" Vince asked.


    "Yes, but food is sometimes hard to come by in this part of the Empire. The Farms here barely get any yields in return. I am right now reduced to eating game meat and the occasional loaf of bread. But today, I really appreciate the food you made. A little break from my normal diet. Reminds me of the finer things in life." She sighed, reminiscing her home for a brief moment of absent mindedness until returning to the conversation at hand.


    "You must be a long way from home if you spoke it like that." Vince said, sharply detecting her facial movements and eye contact.


    "My home, Alf-el Nora. A nation of the Elves. It''s a paradise compared to the Human Continent of Ysanigrad, which is here where we stand right now. Fertile fields, beautiful gardens and majestic cities oh how I miss my home." She loosened herself.


    "Must be a really touristy place. Might actually wanna check it out if I get the chance." Vince suggestively said.


    "Oh, I don''t think they will let you in. We Elves tend to be very, protective of our lands." Aliathra denied.


    "Fucking shame. I bet my boss Samantha would love to take her Camera and shoot the place." Vincent said.


    "Your friend is an archer like me? I don''t think we would let you hunt there let alone be there."


    "Oh no! A camera isn''t a weapon. It''s a¡­ uhm¡­ okay this is much easier to explain. A camera is a device that is used to capture images so it can be transformed into what we call ''a picture''. It''s like a very well-made painting that it can make in an instant. You following me?" Obediah said.


    "It can ''paint'' in an instant?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yes, I have a camera on my smartpho- Uhm¡­ yes I have a camera. Would you like me to demonstrate?" Vince proposed.


    "Well sure. Please entertain me with this ''Camera'' of yours." She said.


    The fair faced ''Sky Person'' grabbed from one of his pockets of his olive colored clothes and picked up a rectangular object whose surface reflected the afternoon sunlight. He twiddled his fingers as if he was casting a tiny spell on the object to be able to cast the ''Aiwenor n¨²r'' magics. After a moment, Vince faced the rectangular gizmo vertically towards Aliathra''s direction.


    "Hey, face me." Vincent said.


    Turning from the camping chair she sat towards the fair faced one. The Princess sat perfectly still as the ''Aiwenor n¨²r'' begins to paint her image.


    "Can you if it''s okay with you, smile? Even just a little bit? I mean you''re a beautiful woman and all and it''s our first time every seeing an Elf before. Not to sound too creepy but the picture I will be taking would look better if you smile, even just a little bit." Vince requested.


    Nodding to his appeal, Aliathra gave a graceful but softly curved smile from her perfectly proportioned lips. Vince then zoomed his face closer to the rectangular gizmo and a loud ''clicking'' noise followed.


    "And done!"


    "Really? You made the painting THAT fast?" Aliathra asked. She couldn''t contain her surprise at the speed that Vincent said he would paint.


    "It''s picture miss. Picture. P.I.C.T.U.R.E. Picture okay? Here take a look?" Vince corrected.


    He presented the opposite side of his gadget to the Elf. The image was a perfect copy of her body, attire and surroundings behind her. The Princess'' face, the epitome of Elven Beauty from her homeland was slightly tainted by a few stains of dirt and sweat that Aliathra reflexively touched herself to wipe it off to maintain her superficial image. She was alarmed accuracy of how the camera painted Aliathra in such terrifying speeds that it''s almost uncanny.


    "It''s perfect, too perfect. I look well¡­ perfect¡­ but it feels so¡­ so¡­" Aliathra stuttered.


    "Eerie?" Vince asked.


    "Yes, It''s nothing like a painting." Aliathra admitted.


    "Oh okay. Gimme a second. I can apply a filter¡­ Filter¡­ Filter¡­ ah yes. How about now?" Vince twiddled with his gadget for a moment and then presented again a new version of Aliathra''s photo.


    The new picture was much more art like with paint like strokes that detailed every inch of the Elf''s elegance and background that she can easily mistake the image for a painting made by Ethuilen''s most esteemed painters. Especially the one who painted her for her Royal Portrait that is pasted to the Palace''s Walls.


    "Much better! I¡­ I¡­ can''t contain my¡­ my¡­" she struggled to find a word to say to the ''Aiwenor n¨²r''.


    She had always thought that the people outside of her homelands were backwards in technological, magical, and cultural advancements but when she met Obediah and Vince. Her stereotypes were shattered into millions of pieces. She shed single euphoric tear that slowly fell down on her cheeks.


    "You impressed?" Vince asked.


    "I am very impressed. Thank you. Can I¡­ keep this?" She asked.


    "Oh, sorry now this Camera is only Digital right now meaning, it''s not a ''Real'' image, just a ''fake'' virtual one. Although if you come to New Albany, I can arrange you a session with a Professional Photographer¡­ I''m sorry, ''Painter'' to make a ''Picture'' of you." He proposed.


    "I don''t know, I normally have to spend my days hunting for my food in the forest. I don''t know if I can get the time to go to your home. It''s the strange looking ''Metal City'' that the locals here call right?"


    "That''s what they have been calling New Albany? Well since you need food. How about this, I also happen to own a Farm in New Albany called ''the Root Family Farmstead'' I grow grains and vegetables there. Just walk up to one of the guards and tell them I sent you and he''ll point you to my place. Plus, my wife and daughter would love to see you. If we can make up a deal with the food, I think you could get yourself a healthy supply of my produce." Obediah presented.


    "Plus, I can take you to a Photography Studio to get your picture taken that you can have for yourself. I can even tour you the town. Although me and Obediah can only do that during Saturdays when it''s our day off of our jobs as soldiers." Vince said.


    "What is a ''Saturday'' and you also happen to be soldiers?" Aliathra questioned.


    "First answer, we interpret time differently from you. To make a long story short, every seven days from now is a Saturday. For your second question, yes, we are soldiers. Uhm we are more of a Study and Observations team. We investigate and survey the lands but also fight any threats that come our way. It''s a dangerous but very rewarding job." Obediah answered.


    "I pray for your safety then." She softly gestured in a prayer. "But now I must turn in these Seadevil tongues now. Thank you for the hospitality and meal Obediah and Vincent of the Sky."


    "Thank you so much for meeting you too Aliathra. So are you interested in visiting New Albany seven days from now?" Vince asked.


    This is most fortuitous! An opportunity to infiltrate the ''Demon''¡­ or ''Aiwenor n¨²r'' settlement. I can''t pass it up.


    "Yes of course. I will be happy to visit you." She bowed.


    "Well farewell then Elf Woman. I can''t wait to see you again. And remember, ask the guards for where I live since I technically don''t have an address yet for my home. I''ll make sure they know ahead of time of your arrival. We''ll turn in ours probably much later after we take away the camp stuff here." Obediah hand waved.


    "Your gonna love the Photo Studio too." Vince added.


    The Elven Princess waved farwell to the two ''Aiwenor n¨²r'' and carried her trio of Seadevil Tongues and disappeared into the shrubbery of the forest.


    For the Elven Princess, today was the day she truly opened her eyes to the outside world. Her naivety and innocence slowly degrading within her, forging her into maturity and experience. Her doubts about these ''Demons'' invading the planet began to wane after she met Obediah Root and Vince Diaz. Were the Conclave''s visions of a destructive future wrong? These ''Aiwenor n¨²r'' don''t seem to be violent, they are, at least from her first impression, assertive but their hearts are in the right place when you get to know them better.


    As for the two UFE soldiers on a Hunting Trip? All they could say was that meeting an Elf for the first time was the most charming moment of their lives for a very long time. To them, especially Vincent Diaz, it''s like they have met a goddess thanks to Aliathra''s sublime beauty. Little did they know that her beauty was inherited from a long line of Alf-el Nora''s most prestigious family, the Lareththor Royal Family.

 11 Chapter 11: the Jubilation of King Caldell

    It was mid-afternoon that day in Tyr Rian, or more specifically, in the Drunken Bastard. Lutheor Mirrien is currently busy coordinating his staff in establishing festive decorations for his establishment. The Pub was being adorned with colorful banners, paper lanterns and displays statuettes of the Empire''s Pantheon of Gods. Samantha, Crocker, Kayin and Iris had to navigate through the half assembled main hall with the Pub Employee''s scrambling to fulfill their duties on time just to reach the dwarf.


    "Greetings again Mister Mirrien." Samantha greeted.


    "Lieutenant Rose, what are you doing here now? The festivities won''t start until sun set." He said turning his stout body to the Earthlings.


    "Oh, we are not here for ''the festivities'' we are here for some extra work. We are taking on your ''Bouncer Quest''." Samantha answered.


    "Really? Does that Governor White Fellow approve of this? I mean you are professional soldiers after all." The Dwarf questioned.


    "Well we got orders from Polonsky to take up these ''Quests'' from the Adventurer''s guild so we can immerse ourselves into the land and gaining the trust of the locals." Samantha replied.


    "Well I will definitely appreciate the help. A lot of good men tend to be scared of being the muscle for my event. They will mostly be missing the festivities and no one else I know is willing to pass this day and be the Bouncers. I was getting desperate that I was paying quadruple the rate for anyone willing to be the security." He warned.


    "What makes you say that? And second thought, what kind of job are we getting into?" Samantha asked.


    "Well you see today is the Jubilation of King Caldell Slaegia, the founder of the Empire. Every five years we celebrate his triumph against Alboen the Steel Butcher. I have hired a bard and his actor friends who will do their thing. I need you to be security as this day tends to be much more of a ruckus then any other day here." Lutheor said.


    "I agree, festivals are a hotbed of crime. What can we expect?" she asked.


    "Well there''s the usual drunken brawling as the bar will be open. There might be a cutpurse lurking in the crowd trying to steal someone''s coins. Oh! And there might be a heckler trying to climb the stage and interrupt the play." He briefed.


    "Nothing we can handle. Crocker you ready to get physical anyone?" Samantha turned to the Brit.


    "Yeah fine. I just hope there''s some food and grub by the time our gig is up. I mean, do you smell that? The food you are cooking up must be delicious!" Lewis complemented.


    "Thank you, Ogre-breaker. Today''s menu is going to be Roasted Suckling Pig, Mushroom Soup, Mashed Pumpkins and all the Ale in the world! I promise to give you a share later during the revelry so you don''t miss out." Lutheor promised.


    "With gratitude Mister Mirrien. I''ll have my men get used to the place so they can easily do their job." Samantha saluted as she and the rest of her squad moved out.


    The Styrder Group split up so they can walk around the establishment detailing every corner from tables, the bar counter, the entrance, the lavoratories, the stage and kitchen. They established themselves where everything is so that they can easily coordinate their security measures on any disturbances. Samantha made sure that everyone including Iris is given a Walkie Talkie Radio since they will all individually patrol the Drunken Bastard. She has also drilled her men for their wading through the expectedly thick crowds of celebrants with the busy body Inn staff as practice so they can efficiently navigate the Inn during the Jubilee.


    At first, Iris was nervous when she was given a piece of Modern technology to her for the job due to her unfamiliarity with the device and her culture shock. Thankfully Kayin was able to instruct her how to use the device easily which the Vampire Witch heavily appreciates the Nigerian''s help.


    After much familiarization of the establishment, the team felt confident that they can keep Lutheor''s Inn secured during the festivities. They rested themselves on the edge of the Stage just as the Staff where about to implant the finishing touches and the sun was slowly starting to descend across the horizon.


    "So, I am guessing your ready for later?" Lutheor approached them.


    "Yes, had my men get used to this place and I am confident they know your inn just like they know their own home." Samantha said.


    "That is reassuring and creepy at the same time." Lutheor called her out.


    "Yeah like ''know their own home'' thing. That''s pretty creepy coming from us." Crocker reprimanded.


    "Sorry, don''t get any ideas about us. It''s just a bit of wordplay. But you can count us." Samantha heartened up.


    "I am quite curious though. What exactly is the plot of this play that you are hosting?" Kayin asked.


    "It details the exploits of King Caldell Slaegiac on his journey to defeat the evil Alboen the Steel Butcher." Iris explained.


    "So, what''s the story?" Samantha asked.


    Iris took a deep breath inhale the oxygen needed for her to be able to tell the legend of Caldell Slaegiac.


    About two hundred years ago, Caldell was born over about 200 years ago when the Geltagar''s Comet, who''s passing for a great change will ripple the entire world of Gliesia changing the course of history for good or ill. Clan Slaegia, ancestors of the Slaegian Empire, use to be a tribe that lives by the bay where it is now known as Haringpoint. Caldell''s father was the king of the clan and the Elders of the Tribe, after seeing the comet''s passing foretold that the infant was destined for great things.


    Back then, Magic users in Ysanigrad wasn''t as policed and regulated compared to today. There were many unfettered Mages who became warlords in their respective territories, ruling the land in fear and right of strong arms. At first, Prince Caldell initially ignored the outside world of feuding tribes and tend to focus on the development of Clan Slaegia. However, one day an Evil Warlord named Alboen the Steel Butcher invaded his land and captured Caldell''s beloved, the beautiful maiden Erynn.


    It is said that the legends say that Alboen made a deal with demons to become powerful or a demon possessed him so it can wreak havoc upon the mortal world. ''the Steel Butcher'' he was called for he only lived to conquer and enslaved. He needed Erynn for she was born with exponential magical power which Alboen needs for his charge of world domination. Uniting many of the scattered human tribes across Ysanigrad and allying himself with the Elves and the Dwarves, Caldell faced off against Alboen with his ''Demon Chosen'' Legions cladded in their resplendent Rune Forged Armor which legends say that it is permanently bound to the souls of their respective bearers. It was a bitter battle that many bards to this day sang as if it was the climatic battle against the forces of Good vs Evil. Many warriors, friends, family, brothers, fathers and sons died, but in the end, after what looked like all that all hope was about to be snuffed out from existence, Caldell, managed to slay Alboen before he could deliver the final blow.


    They say, in his dying moments, it drove him mad, the shame of his first defeat. With his dying breath, he said that one day. He and his armies will return from the grave to exact vengeance upon his land. That when Geltagar''s Comet returns, he will rise again from the ashes and challenge him once more for dominion of all life in Gliesia.


    The Stryder, group who were listening to Iris intently were struck with amusement by her story.


    "I got to say Iris, that sure sounds like an epic tale." Samantha complemented.


    "I agree. Just slap the One Ring and you got yourself Tolkien. Ha! Ha!" Crocker laughed.


    "Tolkien? One Ring?" the Vampire asked in a dumbfounded expression.


    "It''s like what you told you told us Iris. Look up the Movie or the Book sometime. You got to see it. It''s a classic where we come from." Kayin said.


    "You have Dwarves and Elves back in your world¡­ I mean ''Worlds''?" she asked.


    "Oh no, real ones. They are all purely fiction where we come from. Like legends. No offense to you and your kind but some or a quite a big number of the non-Human people you have described about are made up from our world. Fictional! Figments of our imagination." Samantha explained while she cracked a playful smile.


    "Really? You have come up the concept of us without actually meeting any of us? Surely you are just jesting to spend the time." Iris chuckled.


    "Oh no, we aren''t lying Iris. We are indeed telling you that we do have to concept of Fantasy Worlds in our home. Although, based on now, I don''t think we can call the Fantasy genre a ''Fantasy'' anymore." Samantha said.


    "Oh, do tell me Blood Hair, what did your ''imagination'' think about us?" the Vampire inquired.


    "Well starting with you Iris, we think of Vampires as Blood Suckers who hate the sun. Yet I do notice you can freely walk around in the day and you have never tried to bite one us. What gives?"


    "Well, when it comes to the sun. It is true that Sunlight does hurt us and hamper our abilities to cast magic. We Vampires have found a magical means to deter the sunlight. We cast a special ward around our bodies that obstructs Anor''s light." Iris answered.


    "Anor? You mean the Sun, right?" Samantha asked.


    "Correct." Iris confirmed.


    "The ward is like a Sun Block judging by how you say it." Kayin added.


    "A Sun what?"


    "Sun Block. It''s a lotion we apply to our skin whenever we have to expose ourselves to intense sunlight so we don''t get burned or get skin cancer."


    "I might actually look into that Nightman. Thank you." The vampire nodded. "Now as for the blood, Yes I do need blood for magical and nourishment reasons. Yet I have practiced discipline for the past fifty years when I was living in the forest."


    "Disciplined how?" Samantha inquired.


    "I feast on the animals. Deer, Rabbits, Bears, the occasional Beast man and in rare cases a dead adventurer."


    The Lieutenant''s face went white with fear over the implications of Iris'' words. She has so far got well acquainted with the Vampire for the past few weeks but she still has fears about her and her hemophiliac appetite.


    "Have you ever thought of¡­ well¡­ feasting on any of us?" Samantha fearfully asked.


    "Oh no! Never! Unlike most of my kin, I detest the prospect of having ''cattle''. Mostly the reason being I have to feed and clean it every day. Additionally, I hate the screaming they would make every time I bite them. That''s why I prefer animals and the newly dead to feast upon." Iris answered.


    "That is both relieving and disturbing." Crocker commented.


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    "I hope you can keep that discipline of yours. Living in isolation as a Vampire then suddenly thrust into a new place where there''s blood bags everywhere is concerning. Are sure you can live with us?" Samantha concernedly questioned.


    "Well I did sneak inside the medical cabinet behind Doctor Hana''s back to taste this bag I found called ''Hematoe-Poetic stem cells''. Sipped it and I like the taste of it, but it feels like something¡­ something is missing. It''s not like the real blood I normally drink." The Vampire Confessed.


    "You drank a Blood Substitute?" Samantha said.


    "It tasted like blood but not as wholesome as the real thing. Hold on, did you say, substitute?" Iris inquired.


    "Yes, it''s a substitute for blood¡­ but it doesn''t have the oxygen inside it yet and all but¡­"


    "Where did you get them?" Iris grabbed Samantha excitedly. Her eyes twinkled with fascination.


    "A Pharmaceutical Company or a group of people who makes medicine, made the Hematopoietic stem cell and¡­"


    "You MADE the blood? Without hurting anyone?" Iris exclaimed.


    "Yes." Samantha cut to the chase.


    "Do you know the implications for that? For me?" Iris said.


    "Uhm¡­ wait¡­ I¡­ don''t¡­ uhm¡­ no. I don''t get it." Samantha said.


    "It means if I can get a steady supply of this Hemo-Poetic whatever stem cell blood bags. I can fulfill my blood hunger without worrying about having to go out and hunt for it." The Vampire explained.


    "You know what. That actually sounds like a great idea." Kayin nodded.


    "Me too, if I don''t have to worry about Snow White here trying to bite me then I second this shit." Crocker added.


    "Well okay then Iris! Let''s discuss about this with Doctor Hana back at New Albany. But you need to apologize to her. That is her blood bags after all." Samantha reprimanded.


    "I see. Thanks for considering." Iris lowered her head in shame.


    "Attention everyone! The festivities are going to begin in five minutes!" yelled one of the managers of the Inn.


    "Welp, let''s get to work shall we lads?" Crocker rallied.


    "Let''s go! Huddle up." Samantha said.


    The Stryder group gathered themselves together and placed their hands on each of their own at the center of their makeshift circle and cheered themselves.


    "Porro Terra! Team Strydaaa!" they pumped themselves up.


    Iris could feel a warming feeling in her cold heart that slowly melted the ice. These ''Earthlings'' made her feel welcome and accepted. And right now, she wants to continue pursuing her relationship with the UFE. She still cares for her family necklace that Colonel Polonsky is holding but now, she is considering after reobtaining her necklace of extending her working contract with the UFE.


    ----------------------------------(During the Jubilee) -------------------------------


    The Drunken Bastard was overflowing with life, joy, merriment and laughter as scores of people from all walks of life gathered into Lutheor''s establishment for a night away from their daily drudgery of work, farming and mundane chores. There were men drunkenly singing songs by the bar counter, beautiful and voluptuous dancing girls twirled excitingly to the crowds and delicious foods were on display at a designated table that people lined up to get a portion of.


    For Kayin however, it was pure torture. The very sight, sounds and smells of the Jubilee gnawed relentlessly on his own disciplined psyche. He has done several Patrols around the perimeters of secured areas before but unlike the Drunken Bastard Inn, they were mostly just circling around a military installation with the occasional investigation of anomalies and possible security breaches. But nothing has prepared the Engineer for this.


    "I would love to have a piece of that." Kayin muttered to himself as he drooled at the roasted chicken whose cooked flesh was being proudly displayed with a garnish of broiled vegetables.


    The poultry tempted him in all of its gourmet delights that he is slowly succumbing to it. As he began to willfully march off his ordained patrol route. A score of eager people rushed passed him towards the table where the Roast Chicken is.


    Before he knows it by the time the people have left, all that was left on the dish was the disheveled garnishes of green vegetables and a handful of chicken meat scraps. Disheartened, Kayin sat down on one of the chairs nearby to drink a sip of water from his canteen. He sighed sadly as he let the cold water soothe his stressed-out body.


    "Greetings again, Nightman." Iris voice said, drawing out from Kayin''s depressed mood.


    "Oh, hey Iris, how''s the west perimeter?" Kayin asked.


    "Nothing out of the ordinary." Iris replied. "Just the same old ruckus and all. I did pass by some women who are wearing some very fashionable dresses which makes me so green with envy. How about you?"


    "It''s the food and all the fun stuff happening around us right now. Last time I saw a party as big as this was my 20th birthday when I last so my family." Kayin admitted.


    "Well you shouldn''t feel too bad. We can enjoy the food after the party is over." Iris said. She then tried promptly pull out Kayin from the chair but the Nigerian stubbornly glued himself to the furniture.


    "I need some time please before I can go." Kayin protested.


    "I can''t allow that Nightman. You will make me look bad in front of Lieutenant Rose and I don''t want that. Stand up!" She asserted. Pulling Kayin harder, yet he still is clinging to the chair as if for dear life.


    "Stop calling me that!" he called out.


    The Engineer began to start getting annoyed by the embarrassing nickname that the Ivory Skinned Vampiress calls him. It wasn''t a race problem but more of a case of identity and he hated being reduced to the color of his skin.


    "Get up!" Iris yelled as she drew her strength at her arms and with a mighty pull, forcefully dragged out Kayin from his chair. But the sheer force of her draw caused her to lose her footing and the heavier weight of the Engineer caused both of them to fall down to the Tavern''s wooden floor.


    Snapping back up to his senses, Kayin tried to rise up from the ground but soon his ebony eyes met with Irises amber eyes. For the Vampire, she blushed at sight of Kayin''s obsidian frame that towered over her pearly body in a complementary mix between the colors of black and white. For the Nigerian however, it felt awkward laying on top of Iris. He does admit that the Vampire is very attractive for a woman he normally see''s back home yet he would never imagine going this far with a woman who he just met a more than a week ago. It felt too fast and ethically wrong for a man as professional and logical for him.


    "Oh, get a room you two!" cheered one of the Jubilee''s patrons.


    Hands seized both Kayin and Iris as a crowd of elated celebrants dragged them from the ground and forcefully move them away from the party. Whilst in the act, they began to sing a very merry tune that sounded like it was dedicated to them.


    "What are they singing?" Kayin yelled to Iris.


    "Folk Song. About Two People together" Iris spoke fragmentedly. She tried to shake of the people who firmly gripped her but to no avail.


    "A Love song?" Kayin questioned.


    Before he could protest further, the two were carried over upstairs to one of the Inn''s rooms. They were then forcefully pushed inside one of the rooms. Before they tried to escape out of their predicament, the door was slammed shut then followed by a sliding sound of something heavy being made at the other side of the door.


    Kayin attempted to force open the door with a few strong shoves with his shoulders but the door remained barred.


    "Damnit! We are locked in. Iris, can you use some of that Vampiric Powers of yours and break us out of here?" Kayin turned to her.


    For the Vampiress, she softly sat down at the one-man cot of the room. Her arms spread apart as it probed the softness of the bed. Her eyes directed to the Engineer with a solemn smile. Their immediate surroundings were a simple layout of consisting of the bed, an empty chest and a single wooden chair. For all her accounts this room is meant for travelers who are staying in the Inn overnight and is seeking accommodations whilst in a tight budget. A small window across her let out the cool night breeze to temper the room and the moonlight to dimly illuminate the room in a soft glare. There was also an unused candle that sat idly by the chest adjacent to the bed''s feet but other than that, the room was relatively dark saved for the aforementioned moonlight.


    "I am afraid I cannot risk it you know. There''s dozens of people downstairs right now. If they hear the noise I would make when I try to breach open the door, My cover would be blown." Iris said.


    Roughly scratching the back of his head, Kayin let out a loud roar releasing all of the backed-up tension within him. Screaming at the top of his lungs he settled down at the cot beside Iris. After a brief moment, Kayin calmed down and rested his back on the wall in a relaxed posture.


    "Just what did I got myself into?" he asked to himself.


    "It''s a game. An adult game that some older children play. It''s called ''Fifteen Minutes in the Bliss'' in your language, roughly translating." Iris said.


    "Define Bliss." Kayin inquired. He feared the implications of Iris'' answers.


    "It''s when two couples go into a dark room and they get intimate with each other so they can cop---"


    "Okay! I get it! It''s basically ''Seven Minutes in Heaven''. Shit, I am in a game of ''Seven Minutes in Heaven''." Kayin distressingly said as he soon realized his circumstance.


    "Well, I don''t mind doing it with you." Iris confessed.


    "Really Iris? You and me? Together?" Kayin said, bewildered by the Vampire''s statement.


    Iris leaned closer and gently cusped Kayin''s hand with hers. She stared her amber eyes to the midnight colored eyes of the Engineer lovingly with desire. The African was deeply mesmerized by Iris'' feminine grace as he felt his soul being slowly wrapped to her whims.


    "No, No, No, you won''t seduce me like last time. I beat you once, I can beat you again Vampire." He snapped back to reality to protest against her alluring advances.


    "Seduce you? No, I am not even trying to my dear ''Nightman''. I don''t even have to Mesmerize you with my powers to wrap you around my little finger. I saw it in your eyes, you DESIRE me. You WANT me. You NEED me." Iris continued her tempting assault on Kayin''s purity.


    "I rather throw myself headfirst off that window right now." Kayin objected.


    "Don''t even try my dear ''Nightman''. I can just gaze at you right now and have my way with you, then leave your corpse to the rats." She taunted.


    "You¡­ you wouldn''t dare. After all you have done and all we have done for you, you would just throw away all that goodwill away for a snack on my blood? Lieutenant Rose will know of this, then the UFE would know of this. We will never forgive you."


    "How could they suspect me? All I had to do was feign naivety and act all bewildered by your ''wondrous technologies'' to gain your people''s trust. Besides, there''s thousands of rogues, monsters, and other unsavory individuals roaming the streets tonight as we speak. Terrors¡­ with a much worse sense of humor then mine." Iris sneered.


    Kayin recoiled further away from Iris as he absorbed her proclamation, until he soon realized that the Vampire was actually trying to banter with him in an exchange of pleasantries. He then erupted in laughter as he couldn''t believe that the Vampire Witch is capable of producing such a clever play on comedy.


    "For a second Iris, I thought you were serious on biting me again. That was great. Excellent Iris! Bravo!" Kayin chuckled clapping his hands to congratulate her.


    "Do not worry, my dear. I will only bite you if you agree to it. I don''t want to see such a handsome fellow like you go through such pain from a Vampire''s bite after what I saw you go through."


    "Are you really that concerned for me and did you just call me ''handsome''?"


    "Yes, I mean no¡­ I mean¡­ yes, I do find you handsome."


    "Really?"


    "Well, let me just say, remember the first time I bit you?"


    "Yeah back in your old place. I was the last man standing in my squad and I was holding out for help to arrive." Kayin recalled.


    "When I bit you, I also added a special magical effect on my bite that allows me to see through the memories of the person I am biting."


    "You said that on Doctor Hana''s report. Go on."


    "Well I saw your memories. Your days with you family so lovingly to observe, your days in college on how hard you worked on that Thesis of yours, that competition on ''Feo-retical Engineering'' that you won the penultimate prize to¡­"


    "I was kind of disappointed I didn''t win best prize. But the judges told me it was pretty close."


    "Then I saw the hard work you have underwent during your Basic Training and after that, how much you risked your life one day to shield a friend¡­"


    "You saw it didn''t you¡­ the Battle of Perun''s Pass?"


    "Yes, yes I did. It was so brave of you to dig a trench for him while you were under fire."


    "But he died on my hands. I could still remember the blood that day. His mother blamed me for his death." Kayin despondently raised his voice. He couldn''t bare to relive that moment. The man he dug a trench for had his whole life ahead of him, just like him, only to be snuffed away by a burst of rifle fire. He began to return to his previous frazzled state clutching his hands and roughly scratching the skin of his head.


    Before he could let out another scream, Iris placed her finger on his soft cherry colored lips.


    "But at least he didn''t die alone. Most people here in Gliesia would have flee at the sound of your guns. Yet you didn''t. You were there on his last hours. That is very heroic of you." She cooed.


    Kayin began to crack his eyes with drops of tears as he sat on that bed emotionally breaking down from the shell shock from his experience during his previous tours of duty. His memories were all overseen and relived by Iris and her magical memory melding biting powers that he came to the conclusion that Iris is trying to manipulate him.


    "So what now? Am I now your Thrall? Your slave? Do I have to feed you fresh ''cattle'' everyday?" he mockingly asked her whilst he fought his tears.


    "No, you do not have to do all of that. I would never ask you to do that." Iris grabbed Kayin''s chin and made him turn his head to her direction so she can make eye contact. "You remind me of me."


    "I reminded you about yourself?" Kayin asked.


    "I am a very studious woman just like you. I gathered as much knowledge about the magical arts just as you studied how your machines work and how to build them. I had a caring family until my father and mother were killed by Hunters Just as the same when your parents died one by one from sickness. I could feel the same amount of lost just like yours or perhaps maybe much more than your lost back in Perun''s Pass. Remember that necklace? That used to be my father''s."


    "You know nothing about us!" Kayin roared.


    "Then teach me about you. All of you." Iris assertively demanded.


    "Why should I?" Kayin continued to roar.


    "Because I love you! You Clever Night-Skinned Piece of Ass!" Iris confessed in a loud shout. For her, she needed to get her bottled up feelings out to the


    Kayin couldn''t believe what he has just heard from her. This Gliesian, this Alien, this Vampire, Iris Cadohagan is in LOVE with him! Her brief stay with the UFE soldiers and she has begun to develop feelings for him. He has to admit it but he does notice, based on what she told about herself they shared the same life story. And now they are both together now, alone with their own vulnerable emotions in display with one another.


    "Is that all true?" Kayin asked. His tone of voice descended from its bitter roaring to a soft quiet hush.


    "Yes¡­ ''my Love''¡­ come here¡­" Iris caressed his cheek and leaned over and threw her lips with his.


    For one long minute, the two enjoyed each other''s caress. Every waking moment they slowly grew closer, their arms grasping for the other''s body as they pulled each other closer ''till they could feel each other''s heartbeat that rhythmically beat rapidly the longer the stayed close to one another.


    "You have a heartbeat." Kayin whispered to her ear noticing the supposedly ''Undead'' creature is anything but dead.


    "It beats for you." Iris whispered back.


    "Perhaps you aren''t dead inside after all." He softly beamed.


    "I also do enjoy playing around with that ''Gray-Naid Lunch-Her'' of yours. It was so much fun shooting magical grenades out of it. Especially when I was doing with those damn Burning Horsemen."


    "Perhaps I will lend it to you again since you''re the Magic expert here." He giggled before deepening his embrace with Iris.


    In Kayin''s thoughts right now, perhaps being kicked upstairs for some ''Seven Minutes in''----or ''Fifteen Minutes in Bliss'' was a blessing in disguise. He has found a significant other who intimately in a rather creepy way share''s his sentiments, feelings and values; and also, he is now a way from the noisy ruckus of the Jubilee below.


    "The Party! We need to go back!" He alarmingly shouted destroying the tranquility of their intimate moment.


    "Oh come on, We were just about to get to the fun part." She teased.


    "Well, we both don''t want to get in trouble with Samantha. Plus, you still need to kiss up with High Command to get your Family Necklace back." Kayin reasoned.


    "You are right." Iris admitted. "Perhaps another time we can share ourselves alone."


    "Agreed, but let''s keep this between us. I don''t want anyone else to know. Now how the hell are we going to get out of here? I don''t trust these Tyr Rians to come back and un bar the door for us." Kayin said.


    He began to examine his surroundings for a logical means of escape. He tried to force open the barred door in the hopes the obstruction would have weakend overtime through brute force but to no avail. He then walked across the small room towards the window which is small enough for a him and anyone smaller to jump out from. But the fall was about 5 meters which would most likely risk a moderate injury. He turned back to the cot the room had provided and tested its soft thickness. It was no good, it was a shoddily made bed my Earth Standards and would do little effect on cushioning his fall.


    "My Dear Kayin, may I ask is there anyone outside the window that could see us from the streets?" Iris asked.


    He turned back to the window and scouted out the streets below him.


    "It''s all clear." He said.


    The vampire stood up from the bed and walked next to him and grabbed his hand.


    "Close your eyes and take a deep breath dear." Iris softly told him.


    With his eyelids embracing the delicate surface of his irises. Kayin prepared for what ever magical spells the Vampire has in store for him.


    Conjuring a discreet amount of Mana from her body''s reserves. It swirled around Iris and due to her holding his hand, also surrounded the Nigerian. She looked down to the streets beyond the window and focused her gaze on a spot of the cobblestone road. With a thought of her will, Iris alongside Kayin magically teleported themselves down to the streets below safely.


    After they have landed and gained their footing, Iris quickly turned her head around her surroundings to see if there were no witnesses to her magic. Fortunately, there was not a single soul in sight that she could detect with her senses. Relieved she turned back to Kayin.


    "You can open your eyes now." Iris said.


    "I felt like I was flying for a second. Hey were on the ground now." Kayin commented.


    "We must not keep Samantha waiting. Let''s go." Iris said as she pushed open the front door of the Drunken Bastard.


    -------------------------(Meanwhile, Earlier Downstairs by the stage) ------------------------


    The play retelling the legend of King Caldell Slaegia was going fantastic if Samantha judged the crowd''s expressions correctly. The hired entertainment that Lutheor hired for the show were doing a superb job diverting the masses away from their daily worries... The bard would hum witty rhymes that matched seamlessly with every verse. His songs and poems of heroes and legendary beasts would be complemented by the theater troupe''s artistic renditions of the bard''s words.


    "Our hero waited, till the time is true, then twirled and spun ¨C struck Alboen right through!" recited the Bard.


    "Engarde Alboen!" said the actor playing as King Caldell.


    He began to slash his wooden sword to his taller colleague dressed in intimidating grey armor that is shaped to form a skeleton''s ribs complete with a matching helmet of formed like a skull wearing a sinisterly crafted ''crown''. His swordplay was less of a martial art or any form of a practical fighting style and more of an elegantly choregraphed dancing with a sword most likely used to entertain the crowd rather than have any value in a real fight.


    "Ha! Your might is no match for me King Caldell. After I beat you, I will turn all of the people of this world into my slaves!" the actor playing Alboen haughtily declared. As expected the audience jeered to the villain.


    He thrust and slashed his sword crude movements due to the limitations of his bulky armor. But the actor made up for it by making it look like that his swordplaying has emphasis on sheer brute force rather than speedy finesse, a classic contrast.


    As ''Alboen'' barbarically swung his sword wildly, ''Caldell'' dodged the wooden blade via delicately timed weaves followed by a spectacularly impractical backflip. However, as the actor positioned his feet for his landing, me misjudged his timing and the distance between him and the ground. His feet landed clumsily and misaligned to the proper footing. ''Caldell''s'' face was painted in the state of being struck with sharply inflicted pain as he knelt down clutching his sprained leg. His colleague, who was still performing the fencing moves, clumsily tripped over his massive body on top of his colleague, landing arms first.


    The audience let out a loud gasped as the saw the actors collapse to the ground, their facial and body language betraying their broken state.


    The bard''s playful rhyming and strumming of his lute was abruptly stopped as he rushed into the stage and grabbed his colleagues.


    "Ah¡­ Intermission! Please have a snack and a drink. We will all be right back!" the Bard declared.


    A stage hand hurriedly pulled the mechanism for the makeshift theater drapes as the Bard and Lutheor rushed in to aid the fallen actors. Crocker and Samantha also intervened by lending their strength as they carried the injured to the back stage.


    "Ahh! Ahh! Ahh! My leg! It hurts!" winced the ''Caldell'' actor as he settled down on a chair. He kicked up his feet and pointed to his right foot to indicate where the damage was.


    "My hand, I can''t move it." the burly ''Alboen'' actor complained.


    "Just use your other arm." The Bard ordered.


    "You know I suck at holding things with my left hand. I can''t do it boss. I am sorry." The actor reluctantly apologized.


    "Oh no! We were just about to do the finale!" Lutheor dreadfully said. He began to walk around the tiny backstage room worriedly.


    "Hey, El-Tee What hap---" Kayin and Iris barged into the room unexpectedly behind them.


    "Sh-Sh-Shut up! I need to think!" Lutheor snapped.


    The UFE soldiers were taken aback by the suddenly embittered Dwarf, slowly stepping back by his rage. Sam knew it is wise not to try and reason with the dwarf less she risks escalating his anger, at least for now. As she stepped back, Samantha examined the rest of the backstage. It was makeshift space with a drawer and a mirror that the entertainers would use to groom themselves before their gigs. There was a rack filled with the various outrageous costumes the actors would wear on stage. Alongside the clothing were the props that were dumped carelessly into a disorganized pile. She turned her eyes to the actors. The man in the ''Alboen'' costume was around the same build as Crocker''s body and the ''Caldell'' actor had sported a red colored short haired wig. Then it dawned at her¡­


    "I got a crazy idea¡­" Samantha proclaimed to everyone.


    "What? Like that Fire Golem last time?" Kayin asked.


    "You fought a Fire Golem?" Lutheor added.


    "Yes, and Yes everyone. Crocker!" she pointed to her second-in-command. "You and the big guy are around the same body build am I correct?"


    The ''Alboen'' actor stood up from his chair and walked beside the Brit to compare themselves.


    "He is a little bit beefier than me if I say so myself. But yeah, around the same build." The actor nodded.


    "And Caldell is a red head so I presume?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes, that''s what the legends and the historical accounts depict him as. Red Headed." The bard confirmed.


    "Okay so here is my plan. Me and Crocker will take your actors place for the last stretch of the play." She proposed.


    "Really? But you barely know the script." Lutheor replied.


    "Well there isn''t really any much dialogue from here on out any way." The Bard argued.


    The audience outside began to roar and shout from the otherside.


    "Bring''em out! Bring''em out!" they chanted.


    "Well it looks like we don''t got much of a choice then. Give them your clothes quick!" Lutheor caved.


    --------------------------------(Some hasty costume changes later) -----------------------------


    "So, how''s that dress of yours?" Crocker asked now cladded in the ''Alboen'' Armor costume.


    "A bit loose on the arms but breathable. How about yours?" Samantha said. She a greyish colored gambeson with a few pieces of maneuverable leather armor that covered her elbows, legs and chest.


    "I hate this shit. I can barely move a muscle." Crocker complained.


    "All right actors! Get on stage!" Pushed the Bard. He physically shoved the two outside the coverage of the stage''s curtains exposing them to the audience who were eagerly awaiting the continuation of the play''s finale.


    "And so, our hero battled ''Alboen'' with all of his bravery. For the fate of the world is in the balance if Alboen triumphs to feed on his vainglory." The Bard sang


    The two began to swing their provided prop swords at each other to simulate fighting. Yet Samantha, deep down inside felt like something was missing. Their swordplay wasn''t as elegant and choregraphed as the actors who they replaced. Instead it was more of a mundane blocking and parrying drill for men-at-arms. Even the stoic stares from the crowd compared to the joyous cheering confirmed her fears.


    "Like a beau who leaves after love''s first spurt, so the Caldell wooed Alboen, then its foul heart hurt!" the Bard sang.


    Taking from his prompt, Samantha lightly thrusted her wooden sword to Crocker''s chest. Upon impact, Crocker feigned injury, stepping back from the ''sheer force'' of the ''blow''.


    "You think you could take me down that easily?!?! Take this!" Crocker awkwardly improvised an intimidating voice. His normal guttural Cockney growling was broken down like if he was being struck with some stage fright. She couldn''t blame him, she had to order him to wear that bulky armor since Lutheor threatened them earlier during their costume change of cutting down their pay if the night ended in disappointedly.


    The soft hooting of ''jeers'' grew slowly ladder at their mediocre performance. Samantha''s resolved began to tremble as she continued to parry Crocker''s ''attacks''. She could see Lutheor, who is hanging behind the curtains crack in sheer red embarrassment in his hasty decision. Kayin and Iris'' faces were of awkwards smiles that they tried to ''encourage'' her with, but she could easily see through the ruse. The Lieutenant quickly deterred one of Crocker''s slashes so she can reach into his arms and pull him close for a deadlock.


    "We are losing them." Samantha whispered.


    "Well it was your idea." Crocker mentioned.


    "I thought it was good idea at the time." Samantha defended herself.


    "Well it was a shit idea."


    "Any ideas? I don''t want to run back to New Albany while being pelted with tomatoes. It''s bad for P.R."


    Crocker closed his eyes and thinked of a way he can salvage this problem for his team. He would be damned if the team does indeed get pelted out by the Tyr Rians who they are just beginning to make friends with. If only he could just be ridden of the stupidly unwieldy ''Armor'' he is wearing¡­


    "RRRAAAGGGHHHHH!!!!! I want out of this God Damn clothes!" He roared as he broke of the dead lock and backed away from Samantha.


    The Brit began to viciously tear off his armor piece by piece, starting from his helmet, gauntlets, chausses, Breastplate and then finally his greaves until he was left shirtless and bare foot with only apparel he is wearing is his camouflaged pants. The audience gasped at the sudden change of events. Their jeers stopped as their emotions were replaced with utter dread with a sense of curiosity of this unexpected theatrical twist.


    "Crocker¡­ stay in character." Samantha whispered. Even she is flustered by Crocker''s explosion.


    "I Alboen the Steel Butcher do not need armor and a sword to kill this challenger!" Crocker yelled. "Come, ''King'' Caldell of the Slaegians! Let us settle this like REAL Men!" he proudly declared whilst sneaking a wink directed to Samantha.


    He began to flex his muscles to the crowds in a show of masculine exhibitionism. The sweat that was excreted from the cumbersome armor only further highlighted his sculpted muscles and Maori Tattoos.


    "Wooohhhh!!!! Go Ogrebreaker!" Rooted a young commoner woman from the back. She was clearly infatuated by Lewis'' macho figure.


    Other women just like her followed her cheering until every woman, young and old, noble and commoner began to whistle to her tune. For the men, the grown ups grew green with envy over his muscles whilst the children day dreamed of having a body such as Crocker''s. He almost got caught up at the moment if it wasn''t for Kayin heckling him to get back to the show.


    "Before I continue on with battle. I believe we need some more, ''appropriate'' music for this monumental occasion." Crocker hammily suggested.


    He reached into his pockets to grab his Smartphone before twiddling his fingers to the music player. He tapped on one of his playlist called ''Fight/Workout Music'' and tapped one of the songs he deemed the most appropriate before passing the phone to Kayin.


    "Play this on your drone. Now."


    "Are you sure about this?" Kayin asked, still clueless to what exactly his brother in arms has in planned.


    "Just do it! We can''t lose the momentum." Crocker demanded, his voice nearly being blanketed by the roaring of the crowd.


    The Engineer immediately grabbed Crocker''s Smartphone. He connected the phone to his drone via Bluetooth connection. The wireless means of communication for his droid which is based off of a Police Surveillance Drone was meant to connect the droid through a Bluetooth microphone which a speaker can talk through such as declaring police ordinances, announcements and yelling at criminals that they have spotted them committing a felony. After a momentary connection, Kayin played Crocker''s chosen tunes.


    It was a strong and intense symphony of strings and drums that flow like a raging storm in its strongest fury, perfect for a climatic clash as the play depicted.


    "You know Caldell. I could have easily killed you from the very moment you were born!" Crocker, speaking as Alboen said.


    "Then why wait until now Alboen? After I have gained the strength and power to defeat you?" questioned Samantha playing as King Caldell.


    She is still struggling to understand what exactly Crocker''s plan was and how exactly is the music from a classic fighting video game is going to help them. But if she can admit about anything, his plan is working since the audience is at a lively mood thanks to Crocker pumping up the crowd. So she might as well play along.


    "I was waiting for you¡­ TO BECOME STRONGER." Crocker menacingly said. He postured himself into a fighting stance, slightly bending his knees and bringing up his fists.


    Samantha threw away her prop sword and followed suit with her own battle stance.


    Meanwhile the Bard was flabbergasted at the abrupt deviation from the script. He couldn''t believe that the new ''understudies'' would improvise their lines so¡­ bizarrely to the point of being completely alien. Maintaining his professionalism, the Bard continued to sing his verses from the script.


    "Alas! Steel Butcher! The Demon heaved its foul girth, let loose a roar and knocked any soul down to the earth!" the Bard sang whilst playfully plucking his lute.


    Crocker approached Samantha with a flurry of jabs aimed for her. With her instincts kicking in, Samantha blocked her head with her forearms. Every strike was thankfully softened with a split-second hesitation so that the Brit doesn''t actually hurt his commanding officer, but to the Tyr Rians who have never heard of the term ''stunts'' it looked so uber realistic.


    Having enough of his punches, the Lieutenant invoked her hand to hand combat training, and began to redirect Crocker''s avalanche of punches and twisted bot of his upper limbs inwards to his body in order to demobilize his offensive.


    "Tekken? That fighting game? Really?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes, do you know any Martial Arts C.O.? Don''t worry, I can take''em." Crocker asked back.


    "Some Krav Maga and a bit of Gymnastics for flexibility." She answered.


    "Good." Crocker smiled. He pushed Samantha away with his shoulders, breaking her arm lock.


    Recovering from the forced push, Samantha recollected her thoughts and reviewed her scenario again. If Crocker wants to fight like a Fighting Game character, then she might as well fight like one too.


    She reformed her stance by putting her left foot and arm forward proudly while in contrast reserving her right arm and leg in a more relaxed position. Then she made her approach by unleashing a flurry of her own fists, albeit also slightly hesitated so she doesn''t hurt her second in command back.


    Crocker weaved through Samantha''s attacks with alarm. He didn''t expect his C.O. to shoot out so much fisticuffs in such speeds. He had to back up a few steps to get some room between him and Samantha due to his longer reach. Before he could feel like Samantha was about to let up her attempt to poke at Crocker''s defenses, Samantha let loose a flying overhead kick with her right leg, catching him off-guard that he became unbalanced and he tripped down to the ground.


    The crowd began to roar louder at the exciting fight being presented to them.


    "What? Too much for you Alboen?" Samantha acted.


    Spitting on the ground, Crocker quickly got back up to his feet and reformed his posture again.


    "Impressive. But you will die here Slaegian!" Crocker vainly said.


    He grappled Samantha''s arms to leave her body open for a dosage of several boxing punches before pushing he pushed up his brute strength for a ''devastating'' throw. Remembering her hand to hand teachings, the Lieutenant relaxed her body muscles, breathed out and went with the flow of the force of the throw as her body crashed to the ground.


    The fall didn''t hurt as much as it should thanks to the ''Ukemi'' technique and to be fair in her situation. The fight was staged. After Crocker unhanded her, Samantha kicked her feet up enthusiastically showing to the astonished crowd that she wasn''t in any way hurt by the throw. The Tyr Rians have never seen someone take such a brutish attack and come back from it like if it was nothing too damaging.


    "Ahh¡­ I will¡­ Never Give Up!" Samantha cried. The heroism she displayed under the hat of King Caldell was returned with even more uproar from the audience.


    Crocker roared again and charged towards her. In character to the relentless nature of the Steel Butcher in his quest for blood and murder.


    "Scorpion Sting!" Samantha shouted. She moved her right leg backwards in almost 180-degree curve that the heel of her foot would make contact with Crocker''s unguarded chest. ''Stunned'' by the clever attack, he stumbled backwards leaving himself open once again to another barrage of Samantha''s attacks.


    With the cheering starting to get into her, Samantha decided she is going to end the ''epic final battle'' with several spectacular moves. She started her finishing combo with a right legged round house kick followed by a downwards axe kick that stomped the ground so thunderously that it caused the stage to emit a tremor. For her second attack, Samantha swopped downwards before thrusting upwards for an uppercut that she took care to only graze Crocker''s chiseled frame. The Brit recoiled backwards at the ''force'' of the blow before he collapsed on his knees.


    "Alboen The Steel Butcher! Begone from this world and never comeback!" Samantha yelled to the top of her lungs. She was starting to immerse herself very deeply to the heroic character of King Caldell to the point she was enjoying her acting debut more than she had initially expected.


    She quickly grabbed the prop sword she had discarded earlier. Then with a quick swing, she ''decapitated'' Crocker, ''Killing Alboen'' once and for all. Lewis collapsed to the wooden stage floor limp as he played dead.


    "And so Caldell freed us from Alboen''s Rage. Gave us all Hope that ushered a new Age! If Alboen''s was Despair then Despair is gone. For his reign of terror is over, and the Demon is gone." The bard sang the last verse of his song.


    The audience members stood up from their seats and began to give a standing ovation at the spectacular but ''Off the Rails'' performance by Samantha and Crocker. The Lieutenant helped up her subordinate from the ground before the two bowed down happily to the jubilant crowd. The other actors including the two injured ones also walked out to bow down to the crowd.


    "You did it! I can''t believe you did it! Free Food for you and your friends for the best show I have ever seen!" Lutheor smiled. He was fighting back tears of joy as he walked up to Samantha and hugged her.


    --------------------------------(Later around Midnight after the Jubilee) ---------------------------


    "You hear this Kayin? You hear that? You fucking hear that? That''s Gold right here! I am rich!" Crocker boasted.


    "Yeah! You were fantastic back there." Kayin smiled whilst he kept his eyes on the road and his hands on the steering wheel.


    "Hey, Rose if I can ask, how did you do those moves earlier? I didn''t know you can stretch like that." Crocker asked.


    "Well Gymnastics does do a lot of favors for a woman''s body. Plus, I main Feng in Tekken." Samantha answered.


    "Wow, your such a fucking nerd Sammie." Crocker laughed as he kicked back his seat and leaned over.


    "I do enjoy the intense drum beating of that song you chose Lewis. It comes from a ''Fighting Game''?" Iris said.


    "Yeah, Tekken is a Classic! Maybe one day we will show you the ropes. You''ll love it!" Crocker smiled.


    As the squad continued on their midnight journey back home, Samantha''s Radio began to ring. Hitting the answer button, she placed her mouth over the microphone and her ears focused to the speaker.


    "Stryder Lead this is Polonsky. Do you read?" said the Colonel.


    "Lieutenant Rose reads you." Samantha answered.


    "How was the Party ''Quest'' you under take?" Polonsky asked.


    "Went very well sir. The locals appreciated our help. Relations with Tyr Rian is growing greatly sir as we speak."


    "That is good news to hear because I got some Good News from my end too. The Second Wave of Colonists has just got out of the Hyperlane alongside an Escort of Marines. Call signs is the Mayflower and the Aurora respectively. I want you and your squad to greet Major Holyfield as he touches down tomorrow at noon and he would like to meet Iris too so have her join in too." The Colonel informed her.


    "That is great news to here. I''ll also inform Diaz and Root about this ASAP. Styrder Lead out." She said dropping the radio.

 12 Chapter 12: the Second Wave

    The Colony Ship the Mayflower and her escort the Amphibious Assault Carrier Aurora docked at 8 am in New Albany that day. After adjusting their clocks to match the timing of sunrise and sunset, the fledging colony is now slowly but surely getting its feet deep into the ground in the new world they inhabit. The ''second wave'' of colonists and materials are being disembarked from the cargo holds of the Mayflower as it stands closely by to her sister ship the Eodem. Welcoming Videos were being played on loops as the new colonists made their way to their designate homes that the pre-purchased when they signed up to volunteer for the brave colonial expansion effort. Yet the old fervor that had once awestruck the United Federation of Earth is slowly fading as the government began to lessen the expansion of their realm in favor of administrating their numerous colonies. The Benham-3 Expedition was probably going to be the last of their colonial expansion efforts but the unexpected introduction


    Meanwhile back in orbit were Aurora''s two escort frigates ''the Intrepid'' and ''Mount Cheyenne''.


    Stryder group alongside Colonel Polonsky and several members of the New Albany Militia were by the docks that day. But however, instead of greeting the immigrants they were standing idly by for the arrival of Major Elias Holyfield, Commander of the UFE Taskforce sent to reinforce the New Albany Colonial Militia. Their coming was joined by a variety of military assets ranging from two Marine Companies of a grand total of Five Hundred who''s combat missions were 119th Mechanized Airborne and 53rd Engineering, a Fleet of Airplanes ranging consisting of Multirole and Ground Attack planes and a greatly needed resupply of ammunition.


    For Iris, marveled at the influx of new faces and materials pouring through the gate. There were strange gizmos she could only describe as something only a mad man can conceive. Machinery, Tools and Clothing, not even the dreams she had melded with Kayin could prepare her for what she saw.


    "Kayin, what is that giant looking egg over there?" the Vampire pointed to one of the ovoid objects being imported through the cargo bay.


    It had a glowing white-blue center contained in a transparent glass chamber with the yellow-black ''Hazard'' warning sign plastered on top of it. Iris was told by Kayin that she should NEVER approach anything in New Albany that has that sign posted next to it. Otherwise, as she can remember from the words of Samantha.


    "You will die of AID''s, Cancer or maybe even AID''s-Cancer." The recollected voice of the Lieutenant said.


    She remembered also asking her what exactly ''AID''s'' and ''Cancer'' is.


    "It''s painful. Painful as hell." Crocker answered her question.


    "That''s an Energy Reactor. Gives electricity to the Colony." He briefly described.


    Iris remembered the explanation she got about electricity, at least based on how the UFE can best explain it to her. ''A Stored Lightning Bolt'' they said. At first, she thought that the Earthlings can literally catch a lightning from a thunderstorm. Her statement made the Stryder group, especially the normally work minded Kayin and the methodical Samantha burst into laughter. But now she understands the measurement and yes, the concrete measurements of how much power can be held within a just a single box sized battery.


    As the Energy Reactor being hauled away, the shadow of an airplane blanketed the ground they stand in darkness. The winds began to pick up heavily due to the influence of the VTOL aircraft''s rotor blades coming from its jets. Iris had to keep hold on to her dress from the violent rhythm of the winds. A panel opened from the sides and a small flight of stairs was made from the back of the panel allowing entrance and exit from the aircraft. A sharply dressed man in Military Formal wear emerged from the aircraft and descended the stairs. He was proud and haughty in appearance and the glares from his eyes could instill a cold-hearted dread among the Militia soldiers as he slowly made his approach. The man raised his hands to salute the soldiers as he began to stand in front of his Militia counterpart.


    "Colonel." Major Benjamin Holyfield. He was a large physically imposing man who had both the body build of Sargent Crocker and the dark blackish brown skin of Kayin.


    "Good to see you again Major. It''s been a long while." Colonel Polonsky saluted.


    The two promptly began to walk together in a strafe to get an overview of the soldiers who made up the welcoming committee for Holyfield''s arrival.


    "I do say Polonsky, your men have been doing well despite the limitations and¡­ unexpected outcomes." Holyfield commented.


    "Thank you Major. I am also glad you can arrive in such a short notice and despite the reluctance of the Big Wigs upstairs." Polonsky nodded.


    "Yeah, the Wigs have been scrambling lately and it was only through my insistence that they allowed me to join you. I do have to work with less resources then what I am used to for this new assignment but at least I get less people to yell at. So, we are dealing with primitive ''Fantasy World'' people am I correct?" Holyfield asked.


    "Indeed. So far, we have firsthand experienced with some of the natives. We took some casualties but we managed to pull through and established an uneasy peace with the locals at least for now it''s uneasy. This is all thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Samantha Rose. She is very attentive and subservient to the colony''s goals almost Robot-like even. Everything I have ordered her to do was met with nothing short of success. She is a good soldier like all should be."


    "And you also accomplished this with the help of a cooperative native by the codename of ''Sacagawea'' and I believe this woman right in front of me is her?" Holyfield said as he stopped in front of Iris.


    It wasn''t that hard for the Major to spot her from the crowd of Military Camo''s since she herself is wearing a dark purple dress that looked more in line of a noblewoman''s party attire than a normal Grunt in for an inspection. Major Holyfield examined her quietly from head to toe. Normally if someone were to check her out for this long at such a close distance, they would be mesmerized by Iris inhumanly acquired beauty thanks to her Vampiric heritage. But Holyfield examined her like a fear-inducing judge who will reprimand you for the slightest of mistakes.


    "You seemed to be handling the sun quite well¡­ for a Vampire." Holyfield bluntly said.


    "So they told you too? Tell me, are you not afraid of me?" Iris asked. Yet she had to contain the shock of the man openly telling her secret in such an open setting.


    Evander leaned closer to the Vampire with a grievously judgmental aura resonating from him.


    "I have seen much worst in my career Vampire. I do not care how hold you are. You cannot fathom the terrible things these old eyes have seen or the heaviest things I had to carry nor the hard choices I had to make as an Officer of the UFE Military." Holyfield gallantly said. "But I am not here to discuss philosophies with a real-life horror movie monster. I am here to get my boots on the ground and protect the people of this colony from the horrors of this new world. I do not know if you ever asked this question to yourself before but are you a friend or foe to us?" the Major said.


    Iris silently looked at the grim eyes of the Major. She can sense the man''s resolve and experience judging by his face alone. Makes sense as it would take someone of his character to achieve such a high rank in the Earthling''s Military.


    "You do not need to answer that question now Vampire. But perhaps you can convince yourself in the Governor White''s Board Room." The Major said.


    ---------------------(Fast Forward to the Governor''s Palace in New Albany) -------------


    Building where the Earthling''s established their seat of power has come a long way from being a large ditch in the ground about two weeks ago into a finely built establishment with Romanesque style exterior and a classical European style interior. Iris was invited to the first meeting of leaders that will discuss the Earthling''s future in the fantastical planet of Gliesia. Her purpose was to brief the newly arrived VIP''s from the Aurora and the Mayflower. Iris recognized several familiar faces such as Doctor Mahelona who was seated with other scientists with their matching white coats. Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky plus other high-ranking members of the Militia sat across them in all of their olive garments and colorful medals and badges that hung on their breasts proudly like laurels on Triumphant General''s head. There were other leaders too at that room that ranged from those who represent the Colony''s most influential Private Business owners and Engineering Executives in charge of building New Albany''s Infrastructure. Governor White sat at the most Authoritative position in the conference table, at the right-handed side of the table in view of all attendees. This allows the Governor to oversee all of his attendants and those who represents all the important structures that pillars the entire political entity of New Albany.


    Iris had scoffed at the way that the Earthlings conduct their form of ''Monarchy'' called ''Democracy'' where the power of the Civilian Government whose reign is superior to the Military. For a woman who lives in a Feudal Society where the Lord is not only the administrator of civilian affairs but also the commander-in-chief of the land''s armed forces. Keeping these two aspects apart was unthinkable to her and even to everyone in Gliesia too.


    The discussions began, after the exchange of formalities and titles is with Doctor Mahelona who gave an updated report on his research''s progress. He has found that the Mana Crystals, aka Element 120 or Unbinillium as dubbed by the Doctor. He had an air of pride resonating from his girth due to his discovery of a brand-new element. Yet what is strange is that it was a naturally occurring one. Normally the elements that are above Atomic Number 80 and over were man made elements yet he found a naturally occurring element with such powerful properties. He was using the very few samples he has ranging from a recovered personal stash of Mana Crystals from the raided Devicco Mansion and to Iris shock, her own necklace. She had conflicting feelings over the study of her family heirloom. One such feeling was anger that the Purified Mana Crystal Necklace passed down to her was being used like some toy for the scientists to play with their tools with. In contrast, she knew that the Doctors were capable of discovering many fantastic insights with their knowledge and tools, yet she disapproves the usage of her necklace for their research.


    Dr. Mahelona stood up from the podium and announced his research''s findings.


    "It''s through my study, that Element-120 or known in this planet as ''Mana Crystals'' as a brand-new source of energy similar to Uranium but rather curiously, without the dangerous radiation." The Doctor declared.


    The room was lit abuzz with his statements as all the significant characters whispered to each other about the implications of the Doctor''s findings. Such the discovery of a mineral would revolutionize the way the UFE can extract, generate and consume energy. The desire to obtain more of this new ''Element-120'' galvanized everyone.


    "So I propose that with the Governor''s Permission and with the help of the Militia to obtain more of these ''Mana Crystals''. I have already scouted out several deposits with some probes and with permission I want a retrieval team to obtain samples for my team to research with." Mahelona requested.


    "I think that can be arranged." The Governor enacted.


    "Don''t you have one already? Some sort of necklace?" one of the ''Second Wave'' engineers from the back of the room asked.


    "It''s already tiring enough to work with the only sample we have right now which is the necklace we obtained from the bandit attack several weeks ago. The necklace is currently our only sample of Element-120 and I couldn''t perform more¡­ ''invasive'' means of probing without risking accidentally destroying the sample. The necklace, for your information, is property of Iris Cadohagan who is present in this room right now. Am I correct my lady?" the Doctor bowed politely to her.


    All the eyes in the conference room turned to the Vampire who blushed in nervousness over the sudden spotlight. She was so used to hiding behind everyone noses so such a massive spotlight activated her social anxiety within her. Sweat began to fall down on her snow-white skin as she struggled to utter any words.


    Noticing her hesitancy, Governor White intervened.


    "It seem''s that ''Sacagawea'' is not in the mood to talk right now. Let me talk for her." Jeremy said. "So, Iris Cadohagan, codenamed ''Sacagawea'' is a guide who has been, coerced for lack of a better term, to help us in surviving and integrating ourselves into this new world. She has been an invaluable asset in charge of cultural studies and linguistics for the people of Gliesia, or a the very least in Tyr Rian right now." Jeremy said.


    "Its'' quite impressive such a young and beautiful looking human is working for us if I say so myself." Another attendee who belonged to the ''Second Wave'' complimented Iris.


    "Oh she is as human as she can be." Jeremy replied, his gaze directed itself to Iris in a serious tone as he nodded to her discreetly from across the table. "Anyway, next topic! Let''s talk about our infrastructure plans. Engineer MacTavish, please take the floor with your proposition to establish a road system through out the Principality." He continued.


    ---------------------------(Meanwhile back in New Albany at a Restobar) -------------------


    The cracking sounds of Billiards Balls impacting each other and the laughter of people filled Casey''s Sports Bar. The Business catered to virtually any person looking for a leisurely time away from the hustle and bustle of their day to day work. In contrast to what Lieutenant Rose has seen with Lutheor''s Drunken Bastard, Casey''s had wider space, can accommodate more people and best of all it had more Modern aged technology from a refrigerated Beer Tap, a wide selection of alcoholic drinks that had just arrived at the same time the Second Wave Colonists touched down and a 152-inch 4K Plasma TV which at the moment is still being assembled onto a wall and trying to establish satellite TV connection.


    All was exciting and merry just like the Jubilation Samantha has attended yesterday. But she wasn''t enjoying any of it. She sat alone with Dr. Hana at a lonely corner table at the Restobar drinking away several rounds of Margaritas.


    "Robot-like? That''s a Synonym for *hic* slave I tell you! Like I am sort of drone that Polonsky can just *hic* order around like some sort of puppet." Samantha drunkenly said to Dr. Hana.


    Evaluating her psychological state, Dr. Lee Haneul had to struggle to piece together the young officer''s mental well-being. She was reluctant to allow her to drink copious amounts of alcohol but Samantha insisted she be allowed to drink if she wanted to let out her bottled-up frustrations. And Hana knew that angry emotions when stored for long periods of time can be very detrimental to her decision making for a woman of her rank.


    The Lieutenant felt offended by what the Colonel her. But she didn''t have to bravery nor the appropriate atmosphere to call Polonsky out. His words were simply insulting to her father and to the very vow she took when she first joined the Military in his footsteps.


    "I thought having the Colonel calling you ''a good soldier'' a good thing? Yet the way your treating it, it''s like he said something horrible." Hana deduced.


    "Damn right it''s horri- *Hic* able! My father, the great and honorable Desmond Rose, the Angel of Bel-Taviv didn''t earn his medal of honor through blindly obeying his commanders when the Odds were stacked against him. He was a fighter! He was a Hero and He was¡­ my Dad!" Samantha cried as she slammed her head to the table and began to sob.


    Captain Desmond Rose, her late father, ignored orders from his High Command to retreat in order to rescue stranded refugees and those of his own unit''s soldiers when violent Separatist Rebels from the planet of Bel-Aviv rebelled against the UFE Colonial Government. Many off-shot colonies, especially those very far away from the Core Human worlds would often rebel against the Government for many reasons ranging from Religious Extremism, Old Tribal Earth Xenophobia, Oppressive Taxation and Land Grabbing to name a few. The rebellion in Bel-Aviv was the result of a series of Fundamentalist Political Ideologue Extremism in a similar vein to Maoist Communism from the corrupt Colonial Government whose leader set himself up as a Dictator and established a Rogue State in his planet in reflection to the Old Dictatorships of Earth like North Korea and Libya. The UFE intervened at the side of the Rebels and Samantha''s Father, Captain Rose was one of the soldier to carry out the liberation.


    However, there intelligence on the enemy''s strength was off. The Dictator had a secret army of androids armed with heavy rifles and supported by Autonomous Drones. The robotic army countered the invasion with an unhinged Blitzkrieg which pushed the Rebels and the UFE army back to a corner. The robots were ruthless in their assault due to their lack of humanity and sense of self-preservation. They didn''t discriminate on civilians and combatants. This has prompted the UFE High Command to evacuate the plan and glass the surface into oblivion with a heavy barrage of Kinetic Batteries from the Navy''s Guns. Ordering those who have survived the failed invasion to evacuate to a designated area. Yet not all people managed to keep up with the general retreat as many people fell behind. Seeing a large swathe surrounded of over a Million fleeing refugees trapped in an isolated urban part of the planet being surrounded by hundreds of the Corrupt Governor''s forces.


    Her father was told to leave them behind because there were only a few hours left before the bombardment. Yet, Desmond couldn''t bare himself to leave the people behind to their destructive fate. Cutting off his communications with High Command, Captain Rose ordered his men and all those who could join him to move up to the pinned down refugees and helped them escape. Although he suffered heavy casualties from the UFE forces side, thanks to Rose''s selfless act, he managed to get most of the trapped civilians out of there and were successfully evacuated right before the scheduled Kinetic Bombardment was about to commence.


    For his bravery at the face of overwhelming odds stacked against him. Captain Desmond Rose was awarded the Medal of Honor. Samantha remembered being right next to her father as he received his medal then made an inspiring speech where he talked about ''Sometimes, you have to just do the right thing even when others say you shouldn''t.''. Samantha was so inspired by her father''s words that she, much to her mother''s shock and initial disapproval, signed up to become a Soldier of the UFE Military in her Father''s footsteps.


    "I understand, I know your Father''s story and I respect that." Hana said.


    "Oh rea---wwwyyy?" Samantha sarcastically chided in her intoxicated state.


    "Please, Sam get rid of this first and look at me."


    The Korean woman pushed aside Samantha''s half-full Margarita from and groped the hair of her head. Her breath reeked of alcohol and complementary salted peanut appetizers. Doctor Hana stared at Sam''s eyes and noticed that they were lazily moving apart from their synchronized form under the influence of the bottle. She could barely make a proper unaided diagnosis when a loud cheering noise shrieked behind her. The source of the noise was that the men were cheering that they can now watch Live Sports via the newly set up Satellite TV on their 152 Inch 4k Plasma TV Screen. The noise and cheering couldn''t let up as they saw the game being played in front of them which Hana couldn''t stand listening to when her patient is in need of her help. She immediately carried Samantha over her shoulder and very discreetly rushed to the Women''s Restroom.


    Since the building was mostly catered to men since it''s a Sport''s Bar, very few women would be enticed to visit such a raucously masculine establishment. The Women''s Toilets were very quiet and very empty at a place like this. After making their way inside the room, Samantha pushed herself away from the Doctor, grasping her stomach in one hand and her mouth with the other, she pushed the cubicle doors of the nearest Toilet Stall open and knelt down to the toilet to throw up. She hurled away the toxic elements that she overloaded her systems with. Hana walked behind her and patted Sam''s back to comfort her. After a brief moment, Samantha stood up and walked to the sinks and stared at herself at the mirror.


    The skin around her eyes were of a hint of black in addition to the slight crimsoning of the eye whites themselves, her hair was a bushy mess compared to the prim and proper form earlier thanks to her constant cringe induced groping from being called ''Obedient'' by the Colonel.


    "I¡­ I¡­ just got hurt back there you know Doc. I didn''t want to show it to the squad or the other men. I just¡­ didn''t want to appear weak in front of them." Samantha said.


    "That I can understand from you, both as a Woman and as a person in charge. It''s always hard to not show your emotions to other soldiers. Said to reduce combat effectiveness. But for a Woman, it can be much harder than a man and this is not a Sexist thing, it''s simply a fact that every woman must accept that we are all more emotional than the men." Hana lectured.


    "I know¡­" Samantha quietly lowered her head. "But I don''t want to be like some puppet that High Command can just pull my strings attached every time they use me. I need¡­ some independence¡­ assertiveness." Samantha said.


    "Well, I do know that with the Second Wave of Colonists coming in already and the expansion of our facilities, there''s going to be a lot of work that needs to be done. ''Volunteer'' work." Hana emphasized.


    Samantha''s eyes widened in surprise as she turned her head to Hana.


    "What kind of work?" she asked.


    "Well more Recon and ''Studies and Observations'' just like what you were doing for the past few weeks. But this time, the S.O.G. has the freedom to choose where they will do their travelling and scouting next." Hana explained.


    "How did you know of this? This is¡­ technically for Military Ears only for crying out loud!" Samantha flipped herself over from Hana''s forbidden knowledge.


    "Some of the soldiers at the Med-bay mentioned their excitement over the new change of M.O. to me. It was just announced right after the Colonel left for that Meeting at the Governor''s Palace. I thought you knew."


    "I just¡­ stormed out of the Air Strip! How the hell was I supposed to know!"


    "Well maybe you should learn some self-control my Red Headed friend."


    Samantha hugged Hana joyfully as she tightly wrapped her arms around the Korean Physician.


    "Oh thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Samantha ecstatically gave her gratitude.


    "Don''t mention it. Just remember to not let your emotions get the best of you, at least infront of your men. If you need sometime to be yourself. You can always call me." Hana replied.


    "Promise?" Samantha pouted.


    "Pinky Promise." Hana clasped her finger around Samantha''s.


    ----------------------------------(The Next Day in the Command Room) ---------------------------------


    The room was bustling with activity as familiar faces mingled with new ones. The sounds of conversations echoed loudly in a serious undertone like a busy but normal day in a Stock Exchange as everyone got to work. Thanks to the additional staff and communication technology from Major Holyfield, the efficiency of the Command Room was increased exponentially.


    Samantha made her way quietly but confidently to Colonel Polonsky who was standing idly by tapping away on his tablet which he gets information and news of the Militia''s day to day operations in real time.


    "Lieutenant! I was just about to tell you something. Your pretty happy today? Is it the new Spaghetti shipment?" the colonel turned to her.


    "I haven''t tasted it yet I''m afraid. But I am here to choose a new assignment for my squad. Let me see what needs to be done." Samantha confidently answered, she stepped her foot down ready for adventure.


    "Well your being quite proud today. Just like your late father, God Rest his soul." He tempered down his voice in respect to the War Hero. "Now here is what needs to be done for the day. I got a Hearts and Minds mission that involves building some asphalt roads across the Principality and the Marine Engineers could use some extra hands. Then I got this request for assistance for some kidnap for ransom bandits from Prince Clovich that Mendoza could use extra guns for and the other one is something nobody has taken an interest of, a requisitions request for a large cache of Unbinilium from Doctor Mahelona that involves going to some hill east of here that----."


    "I will take the for the good doctor." Samantha interrupted putting her foot down again.


    "That Iris told me is haunted¡­" Polonsky finished his sentence.


    "I will still take it. The Doctor needs those Mana Crystals for his research. Plus, Iris is attached to my squad anyway so might as well come along with us there. Can give some of her ''Expert Opinion'' on the place." She reasoned.


    "Well consider yourself on the case then Lieutenant. By the way, I was about to tell you something important." Polonsky nodded.


    Samantha gestured him to continue with her hands, eager to hear what the Colonel has to say.


    "Thanks to the Marines and Major Holyfield, we got additional personnel to work with. I know that there are certain roles in your squad that are still vacant so the Major took the liberties of filling out one such role. A Radioman, here''s the transfer orders. He should be hanging around the Aurora''s barracks right now." Polonsky passed her a cardboard file with the UFE Military''s insignia imprinted on it.


    She opened the file and read its contents.


    Her new Squad mate is named Edward Clay a Communications Technician of the rank of Corporal from the 119th Mechanized Airborne Company. Tall and strong of the expected build of a man who towers at 6''1 feet. Alongside his Assault Rifle he carries the standard issued Wideband Tactical Radio System that was tucked comfortably in its compact form around his back. His qualifications include being a Broadcast Operator and coordinating precision Airstrikes and Artillery Barrages.


    Samantha smiled at the new addition. Comm Technicians, as she knows from Officer School, were like the secretaries for C.O. keeping track off all the orders, radio traffic and doing the complicated geometric mental gymnastics in coordinating strikes and barrages. The burden of such tasks lifted from her is a welcoming relief. She was never someone who functions well when multiple people are talking to her at once as she could get very socially anxious at times. This flaw only happens when she is off of the battlefield since she feels more at home yelling out orders to as few people as possible, whether they were directly going to enact her orders or delegate it to others below her in peak efficiency was how Lieutenant Rose would ideally have as her command structure, it is simple and old as time, but effective.


    "I expect you to give me a report by the afternoon Rose. Dismiss!" the Colonel said.


    ---------------------------------(An hour later at the Vehicle Bay)-----------------------------


    "So this Hot Elf Chick, me and Diaz here were surrounded by these nasty critters and we barely survived." Obediah relayed the events of his hunting trip with Vincent to Crocker who was busy cleaning and loading up the mounted machine gun on Stryder Group''s Land Crusier.


    "Damn, and you managed to take photo of this girl before she left? Let me see." Crocker requested.


    Switching open his phone, Diaz tapped to the Gallery folder and opened his picture of the mysterious Elf Archer woman named ''Aliathra''. Turning his found around, Crocker leaned downwards from his elevated position to examine it. He was astonished and amazed by the young woman''s serene features, golden blonde hair, azure colored eyes and her fair skin with a slight tanning on her cheeks.


    "Well Holy Fucking shit. She''s pretty damn beautiful! Just like them old books and movies about them. Being Elves, long lived and super model sexy and all. Since they exist, maybe we can go travelling to whatever big ass tree house village city place they live in." Crocker commented.


    "You say that like you really want to go Crock." Diaz said.


    "Well this old soldier would love to see something pretty for a change. Been through shit and more shit. Earth, Mars, Centauri Prime, Kesserheim¡­"


    "Wait Kesserheim?" Diaz interrupted.


    "Yeah served there for a year. The city is nice but the slums are basically like them old Brazilian Favelas in classic Drug Cartel movies." Crocker answered.


    "That''s where I used to work in before I got arrested and all. I wonder if my locker is still there now that I am gone¡­ I miss my stuff. Custom Guns, my Heist Mask with a Smart Hud that the best can money buy and my old Car! I miss Marlboro. I am quite the driver." Diaz boasted.


    "I didn''t know that." Kayin said jumping into their conversation.


    "Well I tend to be more proficient in more lighter weight vehicles. This Land Cruiser is as fast as a fat kid chasing an ice cream truck. I am quite by normal standard reckless. I can''t drive ''like a normal person'' as Mr. Bianchin told me all the time after I cause thousands in property damage just getting to Point A to B" Diaz scratched his head in chagrin to his confession.


    "Well leave the driving to me then Diaz." Kayin said. The penal soldiers backed away from the group.


    "Where''s the El-tee?" Obediah asked.


    "Right here everybody." Samantha walked in. Alongside her was a man of African American descent slightly short of Crocker''s height. The man also sported a radio antenna from his right shoulder and had the badge of a Communications Technician alongside his insignia.


    "Who''s he?" Crocker asked.


    "Command has given us additional resources and manpower thanks to the arrival of the Aurora. This is Corporal Edward Clay. He will be our Communications Technician. He got the qualifications to talk with command and call in support of all kinds just to sum up his resume." Samantha explained.


    "It will be great pleasure to work with all of you." Clay saluted.


    "Hey don''t forget me!" Iris interrupted them.


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    "Iris! I thought you were going to be giving lectures on the planet Gliesia to the Second Wave colonists?" Kayin questioned.


    "AFTER I help you getting this Mana Crystal Cache. The Doctor wants me to evaluate the quality of the crystals once we see them for ourselves." The Vampire answered.


    "Well okay. Expect to get a bit tight inside since we got a new guy. Corporal Clay, Radioman. Likes to make¡­ ''miracles'' if you catch my drift." Diaz joked to break the ice with their new squad member.


    The Earthlings chuckled at the suggestive fantasy elements of the Penal Soldier''s joke. The Radioman''s job is to call forth ''miracles''.


    "You''re a mage? A powerful one?" Iris asked. Not fully absorbed by Diaz''s attempt at humor.


    "Yes Sacagawea. I can call forth four kinds of ''Miracle Spells''. They''re called ''Airstrike'', ''Artillery Barrage'', ''Supply Drop'' and ''Medevac''. Without these spells, Oh my! The UFE Army will crumble down!" Clay followed in with the joke.


    "I never heard of those ''Spells'' before although Kayin did told me they were¡­ hey¡­ that''s not magic!" Iris snapped.


    "It is if it helps you. Maybe one day you will see some of my ''Miracles'' yourself. You speak good English for an Alien. How did you learn our language so fast?" Clay asked.


    "That''s a long story. That I would rather not talk about." She replied.


    "Yeah it''s best you don''t want to know. Trust me in this one." Samantha tapped the New Guy''s shoulder. "Anyhow, our mission is to scout out a cache of Unbinilium that Doctor Mahelona has detected west just next to the border of the Principality." She briefed everyone.


    "You got to be careful. I hear lots of brigands and Orcish Nomads like to run around those parts of the land." Iris warned.


    "That''s why we will have Air Support at the ready in case the worse happens and a few extra squads to secure the sight. We just need to scout it out for them first before they can move in." Samantha.


    "Sounds like a plan El-Tee." Obediah nodded.


    "Right!" Crocker enthusiastically affirmed as he cocked the now belt fed Machine Gun making it ready to fire at any opposition that stands in the way of New Albany''s progress.


    "Buckle up people we movin'' out!" Samantha twirled her finger as all of Stryder group boarded the Land Cruiser. Rose walked up to the Shotgun seat and closed the door.

 13 Chapter 13: Mana Storm

    Kayin''s Drone soared above Stryder group as it surveyed the hilly plains where Doctor Mahelona gave an approximate location for a detected cache of Unbinilium crystals. The squad had taken the scenic route of exploring the western side of the Principality which was painted and sculpted in the forms of wide plains that slowly become more arid as they continued to move further west. They had passed by several fortresses manned by not of Prince Clovich''s men but by the Slaegian Empire. Iris had warned them that is best to keep their distance from the forts because they tend to get skittish with those coming from in and out of the Eastern Borders of the Empire. This is in no thanks to the numerous Nomadic Orcs that plague the Eastern Plains with their mad quest to despoil any hapless caravan that they prey upon.


    Hopefully the Airstrikes from the Aurora that Corporal Clay can call in should be able to scare any attempts of an ambush in such an open field.


    "The doctor is right. There is a whole cache of Unbinilium right below us." Kayin declared.


    "How many are we talking about?" Samantha asked.


    "Uh¡­ according to the drone. I would say about one ton of them." Kayin answered.


    "That''s quite a lot to be placed in one spot." Iris commented.


    "Is it unusual for it to be like that?" Samantha inquired.


    "Unusual in the sense that normally, Mana Crystals tend to be not in Deserts but near mountains in more cooler climates like deeper into the Empire''s Territory or by the Dwarven Clans'' Holds. To find such an amount in these sunny grasslands is normally unusual, naturally speaking."


    "So are you implying that maybe, just maybe by your logic that someone may have deposited these crystals here?" the Lieutenant twitched her eyebrows.


    "Most likely."


    "I think she is right Rose. The scanner has also brought up that the Crsytal cache is being held in some sort of hollowed out cavern of sorts beneath us. It looks like we are gonna need some heavy machinery to dig up all this dirt." Kayin said.


    "Very well, Clay! Contact Command and tell him to move in with the rest of the stuff. Plus call him to bring some dozers over. The Good Doctor is going to get his new samples this week or I will be damned if he doesn''t!" Samantha ordered.


    ---------------------------------(About six hours later) --------------------------------


    The machines of heavy mining industry ploughed through the dirt ground as their exhaust pipes belched the refuse of their fuels. The UFE soldiers patrolled the 50 X 50-meter perimeter with their arms firmly on their hands in a vigilant watch for any intruders who may wish to harm them.


    They screamed to her like hunger panging her stomach. But instead of food, she could sense the presence of Mana Crystals. Being an Elf who are more finely attuned to the winds of magic that emit from the crystals. They called to her from beneath the earth like babies crying out for their mother.


    Did these demons know where they can find these crystals? If that''s the case then the Human Kingdoms will be in deep peril.


    The Demons, as said in legend can also use the Mana crystals for their own ends. However, like the law of physics dictate, not all energy can be retained in 100% efficiency. Humans, Dwarves and most lesser races can only efficiently utilize a third or half of the attainable energy of Mana Crystal. Elves in the other hand, as if created for such a purpose, can utilized 66% to 80% of the stored energy from the crystals. In the old storybooks she read in her library in her palace, Demons are said to be able to harness 90% or in some exaggerated cases, all of the power the crystal stored without any miniscule loss.


    If the ''Demons'' get their hands on such a large pile of Mana Crystals in such a short an unguarded area away from the secured mining facilities of the Empire and the Dwarves would be beyond devastating to the chances of the survival of the world. She must warn them!


    Running away from the ''Demon'' gathering until she was about a mile between her and them, she knelt down and conjured her magics to summon the energy needed to send out a distress call for her Human allies.


    "Emperor Uldin, this is Aliathra. I spotted a group of Demons collecting Mana Crystals in the middle of the Eastern Border of Tyr Rian. You have to stop them before they become too powerful." She communicated her message to her Tweeter Bird.


    Additionally, the Elf also embedded additional magic to her spell by programming the conjuration to also relay the location of the dig site so that the Slaegian''s can know where to strike. Knowing the Humans, they will quickly dispatch the Border Guards stationed in the Eastern Tyr Rian Border to take them down. Hopefully as the Princess the Garrisons, with their experience in desert warfare, familiarity of terrain and their superior man power should be enough to stop the ''Demon''s'' plans of acquiring the crystals which to her own curiosity is seemingly placed randomly in the middle of the frontier wilderness of the Slaegian Empire.


    Quickly turning her head around for any eavesdroppers, Aliathra cloaked herself with an invisibility spell to quietly leave the scene. She still has a cover to maintain as one of her world''s most valuable intelligence assets due to her close proximity to the ''Demon''s'' Nerve Center called ''New Albany''. She has also remembered that she was given the invaluable opportunity to walk inside freely into the hearth of the ''Demon''s'' so called ''Wall-less Fortress'' with the help of an unaware individual named ''Obediah Root''. She will have to prepare for the dangerous mission. She will need to cast Holy Wards against the possible evil influences that the ''Demon''s'' could throw at her. She even also takes into account this ''Vincent'' person. He had the look and feel of a normal human compared to everyone she has observed from a far in New Albany. But something is rather off with that one. Behind his cavalier stature, she could feel something roguish underneath him.


    Are the Demon''s Human disguises slowly failing? Were their forms just a ploy to fool the Human Kingdoms so that they would treat them like their own kin? Such deceit will not go unpunished!


    ------------------(Back at the Dig Site in a make shift targeting range) -------------


    Iris had a nervous but to the UFE an ambrosial excitement face etched into her as she stared at the MGL revolver type grenade launcher. The very same one she took from the hands of an incapacitated Kayin in the Battle for Devico''s Mansion. She could recognize the weapon through the distinct etchings on the launcher''s receiver. It was presented to her in all of its finery by one of the military crates that stored the UFE''s weapons and gear.


    "Go on. Take it." Kayin told her.


    "I¡­ I¡­ don''t know¡­ I just grabbed that wand of yours out of anger for those Bandits. It''s¡­ eh¡­ how do you say¡­ ''heat of the moment'' kind of moment." Iris hesitated. She was nervous about wielding the MGL again but the display she had shown enchanting the weapon with a variety of magical elements was of noteworthy status among the UFE. The vampire could remember all the pestering she had endured when scientists, soldiers and normal resident alike asked her how she managed to create a ''Frost Bomb''.


    For person of her advanced age, she had lots of practice honing her skills in enchanting the magical energies into objects as a job for Lutheor when he needed to sell specialized weaponry to his huge clientele of questing warriors and high paying noblemen. Sometimes, the order was a brilliant flaming sword, other times a bow that can shoot icicles and in some outlandish requests a breastplate that allows the user to breathe underwater. With the advent of these new UFE technologies being present right in front of her, there were more possibilities for even more enchantment combinations.


    Iris picked up the MGL from its container and held her left hand to its foregrip and the trigger grip with her right. She took a long look at the weapon''s scope which gave her an enhanced zoom of the makeshift targets in front of her. Then it dawned on her that MGL needs ammunition to be able to fire its explosive magics. She opened the revolving container of the device and picked inserted the ammunition into each slot.


    "Remember, those are training rounds. Not the real thing. But if Doctor Mahelona''s theory is correct, it won''t matter." Kayin reminded her.


    After she finished loading the ammo into the cartridge, Iris closed the lid and took aim. Channeling her magic, she enchanted Kayin''s MGL with jolts of lightning emitting from her body and attaching themselves into the metal body of the weapon until it became fully embedded with electric magic like a lightning rod. Squeezing the trigger, Iris let loose a (training) grenade shot at the nearest target. The grenade exploded in a cloud of lightning infused smoke cloud in its wake.


    "AAAHHH FUCK!!!" Yelled a voice behind Iris startling her.


    She turned around to see that Clay was scratching the side of his head as he cringed in pain. He was right next to his radio which is on top of a table. The headset he wears with him was rather not in its usual cranial position but at lay alone below him at the tawny surface of the plains.


    "What just happened!" Kayin rushed to his Clay concernedly.


    "I was just talking with command on my radio when suddenly my audio went static that¡­ talk to me!" Clay said. He began to gesture his hand to point to his right ear.


    "What?" Kayin asked in confusion.


    "Just say anything on my right." Clay demanded.


    "Uhm¡­ Hello¡­Food¡­ Clay¡­ Chicken¡­ Alpha¡­Omega¡­Blue¡­" Kayin muttered randomly.


    "Shit, I think I a bit deaf on my right ear. Where did that Electro Magnetic Pulse came from?"


    Kayin left Clay to run to the doctor to get his ear check. The Engineer turned to Iris who still held the Electric Infused MGL at her hands.


    "What happened? Can we continue?" Iris asked.


    "Yeah, but let''s do less of that Lightning Bolt grenades for now?" Kayin suggested.


    The Vampire Witch disenchanted the MGL off of its Electrical Influences and reenchanted the weapon with the crimson waves of Fire. She took aim again with the MGL and opened fire.


    As he observed her brilliant display of magical prowess with Modern Earth Weaponry. Kayin could not help but evaluate what just happened to their new Radioman. Can the ''Magic'' of this planet have any negative effects on their technology. If Unbinilium infused lightning can disrupt a radio. What would happen if such energy was multiplied? The possibilities of such an unknown force when applying theoretical chemistry and physics caused his black skin to go white with fear. If Magic can affect electronics, then these Unbinilium crystals maybe more potent than what the Good Doctor has initially theorized. Looks like he is going to have to tell that Fat Hawaiian in the lab coat about this and see what he thinks about it.


    ---------------------------------(A few hours later, a breakthrough happened¡­.) ---------------------


    The Engineer''s struck something hard. Or at least that''s what the reports said as Samantha rushed to the location of the discovery. She saw a gathering of the dig site''s laborers hurriedly uncovering the discovery. As she gently pushed them aside. Samantha soon found what had caused the workers to get all excited about.


    It was a stone carving of an artificial design. It had ornate tribal markings inscribed permanently on the gray surface of the rock which glowed with magic.


    "Iris do you know anything about this?" Samantha asked the Vampire who just recently walked behind her as she marveled at the excavated sight.


    "No wonder there is a whole cache of Mana Crystals in the middle of nowhere. This is a Cenhill Tomb!" Iris answered.


    "Care to elaborate?"


    "The Cenhill are the ancestors of the people of Tyr Rian. Before the Principality got absorbed into the Slaegian Empire, the Cenhill had a thriving culture distinct to the other human tribes a few hundred years ago. For the Nobility, they believe that when they die they will need to be entertained in their afterlife. So they are buried with many of their possessions, like their furniture, wealth, servants, faithful warriors and most importantly, Mana Crystals." Iris answered.


    "Like the Egyptians. An old Earth Civilization long ago in our history. Get buried with all of their stuff after they died. Tell me, what kind of Noble is this man if you can judge by the entrance of the tomb?"


    "A King."


    "Oh, damn we just hit the Jackpot!" Diaz exclaimed enthusiastically "So¡­ wait¡­ oh shit¡­ is that mean we are going to¡­ uhm¡­ Rob a dead guy? Yeah count me out on the scouting team for this one. I maybe a robber but I have standards." His optimism turned to reluctance and then outright refusal.


    "Well I won''t force you in this one for now. Okay Kayin, Crocker, Iris you''re with me. We are going in and I want that door opened yesterday. Diaz, Root and Clay, stay outside and contact Command of what we find."


    "Yes sir!" Stryrder group yelled in unison.


    ------------------------------(Deep inside the Tomb) -----------------------


    The Burial Chambers were decorated with a wide variety of possessions ranging from mirrors, statuettes, gilded war gear and jewelry. The first few rooms looked undisturbed by any other person for centuries due to the lack of any disorderly disturbances if the same logic fo Egyptian Tombs apply to Cenhillian ones. Yet Samantha had to practice restraint less she gives into her own avarice. She has seen those Mummy Movies and fears flooding the room with flesh eating scarabs or worse.


    "All this stuff, damn! This king is most be loaded." Crocker commented. Leaning for a closer look at a small gathering of gold with eyes filled with lust.


    "Don''t even try Sergeant. It could be booby trapped." Samantha warned.


    "Oh, yeah alright. Shit, can''t concentrate for shit in a place like this." He backed off from the treasures.


    They continued to move slowly deeper into the tomb where additional items rest on their way ranging from scrolls sealed with decorated handles and inscribed with seals of runic symbols. Then they begin to walk to where the dead were laid to rest in stone carved sarcophaguses. Each cover of every tomb had a distinct pile of items resting a top of them which signifies what kind of person was buried there. Weapons and Armors belonged to soldiers and bodyguards, rods and miters to advisors and religious figures, plates and plain cloth garments with a few pieces of jewelry signified servants etc.


    They all formed a large circle around a pedestal where another sarcophagus laid in the middle of it. The coffin''s exterior, unlike the plain stone ones that surrounded it, were made of some sort of refined bone decorated with traces of gold and jewelry in intricate patterns. It was big enough to fit a fully-grown man inside it. To the El-Tee''s deduction, this must be the king who''s final rest is this very tomb they now roam.


    In an adjacent room, Samantha spotted a bright bluish glow that was being dimly emitted from the door. With the help of Crocker opening the stubbornly locked door with a swift kick from his Exo-Suit, the Lieutenant and her second in command and entered the sealed chamber.


    "Jackpot!" Samantha smiled. The room was filled to the brim with Unbinilium Crystals as if all hoarded into a single tile of space.


    "Damn, my eyes hurt a bit." Crocker commented about the irritation of his eyes.


    "I know, me too. This, this is more than what Dr. Mahelona needs." Samantha said.


    The Crystal Storage room had Unbinilium that averages around the same size of Crocker''s torso. They were too heavy to be hauled off by hand however and would need much more stronger means of moving these Crystals out. By the walls of the room, Samantha noticed that the walls behind the crystals were showing signs of wearing off due to the decay and dilapidation of their structural integrity. There was a faint green coloring behind the walls that shimmered upon the contact of light.


    "Those walls are made of Gyhranite. A mineral that is known to block siphoning of Mana Crystals when placed between the user and the Crystals." Iris pointed.


    "Scanners says that this mineral are similar to the materials we used to make containers for Nuclear Materials. And this stuff is already way past its Half-Life." Kayin analyzed. "Well no wonder I have never seen any spikes on my scanner on the initial readings."


    "I''ll tell the lads back up to get the gear out. Let''s go. This place gives me the creeps." Kayin shivered.


    "Hold on, I want to take a look at the Tombs before we go." Samantha objected.


    They walked to the elevated pedestal of the decorated tomb to investigate further. Picking up her Camera, Samantha aimed the device at the coffin to marvel at its golden splendor. Iris walked in front of her and leaned closer to the sarcophagus. She waved her index figure to the right as she read the inscriptions.


    "Do you know the language?" Kayin asked her.


    "Yes¡­ this is¡­ King Martainn the Necromancer''s tomb¡­" Iris answered.


    "I am sorry¡­ but what did you say he is¡­ the what?" Crocker questioned.


    "The Necromancer, I have read about him. He was considered the last of the Necromancer Kings of the Cenhilli when it was still independent from the Empire." Iris explained.


    "Oh great, first fantasy creatures now we got fucking zombies and spooky scary skeletons. What next? Flying Pigs?" Crocker joked.


    Undeterred by her subordinates attempts at humor to lighten the shocking discovery, Samantha took a quick snap of King Martainn''s sarcophagus with her camera. But as the device made it''s clicking noise, the ground began to shake. Alarmed, Stryder group unholstered their weapons and screened the barrels of their guns on all directions. Being surrounded without any cover by a Necromancer''s main means of offense which are dead corpses is an unfavorable position to be in for the squad. Then the lid popped open from the inside which then followed the stench of a spice preserved corpse filled the chamber with its odor. A soft moan came from the gilded coffin as the reanimated corpse of King Martainn ''the Necromancer'' stood proudly as a shambling corpse can be in front of them.


    "Who¡­. Dares!" He said.


    The ancient king was dressed in what Samantha can describe as something of a traditional Gaelic attire with a green colored kilt that he wore over his mail armor that became stained with brownish rust despite the best abilities of the coffin to seal away the oxygen from his corpse to the outside world. His bones, in contrast to the physical traces of his clothes, were a mix of bone and a ghostly ethereal glow that is slightly transparent in several portions of his exposed body. From view of King Martainn''s Exterior, his right forearm bones were completely of a ghostly form in addition to his left ring finger of the same intangible material. Underneath the Necromancer''s mail armor and robes through several holes from years of neglect, Samantha noticed that there were a faint glow coming from within Martainn''s ribcage that emitted light in a flickering rhythm similar to a heartbeat.


    The UFE slowly aimed guns at the Undead King ready to fight their way out of an army of corpses. Yet Samantha had a bad feeling that not all of the will be able to get out of this tomb alive if this will all go down hostility.


    "My¡­ Lord, Uhm¡­ King Martainn." Samantha lowered her rifle down to the floor slowly.


    "What are you doing?" Kayin asked her.


    "Trying to get you guys out of this alive. Shush." Samantha quieted the Engineer before she turned again to King Martainn. "King Martainn, this is surely a mistake. My men did not know that¡­"


    "Silence Slave!" Martainn interrupted. "You have woken me up from my slumber! Now I must¡­ hey¡­ why does¡­ that¡­ woman share my¡­ blood?" Martainn pointed to Iris.


    The UFE soldiers turned their eyes to the Vampire who stood behind them stoically from the arraignment.


    "You know her?" Samantha asked King Martainn.


    "You know him?" Kayin asked.


    "Yes, for the Cadohagan line can be traced back to the Priest Kings of the Cenhilli." Iris answered. "Long before the coming of the Empire, the Cenhilli practiced in what we now call Necromancy. The Priest Kings of Ancient Tyr Rian were obsessed in attaining immortality. They hated dying and fading into dust so they experimented with Magic until they found a makeshift solution. They have found a means to prolong their lives well above their mortal life span whilst also enhancing their abilities to Siphon Magic from the earth. However, it came at a cost of their physical bodies. Their bodies began to fail and their forms slowly withered to dust and in place, an ethereal form that is corporeal to the touch." Iris explained.


    "So, they are slowly becoming ghosts but they also are more in tapped with Magic." Kayin summarized the information.


    "That is correct Night Skinned One." King Martainn confirmed.


    "Oh, come on! Even your Grandpa even calls me that name too!" Kayin commented on the Necromancer''s appropriation of his identity.


    "I though I just called you ''Nightman'' Kayin." Iris corrected the Nigerian.


    "Just call me Kayin from now on okay?"


    "Fine but let me continue, so the Necro-Kings were one of the first people in Gliesia to pioneer the art of Necromancy. At first, it was originally used to make an expendable labor force for the Cenhilli to build their civilizations but overtime the Priest Kings found more applications to their Skeleton Work Force as soldiers. If you recall the Jubilation Day play you remember about Alboen the Steel Butcher?"


    The UFE nodded yes.


    "Well after discovering this brand-new means of manipulating Magic. Alboen himself went to Tyr Rian and demanded to know the secrets of Necromancy by the Necro-Kings. King Martainn, the king at the time was not willing to share his knowledge." Iris said.


    "And not even my Hoard of Unbinillium too." King Martainn crossed his arms.


    "In his anger, Alboen murdered a large number of the Cenhilli populace and enslaved the rest." Iris continued.


    "But still I refuse to give up my secrets. In order to not allow him to know the secrets of Necromancy, I committed suicide but not before giving a few of my notes to my five Hagans, children. I believe you Iris can trace your lineage to my son Cado. I recall the notes were of a Serum that allows the user to both live for extended periods of time and be very proficient in siphoning the magic from the Mana Crystals, at the cost however that he must drink Blood of a living being. Were you sired or born a Cadohagan?" Martainn asked Iris.


    "I was born one. And I am considered the last of my line grandfather." She replied sadly.


    "By the Gods! Cado was the eldest and my most prodigious. What happened?" the Skeletal King questioned in shock to the news that a portion of his descendants are dying out.


    "He¡­they¡­ My father¡­ he¡­" Iris stuttered. She feared the next words she has to say in front of her Grandfather.


    "He ''fucked up'' somehow basically?" Kayin interrupted.


    "I do not want you to speak Nightman!" Martainn roared.


    "Yes, my father Terryn, he ''fucked up'' with the rest of the other Vampires. And now I am all that is left of the blood of your eldest child. And please, forgive me for him. let''s stop calling this one ''Nightman'' right now. It''s making him angry." Iris apologized for Kayin''s upset outburst.


    It did little to lessen the tension of the room. The Ghastly King could wake up his entire legion and surround them with a snap of his fingers if he wanted to. He stood menacingly with a capricious gaze at the intruders. He didn''t care if one of them was one of his children. He wanted all of them out before they could steal even a single one of his valuable possessions and he wanted them out a minute ago.


    "Please King Martainn, we beg you to spare our lives. We did not know we are disturbing your tomb. We will not take a single coin from your treasury if you promised to let us go. We are only just a small band of fifty people, the rest of whom are outside." Samantha stepped in front of Iris to parley. She knows that returning to New Albany empty handed or worse in a body bag would be devastating. She cares about the mission but she equally cares for the lives of her men, even the scummy Diaz and his antagonistic ways.


    "Liar! You say you are a just another hapless band of Tomb Robbers! I hear the hooves of a thousand horses just walking along outside ready to spring out of here with all of my treasure!" the Priest King shot her down.


    "Horses? We didn''t bring any horses¡­" Samantha twitched her eyebrows dumbfoundedly.


    "Then¡­ if those aren''t your horses I hear¡­ then who''s steeds, are they?" King Martainn questioned.


    "By the Gods! The camp is under attack!" Iris exclaimed.


    -------------------------(Meanwhile back at surface level) ------------------


    "HQ! HQ! HQ! We are under heavy fire we need support now!" Edward Clay yelled to his radio in a desperate bid to call High Command. Yet all that answered to him was the static nothingness of a disconnected line. "Damnit!" He cursed as he ducked his head low from a grazing magic shot. It scorched the surface of the rock that he hid behind leaving a dark burn mark where it landed.


    "How''s the radio! We gonna get overrun at this point!" Obediah cried as he reloaded his sniper rifle.


    "I can''t get a damn answer Private. Something is blocking the signal." Clay replied.


    "What? We are being jammed or something? By what?" Diaz said.


    "How am I supposed to know?" Clay replied.


    It was previously quiet back at the surface level of the Tomb with the Engineers quietly resting after a long day''s work. Clay, Diaz and Obed had initially thought that since they will just lazily sit down on some chairs just to stare at the approaching sunset quietly while breaking the ice with each other with the new guy. However, they heard a faint horn noise that slowly grew closer every second. Then a volley of arrows rained down on several of the engineers and soldiers injuring and killing a dozen of them.


    The three remaining members of Stryder group scrambled to get their weapons out to fight back their attackers. It was the aforementioned Orcish Nomads who stormed the camp through the thunder of their hooves and whistling of their arrows. Their mounts were a variety of beasts and animals. Some were the familiar Horses that many medieval armies would ride into battle, others were Bear-sized Wolves whose backbones can support the weight of their masters, and most likely the worst were the ones who rode Giant Spiders on top of the arachnid''s head while they leaned over its body for not only does the Spiders move along the earth effortlessly without tiring, it also can spit out venom from its mouth and extremely adhesive webbings from its anus.


    They encircled around the perimeter of the dig site constantly firing arrows and other projectiles at the UFE. Some of the mounted hostiles wore distinctive robes and held magical staffs that shot balls of energy at them.


    "Keep Firing! Keep Firing!" one of the UFE soldiers ordered.


    Yet communication between the soldier are a mess. Their Radios weren''t working due to static receiving and were forced to yell out to each other. The suppressive fire of the Mounted Archers kept the UFE pinned down to what little cover they could managed to hid from.


    "Were getting fucked in the ass right now. We need a plan where''s Lieutenant Rose?" Obediah yelled.


    "Still down there in the Tomb." Clay replied.


    "She would have known what to do. What now? We''re cut off from command and these Orcs are kick our butts." Diaz said.


    "I got a plan¡­ Diaz you said you can drive right?" Clay asked the Penal Soldier.


    "Yeah."


    "Alright we make a run for it for the Land Stryder. Root, I need you to mount MG. We''ll draw as much of the heat of our guys with a horse of our own." Clay took command.


    "Aight, let''s see if these Orcs like a taste of .50 Cal." Root smiled.


    "Hey you! Cover Fire!" Clay turned to another group of pinned down Soldiers adjacent to their position.


    "You got it!" one of them said. He and four other soldiers stood up from their cover and opened fire at the encircling Orcs.


    The Three Stryder Group members leaped out of their cover and made a break line speeds to the Squad''s Land Cruiser which was parked in the middle of the dig site where the rest of the Vehicles from Military to Construction were parked. They dodged arrows and magical missiles narrowly as they stumbled their way through the heart of the base. The Nomads and their Wizards were all focus firing at their three but thanks to the covering fire of the rest of the UFE, they managed to reach the armored safety of their Land Cruiser unharmed.


    Diaz took the Driver''s seat, Clay rode shotgun and Obediah climbed on to the back of the vehicle and manned the mounted .50 Cal Machine Gun. Vincent ignited the engine reviving the car back to its diesel fueled life.


    "Floor it!" Clay yelled.


    Diaz punched his foot on the pedal and the Land Cruiser sprang away from the Vehicle Bay like a wild animal set loose from its cage. The Ex-Thief didn''t bother trying to avoid the minor obstructions of Construction Signs and tables as he ran them over with the heavy weight of the Land Cruiser. The car soon managed to break out of the perimeter and out of the encircling Orcs who dodged out of the way. Obediah cocked the MG and opened fire at the Orc Horsemen, spraying them in a rain storm of .50 Caliber bullets. Yet the repetitive recoil of the Machine Gun was almost uncontrollable for his weary arms. Unlike the muscular Sergeant Crocker who can tame the high caliber automatic kicking movement of the MG, Obediah couldn''t seem to manage the beast that is a .50 Caliber Machine Gun. His gunfire was of a chaotic mess the wildly flew everywhere from out to the sky, a horse, or landing on the plain''s soil causing a huge splash of dirt to kick up from the Earth. Diaz extremely violent handling of the Land Cruiser''s wheels also didn''t help too.


    However there hastily thought of plan threw a wrench in the plans of the Orc Nomads. The Marauder''s initial plans were to surround them in an encircled position similar to how they would control their herds then shot every single one of them down with their arrows. But having a ''Metal Beast'' suddenly burst out of their formation in a panic like state whilst firing wildly invisible arrows that struck several of them down demanded their immediate attention. Over 80 of the horsemen broke formation and pursued the Land Cruiser under Heavy Machinegun fire.


    "We gotta tail V!" Obediah cried.


    Diaz shifted to lower gears as he pushed the Land Cruiser over a hill. It leaped up the natural ramp sending a several feet up into the air before landing back on the ground in a heavy stomp. He turned a hard left immediately after the wheels touched down giving Obediah the stability he needs to fire the .50 Cal. He gunned down over two dozen of the Orcish Nomads. As soon as the Nomads and their beasts of war got close enough, Diaz would speed off again.


    "What fucking Roller Coaster amirite?" Diaz commented.


    "Nice Driving. Let''s go." Clay smiled optimistically over their chances of survival.


    Meanwhile back at the Dig site, Samantha, Kayin, Crocker, Iris alongside King Martainn emerged from the Tomb to be greeted by a fireworks display of Magic and Bullets. Elemental Balls of Energy flew across the scorched marked breadth of the Dig site like city lights with the flickering of muzzle flashes from the UFE complementing the luminary display. Men struggling to survive every barrage of arrow and magic with a return fire of their own, polluting the battlefield in the sounds of war. The noise pollution, in stark contrast to the homely and quiet tomb below further angered King Martainn from his rude awakening by these intruders.


    "I will stand idle while these marauders taint my land with their disgusting feet!" Martainn shouted as he pulled out his enchanted staff and sword and began to cast a magic fire ball and hurled it straight to a cluster of 6 Orcs who were approaching danger close to a group of pinned down UFE soldiers.


    The Fireball narrowly missed the UFE soldiers and impacted Orc Marauders in a brilliant outburst of fire killing them all.


    "Hey! That was too close!" Samantha reprimanded Martainn.


    "After I deal with these Orcs I will deal with all of you Metal People next." Martainn raised his voice.


    "Okay how about this. You help us deal with these Orcs and I promise my Men will leave. If we don''t you can do whatever you want with us." Samantha promised.


    "By your own words?"


    "By my words." Samantha swore.


    Just then a lone runner dashed towards Samantha. His face was weary with sweat from the heat of the battle.


    "El-tee! Your okay¡­ Oh shit!" the runner cursed as he opened fire a burst of his rifle to King Martainn.


    Being an Undead, he was not affected by it by the slightest but the gusty force of the bullets that barely grazed his skeletal frame left him aghast.


    "Woah Soldier! The Zombie is a Skelton." Samantha informed him.


    "Oh sorry. Fuck C.O. we''re surrounded." The runner apologized.


    "I see that! Tell me something we don''t know." Samantha demanded.


    "We counted 250 plus foot mobiles surrounding us right now." He cut to the chase and informed her the balance of the battle.


    "That''s around 5 to 1 and they are uphill shit this is bad. Where''s the rest of my squad?" Samantha asked.


    "I saw Diaz, Root and Clay make run for your Land Cruiser. They managed to draw some of the Tangoes away by driving off. They should comeback soon." He replied. "Fuck! Our West Side! West Side!" he shouted pointing at the direction they are behind from.


    Stryder group turned around to see that the Orcish Nomads have rallied the remains of their raiding party into one giant blob formation. They were preparing to charge through the West Side of the Dig Site and breakthrough the defensive perimeter by the sheer weights of their numbers.


    "WAAAGGGHHHRRRRR!!!! CCCHHAAARRRGGGEEE!!!!!" the Orc Leader cried. He rode atop of him a giant Spider Mount that was over 2 stories tall.


    "Damnit! Defend the Western Perimeter at all cost!" Samantha ordered.


    Stryder group double timed their sprints as they rushed headlong into the embattled grounds as the defenders struggled to prevent a breakthrough.


    Crocker opened fire his LMG unleashing a 750 RPM barrage of suppressive fire taking down three dozen Orcs riddling their green skinned bodies to a bloody pulp of ballistic entry and exit holes. After his belt dried, Crocker knelt down to under go the long (by Battlefield standards) reloading of his weapon.


    "Iron Man! Watch out!" King Martainn warned him.


    One of the more monstrous mounts of the Orcish Nomads, a Giant Lupine creature commonly called a ''Battle Wolf'' managed to survive Crocker''s LMG Fire and made a bee line straight for the murderer of its mounted owner.


    The Lupine leaped at Crocker with its teeth aimed for the Brit''s throat. Lewis managed to hold the Wolf''s mouth away from his vital organs for a good arm''s length of distance. With the added strength of his Exo-Suit, Crocker snapped the neck of the Monstrous Canine with his bare hands before tossing the corpse aside.


    "You are strong Iron Man." King Martainn apostatized.


    Meanwhile next to Crocker, Iris was starting to sweat heavily through the heavy expenditure of her Magical Energies. She had used a great amount of her power to enchant her MGL with several magically enhanced explosive ordinances of Fire, Ice and Lightning directed at the Orc Marauders, but now she is slowly on the verge of exhaustive collapse, and there are still over a dozen more to go.


    "Iris we need more Fire Power!" Samantha yelled.


    "I¡­I ¡­ can''t¡­ I ¡­." She answered woozily.


    The Vampire Witch fell down on the ground and then slowly crawled to her friend Kayin who sat down in low cover reloading his Carbine.


    "Iris!" Kayin yelled as he grabbed Iris and dragged her into his cover which barely concealed them from the hail of arrow fire.


    "I am so¡­ ti¡­yered¡­" She softly said.


    "Damnit! You need some of that Mana." Kayin worriedly replied.


    The Vampire tried to muster up the Mana from beneath the Earth in King Martainn''s Tomb but a sudden shock stopped her.


    "They are my Crystals!" King Martainn roared selfishly.


    "Now? At a time like this?" Samantha argued.


    Feeling her body slowly failing from Mana Exhaustion, Iris became desperate to retain her consciousness. If her Ancestral Grandfather won''t allow her to use his hoard of Unbinillium, then there is only one way to obtain the energy she needs.


    "I need¡­ blood¡­" Iris muttered.


    "What?" Kayin asked confusedly.


    "Your blood. I need power¡­ your ess¡­sence¡­ please¡­" Iris begged.


    "No way! I''m not your blood bag." Kayin protested.


    "That is a direct order! We need that Fire Power now!" Samantha yelled.


    With great reluctance, Kayin gave in. He leaned his head to the right exposing the left side of his neck.


    "I will make this hurt as little as possible. I am sorry if it has to come to this." Iris apologized.


    She moved on top of the Nigerian above his waist and gently caressed his neck. She smiled softly at her Nightman, knowing full well that unlike the last time she bit him, it will be for everyone''s own good.


    "Hold still." She whispered.


    She unleashed the fangs in her mouth and plunged her teeth at Kayin''s neck. The Nigerian cringed in pain at the sharp incision of Iris'' canines but the Vampire comforted him placing her hand lovingly on Kayin''s cheek.


    After a brief ten seconds that seemed to last forever, Iris let go her dental grip from Kayin now reinvigorated with the power of blood. Her eyes turned bloodshot as she mustered the power within her onto to the MGL Grenade Launcher and opened fire. Each 40¡Á46mm shot from the Magically Enhanced UFE weapon let loose a barrage of mystical energy that seared the flesh of the Orcs and their monstrous cavalry.


    She felt Godlike with her powers. Every time she bit another living thing, Iris can feel an addicting surge of power that exponentially empowered the potency of her magic. Human Blood was by far the most effective on giving her this albeit temporary hour of power. Thanks to her super powered junkie rampage against the Orcs, the UFE got more time to reload and retreat deeper into the dig site.


    Meanwhile about a kilometer away from the action, the Stryder Group members inside the Land Cruiser were already about to finish off the last of their pursuers. Diaz managed to get some distance away from a significant amount of Orc Nomads from the Dig Site to lift off some of the heat away from the defenders. Additionally, the static from Clay''s radio began to fade much to the Radioman''s relief.


    "HQ! HQ! This is Stryder Group." Clay said.


    "This is HQ. We have been trying to call your team for about thirty minutes. Were there weather problems?" the voice of one of the HQ Command''s Radiomen answered.


    "Thank God it worked. Listen, the Dig Site for Mahelona''s Unbinilium Crystals is under attack. About Three Hundy plus Horsemen are attacking us. I repeat the Dig Site is under attack. We need support over!" Clay told HQ.


    "Why didn''t you contact us earlier?" the voice in the radio asked.


    "I-I don''t know. Some sort of Jamming or something. We need Air Support and we needed it ten minutes ago." Clay asked.


    "Roger that we''re calling in a Strike Package and Marines at your position now." The radio said.


    Clay happily dropped the radio relieved that help is on the way. He banged the top of the Land Cruiser''s ceiling to get Obediah''s attention, who the Redneck has just finished off the last few Orc Nomads who chased them. His hands let go of the Mounted MG and began to shake violently to the same rhythm it produced with its recoil.


    "My God, I am gonna let Crocker do all the super shooting for now on. I can''t believe he does this for over fifteen years. I''m shivering like a bad winter day." Obediah said.


    "Yea I feel ya. But good shooting back there Old Man. I buy you two rounds of beer when we get back ''kay?" Diaz said.


    "Sure thang. Hey look over at the horizon! 10 ''o clock." Obediah pointed.


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    Diaz and Clay turned their heads to the Redneck''s direction and see that there''s black dots slowy approaching at their position. Diaz, wanting to get a better look on what he is looking at grabbed a pair of binoculars, a spare one that Samantha keeps at the glove box of the Land Cruiser and placed his eyes on it.


    "Those are Slaegian Legionnaires." Diaz exclaimed. He recognizes the black and gold armor that the Slaegian Empire, the liege lords of Tyr Rian wore. There Heraldry which depicted a golden Dragon figure head wielding on one hand a sword and the other hand a weighing scale which best signifies their dominion over most of the Human cities and settlements in the Ysanigrad.


    Diaz spotted a wide variety of units ranging from your standard infantry carrying a sword or shield, pikes or range weapon such as crossbows and Bow and Arrows. Then came the Cavalry from lightly armored Yeomen to the heavily armored Knights. But what struck Diaz''s eye the most was a half dozen of a particular creature that flew haughtily above the Slaegians with their radiant wings


    It was a squadron of Hippogryphs and their Knights. They had the head of an Eagle, the forequarters of a vicious predatory cat and the Hinds of a Horse. They were adorned in armor that are tailor made for their bodies from their heads, frontal breasts, backbone and hind legs. It was a relieving sight for Clay to see the local security forces responding quickly to the Orc incursion.


    "They must be responding to the Orc Nomads back at the Dig." Clay said.


    "Well there sssooo slow!" Obediah complained.


    "Cut them some slack Obed. Besides, they probably have yet to invent the flushing toilet." Diaz chuckled at the UFE and Slaegian''s huge technological gap.


    "Man, I can''t imagine having to smell my shit every day. The thought of it makes me wish I was never born you know. I get sick having to smell poo all day especially the fertilizer my wife buys all the time, them expensive ''Organic'' shit. Fuck man, I had to use my daughter''s perfume just to get rid of the stench. Then the woman says ''That''s what you get for marrying the Farmer''s Daughter Obed!''." Obediah said.


    "Man, I hate to be in the middle of a Redneck argument. Heard there''s a fifty-fifty chance someone''s gonna draw a gun." Diaz said.


    "That''s a fucking stereotype you know that?" Obediah snapped.


    "Says that man who named his guns after his wife and kid." Diaz shot back.


    "Damn really Root? After your family?" Clay asked.


    "Fuck you, Fuck both of you all." The Redneck snarked.


    Obediah leaned back from the MG Port so he could get a once and a lifetime view of the Slaegian Hippogryphs. From what Iris has told them about them, Hippogryphs are mounts of high ranking Knights from the Slaegian Empire. It is said that the monstrous mounts were bred near the Mountains at the North Eastern section of the Empire alongside the Dwarf Clans. Hippogryph Knights are assigned to roles of Light Cavalry either as Scouts, hunting down Enemy Skirmishers or harassing their more equine counter parts. It was considered one of the most decorated type of soldier in the Legion and a significant number of the Empire''s reserves are stationed in Border Fortresses at the South Eastern end of their dominion where Tyr Rian is situated in.


    The Redneck was about to doze himself off to a quick moment of shut eye when he noticed that the shadow that the Hippogryphs produce with their wings slowly enveloped him in ebony.


    "Die Demon!" yelled the Hippogryph Knight. His mount descended from the sky claws out and ready to strike down on Obediah.


    The Marksman roughly ducked down to the MG Port below to the safety of the squad''s armored car barely escaping the razor talons of the Hippogryph which only met the sun kissed skin of the Land Cruiser''s steel frame. The force of the monster''s failed strike managed to slightly tilt the car sideways for a brief second. Obediah felt was caught in a daze by the sheer surprise and ferocity of the Hippogryph attack. His rough touchdown to the Land Cruiser''s passenger cabin was enough to plum his elbows and his cheeks slightly with bruises.


    "What th---" Diaz tried to make sense of Obediah''s falling down thinking he might have accidentally slipped from the MG port when suddenly the Land Cruiser began to violently be shaken back and forth in a sudden turbulence of force.


    "GGGGGAAAAWWWKKKK!!!!" shrieked the Hippogryphs as they try to rip the ''armored bone'' from the Land Cruiser, but their feline claws only made insignificant cosmetic damage to the ''Metal Beast''.


    From their right, left and front sides, the Hippogryphs, after realizing that their claws will not dent the sides of the vehicle proceeded to try and slash open the glass windows from each side.


    "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Drive! Drive! Drive!" Clay shouted.


    Shifting the gears out of ''Parking'' and putting the pedal to the metal. The Land Cruiser let out its own mighty roar that shook the courage of the Hippogryph Knights. With a proud acceleration, the vehicle leaped from its stationary position causing the Hippogryph that tried to claw it from the front to lose its balance and fall down in front of the bumper where it was immediately ran over by the Land Cruiser, killing the rider and the mount under considerable tons of steel.


    "HQ! HQ! Mission Update! The Slaegians are Hostile I repeat the Slaegians are hostile!" Clay cried to the radio.


    "Say again?" HQ asked.


    "Slaegian Bird Monsters and their Knights are attacking us. There''s a whole army of them chasing us too! 800 hundred-foot mobiles bearing the Slaegian Empire heraldry over! I need an ETA on that Air Support and reinforcements." Clay said.


    "ETA Five Minutes." HQ Said.


    "Roger on last transmission." Clay dropped the Radio. "You hear that? The heats coming." He reassured everyone.


    "They better be! I ain''t wanna die here." Obediah swore.


    "Me too!" Diaz added in whilst he sped along the Plains making a bee line for the Dig Site.


    The Land Cruiser covered the distance between them and the approaching Slaegians at such an inhuman speed that even the Hippogryph Knights, who by their standards were the elite soldiers specializing in the tactics of Blitzkrieg were impressed by the deceptively uncanny speed of the ''Metal Demons''. Yet instead of being discouraged by their otherworldly foe, it only steeled their determination to wipe out the ''Demons'' off the face of Gliesia. For if they fail to hold the line for their civilization here, then surely the world will burn in an endless tide of chaos and destruction. Based on the UFE''s estimates, the third party will arrive by the Dig Site''s doorstep at about four to five minutes.


    "Charge!" the leader of the Slaegian Army yelled.


    After making their way past the Orc Nomad''s corpses and the ruined Dig Site, Diaz spotted Samantha who was breathing heavily from the fatigue of intensive battle alongside the rest of their squad. He parked close to his Commanding Officer before he and his two companions disembarked from the Land Cruiser.


    "Sam! Your alright." Diaz said.


    "It''s Lieutenant Rose Private! Formalities please!" Samantha castigated.


    "That''s besides the point El-Tee but we got¡­ Zombie!" Clay was about to inform her but he spotted King Martainn who in his skeletal body moved behind her.


    The three previously separated UFE soldiers opened fire at the Ghostly King which the Martainn twitched in reflex to the attack. But ultimately, he was unharmed by the attack.


    "What is up with you? Do you people always shoot at the first sign of a Skeletal Zombie?" King Martainn irked.


    "Uhm, yeah we do¡­ honestly." Samantha confessed. "But that''s besides the point Martainn. Diaz, Clay, Obediah. This is King Martainn He is a frie---" Samantha tried to inform her squad but she was interrupted by another burst of rifle fire from Diaz.


    "Sorry but years of Zombie Movies and Video Games has caused us to evolve to shoot at any¡­ wait ''frie--'' what?" Diaz inquired.


    "King Martainn is friendly Zombie¡­ Mummy¡­ King¡­ whatever it is. For now. Plus, Damnit Diaz! Trigger Discipline!" Samantha snapped.


    "How long have I slept Iris? Did the people of Ysanigrad fear the us after I have long passed?" King Martainn asked his granddaughter.


    "You can blame the Witch Hunters. It''s a long story. I need to rest now¡­ so much energy used¡­ after I bit Kayin." Iris woozily replied.


    "Wait you bit Kayin?" Obediah asked.


    "Yes, and he is okay now. Thankfully it''s all over. The Orcs are either dead or fleeing." Iris answered.


    "Yeah about that, uhm there''s another army trying to kill us." Clay informed everyone.


    "What?" Samantha, Crocker and Martainn yelled in unison.


    "Slaegians miss. Tried to attack us. And by the looks of it they wanted us dead really bad. You see the marks on our Land Cruiser? Yeah, all made by some Hippogryphs. Plus, I think one of them called us ''Demons'' or something." The Radioman pointed.


    "Hippogryphs, by the Gods they are going to finish us off!" Martainn gloomed. "They most likely have a full complement of their soldiers marching at us. How long before they descend upon us?" he asked.


    "About five or four minutes at best. But I just managed to call HQ and their bringing reinforcements and Air Support as we speak at around the same time they get here." Clay said.


    "You managed to contact Command? Alright but we just barely fended off the Orcs. I''m down to only two clips left." Samantha commented on her rifle.


    "Just three grenades for the MGL." Iris added.


    "Half a Belt for me." Crocker continued.


    "and I can''t feel my face." Kayin commented.


    "Watch out! Their casting spells!" King Martainn pointed.


    Several balls of Magical energy made rainfall down on the Dig Site, impacting the ground in magical outbursts of the native Gliesian energies. Looking across the Horizon, Samantha grabbed her binoculars and spotted that several of the Slaegians who were mounted on Horseback were


    "They brought Mages too. We need to buy ourselves time! Clay! Contact Command I need an update on the reinforcements." Rose ordered.


    Clay picked up his radio again and began to dial up the device but all that was emitted from his device was more static.


    "Damnit not now!" Clay cramped. "You stupid Radio." He cursed at his failing gadget.


    "The Magic, it disrupts our comms." Kayin said.


    "Huh?" Clay turned to the Nigerian.


    "It was just a hunch I made after Iris used those practice rounds earlier. You getting loud static on your radio. I bet it''s the Magical Energies screwing our comms." Kayin said.


    "So it''s the Mages Fault I have been trying to contact HQ forever? Damn what kind of cruel world is this?" Kayin lamented.


    "Focus soldier. Right now, we need to buy ourselves time. We got like about uhm 3 or more minutes before help arrives?" Samantha asked.


    "Indeed miss." Clay said.


    "Okay, Clay keep trying to make contact with Command. Diaz, you can drive right? Take Crocker with you to the Land Cruiser and try to slow down the Slaegian''s. Take some more Land Cruisers too by the way. Priority target the Mages. And speaking of Mages, Obediah grab your rifle. I''ll spot targets. Defensive Formations go!" Samantha ordered.


    "Yes ma''am!" the UFE said before dispersing.


    Crocker rallied several of the UFE soldiers to board the other three Land Cruisers and man the mounted Machine Gun. Diaz followed suit with the Brit with his ''combative'' driving skill. The Stryder group''s armored car took lead of the four Land Cruisers. Spreading themselves out evenly and opened fire at the Slaegian Legion forcing them to raise their shields to block the barrage of bullets to no avail as the armor piercing .50 caliber took down several dozens of Legionnaires before their ammo reserves exhausted. Yet they have done their duty and managed to slow down


    Obediah in the other hand, unholstered ''Leah''. He then went down to a prone position and flipped down his Sniper Rifle''s Bipod and took aim by placing his weary eyes through ''Leah''s'' scope. Samantha knelt down beside him with her binoculars at hand. She began to call out Obed''s shots who with pinpoint accuracy. It wasn''t that hard to find the Mages as they wielded Magical Staffs wore distinctively colorful robes that stick out like a sore thumb at the approaching Slaegian army which in contrast wore uniforms of armor and dark colored robes underneath. Every shot from Obed''s rifle met its park with the sudden and gradual demise of the Slaegian''s combative magical capabilities plus lessen the interference for Clay''s Radio.


    "That''s it! Keep at em! I can hear HQ again. Command!" Clay said.


    "This is Major Holyfield. What the Hell is going on out there?" Benjamin said on the radio.


    "Some sort of Magical shit is jamming our radios or something. I need the Callsign for our Air Strike." Clay said.


    "Pegasus 3-5." Holyfield said.


    "You mean Captain Kaprelian? Good to see her out now." Clay said.


    "You know her?" Samantha asked.


    "Yeah, we share Tables together in the Mess Hall back up at the Aurora. Great Pilot she is. Whenever I call in an Airstrike its always her. Pegasus 3-5, again and again." Clay answered. "You have my word she will bring the goods." He added reassuringly.


    "Okay call it in." Samantha said.


    "Pegasus 3-5 this is Stryder group. We are a forty-man pinned down at by the IR Beacon. I authorize CBU strike on hostiles 400 hundred feet west from our position." Clay said. He reached into one of his pockets for an IR Signal beacon and turned it on before placing it firmly on the ground.


    "Affirmative Stryder Group. Making an Attack Run." Captain Kaprelian, designation Pegasus 3-5 replied.


    "Lased Targets! Give them a Beam everyone!" Samantha dropped her Binoculars and turned on her rifle''s laser designation.


    She and her wingman lined up vertically on the enmassed battle formation of the Slaegian Legion. Her hands inched slowly to the Bomb Release button as she slowed her descent to about 300 feet in altitude. The some of the Slaegians curiously turned their heads at the two strange Metal Bird in grey coloring as it approached them menacingly.


    "Tucktail!" their general said.


    "Bomb''s Away!" Kaprelian said.


    "Fox-4! Gun, Gun, Gun!" her wingman said.


    "Hey Iris!" Clay grabbed the Vampire Witch''s attention. "I call this ''Miracle'', ''Airstrike''!" Clay raised his arms in an acted display of ''Magical'' prowess as the Pilots commenced their run.


    They unleashed their payload at the Slaegian Legionnaires, erupting the battlefield in a hail of bomb and heavy Gatling gun fire, easily decimating them.


    "The End Times have truly come!" a wounded Slaegian Legionnaire despaired before succumbing to his devastating injuries.


    "Let''s take as many of them with us then! For the Emperor! For the Nation! Charge!" one of the surviving Sargeants of the remaining survivors rallied.


    In their religious fervor the natives prayed to the heavens to their heathen gods before, arms raised with their weapons gave out one last charge in an unbreakable display of their faith and hatred for those who would harm their civilization with their corruptive influences.


    "No way they still are at it." Samantha said.


    "This is Valkyrie 1-1. Reinforcements has arrived." Clay''s radio spoke.


    Over a half dozen of Canary VTOL aircraft flew past Samantha blowing the wind behind her as they hovered above the battle weary UFE. The VTOL''s doors opened to reveal fresh faced UFE soldiers roping down from the Canaries and Door Gunners laying down machine gun fire to finish off the remnants of the Slaegian Legionnaires.


    "Cures you¡­ Demon Scum!" the last Slaegian bedeviled before he choked on his own blood and fell down to the flat dirt ground. He was merely only four meters away from Samantha before he was gunned down to swiss cheese by the reinforcing UFE.


    Those Earthlings who were hunkered down at the Dig Site cheered ''Porro Terra'' for their victory against overwhelming odds.


    "We did it!" Samantha cheered. She hugged Obediah and Clay together who gladly received her embrace.


    The reinforcements, after fully descending to the ground began to either administer First Aid to the wounded or secured the perimeter for any stragglers with others to capture anyone surviving Slaegian alive for questioning. The both Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky would love to egg questions on why the Border Fortresses of the Slaegian Empire unprovokingly attacked the UFE despite reassurances from Prince Clovich that they will not be hostile to Earthlings.


    "Lieutenant." A Radioman from one of the Reinforcing soldiers approached Samantha.


    "Yes?" Samantha turned to him.


    "Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky would like to have a word with you." He answered.


    The radioman reaches from the pockets of his combat rigged and pulled out two ball shaped curiosities from him. He then activated the anti-gravity projectors from the balls and throw them into the air where they floated above the ground a 160 cm''s from the Plain''s soil.


    "Lieutenant Rose¡­" the voice of Colonel Polonsky emitted from one of the Balls.


    The floating orbs immediately projected the holographic images of both Colonel Polonsky and Major Holyfield.


    "Colonel, Major." Samantha saluted.


    "Battle Report!" Polonsky said.


    "We were ambushed by hostile forces, first by these Orcs and then by the Slaegian Border Garrison Armies." She summarized.


    "Corporal Clay has been trying to radio us early but the line keeps breaking. Do you have an explanation about this poor communication?" Holyfield asked.


    "It''s just a theory from Mudwin sir but he believes that extensive outburst of Magical Energy can disrupt our electronic communications."


    "That''s sounds preposterous. Those radios are state of the art. Can this ''Magic'' really jam them?" the Major pressed.


    Polonsky sighed whilst he placed his arm on his forehead.


    "Trust me in this Major. But you''ll get used to this we have seen so many things only the likes of Fantasy Writers can dream of." Polonsky said.


    "Well okay, perhaps I do need to open my mind more. So, you were able to hold the line against how many? First I got four hundred then an additional seven hundred tangoes if that''s correct with you." Holyfield inquired.


    "Indeed." Samantha nodded.


    "Impressive. Your just like your father Lieutenant Rose. If he was still alive right now I would have been the first call him about you getting recommended for the Silver Star." Polonsky softly smiled.


    "Really? I am honored." Samantha light up her face in joy.


    "Good to hear from that. But don''t get your hopes up yet, I still need to consult with the other survivors for witnesses and the Awarding Committee before anything can be official." Holyfield said.


    "Now, Gallantry aside, have you secured Doctor Mahelona''s Unbinilium crystals?" Polonsky asked the most important question that mattered the most to him above Stryder group''s survival.


    "Well about that, we came upon a complication where¡­" Samantha was about to explain until her left shoulder felt the cold and bony touch of Death.


    "Who are these other ghosts?" King Martainn asked mistaking the ethereal images of Polonsky and Holyfield of being other undead spirits like him.


    "Oh my God!" Holyfield recoiled.


    "Zombie!" the radioman exclaimed, he pulled out his pistol from its holster and fired several shots at King Martainn. Yet still like previously, the Skeletal Monarch was unharmed.


    "I am starting to think you hate Zombie and Reanimated Skeletons now. Tell me again why I agreed to let you live?" Martainn asked, his hands began to conjure Necromantic magic.


    "Relax please, let me do the talking." Samantha told him. "This pretty fellow is King Martainn. He is the owner of the Cache of Unbinilium crystals which so happens to be his tomb." She explained.


    "Greetings your Majesty I am Colonel Polonsky and this is Major Holyfield. We are Lieutenant Rose''s Superiors. We''re Generals basically." Polonsky greeted.


    "Ah, it is good to see fellow men of arms. But let''s get straight to why I am here at your presence and its about my Mana Crystals¡­ or these¡­ Unbinilium you call them." King Martainn spoke to them diplomatically.


    "Well he said ''No'' we---" Samantha was about to break out the bad news before she was interrupted by the Skeletal Monarch.


    "I changed my mind. I will allow your people to have a small share of my Mana Crystal Horde for you to do what you please with. And to make my proposal better. I can even give you some of my old Sage''s notes on their studies about the Mana Crystals to you." King Martainn said.


    "Well better than nothing. Thank you, your Highness." Polonsky bowed. "But what made you change your mind?"


    "It''s Samantha¡­ Rose who stands beside me. She reminds me of¡­ me." King Martainn answered.


    "She was like me when I fought against the hordes of Alboen the Steel Butcher. I knew I was not likely to win, but I fought for my people''s right to live free and Samantha, I can see it in her. I am assured that whatever she plans to do with the Mana Crystals I give her, I know its for the best reasons." Martainn said.


    "Well that is good to hear from¡­ I can''t believe this is going to my resume but I agree with the Zombie." Polonsky said.


    "We accept your offer. Thank you for your contribution." Holyfield said. The Blackman then turned to the radioman. "Send out strike teams on all of Tyr Rian''s Border Garrisons. Eliminate ALL of them." Holyfield said.


    "Wait what? You can''t be serious!" Polonsky snapped.


    "We need to cover this up!" He turned to his co-leader. "How do we explain to Prince Clovich that an entire Garrison of Border guards just vanished near one of our positions. We can kiss that peace treaty good bye." He tried to reason.


    "I must protest sir, is wiping the Border Forts out really our only option?" Samantha said.


    "Well does any of you have any better ideas when Prince Clovich inevitably finds out what just happened?" Holyfield crossed his arms.


    No one dared say a word nor proposed an alternative solution.


    "My plan still stands. My men will go out and eliminate the Forts across the western border. Absolutely no survivors. Then when we have to talk to Prince Clovich about his defenseless borders saying it was the Orcs who began to step up their attacks on the Principality. We then can offer him our assistance in containing these Orc Raiders. With some luck this will strengthen our alliance with the Natives or at least keep them from getting angry at us." Holyfield said, sneaking a glance on one of the Orc Nomad corpses that littered alongside the Slaegian Legionnaires.


    "You know you''re a Political Animal, right?" Polonsky said.


    "Being stuck on your desk as a Militia Commander has gotten you soft Polonsky. You don''t know what its like being in the REAL army. I will hear no more from you about this subject. We are going to wipe them out whether you like it or not." Holyfield stepped his foot on the ground.


    "At least take some of the soldier''s prisoners? Get maybe some information out of them about the attack they tried." Polonsky begged.


    "Well, you do have a point their Colonel. Very Well we will spare some of them for questioning. But I doubt UNCAT (United Nations Convention against Torture) will apply to them. Remember our duty. The ''General Protection of the people of the UFE'' above all else. Don''t tell me that you grow sympathies with these¡­ Aliens." Holyfield said.


    "No Major. Please¡­ Proceed with your operations." Polonsky lowered his head.


    "Command Out." Holyfield ended the transmission. Their holographic images disappeared leaving Samantha alone in distraught.

 14 Chapter 14: One Night in New Albany

    "This is preposterous even by your standards Major!" Governor White rebuked.


    "Indeed." added Director Sienna Di Poppo of the UNSOOSA "What your saying is borderline genocide."


    After reports of Major Holyfield''s unethical orders of annihilating all the Slaegian Border Forts across Tyr Rian surfaced thanks to the timely notification of several SEAL''s Team members and Colonel Polonsky, a discreet emergency gathering of Military and Civilian Officials was called in late that night. Governor White, Director Di Poppo, Major Holyfield, Colonel Polonsky and other important officials were gathered in the Governor''s Hall Conference Room. Unlike the upbeat air of Colonial Fervor that recently was emitted by arrival of the 2nd Wave Colonists, which is slowly being died down due to the UFE''s overextension of their governmental capabilities, was instead replaced with an aura of dreary uncertainty as news of the Slaegian''s Unprovoked attack on a unit of UFE soldiers buzzed around the officials.


    A significant count of the officials, from Military Officers from the 2nd Wave who have worked with the Major closely for over a decade, to Civilian Officials who still had fresh memories of their disastrous Planetfall sided with the extremist''s Hardline methods of Major Holyfield. It wasn''t something out of character that the Major would consider given his history of being a cold, calculating and ruthless to any enemies of humanity''s progress to the stars whether it is from hostile fauna in far off worlds to the internal attacks of rebellious insurgents who dare test the unity of the UFE''s spirit. It is said that Holyfield himself is responsible for the extinction of so many violent carnivores and the total eradication of several terrorist groups. And the man would gladly redo all his bloodied crusade of protecting humanity all over again if he could. He is without a doubt have no shame in his duty to his race.


    But now the Major stands in a pseudo trial among his new peers. It was his first time being assigned outside to a brand-new group official and their reception to his ''Methods'' were hostile compared to the cold nods of his previous superiors who were more Human-centric when it comes to the progress of Mankind''s colonial efforts.


    "Have you gone soft after meeting Extra Terrestrials Governor? Against your own race?" Holyfield put his foot down.


    "I am not Major, and I will never do that to the UFE. These¡­ ''Aliens'' are as human as us¡­ with a few exceptions but still!" He shot back.


    "According to Iris, Mages are quite rare in Gliesia. From her estimates about one in every twelve people in Ysanigrad shows various capabilities of siphoning Magic from the Unbinilium crystals." Polonsky argued.


    "That is still a worrying number, if you also take into the account that the Mages can conjure pretty much whatever they can come up with their minds. You saw that ''Fire Golem'' that attacked you, Iris and her abilities to ''Enchant'' magic to our grenade launchers, and don''t get me started on Magic Emissions being capable to jam our radios. Plus, that information is only applying to the Mages of the Slaegian Empire. Who knows what kind of other unknown''s this Magic can be wielded by. I remembered that Iris, during that introductory seminar, she described these Elves from a continent West of Ysanigrad called Alfel Nora where the locals are more potent and sensitive to Magic. What happens if they turn their powers against us?"


    "Your saying like the Elves are a bunch of Power Hungry Warmongers who would gladly zap us to death with lightning bolts. According to the reports, the Elves usually keep to themselves and are rather accommodating albeit a little bit arrogant."


    "I never said they are ''Power Hungry Warmongers'' Polonsky, I am saying that they are potentially a bigger threat than the Slaegian''s who have just attacked us for no reason!" Holyfield raised his voice.


    The bystanders in the meeting all murmured to each other over the two High Ranking Military Official''s statements.


    "Silence!" Governor White yelled deafening the entire room. "Holyfield! Polonsky!" He turned to two. "You both make good points on the dangers and sureness of Benham-3. But right now, you are both getting yourselves off track from why we are here today. We cannot let go of the fact that this ''Slaegian Empire'' had their men try to attack our soldiers but we cannot afford to ruin our already established diplomatic efforts with one of the Slaegian''s own vassal states. It must be a Misunderstanding. I doubt its deliberate." Jeremy scolded.


    The room once again filled with murmurs for a fleeting moment after the Governor''s


    "And if you are wrong?" Holyfield question back.


    "How about this. Some middle ground for both of you two? So, look here, I both agree to what your points are but what both of your points have in common is that we are all new to this world. We are the aliens here this time and they are the natives. It''s only smart that right now we should focus more on consolidating our foothold in Gliesia. My proposal would be to reduce the number of sorties within 50 Kilometer radius from New Albany. Then reassign them into patrol groups. I don''t want any more expeditions until we got this figured out."


    Silence entered the two Commanding Officers and then they bowed down to the Governor''s superior authority over them.


    "So how will you investigate this incident?" Holyfield asked.


    "There''s already a man on the case¡­ Inspector Reid." The governor softly smiled confidently.


    -----------------------(The next day, by the outskirts of New Albany)---------------------


    The sudden urbanization of the once empty plains and hills of Southern Tyr Rian from outside the Verden Valley Forest surprised Aliathra. When she first arrived in the Principality last month, the only sounds her sensitive leaf shaped elven ears can hear were the soft brushing of trees, the light crackling of water from the Valley''s numerous creeks and the casual timing of numerous animal noises. These sounds were replaced by the vehement bubbling of large metal beasts that shifted the land to the ways it sees fit, turning the land from an uninhabited plot of land into abruptly cropped up white spires with glittering glass that reflected the Gliesian Sunlight like a Light House''s beacon.


    It reminds me of home¡­ No! Focus! This must be a Demon Trick. They know I am homesick! I won''t let them have me.


    The Elf Woman reminded herself of her perilous mission. She was given special permission from these Humanoid new comers to enter in their home of ''New Albany''. They promised her a steady supply of food and to allow her to indulge in her curiosities of the strange paintings that Obediah and Vincent described as a ''Photograph''. All of which are just diversions for her, she knows that this is the once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the inner workings of these otherworldly people. She will have to play it safe however. She is going to be waist deep into enemy territory and failure could be disastrous for the forces of her world''s order.


    "Greetings. State your business here." A UFE soldier stopped her.


    Just as she was about to pass by the first set of houses made by the otherworlders, Aliathra was stopped by a trio of olive garbed men. It was some sort of security checkpoint.


    "All Non-UFE civillians must be processed through before entering New Albany." Another UFE soldier added.


    They carried black iron sticks in similar construction to the wands that she saw Obediah and Vincent wielded to fend off the Seadevils. Their jade colored camouflage can easily blend into the forest woods of any temperate climates and the weave of their clothes were as thick as a cow who was fattened up for slaughter. Their heads, as the Elf emphasizes were of weary tension as if they were alerted to something dangerous. She almost wanted to ask what''s with their faces but she caught her tongue beforehand, asking to many direct questions would make her stand out from the myriad visitors who were being processed by the checkpoint guards.


    "I am here to meet a farmer." She quietly answered.


    "Name?" the soldier asked.


    "Obediah¡­ehm Root. I wish to buy his crops."


    "Okay please stand still." He told her.


    Her colleague, of a physically imposing height slowly approached her with a strangely shaped black knife that look crudely made that it looked no more than a prop for a play or a child''s toy. It had text painted yellow that says ''Super Detector'' written on the knife''s ''blade''. The elf felt tense seeing the weapon being casually held around without any care, respect or discipline unlike her kind who treat their weapons as if an extension of their bodies.


    With a twitch of his finger, the knife began to emit a soft but sharp sound before the man slowly reached out his arms. Aliathra reflexively stepped back to avoid the blade but the soldiers held her hand, albeit instead of hostility, the firm grip of the hand was of comforting warmth, or maybe its perhaps that the one gripping her hand was another woman of humanoid shape.


    "Relax, it''s just a Scanner miss." The soldier lady reassured her.


    Not wanting to be set back, the Elf Princess relaxed herself. The guard carrying the Scanner ''knife'' promptly began his probe. Just the feeling of the Scanner''s electromagnetic field emissions made the Elf''s skin crawl, raising the tiny hairs on her ivory skin up as she shuddered. Then the scanner reached into the back of her waist wear she keeps an emergency dagger for her own self defense.


    "AHH!!!" She screamed as the ''Knife'' beeped upon the contact of her Starmetal Bladed Dagger. The magically crafted blade made by Ethuilen''s finest Blacksmiths screeched upon the disturbances of the Scanner ''Knife'' s magnetic field. The shock of the sensation that reflected from her Dagge collapsed her on the hard-rocky asphalt road of the Otherworlders'' settlement.


    "Woah!" Female soldier said backing off. "Are you okay miss?"


    "Hang on! Wait I think¡­" her larger colleague coldly stepped in front of her and reached into the back of her waist. "Knife." The man said before quietly placing the Elven Dagger on a gray tray.


    "That''s mine." Aliathra objected.


    "You will get it back. No weapons are allowed from this point on. Here take this, present this paper to us and you will get your¡­ nice looking knife back." The soldier said.


    "And Root Family Homestead is 4th left then follow the road all the way. You can''t miss''em." The woman said.


    The guards moved aside from the Elf clearing her way to New Albany.


    "Oh, if you happen to be a Mage of sorts. Don''t even try it." The towering guard with the ''Scanning Knife'' warned. "Welcome to New Albany, the first Colony of the United Federation of Earth."


    Being disarmed has already caused the Elf to go uneasy from the danger she is now in. Not only is she in enemy territory. She is also completely defenseless and if the guard''s words are to go by, any kind of Magical Conjuration will only get her fished out by the numerical superior Otherworlders. From this point on, she will have to Scout out the entire Colony without too much risking.


    Remembering the directions to Obediah''s house, Aliathra began to take her first steps into ''Metal Demon'' territory. Previously before her, she had casted several Anti-Demon Wards that will dispel and push back any Demonic Influences that try to get a hairbreadth''s away from her but curiously to her confusion, they haven''t gone off.


    ''Are the Demons'' holding back?''


    As she walked in New Albany''s streets, the Romanesque structures she passed by were nothing that she has seen, heard nor read about ever before. They were built like finely carved out trees with sleek curvatures elegantly constructed by only of somone as skilled as one of Ethuilen''s finest carpenters. Yet instead of Trees, Aliathra noticed that they were made instead of a mixture of steel and stone, materials that are extremely difficult to carve such incisions, and every building she sees are of similar designs with notable deviances for individual distinction between each structure such as giant signs that were posted next to the houses front doors that magically lit up in a variety of strange shapes and colors such as green, orange and purple. Another thing she noticed is that all of New Albany''s houses were covered with glass windowsills. Glass, based on her knowledge was a luxury item, due to the painstaking production process the Glassblowers have to do. Only afforded to the highest-ranking nobles and they were more of a novelty decoration, a status symbol. But the Otherworlder''s who look uncannily similar to the Humans of Ysanigrad, everyone of them had glass windows on their respective buildings. Her only explanation she can think off was that these Otherworlder''s or ''United Federation of Earth'' were Master Mages who can control Glass, Metal and Stone to allow the to construct such a sophisticated settlement in such a short period of time.


    Already, they heavily out class us. By the gods, I pray that I can get out of this place alive and untainted by the Ruinous Ones.


    Whilst once again deep within her own thoughts, the Elf almost failed to recognize that she was already right in front of her Destination. The Root Family Homestead. It wasn''t that hard for her to figure out that this is where Obediah lives by the fact that upon the winding road that led to a simple two-story house that had a windmill in similar theme to the rest of the New Albany settlement, there was literally a sign that arched over the path saying ''Root Family Homestead''. Slightly emboldened by her good progress so far, she walked inside the property.


    To her awe, the structures that surrounded the Homestead were built via a tremendous amount of Glass which is worthy enough to honor a grand cathedral to the Elven Gods with its shimmering elegance. In these houses of Glass, Aliathra noticed that they contained not people, but Plants, Crops, that were lined up neatly and being generously sprayed sprinkles of water that some how magically rained within the Glass Houses despite being a sunny afternoon outside.


    As she got closer to the house, Aliathra saw two familiar figures chatting with one another.


    "And here''s the last of the food the Mess Hall requested." Obediah said handing over a box to Vincente Diaz.


    "Thanks Obed." Diaz nodded as he turned around only to be greeted by a beautiful feminine face of ethereal beauty that not even the most top-line super models back in the Core Worlds can ever hope to achieve, naturally or otherwise.


    "Oh Aliathra! It''s good to see you. I honestly thought you won''t be here." Obediah greeted a warm smile.


    "Greetings again Bearded One. I remembered your offer and I have come to your farm for some food. I have Ducats." She replied.


    "Well I got plenty of food, some familiar with these Gliesians and some not. Let me just get it." Obediah said.


    He turned back to his house, disappearing inside the building for a brief moment before reemerging with a wooden crate filled with a bounty of foodstuff. From what Aliathra can decipher from the mysterious box, she saw what she can best described in the following: Two varieties of Red Orbs, a Yellow Rod with multitudes of Husk like dimples that covered the Rod and a bundle of tiny green fruits that curved into the shape of a crescent moon. Seeing such a delectable bounty before her made her almost forgot her mission. And that Moon-shaped fruit looked so tempting.


    "You sure about tasting that first?" Obediah questioned.


    "It''s shaped like the moon." Aliathra said.


    "That''s a Chili. Makes your tongue go on fire." Diaz said.


    "Are you serious?" she snapped


    "Yes and No, the last time someone tasted a Chili she refused to eat anything else for a day." Obediah informed her.


    "Oh the look on Iris'' face. I should have taken a photo of that."


    "Anyway, Elf Girl, instead of those how about this." Obediah removed the Chili''s from Aliathra''s hand and replaced it with one of the Yellow Rods with dimples.


    "This is corn. Its like your Wheat Grains but more resilient. Plus, it can be eaten immediately without the need of a Mill." He said.


    Grasping the Ear of Corn, Aliathra had never seen such a crop in her entire long life. The cob was about the same length and size as her slim womanly biceps. She was so astonished that she had now idea how she can consume it. Obediah, seemingly knowing what her thoughts were, demonstrated to her by gesturing his hand adjacent to each other and grasping the air like holding onto a handlebar before reaching into the airless gap that represent the corn with his mouth and began to gnaw like a rat.


    Taking his cue, Aliathra followed him and did what she was told. When her teeth and mouth contacted the Corn''s flesh. It was rather disappointing in terms of taste for the Elf, it tasted like a cold Wheat Gruel a commoner would eat every meal sweetened with a small hint of honey to give an illusion of flavor. Additionally, the Kernels of the Corn which that came of the cob with her gnawing teeth had a elastic mushy texture into it.


    "It''s bland." Aliathra said.


    "Maybe this could help." Obediah gave her a stick of butter and a butter knife to help spread the dairy produce around the Cob.


    Grabbing the knife and plastering the golden colored saturated piece of fat on the light-yellow flesh of the Corn, Aliathra made her second bite into the cereal grain. Her tongue sensed to her surprise this time that the butter had hints of saltiness beneath its golden cream. It complemented well with the mellow sweet taste that was naturally embedded into it. She couldn''t help but softly smile at her meal.


    "Much better?" Obediah said?


    "Yes indeed Bearded one." Aliathra said.


    "Hey Daddy! Is that Uncle Vinny?" Obediah''s daughter April bursted outside, surprising everyone.


    "Hey little April. You doing well?" Diaz asked her.


    "Misses Ker-bapple said that I am doing good in school." April smiled before turning to Aliathra.


    "Daddy, who is that?" she asked her father.


    "Oh just a New Client of mine tasting some of Mommy''s plants." Obediah answered her.


    "She looks like a princess. Like from my Fairy Tales." She said.


    Aliathra''s heart sank deep from April''s armor piercing declaration. She painstakingly made her royal lineage a secret among only the most trusted individuals in Ysanigrad when she left her homeland. Her Parents, alongside her brother and older sister were mostly in the spotlight in parties and social gatherings organized by the Nobility. Although she was similarly dressed and groomed compared to her family. In Elf Society, most if not all the attention would be directed to the Elder Child being Lunafreya who is being groomed to take over the crown when her mother is gone. She doesn''t blame them, but she still detests her social isolation. She wasn''t tired of her only companions being her handmaidens and palace staff, she was simply bored of her encaged life as an Elven Maiden of the Ethuilen Entente. Yet to be called out right now by none other than a child only made her instincts scream to ''Run''.


    "You do sure look beautiful. Tell me, are all Elves as pretty as you?" Obediah said.


    "Well by Human standards we are, as the bards would sing ''beautiful beyond any belief''. But by my people''s standards, I am average looking." She lied, faking a sense of humility. She couldn''t risk standing out even more right now and she has to keep the attention a way.


    Could these people recognize me?


    "Well I''ll take your word for it miss." Obediah said.


    The Princess and the Redneck promptly negotiated a fair price for three pounds worth of Obediah''s Corn. She exchanged a dozen Ducat coins that Obediah can use for his own use or exchange them for the UFE''s Credits in a Specially Made ''Foreign Exchange Bank'' in downtown New Albany.


    That was close!


    "So Aliathra, you still interested on getting that Photograph that your curious about?" Diaz asked her.


    "Photograph?" Aliathra turned around in bafflement.


    "You know, like a Painting that can be made instantly? You said you wanted to get one. Besides, the local Photographer is being bitching¡­ I mean wanting to document so many stuffs here in Benha- I mean Gliesia." Diaz stuttered.


    "Ben- what?" Aliathra asked befuddled by the alien terminologies.


    "Yeah long story. So how about this. I can give you a tour of Downtown New Albany while I drop this box at the Army Mess Hall. Then you can get that Photograph if you still want it?" He proposed.


    Absorbing the man''s words, Aliathra could only convey even more confusion. How is this ''Demon'' offering her a chance to fundamentally do her entire infiltration mission with at no risk of a cost like she was being pampered by some princely suitor in one of the Ethuilen Elite''s prestigious parties.


    Tours, Food Tasting and Fantastic Sights? Are they even Demon''s at all?


    For the first time in her entire races history. A High Elf began to feel¡­ how the words of the Humans would say ''Confusion'' for there is no word in the Elven Vocabulary that would best describe her uncertainty. Her people, even before their split were very sure of their supremacy amongst the younger races. They had the greatest collection of every knowledge imaginable in the Great Library back in her homeland. Could all of what she has known for her entire life be wrong?


    No Focus! The world is counting on you Aliathra. The Humans need to know everything about this place of incongruous structures.


    She stopped herself yet again. The Elf continued to hear her own instinctual conscience behind her head urging her to continue when she was in doubt or unsure of what to do next. Perhaps it''s the stress of her first assignment which was additionally been weighed more by the fact her homeland can''t assist her due to heightened tensions at the borders of the Black Tree Pact plus she was assigned to the task of being sent to help the Humans fight Demons. Although she is equipped with the spells in knowledge to fight such creatures, she has yet to obtain any real knowledge on fighting Demons.


    She regained her womanly posture in front of Diaz again to not risk tipping him off of her distress and turned around with a fake smile that she would practice to comfort the eyes of all the nobles of Ethuilen. She is going to double down on her risky venture and by all of the Elven Gods, she will succeed.


    "I would gladly take a tour of New Albany with you. Thank you for the kind of gesture." She politely said.


    "Hmm¡­ maybe April is right on you being a Princess and all. My Lady, shall we go?" He sarcastically bowed while carrying the box.


    The Elf couldn''t help but chuckle at the ''Demon''s'' attempt on humor. Even if this one knows or not she really is the youngest daughter of the Elven Royal Family, she could sense that his comedic gesture was surprisingly for a ''Demon'', genuine.


    The two walked out of Obediah''s Farmstead with their purchases and left with them the waving farewells of the owner and his daughter as they departed for Downtown New Albany.


    -----------------------------------(Meanwhile back in Haringpoint)--------------------------------


    The Emperor of Slaegia couldn''t believe the courier would tell him such heavy bearing news. An entire Garrison of Legionnaires, some of the best soldiers who pledge themselves upon the Arm Doctrine of Rapidly Deployed defenses was completely obliterated by the Steel Demons. He had barely prevented his Generals on calling a full invasion of Tyr Rian but he couldn''t risk causing a panic amongst the citizenry less the damage from their riots would cause even more damage than the apocalyptic charge of a Demon incursion. Grandmaster Owynne had advised him on the matter that he needs to buy him and his mages more time to figure out what''s their next move. From what he has heard, an agent, an Elven Woman from his Fair-Weather friend the Ethuilen Entente Elves is performing subterfuge actions throughout the area where the reports say the Demons are. He couldn''t believe that the Otherworlder''s were just several miles south of the fortress city of Tyr Rian. Yet surprisingly, he didn''t her much panic coming from merchants who have came from the Vassal State. In common, they said that ''Metal People'' have been quietly sitting idly in the Principality for several weeks now. He didn''t know if Prince Clovich, a man who has his fair share of fighting off foreign invaders from the East are even fighting these Demons.


    "Do you think the Prince and his city can hold long? I will need time to gather most of the Legions and prepare our best Exorcists. We will need to throw everything we got if the news about the destruction of the Western Garrisons are of merit." Emperor Uldin cracked his fist.


    "It survived the Great Orc Khan''s Hordes, Necromancer Attacks, the Civil War and Gods know how many Earthquakes. I am sure he can hold for more than a month at best." One of his advisors said.


    "Yet these Demons are practically right at his doorsteps and they seemed to be as powerful as the legends told. He needs help. Right at the double." His advisor said.


    "You are right." Uldin stood up from his throne. "Fetch me the Royal Scribe and my Imperial Seal. I need to make a letter immediately." Uldin ordered.


    Everyone in his throne room bowed briefly before hurriedly running around to fulfill his Imperial Majesty''s orders.


    Uldin crashed himself back into the cushioned comfort of his brilliant throne and placed his finger on his head. His suspicion of the state of Tyr Rian and its Puppet King irked him. Why would Prince Clovich not send out any distressing calls for help from him? He had just hoped that at best the ''Demons'' had only been very efficient at cutting off communications between Tyr Rian and the outside world, at worst¡­ he doesn''t even want to think about it less his aging body crashes through so much burdening stress.


    ------------------------------------(Back at New Albany) --------------------------------


    It is now 6pm or around Sunset at New Albany and the night lights flickered to life, transforming the Steel Constructed Town into a luminous star in the middle of the slowly darkening Tyr Rian country side. It is also said or more of complained by the Tyr Rian City dwellers who live nearby that they can see New Albany''s lights from the Citadel. From afar, it did indeed look like the UFE Colony is glowing brightly in white but upon a closer look, thanks to the new Energy Reactor from the Second Wave Colonists, electricity flowed through out the settlement, allowing the inhabitants from the simple pre-fab homes lights to the flashier neon advertising signs that attract the denizens of New Albany to their establishments like moths. Next to the Civillian Enclave was the Military Base, the UFE''s Main foothold in Gliesia. The soldiers with their black metal staffs that they called ''Firearms'' secured the area alongside small sized iron birds and boars that moved obediently to the whims of their emerald masters that which are known as ''Unmanned Drones''.


    Aliathra espied from the iron fence that separated her from a large field that had the same asphalt road that she would see Horseless Iron Carriages roll themselves around in.


    ''But why would there be another road that is separated from the rest?''


    Her answer came in when from the distance, a dark shadowy figure in the shape like the Great Eagles from her homeland. It descended upon the isolated road from the horizon of the setting sun. The Elf couldn''t get a clear bearing on the giant bird due to the fleeting glimmer of the last few minutes of sunlight as it descended.


    "That''s one of our planes." Diaz said. He was earlier delivering the dinner ingredients for the Mess Hall and told the Elf to stay outside of the Military Base whilst he finalized the delivery.


    Aliathra would have if she were anywhere else would try to infiltrate the Base but she couldn''t find any kind of discernable weakness that she can penetrate the perimeter. Every inch of the Otherworlder''s Barracks was equally guarded by soldiers who would stare at her with tension. She could do nothing but keep her distance from the Men in Green to avoid breaking her cover.


    "A Plane?" She asked.


    "Like a very big bird." Diaz widened his arms and followed the flapping motions of a flying animal. "Only it can''t flap though¡­"


    "How can it fly without moving its wings?" Aliathra asked again.


    Diaz paused for a moment, dumbfounded on how to explain to the Elf in order to match her primitive understanding of science and technology.


    "It breathes a lot of air so it can blow it out¡­ really, really hard." Diaz awkwardly answered.


    "Like a balloon?" she giggled at the look of his inelegant stature.


    Unlike the manners of the Elven Nobility that she grew bored of due to Elves practice in cunningness whether its through the honeyed words of a flattering courtier to the political machinations of diplomats. She could never understand why her sister and brother enjoy such activities. Maybe because she was born the youngest and thus not expected much to be used as a playing token in the grand bored game that is called Elven Politics.


    "Yeah, something like that." Diaz smiled again, letting his amateurish moment have its moment. "So, you want to head to downtown? We can go to the Photo Studio now if your still up to it. I can even show you the Governor''s Palace where Jeremy White takes office. It''s quite a site." Diaz said.


    Hearing about Diaz''s carefree disclosure of such an important sounding building made Aliathra instantly jump to his arms, in a fabricated act of ingratiation in similar vein to a wide eyed broad being overly infatuated by a domineering paramour.


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    "I would love¡­ to go¡­ there." Her voiced suddenly dropped coldly as she tugged Diaz''s arms and torso. She wanted to show Diaz that she was deeply interested by his dashing cachet. But the moment her skin touches his body, she felt something¡­ uncanny within him.


    o the life giving magics of this world, she sensed an unnatural presence within Diaz. Discreetly, Aliathra used a miniscule expenditure of her magic to Detect the Life of her Host.


    To her horror, she found that Diaz''s body is nearly completely made out of not the tender and delicate wrappings of living flesh, but a mixture of alien metals and undiscernible materials in a ghastly parody of a living creature. Her mouth unconsciously was left agape by the abrupt realization of this ''Human'' is secretly made of metal in the inside of its paper-thin husk.


    "You seem shocked." Diaz said. Forwarding himself at the Elven Maiden.


    Aliathra reacted with a fearful step back, not daring to move another muscle further less the ''Demon'' snatches her up and has his way with her.


    "Your¡­ body¡­ its¡­" she stuttered.


    "Augmented? Is that what your trying to say? It''s pretty neat what Aparo Industries did to me." Diaz boasted, ignorant that Aliathra is not surprised but utterly petrified of him.


    "Aweg-men-ted?" she questioned the foreign term. "Are you some sort of¡­ monster I never heard of?"


    "Monster? No! I am as human as everyone in this town. So yeah, I have some metal inside me so what? I am young and alive as ever." Diaz reassured her.


    "Is everyone like you? Flesh from the outside but metal inside?"


    "No, not everyone can afford or are brave enough to get Augmentations. I have this because¡­ of my previous job." Diaz stopped himself to not give away his illicit background.


    "What was your job?" Aliathra pressed again in curiosity.


    "Well uhm yeah¡­ my job is¡­" Diaz scratched his head as he collected within himself enough of the correct words to expel. "I am a ''Item Fetcher''." Diaz heaved his crude explanation.


    "You collect things? Like some of those ''Fetch'' Quests back in the Adventurer''s Guild?"


    "Yeah, mostly very valuable stuff from very hard to reach places. Like Money, Jewelry, Rare ''Consumables'', Databanks¡­"


    "Databanks?" she interrupted.


    "Something like Tomes that contains words inside it¡­ you set it up on a special machine to be able to read it¡­"


    "Like a Memory Crystal?"


    "Maybe, if that''s what you call it. It''s a very high risk yet lots of pay. I miss Marlboro." Diaz mumbled.


    "Marlboro?"


    "My Old Muscle Car. Think a Horse, in fact¡­ I have a photo of him right here."


    Vince reached into his hands and grabbed his Smartphone, the very same one Aliathra saw him take a ''photograph'' of her. He twiddled his thumbs to the Gallery Folder of his device and scrolled down his wide collection of digital pictures he has taken throughout a span of a few years. When he was captured on that unfortunate police raid, his phone was confiscated. But after his conscription and a mandatory Mobile Data hack and wipe later, Diaz got his phone back clean off all his old underground contacts or at least for now if he can be resourceful enough to reconnect the dots again.


    "Here it is, my Marlboro." Diaz turned his phone to Aliathra.


    She grabbed the rectangular device and held it firmly with her lithe fingers. She was initially amazed by the surface texture of the smartphone being of polished glass that is as smooth as a silk dress. As for Diaz''s ''Marlboro'' picture, his Horse had a Metal Frame painted like a tangerine dress for a summer festival with an intricately designed image of a mighty stallion in a speedy gallop. Marlboro''s ''eyes'' were completely white yet the potential of great luminous light made Aliathra suspect that there is more to those eyes than what she can see from the virtual image. Another distinct feature of Marlboro was its wheels. Unlike a normal steed, this ''Horse'' ran on circular wheels for its movement. Lastly, the entire photo was garnished by none other than a smiling Vincente Diaz, arms spread out touching Marlboro''s hood while wearing a dazzling Biker Jacket decorated by glittering roses in the cloth.


    "I am actually very impressed." Aliathra complemented. Something an Elf rarely would say to a Non-Elf.


    "Yeah I chose the car parts and paint myself¡­"


    "I meant the jacket." She stopped him.


    "Oh, yeah that was Limited Edition. Glad I got the last one before it went out. Damnit, I know miss my nice jacket now also." He sadly sulked.


    "Don''t feel too bad. I am sure once you finish your Conscription you can get those nice things back." She comforted him by caressing his arm. Her velvety skin collided with the contrasting touch of Diaz''s rugged metal arm. She has begun to slowly understand these Otherworlder''s yet she still has her fears of them.


    She has remembered from her first time seeing what the Otherworlder''s can do, their superhuman abilities to move in such inhuman speeds, their tenacity against hopeless odds and lethal proficiency with their strange black staffs that they call ''Guns''. When it comes to her recent tour or more like a cleverly arranged stakeout in plain sight of the UFE, Aliathra learned that their monstrous machines that made fools of the terrain from mighty flying machines to great wheeled plows that terraformed the earth with the strength of gods. If the Human Races, or any other race such as her fellow elves fought against these aliens, it would be like a single man trying to stop a landslide. They could all just squish every last one of them like ants. The very thought of all of that happening made her heart drop.


    "Will you be making more of these places like New Albany?" Aliathra asked him, no longer caring for subtlety.


    "Initially yes. But after the discovery of Native Primitives, I.E. people like you. The Big Wigs have temporarily halted any plans of expansion. From what I heard, they are cooperating with Prince Clovich to have his people and the entire Tyr Rian Principality land integrated into our Way of Life." He answered.


    "What is your ''way of life''?"


    "Who are you? My Social Studies Teacher?" He chuckled but his joke fell to a confuse Aliathra. "Sorry, you remind me of someone when you asked that. Values-wise, we wish to turn the People of Tyr Rian into Lawful, God-Fearing and Freedom Loving people just like us. As for material stuff, some engineers are working on completely covering the dirt roads of Tyr Rian into full fledge asphalt to allow Vehicles, our ''Horses'' to move freely around them. Which additionally, will be eventually used by the locals so that they can move stuff around faster when compared to those old looking Wooden Carriages."


    "What''s wrong with Wooden Carriages?"


    "We stopped using them about less than three hundred years ago. In a way, you are all like us back then." Diaz said.


    "We were ''just like you''?" Aliathra asked. Her head was now aching from the multitude of insights and new questions that stormed her head.


    "We used to live, farm, trade like you. We used to sleep under thatched roofs of crudely made wood that can be burnt down easily. We used to fear for our lives but thanks to the power of Guns we have the ability to fight back. For food, we were once bound to the mercilessness of Nature who kill our crops and make us suffer through hunger but now we have exponentially more food than any human can count on." Diaz said.


    "And these¡­ are¡­ all true¡­" Aliathra faltered in her speech. Her head began to feel so light weighted.


    "Yes. But its only scratching the surface of what we are all capable off. We got Ships that can cross through Stars, Video Projection as accurate as seeing someone right in front of you, Weapons that can kill entire cities in one move and the Pizza¡­ to die for¡­ You still want to go to the Photo Studio? You don''t look too good miss¡­" He noticed the distress expression from Aliathra''s face.


    Her ivory skin glowed pink in high blood pressure and sweat reflected from its surface. Inside her Elven brain however, her mind, body and soul were being torn apart by so much eldritch knowledge being rapidly shoved down her. It caused her footing to lose balance and her breath to shut down as the Elven Princess turned spy collapsed to the asphalt floor to a horrified Vincent.


    -------------------------------------(An Unknown time later) ----------------------------------


    Aliathra opened her eyes slowly to be welcomed in a bright flashing light. She could feel her body was lying down on a mildly soft surface that molded to her shape and bodily movement. The sounds that the Elf hear were of the sound of voices of people in a state of impassioned pain. She quickly shut her eyes closed for the elf now refuses to believe the impossible¡­


    ''Am I Dead?''


    Did the Demon''s killed her? Did some malevolent influence creeped into her heart when Vincent told her about all of those spine-chilling accounts that caused her body to touch down in some twisted form of Demonic Corruption? Is her soul damned forever to whatever plane of existence that these Otherworlder''s come from? What will they do to her?


    The Elf Princess sobbed of the fact that she had just died alone, in foreign soil and not at the comforting grips of her loved ones or people. She began to fall into despair over the realization that she is now down in what her people would call ''Ud¨²n-Ambar'' or ''the Hell-World'' where those captured by the Demon''s are taken and enslaved to. And to make it all worse, Elves, especially those who can harness magic are prized for their Affinity to it.


    ''Goddess save me!''


    Her eyes, still wide shut, Aliathra shook violently from her spot as stress began to overflow inside her like wolves cutting apart their prey.


    "NNNNOOOO!!!!!" She screamed as she thrashed her memory foam bed.


    Vincent, after seeing Aliathra fall down out cold, had barged int with her to the New Albany Military Hospital''s Emergency department.


    This is also the new post of Doctor Hana Lee Haneul where she was assigned to the lofty but very strenuous job of being the Chief of the Emergency Department of N.A.M.H, coordinating the distribution of medical supplies and implementation of emergency procedures to stabilize the critically injured. She was at first surprised the position was given to her, but the Hospital Director told her that it was her way of comforting the pain of the dying, ailing and afflicted in their time of need is what got her in the position to begin with. According to her, she was like the reincarnation of Florence Nigthingale returned in the flesh of a Kimchi-smelling Korean Woman with double eye lids and a joyfully childlike smile that can warm the heart of even the coldest of individuals¡­ even from Major Holyfield.


    Doctor Lee Haneul jumped at the panicking elf and tried to restrain her, but Aliathra stubbornly resisted.


    "Get away from me Demon!" she shrieked.


    "Calm down!" Dr. Hana pleaded.


    Diaz and another one of the doctors in the Emergency Department assisted her by pinning down their weight on Aliathra, careful to not actually harm her.


    "Was she like this when you took her in?" Hana asked Vincent.


    "No, she just fainted after I chatted somethings to her¡­" Diaz answered.


    "What kind of things?" Hana pressed


    "I just told her about our technology a bit¡­ and how awesome it is¡­" Diaz stiffly said.


    "Are you an idiot Diaz? Telling the natives about our advanced technology? This poor woman probably fainted because she was horrified by what you said at best. And at worst? What if this woman was a spy or something?" Hana scolded.


    "I thought that if I impress her with some non-sensitive but juicy facts about the UFE she would be more receptive to us. I mean remember the hearts and minds campaign?" Diaz said.


    "Can you just leave that to the professionals?" Hana spat at him before turning her head to their patient.


    The Medical Scanners attached to Aliathra''s bed spiked in activity due to her frantic motions. From what Dr. Lee Haneul can interpret, the patient, although not sporting any kind of physical injury or ailment has had a surge in stress activity. Her Heart Rate and Blood Pressure were through the roofs and the monitors beeped rapidly to show it.


    "NO! Please don''t eat me!" the elf cried, tears leaked from her closed eyes. "Naneth, Mother Goddess save me!" she desperately began to pray in her native tongue.


    "I think she thinks she''s dead or something." Diaz said.


    "Hang on! Let her go!" Hana yelled.


    "What?"


    "Just let her go!" she yelled again.


    Vince and the other Emergency Room attendant took their hands off of the Elf, leaving the distressed woman in the hands of Dr. Lee Haneul.


    The woman, after the invasive grasps of the men retreated from the touch of her body, shuddered fearfully but ultimately less vigorously than earlier but she could still feel a pair of hands holding her body.


    Now free to work her charms, Hana changed tactics. Instead of holding the girl firmly on her soft memory foam bed, she loosened her grip. This consequently decreased the number of violent shakings the Elf woman had but her heart rate was still beating at an unhealthy rate.


    "It''s okay little one¡­ I won''t hurt you¡­" Hana soothingly cooed to the Elf.


    "Neneth? Is that you my Goddess?" Aliathra asked embracing the doctor tightly while still sobbing from her imagined trauma.


    "No, I am not, but don''t worry you are safe her with me." she softly whispered.


    "Wh-who are you?" Aliathra asked.


    "I am Doctor¡­ I mean¡­ uhm¡­ Cleric Hana Lee Haneul. But you can call me Hana. You''re in the New Albany Military Hospital. We are like a¡­ Hospice, only bigger." Hana answered.


    "What happened to me?"


    "You fainted in front of Vincent and he took you to the hospital. Your actually fine, you just had a bad day from putting on too much stress." Hana said.


    "I am not¡­ dead or anything?"


    "Still in the land of the living right now Miss." Diaz said.


    Aliathra opened her eyes to be then greeted by the same bright light from the moment she woke up. After adjusting her vision, she soon saw the familiar face of Vincent and the beautifully alluring babyface of Dr. Lee Haneul. The state of distress she had dissipated from her as she examined her surroundings to see she is indeed still in the material living plane.


    "How¡­ long was I out?"


    "It''s around midnight at the moment here so I say¡­ about six hours. I am supposed to let you go after you wake up at next morning." Hana said.


    "So, do I have to pay for your services?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh no, I will do this one for you for free." Hana smiled.


    "That''s very generous of you." The gratefully thanked her caretaker. "Diaz¡­ Vincent, I am sorry if we didn''t go to that Photo Studio you said you wanted to go to." She apologized.


    "Oh no hard feelings miss. We can always have next time if your still at it. Although, I did want to still at least give you a lasting impression of New Albany to you so I bought you a slice of something special."


    Diaz reached in from his bag and pulled out a paper bag which he reached into again to obtain a plastic carton with a slice of pastry inside it.


    "It''s called Oreo Cheesecake. Got it from the Hospital Caf¨¦. I don''t know what you Elves like to eat so I just went with my gut and got you this. I hope you like it." Diaz said.


    Giving her a Spork and the Carton, Aliathra, not wanting to be rude to him, promptly ate the dessert before her. She was impressed by the subtle sweetness of her snack thanks to the Oreo Cookie powder and sweet milk Cheese of the cake. She left a contagious smile that infected both Vincent and Hana who followed her.


    "Well it looks like your going to like staying here for now. I hope you don''t mind the moaning from everyone who are next to you. They got injure pretty bad today." Hana said.


    "What happened Doc? Those guys are Sentries judging from their uniforms." Diaz asked.


    "From what I was told, a bunch of Black Cloaked men shot out some sort of Machine Crossbow whilst they were manning the Checkpoints, Unprovoked!" Hana answered.


    "God Almighty! That''s terrible! But why?"


    "Well so far, we don''t even know why but judging from one of the natives who witnessed the incident they say that they are part of some secret society of sorts called ''the Crows''.


    The Crows? That''s Mita''s Group within the Grey Order¡­


    She recalled that Mita''s special talents involved around the various fields of subterfuge ranging from Sabotage, Espionage, Assassinations and Information Warfare. She was, by the accounts of all Espionage Theorists and Scholars to be a pioneer in innovating new ways to spy at all those who would throw the right amount of coin to her. If Mita''s Agents are behind these attacks these then she would most likely be kicking the hornet''s nest rather than any significant damage to the Otherworlders if her discoveries are to believe.


    "You bothered about something?" Diaz asked her noticing the unconscious change in her expression.


    "Oh no, I am just shocked that people would attack you." She denied.


    "You sure? I though banditry is common here." Diaz rebutted.


    "Normally, Bandits target those who can''t fight back."


    "The savages! Where I come from, the Bandits take risks! Well I hope you stay safe when you get out tomorrow Aly."


    "Aly?"


    "I just shortened your name a bit. Just to make myself easier to call your name. I mean, A-Lee-Ya-Fra? I hate stressing my words. You don''t mind, do you?"


    She was humored by that name. It sounded so playful, it reminded her off her innocent childhood before she was sent to Ranger School where it was shattered to be molded back to a grown Martialed Lady of War.


    "I don''t mind. I find being called ''Aly'' amusing." She blushed.


    "Well, I got to go now¡­ Aly. I have some stuff to do around the base tomorrow. I hope Doctor Hana treats you the best cause she''s the best. I''ll see you both soon alrighty then?" Diaz stood up and began to walk to the exit.


    "Oh, Diaz can you remind your friend Mudwin something for me?" Hana interjected.


    "Shoot."


    "I promised him that I will give him an Autopsy report by tomorrow morning."


    "Why would he need an Autopsy report? He''s a Mechanical Engineer?" Diaz''s eyes widened in confused curiosity.


    "You didn''t hear? Kayin and Iris are going to make a book. A Guide Book." Hana said.


    "Guide of what?"


    "What else but the Planet of Gliesia? He and Iris are going to gather as much knowledge about this ''Fantasy World'' we are in. Geography, Places, Cultures, Peoples, Sciences and etcetera. I''m in charge of the more, Physiological Sections of the book. Which also reminds me¡­ Aliathra. Since you are an ''Elf'' would you like to help contribute to the collection of our knowledge?" Hana asked.


    "What do you mean by Contribute." She asked.


    "Well, if you have the time tomorrow, I can perform a Medical Checkup on you. Nothing invasive, just me probing some tools around you and asking some questions. And before you ask, don''t worry, you won''t feel anything. I guarantee it. If it makes you feel better. I can even pay you in some Ducats and free food from our farms." Hana proposed.


    Aliathra thought down deeply from the Doctor''s Words. She is essentially giving the ''Demons'' knowledge rather than her obtaining it from them. But she reasoned is that if she can obtain the finished copy of that Guide Book the Otherworlder''s are working on, it might prove essential into how the Aliens perceived the people of Gliesia. Additionally, if she goes on with this Deal, she could gain more of the Otherworlder''s trust whilst maintaining her cover as a spy. This would be the most logical of actions she would undertake for the sake of her world.


    "Agreed. I will help you and your people learn more about us." She gracefully accepted.


    "That''s great to hear. Next Morning after you eat some breakfast, I''ll do that Check Up of yours."


    "Well, good to hear more of you nerds being nerdy. But now this boy needs some ''R ''n R'' for tom-" Diaz tried to roguishly say his goodbye by exiting to his right only for the Emergency Wing''s doors to slam right into his face.


    "This is a Hold up!" a crazed masked man in a green checkered polo screamed. His eyes were pink with cravings poked from his mask''s eyeholes as he raised his hands to reveal that he was armed with a pistol.


    "This is a Military Hospital! Big Mistake!" one of the guards pulled out his pistol and began to aim at the intruder.


    But the robber was expecting, resistance, he turned around and opened full-auto fire at the guard revealing that his weapon is an Automatic Machine Pistol. The guard, caught by surprise and only armed with a revolver ducked down for cover. The thunderous noise of the Automatic Pistol caused the doctors and patients to scream and hide for cover to avoid the malicious man.


    Now that the area was at full alert, the wild-eyed man had to think fast if he was to get what he is risking a robbery at the Military Hospital for. Following is primal instincts, the robber turned his gaze to one of the Hospital Beds where Aliathra, shivering in fear and covering her leaf shaped ears laid on.


    "Get over here!" the man grabbed the Elf woman by her long Blonde Hair.


    "Ahh!" she gave a cry.


    "Let her go!" Doctor Hana demanded but she was quickly silenced by the perpetrator''s gun click as the man aimed his weapon at her.


    "Make one more step and I get to see what your skull looks line from the inside." He threatened.


    The Doctor was never a confrontational person. She stepped back in fear whilst the Elf whimpered in fright.


    Aliathra''s mental alarms went into overdrive when she felt the cold steel barrel of the gun aimed next to her elven ears. She sensed the brewing death that resonated within the weapon with piercing echoes of her untimely doom. Strangely enough, she couldn''t sense any kind of magic in the device as all she could point out was that it was completely mechanical in nature with no arcane enchantments whatsoever.


    Whilst the criminal''s back was turned. Vincent managed to stand up from the unexpected blow. To his horror the intruder''s M-09 Machine Pistol was placed right next to the head of the beautiful Elven Princess.


    "What do you want?" Diaz asked.


    The man turned to him, holding Aliathra firmly with his thick left arm whilst aiming his gun with his right.


    "I want all of your Fentanyl Powder¡­ Now!" the man demanded.


    "Oh great, those people again¡­ even in the colonies these guys are always looking for easy targets." Diaz moped.


    It was obvious from the man''s pink craving eyes that he was a degenerate drug addict trying his luck or perhaps since he is robbing a Military Hospital, is extremely desperate for his next fix. He knows this since his career as a Criminal in the Cyberpunk streets of Kesserheim''s Industry Cities. When you ignore the glamorous neon lights and holographic displays, there''s a growing underbelly of societies scum from drug addicts, Freelance Gunners, smalltime gangs and the exploitive Mega Corps that cover their ''pristine'' public image with Mafia-like activities ranging from extortion, kidnapping, corporate espionage and sabotage. Diaz doesn''t know that he should be glad that he was out of the seedy districts of that planet or homesick. He loved the change of scenery of lush green pastures and unspoilt nature but he still misses his self-made material wealth he has accumulated as a Thief for the Aparo Mega-Corporation.


    "Let the Elf go friend." Diaz calmly tried to negotiate.


    "You think I give a shit about this Knife-Eared bitch here?" he responded with agitation.


    "Hey! I don''t want the woman to be harmed in any way here." Diaz further pressed.


    "Yeah, let woman go." The security guard emerged from his cover, aiming his pistol at the hostage taker.


    "I will let her go if I get all them Bar-bitch-yuaites from this fucking place. Hand them over or little miss knife her gets pumped with lead." He threatened.


    If there''s anything he knows about the desperate drug addicts. Is that they will never follow through their end of the bargain. They were so far down off of their own depravity that they only care for themselves and won''t give any two shits for anyone else. Diaz has to act fast, the man held the life of a Native Primitive and if word got out that she died in their hands, any hope of peaceful relations with the natives can go down the drain.


    "How about this, take me instead of her¡­" Diaz stepped forward to the gasp of everyone in the room.


    "Why?" the criminal asked.


    "I am one of the Assistant Chief Engineers of¡­ New Albany''s Water Pipeline." He lied with a made-up position that sounded important.


    A brief silence followed, whilst the man absorbed his words.


    "Get over here!" he demanded.


    "Roll Twenty for Charisma Check¡­ oh yeah¡­" Diaz smirked.


    He calmly approaches the man and in one quick split-second swipe of his hands, pushed away Aliathra to the ground in front of him. With his barbaric grappling the perpatrator hooked in Vincent at gun point. Little did the man know, that this is what Diaz exactly wanted him to do.


    "Now where the fuck is my Drugs¡­ If I don''t get my drug by the count of ten I''ll blow this Spic''s head off¡­ One¡­ Two¡­" the man counted down.


    Whilst the hospital staff scrambled to fulfill his demands in time to save him. Diaz relaxed his cybernetic limbs, discreetly loosen his hostage taker''s grapple hold from him to create space and took a deep breath for he only has one shot to make it right.


    "Before you finish that countdown. I am a Filipino, not a Mexican you shot-up piece of shit!" Vincent snapped.


    With a quick activation of his Rapid Movement Booster, Diaz quickly elbowed the man''s pistol arm away to give take away the hazard from Diaz. But Vincent was of a smaller stature compared to the man''s superior height of around 6''3 to Diaz''s 5''10. He dashed away from the man giving the Security guards an opening to take him down.


    But as he dashed away, he noticed that Aliathra, still frozen in fear, stand right in the middle of the crossfire. And both sides were now beginning to pull their gun''s triggers.


    "Duck!" Diaz yelled to the Elf as he tackled her to the ground.


    Their combined weight crashed to the ground mere moments when the Military Hospital''s Security opened fire at the Crazed Addict. A hail of gunfire was exchanged before all became silenced. From the moment she was tackled, Aliathra closed her eyes shut and silently prayed to Naneth again for protection. She had always prayed to the Mother Goddess of the Elves for throughout her entire life for guidance and protection. She was heavily devoted to worshipping her and even helped out carry out charitable healing services in her name with her Restoration Magics Proficiency.


    She didn''t dare open her eyes until she heard faint crackling sound of electricity Diaz, not wanting to her burden the Elf Girl any further, who is already having quite a first day already in New Albany, promptly pushed his body away Aliathra and went on his knees in pain beside her.


    To Aliathra''s horror, Diaz had several bullet entry wounds from his back. He bled like an open tap of blood of both artificial and natural varieties with a mixture of exposed severed wires that disgorged loose electrical currents. The strange mechanical ''Demon'' had just shielded her over a dozen bullets from the M-09 Machine Pistol.


    "You¡­O-o-okay¡­" Diaz softly asked her.


    "I am¡­ fine¡­" Aliathra said in relief. "You saved me¡­" she thanked her.


    "Good¡­ I need¡­ a¡­ me--- shit¡­" Diaz collapsed to the ground, his blood tainted the white floor in a mixture of his natural crimson and azure Cyber-Blood that fuels his Augmentations.


    In her thoughts, Aliathra couldn''t believe that this Otherworlder''s would willingly lay his life for her. Demons were supposed to be selfish, greedy and sadistic beings made of corrupted magic. But this Vincent person, or what ever he is exactly took a dozen bullets that would have landed on her if he didn''t stand in the way.


    She wanted to thank him by healing him, she crawled up the bleeding Otherworlder and tried to discreetly summon up her Restoration magic to stop the bleeding but to her surprise, the man''s flesh refused to close as her Magic couldn''t make the man''s flesh cooperate. She feels so helpless right now as the she could see the man''s life slowly fade away. All that Aliathra could do, despite her prodigious magics was redraw the blood back into the artificial blood vessels which she


    "Leave it to me!" Dr. Hana yelled as she and her team grabbed the moribund Vincent away.


    She could only watch as Vincent was carried over away from her but not before he let out a soft reassuring smile to the elf before he was beyond her sight.


    ----------------------------------(the Next Morning)------------------------------


    Doctor Hana walked out of Diaz''s room heavily sweating but ultimately pleased. The rest of Stryder Group just recently heard the news of Diaz''s shooting and rushed to N.A.M.H concernedly.


    "Is the bloke going to be okay?" Crocker asked Hana.


    "I never even expect Diaz to even do something like that." Samantha commented on Vincent''s unselfish act of protecting a native.


    "Yes, he is stable for now. Ran a Diagnostics and found out that several of his Vital Organs were damaged when he took those shots. Thankfully most of his entire body is just Augs so they can be easily replaced." Hana answered.


    Aliathra, who was quietly sitting down on the Hospital grounds took a peek at the room that the Doctor got out of. She saw Diaz laying on his reclining hospital bed chest naked but instead of seeing his bare skin, to her revulsion, Diaz''s body was opened up to reveal his entire body system. From what the Elf can remember from her biology lessons, Elves and Humans are physiologically similar in almost every aspect. To her discernment however, Vincent''s Heart, Lungs, Liver were made of an unnatural wax like material of light blue. They all acted similar to what should a living person''s body should function, heart beating and lungs breathing yet everything about it was uncanny to her. Diaz insisted that he is human but the unnatural materials inside the man were contrary to what he said.


    Her Otherworldly savior noticed her gaze and with a gentle smile he waved at her.


    "Did I scare you?" He told her.


    "Your¡­ body¡­ its¡­"


    "Shh¡­ I know this is your first time seeing me like this. Hell, you''re probably the first to see something like this for your people and all. Don''t worry, Doc says I just need to get some parts of me replaced and I am good to go." Diaz reassured her.


    "Why is your body like that?" Aliathra questioned his Augmentations.


    "Well, my Job before I got Conscripted required¡­ a lot of physical activity to say the least. The Heart, Lungs, Legs and Arms had to get replaced with more¡­ resilient versions." Diaz answered her.


    "You had parts of your body REPLACED?!?" she flashed.


    "I know this is a lot to take into but that is besides the point right now. You came were concerned of me? I noticed those spikes of Unbinilium near me. You''re a mage aren''t you Elf?" Diaz asked.


    "Yes¡­ I am a¡­ Restoration Mage and Illusionist." Aliathra answered.


    "I noticed that when you help Obediah with his leg. That you have his thanks for. Consider what I did for you a returned favor." Diaz chuckled.


    "Vince!" Obediah yelled followed by the rest of Stryder group.


    "Hey guys¡­ I am sorry to let you see me like this¡­" he apologized.


    "No worries for this one Private. I just want to let you know that despite your injury. You''re still going to be assigned a new assignment as soon as you get out." Samantha informed her.


    "Well what is it?"


    "Remember that thing with Governor White promised to Prince Clovich about healing his Sister from that¡­ Brittle Bone Disease thing? Well we are going to escort the Princess and some trusted Escorts of hers to getting her legs back." Lieutenant Rose explained.


    "Where?"


    "Kesserheim. There''s a Hospital that agreed to¡­ discreetly cure the Princess of her problems." Kayin said.


    "Cool, but why be discreet about it?" Diaz said.


    "Well, the Governor and the UNOOSA Director believe that Princess Aria isn''t ready for the storm of press that she is going to bombarded with yet. Might scare her or worse. Oh yeah and Iris is coming too." Kayin said.


    "Snow White too? Why that?"


    "Well, I am going to meet a Publisher of my new book detailing the stuff we find here in Gliesia. The Publisher insist he meets Iris. And yeah I told them about it with an NDA on top." Kayin enthusiastically said.


    "Heard about it from Doctor Hana. Can''t wait to read it when it comes out¡­"


    "It''s a Digital Publisher not a Traditional one though." Kayin said.


    "Oh, well still good."


    "Hey everyone, please leave the room right now. The Augmentation Mechanic is here to perform the Replacement Surgery." Hana interrupted everyone. "Oh, and Miss Aliathra. We can do that Interview right now."


    Everyone left the room whilst an indistinct mechanic walked inside with his tool box and new bubble wrapped Augmentations. The stranger closed the door and click the lock leaving him alone with Diaz. The Ex-thief, based on his Underground experience was alarmed by the unnecessary locking of the door. Normally, it was a mind game tactic for people to give an atmosphere of being entrapped inside an enclosed space whilst his interrogator would either ask armor piercing questions, torture him or both.


    "Who are you?" Diaz asked.


    "Relax, I am with Don Aparo." The mechanic said.


    Don Aparo, it was the name of his old Boss. The CEO and secretly the head of one of Kesserheim''s largest Organized Criminal Rings. He was one of Domenico''s best soldiers before his untimely arrest from that botched weapons deal. He was honestly surprised on how his old boss manage to track him down despite the classified intel that detailed his exile.


    "So, what does the Don require of me? You know I am probably light years away from the nearest safehouse and I got conscripted so sorry, I can''t desert them unless he got something crazy planned." Diaz told the mechanic.


    "Who says you have to desert." The mechanic said as he passed him a sealed envelope with Don Aparo''s Family Seal, that he only uses for personal uses when it comes to affairs outside of his corporate empire. "You can read it while I work on your Augs. It ain''t your old ones but you got to read the letter. Your gonna love what he got to say." The mechanic says as he got to work, picking up his tool and replacement Augs.


    Opening the letter, Diaz promptly and quietly read the contents of the letter. To his astonished contentment or at least judging how he wrote the letter and Vincent''s memories of the Old Don''s voice. He was very saddened to hear of his arrest and shipment away from Aparo''s reach. But according to the letter, thanks to several contacts of greased Government informants, he was able to not only track down Vincent Diaz but also learn the existence of Unbinillium.


    Domenico learned from his informants that the colony of New Albany is looking for investors to help speed up the development of the fledging company. It was an open secret on all the prospective investors that Benham-3 housed sentient but primitive life that were the stuff of fairytales, Young Adult Fantasy Novels and RPG games. But Don Aparo was still partially reluctant to throw his hat in the ring unless he gets to see a live sample of an Unbinilium crystal or for the old man thanks to his slowly ageing body would rather call, Mana Crystals. If he is convinced that Unbinillium crystals are a worthy investment, he will provide several pieces of Heavy Industry for the Colony to use, Scientific Staff and Equipment to help Dr. Mahelona''s research and a few hundred Private Military Contractor''s to ''augment the security forces''. Most intriguing of the offers over the rest was that he is also planning to expand one of the Don''s Criminal enterprises to New Albany which is the manufacturing of ''Ghost'' guns.


    "Details on how you can contact our Master back at Kesserheim are in the letter, Contacts and All. Are you onboard?" the mechanic asked as he unwrapped Diaz''s new Augmented Heart.


    "Well, if the Master is really going to step in and help this new place then he asked in the best time possible. Hostile Natives, Magic, Unbinillium and Undead! Could have pick a better time, but¡­ under one condition." Diaz negotiated.


    "You know our Master is not a man who likes to go to the table ''Dare-Runner''." the Aparo Mechanic said shrewdly.


    "I just want my old gear, car and bank account back. I mean, I am pretty much stuck here now so I might as well complete my moving in here. Once my conscription is over, I am free to buy property for myself. And I can still tag along with whatever Don Aparo wants me to nick soon after. I mean, this place is the holy grail of Thievery, just imagine what kind of crazy Fantasy Loot I can steal. I am talking about Enchanted Swords, Gold, Dragon Eggs and Hot Sorceress Babes ala Warcraft. You feelin'' me?" Diaz explained.


    "Well, that I believe the Master might consider. Now, I need to sleep right now. I am going to start replacing your heart now and I need you to be still." The mechanic smiled as he grabbed Diaz''s new heart.


    Hopefully, that standard run of the mill civilian Augmentation will be a temporary discomfort if the promise of getting his old Augmentations goes his way. He can already taste his old powerful self all over again. And the people of Gliesia, whether its new Heist Targets or Crusading Armies bent on taking down the ''Demon Invasion'' they will have no idea the power of Aparo Industries Bleeding Edge in Biological-Technologies.

 15 Chapter 15: the Road to a New Tomorrow

    Aliathra, after getting discharged from the New Albany Military Hospital sighed in relief as she returned to the cozy hidden abode of her makeshift camp. She had also given this morning to the very kind baby faced Doctor Lee Haneul an educational interview on some of the many wonders and facts of Gliesia, especially the Elves although she did take care not to divulge too much information less the good doctor pressed her further about the rising tensions from her homeland between the Entente and the Pact. She feigned the mind and simpleton stature of an Elven Commoner who is simply just travelling around the Human Continent when she was asked what is she doing in Ysanigrad which is an ocean away from home. She could easily remember Hana''s warm smile that for some reason according to her own judgement was surprisingly genuine, childlike even. She has begun to harbor doubts over the Human''s insistence that this was a Demon Invasion but just the sheer thought of it being all a mistake was so outlandish that Aliathra refused to entertain any thoughts about it.


    It wasn''t much for the Elven Princess which her abode consists of a simple sleeping mat, a cloth tent and a fire place with a pot hanger. She inhaled the mesmerizing forestry that surrounded her camp. It reminded her of Alfel Nora''s tree filled groves that dotted her homeland. The previous smell of metal, which was overwhelmingly erected around New Albany had made her slightly queasy. The unnatural architecture and people, especially Vincent (and most especially Vincent¡­) were a lot to take in. Just thinking about the place also reminded her of her Scouting duty that Aliathra almost forgot to do.


    She grabbed one of her cast iron pots that she has lying around and filled it with water. She placed the cooking ware on top of her fireplace and with some improvised sparks from her years of Ranger Survival Training, set alight her campfire. While the Elf Princess waited for the flames to start boiling the water, she grabbed a wooden cup, a piece of paper and an Inkwell Pen in preparation to write her official scouting report. Now having a moment for herself where she can remove her espionage related fa?ade, Aliathra reached into her pockets and grabbed one of her favorite reminders of her home. Tea Leaves from a rare Alfel-Nora plant that is the rage amongst the nobility and military for its healing, anti-stress and relaxant properties. Once she the pot produce the desired bubbling noises that tickled her ears, the Elf dropped the herbal mixture at the pot. Stirring diligently for about a minuet until the remedying aroma of the Tea Leaves was released in vapors as they evaporated out of the water. She scooped up a cup full of the Tea and sat down and dropped her prim and proper posture for her moment of peace.


    Before she could indulge herself too much, Aliathra snapped back from her breezy state and reminded herself why she had a pen and a paper on her lap in the first place.


    She picked herself up and began to write down, in an address to Emperor Uldin and the Human Nations of her findings:


    ''To Emperor Uldin Slaegia, the Most Revered and Beacon of Human Civilization. I Princess Aliathra Lareththor of the Royal Family of the Ethuilen Elves of Alfel-Nora send Greeting in the name of the Gods.


    I apologize to you and your nation of my lack of haste on sending you my reports but I have due reason due to several unfortunate circumstances, I was set back. But I was resourceful enough to briefly infiltrate and scout out the location of where the Demon''s have landed.


    If you may first recall the expedition that the Grey Order and I have undertaken to block the ''Eyes'' of the Metal Demons in Tyr Rian, the Metal Demons have built their stronghold at the same exact location where we had initially first contacted the ''Eyes''. To my shock, the Prince of Tyr Rian, Clovich has been peacefully allowing the Otherworlders to live in his lands in exchange for boons ranging from grovel roads, staggering amounts of food that no farmer can even wish to be able to reap and most devious of them all, they even offered the promise of making Princess Aria, Clovich''s sister


    It shouldn''t be too hard to march out your armies against the Metal Demons once you planned out your assault...


    However, I must warn you Uldin for the many freakish sights that I managed to see that the Otherworlder''s possess. I saw great Metal Eagles the size of Wyverns that fly above the earth commandingly alongside their great floating boats that can pierce the heavens. They also have Iron Beasts of Burden that tear the land apart with ease with their great large hands.


    But what could be worst of all among what I have seen from them, they all look almost perfectly like you humans and we Elves. Pink Flesh with a chance of tanning or heavily blackened skin, two arms with five fingers each and the same for the feet and toes. But what made them terrifying in in human was when I saw them get injured. They didn''t bleed but their bodies, whilst damaged were easily replaced with new Metal ones that work faster, stronger and better then what nature had given us. Neneth the Goddess of Life would have been disgusted as so the Shrine Servants of her Temple.


    From my best estimate, I say there are about six thousand of these Otherworlder''s as of the writing of this letter. But if we can move fast and annihilate them while they are still weak then we might be still able to salvage what we have failed and prevent the Apocalypse.


    I will continue my scouting report as I write this letter and deliver any further news when I find some more.


    From Princess Aliathra Lareththor.''


    She wrote as best as she could comprehend what she saw in New Albany. Whenever her pen had to describe about the Otherworlders, their metallurgic architecture and strange beasts, it made her sweat profusely and heartbeat race upwards. Yet to her own confession they were some charm into them,Just the thought of that ''Metal Demon'' named Diaz and his mysterious nature made her mesmerized, curious for more about him and his people. His demeanor reminded her of some of the dashing suitors that had flocked to court her sister Lunafreya who took the approach of the ''Mysterious Stranger'' route where they entice their quarry to pay more attention to at by leaving behind cryptic aura that only opened more questions than answer.


    But she had the conflicting feelings about him for has metal flesh plastered around his body like if it was meant to be his skin. In her religious teachings, he would have been called a ''Delak'' an anathema against the Goddess Neneth and her children. She should show contempt to the ''Demon'' but there was a charm behind him that she at times could not help but smile about. Is it being some sort of Temptation to corrupt her or was he genuinely interested in her? She doesn''t know. All she wants is to know more. She NEEDS to know more. Maybe another trip to New Albany for another run-in spying would not hurt. But she needs to recover from this culture shock she had just endured.


    "How is that letter going Elf?" a foxy feminine voice sprouted from behind her.


    Alarmed, Aliathra quickly drew her bow and aimed it to the rear intruder. She saw a familiar woman dressed in skin tight leather bodices with dozens of pockets attached all over her attire.


    "Relax Princess. Its only me." Mita the Crow smoothly defused the Elf.


    "You almost made me but an arrow between your eye!" Aliathra scolded.


    "I can''t help it. It''s how we Crows do. You seem to be busy." Mita commented at the finished letter that Aliathra held in her hand.


    "I just finished my report. Here, everything I know so far about the Otherworlders. Make sure this only gets to Emperor Uldin ONLY." She said.


    "You actually managed to get inside that God''s Forsaken place? The Glass and Metal over there? What''s wrong with good old-fashioned wood!" Mita said.


    "That''s exactly what I said about the place. I did go in there¡­ there''s just so many things I simply¡­ never seen before." She confessed humbly.


    "So, the Elf now admits they are uncertain of something for the very first time in over¡­ Ever!" Mita teased much to Aliathra''s annoyance. "I didn''t have much luck trying to get in. Keep getting chased of by their Metal Hounds of theirs. They even somehow spotted me when I used one of my invisibility potions when I tried to sneak into one of their giant Metal Boats." Mita said.


    "You mean their Space Ships?" Aliathra asked.


    "Is that how those Demons call them? How do you know of this?" Mita asked.


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    "I was able to¡­ how do I say this¡­ talk to them¡­" Aliathra said.


    "You what?" Mita snapped and grabbed the chest area of Aliathra''s garments and leaned threateningly towards her.


    "I managed to be able to get close to enough to¡­ actually talk to them." The Elf answered.


    "Shouldn''t your, I don''t know, those Demon Wards explode on their faces if they tried to get close to you?" Mita questioned.


    "Curiously, the wards didn''t go off. Hey, the same ones I casted are still in effect right now." She mentioned. Her spells not setting off upon the Otherworlder''s caused the first cracks of doubt to seethe into her. The Wards worked as both as a detector and as a countermeasure for Demonic Energies where once the Ward catches a whiff of the corrupted powers, they would release an explosion of Holy Magic that should be enough to dispel completely lesser demons or weaken stronger ones.


    "Okay that''s something I cannot believe I would hear from an Elf. But what did else did they babbled about? What if they are lying? Can you even trust them? Did you say anything to them back?" Mita further pressed.


    "Well I was just simply playing along as a travelling Elf commoner who is just simply wandering around and stopped by at Tyr Rian for supplies. As for the words of the Otherworlder''s, I didn''t take most of what they said right up front. In my own instincts, they speak not in lies but Half Truths. I can sense it from the way they speak and breath. They are hiding somethings from us." Aliathra answered. She had no reason to lie to Mita. She is still here to help the Human''s, no matter how suspicious and xenophobic they can be to those not of their own.


    "In my line of work, Half Truths are still lying." She sighed. The Crow walked towards one of the camps logs and sat down. "How did you manage to get in to the Otherworlder''s fortress anyway?" she asked.


    "I just walked inside from the front gate like everyone else. They just let me in."


    "You just did THAT?" she widened her eyes.


    "Well I was being expected by someone there. This Otherworlder, who mind you looks like a Human and keeps insisting that they, the Otherworlders, are Humans named ''Oh-Be-Diyah Root''. He was selling these strange foods that I bought for examination. From what I have seen, alongside his beard, he also has a very loving family that he supports."


    "You bought Demon Food from one of them?" Mita questioned, startled by Aliathra''s statement.


    "I have examined the specimen mind you to be free of any demonic inf¡­" Aliathra was about to explain herself but she was quickly grabbed by the throat by Mita and a Knife was shoved next to her throat.


    "Tell me are you still even one of us?" Mita growled threateningly.


    "What has¡­ been up¡­ with¡­ you?" the Elf choke.


    "First you said that you managed to get inside the Otherworlder''s Fortress where me and my agents had failed. Second you managed to be able to talk with the Demons and Third, you bought THEIR Food! Tell me Elf, are you still even pure and loyal to the Gods? To Order?" Mita asked, her fearful breathing and gnashing of teeth reverberated on Aliathra''s fair skin.


    "I am still loyal." The Elf answered stoically. "Besides, if I were still corrupted then that Trinket of Nenya of yours you always wear between your breasts with be shaking like a drunken fairy in a box if I was corrupted." Aliathra argued.


    Nenya, also known to the Elves as Neneth is the Human name given to the Mother Goddess of life. Elven culture held a significant part of the way of life for the Humans of Ysanigrad. The Elves, mostly the Ethuilen Entente ones brought overseas many ideas and inventions that helped the Slaegian Empire built their dominion on most of the western side of the continent. This includes the idea of Chivalry, Heavy Cavalry, the basis of many Magical Theories and Laws for understanding and utilizing the Energies hidden in the Mana Crystals and most peculiar of all their religions and beliefs. Many of the Elven Gods had their own names and interpretations by the organized religious groups native to the Ysanigrad continent Nenya/Neneth being the best example.


    Mita retreated her weight and knife from Aliathra and stepped back. But in her eyes, she still maintained a degree of distrust from the Elf. Who was she to make such a downplaying explanation on a ''Demon Invasion''?


    "I still have doubts about your sincerity Elf. What would your people and family say if they find out about what you just said?" Mita pointed with incrimination to Aliathra.


    The situation has soon descended into potentially lethal circumstances for Aliathra.


    "So how can I prove it to you? That we are still on your side?" Aliathra pleaded.


    Mita crossed her arms and twitched her eyebrows in a cocky display which is rare for a Human to be in the high grounded side against an Elf.


    "Well then Princess. I want you to go back into New Albany again." Mita commanded.


    "And what?" Aliathra asked back.


    "You know those giant floating boats those Demons have that always rise up to the sky and comeback down?" Mita explained which was promptly followed by Aliathra''s acknowledgement.


    "I want you to get a closer look on those boats and try to find out any weaknesses for them. Petur wants to see how can the Sky Riders can take one of those Metal Beasts down. Check for anything to aim for, heart, brain, eyes you know, standard Large Beast weak spots." Mita said.


    "That I can do." Aliathra nodded. She then forwarded her arm to pass her report letter to the Crow.


    "For Uldin''s Eyes only." She added before she returned to her comforting fireplace and relaxing cup of Elven Herbal Tea.


    Mita turned away from the Elven Princess'' camp immediately afterwards, her job of re-contacting their Elven Ally. Yet the Crow Assassin still maintained her conjectures for the Elf and her purity of soul and loyalty. When she was a good distance away from Aliathra''s hidden camp, Mita carefully reads the classified letter. Examining the contents, Mita smirked.


    "Interesting¡­"


    ----------------------- (the Next Day at the Governor''s Palace at New Albany) ----------------------


    Prince Clovich hugged his dear sister Princess Aria tightly, it was never easy for him to part away his family under such circumstances. Aria Tyr Rian plus a small entourage of bodyguards and handmaidens would be soon leaving for Kesserheim tomorrow when the sun rises at the middle of the sky or around Twelve Noon. At first, he was reluctant to go through with Aria''s promised Bone Marrow reinforcement surgery which Governor White promised will make the feeble Princess finally after so long being imprisoned in her chair, walk again. But after a well-timed compromise of a hostage exchange or more of just making several important be housed and confined to the Tyr Rian Citadel and not be allowed out until Princess Aria and her entourage are safely returned home unharmed (and walking). Governor White painstakingly emphasized his promise to bring the young girl home with ''nothing but fun memories'' from her time in Kesserheim.


    "Please Sis, take this." Clovich whispered before passing a small brooch to her.


    Aria''s eyes widened in shock when she looked into her palms and saw that the brooch was none other than the Tyr Rian family Brooch worn by every ruling Prince for generations. It was a one of a kind piece of jewelry made from rare Dwarf gems and handcrafted by a master Jewelsmith.


    "I can''t wear this." Aria refused.


    "I am not telling you to wear this. Just keep this between me and you but, make sure you comeback with it. So I know that it is you when you finally run towards me for the first time in¡­ ever." Clovich tenderly said.


    "I will." Aria closed her hand on the brooch.


    Meanwhile whilst the Tyr Rian Royal Family were arranging the last of their luggage, Samantha and the rest of the Stryder group were at Governor Jeremy''s Office where the Colonial Governor, alongside Major Holyfield and Colonel Jan Polonsky. They were or albeit mostly the honor of the assignment of being part of the security detail for Princess Aria and her Entourage as she gets her reconstructive surgery in one of Kesserheim''s most advanced Hospitals where the equipment and expertise were present in. They have to also act both as Tour guides alongside as their guardians throughout the duration of the trip. The ulterior motive behind it this is to impress the makeshift Gliesian delegation about the positive effects of befriending and seek deeper ties with the UFE.


    The entire plan is supposed to be momentous for the guests but discreet in terms of security. There were fears coming from the UNOOSA Chairman of accidentally scaring the Otherworldly guests when unending hordes of forceful media press could cause hundreds of security and ease of life problems that both the UNOOSA Office and the Gliesian Colonial Government would rather not go through such an inconvenience.


    First Princess Aria and Co. would be entreated with a small guided tour of Kesserheim passing by the planet''s famous ''Mega-Industrial Zone'' after touching down at the Spaceport. Next, they would pass by the ''Orchard District'' where the many high-abstract buildings were situated and the aforementioned high-tech hospital where Aria will get her surgery. As much as they could, the tour would have to avoid the more rustic and down-to-earth ''Plebian Regions'' where the common folk live. Most of the buildings there are more akin to the architectural aesthetics of standard Block shaped buildings littered to no end with hundred upon hundreds of Neon Signs that blinded the unfamiliar eyes at first glances. That goes much more for the many Ghetto''s that were littered with ''Little [Insert Country or Famous City from a Country here]'' which most of the time don''t get along.


    Both Lewis Crocker and Vincent Diaz had differing memories of that place.


    For the Sergeant it was one of the most arduous tours he had written in his career and couldn''t believe he managed to finish his tour without going out in a body bag¡­ or worse. Many of the Mega-Corporations, especially those who manufacture Weapons, Portable Industrial Grade Tools, Chemicals, Cybernetic Augmentations and Computers would often dump their excess surpluses into the Kesserheim Plebian Regions to wage corporate warfare amongst each other. Sabotage, Espionage, Theft and straight up Murder, nothing was off limits. The Eden-Like gardens of the ''Orchard District'' was all just a fa?ade to hide the violent crime that sits behind the scenes away from the general public''s eyes and concern.


    His Tour of Duty in Kesserheim mostly consist of peacekeeping between the Ghettos, Crime Determent in the more Public Scenes and at occasional bouts fight off the numerous criminal elements that inhabit the planet. In the UFE Military, being assigned to Kesserheim or having simply a ''short'' (read: 2-Year) Tour was the equivalent of being sent to Hell. Unlike the mundane insurgency movements in far flung colonial outposts scattered around the perimeter of UFE Space, compared to them, the OPFOR''s were not normal people wielding either civilian-grade weapons and an occasional Black-Market gun buy. Instead they were highly skilled and experienced criminal elements with high tech weapons and gear. Their reasons for fighting each other in the open streets were either as deniable assets for Mega Corps, Ethnic clashes or just simple gangland affairs.


    Crocker would sweat bullets when he gets deployed in the field. It is known by all those who served in Kesserheim that the criminals would often deploy electronic countermeasures to disable or straight up turn against the Tech that the UFE would use. Only Business Lobbying Influences which is in the form of the explanation of ''they must have stolen this tech to use for themselves'' and rival Mega Corps seeking means of one upping their competition by offering their ''assistance'' is what keeps them all from both tearing Kesserheim apart and keeping them in power.


    When he is out there in his Exo Suit and Machine Gun, it was for him like having a target painted on his body with the giant cartoonish bubble that would metaphorically float on top of him say ''Shoot me! I got a BFG!''. It was only his suit''s armor plating and little bit of smart manipulation of the urban terrain did Crocker managed to survive where Heavy Machine Gunners were shot at a premium by the vicious underbelly denizens of a rich mining world turned into a planet wide megapolis.


    For Diaz however, it was a Sci-Fi Nerd''s wet dream come true. When you look beyond the heavily competitive Mega-Corporations who wage war against each other like a big real-life game of Cyberpunk 2077. Although the Corporate Warfare was an everyday hazard that many of the Kesserheim Bourgeoisie have to live through every day. To scholars who have studied the Sociological Structure of Kesserheim and the influences of the Mega Corporations based there, they are a necessary evil. Thanks to the highly competitive nature of the Mega-Corporations, it has caused Kesserheim to be one of the UFE''s most innovative and technologically advanced Core Planets in their entire Interplanetary Dominion over the stars beyond the Sol System. There were hundreds of High Tech inventions littered around the planet ranging from cutting edge VR Recreation Centers, a sophisticated Shopping scene (both white and black) and some of the most daring criminals to ever declare themselves outlaws.


    Although the planet had a ''Right to Bear Arm'' article written in the law books, having potential victims have the ability to fight back was in little to any deterrent to the ever bloodthirsty and ever so greedy Kesserheim Underworld. And for Diaz, he is¡­ or if judging by the time he is gone was on top of the criminal food chain. Being a top agent of one of the most influential Mega Corporation''s in Kesserheim which is Aparo Technologies under the code name ''Dare Runner'' for his propensity to pull off seemingly impossible jobs from breaking into secured areas undetected, leaving no traces on a ''mess'' and being Don ''Master''s'' courier of very ''sensitive items''. This was all impart with his custom Cybernetic Augs and Weapons plus a modified Ford Mustang modified to be able to handle off-road and survive scuffles with chasers.


    Being at such a high rank in Aparo he is showered with heavy amounts of cuts and compensation for his sensational efforts. But it was never about the money, his bank account was more of a high score that he can use the points to redeem items. It was all about the thrill and excitement of being able to get away something that no other person could ever believe could be possible. He still lives in a indistinct Middle Class residential condominium building a few block away from ''the Garden District''.


    It was still astronomical how Vincent managed to get caught in a trap by that botched weapons deal however. He was worried he might have gave Don Aparo a heart attack when his best agent got slammed.


    For the rest of Stryder group, it was a Standard Op that so happens to be taking place outside of Gliesia for once. Just escort the Gliesians as quietly and securely as possible for the entire week they will be in Kesserheim.


    Colonel Polansky dismissed everyone after everyone got their Mission Parameters. In a disciplined manner everyone quietly left the office but just as Vincent, Kayin and Iris were about to leave the office¡­


    "Diaz, may I have a word with the three of you. Alone¡­" Governor White halted them.


    The three turned their backs on the door and took a seat as Jeremy commandingly spread his arms out on his desk inhaling the exciting yet equally disquieting news about a certain potential business investor for New Albany and Tyr Rian''s ''Integration'' program.


    "Let me cut to the chase right now with all of you. Diaz, I don''t know if this was your doing or if it''s just a coincidence." Jeremy turned to Vincent.


    "Governor, uhm why does this have to do with me though¡­" Kayin raised his hand only to be quieted down by Jeremy''s stern eyes.


    "It''s about Aparo Tech isn''t it Governor¡­ what happened?" Diaz asked.


    "I am willing to take a risk and let Domenico and his company move in." White said much to the satisfied smile of Diaz.


    "But Aparo is not some small-time indie company sir. Its one of the top 10 Mega Corps said by Forbes and you know how aggressive they can be." Kayin mildly objected.


    "I had to draw several lines with them on the phone about their limits but then again, Domenico is surprisingly a very reasonable man for a Mega Corp CEO. To be fair with him, this is uncharted territory that his company is diving into. His proposal is a store for his company to sell their tech and boost up our utility capabilities with their team of engineers. For industrial expansion they are still in the works of what exactly to do but he says that we will cross the bridge when we get there." Jeremy answered.


    "What is a ''Mega Corp'' you talk off?" Iris asked.


    "Think very, very powerful groups of Merchants. Then give them all the guns, the money and political power anyone can dream off having." Kayin explained "Aparo got their hands on everything from corrupt politicians, organized crime and an army of thugs to wrap it all around.". There was tone of disgust in him when he had to think of the Autocratic Megacorp bosses of Kesserheim. They were some of the most Machiavellian and ruthless individuals to ever have a seat of power. Knowing them, the Aparo Corp might hide some sort of ulterior motive behind their rather ''soft'' expansion campaign to the new world of Gliesia. They could not follow through with their tamed investment plan and simply muscle in with their factories and goons as soon as they get their feet wet or worse manifest their ''destiny'' in the new world at the cost of the native''s welfare.


    "That sound''s like a recipe for trouble." The Vampire crossed her arms in distaste. She was no strangers to bullies, just ask Devicco about it.


    "I know it is at first glance Iris. But I weighed any complication or any kind of¡­ ''unwanted'' developments from their part when I thought of bringing them on board. You see Iris, Aparo Technologies has some of the best technologies that the UFE can offer to us. I am talking about Machinery, Nuclear Power and Robotics, all Bleeding Edge." White explained to her.


    "You have my HEART-felt gratitude." Diaz smiled. Pun intended.


    "Vincent''s word plays aside Iris. Aparo Corp has scientists and technological know how to begin researching Unbinillium, the Mana Crystals. Their expertise in Nuclear Physics is second to none. You can appreciate their help for your research your working on if that makes you content about having them over." White conferred.


    She took into though about White''s words. Having someone to help you in your research come over isn''t necessarily a bad thing but Iris was weary of this Aparo Technologies based on Kayin''s words. The Nigerian was always nice and polite to her throughout her involuntary service to the UFE as their guide and it didn''t matter to him (at least not at first) that she is a Vampire and Unsanctioned Witch. She always feels like that ''the Nightman'' somewhat understands or at least try to understands her and with was the first warming feeling she had in her cold heart for a long time.


    "I still don''t understand why does this involve me and why should I go meet this Aparo person. He sounds no different than the Burning Horsemen." Iris said.


    "Oh, come on Snow White this isn''t Amateur Hour." Diaz sulked.


    "You don''t understand where this is going Iris don''t you." Kayin asked her. Something for the first time, Iris was told that it was she who doesn''t comprehend what she is in right now.


    "Iris, you are one of the colonies most valuable assets and when it comes to understanding the properties of Mana Crystals, you are the best we could have gotten. Additionally, your bravery with that ''Enchanted Grenade Launcher'' would get you a medal. I ask you now Iris Cadohagan the Vampire Witch, I want you to secure Aparo Tech''s investment by personally, plus Diaz and Mudwin to talk to him at his HQ in Kesserheim. I need you to make the best impressions with him since he is holding back everything until he ''sees the Magic''." Governor White explained plainly to her.


    "But your telling me to board your Space Ships and go to someplace I have never been to. I don''t know if I will be willing to just leave." Iris reluctantly answered. It was a lot to ask for her to do.


    "It''s just for a week in Kesserheim. Besides Mega Corps aside. They are lots of things to do while we are there. Shopping, Food and the Rainbow Bridge!" Kayin enthusiastically encouraged her.


    "I second that." Diaz supported.


    "You know I can get creeped out by all of your stuff you know. Those bright screens, Lazers and Guns. I am already comfortable right now just learning how Grenades work." Maintained her hesitation.


    "Perhaps, I should have told you this earlier¡­" Governor White interrupted.


    He reached into the bottom of his desk and picked up a polished wooden box about the size of upper chest and placed it infront of his three guests with a heavy thud. Gently he unlocked the latch that weakly sealed the box and opened the box, its hinges creaked with friction adding to the anxious excitement that Diaz, Kayin and Iris beheld over its contents.


    It was a necklace lain elegantly in a soft pillow. But not just any necklace, it was Iris'' Family Heirloom Necklace made out of a pure Mana Crystal. Its brilliant blue glow illuminated the room with a faint hint of azure light. The men in the room were awestruck by the intricate designs of the Cadohagan Necklace. In visual aesthetic similarities, the necklace was of an Eastern European Folk Jewelry design.


    The Vampire Witch in the other hand unconsciously moved her hand forward to grab it but she stopped halfway. It had to be too good to be true that its her necklace being shown to her right this moment.


    "Come on take it. Wear it." Governor White prompted.


    With his encouragement, Iris grabbed the necklace from its lofty container and brought the shining gem right up to her face. It breathed of the same magical signature that her forefathers have harnessed centuries ago. She couldn''t believe that it is now in her hands, the Cadohagan Family Necklace.


    "Put it on." Jeremy urged her.


    She nimbly wrapped it around her neck and clicked it into place tying herself around like a bow on a gift box. She straightened her posture to a graceful feminine stature reminiscent of a Victorian Belle of Old Earth.


    "You look beautiful." Kayin blankly said as he feasted his eye on the beautiful woman sitting next to him. His mouth left agape and paralyzed to say another word. There was something complementary with the Blue Gem and Iris'' apricot eyes.


    "I second that." Diaz added.


    "Here''s the Deal Iris. Don Aparo wants to have an exhibition on the ''Unique'' effects of Unbinillium and who better else than to demonstrate but you. Your necklace will also play an integral part on convincing him to invest. And since I have to give you your necklace might as well return it to its rightful owner¡­ but under one condition." Jeremy placed his hands on his desk and tangled them together to twiddle his thumbs. His eyes changed from upbeat to a stern stare.


    It caused Iris to snap back from her necklace induced joy. Another one of the UFE''s deal making yet again? She was now starting to get sick of all the verbal contracts and implied death threats.


    "You better promise me, all of you that you get this Aparo Corp. to invest in us and only to us or I will have to take that necklace back." Jeremy said.


    "Why? Is it about Domenico?" Kayin asked.


    "It''s not him, it''s his rivals. You see, I don''t want to that Corporate Warfare shenanigans happening in my jurisdiction no matter how lucrative competition can be. If you fail, there is nothing stopping the other Corpo''s on moving in with their people and machines too. Aparo is dangling us an exclusive rights deal of being the sole Mega Corp to set up shop here if he is impressed with Unbinillium." Jeremy said.


    "Isn''t that illegal?" Kayin asked. Such a very specific condition in a deal is considered unethical in the eyes of the public and straight up illegal in the eyes of the law according to various Business Freedom Bills.


    "He''s a Mega Corp. He can do whatever magical shit they want. Why? ''Cuz his Magical Powers are¡­ he''s rich." Diaz answered slouching down on the comfy chair with his arms crossed.


    --------------------------(a few days later at the New Albany Starport) ------------------------


    Aliathra quietly and swiftly cut a hole beneath the lowest part of the steel fence that blocked from entering the premise where the Otherworlders keep their giant metal birds and floating boats in. She was left unimpressed with how easily she managed to breach the initial perimeter thanks to her Elven Dagger which when infused with a little bit of magic can cut through relative thin layers of steel. It was dawning that time right now as she could see the sun rise upon the horizon. Enveloping the gloomy metal crates that were scattered around the Airbase. Using them as cover, she narrowly avoided the detection of the Drone Patrols who were about to be relieved by their living counterparts. She has a brief window where the security is at its weakest to get as much useful information for her infiltration.


    "Goddess, protect this fair maiden from the horrors of the Underworld." She whispered a prayer before continuing onwards.


    She only packed lightly for this incursion. A quiver of arrows, a food ration for one day, her waterskin, a few liquidized Mana Potions and her own courage was all she had under her clothes. She scouted around for an opportunity to study and to her luck she spotted one of the Otherworlder''s Metal Boats lying alone in out in the open field. There was a red carpet that was rolled out towards the base of the boat as if it was expecting someone very important to walk towards or into it.


    The Elf broke open one of her Mana potions and drank about half way through the 500ml bottle and casted a spell. Her body began to refract the approaching morning light turning her invisible. She has to move slowly for her to be able to make it towards the distance between her and the lone Metal Boat with her cover intact. She stopped out in the exposed air and walked silently towards the Alien Vessel. When she was now an arm''s length from the boat she lightly caressed its ebony skin.


    It was cold to the touch when her smooth ivory skin brushed along the plated surface. The Metal Boat was devoid of any life signs, no heartbeat, no breath no consciousness.


    "You''re such a strange yet interesting contraption." She whispered.


    Aliathra planted her ears onto the Ship''s surface and began to listen intently inside if there were any faint traces of¡­ anything. She could discern, despite the thick platings between her that the inside of the Metal Boat was indeed hollow as if there was an enclosed space containing the faint echolocated detections of objects being stored there and a few faint murmurs of voices too faint to be discerned comprehensively for her. Quite puzzling however, the Elf wasn''t able to spot any kind of door, hatch or opening of any kind that would allow anyone to store or withdraw the contents stored within.


    Then just as she thought of it a loud but smooth moaning sound growled the ship from its dormant state, erupting the Metal Boat to life. Aliathra stepped back slowly, still under the influence of her invisibility potion marveled at the Metal Boats awakening. She saw 4 giant furnaces that were implanted by the stern of the alien vessel erupt in a brilliant blue flame on her right like the Starmetal Forges that the Elves crafted their Enchanted Weaponry from. The noise the furnaces emitted blanketed the sounds of a rampart that its broad side perfectly blended with the painting and metal curvature design of the Metal Boat. She barely dodged out of the way as it descended to the ground laying perfect right in front of the premade red carpet expectantly for a lavish guest high importance to board the vessel. Aliathra looked beyond the ramp and noticed that she was blessed, the ramp gave her an entry point to explore the inner sanctum of the Metal Boat. She discreetly, after making sure she is still in the clear, the Elf Princess quietly ascended the ramp and snuck herself in plain sight.


    The first chamber she saw was a large room made of metal of a light shade of gray compared to the ship''s ebony exterior. It had yellow streaks that was plastered around the room that were designed in such a way to give information and highlight work spots rather than give any aesthetic value. Dozens of large container boxes that were locked by an invisible lock that the Elf cannot find to use her lock pick on. It looked like it is a Cargo Bay that doubled as an entrance for the Metal Boat. Beyond the horizon, there was a large arch that was placed right out in the open. She slithered further into the next room.


    In contrast to the cargo bay. The room was designed to look like some sort of observation room. There was a large window over 20 feet wide in length that gave the Elf a beautiful view of the Gliesian sun rise with a selection of comfortable seating arrangements that allows anyone to relax and watch ever display that the giant window presents. There were even several articles of food that were lazily placed around the Observation deck for the crew of the Metal Boat to indulge it like chips, fruits and drinks.


    For Aliathra, she could not help but conclude that this very room is cozy for one to waste their time in after a long hard day. Such an establishment reminder her of the Royal Parties back at her homeland that would involve observing rare flower blooms and rare astronomical phenomena like Eclipses and Shooting stars that the Elves love to watch from the comfort of their opulent spires.


    Then, a loud series of thumping noises alerted the Elf''s ears. There were people approaching her position. Despite being invisible, her spell was now waning and she can''t just waste her Mana Potion again until she is in the clear and left Metal Boat. She swiftly hid behind one of the chairs below the observation room and buried herself silently as the first people unveiled themselves from the doorway hoping that they simply pass by.


    It was Prince Clovich''s sister Princess Aria. She was being escorted by a small entourage of handmaidens and bodyguards alongside several familiar people that the Elf recognized. They were Vincent Diaz, Obediah Root and Doctor Lee Haneul to name a few. They were soon followed by a big burly man in a strange metal armor with giant arms tucked behind him. He fitted the description by the Tyr Rian populace of the famous ''Ogre Breaker'' who held a giant gate from closing with his herculean strength. Another person that passed by were a contrasting couple of black and white. A man whose skin is dark as the night sky who walked confidently alongside a woman in a richly made dress whose skin is almost doll like in its paleness, like a Vampire and their age defiant physiology similar to the Elves. Another man Then lastly 3 commanding figures walked out of the arch, it was a woman in red hair and 2 other large men who has dark black skin. One of the black men carried a large strangely shaped backpack with a stick coming out of it while the other was decorated in in glistening gold and precious metals.


    "The Packages have been secured inside the Manila." The red headed woman saluted.


    "Excellent. Everything should be in order for your team''s departure Lieutenant Rose." The decorated black man said.


    Aliathra recalled from Diaz that he answers to a ''Lieutenant Rose''. She is surprised that his commanding officer is a woman of all things.


    "May I ask a question before you leave Major Holyfield?" The lieutenant asked him.


    "Again, if this is about the investigation on that Plain''s incident with those Legion Garrisons, don''t worry. I got one of the best we got on the case. Your job right now is not that. But it''s making sure the Packages have a good time in Kesserheim." Holyfield answered.


    "As you say Major." Rose saluted followed by Holyfield''s.


    "And Lieutenant¡­ while your there. Enjoy the Ramen while you are there if you can. I heard its delicious." Holyfield smiled.


    "Farewell Major." She waved goodbye.


    "I''ll see you in the other side." Holyfield turned around and pressed his right hand on his ear. "Captain, everything is in order. Prepare for Takeoff. Godspeed." He said to himself.


    "All passengers and crew onboard the Manila please prepare for takeoff in one minute." A voice echoed out of nowhere.


    Lieutenant rose jogged out of the Observation Room from another door to rejoin her squad.


    She was alarmed by the voice''s announcement. She needed to get out of there before the Metal Boat flies off with her in it. The Elf got out of her hiding spot and quietly yet hurriedly approached the Archway leading to the Cargo Bay. The door she had previously entered the ship before was now slowly closing after Major Holyfield got outside whilst waving goodbye to the departing ship.


    Aliathra dashed towards the closing window of escape but it was too far for her and her Elven Swiftness to cover in such a split second.


    "No!" she yelped as her body slammed the now shuttered Cargo Bay door that walled her off from the outside world. The Elf Princess is now trapped.


    "And we have lift off." the same voice from earlier announced again.


    Aliathra could feel her center of gravity invisibly pull her down as she felt the entire Metal Boat push itself upward. Without any way to secure herself. The Elf was being helplessly thrashed around the Cargo Bay room. She quickly covered her head with her hands to protect it from any possible trauma that she might collide whilst in her helpless state.


    "Ascending¡­ Twenty kilometers¡­ Forty Kilometers¡­ Sixty Kilometers¡­ Eighty Kilometers¡­" the Manila''s Captain''s voice announced.


    Aliathra, after being tossed around like a rag doll around the Cargo Bay soon felt her body slow down to a weightless state as she now for a brief moment experienced the lofty position of being weightless.


    "One Hundred. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have exited Gliesia''s Atmosphere. Welcome to Space. Enjoy the rest of your flight with us. Turning on Artificial Gravity." The Captain announced before signing off.


    Aliathra''s brief moment of weightlessness was cut short when she felt the force of gravity pull her down to the ground landing roughly on her backside with a great ''Oof''.


    After scratching off the pain from her buttocks, the Elf absorbed the words from the voice earlier. Was it all true that she is no longer in Gliesia no more? But now she is in this ''Space'' that the voice said? Is ''Space'' the Eldritch Dimension where these Otherworlder''s come from? She had to see it for herself.


    She made her way back to the adjacent Observation Room and looked outside of the window.


    "No¡­" Aliathra sobbed.


    She saw a giant sphere in front of her that was slowly getting smaller and smaller as the ship continued its journey onwards. She could almost no recognize it if it weren''t for the familiar shapes of Gliesia''s continents gave it away that the giant circular object with blue and green splotches was her home planet. Aliathra''s invisibility spell soon wore off as she collapsed to the ground crying.


    "Neneth¡­ Protect me¡­" she prayed fighting back from all the tears and broken panicked inhalations.


    Princess Aliathra Lareththor, youngest daughter of the Elven Royal Family is trapped inside one of the Otherworlder''s Space Ships and is slowly drifting off to the void of Outer Space away from her home to God/s know where for her.

 16 Chapter 16: the Space Between Two World

    The dark void of space was set alight by dots of burning stars as it painted the glass viewing window of the Manila''s crew lounge. The room, unlike the observation room below deck was cozier for one to sit back in relax thanks in part of a small kitchenette equipped with ready to eat, microwaveable food and a refrigerator stocked with drinks of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties; a small 4k Television that broadcast Satellite TV channels for the crews viewing pleasure. Stryder group was given the privilege of using the lounge for the duration of the trip (although one crew member did mention not for anyone to touch his sandwich). For Samantha at that moment, it was her opportunity to have some much needed alone time.


    Despite being quite a Sanguine person, the Lieutenant is only human after all and some cases she needs some time for herself alone to reflect and simply just sit off her worries of her numerous command responsibilities. She aimed her eyes at one of the soft and cushy chairs that littered the room and crashed her behind on top of it.


    She let out a sigh of relief as she sunk her body down chair. Thoughts of the events that has transpired earlier circled through her mind. At first, they were buzzing annoyingly like flies to an exposed cadaver but slowly they stopped pestering her besieged brain off of their stressful infections and now have become more coherent for the Lieutenant to reflect upon.


    Earlier that day inside the ship, Samantha was called forth in the Communication room of the Manila by the honorable UNOOSA Chairwoman Di Poppo to be given the responsibility, alongside Sergeant Crocker of being Tour Guides for the Gliesians to Kesserheim. With Lewis'' experienced knowledge of the Industrial Planet alongside Samantha''s valuable people skills, they should be able to make a lasting impression on the Otherworlders upon the benefits of befriending (and consequences of being an enemy) of the UFE. A quick tour of several of Kesserheim''s many tourist attractions such as the foundries that fuel its economy, the metropolitan Mega Cities that house the billions of its workers and finally end it all in the most serene and the bleeding edge of UFE Technology, the Kesserheim Garden District where Princess Aria will get her reconstructive surgery.


    There was only one problem that Samantha couldn''t get out of her head, this was also her first time being in Kesserheim in the flesh. She had heard of the sprawling industries the city has as its trademark image from only books and the television. She can easily explain away most of the simpler machinations that the myriad workings of the Industrial Planet have to offer like Holograms, Digital Advertising and Canned Goods. But she fears she could crack under so much social pressure, she was a soldier, not a Public Relations officer.


    "Eyah! You fucking scared me El-Tee¡­" Crocker''s cockney voice spoke behind her.


    The Half-Brit and Half-Maori Automatic Rifleman wore a sleeveless shirt exposing his brilliant muscles in their Tribal Tatted glory. He carried with him a single glass cup and a bottle of whiskey with him. He quietly sat on the chair beside Samantha on her right side and placed his bottle of whiskey and cup on the coffee table. He kicked his feet on top of the table caring less of what any of the ship''s sailors might complain of his slight abuse of their hospitality.


    "You seem to be roughed up eh?" Crocker asked her. He splashed a few milliliters of his Whiskey onto his cup.


    "Yeah, Crock, I am having been roughed up." Samantha sighed. "It''s about what the Chairwoman said earlier." She confessed.


    "Really? Just that? A simple Heart''s and Mind''s job? Come on El-Tee, really?" Crocker questioned with a dismayed face, his hand still swirling the golden water on his cup, stirring the alcohol to release its rye scented aroma for him to inhale indulgently.


    "It''s not just that. It''s who we are playing Tour Guide too." Samantha argued.


    Crocker maintained his capricious mask as he shot down in one strong gulp the Whiskey through his mouth. He exhaled a relaxed ''aaahhh¡­'', his breath now reeking of alcohol.


    "You sure your cut up to this? El-Tee? I can talk to some of the HR people right now about you right now if you want¡­ maybe we can have someone else do---"


    "No don''t! I can do it." Samantha exclaimed.


    "No bloody way Rose-ay. I can see it in you Lieutenant. There''s somethin'' wrong with ya." Crocker pointed out.


    Samantha was taken aback by her previous impulsive stature, she had to admit it was rather boneheaded of her to say she will do something but regretted it and tried to pull her statement back. It was emotional defeating to Samantha that she collapsed.


    "I-I just feel¡­ stressed out right now."


    "On what?"


    "On everything! Work, Diaz''s Antics, Combat Stress and now being a Tour Guide. I can''t say no. I just can''t¡­" Samantha exclaimed before she dropped her voice in a sullen tone.


    She thumped her breast repeatedly in self loathing as she leaned forward in a semi-fetal position and pulled her crimson hair, undoing the neat donut bun in the process freeing her flowing mane to beyond the boundaries of her shoulder.


    "You sound like your addicted." Crocker consoled.


    "I don''t take drugs and the last time I drank was four days ago Sergeant." Rose addressed Crocker by his title resentfully. Resentful of her hectic first days of military life. She hadn''t mentally insulated herself for the harsh psychological and physical demands of being an NCO in the UFE Military Corps.


    "No, your ''addicted'' to work." Crocker diagnosed her.


    "Have you been looking at yourself in the mirror lately? You were the greenest lass I had seen in a long time when I first saw you back in the Eodem but now look at you? Your sags got fucking sags on yer'' eyes." He pointed out to her face.


    She had to admit, she was very neglectful of her sleep lately. Sometimes she would escape out of her bed and do several activities under the conked daze of her asleep colleagues such as writing down reports early, performing physical exercise workouts and even cleaning her rifle in a display of obsessive compulsiveness. The young Lieutenant would recall back at West Point that she should always as any self-respecting NCO should routinely do. The recollected echoes of shouting drill instructors who ruthlessly evaluated on all of the cadet''s overall performances tearing them up a new one for even the most minute of errors. Sam, in a machine-like trance would do all of the standard drills and tests with high speed precision by sheer muscle memory. It was meant to mentally prepare the cadets for their jobs as Commanding Officers in the military. It was no wonder that the UFE NCO Cadet Training Program had an 80% drop out rate and the Lieutenant was lucky to make it over to the right side of the fence.


    "You¡­ your¡­ right¡­" She conceded, raising her posture up slightly so her arms that rest on top of her bent knees can support the weight of her body.


    "Look Sam, I maybe technically a rank lower than you but ultimately it''s the seniors, ''gardless of our rank job to make sure the next gen is prepared to take our place when we are gone." Lewis counseled.


    "We are enslaved to the whims of our brain and the pain stress. The trick is to master it." He continued talking while he poured another few drops of Whiskey on his glass. But instead of taking the vessel to sip up another round of the intoxicating brew, he slided the glass across the coffee table to Samantha up to an inch of her knees.


    "Take a round of the Bourbon. My mates always say ''You will never know a lad ''till they get sloshed.''." Crocker prompted.


    Sam took the round of bourbon with her hand and raised it up to her mouth. She could feel the distilled stench the alcohol emitted that shivered her spine. She placed the rim on her lips and after a slight moment of hesitation, she shot her glass down in one gulp.


    Already her feminine and albeit more fragile frame was now hit with the rousing influences of the 50% alcohol content of her given beverage. Her mind felt the tight nots that cramped her loosen like silk giving her a serene moment of lucidity.


    "Where¡­ where do I begin?" Samantha began to tear down her walls that barred her from showing her true self to others.


    "My dad died a year ago before I could graduate. Mom still isn''t over with it. And I just found out Fairies, Dwarves¡­ not midgets mind you¡­ Elves and Magic now exists." The Lieutenant told Crocker.


    "You''re under some pressure, aren''t you?" Crocker asked.


    "Damn right I am. The child of the Hero of Bel-Aviv in the military? I get it¡­ the good old-fashioned Military Brat. You trying to live up to your father aren''t ya?"


    "Yes." Samantha nodded.


    "Here''s a tip but first sip another round for me will ya?" Crocker requested. He poured another few milliliters of whiskey at the glass for her.


    Samantha took another shot of liquid courage before collapsing down on the chair, eyes reddened but mind released from the pestilent grips of heavy mind.


    "All that pressure¡­ it''s how the Chinese would say¡­ ''Bad Juju-Chi''. Ignore all that shit El-tee." Crocker said.


    "But why? I have a legacy to fulfill." She replied.


    "You see¡­ that''s the problem with you Rose. This is the problem with ''Legacies''. Your father is your dad and you are you Rose." Crocker sternly argued. "Deep down inside¡­ you''re trying to get out of it¡­ your father''s shadow?" Crocker deliberated.


    "Yes¡­ I just don''t know how." Samantha briefly paused "Do you?" she asked him.


    "I''m afraid I cannot answer that. You can though¡­ you just haven''t found Lieutenant Samantha Rose, the Great Pioneer Explorer of Gliesia yet or something like that I mean¡­ come on. It''s like we have been inside one of them ''Stuck in Another World'' stories that were popular in the early two thousand. Heck, maybe we should like say this after we managed to survive another battle with the Aliens: ''Stryder Team leveled up!'' with the Final Fantasy ''ta-tata-ta-ta-tan-tan-tara!'' music." Crocker smiled.


    Samantha couldn''t help but drink to that. She gave the most heartwarming of smiles she had ever expressed herself to anyone for a long time and downed another glass of the Whiskey. She has felt much better about her own predicaments when having a one on one session with her more experienced subordinate than just simply reflecting on an easy chair alone.


    ----------------------(Meanwhile in another section of the ship) --------------------


    The Voices, they just keep rattling her head in their incomprehensible whispers. Their language as mysterious and as chilling as the legends of the Demonic Echoes her people repeatedly tell stories about to their children to make sure they remain good and faithful servants to the Gods.


    Far from home, stuck in a literal belly of the Metal Beast and hungry for who knows how long. Princess Aliathra, the once confident Spy for the Forces of Order is laying down in a fetal position within an inch of her life and sanity.


    "Neneth hear me¡­Neneth hear me¡­ Neneth hear me¡­" she prayed while she rocked back in forth slowly.


    Her hiding sport was a small gap in between two giant metal crates that was big enough yet compact enough for someone to discreetly lay low in between.


    The silence was nothing scarier for the Elf as she began to cry tears of desperate prayers to the Goddess of Life. She begged for a sign, any sign that Neneth is still favoring one of her most faithful of maidens.


    A whiff of a homely flavor reached her nose. It was a soft smell that was inviting for the panged stomach of the Elf. It was pulling her, tempting her to follow it. With her options decimated to the most basic of instincts, Aliathra crawled out of her hiding spot and walked entrancingly towards the source of that sweet smell.


    She passed by the halls of the Spaceship aimlessly each limp of her malnourished legs wobbled ever so weaker for every inch of ground she gained. As she got closer the source. Sailors walked passed her with second glances on the strange Knife Eared young lady who made her way pass the door of the ship''s Mess Hall.


    The said source of the tempting smell? A plate filled with over three dozen freshly baked chocolate chip cookies made with love, passion and Cadbury semi-sweet Chocolate. It was laid neatly on a checkered table with glasses of milk set next to it.


    Not caring if it was some sort of Eldritch illusion or some form of physically manifested temptation by the powers that be. Aliathra aggressively grabbed the cookies and gorged half a dozen of them in her mouth like an animal who hasn''t find any meal for days. The sweet chocolatey taste of the cookies exploded into her taste buds like a musical orchestra that stimulated her brain with the pleasure of indulging in one''s sweet tooth.


    She could have easily lost herself into that moment if it weren''t for the sudden eruptions of light that came from the room''s nearby window. It was only half as large as the Observation Deck''s window but it still gave a crystal-clear image of the beautiful void and color palleted canvas that is Outer Space.


    Not caring again for the stunned look on the sailors who were all turning their eyes on her weakened stride, Aliathra looked on to the window.


    They were gigantic¡­ (judging from the depth of field). Massive metal boats that soared through the celestial skies, cutting down the void of space like a knife through bread. They swept through Space as they made their way unto another group of Metal Boats of similar but more crude design compared to the aesthetic features of the approaching flotilla. From what she could count, their were about 12 of the contemporary ships


    The contemporary space ships had long snouts that turned as instantaneous as the sharp curve of a doe eyed Elven Woman looking at a brand-new curiosity when she''s off at Ethuilen''s Bazaars. The snouts let loose a rapid firing barrage of energetic magic bullets that shot threw the field across them. The shots had visible blue tracing that Aliathra could see with her own two naked eyes like arrows as they rained down on the obsolete looking ships. The magical shots exploded upon impact and tore through them to scraps of dismantled scraps of burning metal. The shooters, they simply just stood there in a stoic display of their awesome power over there adversary.


    And it terrified her¡­


    If this is just a small glimpse of the power these ''Demons'' have then no weapon, mythical monster or even Gods can do to stop them. She could see it now¡­ Tyr Rian twisted into a parody of itself in Demonic Architecture, Slaegia in Flames and worst of all Ethuilen and the rest of Alf-el Nora''s lands being raped, pillaged and burnt to the ground. Her people, her family and herself enslaved to the despicable whims of the Otherworlders.


    And she''s just right in front of them, their eyes widened in alert that an intruder¡­ an Elf has trespassed inside their ship. Aliathra was alone, cut off, exposed and hungry. All the long years of investment of her time and efforts in Ranger Training, learning the Healing Magics of the Neneth Hospitallier Priestesses and tutoring of all the known knowledge of the world¡­ its all worthless now. She''s dead, good as another screaming soul enslaved to the madness of the ever-hungering Ruinous Powers of the Demons.


    "Lye naa ilya amarth din Alboen entula¡­" she spread her arms out and whispered what she believes are her final words as she embraced the firm grasps of the UFE sailors as they took her away to her fate.


    ---------------------------------(an Hour Later at the Manila''s brig) -----------------------


    Tensions were high and question flew around over the mysterious stowaway. It was supposed to be a very entertaining Naval Exercise about an hour ago. The ship so happened to pass by a Shooting Drill for the UFE Navy and the UNOOSA deemed it helpful that in order to impress their Gliesian guests, they get a front row view of the Military Might of the Navy Ships as they test out their various weaponry ranging from Railguns, Lasers and Torpedoes.


    But the whole event was thrown into chaos with a spanner in the works. A lone stowaway, of Gliesian origins of all the that somehow made her way inside the ship. Rather expected for someone who stowed themselves away, the young woman who had elvish leaf shaped ears was hungry and twitching with fear as she sat down in the interrogation room, her eyes sullen with a still sadness that stared nothing but the empty gray table. Samantha couldn''t help but empathize with her. Being somewhat dragged away from her home and just simply fathoming the circumstances she is barely able to comprehend. This lone woman is at best, had the same look of a Space Sick passenger on their first time on a Spaceship and at worse, she doesn''t even know what a Spaceship does or do.


    "That''s all I know about her okay? She was one of most recent buyers of my fruit. I can''t imagine her being a spy." Obediah testified to the Captain of the Manila.


    "I''ll take your word into account Private Root." The Captain nodded. "Lieutenant, standard procedures say we have to take her into the Bureau of Intelligence." He reluctantly informed her.


    "That''s too cruel." Samantha protested.


    Having the Bureau ''take care'' of the poor woman would only worsen her now already fragile or in a better description, further shatter her psyche. But then again, the Captain has made a point.


    When news got out to Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky of the extra passenger. Both men, despite their differences agreed that she should be turned over to the B.I. for interrogation. It was way too coincidental for some random native to just walk right inside a restricted access Logistics Ship for no reason more than ''getting lost''. Yet Samantha wasn''t so sure about the intruder''s demeanor. Real Spies would have been much more stoic if they were in the unfortunate to be captured by the enemy. The blonde haired and ocean eyed woman was way to emotionally despondent to be truly harmful, hell, the search on her belongings only brought up an intricately created dagger, half a dozen of arrows and the bow to shoot them with. There was more to this story than what meets the eye. If anything, this could all be just a misunderstanding of some sorts if Diaz and Obediah''s were of any merit to her character.


    The Elf''s name was ''Aliathra'' that she can be sure and she was just ''a traveler passing by'' Tyr Rian based on their accounts.


    "Captain, may I request somethings." Aliathra asked. "I need you first to delay reporting her in to the Bureau."


    "That''s against standard procedure Lieutenant." The Captain shot down.


    "Please, there''s just something that doesn''t add up." She defended her hunch.


    "Again, this is against procedure. Let the Bureau based in Kesserheim take care of her."


    "Would they appreciate if I can get some information out of her before they get their hands on her? You know make their jobs easier? Besides I am great people person. Talking making people do what I want them to do is just my thing." She coaxed.


    "You can be stubborn you know that¡­ I like that about you." Diaz complemented.


    "I can''t believe I am actually thanking you for that one. Come on, pass me the lie detector and give me about at LEAST ten minutes with her. I can get her to spill the beans." Samantha appealed, clasping her hands and swaying them forward to beg the Captain to let her do what she believes is the correct thing to do.


    "Fine, here''s the Lie Detector. Should work on her like anyone else. Thirty Minutes¡­ if she doesn''t say anything useful¡­ I will have to call the B.I. and then this will look bad on your record." The Captain warned her.


    The Lieutenant was taken aback by his warning. She knew that any wasteful actions of insubordination of any kind could spell a giant permanent mole in her career at best and a Court Martial at worst. If her little hunch failed to bear fruit then she would stain the heroic legacy of her father and Military Family name for years to come. But deep down, Samantha took heed to both her own beliefs of there is a larger story to everything around her and the words of her unofficial ''On-Field Mentor'' Sgt. Crocker, that she thinks that this Elf woman was somewhat innocent. She just knows it.


    "That is a risk I will take sir." Samantha saluted.


    She was handed over a small portable electronic device that could detect the heartbeat and breathing of an individual to see if they are hiding the truth or in emotional distress. Additionally, she was also given the key to the Elf''s Holding Cell.


    "Hope your right about this boss lady. I can''t stand seeing such a nice-looking woman go to the Bureau. I hear they don''t fuck around. Got the scars to prove it." Diaz said. He pulled down the neckline of his shirt to reveal several slash marks on him. A souvenir he obtained from the B.I. when they captured him.


    "I swear by you. That I think your on to something El-Tee. She''s just way too doe''eyed to be harmful to anyone." Obediah added.


    After listening to her attending subordinates'' comments. Samantha unlocked the door to the Interrogation Cell to finally meet face to face with ''Aliathra''.


    The Elf intruder remained sitting quietly on her cold bare steeled chair with her arms laying on top of the matching metal table. Samantha quietly attached a padded wire on the woman''s chest and another one below her right wrist for the Lie Detector. Being so dejected from her own reality in some sort of bubble to shield herself from the threatening conditions she was in, Aliathra blankly stared into the nothingness as Samantha finished attaching the wires to her, she sat down across the table and faced the Elf, her Dark Brown eyes contacting her Azure colored ones.


    "It''s a nice day is it not?" Samantha greeted.


    Aliathra could only continue her blank stare into her interrogator, unresponsive to her salutations.


    "You seemed to be quite nervous, aren''t you? Would you like for me to get you something?" Samantha asked.


    Again, no outward physical response, yet the Lie Detector sensed that her heart palpitation alongside her sporadic breathing indicated that she is getting very anxious. It was most likely the contentious atmosphere of the Interrogation Cell that is withering her away from reality. Samantha have to reduce all of the built-up stress she had accrued throughout her long stowaway journey inside the ship. The poor girl could really use someone to talk to after being alone. It could drive even Samantha crazy if she were in the same predicament as the Elf. She needs to know that she can trust her.


    "You know¡­Miss Elf. You seemed to be quite scared of being here in our Spaceship. It''s your first time in here if can guess." Samantha softly probed her in a friendly tone.


    "Yes." Was the single word response that Aliathra quietly answered?


    "Well you look terrible right now hungry even. Nobody would be sane if they were hungry. Me too myself even. I can get you some food if you like? Some very warm food just to tone done all of that eh¡­ ''Negative Energy'' you are having." Samantha said.


    Aliathra nodded ''yes''.


    "May I have a glass of 2 glasses of Hot Chocolate and 2 Grilled Chesses?" Samantha requested out loud. She didn''t want to face the one-way mirror where the Captain, Diaz and Obediah were observing the interrogation from less the Elf is alerted that the seemingly out of place large mirror is in fact hiding a trio of observers.


    A few minutes passed until one of the sailors walked inside the room and served their freshly made meals. The Hot Chocolate had steam smoking out of its rich and creamy body whilst the Grilled Cheese had both the subtle aroma of the cheese and the burnt ashes of freshly pressed toast. They each had one of the two requested items. Samantha took a bite out of her sandwich, sipped her drink and maintaining a smile throughout her snacking.


    "You know, whenever I feel anxious over something I always would go for a sandwich and drink like good old Grilled Cheese and Hot Choco." Samantha began to converse. "Which reminds me Miss Elf¡­ may I get to know your name? It''s awfully rude for me to just call you ''Elf''. You have a name, do you?" Samantha broke the ice by a simple question. The REAL questions will have to wait.


    "Aliathra." She answered. The Lie Detector showed no signs of any abnormal activity in her readings which mean she is telling the truth that it is indeed her name. Taking the signal from both the friendly demeanor of the Red Headed Lieutenant and her own instincts, Aliathra took a bite of her food and drink. She gave an evanescent smile after tasting the warm meal on her tongue. It was a small glimmer of progress for now. Samantha must press forward.


    Hoping to gain more ground in winning the Elf''s trust. Samantha pushed away the table gently that had separated her and the Elf between a grey cold space. She needed to connect not only emotionally to her quarry but also physically.


    "A-Lee-Ya-Fra¡­ That''s a beautiful sounding name." Samantha smiled. She slides off her chair closer to the Elf maintaining her eye contact and warming smile.


    "It means ''Truthful Light'' in Elven." She began to get out of her shell.


    "That''s sounds very nice to hear. Tell me¡­ since your name sounds rather¡­ scholarly. What do you think about this ship you are in?" Samantha challenged her.


    "Well its like a boat made completely of metal. It could also fly into this¡­ Black Space I saw." Aliathra answered hazily. Her Emotional Dam still holding firm what ever secret she has locked up inside her barely holding mind.


    "That''s because we are in the void of Outer Space. By my calculations we are about several light years away now from Gliesia." Samantha said.


    "I am how far!?!?" Aliathra jumped from her seat spilling her hot chocolate on her robes.


    "Oh no!" the Elf began to cry.


    "Don''t worry, let me clean that up for you." Samantha offered her a towel she kept on her pocket.


    She proceeded to wipe off any of the excess spilt liquids from the Elf''s roguish garments but the brown stains stick stubbornly at the cloth ruining its aesthetic value. Samantha had to admit, she only seen those types of Clothes before in those Medieval Fairs and Comic Book Conventions during her more innocent days as an adolescent youth.


    "You must be scared of your first time on a Spaceship. A lot of my people have that experience before." Samantha consoled her. "Look at me. Take a deep breath and count one to ten slowly then imagine a drawing the number eight slowly. That always helps getting rid of your nervousness." She instructed.


    Aliathra closed her eyes and inhaled. She counted to each number from one to ten for every time she can finish mentally visualizing the number ''8'' being slowly drawn. She opened her eyes and realized that her initial shock has initially died down to marginal deductions.


    "You will get used to it Aliathra. It takes some time." She congratulated her.


    "T-thank you¡­ uh¡­ uh¡­" the Elf tried to give her gratitude to the stranger but she wasn''t able to give her name.


    "Samantha. You can call me Samantha or just Sam." She said.


    "Thank you, Samantha. I feel better now¡­ a bit¡­ but better." Aliathra said the Lieutenant''s name.


    "You know, your lucky we found you today than later. You looked like you haven''t eaten anything for the past five days." Samantha said.


    "I have been in the Demon World for only ¡­Five Days?" Aliathra asked. He faced painted with astonishment.


    "Demon World?" Samantha asked. An equal amount of surprise was also plastered in her emotions alongside the agape expressions of the Captain, Diaz and Obediah from behind the one-way mirror.


    Did the Gliesians think that the UFE are Demons? How? Was it because of their incessant usage of metal which the Natives often associated the substance with an infamous Villain figure from their legend? Samantha could have sworn that when the Sailors apprehended Aliathra, she could have heard her say the word ''Alboen'', they said ''Steel Butcher'' who according to the legends was either someone who sold his soul to Demons or is a Demon himself.


    "You must be mistaken. I am¡­ we are not Demons." Samantha explained.


    "But all of those metals¡­ your monsters¡­ your magic¡­ they¡­ I ¡­ it defies all logic." Aliathra questioned.


    "Well anything that''s sufficiently advanced enough can be mistaken for Magic I can tell you that. Are you scared?" Samantha asked.


    The Elf nodded quietly ''Yes'', her face betrayed a sense of anxiousness that grew within her. She shivered and covered her knife tipped ears in fear of hearing the faint roar of the Spaceship''s engine like a child who cowers under his bed when lightning strikes.


    By empathizing with her, Samantha couldn''t help but conclude that her seeing the UFE and all of their machines and equipment is akin to a child fearing rush and rumbling sounds of loud and giant equipment that with their scary shapes tore through the ground molding it into what they see fit.


    "I can understand you. I was scared of them too once. Those ''beasts'' or Machines we call them can look scary. Back when I was a child I would always hide under the table when they did their work. I would cry, scream among other things whenever I hear them." Samantha reminiscence her childhood.


    "You say it like it no longer scares you anymore. How did you conquer that fear?" Aliathra asked.


    "My father would gently pick me up from the table and held onto me tight while I cried. I would ask him ''Dad! Why do they destroy the dirt and make those noises?''. He answers to me ''You see my little red riding hood, they do that because they want to build something in its place. A house cannot stand without its foundation. The bigger the whole noise they make the bigger the house it will be.'' He explained to me. In short, the more machines that do more of their job the bigger the place they can build it from." Samantha explained. A soft smile was made from the memory of her late father.


    "What do you build? I have never seen nor heard of such architecture in all of Gliesia." Aliathra pressed. Her frightened demeanor lessened as she relaxed her posture, replacing her fear with curiosity.


    "Many things that help us expand. Homes for people to live in, Farms to make our food, Schools for learning¡­ we are all just like you but better." Samantha answered.


    "But Demons¡­ cannot create, just¡­ destroy." Aliathra whimpered in befuddlement.


    "Do you really think we are Demons? Why is that?"


    "The Fallen Meteor¡­ the Eye¡­ it was just like what the Visions say. You even fit the legends, beings of Metallic Skin. We have to stop you from destroying us by destroying you." Aliathra explained.


    "Eye? Fallen Meteor? What are you talking about? What do you mean by ''We''? Is there more of you?" Samantha zealously asked the Elf to explain her cryptic statement.


    But the Elf sunk her head down in shame over the sudden sitting there silently¡­ to scared to give up whoever her compatriots and masters were. Samantha knew that if she can crack who Aliathra answers to, she can strike a bargain with her in return for not being dragged away by the draconian Bureau of Intelligence.


    "Hey Elfie¡­ Aliathra look at me." Rose picked up her right hand and held it firmly with both of her hands. Their lithe feminine limbs connected with each other as Aliathra, astonished by Samantha''s desire to connect empathetically with cause her to rise her head back up and looked at the red head with her own Ocean Blue eyes. If Rose''s body clock can sense the time, Samantha knew that her limited time to get a confession was about from the Elven Intruder is almost up.


    "There are people outside this room who will take you away and do horrible things to you if you don''t cooperate." Samantha informed her.


    "Then you are indeed Demons! I was almost about to be wrong about you. I thought you and Diaz were different." Aliathra scowled.


    "But I can help you. Don''t you want to see your home again? I am the only one who stands between you and a one-way ticket to Guantanamo Prison. And believe me, your too soft for Gitmo. If you tell me right now I can assure you that you will have safe passage back to Gliesia." Samantha answered.


    But Aliathra continued to scowl silently at the betrayal of Samantha''s Hospitality and Compassion. She couldn''t believe that all of those small talk and casual chatting was just a way to degrade her resolve in order for the Metal Demon UFE''s to siphon valuable information from her wayward mouth and na?ve mind.


    Then suddenly the door of the Interrogation room opened. It was the ship captain followed by two of his sailors that entered the room.


    "Times up! Take her away." He coldly ordered his men.


    The two sailors with there burly arms grabbed both of Aliathra''s arms and lifted her up from her chair, spilling her half-consumed chocolate and sandwich as the Elf kicked and scream.


    "No wait! I am so close!" Samantha protested.


    "Too late Lieutenant. Men! Take her away!" the Captain shot her down.


    Despair and hopelessness filled Aliathra as she struggled in vain to break free of her bonds. The sailors dragged her away from Samantha as they closed into the exit where her doom will be. As she was being carried away she looked at Rose again, to her bewilderment she saw a genuine sadness in her face as if she had failed her somehow. Her sullen eyes and a single tear escaping that trickled down her cheeks convinced the Elf that perhaps there was truth in what the red-haired Lieutenant said.


    She advocated for their destruction yet all the times she has met the UFE, they showed nothing but kindness and even bravery. The time Diaz and Obediah saved her from the Seadevils was a selfless display of their willingness to protect strangers coupled by Obediah''s Hospitality, Dr. Hana''s Kindness and Samantha''s Empathy for her was the exact opposite of what Demons would do.


    In a slowly emergent moment of clarity, Aliathra remembers how concerned her parents were regarding the Humans and their vaguely prophetic visions of a coming ''End Days'' where all of Gliesian Civilization would end by the hands of Outsiders. Was Grandmaster Owyne wrong about his prophecies? Aliathra reflected on the technological advancements they have and although the Tall Buildings of glass and steel were alien and not to her aesthetic affinity, she does appreciate how they can construct such large buildings in such a short period of time which was impressive to her standards, and it''s hard to impress an Elf due to their well-established notions of technological and cultural superiority. Being on top of the food chain however can be boring and even stagnating.


    The last great scientific breakthrough was through the discovery of mysterious Pre Cursor Ruins in the Southern Deserts of Ysanigrad which was sponsored by Ethuilen Archivists and Loremasters. Other than that, the constant warring amongst the peoples of her world compared to the relatively peaceful coexistence that the UFE Enjoy amongst themselves and the Tyr Rian populace which have begun grassroot projects to uplift them from their medieval stasis was an idea long thought impossible¡­


    ''Progress.''


    ''All this time, I thought they were here for our destruction¡­ maybe¡­ just maybe¡­ are we the Demons?''


    "Wait!" she screamed right before she was about to exit the door.


    The Captain halted his men giving the Elf her moment. She had nothing more to lose from then on, but yet, there was a faint hope that grew inside her that maybe, just maybe these ''Demons'' are in fact ''Angels'' in some sort of twistedly humorous reinterpretation of the Comet''s Prophecies.


    "I¡­its¡­ it was Emperor Uldin¡­ Slaegia." She answered.


    Aliathra began to explain all the lingering questions that she was thrown at by Samantha. She told them how she was assigned by her people to assist the dominant Human civilization, the Slaegians in investigating the Geltagar''s Comet''s Omens (while omitting any fact that she is in fact the Crown Princess of the arcane bloodline of the Lareththor''s ). She also informed them of the time they blinded ''the Eye'' from seeing life on the planet.


    "That must explain the missing probe!" Samantha exclaimed.


    "Probe?" Aliathra asked.


    "Like what you said, it''s like a scout of sorts. An ''Eye'' you keep insisting." The Lieutenant explained.


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    "And we were scouting out the ground that will be the location for the New Albany Colony." The Captain added.


    "Then by your own logic, we didn''t stop you from coming to Gliesia, we emboldened you!" the Elf realized. She cupped her cheeks and began to shed soft tears of lamentation. Weeping for the bleak future of her world.


    "Don''t be too hard on yourself Aliathra. You just had no idea." Samantha reassured her.


    "It''s just so satirical for me! An Elf of Alf-El Nora to be actually found in a state of callowness. We are supposed to be the greatest Keepers of Knowledge in the entire world!" she complained.


    "From where we come from. That''s a damn lie. You will always learn something new every day." Samantha crossed her arms.


    "Well everybody from the Humans, the Dwarves, the Elves, the Orcs, the Dhampiri and even the Beast Folks are going to learn about you in the most blood spilling-inducing way possible." Aliathra warned. Her tone had an air of accusatory branding.


    "Blood-spilling? We would never deliberately try to attack you unprovoked." Samantha defended her nation sternly with her feet put forward in the ground.


    "I am not saying your people are psychopathic murderers if it''s the Slaegians who are going to Crusade down to Tyr Rian in their desperate bid to stop the Apocalypse." Aliathra forenamed the big military plan the Empire is secretly concocting.


    "Crusade? What Crusade?" Samantha''s eyes widened.


    "They are convinced you are the ''Metal Demons'' of Alboen coming back to devour the world in Steel and Fire. They also think that Prince Clovich and the rest of his Principality have fallen into ''Corruption'' by your hands." The Elf explained.


    "My God if this is true¡­ then I need to call some people quick! Captain, patch me to Inspector Leon Reid." Samantha requested.


    "On it." The Captain ran out.


    ---------------------(Meanwhile back at New Albany Sherriff''s Office) ---------------------


    "I will see to it." Inspector Leon Reid nodded before disconnecting his Video Conference Screen.


    The Inspector absorbed the sent off Lieutenant''s latest findings which is the reason the Slaegians attacked them was that they somewhat mistaken the UFE Colony''s Landing and foundation of New Albany to be the return of the ''Demons'' that had once terrorized the planet hundreds of years ago. At first such a ridiculous statement would have been brushed off as deranged ramblings¡­ but ever since the existence of Fantastical Creatures existing in Benham-3/Gliesia, such Fantasies might have to be considered as realities.


    He walked out of the Communication''s Room with the biggest yet most outlandish possible lead in this most convoluted case he has ever undertaken in his career as an Inquisitor of the Law.


    An ex-Sherriff of a small colony town in one of the more under developed planets of the UFE Space, the Inspector throughout his 33-year long career was more used to the petty crime and civil squabbles your average backwater settlement would entail. He had never expected that instead of the usual desk jockeying and the typical petty crim case would be paranoid citizen living in fear of the new world the Colony has faced. There were many notable individuals who expressed concern over the fact instead of the expansive empty land that the UNOOSA claimed that Benham-3 entailed were now forced to co-exist with the natives who out of their own justified disbelief are straight out of Fantastical Pop Culture. The news of Magic (which the phenomena has been looking for a rational scientific explanation underway by Doctor Mahelona) existing has caused the ugly little monster known as ''Xenophobia'' to take root among several residents such in the case of several businesses to refuse service to the Gliesians unless proven otherwise that they are not having any ''undesirable affinities''. The Inspector couldn''t blame them for it, people will always fear what they could not understand.


    Turning away from the Communications room, the Inspector quickly went back to his current work, interrogating the survivors of the ill-fated Slaegian attack on the Eastern Plans excavation. Now turned prisoners of war, Reid HAD a sizeable pool of interviewees to interrogate. Keyword ''HAD'', the Prisoners have barely refused to eat nor drink anything for the past week and some have already died due to malnutrition. They have kept stalwart in only responding with their full names, military rank and no more but the former mentioned.


    But now armed with Samantha''s ''Demon Invasion'' theory, the Inspector will try a new strategy.


    Inside the storage room of the Sheriff''s Department are the decorations for the various seasonal Earth Holidays that the Office would pain their workspace in the mood for. There were decorations for Christmas, New Year''s, Valentine''s, Labor Day, Foundation Day and most important of them all for Reid''s unconventional interrogation strategy, Halloween Decorations. Scavenging through the dusty boxes, he looked for the one box that indicated its purpose for Halloween D¨¦cor until he hit the jackpot. He brought it out of the shadow if the shelf and lifted the flaps and began to unpack its contents.


    "Where is it¡­ Where¡­ a ha!"


    The Inspector pulled out the one item that could help him confirm Samantha''s theory on the possible motive of the attack on the UFE that fateful day.


    An adequately-made silicone Devil mask. It''s crimson skin alongside its monstrous fangs and ebony finishing would make a perfect Demon disguise. He will take advantage of the Gliesian''s superstitions if he has to get what he needs.


    He tied around the crude plastic fasteners on his head and walked out of the storage room. After ignoring the perplexed gazes of his peers, he made his way to the Interrogation room where his latest attempt on extracting information from was held.


    A Vobrirne Bruncay, a regular foot soldier of the 8th Eastern Legion based in Tyr Rian who had the unfortunate fate of being capture by the UFE and taken with his fellow surviving comrades blindfolded to the Holding Cells deep underground of the Sheriff''s Department. Throughout their imprisonment they were quiet and selfishly neglected virtually all food passed to them that the rotten stench of expired nourishment could be scented inside their dark dingy cell.


    Vobrirne, arms bound on the arm rests of his chair sat quietly inside the single lit Interrogation Room. His head was lowered down and his eyes closed as the keenest observes can examine that his mouth was murmuring an unintelligible tongue like if he is praying to whatever heathen god/s he worships.


    In his own bubble of comprehension, it seems like the Slaegian was dragged to the darkest pit of Hell where the punishment is the silent and eternal separation from any form of graceful salvation from his god/s.


    Reid, wanting to exploit playing into the Gliesian''s superstitions began to beat with palm of his hands the steel door of the cell. In the rhythm of menacing ambient rhythm, the poor prisoner was broken out of his placid state as he was alarmed by the dreadful beats. Vobrirne''s eyes began to express panic as he sweated bullets down his malnourished and pale face.


    Gently pushing the door open, Reid, under the cover of the dim shadows that the lights couldn''t reach began to, in a rather amateurish display, careened intimidatingly towards the prisoner with explosive steps and misshapen positionings of his body. It worked like a charm as his target was now trembling in fear.


    "Why hello there¡­ Vobrirne¡­" Reid provocatively introduced his bedeviling persona. He stepped into the ceiling light with the Halloween Mask on his face.


    "No! No! No! You are him, aren''t you?!?! Nenya protect me!" the prisoner cried.


    Reid faked a sinister laugh, mocking the man for crying out to his deaf deity.


    "Oh Human¡­ Humie, Humie, Human¡­ she cannot hear you¡­" Reid leaned on Vobrirnes ears and whispered with graceful manipulation of the prisoners degrading mental defences.


    "I know your name demon! Stand back and face the Holy Ones wrath." He pulled out a last ditched effort to protect his still untainted mind. His heart began to race yet his posture betrayed fear as he shivered upon Reid''s clever disguise.


    By the Inspector''s intuition, if knowing the name of the Demon is such an important thing to know when facing them, then perhaps such in the similar vein of Horror Movies whose themes


    "You claim to know me yet do not bother to say my name. Even in Hell this is rude." The inspector refuted. Although he doesn''t know the demon who he is impersonating''s name, it would help if he gets to know who he is impersonating just for the sake of knowledge of it or its just his own intrusive curiosity of the culture of the Gliesians that teased the inner Fantasy Nerd within the Inspector.


    "I might as well devour you whole!" Reid curled his arms to shape them into claws to shock his mark into thinking he is about to eat him.


    "Stand back Orchedran, Horned Defiler of Souls!" Vobrirne yelled.


    "Ah! You¡­ You¡­ You¡­" Reid recoiled backwards feigning injury by placing his hands on his breasts as if he were suffering a critical Heart Attack. Yet the prisoner continued to be fooled, he heartened himself thinking that he could overcome this trial of faith.


    "You¡­ are such a pathetic fool!" he turned back up from his wounded gazelle gambit and diabolically moved up close to Vobrirne, dropping his hands on the Arms rest and his masked face just a mere inch away from the prisoner. The Slaegian''s heart plummeted to dangerous levels as all of his hopes were dashed by his insidious interrogator.


    "All hope is lost for my soul¡­ but not for the nation¡­" he sunk his head down¡­ his body slowly shutting down by the extraneous pressure that the Inspector pushed him to.


    It was the emotional opening that the Inspector needed to breakthrough. Reid has to capitalize this opportunity now before it slips from his fingers. A grossly malnourished man when put under heavy exertions of stressful activity¡­ like mentally offensive torture could spell potentially fatal results.


    "You sound like you still cling to a few scraps of Hope¡­ the quintessential Human Delusion. Already that emotion is overwhelming your logic and reason." Reid grinned.


    "When Slaegia and all the Forces of Order descend upon you from the Cambervale Valley to the west¡­ we will Purify Slaegia of your retched filth mark my words." Vobrirne swore.


    "Again, you demonstrated both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness. Hope, which is blinding you from the simple truth. They will be crushed and there IS NOTHING that anyone can do to stop it."


    Oh, how the Inspector loves to quote the Matrix. The Architect was just one of the most compelling one scene wonders in film that Reid had savored through the Classical movie archives online.


    "You are wrong Demon. We have studied your kind before and we have been exceedingly well in banishing you to whence you came Hell Spawn. I may perish here in this Abyss¡­ but my faith is resolute. My brothers will descend down from the valley to surround you, then their Blessed Arms will come for you and we will beat back the darkness and cancel the End Times! We protect the burning light of Civilization that had brought order from this pandemonium that Mother Nenya in all of her love created¡­ it is finished¡­" the man collapsed as he faded into an anorexic collapse.


    Reid quietly walked out of the single lit room with his mission accomplished whilst an emergency paramedic rushed to the aid of the dying Legionnaire.


    "You know, you''re lucky that the Gliesians aren''t part of the Geneva Convention Inspector." Colonel Polonsky said. He awaited alongside with his colleague Major Holyfield outside of the door the Inspector exited from.


    "But now this case is moving much faster now. I commend for your rather¡­ unconventional method of questioning. Tell me, what did Prisoner #785AWN said again about seeing us as ''Demons''." Holyfield commented on Reid''s mask.


    Taking off the Halloween Mask, Reid inhaled as he readied himself to speak his findings.


    "From what I have gathered, these Slaegians have prophesized some sort of future where bring out some sort of Apocalypse upon them. They see us as these ''Demons'' coming to destroy their civilization in ''Fire and Steel'' kind of talk. They also have taken our probe that we had sent during the scouting stage of the Colonization effort and fooled with some sort of Illusion spell to think that Gliesia is empty of any souls to eat." Reid reported with Lieutenant Roses findings.


    "I got the news from Stryder Group. She didn''t explain though how she got the information but judging from what I heard with the Prisoner, the Theory might actually be on point." Polonsky nodded.


    "I can agree to that." Holyfield added.


    "Yes, talk about such a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy you know. If they hadn''t tried to blind side the Probe we wouldn''t have been here like this." Reid said.


    "Indeed. But now to more pressing concerns. That Prisoner said that the Slaegian Army is gathering in some sort of place called the Cambervale Valley and unfortunately we do not know where that place is." Polonsky regrettably answered.


    "Maybe there''s some people back in Tyr Rian that knows where it is." Polonsky said.


    "Then I will leave for the city at once." Reid saluted the two commanders before turning tail and heading off to his car.


    "Wait before you go¡­ can you stop by and check on Father Bishop?" Holyfield asked of the Inspector.


    "Why? He is there?"


    "On a ''Hearts and Minds'' in Tyr Rian. I heard he''s been teaching basic education to people about us and our knowledge but some of the local powers down there see him as¡­ ''Radical''. ONOOSA is growing concerned for his safety." Holyfield answered. "He should be in somewhere inside that Dwarf Lutheor Mirrien''s Trading Company HQ." the Major directed.


    "I''ll stop by." Reid acknowledged.


    "Godspeed to you." Polonsky waved the Inspector off.


    The two commanders turned around and walked together back to their Command Center. But on the way, Major Holyfield whispered to Colonel Polonsky.


    "I want to understand from you Militia Man, did you understand clearly what that prisoner said?"


    "War is most likely inevitable with these Slaegians at this rate. What do we do?" Polonsky asked.


    "Two things, we Organize and Dig in." he sternly advised. Both the commanders gulped apprehensively at the mere thought of a war with a Medieval Empire.


    Although the UFE has the Technological and in some way a Homefield Advantage, what the Slaegians make up for their lack of guns is there potentially massive manpower pool that they can tap into. And that''s not accounting the unknown factors of Magic which is still being carefully studied by the Science Team asymmetrically speaking to the Gliesians much more studied research on the Unbinillium Mana Crystals and their arcane powers.


    ---------------(About a few days later at the Orbit of the Industrial Planet Kesserheim)------


    Aliathra stared in awe at the brightly lit surface of the dark side of the planet Kesserheim. The surface was brightly lit with thousands of dots of lights that come from the sprawling Megapolises that dotted the planet. After changing her stained Elven Ranger clothes with a more down to earth casual shirt.


    She sweated slightly nervously as she could feel the gravity of the ship shift downwards as it makes it descent to the planet.


    "Don''t worry Pointy Ears your going to love it here once you get off of the ship." Diaz walked in next to her.


    He was smiling like an excited child whilst his Cybernetic arms twinkled with delight. In an unusual way. Aliathra found the metallic fingers, who in such life like imitations to the real living tissue ones to be delightful like seeing new born pups making their first steps into their new lives.


    "Your very ecstatic to be here. Why is that?" Aliathra asked.


    "I¡­ used to live here." Vincent replied.


    "Really? Tell me what is the place like? How long will we be here?" the Elf asked.


    "About 7 days." Diaz answered. "Will you be staying in ship or are you going to go with Samantha?"


    "I rather actually see this than stay in the ship. But why can''t I come with you?" the elf asked, perplexed by Diaz evasive grammar.


    "I got some business to attend to for Sammy. I can''t let you come. But it will only take a while. If you like after I am done I can take you around with Kayin and Iris."


    "With the Vampire? Can you trust her?"


    "With our lives." He leaned over the Elf''s shoulder sternly. "But then again, after all of this work we gotta do we can play around for a while. I can show you the Shopping Streets, the fine restaurants and to end it all, a visit to Cabihan Gardens to stop and see the flowers. Your gonna love it there believe me." Diaz smiled.


    "Are you¡­ courting me?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yeah¡­ somewhere in between a yes and a no. I just really love to be in the company of beautiful women such as you." Diaz flirted.


    "Well I am flattered to join you later on your expedition. Good luck with that business you have to do."


    The landing was smooth and methodical as the Captain of the Manila safely landed the Logistical Ship at one of Kesserheim''s Starports, one designated for Military Vessels. Samantha had to steward their ''Official'' Gliesian guests when they grew concerned over their first-time flying concerns. The Lieutenant expertly expounded their guests about how their ''Meta Boats'' worked with Antimatter Engines which can propulse their ships at great distances in such a short amount of time. Princess Aria and her entourage were shocked to hear that in terms of distance using the approximate sizing measures of Gliesia, they are about several trillion Benham-3''s away from home. She had to console the young girl on being such an exponential distance away from her brother and country.


    "Remember, you are on a mission princess. To prove to your brother as an act of Goodwill that we the United Federation of Earth are your friends. Don''t you want to see your brother Happy when you can finally walk? Us being friends we can perform wonders together almost like miracles." Samantha said.


    The princess wiped away her tears softly as she rose up from her knelt position.


    "You are right¡­ I have¡­ gone too far to give up now." Aria courageously said.


    "Indeed, we all are Milady." Samantha bowed down to the royal.


    "You would make an excellent Courtier in another life." The Princess smiled. "Where did you learn such manners?" she asked.


    "From some experts on Royals like Tolkien, George R.R. Martin and C.S. Lewis to name a few." Samantha answered.


    "Well I hope these Manners Experts come to Gliesia one day and teach the Peasant folks how to be decent with one another." She eagerly requested.


    "Yeah¡­ I''ll see what I can do about that. No guarantees that the UFE can bend over for you¡­ THAT far." Samantha chuckled at Aria''s ignorance.


    "We should wait here for our Bus to arrive. It will take us to the Orchard District where the people who will make Princess Aria walk again live and work in." Samantha told the Gliesians who were all eager to venture forth in one of the UFE''s most economically important planets in their empire.


    They oozed with anticipation after learning of the fantastical technologies and ''Magic'' that the UFE are capable of harnessing with ease. For people born from a Medieval Castle town where water, food and other basic necessities are enslaved to the whims of nature and human hubris, it was like they just entered to the Gates of Heaven itself.


    But that can''t be the same said for Diaz, Kayin and Iris who were just told that Starport Luggage handlers couldn''t find their belongings in the ship''s containers.


    Although not initially understanding the distress, Aliathra approached the Cybernetic Filipino. She didn''t any money, or other valuables due to them being confiscated and she would only get them back when she returns home to Gliesia.


    "What''s wrong?" Aliathra approached Vincent.


    "My stuff¡­ my stuff¡­" Diaz murmured.


    "Don''t forget ours too." Kayin and Iris said.


    "My God if its somewhere else but here then its going to be like finding a Hay in a Needle Stack!" Diaz exclaimed.


    "That''s sounds painful to just dive into a Needle Stack. But I would actually love to see you bleed a bit for some of that blood of yours." Iris snarked.


    "No, he didn''t mean that literally Snow. It''s metaphor." Kayin said. He invented the nickname for Iris due to his trouble pronouncing her Codename ''Sacagawea''.


    "He won''t dive in? Shame I actually wanted to have a taste of him." Iris sulked.


    "What is a Me-ta-fore?" Aliathra asked.


    "It''s like a figure of speech. An analogy to describe something but not in a literal sense. When I said finding a Hay in Needle Stack, I was describing the painful search of looking for my belongings in a pile of other people''s bags. I mean there''s millions of them!" Diaz exclaimed.


    "Oh, I see¡­ like those Bards would sometimes say. I remembered this one time the Bard''s who would sing back at my Father''s home during parties. They would sing to the maidens on ''how the doors to their souls is a great poem of radiance''." She poetically recited.


    "That''s a good one." Kayin smiled. "I got another¡­ this one is coming from my mother¡­ Iris be ready to listen to this. ''You learn more when you lose then when you win.''." he said.


    "What do you mean by that one?" Iris asked.


    "Well if I hadn''t beaten you in that fight we had when we first met you wouldn''t have known about us and now look at you! From a Reclusive Witch to one of the most important Experts on Gliesia." He said.


    "And also, I would have never met you¡­" Kayin gently brushed some ill positioned hair from Iris that had fallen down her forehead.


    The Vampire could feel butterflies in her stomach as the Nigerian Engineer curled his hand around her gently. The man, her ''Nightman'' had been pushing to be nice around her and whenever she had a question about the UFE''s Technology and superior Knowledgeable awareness of the many mysteries of how the world works by carefully explaining all the details in a natural and almost childlike use of grammar during his tutoring. unlike those scholars who lock themselves in their opulent academies where they speak in tongues alien to the common words everyday people would use. She had loved every moment of being with Kayin whether it''s through his unofficial tutoring sessions and more personal casual conversations. The Vampire couldn''t believe now that she is actually developing more¡­ intimate feelings for ''the Nightman''.


    "Excuse me¡­ Diaz¡­ Vincente Diaz?" a sharply dressed man approached the four. He was accompanied by half a dozen or more men behind him in similar clothing. Yet their Elegant Clothes that could give an image of professionalism was betrayed by their gun holsters that the men sported openly on their torsos ranging from Shotguns, Rifles and Pistols. Their faces were uncannily sober with their eyes pointing to Diaz, Aliathra, Kayin and Iris with dagger like malice.


    At a glance, it was a menacing scene of intimidation. They were all unarmed and out of money to pay off these thugs away.


    Elf shook in fear at the sight of these men, afraid they might hurt her in her Mana-Deprived state which she has noticed within herself sometime after being stowed away inside the Spaceship earlier. Her spells began to fizzle out or ''Miscasted'' due to not enough Mana she could siphon off. They could easily have their way with her if they forced themselves upon them with their guns and brutish Mechanically augmented body parts.


    "I am scared¡­" the Aliathra shivered.


    "Stay behind me and don''t say anything." Diaz whispered to her as she shielded herself behind Diaz''s body.


    "Who are they?" Kayin asked.


    "We are Aparo Corp. Madame." The mysterious man unsheathed his pistol and cocked it to be ready to fire at a squeeze of the trigger.

 17 Chapter 17: Of Megacorps, Modernity and Life

    "Hello again Diaz." A man pointing a .45 Pistol in Diaz, Aliathra, Kayin and Iris'' general direction affably greeted.


    It didn''t also help the fact that several of his associates also aimed, yet discreetly to not avoid a scene in the public Starport Terminal, their weapons to multiply the amount of force they can apply on them.


    If Diaz could remember his old boss'' M.O. when it comes diplomacy:


    ''Speak softly and carry a big or a lot of sticks.''.


    Aliathra hid behind Kayin and Iris fearing the worst after her harrowing time being stowed away in nearly driven mad with the isolation and all of the ''Demonic Corruption'' dismissed as severe case of ''Hysteria plus Clarke''s Third Law'' according to Lieutenant Rose. Kayin shielded the blonde-haired elf as he stoically stared down on their hostile welcoming party. Even Iris took up a faint combative stance, ready to unleash all sorts of magical missiles at them if they dare twitch their trigger fingers.


    "Well if ain''t ''Dare Runner''. How''s your little exile going on?" the lead gun man asked Diaz.


    He was a stout man in an intricately designed polo shirt that was completely unbuttoned to expose his sleeveless undershirt beneath it. His hair was slicked backwards creating a low dropping fade lined up to create a shiny top for the semi-well-dressed man.


    "All sorts of crazy shit, some usual some you won''t believe." Diaz answered.


    "You know we have all been in this business for years Vinny. Try us." He challenged his disbelief.


    "Well there I was in shitty Prison Garments and all of a fucking second there''s some crazy Harry Potter shit flying around me. Then I got conscripted, saw some more crazy Harry Potter shit and¡­" Diaz tried to explain briefly the events that transpired before his arrival until the soft click of a cocked pistol alerted his ears.


    Now he is staring down the dark empty barrel of a .45 ACP pistol.


    "You expect me to think after all this time since you left which is, I don''t know¡­ 3 Months, you come back here and save the day?" he told threatened him.


    "Whoa, what the hell happened when I was gone?" Diaz defused the slowly escalating tensions.


    "Ever since you got booked the other gangs and Corpos been trying to muscle in now that one of Aparo''s best men just got out of the equation." One of the triggermen said.


    "Damn¡­ 3 Months and all already the competition is stepping up? Was I really that important?" Diaz asked again the lead triggerman.


    "Pretty much. But that''s besides the point boy." He said before slowly asserting himself forward and pushing his pistol closer to Diaz''s forehead.


    For the Kayin, Iris and Aliathra, the situation couldn''t get any worst, their sweat began to trickle down their foreheads as the two female magic users in instinctual self-preservation conjured their magic gradually ready to reign fire down on the triggermen. But Diaz smiled comfortingly to them in contrast


    "Would you dare say that when I am holding this?" Vincent said as he held up a white colored smartphone from his hand.


    Kayin observed keenly that the device is not Diaz''s own Smart Phone.


    The Leader''s eyes widened with alarmed as he quickly checked his pockets until he reached out an revealed to his hands to everyone''s horror¡­ a grenade with the pin removed.


    "Shit!" the man reactively yelled as he threw the grenade away from them. In a panic motion, everyone quickly ducked in cover as they covered their ears for the grenade to explode. Except for Diaz who was standing confidently at the same position with a prideful grin painted on his lips.


    "Relax Bobby, that''s a dud. A training grenade." Dias defused. "Besides, I needed to get back on your fat Italian on that Tic Tac Prank you did to me." he scolded.


    "But that was three years ago! You still never forgave me for that April Fool''s prank I did?" ''Bobby'' question back.


    "Relax, no one is supposed to get hurt today. I know the Master wants to see Iris and the crystal on my little bag righty here." Diaz waved around the briefcase containing the Unbinillium sample.


    "You know could have done anything but make me play hot potato with¡­ that''s a Gen.5 Mili-Tech Frag I see¡­ or a Model at least." Bobby said wistfully, as if disappointed.


    "Hey, Bobby, Bobby, Bobby¡­ Don''t worry about that¡­ that one maybe a dud, but these¡­" Diaz unzipped his jacket to reveal a whole cluster of Mili-Tech Gen. 5 Fragmentation Grenades.


    "¡­these aren''t." Diaz smiled.


    "Hahaha! Classic Dare Runner! You didn''t change one bit." One of the trigger men laughed.


    "Holy Shit! Do you know how much the boss has been pestering everyone to get their hands on those shits? They''ve been stepping up in the security lately and we thought it was too late to grab''em when they were being shipped out for deployment to the Military." Bobby said in astonishment.


    "How did you managed to get them from the Armory?" Kayin asked frustratingly.


    Earlier during the trip, Kayin helped the Sailors inside the ship secure a batch of next generation Military Gear from the Mili-Tech Corporation


    "Oh, that''s actually very interesting story to say. But a good magician never reveals his secrets. But since I am your friend I might as well tell you a bit of how I did it. Pornhub, a Glass of Lemonade and a smashed bottlecap. I have seen Sikh Grocery Stores with better security than that Armory." Diaz explained with a hint of sarcasm as he passed over the bleeding edge weapons technology to Bobby before cordially slamming his hand behind Bobby''s back and shoulder in a display of fraternity.


    "This Fatty right here is Robert or Bobby to his close friends, ''Chef'' Bianchin." Diaz introduced his colleague to his companions.


    "Ah¡­ pleasure to meet you mister¡­ Bee-yan-kin." Aliathra mustered the courage to emerge from Kayin''s back and shook the hands of the stout man with gentle grace.


    "It is a pleasure to meet you Iris." Robert said.


    "But I am Iris." Iris interjected.


    "What? You''re the Witch girl the reports have been saying?" Robert exclaimed.


    "Yeah the black haired one is Iris and this is¡­ uhm¡­ Aliathra. An Elf girl that we¡­ eh¡­ brought along¡­" Diaz explained sheepishly.


    "I was only told that a Magical Lady from that Benham-3 Planet is coming here to meet the Boss. Damn, that leak must have been way off." Robert said.


    "Leak? What leak?" Diaz asked.


    "Keep this between us. Some Hackers managed to breach through the UFE Military Comms and got some word around about an ''Iris'' coming here to meet with Boss Aparo and that you, Diaz is coming. All the gangs and Corpos paid a fortune to get what data they managed to decrypt. But the Net Runners only managed to get only fraction of the whole email out." Robert whispered to him.


    "Damnit, Well I am only going to be here for awhile though. Let''s get it over with." Diaz replied.


    "Wonderful! Please everyone, come in here to this Limousine." Robert waved his hands backwards to point to the elongated vehicle.


    The other men, now relieved of any form of worry, retreated back to a small escort flotilla of Luxury SUV''s behind the Limousine and revived the roar of their engines. The sudden sound of such a mechanical beast reminded Aliathra of the roars of Manticores and other similar perilous beasts that roam the wilderness of Gliesia.


    "What a long carriage." Aliathra commented.


    "Well you will love the inside of it too my lady." Robert smiled.


    "Oh, you are too kind." The Elf politely blushed.


    The four entered the Limo and comfortably sat down on the luxury leather seats that the vehicle had implanted on its passenger compartment. The Limousine Interior was in a powerful coat of black, there was a small refrigerator that stored drinks alongside glasses meant for a variety of alcoholic drinks ranging from Beer Mugs, Wine Glasses and Shots. Alongside that is a 24 Inch Plasma TV that can display in 4K graphical settings on all TV Channels under the UFE Sun complete with a Theater Style sound system.


    "Driver¡­ take us home." Robert ordered pulled down the Driver''s compartment window.


    After taking it back up the window to ensure their privacy, Robert reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of chilled Red Wine and five Wine Glasses.


    "So please, entertain me this moment Iris. Is it true based on Dare Runner''s accounts that you are¡­ a ''Witch''?" Robert asked as he poured a couple of milliliters of Cabernet Sauvignon on to Iris'' cup.


    "That is correct my dear. I am a Witch in practice of the arts of the School of Destruction, Enchantments and Conjuration." Iris answered.


    "Well, Miss Cadohagan, I believe you know a little bit of why you are here now. But not even one of our best Field Operatives of our Company can fully explain to you the sheer magnitude of Aparo Corp. so now takes this opportunity to ask several questions, because Diaz here can be rather ''distracting'' in his conversations." He slightly snarked at Vincent.


    "It''s just muscle memory Robert. I wouldn''t be here today if I couldn''t be a bit¡­ ''bipolar''." Diaz shrugged.


    "How Large is your company of yours and Diaz really is?" Iris fired her first question.


    "Aparo Corporation is the third largest Mega Corporation in all of the United Federation of Earth. We specialize in building Industrial Equipment, Pharmaceutical¡­"


    "Pharmaceutical?" Iris interrupted with a question to an unknown word.


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    "Medicine and Doctor equipment. You know Diaz''s Augmentations? The artificial metal looking stuff he has all over him. Yeah that''s our work." Robert Answered.


    "And I can''t wait to get this piece of shits out of me. I need some REAL power." Diaz commented as he one shotted his Red Wine down his throat.


    "Back to what I am saying, Pharmaceuticals and Civilian grade Weapons." Robert said. "Is there anything you would like to ask?"


    "I got one more, why is Diaz so¡­ Roguish?" Iris asked.


    "Roguish?" Robert replied with a single word question, bamboozled and gashed by such an armor piercing question of Aparo Corps more ''Unethical Business Practices''. Even Vincent himself could feel his artificial heart fidget.


    "Well you see, we can be very competitive but its only because our rivals here are just as equally¡­ ''competitive''." Robert tried to tactfully deflect Iris statement.


    Aliathra meanwhile sat quietly on her part of the Limousine however, her sensitive instincts could feel the intentional sidetracking of Robert''s statements about the humanoid abomination that is Vincent Diaz, a man who insists he''s alive yet deep down, what forms a human is not been molded by the warm caring hands of the Creator Mother but through cold Machines produced in mass quantities and putting a price tag on such gifts of life. It honestly made her feel disgusted yet she was equally as curious on how such artificial creations made from the ores of rocks and the blood of trees can imitate life in such a detailed manner so indistinguishable from the genuine counterparts.


    Yet such existential philosophical conundrums can easily hurt the young Elven Princess turned spy from her fish out of water experience in another world. She looked over to the window of the car and quietly observed the myriad alien objects that flew pass her. She saw great tall trees made of the reflective surface of glass that reminded her of the graceful architecture the Elven Spires would incorporate in their cities, although in her case usually due to the limitations of raw materials and man power output, such a project would only entail once, but in Kesserheim they were all everywhere as common as trees to a forest. What also dazzled her were the thousands upon thousands of moving bright images of people, foods and other objects that advertised their businesses upon the walls of said glass spires.


    Yet most disturbing for her were the people. Men, Women and even Children walked the Kesserheim Streets dressed in all sorts of apparel. They wore a huge variety of clothes of differing fabrics from soft cotton to tough tanned leather which looked worn out compared to the more refined cotton ones which came in clothes of sleek black or creamy white. Yet despite their humanoid shapes, what the Elf found uncanny were the large discolorations and anomalous bumps found scattered among their bodies. Each person had a differing Cybernetic Augmentation ranging from the simple limbs all the way to the more complex Optical Eyes. For a devotee of the Creator Mother Neneth, they were all mockeries of natural creation yet somehow, the more the White Mage observed the mechanical body parts, the more she thinks that they were not abominations but nigh perfect imitations, or even superior copies of the real thing if the way how these Augs made people like Diaz perform superhuman feats. But what horrified her more is that she also remembers Diaz mentioning of ''Getting better Augs'' when they arrive back in Aparo Corp. Headquarters. Just what could be even better than superhuman agility from Diaz or Herculean Strength from Crocker (whom Diaz and Kayin would often tease behind the Brit''s back with his cockney accent).


    "We are here. Pull up now." Robert pulled down the driver window and ordered.


    The Limousine parked in front of a large opulent tower in the middle of a very affluent commercial district filled with classy restaurants, houte couture boutiques and luxurious condos.


    For Kayin, when he thinks about his Squad mate Diaz, this was expected from the Mega corps. Controlling the UFE Economy from their hi sprawling buildings. Money? they don''t need to worry about it. People? their very names alone can rally people behind their domains. Power? They are Power.


    It was always about Power, Money and People to the Corpo''s. They were practically overflowing with excesses of all three. Just a phone call, word or even a simple finger point and the economy shifts, or an Army can be deployed, or a troublesome individual becomes ''Incapacitated''. Just the unscrupulous thoughts of what the Corpo''s are capable off doing made Kayin feel uneasy and sick to his stomach. But in the end, Corpo''s are a necessary evil if things back in New Albany, Gliesia are to be developed into a thriving extension of the UFE Reach through the stars. So many untapped resources like the unknown but possible unlimited potential of the Element-120 a.k.a Unbinillium or ''Mana Crystals'' might be just what the colony needs to get some much-needed development.


    "This better go our way¡­" Kayin spoke to himself as he grabbed the briefcase containing the Mana Crystal sample from Dr. Mahelona and exited the vehicle.


    Diaz felt like he could kiss the opulent Kesserheim air with open arms as he was finally back in more familiar grounds. Excitement rolled into his smile as he turned to Aliathra.


    "You are going to love it here Elfie. Once this is all done, I can take you to a nice restaurant and even a boutique to get rid of those¡­ dirty rags you have there. Zara, Marks and Spencer''s or maybe Dior. I guarantee your going to love every thing there." He said to her.


    "Your so very kind to me with such lavish gifts. But may I ask why?" Aliathra asked. She was never so sure why such an afront metallic parody of a living thing can be so attractive to a serene Elven Maiden such as herself let alone an Elven Princess.


    "Well you see¡­ you''re such a pretty girl and all¡­ and then there''s that thing that happened to you back in the ship and I just wanted to make it up to you. I hate it you know when¡­ people¡­ like a beautiful thing such as yourself go red teary eyed all over me. It gets me weak." Vincent blushed at her response¡­ before barely returning his own.


    An Adorkable moment for Diaz that Robert and even Kayin, who shared a minor disdain for Mega Corps couldn''t help but crack a small grin to see Vincent in a position like that. It was indeed a moment of weakness for such a Byronic individual.


    "Well, I have no reason to refuse and you are indeed correct, I could use some new clothes." Aliathra nodded. Before the group was ushered inside the Aparo Corp. HQ urgently by the security guards but not before Diaz pumped his elbow backwards in a silent triumphant ''Yes! Score!'' feeling in his heart.


    The entrance to the Corporate Headquarters were of a Classical Roman architecture, with marble floor made out of the company''s colors of black and gold which swirled itself into its solidified form like two contrasting colored flavors of ice cream that have melted and allowed to collide with one another. The next there were the Corinthian Order columns that are more of a decorative item than having any form of functional purpose. Complementing the Classical themes of the reception hall was several vases of flowers and classical statuettes in blank white color.


    Iris was heavily impressed by the elegant change of aesthetics. She could almost feel reeled in by the pretty roses that dotted the flower vases but as she went up for a closer look, she realized that the flowers were fake and didn''t have even soil underneath the vase''s cavity.


    "Quite beautiful isn''t its Iris?" Kayin asked her.


    "I am just disappointed by the fake flowers here." Iris sulked.


    "I just hope you don''t get hurt or worse while we''re here." Kayin said.


    "Why hold such concern on yourself? Is it maybe because of me?" Iris questioned back with a flirty tone.


    "No, it''s not you its them. Aparo Corp., you can never be safe with these Corpo''s. They are profiteers above all else. They won''t hesitate to do ''unsavory'' acts just to be able to make a penny more for their pockets. At worst, this Don Aparo might try to cheat his way for a deal that only makes him win and us lose and at worst, some ''Private Time'' with you in exchange for investment alms." Kayin warned.


    "So, YOU DO care for me." Iris called the Nigerian out.


    "Yyy-Nn¡ªYes¡­ just let''s get this over¡­ with now." Kayin deflected


    "Mr. Mudwin, you know I will remember that forever you know?" the Vampire Witch smiled as they boarded the Elevator.


    It had a glass framed window that shows the headquarters luxurious welcoming hall from the outside and its marble floored reflected the noon sun that shined down on them. The Lift soon got to work as it closed the door and immediately the machine''s pulley systems spun to life as they were raised up to the ground. Aliathra, was caught unprepared by such a sudden burst of climbing force that she fell down bottom first to the ground slightly jolting her tailbone.


    "Careful there! We got a long way up to go." Diaz gave out his hand pulled the Elf Maiden up.


    Touched by the gentlemanly gesture Aliathra took the Cyborgs hand, her lithe fingers bade contact with the cold metal synthetics of the Kesserheim Native. She still had trouble balancing herself up but as she regained her footing, she accidentally pushed her body close to Diaz''s chest awkwardly cupping her hand on his breast. In contrast to the cold surfaces of his skin, his torso and core were warm to the touch like a furnace being burnt brightly within him. Aliathra''s cheeks reddened as she recoiled back. She cannot believe that she, a Practitioner of the Magical Winds of Life and devotee of the Creator Mother is slowly falling for a Metal ''Abomination''. Was it because it almost perfectly replicated a Human which shared many physiological properties with Elves?


    "You can save that for later baby. Once we are done, you''re going to¡­ okay, I got no fucking flirty catchphrases¡­ I am so used to just insulting people who aren''t me you know?" he laughed.


    The elevator rang a sharp bell indicating that the Lift has arrived at its destination, Don Aparo''s Rooftop Penthouse and Office. They promptly stepped out of the elevator and laid their feet on the Don''s domain. It was a radically different set up compared to the reception hall that instead of Classical D¨¦cor it was more of a mix up of Modern Interior Architecture with several out of place decorations from all over the old Earth World like Medieval Armor, a Chinese Lion, an Arabian Carpet, Japanese Calligraphy Portrait next to a Zen Garden and a Fountain.


    "Sir Diaz. It''s pleasure to see you again. And Oh¡­ you brought friends with you. I love meeting new people." A pure white fresh-faced woman in a maid uniform approached the new arrivals said.


    She was remarkably humanoid in shape when Aliathra observed her in face value. But a closer expectation of her was an Uncanny Valley that made the Elf feel suspicious.


    "Oh no¡­ your dress." The Maid said as she gently grasped Aliathra''s ragged adventuring garments.


    The moment her fingers touched the Elf, Aliathra soon realized why she felt such suspicion. When her body made contact with hers, she couldn''t detect any kind of life force within her. Unlike Diaz who has a faintly human physiology, the Maid had electrical veins that coursed around her body made of copper and she didn''t have a heartbeat for she was kept alive through a large container filled with even more veins that were bundled up together by an equally electrical liquid.


    The Elf recoiled back, her eyes widened with subtle horror leaving the inhumanoid maid confused.


    "You don''t want to have your clothes mended Miss?" the Maid asked.


    "Uh, my friend is a bit of a Country Mouse I''m afraid. Not use to seeing Androids around." Diaz intervened. "Just take us to where Master Aparo is right now please." He asked her.


    "I see. The Master is at his office like he has always been Sir Diaz. Follow me." the Android Maid told everyone.


    They followed her through the Penthouse making pass even more luxurious furniture and other more exotic adornments that for both of the two Gliesian natives were downright Palatial in terms of living conditions. Don Aparo was both living and maintaining such a home that his power and influence can be easily compared to Kings. He even towers above the commoners with his Rooftop Penthouse giving one of the best mountainous view of his side of Kesserheim within a 60 Mile Radius.


    "He''s here." The Android maid told everyone as she led them to a grand 15 feet tall black door with golden outlining.


    The Robot pushed opened the doors and lead the group inside Aparo''s Office. It was spacious with only a few scattered objects occupying the room. It was humble looking in terms of materials being laid out compared to the rest of the Penthouse. There was a desk at the far side of the office with an office chair set facing a large screen filled with light that projected holographic numbers that randomly climb up or down in quantities.


    The group sat down on a group of chairs that the office had provided near Aparo''s Desk, Kayin concernedly grasped the Unbinilium Briefcase nervously as the office chair rotated 180 degrees to face them.


    "My Dare Runner¡­ you walk up back here to Kesserheim with such the most outlandish things you know?" Don Aparo said.


    To Kayin''s surprise, instead of a sharply dressed man in a nice suit. Don Aparo was instead in his bathrobes while wearing a pair of Pajama Bottoms underneath it. His silver hair rather than slicked back was wet with his locks shinning and forming sticky strands. It made him less intimidating that Kayin could expect.


    "Did I caught you in a bad time Boss?" Diaz asked.


    "No, its just that I was rather lazy today. My Doc''s say that I need to let it go after some troubles happened when you were gone." Don Aparo answered.


    "What kind of troubles?" Vincent asked further.


    "Bianchin will fill you in the details later. But right now, let''s head straight to business, shall we?" Aparo cut to the chase.


    "I don''t like the way he looks but I love the way he talks Kayin." Iris whispered to him.


    "I heard that¡­ Vampire." Don Aparo told her alarming Iris. "But I do not care if you drink blood for a literal living. What I am here for is something else. But first, please Miss Cadohagan, do you know why you are here?" Aparo asked.


    "I¡­ uhm¡­ here to¡­" Iris stuttered.


    "Come on let it out." Aparo said calmly and patiently but it could easily be reinterpreted as a very capricious aura of arbitration for the Vampire Witch.


    "You''re an unholy creature!?!?" Aliathra suddenly stood up and prepared her hands with a conjured spell of ''Smite Undead''.


    "Oh, another Peon of Nenya again." Iris stood up and prepared her spells of her own.


    But as they were readying themselves with their Magic Abilities. Dozens upon dozens of red dots of light began to suddenly appear in front of both Aliathra and Iris''s forms. There were upon about at least 50 fully armed Cybernetically enhanced Guards under Don Aparo''s employ that surrounded the two mages and aimed their Rifles, Shotguns and Machine guns at the girls.


    "You know it is very rude to suddenly start shouting and standing up so suddenly too in front of your host." Aparo calmly said as he laid back on his fancy office chair.


    He began to speak just like a stereotypical Corpo. Cold, Methodical but still somewhat artificially Affable.


    "Especially if he also runs one of the biggest Private Military Corporations alongside his Industrial Business. Please ladies, ladies, ladies¡­ Sit down and let''s set your apparent differences aside." Aparo said.


    The two defused their magic on the spot and immediately went back to their seats. The dozens of Mercenaries rested their weapons back but are still on alert for any kind of troublemaking that the two Mages could entail. They were obviously fearful what kind of Magic the two can do to them, Don Aparo or anyone else here in Kesserheim.


    "Diaz, I was told by you that you are only bringing One mage to see me. But I see Two. Care to explain?" Don Aparo asked.


    "Well, she was a last-minute entry¡­ eh¡­ she''s a Princess from one of the far-off kingdoms of¡­" Vincent began to concoct a lie but he hit a speed bump when it comes to giving ''Princess'' Aliathra a suitable cover story.


    He quickly scanned the vicinity of his surroundings for ideas yet his boss was an adherent minimalist that there wasn''t much to work with. He looked back up to the holographic numbers behind his boss and took a quick look at the Stock Market section of the UI.


    "She''s from¡­ Illsi---" Diaz stuttered when he looked at the Stock Market nameof Illyusa Robotics, a company that had significant number of it shares belonging to Aparo Corp.


    "Eh¡­ Lunar¡­" Diaz continued to make up the name when he spotted the Stock Market name of Lunara Cosmetics, a popular Korean Make up company that is marketed towards women with very outgoing social lives. He even knows that Doctor Lee Haneul has an entire cabinet filled with their creams and powders. No wonder she looks so angelic.


    "Ilsluna!" Diaz exclaimed.


    "You were stuttering there¡­ is something wrong" Don Aparo asked.


    "No, it''s just that these Elven names¡­ they can be hard to pronounce and remember. Well to be fair, Governor White has only just met her." Diaz cracked a fake smile before thrusting his elbow at Aliathra.


    Although her cover is slightly blown, they way the context of her situation is happening right now, Aliathra believes that Diaz is trying to help her albeit unknowingly maintain her secrecy. Since she has to play the part of the Princess, she will gladly do since she was still raised above being a Ranger to be the quintessential Elven Maiden.


    "Of course, dear Vincent of the Diaz, I applaud you for trying to pronounce my homelands name but you sir might want to keep practicing our very sophisticated accent. My name, my full name, is Princess Aliathra Sylran of Ilsluna." Aliathra said. She used her mothers Maiden name of Sylran to cover her real last name of Lareththor.


    "Well it''s a pleasure to meet you your majesty." Don Aparo placed his right hand below his chest and slightly bowed down from his sitting position. "It''s always great to have such powerful individuals come here to meet me. But I will get to you later Bella. That means beautiful girl in my mother tongue."


    "That sounds quite beautiful sounding for such a short name." Aliathra complemented.


    "Indeed, but let us go to the first Bella in the room which is Miss Cadohagan. So, tell me Vampire, is it true on the accounts from Diaz that you can perform this ''Magic''?" the Corporate boss asked.


    "Yes, I study under the school of Destruction which is your Fireballs and Ice Storms, Conjuration which is summoning magic and Enchantments which allow me to infuse magical properties to all sorts of objects." Iris answered.


    "Interesting." He said. "Would you care for a demonstration of your powers?" he asked her.


    "Well Certainly, but I would have to use some¡­ of the Unbinilium''s power to help charge my Mana back if I may." Iris requested.


    "Certianly, I already want to see how this new ''Element-120'' works any way. Open her up Mr. Mudwin." Don Aparo turned to the Nigerian.


    Kayin opened the specially built briefcase that was fabricated under the specified demands of Dr. Mahelona''s initial research on its very energetic properties. It''s brilliant blue glow when the container was opened filled the room in a marvelous azure hue. Even the Mercenary Guards that surrounded them couldn''t help but marvel at the Crystal''s radiance.


    "Here''s also Dr. Mahelona''s Essay on his early research which also includes his request for additional resources and man power to help fuel his Unbinilium Research." Kayin presented a binder folder filled with papers of scholarly knowledge based on the loveable plump Hawaiian scientist''s initial findings.


    "Thank you, now as for you Miss Cadohagan. Let''s see you perform some magic, shall we? Let''s start with some Destruction Magic, then Conjuration and then finishing it all off with some of this Enchantments you are so famous for." Aparo requested.


    Iris nodded and stood up from her chair and walked ten paces away from Aparo''s desk where she can safely display her magical prowess to everyone in the room. She was nervous about failing to meet the expectations of this intimidating Megacorpo. Kayin quietly shoved forward the opened Unbinilium briefcase. The Vampire Witch placed her hand on top of the ocean blue crystal and absorbed the powers within it. After taking a moderate sum of its energy, Iris stepped back and readied herself to clear her mind for her magical demonstration.


    She planted her feet sideward and aimed her hands to the ceiling and let loose a stream of fire from the palm of her hands, overcoming the azure filter of the room into a tangerine glow as everyone held their breath. Iris had to take care she doesn''t let loose too much fire less she lights the someone or worse the whole room on fire.


    "Good, molto buona." Don Aparo smiled as Iris dissipated the jets of flames.


    It was a sign of good fortune and relief for Kayin to see the Megacorpo actually being impressed by something quite mundane as a glorified magic show.


    "Let''s see you do this Conjuration ''Summoning Magic'' you speak off now." Aparo said.


    "Certainly¡­ let me think of what I should summon." Iris requested as she took in the moment to breathe.


    She needed to think what she can summon. Her best spell was summoning a Young Drakenling but it was often hard to control and the last time she did it, the beast nearly wrecked her old home. She also needed bones to summon up some Skeletons, although she doubts anyone in Aparo''s Personal Guards would be a willing subject (and then there''s Vincent too but his body, due to the heavily used Cybernetics in his body would make him incompatible with any form of Positive or Negative energy channeling.) Until she remembered the Armor sets, she passed by on her way here.


    "This could take a moment milord." Iris said as she pointed her hands towards the door of Aparo''s grand office.


    For a moment, everyone looked at the Snow-White femme fatale eagerly but nothing of significant excitement happened. Disappointing everyone in the room.


    "Well, where is it?" Aparo asked impatiently.


    "They are coming. I am just trying to get them here." Iris answered.


    Another moment was given for gracious purposes. Until, a knock rang on the door disturbing the peaceful quiet of the room.


    Iris promptly walked up to the door and pulled it opened and out came two Animated sets of Armor walking, rather awkwardly, inside. They marched towards Aparo''s desk and as they were about one meter away from the table, they knelt down in honor to their owner even though by Mage standards and rules its technically Iris who is the Animated Armor''s ''Master''.


    "Isn''t that your 14th Century Bohemian and Samurai O-yoroi sir?" one of the PMC''s asked.


    "Indeed. Wonderful! I love it!" Don Aparo applauded. "Now my dear, one more demonstration before we talk business. Show me some enchantment¡­ specifically with a weapon." Aparo instructed.


    Iris snapped her fingers to let go of the magic that was being channeled into the armor, de-animating them back to their original defunct form of decoration as they fell down to the ground gently to avoid damaging the centuries old collector items.


    "You! Give her your Rifle." Aparo pointed to one of his mercenaries who without question but with a reluctant face gave his gun to Iris.


    "Good luck, your going to need all of it." The PMC whispered to her.


    She was handed over the weapon in a reluctant manner. Remembering the weapons training from Kayin, she made sure that the safety was off, the rifle chamber is properly loaded and cocked and proper shooting posture. The PMC''s near her were impressed by the non-Earthlings familiarity with their weapons.


    "Did you taught her how to use that?" Aparo asked Diaz.


    "No, Kayin did." He answered as he crossed his arms and grinned with a smug excitement. He can''t wait to see the look on his old boss'' face when Iris demonstrates what he and the rest of Stryder group has seen.


    Closing her eyes to feel the essence of the inanimate UFE Assault Rifle on her hands, Iris thought of what kind of Enchantment she will implant on the rifle. She doesn''t want to repeat her earlier Firestorm so she had to think of a new spell for her performance.


    "Arf la" Iris spoke in an eldritch language as the weapon''s frame began to glow white in light and cold to the touch. She had enchanted Ice Magic into the gun just like how she did the same thing to the MGL back in Devicco''s Mansion.


    She presented the enchanted weapon to the audience much to everyone''s amazement.


    "I have to say. This Vampire sure knows her Canmoliaeth speak." Aliathra admitted seeing such an afront antagonist to her chosen Goddess to be proficient in her fields.


    "I can see it glow. Okay, let me have it please." Aparo said as he walked out of his desk and approached Iris with his hand reaching out for the weapon. The Witch gave it to him and stepped back as the Megacorp CEO took aim of the gun and opened fire. He shot several rounds of the magically enhanced weapon which when it impacted the empty walls of his office exploded into a burst of ice as frozen solid and potentially lethal doses of Dried up Ice.


    Then something uncharacteristic of your standard CEO happened¡­ Don Aparo began to shed tears¡­


    Of happiness.


    "You¡­ reminded me of¡­ me¡­ sixty years ago¡­." Don Aparo said as held the rifle by his barrel and grabbed a cigar from his bathrobe''s pockets.


    "I was such a fan of Magicians. My father would every birthday would send in a Magician to entertain me and the other rich kids. I was fascinated by them and always wanted to learn the secrets of their power. But as I grew up, I soon found out that the ''Magic'' they all did were all fake. ''Presdigitation'' they like to call it. I felt betrayed, I rarely smiled much. Until now¡­" Don Aparo placed his right hand on the barrel of the Rifle and let it hang down as he smoked with his left.


    "The reason I insisted you come here was that I wanted to know. That there really is such a thing as Magic in this world. You made this old CEO feel like a child again." He gave a soft smile.


    "Everything that the new Colony needs, Money, Materials, People plus more under one condition¡­ I get an exclusive contract for building some of my businesses in Benham-3¡­ sorry¡­ Glie-Seeya." He said.


    "That will be up to Governor White for that. But I think you can work something out. Thank you for investing your time and resources to us." Kayin gratified.


    "No thank you. It''s not everyday you see a brand-new element with an extra neutron on its atom. Now, Vinny my boy, let''s get rid off those shitty Augs you are given into something more¡­ comfortable¡­" Don Aparo snapped his fingers as his servants took the guests away with their boss in tow whilst a group of scientists obtained the Unbinilium briefcase for their own research.


    Meanwhile, one of Don Aparo''s guards backed away from the scene, he grabbed his cellphone and dialed in a number with shady origins.


    "Dare Runner is back¡­ Track them, tail them, then kill them." He said before dropping the call immediately.


    ----------------------------------(Meanwhile back in Tyr Rian) -------------------------------


    "And that everyone is how Vertical Farms work." Father Rudy Bishop said to a group of students and onlookers. Much to the applause of everyone in the room.


    Being a Salesian Priest, it was expected of him to be a charismatic speaker and also an informative teacher due to the ideal example of the two founding paragons of the Salesian Society, Saint John ''Don'' Bosco and Saint Francis De Sales.


    In the eyes of the Medieval People of Tyr Rian, the Priest was a revolutionary in the art of education. He insisted that his classes would allow both Rich people to attend and poor people to also attend his lectures free of charge. And for his said lectures, the Priest demonstrated several basic scientific knowledges of many practical fields that can jumpstart the Citadel into a modern city that the UFE can be proud of calling civilized. Even Prince Clovich would attend his lectures for some of the scholarly knowledge the Priest possessed.


    "Class Dismiss everyone. Same time tomorrow and don''t forget to keep what I said in heart. Especially you farmers! I hate to see another Famine you guy keep being so worried about." Rudy said.


    Just as everyone has promptly left their chairs, Inspector Leon Reid approached the Holy Man.


    "Greetings Father." He waved hello.


    "Oh Inspector, I assure you there''s nothing to worry about for me. So far my reception has been very warm in a most unexpecting way." Bishop reassured the Inspector.


    "That''s good to here from you. So, you''ll be going back to your house in New Albany now?" Reid asked.


    "Oh no, not yet. I have to go to the Library nearby and fetch some books while I am there for my classes. Going to do some research comparing Gliesian Magics to our Science books." He explained.


    "Well I''ll be I am actually going there myself. Would you like for me to accompany you?" Reid asked.


    "Certainly." The Priest nodded.


    The two went off of the makeshift school of Fr. Bishop and made their way towards the Tyr Rian Library. It was a rather humble establishment which was more of a glorified Scribe''s Office than an actual library with scrolls, books and more importantly for Reid''s mission, Maps.


    But as they arrived at the scene, the pair spotted a gathering commotion of very concerned townsfolks looking at the Library with fearful eyes as the Scribes who were in office to that building were being evacuated by the Tyr Rian City Guards.


    "What happened?" Inspector Reid asked one of the guards.


    "The scribes report of an Undead Wight of sorts suddenly appearing inside the building scaring away the Scribes and Visitors. We are trying to dispatch the Holy Priests of Nenya over here but they are going to take awhile to get here." The guard replied.


    "There''s still the Chief Librarian in there!" yelled one of the evacuated scribes.


    "Damnit, there is no time. I need to get something inside that building right now and the UFE does not want to wait." Reid readied his Carbine.


    "And I can''t let some unholy mistake of God desecrate a center of Knowledge¡­ even if your said excuse of ''Science'' is¡­ Aristotle-ick in comparison. Inspector, I will come with you." Bishop added as he carried over his shotgun that he keeps for self defense.


    They ignored the warnings and pleas of the guards as they entered the empty library. Reid made sure that he radioed in backup to arrive as soon as things escalate into chaos and they are going to help in an ETA of 1 minute.


    For now, the two or at least just Reid is scouting out the building with Bishop to identify the perpetrator of the disturbance of the peace. Fallen books and scrolls fell down from their shelves when the occupants ran away in their panic. Bishop took great care not to accidentally step on the books but Reid in the other hand simply pressed forward stoically with his hands on the trigger.


    "Stop¡­ you here that Bishop?" Reid asked.


    The Shotgun-wielding Salesian Preacher focused his ears and he began to here the faint sound of paper being flipped repeatedly.


    "Is that the Wight? Is he¡­ trying to read one of the books?" Bishop asked.


    "Stay behind me¡­ If I go down, don''t act brave and run." Reid ordered.


    "Yes." Bishop nodded as they continued on their slow trudge on the ransacked establishment.


    "This is it¡­ all of it¡­ the Histories¡­ my¡­ lord¡­" A feeble voice rang out from the silence.


    "Leave me! I demand to be alone!" a commanding but ghostly voice said.


    Out of the darkness and old white-haired man in simple brown robe ran away quietly until he was stopped by Reid.


    "Your okay. What happened?" Reid interrogated him.


    "By the Gods, you won''t believe me for this. But the Wight is none other than King Martainn¡­ it''s not much of a panic." The Chief Librarian informed them.


    "Oh, that Ghost guy that Styrder Group met? What''s he doing here?" Reid asked.


    "Ever since you Earthlings as you call yourselves opened his tomb. King Martainn has been wandering around the Principality lately. He mentioned to me that a lot of has changed for hundreds of years and he''s having a ''Tour'' of ''His Lands''. And this is one of his stops." The Librarian said.


    "Oh, He should be able to get out of this peacefully. I think Ishould talk to him. Get out of here for now you." Reid dismissed the Librarian and quickly ran away.


    The pair walked further into the Library until they reached the middle point of the building where readers who visit can sit down and read upon a table provided by the Librarian. And lo and behold there stands (or floats) King Martainn of Old Tyr Rian.


    "Greetings your majesty." Reid introduced himself.


    "I got to say, I wasn''t expecting that reaction when I got here Earthling." Martainn said as he flipped the history book he is reading.


    "I got to say, the Slaegians did introduce some things I like such as the Water Wheel and Roads¡­ to bad they chose to fight me rather than talk all because I practice Necromancy! So¡­ what brings you and that bald looking man here?" Martainn said pointing his bony index finger to Bishop.


    "Oh we were just here to see that one, you are not causing trouble and two we wanted to look at a map of the Principality for research purposes." Reid said.


    "For a moment, I think I spotted a scroll of a map of my home right here somewhere¡­" the Ghost King said.


    He began to rummage his undead hands around the stacks of books and scrolls much to the impatient foot tapping of Inspector Reid.


    "Here it is, I found it. So, tell me, Earthling if you want I can explain to you what I know of what ever you point on this map." Martainn eagerly said as he placed the dusty map on the table to the view of Reid and Bishop.


    "One place only in particular. I am looking for a what you call ''Cambervale Valley''. Do you know that?" Reid asked.


    To their surprise, King Martain the Wight stepped back, his skeletal face, for lack of a better word looked like he had seen a ghost as his face stuttered to make a proper expression.


    "Is something wrong?" Reid asked.


    "That''s¡­ where¡­ I died¡­ I fought there with my men. But I was struck down by the Slaegians there. Why would you want to go there?" Martainn answered.


    "I heard from some prisoners that some of the Slaegians or some sort of some people are planning to do something in that place to ''Will descend upon us and surround us'' the Colony and or even worse the entire Principality." Reid answered.


    "Oh no, I think I know why they wanted go back to that Gods Forsaken Grazing Grounds. They are most likely going to pull of the same thing that they did to me centuries ago!" Martainn exclaimed.


    "Do what?" Bishop interjected concerned.


    "There''s an abandoned Cyclopean Underground Tunnel Network that is used to bypass the Mountain Passes and other defenses that can take us by surprise. I was foolish to think that it was a myth until it was too late. We must stop them before they can manage to reopen the Tunnels!" Martainn said.


    "Well we can easily fly in an--" Reid was about to reassure Martainn before the Ghost King interrupted him.


    "It''s not that simple, the Valley is to considered Slaegian Territory and its very narrow and treacherous for any of your Flying Birds to be able to reach without alerting the Border Forts or being torn away by the strong winds." Martainn said.


    "You make a point. Do you know how we can get there quickly?" Reid asked.


    "Well, Cambervale is a Shepherd''s Grazing Ground known for its rich and very wholesome grass that any cattle or livestock that grazes upon it is guaranteed to be healthy and bear delicious meat, product and offspring. The path is treacherous to climb and you will need a guide. A shepherd who has been to the hidden valley before and had his flock graze upon it." The Ghost suggested.


    "Well do you know where we can find one such man?" Reid asked.


    "We can start at those livestock farms outside of the Citadel. I passed by them sometimes and they seem to be some good folks." Bishop said. "I will come with you; Tyr Rian''s Safety is also New Albany''s safety and I''ll be damned if I cannot protect either of them." The priest swore with his Shotgun.


    "Glad to hear. I''ll call in some back up and we should be able to form a company of men to make the expedition. King Martainn what about you?" Reid asked.


    The Ghost King pulled out his ethereal sword and raised it up to the air before digging the tip of the blade down to the ground.


    "If there indeed there are Slaegians who are trying to strike my lands with the same way they did to me, then I will gladly join your cause for revenge, my Sword and all the Ancestor Warriors in my command shall accompany you and avenge the Cambervale Massacre." Martainn swore too.


    "Good to have you all here. The fate of our homes rest upon us." Reid said as he grabbed his radio.


    He has some calls to make with the Major and the Colonel.


    ---------------------------------(Back in Aparo Corporation HQ) -------------------------------


    The sounds of drills, hammers, metal and all sorts of artificial noises could be heard at the secret Underground Forge of the Aparo Corporation HQ. It is a sprawling complex about 5 floors deep below the dark Kesserheim earth. Diaz was taken in by the in-house Aparo Corp. Engineers to an Operation table where, supervised by Robert Bianchin, began to remove the obsolete hand me down Augmentations that he was given as a down grade from his old build when he was still a Penal Soldier.


    To Aliathra''s cold antipathy towards Diaz''s Metal Body, she saw them take out his limbs and replaced the white but worn out by dirt and aged Cybernetics with sleeker and much more State of the Art parts on him.


    "And now for the most dangerous part of the operation. The hearts and lungs. Doctor¡­" Robert explained to Aliathra, Kayin and Iris.


    The Vampire and the Nigerian sat together in their own corner of the Operation Room''s theater whilst Aliathra sat next to Robert as he coordinated the Engineers to proceed to the much more complicated section of the, in its most formal of terms, the Full Body Cybernetic Augmentation Transplant or in medical jargon an ''FB-CAT''. It is perhaps one of the most dangerous but also the pinnacle of Human Medical Achievement ever since the first successful head transplant. It had all the logistical complications of a transplant, multiply it by the number ten but minus the fact that ''Donor'' parts don''t to worry about Rejection in addition of not having the need to be stored in a fridge like the ye olden days but can just be put inside a box and then sterilized before attaching the part inside the recipient.


    "Diaz it is time. Shut down all Vital Functions. Doctors attach the Avatar Systems inside now." Bianchin ordered.


    Named after the act of a divine being incarnating himself in a material form to walk the Earth, the Avatar Prosthetic Vitals systems is a mobile machine that replicates the functions of the human bodies Vital Organs: The Heart, Lungs and Kidneys. It is used by all transplant recipients to have a temporary life line in order to keep the most important part of the body, the Brain function normally to avoid any permanent neurological damage to it due to the Cybernetic Augmentations can only be as good as the mental will of its recipient.


    They attached the Avatar''s pipes and wires at Diaz''s emptied body which so looks so similar to a living human (and elf''s organs) in physiological structure in a metallic parody of a living person. The obsolete Heart and Lungs were taken away by the engineers and are placed inside a plastic box for disposal.


    "Mr¡­ uhm Bee-Yan-Kin. May I ask you something." Aliathra asked.


    "Go ahead my lady." Robert politely nodded.


    "May I have a look inside that box? I want to see the ''Heart''." The Elf Princess undercover as a fake Elf Princess.


    Robert walked up with Aliathra following closely with him as they approached Diaz''s old Heart.


    It was a nigh perfect replica of a human heart if the Elf remembers her biology lessons from her tutors. It was as lite to the touch of its weight, it had four pipes that go direct the blood flow through the chambers that would have pump the blood all throughout the body if it weren''t removed from its place earlier. She tried to squeeze the man-made organ to try and mimic the beating of a normal heart and as she does, she saw to her astonishment that it does indeed beat like a heart in similar fashion to how she, with some practice from her Life Priestess training be able to see the vital organs movements of any living thing around her. But for Diaz, due to his heart being made not by the tender love of a mother''s womb (or scientifically speaking, cellular tissue formations) but were mass produced to be sold for profit.


    "Putting the Gift of Life¡­ and you pervert it by placing a price tag on it." Aliathra placed the heart back in its box in disgust as he clenched her fists.


    "Tell me, if you think like that. What is Life according to you?" Robert asked her.


    "Neneth, the Mother Goddess of Creation one day wanted to have¡­"


    "I am not here to discuss religion but I respect your beliefs, but let''s leave any pre-conceived biases for now. I ask you again Princess, what in your own definition is life?" Robert repeated.


    Aliathra engaged her thoughts now. For a Human, as seen by Elves fleeting and culturally backwards had given her a question that challenged her. What is indeed life?


    "An entity that breathes, grows then dies, and can create offspring." Aliathra answered.


    "Then by your logic, plants are Alive. Yet are they truly ''Alive''?" Robert asked her.


    "I don''t understand." The Elf shook ''No''.


    "Does a plant¡­ let''s say does a tree can be able to have dreams, desires, fears and can see itself in the mirror to say that ''Hey! That''s my reflection.''?"


    "No of course not. What is being alive mean your world''s knowledge then? To be able to think? Animals think too. Are they really ''Alive''?" Aliathra answered her philosophical conundrum, still trying to comprehend Robert''s definition of being ''Alive''.


    "No, for if you are listening to my earlier you will understand that. We as sentient beings are separate from all other forms of life by our heads. We can reflect." Robert tapped his forehead with his index finger. "An animal eats to survive and live another day. But we as humans and other sentient beings such as yourself can eat for pleasure, comfort and in some cases¡­ self-inflicted masochism if you''re eating Chilis. In short, Animals only purpose in life is to survive but we are Alive because we transcended from survival to thriving for greater heights. It took us about eight thousand years to escape our caves as primitive familial communities to this very Metropolis thousands of light years from where we come from today."


    "Why do you do?" Aliathra asked.


    "Because we saw what is beyond the horizon. And we chose to chase for it. Tell me now Elf Princess girl, can you trace your own origins? You should learn to learn more from other people''s perspectives. The whole world isn''t just your fancy castle and Rapunzel tower. Learn to get down to earth Miss Aliathra. There''s more than what you see in face value." he pierced her soul with his words.


    "And done!" one of the operating engineers exclaimed proudly. "The operation is a success. Waking up the patient now." He continued.


    With his body faster and stronger than before, Diaz reopened his eyes and felt the new parts already integrating themselves into their host.


    "T.L.D.R. me Robby and explain like I am five. I don''t recognize these systems, they are newer than the last ones I had." Diaz questioned.


    "New Aparo Corp. Augments, faster reflexes, hand-eye coordination, more efficient Rapid Movement Boosts, Recoil Control and much more important is a new military grade Over Clocker that can boosts the performance of your Augs but it will Chug your Bio Cell batteries like a German in an Oktoberfest all you can drink blowout. Use only when absolutely necessary. This thing is also known to even break Augs so be careful not to get caught once the effects wear off." Robert said.


    "Noted. So, guys¡­. How do I look?" Diaz said as he stood up from the table and presented himself to his friends.


    "You look the same." Kayin commented.


    "You are very shiny." Iris put in her two cents.


    "You smell¡­ new." Aliathra said.


    "I do¡­ like a brand-new car¡­ Car! Robby! How''s my car? Marlboro?" Diaz asked.


    "She''s fine, relax." He grinned. "We kept her in the garage after your arrest for safe keeping. But we did have to do some jobs with it though while you were gone. Don''t worry, she''s exactly how you left it." Robert admitted.


    "That''s okay. She''s a fast horse after all."


    "You own a horse?" Iris asked.


    "It''s called a Car but in terms of function yes¡­ it''s a Horse. Can carry things and people around quickly. Her name is Marlboro and her manufacturers¡­ I.E. ''Breed'' is a Mustang. Luckily, it''s a four-seater so we can all fit. Keys?" Diaz explained before turning to Robert.


    "Was about to give you them and your jacket." He tossed the colorful red jacket covered in red roses designs with sparkling glitter that dazzles flamboyantly to all who sees it.


    Diaz probed the pockets of his outerwear until he found his Mustang Car keys from his left pocket. He curled his finger as a gesture to his companions to follow him as he led them to the Garage.


    There his car, an Orange painted 4-Seater Mustang with a charging horse decal in pure chromatic black paint whose hairs were drawn like raging fire as it charges through the roads and terrains the car sets its treads upon.


    Kayin took shotgun whilst the women all took the back seat as Diaz entered the right side of the vehicle to wear the driver''s seat is located. He laid his body upon the chair but before he could set the ignition on Diaz searched his drivers'' compartments.


    "Where are you, you should be here if they said ''Exactly how you left it.''." He muttered.


    "So where are we going now?" Iris asked.


    "Where all the fun happens here in Kesserheim, Manhattan Plaza. Good Food, Fun Entertainment and the malls to bring something home with¡­ and to get rid of¡­ that for you Alie¡­" Diaz pointed to the Elf''s tattered clothing.


    "Oh, I heard of that place. Public scene, Neon Lights and the Hard-Light Gardens." Kayin said.


    "Might as well we all enjoy ourselves today! We got my boss on board for the Colony and his money is going to pour in any minute now. Let''s celebrate with dinner and a bit of a shopping spree on me shall we everyone? You guys especially you Iris deserved it!" Diaz smiled.


    As he finished his speech, he finally found what he was looking for. It was a pistol, a large Hand Canon as big in length to his biceps.


    "Hello ''Ruiner'' you miss me? Can''t wait to light up some bad guys with your lasers Ha! Ha! Ha!" Diaz kissed the pistol then promptly holstering it on his right side.


    With optimism he placed his keys on to the ignition and turned it on. The car roared to life as the speedometer, radio and head/tail lights illuminate the darkness of the garage.


    The radio played Kicks by the late great music legend Barns Courtney, a favorite for free spirited men especially those who get their thrills driving on the road in high speeds.


    "It''s good to be back. Now Marlboro, let''s see if I still pull off those splits." Diaz smiled as he shifted his gears and sprinted off from its stationary position.

 18 Chapter 18: Why we say Porro Terra

    The Maglev sped through the Kesserheim Cityscape casually as the Tyr Rian delegation sat on one of Kesserheim''s most efficient public transports. After disembarking from the Starport and then taking a bus to a Monorail station that will directly take them to the ''Orchard District'' where they will arrive to the Saint Luke''s Medical Center one of the most sophisticated Hospital-Resorts in all of the UFE Space. They boast state of the art medical equipment, self sufficient Organic Produce Farm and even their own Pharmaceutical Factory. Some of the UFE''s greatest medical triumphs were found in that very place from the Cure to Cervical Cancer, the first successful Full Body transplant and grape flavored Antibiotics.


    They did have to reassure their guests that the ''Giant Metal Snake'' that they will be entering isn''t going to eat them as it was only a means of transportation ''like a really long carriage'' as Samantha awkwardly tried to explain.


    Princess Aria looked on from the Maglev window and saw the Kesserheim City Scape. Tall Pillars with volcanic smoke stacks breathed out to the gray sky as Neon Lights twinkled from the distance like fairies swarming around their shire homes. The place was devoid of any natural life except for the people who live their yet even then, the Kesserheim Earthlings looked contrastingly different compared to their more down to earth cousins. Their bodies were from head to toe covered in sheets of metal that all looked indistinguishable to human flesh. Mechanical Humanoids walk freely and just as lively as one''s who remained purely organic in physiological nature.


    "Those people¡­ are they all Golems?" Aria asked.


    "No Princess those are people like you and me." Samantha answered.


    "Why do they endure themselves to the painful processes of having metal forced into their bodies?" Aria continued, her legs quivered over the stories of the primitive healthcare of Gliesian society.


    They had no sense of sanitation, anesthesia, germs, bacteria and diseases. All utterly alien concepts to the medieval people. Plagues could develop into full on epidemics and surgeries can be just as lethal as simply letting a disease slowly kill the patient.


    "It isn''t painful at all Princess. When we get to Saint Luke''s I can assure you that the surgery won''t be painful. You won''t feel a thing." Samantha said.


    "But¡­ I am scared¡­" Aria whispered softly.


    "Of what?" Samantha asked.


    "I¡­ never went to another doctor before other than my Physician. I saw what Doctor Lee Han-Nool did to you. Those needles¡­ and knives¡­ and¡­ potions strapped above your beds in your big Healing Shrines you have back in New Albany." The princess admitted. Her blood began to pulse up as her mind lingered on the hundreds of unknown aspects of her journey to finally walk again.


    "I was like you before Aria." Samantha said.


    "You were?"


    "When I was just a little girl around the age of 5 my mother took me to get my first Vaccine shot. At first, I had no idea what it is until I saw the nurse pull out the needle from her pockets." Samantha softly said.


    "I cowered behind my mother''s legs, refusing to let go until my mom dragged me away from there." The Lieutenant continued.


    "So¡­ did you leave or did you get the Needle?" Aria asked. Her attention hooked on Sam''s snippet of her life story.


    "I got the Needle eventually." Sam replied.


    "How? You were as scared as any child when he see''s something scary." Aria questioned.


    "My mother, took me by the arms and told me about what is fear to me. She says, ''the Fear Monster is an invisible monster that crawls into your brain when you feel that everything is not within your control when you should. It can go away by retaking control of what you see. You want me to hold you when you get your Shot? Maybe but some ice on your arm where the boo boo will be?'' I let my mom hold me while the nurse put cold ice on my arm before she pierced me. It was not as painful as it should be." Samantha said, she pointed to the spot on her left arm where she remembered where the Nurse injected the vaccine.


    "Will¡­ you be with me¡­ when I get my surgery?" Aria stuttered.


    "If the doctor lets me. But if I don''t just let you know, think of me and your brother. You want us to see you finally walk right? Especially your brother? Don''t you want to run and play like all the other girls?" Samantha challenged.


    "Yes!" Aria optimistically smiled.


    "That''s the spirit."


    *DING!*


    "Next stop is¡­ ''Orchard District North''." The Monorail''s PA system declared.


    "That''s our stop El-tee." Crocker whispered behind her.


    "Alright. Everyone remember to protect the V.I.P''s. Diamond Formation as soon as we get out." Samantha ordered.


    The Monorail Station will be a very crowded place once the group touches down. Hundreds of people, going out for their daily mass transit can easily be a place one can get lost too. It is paramount that the UFE Escort shepherd their otherworldly guests to the awaiting vehicles at the roadway at the other side of the building. The last thing they want is one of the Gliesians to get separated from them and be like a lost child in a middle of a foreign land like every jet setting mother''s worst nightmare.


    Crocker, Clay and Obediah alongside the other UFE Soldiers and Military Police attached to them that the Lieutenant couldn''t remember their names formed the Diamond Formation boxing all of their guests with Samantha taking the leading point.


    The Monorail''s door opened sideward and immediately their feet paced the busy station''s floor.


    For the Gliesian''s they got an up close and personal on the daily life of a UFE Human. There were stores that sold a huge variety of goods from foods to their shock, books that were being freely sold from children buying the latest comic books to adults getting their daily gossip and information injection from the newspapers. It was such a cultural and technological shock to them due to the fact that back in their world, books and the ability to read them were both expensive to produce and learn to due to the lack of a printing press and an organized public education system. All such knowledge was reserved by the Rich and Powerful.


    Another observation that the Otherworlder''s noticed is that the way the Monorail district was the design of the interior. It was like one great wave that flowed from the unfurling of a blanket on a dry summer''s day when the light reflected upon its surface. White lights gracefully illuminated the building. Advertisements such as ''the Smart Billboard'' that had Artificially Intelligent Facial recognition devices to determine the age of the immediate observer dynamically changes to the appropriate advertisement.


    When Princess Aria took a look at one of the Smart Billboards it initially had an advertisement for an Insurance Company only to quickly turn to an advertisement for a High-End Women''s Fashion store which the Gliesian could only imagine wearing the ultra-glamorous dress she saw the Supermodel strut her body in. Then one of Aria''s attached Principality Bodyguards walked in and looked up at the Smart Billboard and immediately the advertisement changed from a well dressed young blond woman to a scantily clad brunette holding a mug of beer for a prominent Beer drunk all throughout the UFE Nation.


    After a brief pause by the Smart Billboards that Samantha had insist ''for maximum Immersion scores with the guests'', the group continued on to their awaiting bus. It was a much more sleeker design rib shape than the more practical box shape equivalent. It was a perfect analogy of the huge wide gap in cultural and economical disparity between the people of Kesserheim.


    The bourgeoise of Kesserheim Workers, conservative old money Oligarchs and Middle-Income independent entrepreneurs favored social harmony but they tend to stay together in ethnic ghettoes due to their own Old Earth ethnocentrism. The Noveau Upper Classes of Artists, Inventors and Business men combined with the latest batch of young adults fresh from college favored individualism and were adherent to an evolution of Globalism called ''Neo-Humanism''. It became a powder keg of ideological strife that separated the classes into a Cold Civil War of Reversi where the needs and desires of many clashed with the ideas and plans of the Intelligentsias. Mega Corps such as Aparo Corp. that Iris and two of her subordinates were sent to, if Samantha can remember about them were more of an Old Money Oligarch''s type but the rumors were spread that their Philanthropy is just smoke and mirrors for their clandestine activities.


    These conflicts of culture had been a hot topic of debate among the Humans of the UFE for over the past century. It was no wonder that instead of pointlessly fighting amongst stubborn hardliners that they just pack up their belongings and families and join the Colonization Programs that were so rampant during the time. But now the UFE Spacefaring Nation is at the peak of their possible reach at least for the moment due to overexpansion ergo overextension of their authority through out Humanity''s distant Star Colony''s. They were debates and pushes in the Congress and House of Representatives for Administrative Reforms in the form of more extensive autonomy amongst the many Star Colonies, especially the likes of which of Kesserheim.


    Samantha, at least in her own self reflections when she observed the contrasting images of Kesserheim''s Orchard District with every other district to be somewhere in between. She favored communities of people cooperating for a common goal whilst she also respects the Individual desires of every single person¡­ and after her experiences in Gliesia, every living sentient thing from Vampires, Elves and even Undead Ghost Liches.


    But ideologues aside, the Orchard District Residents sure knows how to build some of the most esthetic architectural designs known to man. Taking inspiration from the old Earth City of Dubai, the Orchard District was like an ocean of bony white sculptures with wave like bodies that twist and turn heads in every angle complemented by shimmering windows that refract light like insect wings. To the Gliesians, they looked as if it were designed by the graceful hands of an Earthweaver which back in their homes often when not using their abilities for war and quests will often take jobs that involves construction engineering from humble abodes to mighty castles. In their own judgements, the skill and magnitudes it would take to build all of this was astronomical.


    The streets blended in a perfect amalgamation of nature and urban concrete with the strategically and aesthetically placed flora that dotted the Orchard District in a rainbow of flowers and blankets of jade chlorophyll. As the streets passed by the Bus soon came upon a grand building of brilliant blue hue. Its shape was in half spherical in visuals like a turtle''s backside and at the front entrance a great big Red Cross sign proudly welcomed the sick inside the building. To the Gliesians who were born under a Medieval Feudal World of Swords and Sandals under harsh toil for meager returns, it was like they ascended to the celestial sanctums of Heaven itself.


    "Welcome to Saint Luke''s most esteemed guests." Samantha introduced. "The Spearhead of all Medical¡­ I mean Healing ventures in all of UFE Space."


    Everyone exited the bus as it parked on the grand entrance. The Gliesians marveled at the shear size of the Medical Center for its scale rivalled even the greatest of fortresses in all of their known world. But now their knowledge of the fact that they are no longer alone in the wide vastness of Space has expanded to the UFE. They still couldn''t quite yet comprehend how truly titanic the expanse of the United Federation of Earth really is. The VIP Patient, Princess Aria was immediately provided with a Wheelchair that was provided in the hospital for her weakened body and had one of her Handmaidens push her forward.


    "By Neneth¡­ this Healing Temple is¡­ so magnificent." Aria commented as she entered St. Lukes.


    The welcoming chamber was crowded with people. The patients and nurses wore uniform baby blue robes whilst they stride with Medical Equipment or were carried by their automated Hospital Beds which can autonomously controlled to direct people traffic around the Hospital. Doctors in white robes as clear as Snow with their Stethoscopes, Medical gear, bags and other items can be occasionally spotted running around the hall minding their own business in stark contrast to the Visitors who stood idly at the corners or sat down on the soft velvety furniture reading the news or twiddling their hands on their gadgets.


    For that moment, they felt lost to the overwhelming vastness of the facility until a kind tanned Asian face wearing the White Gown uniform of St. Luke''s many Medical Experts approached them carefully but heartwarmingly.


    "Princess Aria I presume?" the man asked.


    "I am her. Who may you might be?" Aria politely asked from her Wheelchair.


    "I am Dr. Huang Pumi. A Nuclear Medicine specialist¡­ which if your going to ask, to best explain it to you, I am the man who is going to make you walk again." The Doctor introduced himself.


    "He will help. I filled him the details about you and your ''special'' circumstances." Samantha explained.


    "Now let me have your prepared for the Surgery now. The UFE wants you in and out of here as soon as possible." He curled his finger as a duo of Nurses took over Aria''s Wheelchair and pushed her onwards following the Doctor with the rest of her entourage close by on her tail.


    -------------------------------- (later at the Surgery Preparation Room) -------------------


    Stripped naked and her chest facing down and her backside exposed to the air, Aria felt her meager courage plummet. In such an awkward and degrading position, if the other Noble Girls in Tyr Rian found about this she and her brother wouldn''t hear the end of it. The state of her buttocks exposed to a man who isn''t her husband is often associated with Prostitutes. Yet Lieutenant Rose smiled and held the back of her bare back lovingly.


    "Don''t worry, the UFE will help you walk again. Just close your eyes when the Doctor puts on the Sleeping Mask on you." Samantha said as she explained the General Anesthesia that Aria will be in a moment wearing to put her asleep for the surgery.


    "This UFE Kingdom of yours Lady Samantha¡­ what is the UFE like?" Aria asked.


    "Indeed, I also want to know more about your people too." One of Aria''s accompanying handmaidens said.


    "Me too. What type of King is your ruler? He must be very rich and very loved to be able to build all of these resplendent palaces you all live." One of the Tyr Rian Knight Bodyguards added.


    "Well let me correct you on that. We are not ruled by a King." Samantha rectified.


    "The United Federation of Earth is not a Monarchy where one man has so much power to do anything he wants. We rejected such kind of rulers a long time ago. We have an Interplanetary Assembly of the many¡­ uhm¡­ States or¡­ uhm¡­ Nations and other groups like that convene together and discuss and look for a solution to the many problems they face." Samantha tried to explain as simple as she could for the guests to be able to digest. She knew that she might have modified some of the facts in the form of half-truths for the sake of comprehension.


    In truth, the United Federation of Earth does indeed have an Interplanetary Assembly that the Colonies convene in to discuss matters of state but it was best described by many Political Satirists to be more akin to ''screaming children running to Mother Gaia that they can''t stomach the disciplinary Planetary Edicts that the Earth-based centralized government enacted to keep their multicultural peoples from collapsing into civil wars over resources, cultures and other myriad reasons. It was considered one of the many factors of ''the Great Human Diaspora'' which consequently cause Colonial Fervor that expanded the UFE from their origins to the Sol System to Gliesia today.


    According to the rules as dictated among setting up new Interplanetary Administrative Unit Sectors under the banner of the UFE it must be:


    1. Made outside the borders but no more than 10 Light Years away from the nearest UFE Planet. The rationale is for ease of Expansion and Logistical purposes.


    2. Must follow the UFE Constitution which is based off the American and French Constitutions with rights such as Free Speech, Bear Arms and most importantly the Freedom of Assembly.


    3. Must achieve a Minimum Level of Civilizational Development which involves a standard of Military Standing, Industrial Capacity and Infrastructure. Otherwise the government will be directly governed by the Earth-based UFE Colonial Administration (or as of Amendment No. 24, one of the larger Administrative Unit Sectors such as Kesserheim, Alpha Centauri or any that is approved by the UFE Col. Admin.)


    "We used to live in one place before but we found a way to fly¡­ out of our world. Many for reasons as resources began to wear thin in our planet and others for simple wanderlust. You remember how got out of your planet to reach here? That''s how we do it." Samantha said.


    "How can you make your giant metal birds fly in such great distances in such short time?" Aria asked.


    "Well we used these machines call Hyper Drives that connects to these road-like tracks that connects all the Star Systems¡­ I mean Worlds of ours to each other. These ''Hyper Lanes'' allowed us to travel such great distances of Light Years¡­ and yes you heard me right, Light Years as in distance of light that they can travel in a year which is in our calendar around 365 days. And if there''s one thing light is, it''s fast¡­ light travels very fast." Samantha said.


    "You are very knowledgeable about these subjects for a soldier. A soldier being so well educated such as you are quite rare." The Princess commented.


    "Well you see we have basic education for all citizens here. Unlike your people where Education is for the rich only, even the poorest of us Earthlings are entitled to learn. It is a¡­ ''Universal Right of Man'' we say. Even despite our differences we always help each other, through disasters natural or manmade or when wars that divide our family''s threaten to tear us apart. We always step in and pull ourselves out of the darkness." Samantha said.


    "Your people won''t be here today without such spirit." Aria said with a snowed smile.


    The Lieutenant had that type of aura on people. Making them feel at ease in even the most critical of situations. She inherited such a sanguine personality from her mother who was a Police Negotiator, always finding a way to pierce through every human heart with her sympathy filled face and tender words.


    But for Samantha who has yet to reach the level of experience her parent''s shadow left behind, it is a Juggling act however so far, the dice had rolled into her favor whenever she speaks but she had always feared that one slip up from her tongue could make the people she has to talk with descend into distress¡­ and she had seen in so many first and secondary sources on how well that will turn out.


    "That''s why, despite our problems with each other. We Earthlings still unite over a common origin. Our motto ''Porro Terra!'' which means in an old Earth Language ''Earth moves forward!''." Samantha enthusiastically shouted the motto. She still had the upbeat state of mind of an idealistic humanistic patriot due to West Point upbringing. Even after all the Politicking, many of the young generations, especially the more Earth Based ones still hold optimistic views of a united but independently governed humanity where all peoples can be free to govern the way that is just but still can relate to their distant cousins.


    "My Lady¡­ Princess Aria? It is time." Dr. Huang Pumi entered the room and informed everyone.


    "Can¡­ can I¡­ have Miss Samantha with¡­ me?" Aria asked.


    "I am afraid I can''t let her inside the Operating Room my Lady. It''s for doctors only."


    The Crippled woman began to shake in fear over the prospect of being alone with strangers. She could feel her very stomach churn with anxiety as she clenched tightly the sides of her specially made medical bed.


    "Don''t worry Aria. Remember that the doctor will give you a special air that will help you but you to sleep. Think off something happy. Find a happy place. Can you think of one?" Samantha comforted her.


    She thought down hard on what will her happy place be like. She remembered the reason she was here, existentially speaking, she was here in a good will diplomatic mood for her brother to open relationships with Tyr Rian, the Slaegian Empire with the United Federation of Earth by showing them that the UFE are people from another world willing to peacefully coexist with their primitive natives. This goodwill is expressed by the life-changing surgery of allowing Princess Aria who was mockingly called ''the Lame Maiden'' to be able to finally walk.


    She grasped to the thought of enjoying a nice summer afternoon picnic at the rolling hills of Tyr Rian happily frolicking bare footed on the Flower littered grass with her brother and her Handmaidens. To be finally free from the chains of an unfortunate genetic lottery draw emboldened her to endure the possible alien probing and incisions of the surgery.


    "I have a ''happy place''." Aria said.


    "That''s the spirit." Samantha said as the princess was pushed by the nurses and surgeons to her fate.


    ------------------------------(Meanwhile back in Tyr Rian) -----------------------------


    The journey through the old Cylopean Tunnels was surprisingly fascinating despite the derelict ambience of the once thriving piece of an ancient civilization before the dawn of man in Gliesia. According to the stories of King Martainn, the land that was Tyr Rian was once called home to a race of extinct Cyclops who, thanks to their sizes can carve out a sophisticated subterranean network of roads all through out Tyr Rian to their civilization''s southernmost points to the Dwarven Clan Holdings upon mountains north of here. The reason the Cyclopeans died out is because back then, plants and animals used to be much more abundant in size and numbers before their favorite prey and crops died out causing their civilization to collapse and make way for their more petite inheritors the Elves, Humans, Beastmen and Dwarves to ascend up the Food Chain.


    Interesting lore aside, Reid and a Team of UFE Marines have a mission to do. They had brought with them alongside their automatic small arms several packs of explosives ranging from the humble grenade, the small but powerful C4 Explosive and the ''Metal Penis'' (at least according to King Martainn''s humorist interpretation which the Marines let out a playful chuckle over) the SMAW M3, a rocket launcher that is designed to not only fire your classical mechanical ''Bunker Buster'' Rockets but the new and much more potent ''Melter'' Plasma packaged rocket which can collapse even skyscrapers. Major Holyfield had given the Marines orders to cut off the Slaegians if such an Invasion so close to Tyr Rian consequently New Albany is confirmed, but in a rare agreement between him and Colonel Polonsky they want to keep this conflict under the rug to avoid a public panic in the region.


    The Team soon came upon the end of the Tunnel Network that King Martainn guided them too. In his own war stories, the Ghostly King lead his men through this very tunnel for the defense of their homelands. Yet he still remembered the defeat that was inflicted upon him by the Slaegians. But Inspector Reid comforted him saying that unlike before, the soldiers that followed him are as good ''an entire Legion of Slaegians''. There was an enveloping vegetation that the entrance of the Tunnels that kept the place very well hidden from the outside world but thanks to King Martainn''s Necromantic powers he was able to wither them away.


    "You know, you''re probably the first good Necromancer I have ever known." Reid commented.


    "What makes you say I am ''Good''?" the Lich asked.


    "Well, you''re not some nihilistic bastard who wants to enslave everyone and turn everyone into Skeletons. I mean based on what Iris wrote about you, at least you Ask people if its okay with them that you use your bones as ''Communal Labor''." Reid said his side.


    "You think off us as heartless slave drivers. But the results of my ''Communal Labor'' Force can¡­ almost speak for themselves. Some of the building projects I had left behind that the Slaegians improved upon after they took over are still enjoyed to this day. Back then Tyr Rian had a modest looking wall which was back in would normally take a year or more to build but thanks to my Undead Labor force I was able to build such a wall in only about six months of non-stop work. That same logic can be applied to some of the roads and other villages I had helped constructed. All of my Necromancy as I told you were for the good of my community. We see Death differently than most people during my day. Ancestors were revered and are often wise counsel to the rulers of Tyr Rian." Martainn answered.


    "Taken quite literally. That is why Governor White sees some potential good in you. Your someone who gives more back than he takes. ''That''s what being a ruler is all about'' he said about you in a meeting about the uhm¡­ Anthropology or you would call it Study of the People of Tyr Rian meeting." Reid said.


    "Well, have that Governor of yours say that about me in my presence. Such an honorable opinion of me deserves to be declared in MY Presence." Martainn haughtily boasted.


    " ''I would say that in front of him if it wasn''t for the smell he makes'' the Governor said also after that." Reid continued quoting.


    "It''s always the smell you complain about. That''s one of the main reasons why I was invaded. ''You are to be pacified by the Great Slaegian Empire for abominations against all life, refusal to pay tribute and disgusting odor.'' There just envious because I am worth a thousand wizards compared to them." The Lich sternly argued.


    "Well you should just take some Old Spice then¡­ it will make you feel ALL THE POWER!" Reid snarked as his feet stepped on the rapidly decayed remains of the vegetation hiding the Ancient Tunnels.


    "Old Spice?" Martainn asked.


    "It''s like a perfume. Makes you smell good that you can feel powerful and confident around people. I''ll explain more later." Reid explained the famous Deodorant.


    They emerged from the tunnels to be greeted by the noontime daylight that pierced their eyes to its radiance in a fleeting attack on their visual senses. But as soon as that their eyes felt the sun''s irritating light, their eyes adapted until they can see the otherside clearly where Cambervale Valley awaited them.


    It was indeed the ideal place for Shepherds to graze their flock in. A semi-isolated glade protected from a significant number of predators that terrorized from the Verden River Valley Forest thanks to the mountains blocking the south while Slaegia up to the Northwest had fewer true predators to worry about. The Grass had light shadings of Yellow Marigolds that made the glade like a mountain of treasure. According to their local Shepherd guides, their Animals absolutely love to graze in this area due to its convenience and according to them ''had the Blessings of Mother Nenya looking after here'' which in their experience has resulted in much healthier and fatter animals to be taken advantage of for their livelihood. Reid had suspected that there might be some feint traces of some sort of Magical Substance of plausible Unbinilium Nature at work in Cambervale.


    "Maybe we should hold the Unit Football Game and Barbeque party here." Said one of the Marines.


    "It''s indeed beautiful here my Otherworldly friend." One of the Shepherd Guides who cooperated with the UFE took the gratitude humbly.


    "So, you suspect the Slaegians will attack through, here right?" Reid asked King Martainn.


    "They can easily go around the Road Passes littered with Tyr Rian Fortresses and attack us from 2 sides if they managed to take control of this Tunnel. It may not be wide as wide as the Main Roads but when I was around. Most of my soldiers were fighting the Main Force by the Main Road Passes east of here. I had barely enough time to scramble enough men to meet up with the Slaegians who used the Tunnels here." Martainn said.


    "I agree with that. A two-front war is a nightmare to fight in." Reid acknowledged as he pulled out his binoculars to scout out the far sides of the Glade.


    Other than them, the Glade was virtually empty of any life except for the occasional bird and rabbits that call Cambervale their home. In addition to the lonely atmosphere, the wind brushed softly on the grass that gave a soft crackling whooshing noise that subtly disturb the enchanted grass. Reid had to remind himself that whilst he is there, he should grab a sample of the soil he stepped foot to find a connection to the healthier than average livestock who graze this Glade.


    "We need to be sure that the Slaegians are up here using the Tunnels to sneak attack Tyr Rian. But I don''t see anyone here." One of the Marines said to Reid.


    "Your right, maybe that Legionnaire we captured was just bluffing with uuu---Duck!" Reid ordered as everyone knelt down quickly following the Inspector''s sudden lead.


    "I got movement." Reid whispered as he adjusted his Binoculars.


    He observed over at first a dozen of humanoids in armor both on foot and on horseback in similar style to the Slaegian Border Legionnaires. Then followed by a few hundred or more people followed by people in a mix variety of non-standard looking armor and robes as compared Legion''s black red uniforms. These strange people wore clothes that made them stand out amongst the rest of their entourage of Medieval Soldiers. Some looked like they could fit the description of your typical RPG Warrior, Paladin, Rogues, Rangers and Mages at the best of Reid''s own observations.


    "That''s them. The Slaegians¡­" King Martainn growled softly, his animosity against them baring.


    "Okay, rules of engagement. Right now, at least according to Colonel Polonsky and Governor White, this shit can still be salvaged into a peaceful conclusion. The Big Wigs are hoping that what happened at that Plain was just some sort of huge misunderstanding. Since we can talk to them thanks to Iris''¡­ehm¡­ ''Help''. We can try to at least parley with them and scout them out peacefully in plain sight. SEALs?" Reid prompted the Elite Tier 1 Team that accompanied them.


    The SEAL Team had several raggedy clothes alongside some wooden articles of accessory with them that disguises them as Pilgrims who were just passing by Cambervale Valley. They tucked their protective gear and weapons below the thick tunics their disguises afforded them with. The SEAL Leader nodded to Inspector Reid as he began to speak.


    "We got some hidden cameras on our clothes here that we can take videos, audio and pics of the Slaegian Army on our 12 o''clock. While we keep them distracted have the Marines plant demolition charges at the entrance of the Tunnel and cut them off. We are also authorized to skirmish some of the Legionnaires if they turn hostile. Priority Targets on those fancy looking guys in the weird get up." The SEAL Team Leader said.


    "Is there anything I can do to help?" King Martainn asked.


    "I don''t know¡­ make some Skeleton Laborers help us plant some Bombs?" the SEAL Leader joked.


    The Lich Stepped back and to the surprise of everyone, his eye sockets and hands glowed dark purple colored Conjuration Magic as he raised his arms up to utilize his Necromantic Energies.


    "Codwch fy ngweision" King Martainn spoke in an ancient language.


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    Suddenly dozens of skeletal hands erupted from the Jade earth as Martainn rose the dead of his former soldiers who had died in the Valley. Their remains were a twisted mix of fractured bone who''s gaps were filled with the purple silhouettes of what the human frame was suppose to be like if it were perfect in a amalgamation of bone white with ghostly lilac that glowed in willful power from the Undead King''s command. The UFE soldiers were bewildered at the sight of the skeleton army as their bodies completely emerged from the ground to walk up to their master before kneeling to him to demonstrate their eternal service to him.


    "Do not fear them, they are my soldiers and a friend to me is a friend to them. Now, where are those big boom-boom things you Earthlings said ''are fun to play with''? I grow bored of the Board Games that I have inside my Tomb." King Martainn said.


    "You mean the C4''s? I thank you for the consideration but I don''t think that would be necessary your majesty. Some of the men are still¡­ disturbed by the whole undead thing you do." Reid turned the Lich down.


    The Ghost King sulked with a frown on his decaying mouth muscles, he snapped his fingers and his undead minions were dismissed as they sank down to return to the earth from where there remains will wait again to rise to serve their master once more when he calls for their aid again.


    "Are you sure your men will not accidentally miscast these ''C4'' Runes?" Martainn asked softly but in a concerned tone, his mind still thinking like an RPG Mage in the perspective of his UFE companions.


    Reid placed his palm on his face and sighed in annoyance. He was expected to when interacting with the native Gliesians on terms that the UFE Humans take for granted which all those who handle such jobs like Stryder Group and Governor White can say can be similar to teaching restless pre-schoolers on the ways of their technologically advance civilized Starnation. Yet he couldn''t help but mentally also feel a meager humor behind the primitive native''s (his respective supernatural state aside) callow curiousity when looking at the modern military technology as if it were some form of new type of ''Magic''. If Arthur C. Clarke was looking down from heaven right now, he would have the smuggest amusement of his scholarly input in relations to his 3rd Law being demonstrated in action.


    "Don''t worry your majesty, these ''Runes'' are triggered when we want them to be triggered. I have this special¡­ ''Wand'' right here that allows me to trigger the explosion ''magic'' of these C4 ''Runes'' now go set up the charges. One of the Marines will supervise you if your doing it correctly." Reid informed the Lich using the King''s substratal logic for his explanation.


    "As allies to a mutual enemy and by my honor it shall be done." The Lich said as he commanded his Skeletons to go inside the Tunnel with their UFE Marine allies.

 19 Chapter 19: a Dozen Ways to Die in Kesserheim

    ''False Fairies'' or that''s what Aliathra could see it when she saw Kesserheim''s neon advertisement lights on one of their many Commercial Districts. ''Lesser'' Men walked proudly in the streets displaying their augmented bodies of lifeless but super enhanced selves while their hands held gizmos the likes of which the Gliesians had never seen before. Not only visuals but also the smells too. There were street vendors who peddled food marketed to those of classical appetites like pizza, hot dogs and French fries that whetted their tongues to the more exotic sensations like Chinese soup noodles, Korean bean pancakes and Eastern European kidney stew. Her overwhelming experience in such a different world made her hungry and she can sense it from the Vampire Witch who strode aside her too. Yet Vincent insisted that the girls ''meet and old friend of his'' before they go out for dinner.


    "His shop is right over there. If you want to blend in with us you have to look the part." Diaz said.


    "Is that a Tailor Shop?" Kayin asked as the group found themselves in the store front of said craft.


    The big sign on top of the front window where to dresses, one a dapper suit for a male and the other a beautiful gown ''Maximillien''s Woven Artisanship'', the store front is humble in width but extravagant in projection.


    For Aliathra who had her fair share of primped up dresses and impossibly long party gowns, she likes the ambiance of the place, whilst for Iris, it reminded her of the dream she had of walking on the strange Earth Human cities during her time of first meeting them several months ago. The dress on the window drew her eyes to most from the deeper workings of the Tailor Shop as she lost herself in its intricate designs leaning her hands and body to the window to marvel at its elegance, benumbing her to the outside world surrounding her.


    "Hey, don''t lean on that! I just had that window replaced." Exclaimed a bald tanned man in an effeminate long-sleeved polo with a purple vest on his torso and a matching pair of silken pants towards Iris, snapping her back into reality.


    "Max!" Diaz smiled.


    "Vinny! Mon dieu c''est toi! It is you! Get in, come in! Bring your two lovely women friends and Black friend in here. My door is always welcome." The man''s sour mood turned over to a warm and accommodating smile.


    He held the door open allowing them entry into his shop. It was a fanciful establishment with wooden furnishings that make up the shelves, counters, tables and chairs of the place. All of which were in contrast from mahogany shades with the vibrant rainbow of colors that make up Maximillien''s products. From professionally black formal wear to flamboyant purple gold Americana''s.


    For Aliathra, such craftsmanship was up to par with the Tailors back home.


    "Your dames amis are quite feisty ones if I say so myself." Maximillien said.


    "Yeah, you won''t believe where I found them." Diaz said.


    "I second that." Kayin added.


    "Oh try me. I have met thousands of Female Clients and I am confident I have seen it all. Rich Heiresses. Prom Girls, Socialites, fat opera singers and even a former Prime Minister." Maximillien boasted.


    "Oh you ain''t seen nothing yet ''Baguettes''." Diaz said as he called forth Aliathra to his side.


    "You do remember I maintained this body through a strict Paleo-diet, right?" Maximillien corrected him.


    But his haughty demeanor was replaced yet again when his brown eyes made contact with Aliathra''s azure ones. Her face as he could mentally measure it from his face to face distance most certainly fulfill the Golden Ratio of a person''s perfectly sculpted face. And the hair, he was already internally singing serenades to her with such enthralling beauty.


    "Max, this is Aliathra my¡­ uhm¡­ Date for the day." Diaz explained.


    "Such a magnificent specimen. Are you an up and coming supermodel? Only the finest clothes of my collection is worthy of you." Maximillien ogled.


    "No, what I am about to show you is something only you and I should keep a secret for now. Until well maybe when its more public and accepted into¡­ Mainstream Society." Diaz awkwardly answered.


    "You are speaking in tongues Vinny. I do not know where your coming from." Max''s brows twitched in befuddlement.


    "Vincent, are you sure its okay if he knows?" Aliathra protested.


    "It''s okay. Because Maxy here knows the value of ''Omerta''. Right?" Diaz nodded to her before his gaze was casted towards the tailor in a subtly threatening tone.


    To Aliathra and Iris, they have never heard of a word called ''Omerta'' before. In their hands they speculate into theories ranging from a sort of mental contract of obedience to a very subtle way of throwing out a Death Threat. But to Diaz and Kayin, it was all very familiar in their historical knowledge stock of how Organized Criminals operate. (Especially for Diaz.)


    "Fine! I give up. What makes this girl of yours so special to you and potentially speaking, to me?" Max folded.


    Diaz delicately removed Aliathra''s hood which hid more of her long golden hair and also her elven ears that peaked out of her side bangs like a mountain whose height was greater than the clouds of the sky.


    "Their¡­ their¡­ real?" Maximillien asked as he looked at the Elf''s leaf shaped but pointy ended ears.


    "Yes." Diaz said.


    "So, you''re like those Tolkien Elves?" Maximillian asked as he carefully fondled Aliathra''s ears.


    "Tolkien? Who is this Tolkien you speak of?" Aliathra asked. When her ears were being fondled by the tailor, she couldn''t help but feel ticklish. Her ears were very sensitive to touch alongside its superior sound detection capabilities. She would remember the times during her child hood that her elder sister and brother would tickle her in the ears when they played together, a time where they were more innocent but oh how the decades had changed them over the years.


    "An author who writes about Elves." Max answered.


    "There are people like me who live with you Earth Humans?" Aliathra jumped into a question.


    "Oh no, what he wrote was fiction I am afraid. A figment of his imagination that grew very popular. His books about Fantasy Worlds is still very influential to this day." The Tailor explained.


    "What does he think about us Elves?"


    "You want the polite response or the rude but better and accurate response." Maximillien asked with snark.


    "I want to know the most prevalent image of elves that you Earth Humans possess." Aliathra daringly answered.


    "Rude response it is." Diaz said.


    "Oh, this is going to suck and be good." Kayin facepalmed to hide his grin.


    "Elves are arrogant pieces of shit who look down on anyone who aren''t as good as them in practically everything. And love to sit down on there ivory towers all day away from everybody." Maximillien blurted out with no signs of him mincing his words.


    The Elves were the most dominant cultural and economic power in Gliesia with only their rivals from the west the Black Tree Pact and their cross oceanic neighbors the Slaegian Empire (and Vassal states). Many of their inventions and cultural concepts were adopted by the less developed nations of her world and her family throughout their entire bloodline were the most socially outgoing elves in all of Alf-El Nora. Opening up embassies, consulates, trade agreements and all sorts of diplomatic missions all through out the Gliesian world. She was beyond insulted by the Tailor''s stereotype that she almost impulsively wanted to slap his glasses of so she can hear the sweet-sounding crack of his spectacles. But she had to suppress such adversarial impulses due to her being a guest in this new world and its was in the Elf''s best interest that she behaves ''like a proper Lady'' as her mother''s disciplined instructions would say.


    She silently left the counter, ignoring the tailor as she continued browsing the shop''s wares which were the only redeeming factor in this diversion.


    "You know, I would have actually love to see you hit him." Iris whispered.


    "How did you know that I would attempt to do such a barbaric act?" Aliathra asked back to the Vampire Witch.


    "Oh, I can see it in your face when the fellow there with the funny accent called your people ''arrogant pieces of shit''." She snickered.


    "You know for a Vampire, I actually agree with you." The Elf smiled as she caressed a silky blue dress from one of the shelves.


    "Do you think I would look great in this dress?" Aliathra asked as she pressed the apparel on her lithe body whilst staring at a nearby mirror as she imagined herself wearing it.


    "You do. Tell me Elf, what about this one?" Iris shared her compliments before reforming it into another question with a Purple Jacket that she scooted over Aliathra to have her figure seen by the mirror.


    As the women played around with Maximillien''s merchandise, the men sat down on a lowly circular cushioned chair that was meant for only one person to sit on. They uncomfortably tried to make do with the meager space that their tired bottoms can try to accommodate.


    "I don''t know if you know. But I know this, you got your eye on her." Diaz whispered to Kayin.


    "What?" he turned to Diaz who was smiling like an excited child.


    "The way you look at Iris, you always walking up close to her and the change of voice you make when you talk to her. You got the cahoots for her amirite?" Diaz smiled.


    "Uhm¡­ No¡­ yes¡­ No¡­ I mean¡­ yes¡­" Kayin confessed in a defeated sigh. "But its unethical for me to think like that¡­" Kayin said.


    "It doesn''t have to be that way. It''s only ''reprehensive behavior'' if you talk about it." Diaz said in a propositional manner.


    "What are you saying to me Mafioso?" Kayin pushed himself deeper into Diaz''s sly tongued of a mouth.


    "You noticed the prices on the store correct?"


    "Yeah, the cheapest item in this place costs more than I can make in a Month!" Kayin complained.


    "Well, being a ''Mafioso'' or my preferred term ''Corpo''. I can easily buy such¡­ extortionate items with out burning my bank account. I still have my assets and savings from my runner days in Kesserheim and I am gonna withdraw them all out anyway for the new bank that will be set up back in New Alban." Diaz said.


    "Says the man who steals for a living. But in all honesty what are you proposing to me?" Kayin snarked.


    "I give you money that you can use to pay for whatever Iris wants to have for herself in the store under plus some extra¡­ ''Hush-Hush'' on one condition. You will have to do some extra¡­ mechanical work for the Aparo." Diaz said.


    "Define these ''mechanical works''. If it involves violence then count me out." He threw out a small fit.


    "Oh, no not involving violence unless¡­ it involves crash test dummies¡­ then yeah its violent. Basically I need someone like you to help out in some Prototype Weapons that my master has been developing on."


    "Why can''t he just do it here?" Kayin asked. He was still reluctant in going into this sort of agreement with Diaz.


    "Spies everywhere from all the Big Weapons Corpos. Patent stealing is a very popular excursion that we Runners do normally, I have done some myself." Diaz said.


    "So, you want me to test out some Prototype Weapons in Dr. Mahelona''s place? What if he questions about it?" Kayin asked.


    "As an old friend who quoted¡­ or more like paraphrase it for a modern setting would say¡­ ''Dinero o Fuego'' for the good doctor. Not that I would explicitly try to threaten him. I just tell him that he can either keep quiet with a few extra credits on his pocket for a little ''Space Rental''. Besides, its essentially free money. No sane person wants to fight a Megacorpo correct? Like you?" Diaz attempted to persuade.


    The way Diaz said his words were indeed persuasive, the proposition of some passive income was always something the hardworking Negro had wanted to try to obtain some for himself. He had previously tried to get such a passive income in bonds and stock markets but he decimated his post college savings after several screw ups and poor calls. He also thought of Iris. He indeed had a budding formation of affection and thoughtfulness to the Vampire and wanted to show his affections for her in anyway he could that would be guaranteed to be under the noses of his superiors who were very restrictive in any ''beyond professional'' relationship between their subordinates. Seeing her desiring to have herself wear the purple dress made his heart skipped several beats.


    "How much money are we talking about?" Kayin asked.


    "10,000 Credits per hour inside that Firing Range. And also 50,000 right now." Diaz said.


    "Deal. Don''t make me regret this." Kayin said as he stood up from the chair and walked towards Iris who was being mesmerized by the dress she was quasi-trying on.


    "Would you like that Iris?" He asked her.


    "I do." She nodded.


    "For that one. I will pay for it just for you. But keep it a secret." Kayin placed his index finger on his lips.


    "Oh, you are such a dear aren''t you." Iris smiled as she tossed the dress over Kayin''s wide shoulder as she walked towards the counter to check-out her newly acquired piece of ''Exotic'' apparel.


    Aliathra looked on as she held on to the several number of modern articles on her hand and turned to Diaz.


    "Buy as much as you would like. You look beautiful in all of them." Vincent winked with a flirtatious tone.


    -------------------------------(Meanwhile back in Cambervale Valley) ------------------------


    Ser Petur the Faithful Reikdorf''s horse bucked as it trotted the slanted grounds of the south eastern hills regions near the Tyr Rian border. He alongside Carliah, Findrum and Mita. There job was to create a secondary entry point through the mountain ranges that naturally guarded the Tyr Rian Principality from her north east. Emperor Uldin''s Generals all agreed that the narrowed down and heavily fortified mountain passes that connected the vassal state to its liege lords would be a ground in favor of the defenders who could easily dig in from the upcoming Slaegian Onslaught. They are too go to an abandoned tunnel network that according to the historians can permit room for a large movement of soldiers to pass through, once the engineers attached to the Grey Order''s party can clear up the rubble and reinforce the Tunnel''s structural integrity. Carliah Silverdane was assigned to be the one who would do much of the heavy lifting needed for the large boulders that they might encounter once they start the excavation. They all hope that they can finish the job with their 300 strong workforce of military engineers borrowed from the Slaegian Legionnaires and levied laborers by next week.


    Protecting them would be up to the task of Ser Petur and Findrum from any threats. Petur had prepared several Holy Spells and coated his silver weapons in Holy Water in case the demons try to stop them in the off chance that they might find out whilst Findrum readied to fight off any of the underground or mountain dwelling monstrosities that might hinder the workers from their assignment.


    Mita''s reports thanks to her network of spies and the additional fact that, much to everyone''s shock that Aliathra, the Elven Princess sent to assist them have managed to infiltrate the ranks of the Demon''s apparent stronghold of ''New Albany'' which reported to have been built within a few weeks yet its impressive range and size would have taken the Slaegian Empire and even the Elves about five years or more of non-stop construction work. Additionally, the reports from their Elven insider also reported that the Demon''s sported arms and skins made of metal that shined like the reflection of the sun from a mirror in a more impressive resolution compared the likes of which of any Gliesian Blacksmith. Not even the Dwarves in all of their ingenuity nor the Elves in their monopoly over the unobtanium ''Star-Metal'' could match the craftsmanship and design of these strange foreigners.


    "We have arrived." Petur gestured his hand upwards as his horse lulled her feet. His nose could smell the emerald grass of the Valley''s pastures that made the expedition''s horses become excited with lustful salivation. He knew that this hidden natural gem had a edacious effect on grazing animals. There horses are going to feat well today.


    "Set up a camping ground and a foraging party at once everyone. Carliah get ready to get to work on the ruins once we have all settled." Petur commanded and everyone obeyed.


    He was given the Expedition''s supreme authority by Emperor Uldin himself and was given the responsibilities to see to the task''s success. If anyone can lead a Crusade it would be him, as chosen by all the Elders that judged him. And the Magical Knight swore not to fail them or his nation.


    "Oh finally! I thought we would never get here! I was starting to get bored." Findrum smiled as he dropped down from the carriage he sat down on throughout the entire trip.


    Carliah wiped out the sweat from her forehead as she embraced her weary body of the cool mountain breeze that the nearby Dorham Range which was the natural north western barrier between the Slaegian Empire and the Principality of Tyr Rian. She was not much of an outdoors person, preferring the shelter of shade more than anything else. Her magical staff, imbued with some of the highest quality Mana Crystals money and effort can obtain. She flicked her wrist of her feathery fan to cool herself off as she looked out on the midday sun.


    "Let us hurry on with this quest now." Carliah said as she stepped down from the carriage and place her hood on top to protect her shining silvery blonde hair from the de-moisturizing rays of the sun.


    The expedition promptly began to set up their camp on the feet of the valley''s hills as the workers picked up their camp construction tools and materials whilst also preparing their excavation equipment for the task ahead.


    Whilst the camp is being built, Mita alongside several of her best Crows were assigned to scout the Abandoned Tunnels to asses how much work they will have to do. The Expedition was authorized by the Empire to be able to requisite a set number of additional manpower and material if needed be.


    Her party moved swiftly through the pasture lands as they observed their environment. From their south east the emerald Dorham Mountain Range towered protectively preventing unrestricted access to the Principality of Tyr Rian. Behind them were the Myos Timberlands a source of wood that the Empire greatly values in their strategic resource inventories and also the township of Vercourt were a stockpile of the Slaegian Legions weapons and supplies are kept which the town procures materials for. If the Demons were to breakthrough from their mountainous confines inside the Principality, then Vercourt and Myos are the likeliest of targets.


    The underground tunnels of the old Cyclopean Civilization that died out before humanity rose up from their ashes had a capacity when measuring upon the average humanoid size of fitting about 80 soldiers can march inside the tunnel comfortably, about 150 of them if they decide to pack them in tightly in case, they need to rush troop movements into Tyr Rian.


    As the scouts made their way up the steps that would lead them to the entrance, they encountered a group of twelve simply dressed individuals in long but thick flowing outer robes and carrying huge wooden walking sticks as tall as they were.


    "Greetings and may the Gods be with you." One of them saluted.


    "You don''t look like shepherds. What brings you here to Cambervale?" one of Mita''s Crows asked.


    "We are pilgrims who are here to admire the¡­ natural beauty of this pasture. We are devout followers of the God of the Soil." The stranger answered rather haphazardly in Mita''s experience. His tone was exposed nervousness and hints of ignorance.


    She didn''t take down the possibility that these pilgrims were just obtuse minded simpletons but she prepared herself in case the worst happens. She and her Crows were trained to be efficient in singular hand to hand combat but it wasn''t as much as a priority to say Scouting, Espionage and Assassinating their targets when they were their most vulnerable.


    "God of the Soil? Never heard of him before. Are you sure it isn''t Uaris the God of Farming you speak of?" the Crow probed.


    "It''s a preference sir. We are just humble shepherds who have take upon the pilgrimage to kneel down and worship him here." the stranger answered.


    The Crow reexamine the Pilgrims. Their bulky forms were physically blocking any view the Scouts could have to investigate the entrance of the tunnels.


    "What brings you to this spot. Do you know that behind you is an old underground tunnel?" Mita asked them.


    "Yes madam. We are using the tunnel as a shelter for our little camp. Nothing much other than rubble and our fire we have been cooking up for supper." The stranger responded.


    "Well we are Land Surveyors from Slaegia and we want to go into the Tunnels to see if they can be used for the Empire''s use." Mita''s Crow underling lied in an attempt to persuade them to budge. He tried to push through the crowd only to be blocked in the last possible inch before his eyes could move inside the hidden Tunnel entrance.


    "Oh no I don''t think its necessary. The Tunnels are sealed up so badly no magic in the world can fix it." The Stranger said with his sweat nervously dropping from his forehead.


    "Move over, I wish to see it myself." The Crow insisted as he pushed him aside as he peeked over the foilage.


    To his surprise, what laid beyond the emerald blankets, he saw dozens of men in strange green fatigues working with a variety of gizmos attached to wires that blinked red in light upon a small speck on their sinister looking exterior. The Crow could feel an overwhelming sense of abeyant power within those devices that was being attached to the Tunnel''s walls and support structures.


    "What in the Gods name are you ----" the Crow had barely enough time to react when a loud bang from his left temple pierced through his skull killing him instantly.


    "Go loud!" the Stranger said as he drew a hand-held metal wand hidden from his cloak. He quickly pointed the wand at the crows and opened fire an invisible magic that when correctly aligned to its target, the person dies instantly.


    Mita, knowing that she has no advantage fighting these peculiarly well-armed ''Pilgrims'' dropped a smoke bomb down on to the ground and then casted invisibility as she fled. Some of her fellow Crows however were not as quick on their feet as she was. They were shot down by the strangers with their Metal Wands and Staffs mercilessly before they could have a chance to draw their arms.


    "Such treachery! This must be the Demons from the old legends. I must warn everyone." Mita''s thoughts raced in her mind as she ran back to the Expedition camp.


    As rest of the Crows fled with her or were gunned down out of their wounded misery. Inspector Reid took off his disguise and with a disturbed mask, walked back inside the Tunnel, taking caution not to trip over the Crow that he had to kill in point blank range, where the Engineers and King Martainn were.


    "Our cover is blown. We need to blow this tunnel up now." He ordered.


    "Fuck! I knew this won''t be easy." The Leader of the UFE Combat Engineer Demolitions team cursed. "Skeleton King or whatever your name is! Summon up some hands here, we still got about a less than a click of land to work with." He ordered the Lich.


    "Rise my undead servants!" King Martainn called forth, his hands conjure necromantic energies as the awakened dead rose up from the Earth.


    They were given demolition charges and had Engineers attached to them for instructional supervision so that the Demolition team can cover more ground quicker. The Charges, despite their unfamiliar nature to the Gliesians, were designed to be easily set up and armed. It''s the wiring and proper emplacement in strategically important support structures which cost the engineers the most time consumed.


    As the combined undead and UFE Engineers applied the explosives with redoubled fury, a detachment of Combat Engineers and Marines, armed with Grenade Launchers, Anti-Personnel Mines and hi-caliber Squad Automatic Weapons ran outside as they prepared defensive formations. Readying themselves for their fight against any attempt of a siege. Their objective was clear:


    Buy time.


    --------------------(In a heavily populated Kesserheim Commercial District) ---------------


    "Ah¡­ Fairpark¡­ home of some the best shopping and pig-outs known to man. It''s like New York¡­ oh wait I forgot¡­ you¡­" Diaz at first enthusiastically introduced before sulking down in his own erroneousness.


    After a small splurge of several thousand credits in Maximilliens Boutique. He had continued the unofficial guided tour of Kesserheim through the Ecumenopolis'' many shopping streets. They saw many more sights from the Kesserheim Fashions, Food Stalls and Technology Stores. To Iris, such a display of power with no trace of Magic astonished her positively to the various benefits of being a UFE citizen. She is now even considering applying to be the first Gliesian to immigrate to UFE space when she gets the chance.


    For Aliathra however, her new clothes and artificially beautiful lights aside. Her view was in a more scrutinizing point of view. With so much raw power at the UFE''s disposal. The Aliens would make short work of all the nations of Gliesia. To see her home Ethuilen burn to the ground by UFE firepower chilled her to the bone. But she must press on with fortitude if she wants to get out of here alive and safely. From what she can analyze with her fast with and photographic memory, she tried to comprehend the many machinations and sophistications these strange breeds of Humans have compared to the contemporary Ysanigrad ones. Some of her own interpretations of the advanced technology was so astoundingly outlandish that there''s a significant chance that the readers of her reports might think she was raving mad or worse, under some sort of ''Eldritch Mental Deterioration of Sanity'' from the UFE''s ''Corruption''. (And she has yet to feel any sort of hidden corruption that is trying to taint her soul away from the righteous path. Were the ''Demons'' bidding their time and tempting her with luxurious amenities?)


    "Oh, cheer up Metal Man, I actually like you that way." Iris smiled.


    "Yes, I got to admit. If it weren''t you coming along, I would probably be chewing the technical manuals to not go insane all over." Kayin added.


    "The fuck? You do that?" Diaz raised his eyebrow.


    "Being smart can do that to you. It gets lonely as time passes." Kayin said.


    "Well you got Iris with you so if I were you. Don''t fuck it up. So, once we finish eating out let''s get back to the Garden District before the Late-Night rush hour kicks in, shall we? Come we can get to my favorite by crossing down this street." Diaz pointed to a wide and crowded pathway filled with Neon Lights and Holographic displays.


    A rainbow of lights bombarded the Gliesians with their sophisticated patterns and visual images. Food Items, Beauty products and all sorts of Modern amenities that the average UFE Human would take for granted enthralled the Aliens. They never seen such wonders in the entirety of their fantastical existence.


    For Aliathra, such sights couldn''t be the work of destructive ''Demons'' out to devour worlds in Chaos. In the midst of this storm of so many incongruous at best, ''Eldritch'' at worst concepts of the Modern World. She can see some semblance of a new breed of Harmony that she didn''t know could be possible to anyone.


    Steel in the UFE world were as plentiful as the trees in the forest but for the various myriad pre-industrial age cities of Gliesia, steel was only used for the building of weapons and armor. In her tongue, Steel is called ''Belth-tinc'' or the Destroyer Metal. For all of its hardy and stainless properties, Steel was only used in times of war. Most buildings back at her home were either made from carved stone to make the graceful and delicate geometric shapes that were the envy of their entire world. But to be there in Kesserheim, to see Steel stacked as high as the highest mountains be such a common sight for the UFE Natives displayed the superfluous differences in power between the Gliesians (even her own fellow esteemed Ethuilen Elves) and the UFE Humans was humbling at the glance of a simple commoner but for a Princess and as a Spy for her nation, it was terrifying in a cosmogonic sense. To put two and two together, the vast technological advantage the UFE has over them would be also directly relative to the amount of experience the civilization has with dealing with varieties of problems as she remembered one of her court''s philosophers in Sociology would comment. Yet, these ''Demons'' to her surprise were reasonable, pragmatic in a inhibited sense in terms of the military power but still reasonable. The Elf''s mind mentally recorded all the most important insights she could collect. From their strange weapons, their metallic citadels and ''False Fairies''. Her world must know of this, but would people see these ''Demons'' as their destroyers or as bringers of a New World Order? The Elf still had doubts over the UFE''s true intentions with Gliesia. Power over an inferior foe is intoxicating as she has learned from the many stories, mythological or recorded accounts, that the strong will always devour the weak. Yet her mind was conflicted yet again by another strange contrast, that the ''Stronger Demons'' were helping Aria, the Princess who has born lame to be able to walk again with no other material gain but friendship between Tyr Rian people and the UFE.


    "Were the Prophecies of the Demonic apocalypse perhaps?" Aliathra thought.


    But her mind was dragged out of the clouds as she accidentally bumped into the rosy colored jacket of Diaz who suddenly stopped.


    "Ouch! Why did you stop?" Aliathra questioned but as she turned to look at the Roguish albeit charming in his own way Filipino''s eyes. She saw through his orbs were of a concealed dread in contrast to his riveting charisma that she has seen him sport through out the party''s unofficial tour of the world he calls his home.


    "Well, well¡­ Dare Runner it''s good to see you again." A naked headed man in a white suit greeted.


    He was accompanied by a dozen of thuggish men whose bodies were augmented with all sorts of varieties of cybernetics and their eyes were hidden in eye shaped fitting sunglasses that to the Gliesians looked like their eyes were as pitch black as night which they find their ominous blanks in a disturbing display of their inhumanity.


    "Shit¡­" Diaz cursed softly as he raised his hands in surrender.


    "You know... Vinny. The moment we all hear at Heckler Union of you going away. We all thought you were gone for good." The bald man said.


    "I didn''t leave voluntarily you know." Diaz corrected.


    "Which made it all looked oh the more¡­ in the formal way¡­ indefinite. With you gone Heckler Union began to muscle in as much ground from Aparo since you weren''t there to force us to play defense." The Heckler Union man proudly declared.


    "Oh stop being such a cocky fuck Fuchs. You wanna fuck someone Fuchs you got to be a bit more charming about it. The way you say its pathetic! Low Energy I would call it." Diaz teased.


    "My name is Fauchard!" the Heckler Union leader said. He then reached into his pockets and pulled out a large revolver from his coat so he can cock it. He kept the gun bellow his waist with its barrel downwards as he imposingly pointed to Diaz in a fit of challenge.


    "I give you a deal here Vinny. Give me the Elf Witch Iris on your right and I''ll give you a ten-minute head start before I blow your head off with this piece of point forty-four." Fauchard pointed to Aliathra.


    "But I am Iris." Iris corrected him as he stepped forward from Kayin''s back.


    "Damnit Iris you''re not helping!" Kayin panickily informed her. The Engineer was unarmed and tactically naked whilst he is pointed by about a dozen or more sights on him and his companions by the Heckler Union Megacorp Thugs who quickly redirected their gun''s aim at her.


    Realising her mistake, she hissed at their sight bearing her carnivorous fangs.


    "I am surprised she doesn''t sparkle." Fauchard said. "So, is my little mole in Aparo off? That you went into some sort of Exile to a God Damn fantasy book. With dragons, elves like the blondie here and knights? Make you go do a bunch of quests. Rub money all over your face while wenches rubbed your cyborg six pack with oil and call you ''their Hero''?"


    "What do you really want Fuch? Me or Iris¡­ you can have both because I am gonna make you fight for for it¡­ Fuchs. Let''s end it all right here, right now.." Diaz challenged Fauchard.


    "You think I came here for a fight? I want to Gangbang." Fauchard readied his revolver as his men took aim at Diaz and Kayin, taking care not to risk hitting the VIP''s Aliathra and Iris who they planned to kidnap after they take care of their escorts.


    "Come get a taste." Diaz said as he bent his knees down and assumed a gunslinger''s stance.


    Under normal circumstances, if Diaz was just an ordinary human being, the Heckler Union thugs would have just gunned him down the moment they see the whites of his eyes. But thanks to the Corpo Agent''s years of throwing wrenches down as many rival Megacorps plans, Fauchard and his posse of gunmen knew that underestimating him is a fatal error. His Cybernetic Augmentations were some of the best technology money can buy and what the Human Mind can physically conceived. He knew that he was worth more to them with his parts intact than riddled with bullets to a ruinously unsalvageable state. And the implications of what God knows what plans Fauchard and Heckler Union would do to Iris and Aliathra is just equally apprehensive. He needs to protect them and Kayin. His old Criminal Life catching up to him made Vincent regret some of his life choices.


    He looked back at Kayin who was bravely putting himself in front of harm''s way with Aliathra and Iris hiding on his taller back. In all honesty for the Nigerian, he was the most Normal Person in this standoff with no cybernetic augmentations nor any magical talents to put next to his Curriculum Vitae. Yet the very notion of a Cyfreddin a ''Normal Person'' in Iris'' Old Tyr Riannic dialect and Baw g¨²l meaning ''Magicless'' in a derogatory sense in Aliathra''s Elven, that he ''the Nightman'', ''Dur Riv'', this G.I. Private First Class of admittedly more clever than normal Combat Engineer is protecting a Vampiress Witch who can hold her own in a fight but is often ostracized for her rather peculiar appetite for crimson fluids and an Elven Princess who had feared that these strange variety or amalgamation based on her newly expanded view of them humans to see Kayin as someone not of what they expected. For a brutish man, he was smart and clever in addition to his valor of protecting those he considers his friends or those he is sworn to defend. Like an ironic twist of a Knight in Shining Armor and straight forward Good Samaritan he shielded the two Magic users.


    "Alright, let---"


    "Not so fast your ingrates!" a loud voice interrupted Fauchard''s. More armed goons but in distinct green engineering uniforms complete with yellow hardhats entered the fray and made themselves known to the two hostile parties. Their appearance in contrast to the Heckler Union''s Thugs were sporting more crude weapons and barely any cybernetic augmentations in their bodies or none at all.


    "Maximov Engineering here and that Elf Girl Iris is mine!" a man in a thick Russian accent said.


    "Your dirt bags have been in third place since forever. And no, the Elf isn''t Iris." Diaz shouted.


    "Well doesn''t matter. When I am done with you and the Hecklers, your going to be in¡­ DEAD place." The Russian said.


    "Ni Hao Bitches!" a nasally Asian voice interrupted them yet again.


    With their skin creamed skin surgically modified faces but still distinctively Asian features, flashy suits and gold and dragon engraved guns, another dozen of so more well dressed but still lethally armed gun men entered into the fray. Their entrance added more fuel to the potential firestorm that so many antagonistic groups gathered in one space and all armed to the teeth that can potentially exploded into nasty firefight M¨ºl¨¦e ¨¤ Trois ¡­ or M¨ºl¨¦e Quatre for this case.


    "Zhuming Entertainment presents¡­ Kesserheim''s streets run red¡­ with Dare Runner''s blood." The man in a sharply dressed red silken polo whose collar was arrogantly unfolded boastfully announced.


    With his posse of pretty boys in their outstanding wear they raced down youthfully to the circular gathering of rival Megacorps.


    "Well¡­ looks like we got ourselves a Pan-Industrial slash multi-cultural melee-quatre plus one black dude on my back. Where''s our brownie points for diversity?" Diaz snarked which got a few chuckles from some of the armed thugs and even Kayin.


    "You all know why we are here. You and Iris." Fauchard reminded him.


    "You know, now that you said that¡­" the Maximov Leader said as he self-actualized his current situation. He drew and dual wield two pistols and aimed one at Diaz and the other at Fauchard. Both of the pistol''s under grip laser red dot laser sights dangled brightly between both of their eyes.


    Some of Fauchard''s men reacted by redirecting their aim at Maximov and his crew of armed Industrial Workers.


    "You know, now that Heckler said it¡­" the leader of Zhuming Entertainment whistled to his goons and began to aim their guns at equivalently at all the three other parties. "Killing also you two would be just as good as getting Diaz and the Magic Girls." He smiled coyly of bringing home for his organization some ''bonus scores''.


    "The fun prospect of seeing my girls Aliathra and Iris in a cheesy VR Porn video ala¡­ ''Exotic Girls from Far Far Away Fantasy Land'' or whatever shitty title you give it aside, you probably don''t want to mess with the latter more." Diaz warned him.


    He turned to Iris with a confident but also anxious glance at the Vampire Witch.


    "What''s a VR Porn video?" she asked.


    "Eh¡­ uhm¡­ they make you a¡­ how do I say it¡­" the Zhuming leader tried to construct a tactful answer to Iris'' question.


    "They''ll make you work in a shitty brothel." Diaz said in a provocative manner to get the Vampire to stand up for herself and be able to balance up the odds on this uneven encounter. Although his statement wasn''t wholly accurate in terms of the difference between the sex trade of a medieval era red light district to the modern ones of the world''s oldest profession, it was accurate enough for Vincent to get the disgusting implications across to Iris to sour her reserved demeanor.


    "Such vulgarity! That''s no way to treat a Lady." Iris growled as she pushed Kayin and Aliathra away and conjured fire and ice on her hands. She bared her fangs like a territorial hound at the Megacorp who dared to see her as an object. Such a terrifying display of the monster hidden beneath that feminine exterior caused them to step back and cower in horror of the unnatural. To see a classical horror movie monster in their own eyes was honestly frightening to them compared to the existential safety of seeing one behind a screen in a comfy chair in a cinema (public or home).


    "See? Wanna kiss from her now??" Diaz taunted.


    "What is this ''blowjob'' you speak of another Vulgar act to degrade a Cadohagan woman?" Iris snarled. Her eyes filled with angered disgust pierced daggers at some of the less courageous folks of their ambushers.


    "Well at least the Intel that we got makes her worth around Billion Credits." Fauchard smiled.


    "Oh, you are all the same!" Diaz spat as he discharged his pistol while quickly covering as much of his vulnerable head with his left arm.


    The shot fired through out the park went across the circle''s diameter intending to shoot down the Fauchard''s head off. But the Swiss, in an act of sordid but effective self-preservation instinct dragged one of his goons on his side and had the hapless thug (unwillingly) take the bullet for him. As soon the first shot was fired, everyone gathered in the park open fired. Some missed, others were gunned down and the rest were wounded. It was absolute bullet hell and Stryder Group are dead in the middle of all of it.


    Diaz strafed to his right while maintaining his makeshift arm shield protecting his squishy head. He blindly fired back with his laser pistol ''Ruiner''. He could feel a bullet or two land violently at his arm shield but it didn''t pierce through. He couldn''t tell from his self-inflicted sightless condition if either it ricochet of his arm or was simply stopped dead in its penetration path. Either way he could easily shrug several bullets all over his body before his lightly armored frame gets ruptured to expose his more vulnerable vital organs and cybernetic structures. He needed to find something solid to hide from quick.


    The same logic above could be also said for Aliathra and Kayin. Both of who were unarmed and mana exhausted respectively.


    Iris blasted an infernal gale of fire towards the Chinese Entertainment corporation and manage to incinerate 3 ill-positioned Zhuming gun men. Her experience observing the UFE soldiers gave her some insights on how they do combat with one another. In her own primitive observations, she concluded that most UFE''s prefer to fight in range while discharging as much firepower they can humanly carry and output. She remembered that in one demonstration that the UFE would use to countermeasure such a combat strategy is through Smoke. They contained some smoke inside a small canister and in similar vein to their hand thrown grenades (and not the ones she had used in the MGL previously as Kayin told her that there is a difference between them.) and mechanism.


    The Vampiress improvised by replicating the said smoke by unleashing a wind of blizzard from her left hands only to quickly evaporate the frozen water with another gale of her fire blast. She channeled the mana from her Pure Crystal necklace causing the entire battlefield to be covered in a befuddling fog.


    Their assailants tone done their fire and tried to regroup their men who were all scattered throughout the park blindingly trying to get away from its effect.


    "Come on!" Diaz yelled to Iris as the two doved down to a nearby hotdog stand for cover.


    "Who are these people?" Iris asked, her voice hinting with disgust on their attackers who dared tried to sleaze their way to her.


    "Badguys¡­ friends of mine¡­" Diaz hoarsely informed as he reloaded ''Ruiner''.


    "Well your ''Friends'' think I am some cheap whore." Iris haughtily dismissed. "Where''s Kayin and the Elf?"


    Diaz peeked over the hotdog stand and frantically tried to spot them. He saw, despite a blurry haze from his bullet suppressed eyes a tall Negro male who is hurriedly pulling the arm of a blonde woman in the same colored jacket that Aliathra was wearing when she was given a new set of clothes courtesy of the Manila. The figures made a mad dash for a crowded shopping street north west from where the Cyborg and Vampiress were holding up.


    "You can cast those spells and all right?" Diaz asked.


    "Yes, yes I can." Iris nodded as she recharged her hands with more magic that gave a faint sky-blue light.


    "Follow me and don''t stop running." Diaz told her as he made a dash out of the cart towards his other two friends'' direction with Iris promptly jumping into her feet with him.


    They flew through the parks grassy floor, weaving through the greenery, trees, bushes, holographic ad stands and dead bodies. They could hear the gun fire continue to roar behind them as they sensed bullets caress them mere inches pass the two.


    Iris let loose several Magical Missiles behind her, all of each enchanted to hit the mark of any would be kidnapper.


    "Don''t shoot like that! She''s worth Fifty-Billion credits alive!" one of their assailants scolded.


    "I am not anyone''s toy! I AM FREE!" Iris angrily replied to the callous Corpos and unleashed an azure barrage of Magic Missiles.


    Six darts flew out of her hand and charged towards their pursuers striking them down with an unexpecting and deceptive force staggering and piercing 4 of them.


    Their feet dashed out of the park''s jade grounds and into the asphalt street separating them from the shopping street across. The two not bothering to look both ways, weaved through precariously of the on coming traffic that sped through. Iris barely stopped mere inches away from a speeding truck but Diaz managed to catch her on time before she was running over by several tons of steel.


    "Keep your head down and move come on!" Diaz warned her.


    After the truck passed by them, they made their way safely across where they kept their heads low while continuing to gain some distance from their pursuers.


    The shopping street, from a busy albeit normal business day was erupted into chaos as Gun fire and armed goons flooded the commercial area. Screams and the sound of merchandise crashing or falling apart can be heard as they barraged Aliathra''s ears.


    "Where''s Vince?" She asked Kayin.


    "I don''t know. I haven''t seen Iris either. We need to---" Kayin gasped for breath before a dreadful ''Click'' noise interrupted his sentence.


    To the two''s horror they were held in gun point by the treacherous addition of four more thugs, all armed to claim their prize. Compared to the Heckler Union, Maximov Engineering and Zhuming Entertainment, these thugs were more anarchistic in terms of their choice of clothing. Leather jackets with spikes and a rainbow of colors littering their clothes like a flour scattered in a cooking counter.


    "Elfie is gonna make us rich! Buh-Bye!" A man in a purple spiky mohawk pointed his gun at Kayin''s head.


    Aliathra closed her eyes, not wanting to see Kayin''s head explode in front of her.


    Four loud shots coming from point blank range thundered at the Elf''s sensitive ears making her scream. She knelt down and covered her ears and began to crack under the combative pressures. Her inexperience in the field plus the sheer stress one such as herself is enduring of being light years away from home. She shed tears and began to whisper to Neneth for salvation from her nightmare that she feels all too real.


    "Hey, Hey, Hey!" a familiar voice broke her silence as she felt someone''s hand pull her left arm away from her ear. It was Diaz.


    "Thanks." Kayin gratified.


    Aliathra saw the four hold-uppers and would be murderers of Kayin and kidnapper of the Elven Princess turned spy lying dead on the floor. She saw Diaz''s laser pistol exhaust a red yet also refractive gas from his gun''s chamber. Once again this ''Abomination'' saved her life.


    "What now? There everywhere!" Iris asked.


    Diaz turned his head around the group''s vicinity. The pressure of his friend''s survival now resting upon the Penal Soldier''s long history of Kesserheim''s neon streets.


    "Over there!" Diaz pointed with Ruiner. It''s barrel pointing to an abandoned and darkly lit Convenience store whose door was conveniently opened as if recently abandoned. A perfect place to hide until the heat dies down.


    Grasping Aliathra''s hand tightly but with a guardian''s firmness, he led his friends inside the Convenience store and quickly closed the door. The door''s normal greeting ring was luckily turned off which gave them hope that they might be able to hide it out.


    It was dark inside with only the cartoon merchandise with their dead simplified black dots of an anthromorphic''s irises to keep them company. The four knelt down quietly as they could hear the faint footsteps of their pursuers.


    "How do we get out of here?" Kayin asked.


    "There''s a back door. I think we can escape through it." Iris pointed to the metal door behind the store''s cash register counter.


    "I''m sure that''s just a supply door." Kayin cynically informed.


    "Hang on let me confirm." Diaz paused as he pulled out his phone. He covered his devices bright light with his jacket as he checked his map.


    "There''s a back alley we can sneak off to straight for the Rainbow Bridge. It''ll lead us to the Orchard District." Diaz told them.


    "We''ll be safe there right?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yeah, it''s Aparo territory. Got to call my boss though. Tell him we are coming in hot." Diaz assured.


    "I''ll get it open now." Kayin said as he stealthily crawled to the door and tried to open it.


    At first, he tried to push it open but it wouldn''t budge. Then after a couple of attempts of pushing he tried pulling the door but it was locked in place.


    "It''s locked. And its one of those security doors." Kayin sadly informed them. If he had is tools with him he could easily bypass the door''s metal locks that kept it firmly enclosed.


    "That''s made of metal, right?" Iris asked.


    "Yes. Why? Can you actually unlock it?" Diaz asked.


    "In my career of enchanting weapons and armor of Mirrien. Metal shifting is a vital skill in my day job." Iris said.


    "Okay ya try that. But do it quietly." Diaz whispered.


    He took point near the door entrance as he observes the outside. Most of the stores in the shopping streets were now devoid of civilians and light (except for their pursuer''s tactical flashlights attached to their guns) leaving the once vibrant commercial area abandoned except for the Mercenaries, Thugs and armed goons of virtually every Rival Megacorp, Crime Syndicate or person Diaz has ever known to try and climb their way to the top of Kesserheim''s dynamically Darwinian Food Chain.


    From a self-actualizing point of view for the ex-Corpo agent, being away from Kesserheim for a few months gave him a new perspective in life. He never knew there was more to the whole world than just the cybernetic neon lights of Kesserheim which is filled with excessive materialism, anarcho-capitalist ventures and simple greed. To see the green grass and natural calling of nature in an unexplored and untapped land far away made him reflect on those years stealing and killing for a living. But if it weren''t for the raw and unadulterated thrill of adventure, and the rush of stealing high value items from people in addition to the reputable perks of his successful exploits he had acquired throughout his previous career. He would have emigrated out of the planet to some lonely Agri-world when he got the money to make the transit.


    "Let me check here and then we''ll move out!" one of the mercenaries told his comrades as he walked straight into their hiding spots direction.


    Everyone in Diaz''s party hid behind the safety of the shadows not daring to expose an inch of their bodies to the mercenary''s tactical light.


    "Nothing here. Let''s moo---" the mercenary was about to turn away when he heard an object fall down from the store''s interior.


    "No." Aliathra whispered in hopeless tribulation as she clumsily let a can of food fall down from the shelf she hidden herself behind.


    She naively tried to reach out for the can before the gaze of the tac-light reached for it. But she underestimated the mercenary''s reflexes.


    "They''re here!" the mercenary yelled when his light shone at Aliathra''s ivory lithe hands exposed on the cold marble floor midway between the fallen can.


    "Shit!" Diaz cursed as he emerged out of his cover and blasted the gunman who found them with a swift shot in the head resulting in his immediate death.


    Gunfire erupted in a hail of lead on the storefront as the party''s pursuers descended upon their position.


    Kayin struggled to keep his head down as he crawled to the dead mercenary''s corpse and grabbed his rifle and ammo. Using his corpse to rest his gun on. Kayin returned fire.


    "Iris! Get that door open now!" He yelled.


    "I am trying but the metal of this door is unlike anything I have handled before." Iris complained.


    The obstructive bars hidden beneath the door''s facade that separated them from freedom are made from a composition of various materials with only one object being the familiar Iron-purified Steel that Iris is used to Metal-shift. The rest were made out of alien non-metals that made her powers dampen in terms of effect. The aluminum, glass and gypsum compound made it limited how far Iris can manipulate the locks. That and the fact she is under pressure from suppressive gun fire also didn''t help her concentration.


    "I need Mana!" Aliathra yelled.


    "Iris¡­ your necklace." Kayin called out.


    The Witch unhooked her neckwear quickly and tossed it to Kayin over the counter. She continued to struggle with the unusually made locks of the door whilst the other 3 members of her party were on defense.


    Kayin passed the Mana Crystal to the Elf whom promptly siphoned the mana out of the high-quality crystal. After a time of ''Mana Starvation'' the Princess could feel her Elven Physiology and Magical Affinities return to her like when one was wondering a desert and found a watering hole (that is not a Mirage). With her reserves back up to more preferable count, Aliathra began to cast some Conjuration magic that she knew from her Elven Ranger training. By default, one of the Elven Ranger spells that all of them know by heart is the Conjuration spell called ''Summon Bow''. This is taught to them in the very first days of training in the belief statement that ''All Rangers must be at the ready.'' She created a brilliantly bright blue bow from her hands that when ever she pulls the weapon''s thinly glass-like bow string it creates a similarly colored magical arrow which as time goes on, it become as powerful and comparable in terms of sheer penetration power, it is comparable to a high-powered bullet. Normally however the spell is used for emergencies only when a Ranger is found without a weapon since it is more Magically Efficient to just enchant the arrows which in all existential importance was the essential item in the Bow and Arrow combo that makes Elven Rangers comparable to a contemporary Rifleman.


    She pulled the bowstring and emerged from her cover, now with reinvigorated hope. She took aim and the first hostile fell down from her bow. His chest was pierced by the magic arrow that after it a moment was dissipated into nothingness, its particles fading away with the cold night wind. It left the man bleeding out profusely. Again, she pulled the bow and took fire, every shot, the arrow landed on a gunman who tried to approach the convenience store.


    But for every one man they take down, two more takes his place. Their numbers and firepower seemed to be unending.


    "Beam Rifle! Duck!" Diaz warned Aliathra. He dived down to Aliathra who was unaware that she overlooked a man who was carrying an unusually blocky but extremely destructive Energy Weapon.


    A verdant green beam of light slashed sideward from across the store''s walls burning everything anything that it touched. Vincent managed to push Aliathra and himself out of the beam''s way before it struck either of them. Yet from where Aliathra was standing she was unknowingly laying down fire while there''s an entire shelf of Motor Oil.


    The beam''s high energy atom movement combine with the Oil''s flammable properties caused the shelf to ignite brilliantly setting the place ablaze.


    "Damnation! I thought they wanted us alive?" Iris screamed.


    "Well that''s Kesserheim for you. Some want you alive, others¡­ Dead." Diaz answered. He looked on at the fire and he saw the blaze began to engulf the entire store. The building felt like it was about to collapse on top of them any second now.


    "You better hurry it up or WE are gonna be dinner." Diaz yelled.


    "I need a few more moments¡­" Iris struggled. Sweat ash and tar fell down here flawless skin tainting her face.


    "Hurry!" Kayin turned his neck briefly to her as he continued to open fire his gun.


    The 3 continued on to defend Iris but now their make shift fortifications were now being slowly sapped away by the Oil Fire. Not even the store''s water sprinklers could do anything to stop the blaze but only cause it to erupt further. Eventually, the party began to run out of ammo (or Mana in the case for the Elf), places to hide and are starting to gasp for air.


    "Ydw!" Iris cheered as she finally unlocked the door. She pushed it open and gestured everyone to get out.


    The party, wasting no time, regrouped with her as the store finally was fully engulfed in flames. Now in the back alleys of Kesserheim where they can slip away unseen. Diaz led them through the alleys, dodging trash, patrols and the occasional pest and stray animal. To the Gliesians, the Back Alleys were like a softened version of the stories of the Southern Wastelands of Ysanigrad where it''s all volcanic rock and savage predatorial animals who hunt each other for their next meal. But still they find the smell of bio and non-biodegradeable trash disposed indiscriminately in the plastic bins that littered the alleys.


    Before long (and much gagging later) Diaz halted the party as he gestured his eyes to wards a shining bright light with the noises of car sounds following it.


    "There''s a bridge that will take us to the Garden District. Hang on let me make a call." Diaz said as he picked up his phone.


    Only to be greeted by dozens of unread messages and missed calls from his Aparo Corporation associates. The unread messages were brief but alarmingly clear¡­


    ''You have been exposed.''


    ''They are ALL hunting for you.''


    ''Get to safety. NOW!!!''


    He always found texts and missed calls annoying but a necessary evil. He went to his contacts list and called up his boss Don Aparo. After a few brief moments of tensed silence in between the phone''s dial up and ringing, he heard a voice.


    "Diaz! My boy. I¡­ thought you were dead." Don Aparo''s voice came out of the speaker.


    "Sorry Boss. I was busy with them. I am okay for now." Diaz reassured.


    "Where are you? I will send some men to get you and those Gliesian Girls and that Black friend of yours out of here." Aparo asked.


    "I am just near the Rainbow Bridge, near the Orchard District. Get anyone there now. We will be on foot." Diaz said.


    "Got it. I will call in everything I can. Cops on our roll, Mercenaries and some Rent-A-Hoods. Stay safe all of you." Aparo said before he dropped the call.


    With the hope of safety just a bridge away. The party forged onwards to the bright light as they exit the back alleys. Welcoming them were the hustle and bustle of Kesserheim''s Rush Hour. Cars moving left, right, up and down through the busy streets. Commuters walked passed them like fishes moving upstream, ignorant to the 4 battle weary companions.


    "Everyone links up your hands and keep following me." Diaz told him. He grabbed Aliathra''s hand where she held Kayin''s which is then followed by Iris''. They navigated the dynamic jungle of human bodies as they approached the Rainbow Bridge.


    It is a colorful piece of architecture of the suspending wires varieties of bridges. It was held together by titanium suspensions that had omni-lucent lights that shine every spectrum of the Rainbow hence the bridges colorful name. The bridge can accommodate a road for cars and buses, tracks for the Monorail and two walking paths for those who wish to cross it by foot. Upon average the bridge can service an estimated average of 30,000 vehicles a day making it one of the UFE''s busiest mound of asphalt in their entire Interstellar Nation rivalling Old Tokyo and Mars.


    Aliathra and Iris couldn''t help but lose focus for a moment as they saw the bridge''s lights shine in all the 7 colors of the rainbow whose spectral light contrasted with the dark violet nightfall of Kesserheim. If it weren''t for the boisterous noise of that the traffic stuck cars made with their horns in addition to the passing by Monorail and the heavy foot movement of people walking in a rhythm similar to a heavy downpour, the Bridge would have been a very nice place to relax and see the sun set and rise every day.


    But half way through the bridge, Diaz stopped as he urged the party to duck down on the siderails.


    "What?" Kayin whispered.


    "They.Are.Here." he fearfully mentioned upwards.


    Kayin peaked outside and saw that there were more of the armed men who just exited their pitch-black tinted SUV''s and they were all not acting like a Security Detail of Corporate VIP''s. No, they were actively searching for them. Examining every car, interviewing drivers and passersby, slowly but surely the bridge was getting into a Pseudo Lockdown.


    "I have to say. I am touched by how much they miss me." Diaz snided.


    "What do we do now?" Iris asked.


    "No where to go but forward I am afraid¡­ we need¡­ uhm¡­ a distraction. So uhm, by any chance you got any ideas?" Diaz asked his companions.


    "I can throw in this giant ball of light. It''s an Illussion spell that should blind them for a moment allowing us to run away." Aliathra suggested.


    "Seem''s good enough." Kayin nodded.


    "I can agree to that. Let''s go with that." Diaz said as he peaked over the side rails and strategized.


    He was no stranger to tactics and military thinking like Samantha. But compared to her, their mode of thinking was radically different. Diaz advocate for situational control in tandem with twistingly brilliant maneuvers above all else while Samantha focused on aggression and shock and awe.


    "You see those seven over there chatting with each other?" Diaz pointed to the thugs who were having a brief discussion about what they needed to do.


    Silently nodding, Aliathra casted a bright ball on her hand and then threw at the target. It erupted brilliantly blinding and disorienting the soldiers.


    "Go!" Diaz yelled as he emerged from his cover and open fire. He shot a few bolts of lasers from Ruiner managing to take down two of the soldiers before they managed to pick themselves back up and gained their bearings. They saw their fleeing targets and began to open fire.


    "Get him get him!" one of the mercenaries ordered.


    Suppressive bullets flew through all over the intrepid companions'' figures but luckily as if through divine intervention or sheer wit, they did not get hit by the bullets.


    "Vinny! Over here!" the familiar voice of Bobby buzzed like a light in a dark room.


    "Chef!" Diaz smiled as he and the rest of his party met up with his old colleague.


    "There was a mole back in HQ. Ratted you and Iris out. Come on. Let''s get you out of here." Bobby said.


    Before the party could be safely escorted back to the Garden district. Aliathra could hear a tearful goodbye.


    "My Baby!" a young mother tried to reach out back into the fray of bullets and riddled automobiles but she was being forcibly stopped by Policemen (who were under the Aparo payroll).


    Aliathra could feel that woman''s sorrow strike chords in her heart as she turned around to see a crying child who was tearfully covering his ears and was carrying a gashing wound on his right leg. The young boy looked no older than 4 years old in a Human''s life span by the Elf''s deduction.


    In her years of studying under the Clerics and Nuns of Neneth, she was taught selflessness, self-sacrifice in benevolence to all who needs it. In that very moment, all of her prejudices, all of her fears and all of her subtlety were all thrown out to the drain as she hurriedly dashed towards the child.


    "Hey!" Diaz yelled trying to grab the Elf but his reaction was found wanting.


    Aliathra weaved and dodged the bullets, the debris and occasional hazard as she made her way to the child. Diaz, after urging Kayin and Iris to get out of the bridge, quickly followed her.


    After she reached at the crying child, Aliathra hugged the poor boy close to her chest.


    "It''s okay little one. I will protect you." Aliathra comforted the boy.


    "The bad men are¡­ are many¡­everywhere¡­" the boy stuttered before crying again. Indeed, dozens of automatic fire began to besiege the car that the two were hiding from now that the Mercenaries who were targeting the Magic Users spotted the Elf rather foolhardily come towards them. Ignoring the distractions behind her. Aliathra gently grabbed the boy''s leg and pulled it outwards to better assess the damage. It was a fairly standard fall wound on his knees that was contaminated with asphalt.


    "Alie! Shit. I cover you!" Diaz ordered as he opened fire his gun at their attackers.


    The bridge they were all on had become a warzone and a field day for journalists looking for the next big story. The various news companies of UFE aimed their cameras at the Elf whose hoodie was down exposing her pointy Elven ears and graceful braids that looked so out of place in a contemporary city but not where Aliathra came from where a woman''s hair is considered the epitome of Elven beauty standards.


    Newscasters and reporters began to erupt in a wildfire of sensationalistic journalism as they began to discuss in a flurry of debates in similar veins to Internet Forums catering to fandom nerds like Spacebattles, Sufficient Velocity, MyAnimeList and certain devoted demographics of Reddit. In all of the confusion, the message was clear.


    Who is this mysterious Elf woman? Is that Magic she is doing right now?


    Back at the ground, Aliathra was about to wrap up the finishing touches of the boys wound.


    "There we go. You''re a strong little one, right?" Aliathra smiled. Despite the high level of on the field stress right now she is facing. The satisfaction of helping a child in need made her ignore her mental pain albeit for a brief moment.


    "Done! Let''s get out of¡­ Watchout!" Diaz screamed as Aliathra turned her head around to see that one of the Mercenaries managed to sneak around Diaz''s protective gaze and aimed a Taser at point blank range.


    "Mommy!" the boy began to shed tears as he saw his angelic savior about to get struck down.


    The Elf Princess quickly conjured a shield to protect her body from the Taser just as the man was about to fire. Her shield barely had enough time to construct itself as the Taser made contact with it.


    The electrical currents from the Taser''s probes made contact with the Magical energies of the shield causing a surge of electrical energy to explode knocking back Aliathra off her feet and her attacker next to the boy (who was miraculously unharmed).


    "Alie!" Diaz cried as he ran towards the Elf who lay motionless on the ground.


    He checked her pulse and realized that it was failing. The Elf maiden''s eyes were bloodshot in a sinister contrast to Aliathra''s azure irises.


    "No¡­ No¡­ No¡­ not on me¡­No¡­ No¡­" Diaz tried to grasp Aliathra as he grabbed her hand. She could feel the Elf''s lithe hands gripped tightly on his. He didn''t know it was a product of the electrical dispersion causing her muscles to contract or was it a sign of the Elf''s struggle to survive.


    For Aliathra¡­ she was in Death''s Door about to touch its knob. She could feel her heart slowing down as not all of the Elven''s superior physiological properties nor her self-inflicting Restoration magic was enough to keep her from succumbing. The electricity in her body contracted as she felt defenseless. But the sight of Diaz who was always being nice to her despite several misconducts of manners attending to her made her give a sliver but decisive will of perseverance.


    "Vinny! Dammnit the Kid¡­ and the Girl!" Bobby ran towards him.


    His old and overweight build daringly entered the inferno of gun fire as the Mercenaries close in after seeing a.) an Elven Girl that they can capture for a hefty pay day whether brought in dead or alive, b.) a Rival Corporate Agent who has cause so much grief and wasted money with his back turned in a very opportune manner, c.) a senior figure of the said Rival Corporation who was hurriedly trying to rescue his friend and the Elven girl.


    "We need to get you out of here! I will never forgive myself if even either of the three of you die on me!" Bobby said as he picked up Aliathra in a bridal carry. He then urged the straggling child who Aliathra freed to follow him to safety.


    "There''s too many of them Bobby, we''re cornered!" Diaz clamored.


    "You need to do it." Bobby told him. With the last two words that gave Diaz a mental projection of what he needs to do if any of them are going to make it out alive.


    "But¡­" Diaz tried to protest.


    "Don''t worry¡­ In Aparo¡­ Siamo tutti una famiglia¡­ We are all family." Bobby impelled him.


    In his years of being one Diaz''s closest friends and working colleague¡­ he knew why Diaz is so reluctant to do the one thing that he wanted him to do. To Overclock his Augmentations to the limit.


    It was deemed ''a Dangerous and downright forbidden technique''. A power at a terrible price. The benefits of superhuman enhanced performance at the tremendous risk of overheating his internal organs, rapid degradation of Cybernetic Augementation''s structural integrity, potential permanent Nervous System damage and in severe cases, Death by self-inflicted heat stroke.


    "Rapid Movement Boosters¡­ activate Overclock Protocol¡­ password¡­ Devil Trigger." Diaz mentally whispered to himself. It wasn''t the way to actually make his cybernetics do Overclock but if he''s going to die. He might as well say something nice for his gravestone so that his colleagues and new Stryder group friends have something to remember him by after his supposed funeral.


    He then mentally activated the systems and remove all the self-imposed safety limits that he created that separates him from casually abusing Overclock for it was like a drug to those who abuse it¡­ one way or the other¡­ you will have ''a Lethal Overdose''. The post pain of it all almost made him hesitated. But for the first time ever¡­ after about three other previous incidents beforehand where he did Overclocked it wasn''t for selfish survival and self-preservation needs¡­ but now it is used to protect the people he cared and should care about.


    In that moment¡­ Vincente Diaz began his brief detour on a redemption mission. To give back to the sins he had done in the past. In that moment¡­ he was fighting something beyond himself.


    His body began to overflow with energy as all of his Cybernetics began fire up his systems. He bended his knees down and draw Ruiner.


    "Come get me boys." Diaz confidently smirked as he ejected himself to face his decadent past.


    ------------------------------- (An unknown time later in a Saint Lukes) --------------


    "My God¡­ that¡­ was¡­ Glorious¡­" Diaz smiled as Dry Ice packs and repair droids were tending to his body. His cybernetic limbs had signs of melting but were thankfully prevented from causing harm to the user or any of his surroundings thanks to the timely efforts of a nearby fire crew who sprayed Diaz with a shower of non-toxic chemical coolants after the effects of his Overclock died down.


    "I can''t believe you actually did that!" Samantha said.


    "I can''t actually believe you weren''t their to fucking see me¡­ or actually smile to me like that. So NOW you like me?" Diaz snarked.


    "Compared from earlier¡­ I still don''t trust you that much. But what you did earlier was something I honestly never expected you to do. In all of my years studying Psychology and then enrolling for West Point. What you did was Heroic." Samantha positively smiled.


    "Thanks Sam¡­ so I can now call you Sam now?" Diaz asked.


    "No, it''s still Lieutenant Private." Samantha shot him down.


    "Where''s Aliathra? Is she¡­ okay? And that kid too? What happened to him?" Diaz concerningly asked.


    "The boy got reunited with his mother and is very happy you and the Elf rescued him. As for Aliathra, the good news is that she''s lucky she''s alive¡­ the bad news¡­ the doctor wants to personally inform me about it."


    "Hey I deserved to know too." Diaz said as he climbed onto a wheel chair, the Ice Packs still strapped onto his exhausted body¡­ there was a slight chilling pain but it was rather safe for Diaz to be able to move around in Wheel Chair whilst allowing for limited movement of his arms and legs.


    "Fine¡­ the rest of Stryder and also the guests want to greet her in her bed too. I will push." Samantha said as she went behind Diaz''s Wheel chair.


    Exiting his room and crossing to the other side of the hallway that they were residing in Saint Lukes.


    "Princess Aria can walk again but right now she''s currently stuck using a pair of crutches for now whilst the Stem Cells do a bunch blah blah medical jargon on her spine. According to the Doctor, it will take time but by the time we return to New Albany¡­ I am going make sure that Aria Run to her brother for a great big hug." Samantha informed Diaz as she pushed him.


    "Stu-fucking-pendous." Vinny raised his heart to an upbeat attitude.


    "Quiet! This is a peaceful and clean Hospital." One of the Medical Staff reprimanded him.


    "Yeah whatever Nursie." Diaz passed it off as his wheelchair passed by the medical scrub.


    They then entered Aliathra''s room where a doctor who was assigned for her well being and recovery was in attendance. He was staring at a bundle of documents in an very astonished but also very insightful smile combined with shock. Aliathra could be seen sleeping quietly on a Hospital bed where her pulse was attached to a monitor and her hand had IV fluids pumped inside her.


    "Doctor Hunjan?" Samantha asked.


    "Lieutenant Rose. It is good to see you. The subject is expected to make a full recovery. In all honesty, this¡­ Alie¡ªaatttra? Woman is quite the¡­ I don''t want to be offensive about it but I was about to say Specimen¡­ but I just simply can''t ignore this." The Doctor tried to tactfully explain to Samantha with a forced smile on his Indian face.


    "Just cut to the chase Doctor. What are you hiding from the UFE State?" Samantha pushed.


    "Well this ''Elf'' as you call it is quite similar to our Physiology Miss Rose. Same amount of body parts albeit with rather minor differences, more tense muscles, no signs of any metabolic lost and even aging. This woman is at peak physical health and its uncanny. As if like¡­ she''s a Designer Human or something like that beyond those lines. If only I can say the say the same for her heart¡­ I would have love to at least scan it if it didn''t look like¡­ well uhm¡­ I think you should see it yourself." Dr. Hujan said as he presented to them to their shock. Aliathra''s charcoal heart.


    "It looked like it was left too long on an oven." Samantha commented with disgust.


    "More like a piece of poo to me¡­ yuck!" Diaz reacted with even more visual disgust than his superior officer. "Wait¡­ does that mean¡­" Diaz then caught himself when he soon realizes that since he is looking at Aliathra''s burnt Cardia then that means the heart beat that was coming from the monitor was¡­


    "I replaced the Elf''s heart with a Synthetic." Dr. Hanjun said.


    "You what?" Samantha snapped.


    "Should¡­ I don''t know, tell her?" Diaz asked.


    "No, I don''t want to risk her amplifying her stress to the point her body rejects the organ. I mean we don''t even have any natural donors who are ''Elves'' you know. Besides the Artificial heart is working perfectly right now and if it persists then it should be able to fully integrate itself into her body with her not even noticing the difference." Dr. Hanjun explained.


    "That was a very risky move you know." She reprimanded.


    "By my honor as both as Doctor of Saint Luke''s and by the Hippocratic Oath I simply didn''t have much options. It was either she gets a new heart or she dies. Please you have to understand where I am coming from here. I am the Cardiologist here." Dr. Hujan pleaded.


    "If this Elf, Woman alien, whatever you damn doctors call her dies¡­ or gets any kind of complications with her heart I am holding YOU responsible." Samantha asserted herself. She fiercely tapped her finger on Dr. Hujan''s chest antagonistically. There was a disdain in her language on the Doctors terminiologies of classifying Aliathra which for Samantha she found disdainful in a philosophically existential point of view.


    "I will answer to the state if it does." He cracked.


    "Ahh¡­ ohh¡­ was it all¡­ a dream?" Aliathra''s voice interrupted them.


    Knowing he was still carrying Aliathra''s previous heart. Dr. Hanjun, awkwardly gnashed his teeth before discreetly running out of the door. Diaz and Samantha both approached the now reawaken Elf and they smiled to her albeit forced¡­ still trying to hide the fact of their shock on what the Doctor''s had to do to ensure she could open her eyes again.


    "What happened?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh you got Tazed¡­ Like a stun as you can¡­eh¡­ say?" Diaz gagged.


    "Your in the hospital now for¡­ minor injuries. You will be just out and about the day after tomorrow." Samantha said.


    "I remembered. A light and my body failing and then there was you. I saw you run up to me and held my hand. I grasped it as hard as I could. I¡­ I didn''t want to die." Aliathra said.


    "That''s what I like to hear. Some good old will to live. You got some HEART you know that?" Diaz said as he openly smiled at Samantha.


    "Indeed, you do. Say¡­ Miss Sylran? That''s the name your last name, right?" Samantha asked.


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    "Sylran yes¡­ of Ethuilen." Aliathra maintained her cover.


    "So Aliathra, while we are all here¡­ would you like to cheer up? I got something you might like and the rest of my friends would love to see it too right here in your room on the TV." Samantha said.


    "The Magic Mirror on top of me?"


    Samantha and Vincente couldn''t help but react in laughter on her answer. Clarke''s must be rolling in his grave again even more now then compared to last time.


    "It''s the Lord of the Rings Complete series in Blu Ray. A movie about Fantasy Worlds filled with monsters, elves and epic quests." She explained while trying to maintain a straight face.


    "Oh, it''s about your history? And you got to record it? I would love to see it." Aliathra eagerly nodded.


    "Yeah¡­ uhm¡­ okay whatever. So, wait¡­ the rest of Stryder group?" Diaz questioned.


    "Surprise kiddo!" Obediah cheers erupted.


    He was followed by Kayin, Iris, Crocker and Clay. They were carrying a whole assortment of snacks alongside thoughtful ''Get well soon'' cards for both Diaz and Aliathra.


    "We got Popcorn, Ice Cream, Chips and Chicken! With of course some gravy." Obediah smiled.


    "Lord of the Rings Marathon! WWWHHOOO!!!!!" Clay howled.


    "Quiet now! We barely got these through Security. Hey El-Tee, does that include the Hobbit?" Crocker asked.


    "Yep." Samantha smiled.


    "What is this Lord of the Rings you talk about Kayin?" Iris asked Kayin who was now firmly holding his hand.


    "It''s a film based on a book about a Fantasy World kind of like yours. It''s one of the best written books the UFE ever created from J.R.R. Tokien. You will love it I assure you. You can sit next to me and we can share the blanket." Kayin said. He had a flustered look on his face as he guided Samantha who was carrying the Ice Cream containers to the table.


    After a long day of high-pressure action and a time of separation. Everyone in Stryder Group were back together again and now have a moment for themselves as Samantha placed the DVD on the machine as the Lord of the Rings Cinematic Series began to play.


    In that moment, everyone could rest for a fleeting moment of felicity as the SOG team sat down, grabbed their snacks and watched at the 40-inch TV Screen.

 20 Chapter 20: Return to Sender

    "Pull!" Reid yelled as the soldiers fell back from their positions. It was dark, tight and heavily close quarters in the underground tunnels beneath the mountains.


    The Marines were buying the demolition team time to properly set the explosives to bury the entire place. King Martain''s skeletal warriors have so far been a significant help in bogging their attackers. Gunfire was exchange by arrow and magics from the Slaegians as the UFE scrambled for cover. The bright magical missiles thrown from Carliah and several accompanying battlemages suppressed the marines to the pillars.


    The Rules of Engagement states by order of Major Holyfield is to leave no survivors¡­


    "Damnit! I am down to my last mag!" one of the marines yelled.


    "Switching to secondary." Yelled another.


    "Firing!" an AT soldier warned as his Rocket Launcher blasted out of his shoulder. It zipped passed the marines straight into a shielded formation of Slaegian Legionnaires obliterating them where they stand.


    "For the Empire!" rally cried one of the Knights as he charged into the fray. He and a couple dozen or more medieval fantasy troops advanced at the Marines. They were under the covering fire of Magic Missiles launched by Carliah and her mages in a rainbow display of magical prowess. The projectiles struck like rain falling on a roof at the tunnel''s walls and pillars. Some exploded in a expulsion of fire, others made the ground it made contact with explode in freezing cold ice.


    "Aaagghh!!! It stings like a motherfucker!" one of the marines cursed and gnashed his teeth as he dove down to a nearby pillar for cover and looked at his forearm. It was struck by one of Carliah''s Magic Missiles in the exposed part of his rolled sleeved army fatigues of his right forearm.


    The wound was similar to a bullet entry wound with the additional effects of a cauterized skin with 3rd degree burns and the wound was bleeding like a leak in a pipe. The rifleman luckily had a bandage on his pocket and with a little bit of dexterous movements from his uninjured left arm which was weaker than his right, he applied himself first aid and was back on the fight but in a reduced combat effectiveness posture now resorting to using his pistol to return fire.


    "Filthy Sorcery! Feel God''s Wrath upon you!" Bishop preached as he unloaded several shells of his Master Combat Shotgun at the Slaegians. To Reid and the Marines credit, he was fighting just as or even more intensely than they could do. The old priest was also albeit in a disparaging display of foolhardiness a he was letting himself be exposed right out in the open field. Yet as if from an act of divine providence, arrows, javelins and even a couple of magical projectiles narrowly avoided him.


    "Well glad to know you are getting along with the last person I expect you would buddy up with but we got a tunnel to blow up!" Inspector Reid yelled. "How much longer Sarge?" Reid called out to one of the Demolition Engineers.


    "ETC, two minutes. Keep em away from us." The engineer replied.


    "Begone back to whence you came Spawns of Hell!" a distinctly armored man carrying with him a shiningly bright blade of a pale orange color struck down a whole squad of King Martainn''s Skeletons. He was backed up with a dwarfish man with greying hair dual wielding a hand crossbow and an axe.


    "Findrum! Flying Angel!" Petur said as he began to feel overwhelmed with fatigue and mana burnout.


    He had one more card left to play that he uses when the fight hangs in the balance.


    The Dwarf cupped his hands and placed his arms around his waist, his strong limbs in preparation for a boost as Ser Petur dashed towards the Dwarf. He whispered in his head to will himself a cast of two off his favorite combination of ''Utility'' spells which have more indirect uses in combat applications from the Restoration School which is ''Haste'' and ''Fly''. Restoration not only covers Healing Spells but it also has several spells that revolves around the person''s body expending themselves to perform preternatural feets no one with magic could hope to achieve.


    Just as he was about to run over the child sized man, Petur''s feet stepped off of the handy platform that Findrum made and upon contact, Findrum with his innate strength pushed Petur upwards with all of his might. The magic soon began to flow in Petur''s body as he felt becoming lightweight as a feather. The magic knight''s feet leaped off of Findrum''s hands giving the jumpstart to finally levitate his feet off the ground. Towering above everyone by about 10 feet gave him a significant height advantage. With his Spellsword casting abilities, he grabbed an ethereal halberd from his hands and with a heavy swing and a hateful gaze for all Demon and Undead kind reaped down on the Skeletons who swarmed bellow him like ants.


    Cutting them down was much easier when compared to doing the same on his feet but it left him more exposed to the Enemy Gunfire that he across the hall cowering behind the tunnel''s pillars.


    "Cowardly Demons! Come and face me in glorious hand to hand combat! When will Xiglilauth send me a champion worthy of my strength." Petur invoked ''the Seducer''s'' accursed name.


    The old ancient legends said that Xiglilauth was responsible of turning Alboen against all of the world. Gave him secrets that turned his army into a terrifying legion of the damned that seek to devour Gliesia. It took the Empire''s founder Caldell Slaegiac and the ancestors of what will consist of the future noble families of Ysanigrad to defeat him.


    Although Petur was only a few feet away from the ground, he now had an advantage against the skeletons, height. Like a farmer on a field of wheat in harvest day, he continued his reaping. Bones and rusted iron flew like tossed wind and rain in a storm as the Tyr Rianni skeletons were cut down by the warped weapons of Ser Petur. But his advantage came at a cost, he was just as exposed to the hail of firing projectiles that volleyed over him but thanks to his speed, he managed to expeditiously retreat to the cover of the pillars before hitting and running back to take down the skeletons.


    "Focus fire on that fucking pretty boy up there!" Reid ordered.


    "We are done! Let''s get out this place is going to blow!" the Demolition Sargeant interjected.


    In a moment of opportunity, Petur met his eyes on Inspector Reid. Who he got a good look on the face of these outsiders? His face was human but his body, everything from the blue short sleeve shirt with the golden badge on the sides to the leather like vest on his torso were all otherworldly to him. Even the metal stave he carried which he could confirm the rumors he had heard from travelers from Tyr Rian spat fire and drummed thunder all in a nimble rhythm to outclass even the finest Archery Lines. After a moment of awe, the Magic Knight switched to raw and utter hatred. He dove down from his heightened position, not noticing the Explosive Charges starting the detonation process, his spear aimed to impale the tainted flesh of these ''Demons''.


    Father Bishop, for want of a nail looked back as he reloaded the slug shells of his shotgun and saw that ''Pretty Boy'' Slaegian was about to make a nosediving attack on the Inspector.


    "Die! Minion of Alboen!" Petur gleefully said as he raised his weapon to the air at the unsuspecting Reid.


    "Psalm 67 Alien scum!" Bishop yelled as he breached a shot of 12G Slugs at Petur''s direction.


    The shot landed on Petur''s armor but his armor managed to save him from being penetrated due to the thick Burugonite metal that he commissioned from some of the finest dwarven-human smiths in Ysanigrad. However due to the initial pre-condition of him enchanting his body with ''Haste'' and ''Fly'' Restoration spells made him deceivingly bantamweight compared to his real 150 Kilos. The stronger force impact of the Priest''s shotgun with collided with Petur''s dainty frame cause the Magic Knight to fly the opposite direction 15 feet away from Reid.


    The Inspector turned around to see what Bishop fired and saw the knocked down pretty boy Magic Knight and turned again to the Priest who pumped a new shell into his shotgun''s chamber smirking proudly that he defended God''s children. Even Reid gave a fleeting but sincere smile too as a mental projection of gratitude.


    But then the Tunnel began to start shaking, then the ceiling collapsing gradually and thunder rumbling from the distance. The Demolition has begun!


    "Run!" Reid told the old man. They turned tail and rammed their way through the slowly collapsing Tunnel Hall.


    It was a straight but very strenuous if running for one''s dear life 100 hundred meters to the safety of the exit. Reid and Bishop were the only people that were in the last and worst possible position one can be in the planned demolition of the Tunnels. Debris fell down and explosions occurred but the men, despite their age skillfully dodged and weaved through the structure as the whole place began to collapse even further with more intensity.


    Meanwhile at the Slaegian side of the Tunnel, Petur was helped up by his comrades Findrum, Karliah and Mita who got the Knight back up to his feet.


    "The Tunnel! They are destroying the tunnel!" Findrum screamed.


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    "Denying us the shortcut to bypass the mountains! Clever!" Karliah reasoned out the possible motivation behind such a turn of events.


    "We need to leave now or this place will be our graves." Mita tugged Petur who tried to chase after the ''Demons''. She had to be supported by Karliah and Findrum who tried to yank the hot-headed Magic Knight from certain doom.


    All around them the tunnel was collapsing and they might have only less than a minute left to get themselves out of there less Mita''s words become true.


    Giving up albeit with much loathsome breath, Petur relented and gave up his little tug-of-war and let their eternal enemies go. He turned around and he sprinted alongside his companions.


    "Watch out Petur!" Karliah yelled as she formed a protective force field around the party.


    Rocks began to fall directly on top of them but the shield held, deflecting the boulders to the sides. But Karliah had to move slowly since the Magic Shield has to be channeled properly to maintain its strength. The Adventurers were now painstakingly inching their way to the bright exit on the Slaegian side of the tunnel but every second they are still in the tunnel, the entrance slowly sealed itself with ruined boulders.


    Petur used the last few bits of his mana to cut down the boulders into more manageable sizes as the party made the homestretch when the tunnel was good as clogged except for the small gap of space of Magic Shieldings being produced being besieged by the full weight of the mountain and Tunnel''s collapsing edifice. Fatigue, Sweat and Mana Burnout plagued Karliah as she used up the last of her strength to push herself to the last few meters between everyone and safety.


    "EEEYYAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!" Karliah screamed with all of her lungs as she and the rest of the Grey Order adventurers leaped out of the Tunnel entrance before the whole mountain descended fully upon them. A great expulsion of dust followed fogging and irritating their eyes for a few moments before their eyes could clarify.


    They were all alive and accounted for. Beaten up but still emendable shape, except for Karliah¡­


    "Karliah!" Petur shouted as he moved over the mage.


    She was breathing and sweating heavily like if she had just run a marathon. She was suffering from a severe mana exhaustion.


    "We need a cleric now." Mita said as she turned around to see if the rest of the people who made it out.


    But she only saw a dozen other people besides them. All were either Slaegian Legionnaires or some of the levied laborers.


    "We need a healer here. One of ours burnt out her Mana." Mita asked the survivors.


    "The Cleric that came with us¡­ he was¡­ in there¡­" one of the Legionnaires reluctantly informed the Crow. "I saw him¡­ chanting some Battle Prayer''s and exorcisms but¡­ the demons got him with their magic. His body¡­ filled with so many blood holes¡­ Invisible Arrows!" he stuttered trying to break the bad news.


    To see such power, unprecedented, unseen, unheard off. The trauma


    "What? Are we all that is left?" Petur said unnervingly.


    "I am afraid so. Come, the town of Vercourt is only about half a day from here. Let''s carry the Mage to the cart and hurry." Findrum ordered.


    As the survivors licked their wounds and gathered their carts for the road ahead, Petur''s mind boiled with anger. They have not succeeded in their objectives, it was a mission failure. The shame of his first defeat, permanently branded on the Magic Knight''s ego. He looked back at the collapsed tunnel as he was about to board the carriage wagon to the next town.


    "The Emperor will hear of this desecration¡­" Petur vowed.


    Meanwhile at the otherside of the Dorham Mountains, Reid and Bishop were panting for breath. Their bodies expended to the limit that people their age could fully muster. But their faces were kissed by the bright afternoon sun rather than the cold hard rock of the collapsed tunnels.


    "Ha-Ha¡­Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!" the Priest began to laugh.


    "What''s so funny?" Reid asked.


    "I never felt so¡­ so¡­ good for the last 20 years like this. The thrill! The bright lights! The danger! So, this is what Jesus felt like when he walked the Earth to save the masses. I¡­ I am beginning to like this place already¡­" Bishop said as he pushed himself upwards to stand up. But he began to feel some cramps on both of his thighs, grasping both tightly with his hands as he unsteadily rose upright.


    "Nothing like a chair and a hot compress can''t fix. I wonder if 7-Eleven got some instant tea or hot chocolate¡­ I could use some right now." Bishop commented.


    "Sir I got Major Holyfield on the Line with me. What should I say to him?" a Radioman briefly butted in with his electronic mic on his cupped hand.


    "Tell him, we are heading back to New Albany. The Tunnel''s are gone. But I believe this is only the beginning¡­" Reid muttered.


    To him he felt like he was awakening a sleeping giant, and give it a thirst for vengeance. But for the Slaegians in the other sides, they were about to say they just stepped into the gates of Seven Hells itself, unknowingly attacking someone far greater than anyone in Gliesia can ever hope to imagine.


    ------------------------------------(Meanwhile at Kesserheim Stardocks) ----------------------------


    Iris Cadohagan eyes wondered like a breezy child. The Kesserheim City lights twinkled in unision with the Stars above them. She was at the Departure Lounge''s balcony of the Kesserheim Stardocks quietly stargazing. The stars and the city lights made it hard to tell the difference between them in a beautifying display of contrasting visual arts. Trying to tell which bright distant light is a lit window or a star distracted the boredom of waiting for many hours in that Departure Lounge, it was a good thing that the First Class exclusive Membership Club was completely reserved for the Interstellar-slash-Otherworldly guest for that night. The Manila is currently still fueling up and other pre-flight preparations and checks that takes time for the Logistics ship to process through.


    She had always wondered, ever since she had left Gliesia, where her home world was in that vast ocean of darkness with starlit lanterns. She tried to reach out on all the stars out there as if she was trying to catch butterflies from the days of her youth. Despite the frightful incident of being chased by exploitative Megacorpos who wanted her and Aliathra, she had an overall fun time at


    "Hey Iris¡­" Samantha''s voice interrupted her daydreaming. She was followed by their new Elf companion Aliathra.


    "Greetings Samantha and Aliathra. Care to share a seat with me outside?" Iris offered.


    "I would love to." Samantha nodded yes.


    The two newcomers grabbed a chair on one of the balcony''s tables and sat next to the Vampire. It was a rather intimate all female sit down between the three. Samantha still had suspicions and concerns for the Elf especially after she was discharged from Saint Luke''s with that artificial heart, she was unknowingly implanted in to save her life. But command said otherwise and insist that she is to be safely returned to Gliesia where she belongs. The once beyond scared straight elf who would hesitantly take a step forward in their presence was slowly brighten up as her demeanor upgraded to a content but stoic face. The Lieutenant had always noticed that the Elf was always very observant, almost nosy even when she walked the streets of Kesserheim both from her first-hand account and the accounts of Diaz and Kayin who had accompanied her. Originally, she wanted to personally take care of the whole touring part of the trip for the Elf but she was told by Clay that she, Iris, Diaz and Kayin were spirited away by people who looked like they were from Aparo Corporation.


    "So as the person in charge of introducing you¡­ well officially to the safe being and enjoyment of our guests. I am required¡­ to ask for your feedback?" Samantha told them.


    "Feedback?" Aliathra asked. "Your required to ask us what we think?" the elf continued her question.


    "Yes, both of you. I got Princess Aria and her Entourage''s opinions and they said they enjoyed the whole trip and are inspired by all the sights of the UFE''s largest Ecumenopolis¡­ sorry¡­ City Planet, Kesserheim." Samantha said.


    "City Planet? Are you saying that this celestial body is an entire city?" Aliathra raised her voice in curious but very pushy dialogue.


    "Indeed. Our¡­ uhm¡­ we Earth Humans are very knowledgeable when it comes to such large and long-term engineering projects." Samantha answered.


    "How can you build such a colossal planet. Back in Gliesia this would have been an impossible feat, even with our Magic and every architect in existence, both dead and alive to build this¡­ This!" Iris¡­ almost excitedly pointed to the Kesserheim Skyline.


    "Hundreds of Years of Knowledge, Experience, Learned Mistakes and some really¡­ ''forward thinking'' Architects of our own." Samantha couldn''t contain her slight smile. She remembered from her Contemporary history books that the people who made the conversion of Kesserheim from a mineral rich savanna planet into the Ecumenopolis it is today were, by all accounts ''a few screws loosed inside their marbles''.


    "We have millions¡­ no¡­ billions of books, data, records that detail all of our knowledge through the ages." Samantha stood up and spread her arms out like a bird in flight emphasizing the infinite knowledge that the UFE have compared to the two primitives.


    "So, your saying you have your own Great Library of Lyanlenor?" Aliathra said.


    "The Center of Knowledge in all of Gliesia? Have you seen it? They say that you need to have permission to access the Lower Vaults and it''s not even open to the general public. Did you actually¡­ went inside those Vaults?" Iris asked.


    "Just one¡­ it was about healing spells and notes from ancient Clerics." Aliathra fibbed.


    It was further from the truth that as a Lareththor, she and her family by default had unlimited access to the entire Great Library.


    "Not open to the General Public you say? That doesn''t sound healthy." Samantha objected.


    "Why? Why would you say that?" Aliathra stood up from her chair pridefully.


    One such the reasons why access to the Great Library is limited via referral memberships (or being a Lareththor) was that first, the Library has an archive of Magic related literature ranging from books, thesis, Arcane Treatise and Journals of Arcanists and those who researched the Winds of Magic and related phenomena. All dangerous in the wrong hands, especially to those of powerful Magical capabilities.


    "I am just saying, that keeping some information locked up can be very¡­ unhealthy¡­ I mean more of the words of¡­ Regressive." Samantha argued. "If you keep so much knowledge locked up, why keep it when it is meant to be shared?"


    "For such advanced knowledge we had to keep it safe from the others. Maybe¡­maybe one day the Librarians might let you come in." Aliathra tactfully reassured Samantha''s curiosity.


    They were, even before they split were the most powerful civilization in all of Gliesia. Many of their own discoveries of Magic and the Mana Crystals were made through hard work, trial and error and some cases pure dumb luck (and straight up accidental ''Divine Inspirations''). Such knowledge had intricacies were so complicated that only Elves in their long-life spans could even hope to master, let alone be able to memorize such theorems, laws and reactions. The other races were more focused in their more based needs and wants such as food and a roof to sleep under. Elves in the other hand don''t need to worry of such things and can dribble in the diversions of more refined paths such as Artists (Martial and Aesthetic wise), Philosophers and Scientists. Elves were such blessed beings able to feel every intimate details of the world around them, the magic, the life, the touch of textures, the taste of a meal, the feeling of happiness, the feeling of homesickness¡­


    Homesickness¡­


    Aliathra looked back up to the stars again¡­ she was mesmerized by their twinkling beauty but she was a stranger in an even stranger land. She felt a disconnection between her and the Mana of Gliesia, like a sense of abandonment, the same feeling one would expect a lover who let you go, or a child despairing over being orphaned.


    "Where is¡­ Gliesia¡­ from¡­ here?" Aliathra muttered.


    She could feel her heartache as she said those words. The glass and painted concrete composure of Kesserheim was appreciative of such architecture but the absence of anything¡­ Natural was uncanny to her. She missed the fresh air of the green meadows, the feel of the wind and the sprinkling of river waters splashing by rocks.


    "Now that you mentioned Elf. Where is it from here?" Iris asked Samantha.


    "Hang on, I got an App for that." Samantha reached into her pocket.


    "An¡­ App?" Iris asked.


    "You know our computers, right? Those machines that ''make our jobs easier''?" Samantha reminded the Vampire.


    "Yes, and you got many of such gizmos from as small as your hands to as big as a War Horse." Iris answered.


    "Well, the way our Computers ''make our jobs easier'' is through these¡­ special abilities that we uh¡­ encode¡­ I mean¡­ enchant¡­ yeah¡­ I guess that makes more sense to you¡­ We ''enchant'' our computers with these ''runes'' you see here on my computer that helps us do work. This ''rune'' here is called ''Kepler''s Augmented Reality Stargazer''. It let us see stars and find out more about them." Samantha pointed to an Application she has on her phone of the said name.


    Eversince the advent of Earth Humans ascending and expanding to the stars there was a renaissance on all things Astronomy, Sci-Fi and Xenology related. Kepler''s Augmented Reality Stargazer allows the user to be able to visually see the stars in whatever constellations that can be seen from the user''s current position. More often than not, it was quite a perspective shift to see new constellations from other planets compared to the classical ones back at Earth.


    Samantha typed in their current location of Kesserheim and raised her Smartphone''s camera pointing upwards for the app to be able to function properly. After a second the camera view sparked to life with highlighted points, text and speech bubbles that were attached to each star. They even noticed that some of the constellations had playfully drawn pictures that were outlined to visibly represent the constellation, they saw a constellation that looked like a chair, another a trident, and a crescent moon. They each had assigned names and the way they were ''speaking'' to the Gliesians was inviting.


    "So¡­ Benham system should be over¡­ right there." Samantha turned to her right and pointed with her right hand while her left held her phone.


    The two other women huddled to her and looked upwards as they aligned the aim of their eyes to the direction of Sam''s fingers.


    "Benham system is right over there. Frontier territory. We called in Benham after a Naval Surveyor back when we Earth Humans used to be sailing the Seas rather than the Stars. It''s the name we call Gliesia over. Which reminds me¡­ do you have a name¡­ for your star? Sun?" Samantha asked.


    "Anadi." Aliathra said.


    "Sounds like a really nice name." Samantha smiled.


    "So where is this Earth you¡­ strange¡­ uhm¡­ variety of sorts of Human you said you come from?" Aliathra asked.


    "Right¡­ over¡­ there!" Samantha turned to the opposite direction and pointed again.


    "What does your home look like? When I saw it from the ship it looked like it was just a giant big rock. No signs of a sea, or any foliage." Aliathra said.


    "Yeah, is your home like that too?" Iris asked.


    "No. Watch here. Look." Samantha turned to her phone and tapped the Icon for the Sol System (often nicknamed as the ''Origin System''.


    The screened zoomed to a star system with elliptical arcs that hover around the Sun. She tapped to the planet that was third closest to the star and zoomed in. The planet was mostly blue saved for some blemishes of green land that covered an eye-catching proportion of the land to water ratio of the planet. It was strangely like how Gliesia was theorized too look like if viewed from the heavens. (Too bad they haven''t developed any Space-worthy technology to prove such theory that Gliesia was mostly green and blue. A marriage of jade land (with some discoloration from deserts and mountains) and azure oceans all made¡­ as their religion states by the loving care of Neneth Goddess of Life.


    "It''s like¡­ ours." Iris said mesmerized by the technology of the UFE. "How did you learn of such ''enchantments''? I would like to meet these ''Enchanters''. Perhaps we can talk about how we both share the same" the Vampire asked in her own (comedically mistaken) interpretation of Samantha''s lecture on Computer Applications.


    "I just¡­ got¡­ the ''runes''¡­ for free at the store¡­hee-hee." Samantha blushed. It was like trying to explain the birds and the bees to children in a language comprehensible to such archaic individuals. She couldn''t help but hide her laughter in vain.


    "What''s so funny?" Aliathra asked.


    "Was it the fact that you said after watching that Magic Mirror play that theater performance of ''Lord of the Rings'' and you said when Diaz asked you what did you like in it. You said ''I liked Gimli. He reminds me of my Ranger Master. Boisterous, tough for his small size and farts a lot when he''s drunk.''" Iris gave out her guess on the sudden change of air that filled the Redhead''s face with such wild mirth.


    "And I can still remember the roar of laughter that followed¡­ I¡­ don''t get it. What''s so funny?" The Elf complained.


    "Were you paying attention to the film Miss Aliathra?" Samantha twitched her eyebrows.


    "Hey ladies, Pizza is here." Crocker interrupted them.


    "Pizza?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh you will love it! Kayin was such a dear when he and Vincent introduced me to it. It''s like a pie¡­ but you get to see the insides of it." Iris answered.


    The Elf was no stranger to Pies, having ate a dozen kinds of them from the fruit pies, vegetarian pies and meat pies for appetizer, main course and desert for breakfast, lunch and dinner. She finds the cross section part of the inner workings of the pie to be the most fascinating thing to see when she sits down on the table for a slice. Yet an ''open-face'' pie was something she had never heard of. Wouldn''t the ingredients flood out of the crust like flood of gourmand cuisine on the clear table floor ruining its hygienic purity?


    The walked back inside the lounge where the UFE and their otherworldly guests gathered themselves around a table as half a dozen square boxes were stacked on top of each other.


    "A-righty, I shall now show you my Fantastic friends, one of God''s greatest gifts upon all of mankind. Pepperoni!" Diaz smiled as he flipped open the top most box.


    The pizza ''pie'' was flat, with no distinguishing features but white curdles that dotted the golden brow surface of the pizza. Aliathra was disappointed by the revelation.


    "Oh shit¡­ this is the Cheese¡­" Diaz awkwardly knocked his head in admission of being caught dumbfoundedly in front of guests, Diplomatic guests to boot.


    He pulled the Cheese Pizza aside and peeked open the box for a moment before confidently smiling again.


    "Pepperoni!" Diaz smiled as he flipped open the second box.


    It was much more visually stimulating compared to the bland aesthetics of the Cheese Pizza.


    There were slices of a blood red colored pizza that dotted the oozy cheese ground of the pie. There bodies showed signs of slight rising and a few bumps from the effects of molecular expansions when inside the oven. The slices sun kissed bodies also emitted an enticing peppery scent that tingled the noses.


    "Guests first." Diaz said as he grabbed a circular saw and began to loosen the cheesy bonds of the pizza to allow the ease of serving.


    Aliathra, not wanting to insult her marks grabbed a slice of pizza and a plate. She silently stared at the morsel, not knowing how to eat it. Normally she would have eaten a pie with a fork and a knife but she wasn''t given any such utensil.


    Then she noticed that some of the UFE Humans were eating the pie with their bare hands in a very uncouth display.


    "See this is the best way how to eat it everyone." Diaz demonstrated by biting down a slice of the pizza infront of the guests before smiling.


    But to Aliathra''s and even the guest''s shock, there was a red pulp that stained the outlays of his mouth after he took away his slice of the pizza.


    "Is that¡­ blood?" Princess Aria gasped.


    "Oh no, this isn''t blood is one of the¡­ uhm¡­ ingredients you put in pizza. Tomato! It''s a fruit¡­ at least according to most people¡­ that when you mash it down to a sauce looks like blood. Don''t worry its actually taste very sweet and pulpy. Come on try it." Diaz explained.


    "I was in that position too when I ate it. It''s not blood and Obediah has been selling them to the farmers and they said they love it." Iris added.


    "Thanks Iris." Obediah wholeheartedly showed his gratitude for the good word.


    With some hesitation the Tyr Rian entourage bit down on the pizza. Their concerned eyes soon changed to ecstatic smiles as they rose up and nodded approvingly on their food.


    Aliathra looked down on her food again. Reassured that she wasn''t inadvertently eating something abominable. Aliathra, with the visual reference aside, grabbed hold of the pizza slice but as her delicate elven hand made contact, she felt a burning singe on her lithe palms.


    "Ahh." Aliathra cringed. She reflexively dropped the slice back to the plate''s surface.


    She shook her hands to fend off the stinging feeling of the still fresh out of the oven dish. After it subsided, she looked at her hand and saw her hand had left a slight pinkish burn mark on her flawless ivory skin.


    "So this is why mother told me that I should never eat with my hands." The Elf said to herself.


    "Hey, here." Diaz voice snapped her out of her own self thought. He hand her a pair of plastic fork and knife for the pizza.


    "Come on, please enjoy it. I had to run all the way across the terminal to get you this." Diaz said with a raspy breath.


    Grabbing the utensils, Aliathra delicately cut the very tip pizza slice and extracted a singular pepperoni slice from its cheese melted restraints and placed it right on top of the incised portion. She softly pierced the piece with her fork and placed it on her mouth and with a grace of an Elven maiden took a bite.


    She enjoyed it. The moment the pepperoni, cheese and tomato sauce made contact with her mouth, the flavors exploded. At first it was spicier than she would normally would it but the spice made her mouth water with desire as soon as she swallowed the pizza slice. She immediately cut up a larger portion of her slice with her knife and fork¡­ and again¡­ and again all the way to the crust.


    "This is wonderful Human." Aliathra said. "Thank you, Ser Vincent." She flattered him with a fake smile. The elf needed to gain more of his trust since as she observed, this Earth Human¡­ Demon¡­ person thing was the one who showed interest to her like a suitor walking to try for her hand.


    "Oh, my lady. An honor for your service¡­ bleh." Diaz sarcastically bowed chivalrously. "So¡­ ''Princess'' what will you do after you get back to Gliesia?" he asked her.


    Aliathra still remembered the cover story she and Diaz made to explain her unexpected appearance in front of Don Aparo in his Corporate Headquarters.


    "Oh, I will go stop by at Vercourt outside of Tyr Rian before heading back to Ethuilen. I will tell stories about New Albany during my travels as a good word for all of you." Aliathra lied.


    Vercourt, according to her instructions will be a rendezvous point for her and her Grey Order contacts. She would go there after she finished her scouting mission in New Albany and relay her findings to them. She have lots of stories to tell, Metal Demons of questionable origins, Cities as tall as mountains, everything ruled by magic and these ''Mega-Corporations'' apparently ruled like Kings thanks to their incomprehensible resources, power and ruthlessness if her near death experience in Kesserheim had anything to go by. How in the heavens would her people and the whole Gliesian world can compete with such Otherworlders? She has seen how they can taint the land by their presence in New Albany, reshaping the land to what they deemed fit. She has seen their warriors, where one of their ''Ohg-Mented'' have the speed and strength of ten of their best knights. She prayed to Neneth for some sort of sign of salvation from such radicalism. She saw the way their honeyed words and disarming inventions charm Princess Aria, a pillar of influence and moral support from the auspicious Princes Clovich of Tyr Rian based on her gathered information about the ruler of the Principality.


    She could feel her heart in a limbo of despair and feigning her stoic aura in front of such seemingly hostile elements around her.


    --------------------------------- (The Next Day) --------------------------------


    After some delays on the Manila''s pre-flight preparations which involved tracking a shore leaved sailor to a brothel, a misplaced fusion battery and a rat infestation¡­ the Military Cargo ship was now ready to set her sails again. All it needed to do now was to deliver in some fresh new cargo of much needed supplies, machinery and equipment for New Albany and the slowly modernizing Tyr Rian. News from Governor White confirmed that they have now implanted some Asphalt onto the larger old dirt and stone roads where carriages and the UFE''s many vehicles can pass through with ease like blood vessels fueling the growing health of the two cities slowly adopting each other like sisters.


    For Aparo Corp, there invested support was immediately felt. Crates with their branding were hauled into the cargo bays of the Manila. Samantha can count two dozen shipping crates that were 8 feet hight and 40 feet in length. Robert Bianchin overseeing the logistical leap.


    "So, tell me Mister Bianchin, what are inside these crates." Samantha asked him.


    "Mostly surplus items and dead stock inventories that the Warehouse boys were trying to look for an excuse to get rid of them. This is all just the first wave of Aparo Corp''s support for you guys, all the stuff we can ship to you guys in a moment''s notice without having to pay taxes or bribing some corpo-hacker not to rat us out. Dozers, Constructor Mechs, Mazak''s and other CNC machineries, Chemicals, Guns¡­ all Last-Last-Last! Gen."


    "Guns!?!" Samantha exclaimed. To hear the dreadful ''G-word''.


    "Ever heard of ''Gunboat Diplomacy''?" Robert twitched his eye brow.


    "Wouldn''t that be too harsh on them?" Samantha objected.


    "Aparo maybe optimistic on betting his chips on Benham-3 Lieutenant but he isn''t na?ve. He ALWAYS protects his Investments. Legal or not. Besides, the Constructor Mech''s are going to get paraded during the official opening of the UFE Embassy. It''s going to happen in about three days after we touch down on Benham. Heard Governor White is going to make an epic speech when the ribbon gets cut. You know to show us as being peaceful and willing to live together in harmony. You know typical sweet talking and smiling to charm them to our side. The Magics of Behaviorism! Say some magic words and they will happily do what you say."


    "I think I glossed it over in the mission file." Samantha confessed to her moment of inattention. "Hang on, you said ''Last'' several times before saying ''Gen''. What gives on that?"


    "Oh, its mostly the Constructor Mech''s 3rd Generation of its kind back when they were still relegated to civilian work with their balls and asses hanging in the wind like a naked hobo. That until before the Military attached a minigun and a 90mm on it and BAM! BattleTech''s were born. Hey I heard that Major Holyfield is attached with the Garrison there, alongside 119th Mechanized and 53rd Engineering. Heard that the One-Nineteenth has a whole bunch of medium and heavy Mech''s including the new Taranis model. Ultra-Cooled Cannon!" Robert said with a breath of geeky excitement when he talked about the Mech''s.


    He couldn''t help it because Aparo Corp''s Weapon''s Design division were the designers of the Taranis BattleTech''s main feature, a 180 mm Autocannon with a specially made barrel made from a top-secret alloy that allows to the gun to be continuously fired without overheating for extended periods of time. This in complementary conjunction with the gun''s Autoloader which can load 10 rounds/minute. An impressive statistic for such a gun''s caliber. An additional fact from his statement is that the early Mech''s had their vital parts such as support structuring, engine, exhaust completely exposed in order for maintenance engineers to quickly work on them in case they malfunction. This was an early design flaw that was addressed some time later when the Constructor Mech''s and eventually their offspring the BattleTech''s were given protective covering and more reliable inner machinery when they are sent off to more hostile workplace environments such as icy gale wind tundra and the spontaneously combustive volcanic yet mineral-rich planets.


    "I have seen one in a demonstration once during the last year of my Cadet days but I still believe its quite overkill. I mean we are dealing with people barely into the Renaissance. We can''t just expect to win their Hearts and Minds if we carry one of the biggest guns in our arsenal all around the time." Samantha said.


    "You have a point on that but that''s ASSUMING they would like to play ball. How old are you Lieutenant?" Robert placed his hips on the side judgmentally.


    "23 and fresh out of WestPoint."


    "Great School and all. But you still got much to learn kid. Don''t think you got that C.O. badge ''cuz you are the daughter of a War Hero and ESPECIALLY you being a ''Strong Woman'' in such a manly field." Robert pointed out with his piercing and weary eyes.


    "The boys always beat me in Systema when they don''t allow groin shots and weapon wielding." She objected.


    "That ain''t the point little girl. My point is that even if you are the leader, you must always listen to your team. Especially from the likes of Crocker and Obediah." He said as he turned his head towards the two Stryder group members who were casually enjoying a cup of coffee as they inspected their new military gear.


    "Crocker, I know his kind. Seen more fights than a woman your age had your period. In my experience, sometimes the safest approach is the best approach, trust me on that since he had to deal with all sorts of Cutthroats." Robert explained.


    "Like Diaz?"


    "Yeah people like Diaz is what Crocker probably had to eat for breakfast everyday when he was a peacekeeper. I read his files, all sorts of shit happened I can tell you that."


    "What about Obediah?"


    "Obediah like a good number of people have family to protect. In a workplace such as yourselves. He will most likely rely on you the most for what to do next right next to Crocker your second. You got to treat your lads right alongside with choosing carefully. You can''t just push your men to the limit¡­ especially for someone of HIS age and a daughter. I hate to see a man like him put in a bag, yeech." He cringed.


    "I see¡­ I see¡­ maybe I am a bit too hard on Obed sometimes and sometimes behind close doors me and Crocker would argue over things. But Robert, about my question about the Gliesians¡­ why so much caution over such primitives?" Samantha said.


    "Exhibit A, they might not think like we do. I mean they probably have never seen a gun before and they could just blindly charge in while screaming ''Leeroy Jenkin!'' or whatever to shank you. The Range Game is our edge with them don''t forget that. Exhibit B! Magic! It was lucky for you to befriend Iris being a Witch and a god damn Vampire. But what about everyone else? Would they smile on you or cast some crazy ass D&D shit on you to fuck up your day? It''s a good thing Mages, at least in RPG''s I have seen they stand out like damn fire flies but they could do anything and we won''t be able to know what they could do until its too late! Doctor Mahelona better get some nice research over the new lab equipment I will personally hand over. This kind of stuff¡­ shouldn''t exist in my book." Robert gave his opinion on Magic.


    Meanwhile behind a crate, Aliathra was eavesdropping on the two. She had heard every single word of that conversation and gained some valuable intelligence. That the Lieutenant was inexperienced, the UFE are bringing out some of their best weapons to meet the Slaegians in battle and finally this ''Governor'' who sounds like a very important almost revered figure who has the ''Magics of Behaviorism''. Was it some sort of spell or set of spells that can make people ''happily do what you say''? That sounded dangerous. If the UFE can seduce people with their gifts of opulent cities and excessive fire power then her world is in serious trouble. The elf''s heart race with dread at the imagination of such a destructive and altering force these Earth Human¡­ ''Demon'' or what ever these people are. As a princess with a duty to protect her own from those who seek its harm, whether directly or by proxy, she must stand up and fight. But right now she must focus on staying alive first.


    She turned her back only to bump into the steeled-up chest of Diaz.


    "Woah! Hey Elfy I was looking for you." Diaz said with a flirtatious smile.


    "Looking¡­ for¡­ me?" Aliathra said nervously.


    "Yeah I just want to invite you to something. I mean you being a pretty girl and all, being fish outta water in all of this new stuff. I want to¡­"


    "Fish out of water?" Aliathra asked, not comprehending the idiom.


    "Being in a strange land far from home can get REALLY stressful. It''s not healthy amirite? My people feel like that every day. Working abroad away from home and family. Absolutely terrible!"


    "Indeed. Don''t you suppose you have ways to alleviate such burden on yourself?" Aliathra maintained her graceful demeanor to hide her silent terror.


    "Electronic Music! My car has some great audio and I got great soundtrack. Can be really fun to just chill out in. You want in? We can like maybe get to know each other more and¡­ stuff." Diaz also hid his rather obvious affection for the Elf.


    Who could blame him with Aliathra''s golden hair, blue eyes and flawless snow white with some pinkish hue skin? Plus the way she styled her hair with the braid on her back and bangs that helped emphasized the penetrating elf ears that peeked over her hairdo was just inviting for any bachelor to seek her attention.


    The prospect of gaining more valuable information on Diaz, probably the greatest threat to the Alliance of Order''s could face outside of the UFE''s incomprehensible technology and Eldritch ''Common'' language was too much of an opportunity to pass up.


    "How can I refuse such a tempting offer? Take me to this ''Electronic Music'' you speak highly off." Aliathra flattered him.


    "Great! Looks like ain''t sleeping alone tonight! Your gonna love it! These artists are like our Bards! They sing of love, peace, freedom and bravery! The beat will mesmerize you." Vincent took Aliathra by the hand and walked her over to his Mustang for some time musical time together.

 21 Chapter 21: Planning for Tomorrow

    "Thank you Mr. Aparo for your investment." Governor White nodded to the Holographic Display of his Video Conference with Domenico Aparo, CEO of Aparo Corporation as the Megacorporation''s boss disconnected. He sat on his lofty leather office chair that resides on his mahogany desk in his office at the now fully constructed Governor''s Palace of New Albany, center-hold of UFE Power in Gliesia (aka Benham-3).


    They had just finished discussing matters about the finer details of Aparo''s ''Exclusive Contract''. More weapons, educated manpower to pool labor into, building materials, building equipment. It was obvious from his and other people''s experience that they were trying to grease his hands with material wealth. Most of the time speaking back in the Core UFE Worlds, the Megacorps fight each other ruthlessly on the scraps of empty void of ''Strategic Economic Territory'' amongst the citizens and their daily lives, always trying to out do the other man through legal and extra-legal means. But for one such Megacorp to instead viewing his attention to his many myriad white-collar occupations, this Domenico Aparo has been taking very personal interests in Gliesia. Was it the crystals? His company is one of the three corporations that make up the triumvirate of the privatized Energy Sector. It was obvious from the start that the Megacorporation wanted these for themselves and if the history books has taught them anything about what happens when you combine a technologically inferior civilization with valuable resource paired with a resource hungry superior one. The results would make the Mayans, Incan''s, Malay''s, Qing Chinese and African Tribes look like an orderly divorce. The Governor needs to keep tabs Aparo Corp and mitigate any of there neo-imperialist ambitions when it rears its ugly head. Such notions of thoughts were both a guilty pleasure and old shame amongst his fellow Earth Humans with such ''Manifest Destiny''s'' undergoing a global renaissance during the early to mid-periods of the UFE''s Expansion years between the years of 2076 and 2180 as agreed by historians who recorded in their databanks and media hounds in the web archives.


    Speaking about partnerships, he looked over to his desk and to his side was a Telephone. A Cable Telephone, not many are made these days due to the prevalence of Sattelite Technology overtaking cable but it still had its uses in the more far flung areas of the UFE. The Telephone had several buttons attached to it but they weren''t numbers that were assigned to each of them, they were names. The Telephone was a Hotline, a mean to voice his power to his subordinates, he had a hotline for the UFE Colonial Militia Headquarters, New Albany''s Utility Plant, the Police Headquarters, the Administration Offices and finally most unique for his special phone, a Hotline to Prince Clovich in his castle.


    After holding very warm diplomatic talks with his counterparts in Tyr Rian, he personally saw to it that the Prince and thus the Tyr Rian people have a means of communicating between each other. He even personally saw the installment of Clovich''s telephone in his throne room which set right next to his desk where he writes and seal his various letters, decree''s and edicts as he can exercise within his Vassalized powers from the Slaegian Empire. Seeing the phone again reminded him of one of the governor''s duties that day.


    Jeremy picked up the phone and dialed for Castle Tyr Rian. A ringing noise was made before the sound of a person''s breath could be heard from the speaker.


    "Hello?" Prince Clovich''s voice said.


    "It''s Gover---"


    "How do I know your not some Witch spying on me?!?" Prince Clovich yelled accusingly.


    That''s when Governor White realized he made a small blunder¡­ he is still talking with a person who has barely just got familiar in using a Telephone before. He recalled the various concerns of the Prince when he was being demonstrated the uses of his Telephone but it was like talking to a Technophobe during the entire course. He was rather justifiably scared however of Rogue Mages, people who use Magic for various nefarious deeds to spy at him because he still thinks that a lot of the UFE''s advanced technology is ''Magic''. Clarke''s 3rd Law strikes again to him and his cronies giving nothing short of headaches. Even their infant children can properly operate a Smartphone with no problem but the smartest Gliesian might get the same kind of headache one might get when struggling to learn Algebra in Highschool.


    Jeremy sighed and came up with his proper response¡­


    "I am going to give you a freshly baked Criam¨¦lo Pie for dinner." Jeremy said there arranged Trust Password.


    The reasoning behind this was actually a very amusing story. Criam¨¦lo is a golden-orange colored berry that grows in Tyr Rian. It is used for making delicious pies, jams and even wines. It was a regional delicacy that ironically for the very ruler of Tyr Rian to be allergic to or in his wordings ''the Gods burn me if I eat them''. He tasted the berry himself and Jeremy made it a goal to grab a patch of them and pair it with some Vanilla Ice Cream. He might make a call to some Ice Cream conglomerates of obtaining an exotic new flavor in the new world.


    "Yuck! So, it is you again Lord White. What makes you call me in this hour? Do you have news about my sister?" The cringe from Clovich''s voice changed to excited concern over his sister Aria who he waived off to them for the cure to her crippled state.


    "She can''t wait to RUN up to you and give you a hug." Governor White emphasized. A slight chuckle escaped his throat over the heartwarming implications of Aria with strong legs being able to run to her brother with a beautiful smile on her rosy lips to the cheer of thousands.


    "You will have my eternal gratitude for this. You know, Lord White¡­ you have done much more for me than anyone from Slaegia ever done to Tyr Rian since this realm was established." The Prince shared his gratefulness.


    "We maybe very powerful the likes of which no one of your kind has seen, but we are respectful of you and you have shown nothing but hospitality and kindness to us." White replied with his diplomatic bravado.


    "Indeed, you have my fellow Man friend from¡­ another¡­ wherever in the Gods names you come from¡­ Tyr Rian and also your Realm of New Albany only prospered when you arrived on my doorstep. Rumors abound of ''Clovich''s new friend'' in all over the lands from the Dwarven Clan holdings, the Elves Alfel Nora, the Eastern Suzerainties, Northern Tribes and beyond. They speak of you of the many terrifying and wondrous things you can accomplish that no one could ever claim to do or even conceive of doing." Clovich praised. "Yet¡­ some of these people might have¡­ misinterpret¡­ your¡­ uhm¡­ unexpected arrival." Clovich muttered.


    "Explain¡­" White requested.


    He knew from the reports of Colonel Polonsky and Major Holyfield that they had underwent a Skirmish with the Slaegians earlier that was written down as no longer an ''Isolated Incident''. Furthermore, there were reports of some very subversive rumors about the strange ''Sky People'' who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and began to offer people gifts at to ''good-to-be-true'' contracts. Some reports were from there earlier more publicized incidents such as the Devicco Siege and numerous Quest''s that the UFE soldiers under take in order to raise hearts and minds. They all had an idea but they never talk much about it to Prince Clovich himself.


    "Well, I had sent out several letters to several of my closest neighbors about you but¡­ unlike your¡­ this¡­ ''Eeee-Mail'' of yours, they could take about a week or more. I still can''t believe you have messengers that can instantly send out whatever you write." The Prince said with a hint of suggestion to his tone on the last phrase.


    "Maybe one day we will teach you how to send out an Email. But your Phone is good enough for now. Anyhow, your Majesty, your sister should be arriving back from her surgery soon at around 4 days according to the Ship Captain and the preparation for her arrival is well underway correct?"


    "Indeed, food, invitations have been sent and I pulled out the old banquet table meant for outdoor festivals and my personal wine reserve." He boasted.


    "That I would love to see. But I also want to add one thing¡­ more¡­ diplomatic in Nature¡­" Jeremy said.


    "What would that maybe?" the Prince twitched his eyebrows in curiousity.


    "You said earlier that some people you know are suspicious of our new¡­''Friendship'' right? Well to tell you the truth, we expect something like this would happen¡­ My bosses¡­"


    "Bosses?" Clovich asked in confusion to the Earth Human terminology.


    "Masters¡­my masters back from our world of Earth is trying to push for much more open relationships with you and everyone in Gliesia. They say a Formal Declaration of Peace and Friendship should help alleviate any of their fears. A speech, maybe some cultural enrichment and some gift exchanges would be best. I know that Major Holyfield''s people have some of his men who can play some music, a Violinist, a Drummer and a bunch more that you never heard of. Your going to love hearing from them especially during the feasts." The Governor said.


    "I would be waiting to hear their music soon. Well, now that''s all I have to talk about you I apologize to say to end this discussion early but now I need to get back to my duties, especially for the event. The Suckling Pig takes days to marinade." Prince Clovich departed.


    "Good luck with all of that and I will see you soon." The Governor gave his adieu''s before he dropped the phone.


    A sigh of relief escaped his lungs after let go of his Hotline and reflected on the words he and Clovich said.


    It looks like the Governor is going to have to write a speech. He turned to his Office Computer and selected Microsoft Word 22k and began to type down his speech:


    ''On behalf of the United Federation of Earth we wish to first of all express our most sincere gratitude¡­''


    ----------------------------------(Back inside the Manila)------------------------------------


    "Samantha? Do you have a moment?" Iris approached the Lieutenant just as she was about to retire in her bed.


    "Sure." she answered as she handed the list back to Robert and followed up inside the cargo ship and into one of the staterooms. "Iris, whats with the need for secrecy here?"


    Iris closed the door and move to the view port at the end of the room. "Do not trust the elf." She turned back to look at Sam with a stern look, "She''s not who she says she is."


    Sam stood still for a moment before walking up right next to Iris. Looking through the viewport, she saw Vincent and Aliathra in the formers car. The man still trying to put the charm on the girl that was obviously uncomfrotable with her current dilemma.


    "We know she''s a spy, Iris." she turned to look at her friend who didn''t look surprised by this fact.


    ''Diaz and Obediah must''ve told her.''


    "We figured the best way to try to convince her that we are not demons is to show her who we are. Hopefully, she''ll realize the truth and we can avoid conflict with the Gliesians. Vinny''s been with her trying to charm her right now in his car¡­ and if his Mustang bumping up and down in any indication... he''s taking the ''James Bond'' route." Samantha gave her side of the story.


    It was already so obvious the moment that Aliathra crashed into their little ''Diplomatic Expedition''. She and even the likes of the simpleton Obediah it was obvious she was a spy. Normally a spy''s fate would be a quick death or a trip to prison to be tortured off of their knowledge but the Elf was a very special case if stock knowledge served Lieutenant Rose right. She probably misunderstood the UFE''s intentions and perhaps she should take some notes down from Sun Tzu''s treatise on Espionage.


    ''Double agents: enemy agents originally intending to exploit us, who we then recruit to our side''


    Hopefully her little gamble with using mercy pays off in the long run and the Elf woman would put in a good word for them to the wider Gliesian world.


    Iris closed her eyes and shook her head before responding. "Sadly, that is unlikely. I noticed when we were having pizza yesterday, the fake smile and empty flattery. How mere moments ago, she was eavesdropping on what you and Mr. Bianchin were discussing behind a stack of crates. She still believes you and the UFE are demons. Or, at the least, a grave threat to the order of Gliesia. And then there is that prophecy that states the end of everything at the hands of demons. No doubt left to fester in the mind of Emperor Slaegia for a while now and spread to others. I don''t see this ending without bloodshed."


    Unfortunately, the Vampire Witch is right about being too optimistic. Gliesia is a primitive, medieval world and its people are driven by their own superstitious fears and paranoia. Add the ''magic'' factor and it''s no wonder they believe that demons are real cause they might actually be real. They even claim to have faced such beings in the past.


    ''This is so ridiculous.''


    Sam leaned her back on the wall as she tried to think. "Well, your Gliesian, Iris. What do you know about the elves?"


    Iris blinked once before moving to sit on a chair. "That play¡­ I mean ''Movie'', Lord of the Rings, gave a pretty accurate depiction. The elves were the first to discover the Mana Crystals. Their continent of Alf-el Nora has the largest deposit of Crystals in the world. They were the first to uncover their power and the gift of magic which was eventually spread throughout the world. They stand as the most advance and powerful nation in the world. Even when my kind were at our apex, we were only second to the elves and nowhere near as strong."


    "Let me guess: they looked down at the other ''younger'' races and species. Thinking themselves above all others and more ''adult'' of them all." Sam used quotation fingers for emphasis.


    Iris gave a light chuckle before replying, "Are you sure you never encountered any elves before Gliesa?" They both shared a short laugh at how accurate Earth''s depiction on elves really is. "They do indeed feel like they should be the ''parents'' to the other species. Guiding them to a great future without meddling in their affairs much. But there are those who believe they should take a more active approach in guiding them." she said in a grim tone.


    The Lieutenant moved off the wall as her mind processed what Iris just said with the way she said it. "Oh boy. I see where this is going. They believe they should rule over all others, right?"


    Iris nodded in confirmation. "They grew to the point that a civil war broke out and eventually lead to the split of the continent between the two. ''The Elven Divide'' it came to be called as the passing of Geltagar''s Comet signified."


    "Wait!" Samantha raised her hand to stop Iris from proceeding on. "Geltagar''s Comet. Aliathra mentioned that during the interrogation. Why is that so special?"


    "The comet passes every 200 years or so. When it does, it signifies a great change will happen. Whether that change is good or bad, no one can truly say. Just speculate and wait. The comet actually passed by just a couple of months before your arrival."


    This was vital info. The passing of the Comet and what it represents in Gliesian culture plays a key role on their civilization. If they thought this comet''s recent passing meant something was going to occur....


    "Iris, did anything happen when the comet made its pass?"


    "Amazingly, when the comet passed, it affected the mana crystals and mages alike. Increased the energy exponentially. My necklace went¡­ what you would say ''Haywire'' during the passing. It glowed brightly and it illuminated the room so much I was nearly blinded." She gestured to her necklace with refined Unbinilium.


    "Aliathra mentioned that a future vision foresaw our arrival and their destruction. Is that even possible!?"


    Iris was in a bit of a lose with that. "I-I heard theories about the possibility of using magic to glimpse the future. But the amount of power and crystals needed.... not only is it impossible, an attempt would be dangerous. Suicidal even."


    The Lieutenant gave out a heavy sigh as she cupped her hand over her face and moved to sit on the bed across from Iris. "It seems they did try. Aliathra confirmed it and I don''t believe she was lying. From what you said, they took advantage to the boost in power thanks to the comet. And whatever they saw lead them to think we are demons that will destroy everything they love. Which could end up happening if they keep trying to fight us. Self-fulling prophecy if there ever was one."


    "The act in which people make the prediction come true." Sam turned to Iris after hearing what she said. "Obediah explained it to me. Their attempts at trying to stop the ''prophecy'' from happening is what''s making the prophecy come to pass. Rather insidious. The moral being: careful not to become the architect of your own demise. Which leads to something else to consider."


    Sam leaned back in her chair. "What''s else is wrong?"


    "Not telling Aliathra that she has that ''Metal Heart''." Iris said bluntly.


    Sam stared at Iris for a few second before lowering her head in thought. They haven''t told Aliathra the truth. Too afraid how she''d react. Might even kill herself with the way she believes the UFE are demons. But if they don''t tell her, and the mages in Gliesia can tell her heart is not natural and do the killing for her. If Iris'' opinion had any weight into it, either way, Aliathra is one way or the other screwed. A shame to see such a beautiful Ranger and Cleric of sorts be dashed away from this cruel world by her extraordinary circumstances.


    --------------------------------------- (Meanwhile inside Diaz''s Mustang) ---------------------------


    A slow melodious tune played on the back of Aliathra and Vinny''s ears. The sounds coming from the Mustang''s sound''s systems with Diaz having the Elf maiden''s body tucked on his chest, awake but her eyes close and ears focused on the soothing music being played.


    He gave out laugh. He knew just by the damn actions of this Elf that Aliathra was some sort of spy. The girl however, was a horrible one in his expert opinion. He counted the various obvious mistakes the Elf Spy made that just made her scream ''Espionage''. First was her dynamic entry into the Manila earlier than week. Second was her constant questioning of various specific technical things and lastly was her Eyes, in his experiences with micro emotions, Aliathra had an agenda of unknown but most likely shady of kinds. If it were up to him and Aparo Corp, they would all too eager get the chance to rip the intel off of a live person, and in the case of Aliathra plus her Elven Ears, would fetch a high price in the more¡­ ''Red-Lighted'' of Markets.


    If it weren''t for as Samantha calls it ''Clarke''s 3rd Law he would have gone his way in a heartbeat.


    But then again, Vinny love to have company in his car, and rarely a beautiful woman such as the Elf who was breathing steadily yet delicately on his chest. He could feel the warm beat of her heart through his built-in Heartbeat Sensor. Curiously according to the AI that connects all of his Augments together, the Sensor says that the Elf''s body was inside and out physiologically similar to Humans yet the Sensor also detect several unidentified elements it was not equipped to further analyze.


    "I wonder if ''Half-Elves exist in Gliesia''¡­" Diaz muttered carelessly.


    "Who?" Aliathra opened her azure eyes and looked at his eyes.


    "Eh, nothing¡­ so¡­ Miss Aliathra. Tell me more about yourself." Diaz asked for some questions.


    Even the littlest of details can go a long way as Samantha and Vinny''s own Corporate Agent''s experience would tell him.


    "I really love the songs you played from your car Sir Dee-yaz. At first they sounded quite different and¡­ uhm¡­ exotic for my own senses but after awhile I started to enjoy it." Aliathra confessed.


    "Weird, Sensor''s say her heartbeat and breathing are normalizing. Telling something in ''Good Faith'' as Satre would say." Diaz said to himself.


    "Yeah I saw you dancing quite nice. You were enjoying it." Diaz smiled. He could remember the sensual swaying of the Elf''s lithe body move in rhythm to the sounds of such classical Electronic Artists of over 200 years-worth of musical history in Diaz''s own private library. His demeanor was an accommodating demeanor he painted his face with to try to get the Elf to loosen up to him.


    "So, I recall you were some sort of Priestess, right? Cleric of sorts? Shrine Maiden?" Vinny asked.


    "I am devoted to the Goddess of Life, Motherhood and Fertility Neneth." Aliathra answered.


    Diaz''s monitors continue to say that the Elf was speaking the full truth.


    "Tell me more about your duties." He pressed her.


    "The Temple of Neneth housed some of the best Apothecaries, Physicians and Clerics in the land. Especially the main temple in Ethuilen where I studied. I was a student to many of the best Healers in the land." Aliathra said.


    "So you are what we would say, a Medical Student. A very hard but potentially prosperous path to take. Science Exams aside, it must pay very well." Diaz gave out his own insight based on his own interpretations.


    "Oh, we don''t get much money. Neneth preaches self-sacrifice and thinking ahead of others. The Temple relies mostly on Donations for their livelihood." Aliathra answered.


    "So, Philanthropy, I mean people like you am I right must get a lot of money poured in still. Medicine and¡­ or what we call ''Pharmaceuticals'' aren''t cheap you know despite all the talk of your Charity and stuff."


    "Which is why many Clerics such as myself go to the Grey Order in Slaegia and offer our services so we can be able to go out into the world and get herbs, scrolls and other sorts of magical items for our Temple."


    "That still doesn''t explain some of the more, Survivalist type of skills I see in you like animals, bow and arrow. Your quite an interesting bit of a Ranger and Cleric you know? Who taught you?" Diaz asked.


    "Well, two-hundred and ten years of your life is plenty of time to know so many things. I was originally a Scout Ranger for the Ethuilen Armui. Trained with them for about 20 years but never really experienced any real combat outside of hunting some dangerous animals such as Bears, Dracolisks and the occasional Hippogriff. After I served my Anand, I wanted to pursue a more noble profession in the Grand Temple of Neneth." Aliathra said.


    Diaz''s heartbeat monitor gave a slight anomaly on Aliathra''s speech and heartbeat. She was saying a partial truth.


    "So, what is your training like being a Cleric for this Neneth?"


    "I was taught Restoration Magics almost up to the Master Classes. I was taught how a body works, how to identify ailments with the spell ''True Sight'', close and disinfect wounds and cure the even the most lethal of maladies such as ''Kriozad''s Spite'' which I managed to cure on a few occasions recently. My teachers told me that I was one of their best students they have ever seen." Aliathra said.


    For this statement, it was spot on that she was speaking like an open book.


    "Taking into the account that Elves live long and must be something right?" Diaz commented.


    "Much more than that Sir Dee-yaz." Aliathra smiled confidently with an air of Superiority into it. She knew she was exceptional in her talents in Restoration and it was shown when she had healed that young child back in Kesserheim earlier in record time. Normally without magics or immediate intensive care the injuries that child was inflicted would have been fatal by Gliesian standards.


    "Okay one more question, explain yourself what brings you to Tyr Rian. You must be a long way from home huh?" Vinny changed the subject.


    "I was going around the Human Realms looking for work when I heard rumors about a strange new people who arrived from the Sky." Aliathra said.


    The monitors say that she is speaking another half truth again. Normally for Diaz this would be the time for him to crack his knuckles and play a bit of ''Bad Cop'' with his quarry. But extraordinary circumstance say he must show restraint. Besides, he never tortured a Girl before and he himself didn''t know if he had the heart to do it to Aliathra of all the snake like women whom he has seen in his Rogue days back in Kesserheim. The Elf was more of a na?ve child rather than a backstabbing femme fatale he was so use to disposing with back home.


    "So, after we touch down back in New Albany¡­ where will you go?" Diaz asked.


    "Vercourt. It''s a logging town in Slaegia west of Tyr Rian. Some of the Priest''s there requested for my help in treating the woodsmen who get injured often. It''s that time of the year when the Tree''s get cut down." Aliathra answered.


    "Well good luck helping them all. Beneath that nice face of yours, you got a kind heart." Diaz said as he gently lifted Aliathra''s chin to have her look him in the eyes.


    They both smiled like friends turned into budding lovers. In the Elf''s point of view these ''Earth Humans'' as they insist to call themselves were firm in their force but fair to those whom they considered friend or trustworthy enough to win their trust beforehand. Despite his rather unnatural body parts and ''bindings'', Aliathra couldn''t help but reminiscent the various Romantic Novella''s of dashing rogues with their colorful personalities win the hearts of the fair maidens they pursue whilst pluckily striking down their antagonists who wish to see them harm.


    But alas, that was decades ago when Aliathra was much more free-spirited and na?ve to the cruel realities of the outside world from the safety of her opulent palace. This Vincent Diaz was an invader and her love of her people and her family as expected from the House Lareththor family comes first above all else. She still must treat these UFE, Demon or not, they are a threat to the Balance of all of Gliesia, less a catastrophe unlike anyone has seen before strikes them to the very core whether they intend to or not to. Based on her own instincts, Aliathra sense it could¡­ no WOULD be the former.


    "Will I get to see you return to New Albany someday? Our doors are always welcome to anyone with good intentions." Diaz asked.


    "I might return for some of the food. Vercourt is about a few days trip from Tyr Rian."


    Vinny laughed at the primitive calculations of the Elf.


    "By the time Governor White is done with all the Modernization efforts with Prince Clovich. You could travel without even walking." He laughed.


    "Oh? What makes you say something so bold?" Aliathra widened her eyes. Humans tend to look up and feel humbled by the sight of Elves. There prowess and knowledge stocks were of an unfathomable level compared to the average human and other races who live in Gliesia.


    "Well, after we safely hand back Princess Aria and company to Prince Clovich back in the Citadel. There''s gonna be a big party ''Celebrating the first day of Friendship between Gliesian''s and the United Federation''. There will be food, fun and a big old Declaration Signing." Diaz said.


    "A ''Declaration Signing''? What will happen?"


    "Well, Governor White, the Leader of our Colony and Prince Clovich is going to sign this big piece of paper that details a whole bunch of stuff¡­ eh¡­ Trading Contracts¡­ Technology Sharing¡­ Alliances¡­ and a bunch more of formalities. Should happen in about 5 Days after we get back to New Albany, Governor White needs to talk with the Council on what to put on the paper." Diaz answered.


    The Elf was taken aback by the Cyborg''s words. They all sounded quite imposing. She recalled in her past observations with the Tyr Rian Royal Family of their seduction to the UFE''s sphere of influences with their miraculous gadgets, unearthly strengths and their eldritch knowledge on the many mysteries of the universe. This was the sound of some sort of Pact¡­ of Alien nature. Was the Prince signing off his entire land to these otherworldly visitors? This would mean that the UFE would have a strong foothold in Gliesia and could expand in any direction with impunity thanks to the might of their armors that the Elf self-concludes that no Army in Gliesia could even hope to fight back against. Additionally, this ''Governor White'' sounds important. Judging by how Diaz spoke highly (as best as he can speak highly of someone in a casual tone) of this ''Governor White'' he is the leader of the New Albany Settlement.


    Aliathra shudders at the thought as Diaz looked on with her change of demeanor.


    "Is something wrong?" Diaz asked her.


    "I may want to have moment alone right now¡­ It is about to be bedtime and we should arrive back in Gliesia around tomorrow. I need to get some rest for I leave for Vercourt immediately after." Aliathra excused herself.


    "Oh sure¡­ it is getting let too. It was fun sharing some music with you Miss Aliathra. I never got the chance to share company with such a beauty like you." Diaz waved farewell as the Elf exited his car.


    When the coast was clear of her, Diaz picked up his smart phone from his jacket''s pocket and pressed a button that displayed a black square symbol on its silver medal. He was recording every word of their entire conversation the moment it started.


    "The nerds are gonna LOVE to hear from this." Diaz coyly smiled at his cunning gesture.


    In his entire life as a Corporate Agent with his fair share of tales of Corporate Espionage and Warfare, this Aliathra is a horrible liar.


    ------------------------------(a Few Days later in Vercourt) ----------------------------------


    "Remember when I told you ''No matter where I go, I''ll never leave your side. You will never be alone.'' Even when we go through changes, even when we''re old, remember that I told you I''ll find my way back home. ~~~" Aliathra sang a tune to herself as she walked the saw dust and wood splinter covered dirt road of Vercourt.


    She had to admit, that song got stuck in her head and it didn''t help to treat her ear worm and Diaz and encouraged her to sing along with him when that song ''Way Back Home'' came out of his car''s music speakers. Maybe it was not that but the themes of the song, it was romantic yet somber at the same time. The Lyrics of the singer''s desires for home resonated with the Elf''s home sickness. The song reminded her off her current circumstances. She wanted to cry but she hid those tears less she opens up to the alluring Diaz a moment of weakness. Half of her mind would scream that behind all the fancy sights, smells and taste, ''Vincent Diaz'' as that man in the red with roses painted jacket with the metal hands is a demon trying to stir her away from the path of righteousness. So far, she had guarded her soul against all the UFE''s advances but she didn''t know if it will last the next time, she encounters the UFE. Especially if it''s from the likes of which of Diaz again. There was something about him that made Aliathra wanted more from. Was it the way he acted like the romantic rogues she and her sisters would read in the dark of such rebellious cretins who win the hearts of the fair maidens? Or was it the fact that he was the first man Aliathra ever met that never treated her like a piece of untouchable political symbolism of power that the Lareththor household represents?


    The streets of Vercourt that day were at Peak Season for the harvest of Lumber. Woodsmen and Carpenters frantically ran past each other as their very city burst with intensive activity. During the Late Spring and Mid-Summer months the Trees near the town''s forest grow exceptionally tall and strong. Additionally, the forest was also home to several small gaming animals and other wild but edible flora that make up several regional delicacies. She can see huntsmen and trappers from abroad mixing in with the locals.


    But such a spike in activity also directly heightens the chance of something going wrong, Woodsman getting crushed by falling trees, trappers getting bitten by their own traps, at least one accidental amputation and a whole lot more of maladies. The Grey Order office that the Elf is going to pass on her invaluable intel with is also right next to Vercourt''s local Temple of Neneth, which contains a hospice designed to cater to the needs of the local''s and associated problems that occur in the town''s chosen industry. The Hospice was maintained by a mix of Donations and funding from the next-door Grey Order office. It was constructed by philanthropizing adventurers who pooled their earnings to help build the Healing Temple after several adventures clearing bandits and Escort Quests in the area. They wanted both a place that the Grey Order adventurers and the people of Vercourt could have a place of respite and sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world, a classic case of Social Entrepreneurship in action.


    Aliathra admired the charitable origins of the temple dedicated to her goddess as she opened the door to the Guild building.


    "Aliathra! You look like you had better luck than we did." A weary Karliah greeted her by the door.


    The Sorceress serene face was tainted with sweat, wear and a few wrinkles of stress plastered over her skin. The Elf could sense that the Sorceress had just recently underwent a harrowing trial of her abilities. Her solemn eyes also indicate that it was very heart wretching experience too.


    "What happened to you?" Aliathra asked.


    "Remember in those letters we all send each other back with? We mentioned that we will be sent to an expedition to an old tunnel that used to go under the mountains bordering Tyr Rian." Karliah explained.


    "You said you will bring about a few hundred or so men am I correct?" Aliathra nodded receptively.


    "This is all that is left of us¡­" Karliah stepped aside to reveal only a few several dozens of heavily injured soldiers, adventurers and camp followers laying miserable on their woolen cots.


    Several had bandages tainted with their crimson blood or a purplish darkness that cemented their weakening state. The elf heard the human''s harrowing moans and cringed gnashing of teeth as they were attended or for lack of a better word for ''attended'' by an overwhelmed staff of Clerics and Healers frantically trying to save as much of them as they can. Unfortunately, the oncoming demands of Vercourt''s peak business season would surely dry out the Hospices resources quickly without any intervention.


    "You! Elf girl! Is that a necklace of our lady I see?" A Cleric of Neneth pointed to Aliathra''s Necklace.


    "I know, I shall assist." Aliathra cut down the formalities and promptly went to work.


    The Elf was quickly assigned to several patients relieving the previously overwhelmed healer to draw his attention elsewhere.


    Conjuring a bright golden glow from her hands. Aliathra channeled the restorative energies within herself and got to work. She applied the positive healing magics on the wounds of the injured gently caressing their bodies before the energies disinfected the breach before closing them. To the miraculous surprise of everyone in the room, Aliathra healed those who she lay her hands on at thrice the rate her human counterparts could manage to patch their share of the injured on their own. To those in the hospice, it was like Neneth herself descended from heaven and shared her overwhelming Generosity of Mercy upon her children.


    As she healed the sick and wounded she began to see some sort of familiar pattern. The wounds she had closed up each excreted a strange foreign metal object before the completion of their sealing. Upon an average of 2 bullets per wounded had these foreign objects that were inside their bodies before Aliathra laid her hands on them. She knew from experience that these wounds were a smaller form of puncture wounds based upon the deep holes and epidermal ruptures she had managed to mend back together. Most of said puncture wounds she had encountered were from arrows, spears, stabbings or any thrusting force being shanked down upon the afflicted. But these were much smaller yet so much more deeper than what she had experienced back in her homeland.


    She collected these strange foreign objects into a table for a closer observation. They looked like malformed shells made from a slightly luminescent metal when she placed the trinkets upon light. Some were crushed to a flattened state while the others were formed into a star like shape. Then she began to smell said objects and a familiar scent entered her delicate yet sensitive nose.


    "I¡­ know these." Aliathra muttered.


    "Know what?" the voice of Petur approached behind her.


    Turning around, Aliathra saw that the Magically Gifted Knight was shirtless exposing his well-toned body to the young (by elven standards) maiden. Yet his form was polluted with bandages and signs of heavy bruising on his breasts and abdomen with a violet hue tainting his white pinkish skin.


    "I know what are these things that everyone here were struck by."


    "Go on." Petur leaned closer to the Elf eager to hear her.


    "They are called ''Bullets''. Small metallic objects, sort of like Arrows but very small used for the Outsider''s weapons." Aliathra answered.


    "How do you know of these Elf? You are not an Occultist when I read your papers." Petur curled his eyebrow upwards.


    "Because I managed to get inside their camp¡­ home¡­ or fortress¡­ I¡­never understand what exactly are they calling ''New Albany''¡­ ''Colony'' if memory serves me right." Aliathra thought back to her previous excursion.


    "Colony?" Petur''s eyes widened in horror.


    "I managed to get close to them. I saw many things you wouldn''t believe." Aliathra continued.


    "Let me write this down." Karliah butted in. She grabbed a notebook and quill pen that she keeps in her pocket.


    Aliathra with as much clarity as possible, detailed everything that happened to her. From the moment she was whisked away by the ''Demons'' to their strange realm of metal trees called ''Kesserheim'' and met up with such larger than life characters such as Don Aparo, Lieutenant Samantha and Sir Vincent who displayed such power the likes of which not even an Elf, despite their advanced civilization could fathom. She described as best as she could such concepts such as Guns, Mega Corporations and Pizza to her Slaegian colleagues much to their astonishment.


    "That''s astounding! This is all incredible wait until Mita see''s all of this." Karliah said as she closed her notebook.


    "I already did¡­" Mita''s voice echoed in the hall.


    The Crow emerged from the dark shadows unto the group much to the surprise of everyone. Even the grizzled Findrum own soul jumped away from its vessel by the surprise of the Crow. Mita carried with her on her hand a scrolled paper with faint traces of a weak adhesive on its back as if she just tore whatever information, she had acquired it from.


    "By the Gods damn you Mita! That''s the, I can''t remember¡­ ---nth time you jumped on us. Learn some respect." Karliah scolded.


    "Yargh! That''s right even you gave this old Duardin a scare." Findrum frowned.


    "Oh, you can be such fun scaring." Mita playfully giggled.


    "Where were you?" Aliathra asked her.


    "While Aliathra was busy with those Otherworlder''s I found something interesting." Mita said as she unfurled the piece of parchment.


    It was poster, the likes of which found in a tavern''s corner or a Grey Order''s Notice Board. It presented two banners standing equally to each other in distance height whilst crossing over to form a ''X'' mark union of flags. In Slaegian culture, this was a diplomatic gesture between nations during important summits to signify goodwill and respect amongst the various and diverse cultures, peoples and other forms of political clout within Ysanigrad as the Elf could remember. The first flag was obviously the Kite Shield shaped with a Windmill insignia on a checkered background of red and greed, the heraldry of Tyr Rian. The other one was a barely recognizable flag however, a crude parody of the United Federation of Earth. It had a Sky-Blue background with a giant orb of poorly squiggled lines to signify intricacies followed by white dots that seemed to be painted in randomly. According to Samantha, the UFE insignia was meant to represent Earth and clearly, whoever the artist was in hand painting these posters did a horrendous recreation of the flag. Artist renditions aside, it was the details below the crossovered flags that was eye catching.


    "Declaration of Tyr Rian and Terran friendship day in the Citadel. Food, Festivities and Foreign Curiousities to be shown from the strange world of ''Earth''. Witness Flying Boats, Steel Horses and other Exotic gizmos on 20th day of Awoken Sun."


    Calendars were named differently among cultures, for the Men of Ysanigrad, they base their 13th month-long calendars on the rising and fall of the day and night, the first half of the month is the ''Night'' months where Autumn and Fall happens since the humans marked the beginning of the years with the harvest season. Spring and Summer are the ''Day'' months where the sun is almost always shining throughout the day. For the Elves, Months had a predetermined name based on the Elven Pantheon and Mythology wit the suffix of ''-nui'' which is a shortened version of the Elven word for Month.


    "What day is it now?" Aliathra asked.


    "17th day of the Awoken Sun." Mita answered.


    "Only three days away?" Karliah eyes widened, her heart skipped a beat on the news.


    "Indeed, it seems that the Tyr Rian''s are going to fully give in to their new ''friends''." Mita said with some snark on her tone.


    "They are going to turn it to a place like theres¡­" Aliathra muttered.


    "What did you say?" Petur turned back to her.


    "I have seen their cities, giant towers of metal and glass piercing the sky with an air of defiance as if they mock heaven itself. Steel Beasts will roam the soil belching hot breath from their anuses as they devour the land in an air of choking smoke. The skies will light up in parodied rainbows in reverance to them. And the people of Tyr Rian will bow before them¡­" Aliathra gave a grim description of what she had seen in Kesserheim.


    She can still remember the sensational overload of her delicate Elven tastes and touch she saw from the exhaust smokes, the neon lights and skyscrapers from that planet. To see Gliesia fall into such a radical ecological change will be world shaking. She barely survived an entire week inside Kesserheim and she doubts any of the other Peoples of Gliesia could stand being in such a viral influence that only seeks to expand until there is no room left. Such magnitudes at such a cost will only mean death for them all if not stop.


    Aliathra shed a mournful tear and a soft heartfelt prayer to Neneth for salvation in such slowly darkening times.


    "First it will be Tyr Rian, tomorrow¡­ the world¡­" Karliah realised.


    "We need to take down these vile demons¡­ aaahh¡­" Petur stood up bravely but his still injured body weighed him down.


    "Not while you are that I concur." Aliathra reprimanded.


    "And not the same way back in Cambervale. A direct assault was foolish just look at what happened to everyone here." Mita spread her arms around to display the sorry state the survivors of the expedition were in.


    "But once the Demons gain an inch of souls¡­ they will take a mile." Findrum gulped nervously, uncharacteristic for him but given the current circumstances, he feels out of his league.


    "Is there any way we can defeat them?" Petur anguished at the stacked antagonism of such a prospect of a second Demon Invasion.


    "I think I do." Karliah proposed. "Most Demons or the ones we read in the text books I read, have a kind of leader among them that acts as uniting figure among them and also the strongest among the host. This ''Alpha Demon'' would have his accompanying followers and would be the entity that any mortal who summoned them would be the one they would talk to the most. Alpha Demons would be responsible for all the Deals, Lying and all sorts of Magics as foretold in the legends." The Sorceress relayed her history.


    "So, after we take out this ''Alpha'' what will happen to the rest of the Outsiders?" Findrum asked.


    "They will flee back to whence they came." Aliathra said.


    "No leader, means no direction. Most Demons are just inaudible monsters with unsatiated appetites for Souls." Karliah said.


    Aliathra would disagree with that but she kept silent. She still can''t take much chances with these Otherworlders. Then again, these descriptions of the ''Alpha Demon'' did implicate a certain named individual that was casually mentioned to her during her travels.


    "But there''s an entire army of them between us and whoever is this ''Alpha Demon''. How could we fight them all?" Petur questioned.


    "White¡­" Aliathra said his name.


    "The Color?" Mita asked.


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    "No, that is his name. White. Jeremy the White Governor." Aliathra said. "The Demons, I heard them in their whispers. They call their leader ''Govenor White''. He controls the armies; the machines and the buildings being erected based on my discoveries." Aliathra said.


    "That''s¡­ an unusual name for a Demon¡­" Petur was dumbstruck by such a average sounding name.


    "Perhaps this is just an Alias, a false name that Demons give to their quarry a false sense of normalcy. Geremi is a name that you can find a man with that name without too much difficulty if you just look hard enough." Karliah said.


    "He will be there in person to sign a ''Decree of Friendship'' between him and Prince Clovich." Aliathra said.


    "A Demonic Pact you mean." Karliah said.


    "Where do you know all of this?" Aliathra asked the Sorceress.


    "I had some colleagues from the Militant Wing of the Sacred Circle. Witch Hunters to be clear. We shared some moments together. I know some faint basics of Demonology. You, Aliathra are by far our greatest source of information on these Otherworlders. I can send a letter to them immediately to them so they can question you further about what happened to you. A soul who got in and out of Demon Lands and lived with their heart still pure and mind still sane." Karliah turned.


    "That still doesn''t address the Demonic Pact Prince Clovich is going to make with the Demons. We can''t call in more soldiers less we risk the citizens to panic. We can''t attempt another attack right now since most of us here can barely walk or hold a sword." Petur argued.


    "Perhaps we have to use not Force this time, but cunning¡­" Mita suggested. "This maybe or last chance in expelling the Demons. This gathering of sorts¡­ ''Friendship Day'' as this calls it will be quite an auspicious event and I am no stranger of blending in to these types of occasions." Mita said.


    "Can you get close enough?" Petur asked her.


    "I wouldn''t be ''the Crow'' otherwise." She winked. "I can gather some more of my Initiates into this and we will see what are our options are when we get there." She said.


    "Get in and take out the Alpha Demon. I see." Petur affirmed.


    "What about Prince Clovich?" Aliathra asked.


    "If he is still the ''Rock of Viessant'' then he might at best be under the Demons spell¡­ but if worse comes to worst, he must die too." Karliah said.


    "Then I have no moment to lose. The Party is only 3 day away and it takes 1 day to get from here to Tyr Rian. I will make sure the Demons scatter." Mita with determination bowed.


    "And if you fail¡­" Karliah asked nervously.


    "Then tell the Emperor that we tried¡­ and we went down fighting." Petur said.


    He knew in the worst-case scenario; the Empire would have Strategic War Plans for a sudden breakthrough of invaders in their south eastern borders but it addressed the Nomadic Orcs or the Southern Suzerainties not otherworldly Demons from another dimension. The news of such an event would ripple all over Gliesia, Civil Unrest, Economic downturn and all sorts of problems that the Knight can''t fathom ever experiencing will happen. He cursed his own cocky temperaments from earlier for his incapacitated state. All of the Empires hope for a quiet prevention of a world wide crisis is going up in smoke.


    "Gods be with you Karliah¡­" he reluctantly wished her well.


    "I make my own miracles." Mita replied before she disappeared out of the Hospice door.


    Aliathra respirated with anxiousness, she felt her heart beat the same in such a very real possibility of a Demonic Invasion in Gliesia. It took a combine army of all Gliesia''s races to be able to fight back the first one but in her eyes, she saw the UFE Goliath as a Titan with unmatchable strength. To any Gods that hear her silent prayers, she asked for one thing. Answers in such uncertain times. Deep down in her heart she has doubts over existence and her own purpose in life. Being the last in line in the throne she would have been just a mere pawn in the great political game but she secretly wanted to defy from the moment she understands what it all means to her as a Princess and as a Powerful Cleric. She reflected back to Diaz, a man so free from such cares. If he was only human or another elf she would fall in his arms in a heartbeat. She then remembered the caring smile of ''El-tee'' Rose or Samantha as she would prefer to be called to from her, her understanding and emphatic nature, her aura was like one who listens and understands those around her. A skill that not many people could easily boast into having a way with. And lastly, she reflected on her family back home, surely, they know miss her and are worried sick for her, despite being the youngest she is one of her nation''s greatest treasures, a by product of Elven Eugenics to create the most powerful magic-user possible with the combined bloodlines of Alfel-Nora''s most magically gifted families.


    She retired in a private room inside the Hospice to meditate and pray for a sign from anything of the answers she seeks.

 22 Chapter 22: Back in Action

    The Manila, the Naval Logistics ship escorting the Tyr Rian delegation to Kesserheim landed back in the New Albany Stardock at 5:56 am. A Red-Carpet welcoming map was set up where the docking bay was meant to unhinge her ramparts. Awaiting them was Governor White and Prince Clovich as they restlessly await the landing procedures of the ship before the passengers disembarked. The Prince was anxious of comparative stress to his normal day to day duties of administering his lands. Did the ''miraculous'' procedure he agreed to have his dear sister undergo through work? Will she run to him to the embrace of his arms? Will they finally have to ditch the carrying cloth that his servants have to painstakingly carry on over when she had to move away from the safety of her chambers?


    "Feeling nervous?" Governor White asked.


    "I just, am not so sure. Ever since I took over Tyr Rian about 6 years ago and I am still trying to understand what my father had left behind." Clovich confessed.


    "How was your father and also your mother? I never heard you talk much about them."


    "My Mother died ''of sadness'' when she gave birth to third child after Aria. My Father was no longer the same afterwards." Clovich explained.


    "There''s a THIRD Tyr Rian child? How come I never met him?" the governor''s eyes widened.


    "It was malformed, too tiny, pink colored. SHE passed away a week later¡­" Clovich said.


    "I am so sorry." White apologized.


    A new dimension to Clovich''s character opened up in the Governor''s mental journal. He studied meticulously all the natives of Tyr Rian, knowing their Curriculum Vitaes like the type of ''educational background'' of primitive construction, their jobs which were precursors to more modern jobs that the UFE take for granted (Alchemist=Chemist, Innkeeper=Hotelier, Merchant=Businessman and City Guard=Policeman) and there psychological aspects (fears, aspirations, worries, memories and desires).


    Having hear Clovich suffer through what the medical term from Dr. Lee Haneul being ''Preterm birth'' was heart wrenching, the type that pierces the soul and the soul''s soul to put it in to picture in his head. Technology back in the UFE Core worlds would have easily addressed that unfortunate turn of events. It was a shame they should have been in this planet sooner. These people, despite their access to this so-called magic still had primitive understanding of the nature, science and physics.


    "I will see to it you and nobody else have to suffer like that ever again." Jeremy whispered.


    "We have been there before." He briefly answered him sternly.


    The Ramp felt down, slightly off the alignment of the plush red carpet by a few inches to the right (or maybe left). Out comes out Stryder Group who marched down the ramp with an eagerness of a sailor wishing to meet his legs with solid land once again. Surrounded by them was none other than Clovich''s dear sister Aria herself alongside her entourage. What he noticed about her now is that she is now standing upright but was being aided by two crutches tucked below her shoulders. Her newly strengthened feet acted out as a support for her as she trotted down the ramp with some aid from her accompanying handmaidens.


    "Brother!" Aria exclaimed as she painstakingly pushed herself to him.


    It wasn''t what he exactly had in mind when he saw her again but his legs instinctively moved forward as he rushed to hug his sister.


    "Aria! I am so happy you returned safe. Did it go well? The necklace? How was Kesser¡­" he began to unleash a flurry of questions at his young sister who promptly hugged him back, letting go of her crutches.


    Unlike before she would have to be hugged from the bed or through a chair but it was a whole new sensation to embrace her shoulder to shoulder.


    "I am well brother. The Earth Humans have been nothing but kind to me during my excursion. And here¡­" Aria answered ecstatically as she showed him the same personal memento that her brother gave to her before her departure.


    The Prince could only sigh in relief as he embraced Aria deeper.


    "Wait, you''re not exactly perfectly¡­ ''running to my arms'' however. I thought they cured you of your ailments?" Clovich asked.


    "She is still getting use to her new legs. Not being able to walk for that long until now can do that to you." Samantha explained as she picked up the fallen crutches and passed the twin walking implements to Aria.


    "I¡­ Prepared a lavish feast for your return dear sister. Governor White is invited, you and I have so many things to discuss¡­" Clovich said as he and his bodyguards merged with Aria''s entourage as they made their way to their coaches that will take them back to their castle.


    "I will catch up with you in a minute. Lieutenant, you have moment?" Governor White turned to Samantha.


    "At the ready." Samantha naturally stood in attention, her arms and hands behind her eager to her next orders.


    "You remember the Adventurer''s Guild?" the Governor said.


    "I do." Samantha nodded.


    "Well we began the Outreach Initiative while you were away. We are going to take some of their ''Requests'' all free of charge to gain some good will from the locals." The Governor said.


    "That explains the captured wildlife we''ve seen on base. Guess the time has come to become a bunch of ''DnD heroes'' now?" Samantha asked. A slight chuckle escaped her mouth at the prospect.


    "Yeah, pretty much. Sir Lutheor Mirrien and Captain Mendoza will be there to put you into the details. And silly as this sounds for you Boots, this is the only way we can get along with these folks so I expect you maintain your professionalism on your¡­ ehem¡­ ''Quest''." White smiled showing a bit of his upper teeth.


    In his and even some of the soldier''s perspectives, who have earlier been sent out on such missions were shown to have the excitement of ''going into an RPG for reals''. But he is concerned that the soldiers might be more lax than usual. They are all in a possibly hostile new world after all.


    He quietly left Stryder Group as he ran back to Prince Clovich to attend that banquet.


    "So, we are going on a quest?" Crocker laughed as he asked.


    "It sounds damn like it. Does that make me the Ranger if we are going by Dungeon''s and Dragons talk? I honestly never played that game before." Obediah commented.


    "I got the Gadgets and that makes me an Artificer and Iris the Mage or Warlock, I played some real games and digital games before." Kayin said.


    "Artificer is a Homebrew class! Not an official one! I am the Rogue then¡­ and Aliathra can be the Cler---oh wait I forgot she left for that Logging Town." Diaz said as he realized that the Elf is now missing by his side.


    "What is this ''D and D'' you speak off? Some sort of children''s game? You all seem to snicker like them when you say it." Iris added.


    "Me and Kayin can explain on the way to the Guild Office. So Iris, ''D and D'' means ''Dungeons and Dragons'' we are supposed to gather up on a table, make a character and roll some dice to determine ---" Samantha huddled up with Iris alongside Kayin as they walked back to their tactical all terrain car.


    ----------------- (An hour later at the Grey Order Guild Office Building of Tyr Rian)--------


    To say the humble two-story establishment was abuzz with activity is an understatement to say the least according to Flynn the Tyr Rian branch''s Guild Manager. He had never seen in his entire career seen so many intrepid looking Adventurers or more as the Foreign Soldiers insist on their duty of ''Volunteered Peacekeeping'' gathered inside the humble establishment. An Officer stood commandingly on top of a box declaring out loud to the UFE Soldiers the details of the Job Requests on the board.


    All of that language barrier breakthroughs were all in part thanks to the linguistic shortcut that Iris Cadohagan had provided to the UFE, a group of officers, soldiers and NCO''s gained literacy in the local language of the Slaegian Empire called Ioyesian, named after the peninsula where the Empire''s Capital of Haringpoint is. During initial studies of the language, linguistic experts from many of the UFE''s top universities discovered several phonetic similarities between Ioyese and the little-known Romance Language of Occitan.


    Back to the Quests, normally in Flynn''s decades-old experience, the Grey Order guild members would be very nitpicky about the promised rewards and who they are working for. There was a heavy bias for more high paying jobs from more financially well-off individuals like a Caravan Escort of a Merchant''s Wares or a Bounty Hunt for a notorious brigand by a local lord. This leaves more ''boring'' and ''low-risk'' quests left hanging like for example defending a farm from pests, signing up for some manual labor in infrastructural development or going down to vermin infested areas and perform some extermination of their nests, all of whom payed meagerly by the peasantry with a handful of copper coins which is the lowest valued currency below silver, gold and a translucent precious metal called ''Scintillite'' minted ingots of distinctive shapes and presses that each denomination equal a certain amount of Ducats (1 Copper=1 Ducat; 1 Gold=100 Ducats; 1 Scintillite= 500 Ducats), and that was a best case scenario. Worst case would be a basket of moldy food and mild ale, essentially a free lunch from the New Albany administration and their Military attaches.


    From a grand strategic point of view, this leaves development to grind in a to a painfully slow pace. famines, logistical derailments and other economic drawbacks festered while the ''heroes'' fight the large beasts for their valuable materials from their corpses or help the wealthy secure the ventures which was threatened by the socio-economic upheaval of the aforementioned neglect of the functional matters of running a healthy state:


    "[...] the actual complaint of the worker is the insecurity of his existence; he is unsure if he will always have work, he is unsure if he will always be healthy and he can predict that he will reach old age and be unable to work. If he falls into poverty, and be that only through prolonged illness, he will find himself totally helpless being on his own, and society currently does not accept any responsibility towards him beyond the usual provisions for the poor, even if he has been working all the time ever so diligently and faithfully. The ordinary provisions for the poor, however, leaves a lot to be desired [...]"


    Colonel Polonsky implored Governor White to have Prince Clovich explain this injustice when the time is right to bring up such a topic since the priority in the meantime was to gain the local prince''s trust and friendship. In the meantime in terms of gaining someone''s ''trust and friendship'', with unanimous approval from the Military Top Brass (even from the likes of the hard lining Major Holyfield) that the most righteous thing to do right now was to delegate a significant population of their soldiers to walk up to Tyr Rian''s Adventurer''s Guild building and start working all of the available quests for Free until more permanent solutions of most of the Principality''s woes can be put into stone. This audacious and revolutionizing (at least for the first time to happen in Gliesia in its entire history of political shifts) initiative was called ''Operation Evimeria'' meaning Prosperity in Greek. The aim of the initiative is to restore a sense of order and a sense of pride amongst the medieval and backwards thinking people of Tyr Rian of a better tomorrow through phases of social programs such as the aforementioned Free Quest jobs, free medical clinics conducted by Dr. Lee Haneul and a team of Doctors and Paramedics for the first phase of the initiative, the next phase which requires cooperation and political connections with the people of Tyr Rian to conduct engineering projects to turn the Principality into a modern state with instructional workshops on how to create an effective government, educational programs to introduce the concept of ''Education-For-All'' to the medieval age people and then finally a huge engineering effort of modern day infrastructure like roads, irrigation and finally electricity which will make Tyr Rian with pun intended, the bright new star in Gliesia.


    With the aid of their ''divine'' (as from the perspective of the natives) equipment like Guns, Night Vision Goggles and everyday store-bought rat poison that you can grab off of a shelf in a convenience store, they were able to quickly and easily resolve many of Tyr Rian''s Quests, low-leveled to high-end much to a grateful populace of both peasantry and nobility. All of which at the cost of Goodwill and friendship.


    "My family is starving! We would pay any price for someone to protect my farm from the monsters and raiders!" a Peasant told Captain Mendoza. The farmer held a sack of his impoverished family''s savings insisting that the UFE Captain take it.


    "You need this more than I do sir." Mendoza politely rejected the monetary reward.


    He and his squad had to protect a peasant''s farm during the week before a big harvest of his crops. During the Harvest season, it was a golden time of opportunity for unscrupulous individuals and pestilent beasts looking for an easy meal to rush into defenseless farms and ruin their crops. This particular case as Mendoza Noted was a desperate cry for help, the family of the peasant was consisting of the father, his wife and a young daughter who look no older than just above fifteen years of age. If their harvest would have failed then they would have been forced to either sell of their land, forced into crime or have the females resort to selling their bodies to sleazy men looking for a one-night stand. But thanks to Captain Mendoza and his squad, they can rest easy this year. He and countless more UFE Soldiers have been vigilantly protecting the Farmlands of Tyr Rian from those who wish to bring the peasants means of livelihood to harm. So far, they have covered about 78% of all the farms in Tyr Rian yet their quotas for their jobs is the unanimous 100% coverage of the entire Principality during Harvest Season.


    "We will never forget your kindness." The Peasant Farmer bowed as he pocketed his money and walked away happily.


    Just the sight of a peasant feeling for the first time in his despondent life that he was feeling protected, valued and empowered by these ''Sky People'' made many to believe that the UFE are Angels sent from heaven to be with them was a very moving and sprightly motivation for the UFE Soldiers in the Guild to aim for 100% pacification. Plus, it felt good to do some humanitarian work, even though some of the cases they have encountered several ''beast folks'' like Fox People, Horned Humanoid people and sometimes Orc Nomads too.


    "Hey Lieutenant Rose! Good to see you again. How was Kesserheim?" Mendoza waved to Samantha as she and the rest of Stryder group entered the Guild house.


    "It went well. The Princess is going to walk again much to her brothers delight to say it straight." Samantha nodded. "So, patch me in with the situation Captain."


    "Yes of course, well my squad plus a few dozen more are right now protecting some farmlands for the Season and we are about to rap it all up. Some Hazmats and CRBN have been fumigating the Sewers and shitholes lately of all the nasty stuff which leaves this odd one out for you and Stryder to take on." Mendoza explained.


    The captain pulled grabbed a Manila Envelope from his back and passed it along to the Lieutenant whom promptly opened it.


    "This looks really out of place. It''s a letter from a Company from the UFE Core Worlds." Samantha commented.


    The paper was an official looking and business-like letter that was requesting for an escort service of a large Employment Agency called ''Integral Hands''. The Company looks into recruiting talented people and place them in jobs where their potentials can be utilized. Curiously, this company wants to see what kind of special talents can the people of Gliesia can do.


    "Hey, I know those guys, they are a¡­ uh¡­ ancillary company in line with Aparo." Diaz said.


    "Oh, you do? Who do they recruit?" Clay asked.


    "Well its quite¡­ dynamic to say the least based of my personal experience in my ''dealings'' with them. Integral Hands have clients in the Entertainment business, Private Military Contractors and Modelling and even Culinary Arts to name a few. The guy probably someone that my old dear friend Bobby must have brought in through his connections." Diaz answered.


    "PMC''s seems pretty out of place Vinny for a company who mainly looks for Dancers, the next Miss July and a cook for some fancy schmancy Michellin star joint." Crocker commented.


    "Look¡­ do you guys wanna see a big titty fox girl in the cover of Playboy or not?" Diaz asked with emphasis.


    "YES!" majority of the UFE soldiers inside the Guild house including Crocker, Obediah and Clay yelled in unison. Samantha and Mendoza facepalmed, hiding their reddening face at the circumstances that could entail whilst Kayin was taken agape by Diaz''s words. Frozen for a moment before bursting out laughing.


    "That''s¡­ that''s I can''t even¡­" Kayin laughed.


    "I actually¡­ find that¡­ one¡­ funny¡­" Samantha giggled the laughter infecting her. Being a moderate geek herself, the prospect of such a find would be groundbreaking.


    "So¡­ let''s find ourselves a big titty fox girl for all nerds back home or die trying?" Diaz added.


    "And also, the next Big Hit, some ''exotic'' mercenaries and a Baker¡­" a very flashy man in flamboyant Tyrian Purple suit walked in front of Stryder group with an eager smile and excited demeanor. His accompanying jewelry of reflective golden rings, chains and plated sun glasses breathed socio-hierarchical elitism compared to the fatigued draped soldiers, the leather and cloth combo of Flynn the Guildmaster and the amalgamation of modern designer wear and medieval lady clothing of Iris.


    "Marco Meria. Talent Scout extraordinaire. I believe you are my escorts this fine day?" the Integral Hands representative initiated his hand forward to shake Samantha''s.


    All eyes redirected to the Corporate man in his outlandish clothes. Out of place he maybe and visually looking like someone who would run a Red-Light District establishment, Mr. Meria had a briefcase with Integral Hands company logo on it alongside his smartphone and a pocket size notebook with a pen tucked inside the binding while the entire stationary item was tucked on his suit''s breast pocket.


    "So, we are going to escort you?" Samantha asked.


    "Well, since everyone is guarding Farms lately, this dump has been so much lacking in any capable hands. And who is this?" Marco said as the side stepped to Iris being face to face with him.


    Marco formed an ''L'' shaped gesture on the Vampire Witch, observing every pore and flesh of skin that Iris had.


    "You know my dear, I can pull some strings with Playboy to extend their ''Gliesia Special'' to add in more women such as your---" Marco said.


    "Hey! Back off from Iris!" Kayin interjected. He didn''t know if it was defensiveness or just the invasive method of


    "Wait, THE Iris? Miss Cadohagan? That woman who helped you understand Ioyese? My apologies! I thought you were just some random guide." Marco apologized. "But I do say, you are indeed attractive my dear. If you do ever decide to pose for Playboy le---"


    "Let''s just get on with it! So, Mr. Meria. Do you have any leads on any possible people here in Tyr Rian you would like to see?" Kayin said.


    "Oh yes, I went to this Dwarf Proprietor named Lutheor Mirrien and he pointed to some promising Candidates." Meria answered as he pulled out his notebook.


    ------------------------------------------------------------------


    A loud explosion burst out of Kaessi''s conical hat as the plumes of white duck feathers transformed into a small fortune of gold ducats to the uproar of the crowd. She then placed the coins down on the table and she smiled as she took of the handkerchief from behind her neck. Several of the men snickered and wooed at her when she removed the neck cloth revealing her cleavage in which she let out a sultry smile. She unfurled the cloth and covered the coin filled table blocking the view of the shiny coins from the crowd that had all gathered outside the city gates of Tyr Rian. All eyes were on her as she performed the tricks. It was a trick any self-aware Illusionist with a penchant of fooling the eyes of all those who see her ''tricks'' and use such talents to earn a living through entertaining crowds of onlookers. Yet what makes Kaessi and the rest of the Kastanik Sibling''s Traveling Troupe are that they are Visi-Gaiths.


    Her people are horned humanoids of fawn like stature of normally 5''2 to 5''8 feet in height with a pair of cloven legs for feet in their bony and pushed backed deformity. Their people about less than a century ago, just known as the Gaith''s were from the Eastern Deserts at the farthest reaches of the continent that were conquered by the Dur (Black Tree Pact) Aelves. Those who stayed and were put under the yoke of the Elves were known as the Ostra (East)- Gaiths whilst the ones who fled away were known as the Visi-Gaiths. All Gaiths had horns of various shapes and sizes, some curved back or pointing up to the sky like spears held up. Their skin tone however was much more aesthetically diverse, red as Lava skin which Kaessi had, pallid yellow to almost white-like complexion, pitch black as night and orange like the setting sun.


    Her companions that make up the Kastanik''s were as followed, the twins Karen-rah and Kal-Lia who were both exceptional musicians and dancers, Dumah a reputable marksman with his bow who would often ask the twins to be subjects of many dangerous ''Shooting Feats'' much to the twin''s mixed emotional reactions, ''Idiot'' or as known by the entire company to be called Ebnon is the Jester and the show''s comic relief, in addition to being Kaessi''s assistant when he is not making a fool out of himself for the show. Finally, there is Ashes, a Female Gaith of well-built physical prowess as achievable to a Gaith Female can be with if one can look closely from her bare mid riff, ridges that form the outline of her toned abdomen. She got her name due to her grey skin and her tendencies to use fire when it comes to her Strong-woman stunts like lifting weights, gymnast wires and even weapon swallowing.


    Another fact that only a few people knew about the troupe is that they aren''t Siblings in the traditional sense. They were all adopted by an impoverished Circus Animal Tamer named Kastanik hence the name. He was long dead of about 5 years prior to that day when Stryder Group and Mr. Meria quietly moved inside the gathered crowd. Kastanik mentored all six of the Gaiths whom he adopted as his own children in their respective occupations. After he died, the ''siblings'' in respect to their mentor and father kept his name on their wagon train whenever they travel around between the Slaegian Empire and its puppet states to the Eastern Desert Sultanates.


    If that old Gaith was in heaven now he would be proud of his children if not for the fact that Visi-Gaith''s are a discriminated group in Gliesia. Gaiths were known to be entertainers but are also stereotypical very free spirited and anarchic individuals. Many of them are perceived to be promiscuous, irresponsive to established authority, general alignments to ''Chaotic'' virtues and worst of all very sleight with their hands. It is often blamed on travelling Gaiths of any spike of pickpocketing or robbery due to their innate nimbleness and the Kastanik Sibling''s Travelling Troupe were guilty of it. Occassionally, the Females of the troupe would discreetly perform ''escort services'' to rich clients. By their testimonies and their customers, they had ''an exotic appeal with their skin and tails''. For Ebnon, he was also a known filcher and pickpocket who would often steal valuables and occasionally food from merchants to share with his siblings. They have been often chased out of town with a Persona non Grata to boot by enraged wives and angry merchants. Tyr Rian however was their favorite spot due to the less likely chance of them being victims of racially motivated hate crimes and so and so. The new ''Sky People'' often call the Gaith''s ''Tieflings'' due to their similarities but Kaessi hated the fact that the ''Tief-'' part in Tiefling sounded like the word Thief.


    "And what is this?" Kaessi said as she lifted the veiled table. She gestured her hand upwards with a sultry flair with her feminine hands in presentation.


    The coins were transformed to a crudely stitched yet barely presentable stuffed doll. The crowd especially the children who so happen to be their clapped their hands. It wasn''t no Build-a-Bear or a Feisty Pet, it was more of something hand made by an amateur toy maker.


    The Visi-Gaith Illusionist picked up the doll and walked towards a crowd of children and gave it to one of the urchins who was delighted with her new toy as she hugged it and cherished it.


    "And now for the Twins and their spectacular Beten Riqid dance." She gave way to her ''sisters'' as she exits the stage from her left.


    The Twins Karen-rah and Kal-Lia ran eagerly into the stage with Karen holding a red tambourine whilst Kal-Lia wielded a sky-blue see-through veil large enough to cover her body from head to waist. Whilst Karen-rah''s dance was passionate and fiery with intense twists and sudden turning, Kal-Lia was elegant and soothing with a slight tease. There dance''s contrast is the basis of their signature Beten Riqid which caught the gaze of all of their audience¡­


    Except Mr. Meria whose eyes were locked into Kaessi. He knew from Lutheor Mirrien''s information that Kaessi is by default of being the eldest by one year to be the unofficial boss of the Troupe.


    "We need to meet the Magician there." Meria whispered to Samantha.


    In professional courtesy, Samantha nodded and gestured her squad to follow their mark through the standing crowd.


    "Bloody Hell, and it was about to get fun." Crocker gnashed his teeth. He really wanted to see those two ''Tieflings'' dance.


    The Earth Humans moved their way to the backstage of the travelling troupe where the Siblings rested in between their performances. The Gaith''s easily spotted the UFE Humans and they stopped their rest and relaxation time and stood up, their hairs raised and bodies sweating from their brows.


    "Your¡­ your one of the Sky People." Kaessi muttered nervously.


    She had heard the saying about these strange foreigners. How they came from ''Cities made from the lightest of steel'' and their ''Staffs of Thunder'' that brought down even the mightiest of foes. To say she and her siblings were terrified was an understatement.


    "Ta''amod meakhoray." Ashes, easily the most physically imposing of the troupe told her siblings as they retreated behind her.


    The Gaith bared her teeth threateningly as if in their eyes the UFE were like the same people that tried to drive the family apart.


    "Relax, we are not here harm you. We¡­ or me I just want to talk." Mr. Meria initiated.


    "About what? Leaving?" Ashes asked.


    "Oh no, actually I am here to give you some Good News for once." Meria smiled as he opened his briefcase and pulled out several documents.


    Upon examination from Meria''s right side, Lieutenant Rose saw that they were brochures for the old-school Circus Theater Company ''Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey''s, and Yi Shu Circus''. She recalled that they had been recently revived thanks to an eccentric Chinese Billionaire who ran Real Estate and Integrated Resorts who has been recently investing in reviving classical Bread and Circuses, from Trapezes, Strongmen, Animals and more. She concluded that these ''Tieflings'' were going to make a huge draw for the third incarnation of what was once ''the Greatest Show on Earth'' with the first Alien Act. The Chinese were always splurge on the exotics.


    "You got talent like nothing ever we have seen before and the fact that you look very beautiful and handsome got my boss Yi Shu to say ''that''s who I want on my circus!''." Meria said as he passed the brochure to Kaessi.


    "You can get all that you need and want if you work for them. Food, Shelter and best of all¡­ ahem¡­ security. You don''t have to worry about being chased away from angry people and all and look at this magazine photo, imagine you on that cover for all the eyes to marvel at you!" Meria charismatically appealed to their desires and Maslow''s needs.


    He passed to her, in a contract that was conveniently written in Ioyese detailing what the Troupe are obligated to do and will receive in return.


    The contract was good for 5 years with a monthly payroll of a Noble''s Ransom with housing and food taken care off. All the contract asked was to go through some training to further own their individual skills all paid by the Circus Company before they are let loose to perform through out all of UFE space for an Interplanetary Tour of all the Core and Frontier Worlds.


    "How can we trust you?" Kaessi asked.


    "Mirrien told me all about you. And your performance, earlier was truly and I mean TRULY magical. Besides, look at all of you 4, your actually attractive by our standards¡­ outside the¡­ hooves of course." Meria commented.


    "Sister! Who is this?" Karen-rah, sweating down from her dancing garment returned backstage with her twin Kal-Lia who was equally sweating and was carrying with her meager and revealing garments, a small collection of coins that were thrown upon their feet of the completion of their performance.


    "Hamishepakhah sheli¡­" Kaessi said in her native tongue.


    "Niheyeh ''ashiyrim!" she exclaimed cheerfully followed by the joyous jubilee that her siblings shouted to heavens as if they yelled for salvation and their prayers were answered.


    "I take that as yes." Meria smiled with a sense of accomplishment.


    ----------------------------------------------


    "Man, it smells horrible." Samantha gagged at the awful smell of the horse dung and hay bales that permeates the Citadel''s Public Stables.


    "And you are used to these smells?" Meria said as he covered his sensitive nose with his hankerchief. His nasal senses more used to the refined scents of perfume and hygienic floors of the Core Worlds.


    "Hey, just make sure you don''t all step on them horse shit while we are here¡­ actually can I ask again¡­ why are we here?" Obediah asked.


    "Looking for Horse Riders, got a request from some Security Agency from some far-off Frontier Moon asking for some Mounted Security Guards. Heard this place is crawling with Mercs who come with Horses¡­ bleh!" Meria answered a disgusted spit from his mouth followed suit. He was starting to get irritated with the smell.


    "Oh, heard it becoming like a¡­ uh Renaissance in the Frontier last I heard. Mounted Police, Ranger and Security Guards. Cheap and doesn''t require any much Fuel or Electricity to maintain." Crocker recalled.


    The group moved onwards as they pushed their way through the Public Stables. They were relatively right next to one of Tyr Rian''s gates so the area was littered with Caravans, Yeomen and Ranchers who groomed, fed and bathed their steeds with their gentle care. Samantha noticed that the horses or what seemed to be like horses here in Gliesia sported more exotic furs and manes. There were purple, crimson and pale blue breeds of horses alongside the more mundane, brown, golden and white furred ones. Their legs were of a very muscular and thick built due to all the work that these horses are made to do every day carrying the carts and people around with the appetite to match with all of the tremendous amounts of hay being poured on their mangers.


    Stryder group took care to keep on their escort mark yet Samantha felt nervous being in such a potentially unkept place. She was still new to the realities of Pre-Industrial Era living and she shudders at the thought of having her combat boots (despite being designed to endure far more harsher means of punishment) step on a large mound of horse dung. The Lieutenant would scream at the thought of it happening to her so she focused on what she treaded upon rather than what was ahead of her.


    "Ouch!" Samantha said as she felt a blunt force struck her in the head.


    She barely kept her balance stable as she looked up to meet her eyes with the angered eyes of a large intimidating man in heavy chain mail armor.


    "Watch where you going you dumb girl!" he roared.


    "Sorry about that." Samantha apologized.


    "Wait a minute, I know your kind. Your one of them ''Sky People'' aren''t you? The ones protecting the farms?" he asked.


    "Yeah, we are working tirelessly to help the good peo---" Samantha was about to parrot a cookie cutter phrase when one was asked about their actions for Operation Evimeria. When a warm and sticky matter impacted her on the cheek.


    She reflexively shut her eyes as she placed her finger on the foreign substance that impacted her face. It was saliva.


    "You cahooting bitch! You just ruined me I tell you!" the armored man said.


    "Ruined you?!?!" Samantha exclaimed in confusion.


    "Me and my crew ''been livin'' off of protecting these pathetic pesants for their money for five years and you came along and offering to do all of that for free. And also, the Grey Order building is offering no more jobs cuz you Sky People keep taking them all for free." He said. His voice rumbled with resentment.


    It then hit the Lieutenant over the head. She would have known this might have caused some unintended consequences in terms of the Adventurer/Mercenary-oriented Economy of the implications of a substitute, i.e. the UFE and their Operation Evimeria public service could do to the Grey Order. Having so many goodwill missions of humanitarian works began to drive out the Adventurer''s away due to the UFE substituting their services for a much more superior performance at a fraction to no cost versus the lucrative fee''s the Grey Order and other Mercenary Group''s services for comparatively inferior service.


    "But we have been helping you¡­" Samantha tried to argue.


    "You can help by leaving!" the armored man said as he threw a handful of hay at Samantha.


    Thankfully, Crocker got in the way of the disrespectful sell sword.


    "Do that again and you will have to start to talking to me." Crocker cracked his knuckles readying himself for any escalation of violence.


    "Sergeant, excuse but let me handle this." Meria interfered as he turned his eyes to the armored man.


    He painted a marketing attractive smile on his face as he let out his inner charm.


    "Why hello my good sir? I see that you have been down right now? No money? No food? Too much bad news? Is that your horse behind you by any chance? It''s a beautiful one if I say so myself."


    "Uh, no governor but my horse is over there¡­ and yeah people like you been taking OUR jobs." The armored man replied, his belligerent voice slightly lowering in tone.


    "Are you some sort of Mercenary that comes with his own horse I presume? Is your steed fit and healthy? Are you by any chance¡­ proficient in the ways of horse back riding?" Meria pressed.


    "Indeed I am." The man answered honestly.


    "Biceps look strong, Feet too, good for stirrups, and proper posture even. I have the solution to all of your worries if you so listen to me." Meria boxed his fingers to a ''focus lens'' gesture as he meticulously examined the armored mercenary from every angle. Going by the looks and the man''s words alone, he might be the type of man he is looking for.


    "Go on¡­" the mercenary stepped forward listening intently for Meria to explain further, clearly intrigued.


    "I know a guy, works in a ranch from a far off¡­ eh¡­ place called¡­ New Corinthia. It''s a very mountainous place but ideal for horse back riding. He needs people who are great on horse back riding to help guard the trails from¡­ bandits and other scoundrels." Meria stuttered to best explain the details of the job to the potential candidate.


    "Never heard of this ''New Corinthia''? Is it somewhere here in Ysanigrad?" the Merc asked.


    "Oh no, you will have to take one of our ships to ge---" Meria was about to say the truth but he was stuck by even more dirty hay as thrown by the armored mercenary.


    "You ain'' kidnapping me you silly old tart!" he defiantly yelled.


    "Yeah you show those ''Anwar''." heckled a bystander. His expletives were multiplied by a slowly growing crowd of Natives who are slowly surrounding the squad with insidious intent.


    Crocker, remembering his experience dealing with such rowdy individuals but also realizing that the native Gliesians are much more easily controlled due to their lack of understanding and the general fear that the UFE foreigners have amongst the populace, he pulled out his sidearm and expelled two warning shots in the air.


    To his expectations, the hecklers were silenced, stopped dead in the growing spurt of forming an angry mob of lynching levels of threat assessments. Some of them even jump in fright at the mere thunder of Crocker''s 9mm.


    "Sir, this is not working out for us. I suggest we move on from here?" Crocker asked Meria as he helped Samantha get up and wipe away the spit and hay from earlier. Yet in the Lieutenant''s own ears, Crocker''s voice sounded more like an order than a ''polite suggestion''.


    "I think I can let go of some of the finding fee¡­ I told him that getting Mercenaries to agree was going to be a longshot." Meria muttered as he followed Stryder group as he was led away from the Public Stables.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    The final place that Stryder group that Mr. Meria wanted to visit was the more Affluent District of the Citadel where Devicco''s Mansion, now known as the UFE Embassy and Imported Goods Store was nearby. Samantha can see the fruits of UFE branded Capitalism being shown by the familiar items that she see''s the nobles and even their attendants were displaying from T Shirts, Umbrellas and even Korean Beauty Products, the face of the Tyr Rian Nobility changed almost overnight as they opened their purses to the many merchandise the UFE brought over and introduced.


    "Who is our last one Sir?" Samantha asked Meria.


    "According to Lutheor, there is a high-class courtesan who hangs around this part of town called ''Shelur the Mare of Tyr Rian''. The rumors said that she is considered the most beautiful person to be living here." Meria said.


    "For what kind of job this time?" Clay asked, his breathy voice revealed fatigue from all of the walking and staying vigilant for threats against their and Meria''s lives all day.


    "I wont mince words on this one. This is a Talent Scout for non-other than Playboy Magazine." Meria confessed.


    "As in, THE Playboy?" Crocker asked.


    "The one with the women kind? Sexy, Beautiful and sometimes naked?" Samantha asked.


    Meria nodded with an embarrassed smile.


    "Saving the best for last? I am gonna like this one." Diaz smiled with a juvenile pervert''s grin much to Samantha''s chagrin and Iris'' bemusing confusion.


    "What does this ''Shelur'' look like?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh that ''Shelur'' I have seen her several times during my trips here. She may look a bit intimidating for a woman but she is nice for her kind¡­ hey that''s her over there I think." Iris added before she pointed to a figure standing idly by the corner with a hood on their head. The figures arms were thick of an almost masculine shape due to it being exposed to the mid-summer sunlight. But what betrayed any resemblance of normality was the skin tone. It was green like the summer leaves that could almost blend easily with ''Shelurs'' skin.


    "Miss¡­ Shelur? Excuse me madame?" Meria approached cautiously.


    "The usual rate for my ''presence'' Five Hundred Ducats per hour." Shelur responded.


    "Oh, I need a much than your mere ''presence'' my lady. I demand something more¡­ ''inimate''¡­" Meria said with tact.


    "One thousand and Five Hundred Ducats for one hour and no more. And the room is on you." Shelur said briefly.


    "Not that time of ''Intimacy'' I¡­ I just want to talk to you of a special¡­ business opportunity that can pay much more than what you can get ''servicing'' clients here." Meria said.


    "Oh? Is that so? Tell me? What kind of services does the Sky People want from a Courtesan like me?" Shelur asked.


    "Well, I was told from a reliable source that you madame are the most prolific Courtesan in all of Tyr Rian is that true?"


    "Indeed I am. These humans would pay fortunes just to have me for one night. Do¡­ I¡­ Interest you?" Shelur said as she removed her hood revealing the rest of her face.


    "Shelur is an Orc?" Samantha whispered to Iris.


    "Yes, surprised?" Iris nodded.


    "A bit, aren''t I don''t know Orcs supposed to be a bit¡­ uglier?" Samantha commented.


    Shelur was by all accounts quite attractive for a woman of such a robust build such as herself. Barely any physical flaws on her face and her brunette hair with several braids that fell down to her back gave her an exotic yet not too alien appeal.


    "You do look interesting, but I digress. Any woman can braid their hair and pamper there face nicely. But I don''t understand is one thing, why are you the highest paid courtesan in Tyr Rian?" Meria inquired, still not convinced why Lutheor spoke so highly of her.


    "10 Ducats and I will show you." The Orc Courtesan said.


    Meria quietly reached into his pocket and luckily, he exchanged some of his UFE Credits for Ducats before he left in case, he needed to rub some oil with potential candidates but he was surprised his foreign exchanged funds were relatively intact until now. Most of the people he had interviewed either said yes to his smile and brochures alone while others flatly refused for a basketful of reasons.


    He placed the Ducats on Shelur''s awaiting palms and gulped nervously.


    With monetary motivation in hand, Shelur smiled and she began to lift the top of her dress which was a separate piece of clothing from her skirt. She moved up her top half way through revealing her abdomen, but it was all enough for every male within a 10-meter radius to gaze at her.


    "Whoa, your ripped!" Diaz eyes widened.


    "I can grate¡­ cheese on that." Obediah''s jaws dropped.


    "I feel inadequate." Samantha humbly and bluntly confessed.


    Shelur sported a magnificent six pack. Well maintained and was sweating slightly from the heat convection inside her clothes. But the excretion made it all the more desirable for men to zoom in on her.


    "And I also have this¡­" Shelur said, lowering her shirt down and then lifting her skirt partly to reveal her leg.


    Above her leather slippers was a perhaps the most well sculpted leg the Lieutenant had ever seen. It looked like that leg was built in an android factory with all of the asymmetrical cuts and linings the leg had. The Orc had a leg worthy of an Olympian Athlete that can make even Crocker who by far is the most physical imposing of Stryder group with his regular exercise regime to feel envious over.


    "The Tyr Rian nobles like women who can ''Keep up''." Shelur said.


    "May I hold your leg or do I have to pay more? I want a closer look." Meria asked.


    "Only if you don''t touch the hip, that''s an extra ten if you do." Shelur answered.


    Meria probed Shelur''s bare leg, feeling every inch of her well-defined muscles. The sight of the Uptown district''s favorite socialite and escort baring her skin excited several of the men much to the snapping and slapping of their wives and mothers also present in the scene.


    Meria after about a minute of his hands caressing Shelur''s leg, slowly dropped it gently before he for the first time in this excursion, removed his glasses revealing his blue but glowing mechanical eyes.


    "I know, a client their name is M-Power Arts Publishing''s, a group who owns two magazines, Playboy and Women''s Health. They are looking for the next cover girl. And I believe I found her right in front of me." Meria said with a solemn confidence.


    "A Magazine? You mean like a book?" Shelur asked.


    "Yes, you will have your face and name on it and you will look beautiful in it I guarantee it." Meria appealed.


    "But ''a drawing is an imperfect reflection of beauty'' a poet once told to me." Shelur shot down.


    "Oh, but I can ''draw'' you so much better like¡­ right here¡­ right now." Meria said as he pulled out his smartphone and aimed at Shelur.


    "Smile a little bit but not too much." He added.


    Shelur seeing that she doesn''t have much else to do at the moment but make the most out of this rather strange client''s requests complied and gave a soft smile which made the men and even Samantha redden with swooning delight.


    "Sending this over to a friend for assessment¡­ and here¡­ your ''Drawing''." Meria said as he turned his phone to the Orc.


    She was amazed that the ''drawing'' was completed almost instantly and then she was equally amazed again at the quality of her own self-image. It was like staring at a mirror to her. Her dress, her face and the tree behind her, their textures were captured and recreated perfectly on the canvas.


    She had never seen such a beautiful thing be so gracefully reflected ever. It is said it was impossible to capture a maiden''s smile for it was fleeting yet one must savor and value the memory but this drawing proved it otherwise.


    The Orc could feel her own life reflected from that moment, when she was taken in by the local brothel and educated in the arts of seduction, poetry, sex and music. Yet her own Orcish instincts got her restless and every morning she grab some buckets of water, or use crates filled with wine and workout which consequently was done in the middle of the brothel for all onlookers to see. It grabbed the attention of many of the nobles, either in the category of having Military backgrounds or were just bulging with their own stuffed bellies to see her lift such weights as she often works out in nothing more than her undergarments. Maybe it was the sweat that dropped from her body like zesty market produce from all of that effort or the way her body was sculpted like the classical statues of heroes in their glory but in the form of a feminine yet very strong faced woman. She can remember the hounding she received from those brothel patrons throwing money at her just to simply be allowed to privilege to touch her. She was once told from a young age that Orcs were a crude and often violent race, running loose in the Eastern Steppes as mere bandits and smelly herders. But in the Brothel, she was called ''the Mare'' which in orc culture was considered the strongest and most prized steed a tribe can place their saddle on.


    As she continued to admire herself, a ring noise came from her phone which caused her to drop the phone in fright.


    "Oh no!" Meria screamed as he checked his phone. Luckily no cosmetic damaged but he did know that the ring that startled the Orc Amazon was a Message Ring. He clicked on his messenger application and examined his most recent mail.


    "Oh yes!" Meria changed tune.


    The mail was from M-Power Arts and it was only three words. But those three words meant the world to the recruiter.


    Show us more.


    "I am so sorry." Shelur grimaced


    "It''s okay in fact. Here, have some more Ducats but under one condition, can you follow me to New Albany? I want to take you to a Photo¡­ I mean ''Drawing'' Studio to best capture more of you. My clients want to get more ''drawings'' of your beauty which will involve having take of your clothes to your undergarments BBBUTTT!!!! If I ever ask or try to solicit you for sex, I am powerless to defend myself when you inevitably beat me within an inch of my life." Meria said.


    "Is this like what does clients who work in banks call ''a Collateral''?" Shelur asked.


    "I am the Collateral, not you, me. If you don''t want to agree to this you have every right to punch me and these minions here are witness to this. You all witness this?" Meria turned to Stryder group.


    They all nodded. At least this flamboyant recruiter of what are potential essentially eye candy head hunters was not resorting to the vile ''Casting Couch''. Even Samantha would admit that even if Meria tried, he wouldn''t last half a second with the Orc Woman.


    "If all goes well with my clients, I can take you to places you didn''t know you can dream of. So, what do you say Madame Shelur, the Mare of Tyr Rian?" The recruiter forwarded his hand.


    Shelur couldn''t resist the options. It was a unusual request but it was relatively low to medium risk of any physical harm to herself. She heard the trickled news about the mysterious Sky People who took down Devicco and have been helping out the people of Tyr Rian and she couldn''t find any wrongdoing from them. And if they did try to make a sinister move on her, she''s of enough prolific status amongst the social circles of the Principalities'' Elites that they would notice her disappearance. Additionally, she had always aspired to do more higher paying and much more adventurous jobs outside of slathering her body in oil and have men caress her or just be an attractive Personal Trainer to the less physically abled (although she does admit she''s proud of getting those slobs to go out and walk more which they appreciate she accompanies them). Now with an opportunity for much greater things with these Sky People, she decides that in this moment, she will take the risk.


    "Yyyee----"


    "HELP!" a loud cry disturbed the peaceful bustle of the Noble District. It looked like it came from nowhere else than the UFE Embassy.


    They could see civilians fleeing from the complex''s direction which only confirmed the soldier''s fears.


    "Damnit, Crocker, Kayin and Iris stay there with Meria. The rest follow me." Samantha commanded.


    Even though through a technical standpoint that the lieutenant was semi-abandoning her mission, Samantha knew that the Embassy was a priority defensive structure to be defended from any threats. Whatever was the commotion there must be something very serious.


    "Show us! Lead us, take us to a new age! Filled with Chaos, Domination and Lust" a naked man wielding a knife heckled the shopkeepers and Embassy Staff yelled in a sententious inflection.


    The irksome individual brought with him an entourage of half a dozen of so similarly composed men. Their bodies were scarred in symbols that seemed to glow with magic.


    "Are they some sort of type of mage?" Samantha thought.


    "Metal Demon! We waited so long for your return! I bled for you to take us back to glory!" the man heckled one of the Embassy staff.


    "Demon? I am a Born-Again Christian who prays every mealtime and the last time I did any wrong was when I got mad when they phased out Cocoa Pebbles." The Embassy Staffer awkwardly answered before pushing the heckler away in disgusted confusion.


    "The prophecies are all true! The Return of Alboen is upon us to lead us to a new age! The towers, the magics don''t deny it! I know who you are and we wish to serve you again!" the man continued to heckle the Embassy staff.


    "I don''t know what you are talking about but you need to leave!" the now annoyed staffer urged them but his words fell on their oblivious ears, deafened by years of relentless persecution and endless aspirations of a ''new age'' in their twisted image.


    "Samantha---Lieutenant! They are dangerous!" Iris voice yelled from the Lieutenant''s back.


    "Then maybe this will show you your true selves!" the leading heckler said, a slight menacing tone that sent a chill on Samantha''s poignant empathy. The troublemaker''s voice sounded dogmatic in the same vein as someone in a cult will be.


    The heckler lunged himself towards the Gliesian Onlookers in the scene and forcefully pried from the hands of an unforeseen mother her small babe.


    He cradled the baby in one hand and pulled out an ornate knife with many serrations and of an unconventional curve on the other. He raised the blade up to the sky to bask on the sunlight and tense his arm as he forcefully smashes it down aimed at the child.


    "No!" Obediah screamed. He didn''t have to think about what he did next. His muscles in a split second he reached into his revolver and snapped it out of his holster quickly drawing it before in the same split second pulling the cock expelling the .44 magnum at the insane heckler just as he was about half way through the path in plunging the blade to the child.


    The bullet struck the man at the neck between his head and the upper body decapitating him and slicing his throat. His body grew limp as he dropped the blade.


    With a child''s life on the line, Samantha sprinted to the shot man as he was in the middle of his fall and grabbed the baby from his cold hands before ducking down with motherly instincts in a fetal position while taking care not to accidentally smother the baby with her body in order to protect it. The knife''s blade had fallen rather half heartedly on her left shoulder but Samantha''s body armor caused it to bound harmlessly aside before falling to the grown, blade dry yet still looking menacingly thirsty for blood.


    "Shit." Diaz cursed as he pulled out Ruiner opened fire at the other five hecklers.


    Shots fired and screams were made but the hecklers, in their fanaticism pulled out their knives and began to start slashing and stabbing wildly at the natives.


    "Protect them!" the Embassy man ordered.


    Iris ran in to join Obediah and Diaz as her hands glowed with magic.


    "I will hold them down and you take them out." Iris said.


    Obed, re-cocking his revolver again fan fired his gun and was able to shoot down 2 of the other cultists. Meanwhile, with his Rapid Movement Boosters, Diaz dashed towards a cultist whose blade was within an inch of slashing some civilians. He grabbed the cultist knife hand and pushed it away from harm before quickly knocking him to the ground. Another cultist tried to cast a Magical Spell but Iris casted a Counter Spell causing him to short out him before the Vampire Witch casted a magical dart that easily pierced the bare-chested man. It was a Paralysis spell causing the man to stiffly fall down to the ground harmlessly.


    Now all was left is one lone cultist, visibly shaken yet still from a standpoint a visible threat due to his unsheathed knife.


    "Put the weapon down!" Embassy Security began to surround him.


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    "Alboen has returned! Beautiful and Gleaming!" the cultist said before he plunged a knife down on his belly and sliced it open before he began to chant in a dark and eldritch sounding tongue.


    His bleeding body began to glow crimson and gold as the blood began to form around his scar-ridden body before crystalizing into a hard-metallic secondary skin that rose up from his gutted stomach to the rest of his torso.


    "Blast him!" one of the Security guards ordered.


    They opened fire their automatic weapons at the cultist. To the astonishment and sudden reflexive impasses, several of their bullets ricochet in random directions, hitting objects and narrowly missing people on the way. Yet a majority of their rounds managed to pierce through the Cultist making him collapse as the last points of his life were fired away.


    He collapsed face first into the ground, his blood created a pool of the crimson body fluid on his torso as Embassy Security began to pull out some Crim Scene investigation yellow tape.


    Samantha seeing that the coast was clear checked on the baby. It was tearing up but was not as loudly crying from earlier when it was in the hands of that mad man.


    "It''s okay¡­ shush¡­" Samantha cooed.


    "My child!" the mother rushed to the Lieutenant.


    "Here you go." Samantha gave a stately smile as she lovingly passed the baby to his rightful mother.


    "Those Cultists call you demons. Pah! No demon would try to protect my child. May the Gods bless you Sky Person." the woman politely bowed before she walked away now more careful to never let her child go anytime soon.


    The Lieutenant turned back to her squad to check on them. Obediah was quietly reloading the chambers of his revolver and refused to speak much at that moment. Diaz in the other hand was visibly distraught of what he just witnessed. Quite something for a criminal but then again, the cold-blooded murder of Children was something that not even the most unscrupulous scoundrels would even stomach tolerating.


    "Rose, may I have a word with you in the Embassy? I know those people." Iris stepped forward.


    --------------------------------------------------


    "So what you are saying Iris is that these people are some sort of ''Demon Worshipping'' Cult?" the Holographic display of Colonel Polonsky spoke in video conference.


    "Yes milord. They are known as the ''Inheritors of Alboen'' a very secretive cult of rogue mages who perform blood rituals and enchanted metallurgy in a bid to restore the Demon Lord''s old presence back before his fall. Very awful people, not even all the Ducats in the world would let me work with them when they came to me once for some help."


    "What kind of help?" Polonsky asked.


    "An ancient Altercation spell called ''Blood Armor''. Your men I believe saw it first-hand." Iris answered.


    "Yeah, looks pretty tough. Managed to ricochet a bunch of the bullets but it went through." Diaz commented.


    "The legends say that''s how Alboen managed to have nigh unbeatable army that it took many of the Tribes of Men, the Dwarf Clans and the Elves to be able to stop him. It is said the armor can self-mend itself by splattering blood on it. It was such a horrible spell that Witch Hunters from the Churches have been hunting them down to extinction. In short, they want this spell to be forgotten forever."


    "Ironic, coming from a Vampire to say all of that." Samantha added.


    "I maybe one but there are just some spells that are just not worth studying. It drove many mad and caused untold amounts of chaos and destruction." Iris said.


    "How many are these small fringes of these ''Inheritors'' you speak off?" Polonsky changed the subject.


    "I guess about maybe a dozen or more? They tend to live in remote villages or in caves and act as bandits for their Blood Experiments. All of which very messy and disgusting even for Vampires like me."


    "Well, I don''t think Major Holyfield would argue against seeking them down. The way I am hearing this, these people need to be stopped. Your services are valued Miss Cadohagan." Polonsky gave his gratitude.


    "And thank you for the kindness the United Federation of Earth has given me so far." Iris nodded back.


    "Which reminds me Miss Cadohagan." Polonsky interjected.


    Iris eyes widened on the sudden shift in Polonsky''s voice from inquisitorial to the tone of congratulatory genorisity. Something was up with the Colonel and it intrigued her.


    "Your services for the UFE has been so far invaluable for the past few months and there have been talks about giving you something for all of you trouble. An offer that you will be a fool to refuse." Polonsky said.


    "Go on." Iris pressed on.


    "Me, Governor White and the rest of the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs and Colonial Affairs Office want to reward you with UFE Citizenship." Polonsky said.


    The conference room filled with Stryder group and Embassy Staff began to erupt in gossiping whispers. The First Alien to be granted UFE Citizenship?


    "You mean? Become one of you?" Iris asked.


    "As in enjoy the things we enjoy. Access to Healthcare, the Right to Vote for your leaders in government, the Right of Property and to open a business. We can help you out get started on the latter two. We even will give you a very lofty position of being the Chief of Gliesian Relationships due to your extensive knowledge of all the peoples of the planet."


    "I¡­ I¡­ don''t know¡­ that seems quite a lot¡­ to¡­" Iris began to reluctantly reconsider.


    "Come on say yes. We can do so much more together." Samantha pressured.


    "Imagine all the fun stuff and nice pad you be getting Vampy." Diaz added.


    "I want to think this over!" Iris exclaimed much to the shock of everyone in the room. The Vampire Witch normally was a reserved speaking woman but her suddenly shouting caught everyone off guard.


    The Vampire stormed off the conference room leaving the rest to sit their awkwardly.


    "I think we should give her some space. Maybe I can talk to her when I see her again." Kayin suggested.


    "Good idea, I was about to go to the next subject now. It is about the Friendship Day event so everyone listen up!" Polonsky raised his voice commandingly which caused everyone to tense up.


    "Within in about 42 hours Governor White will be conducting a speech which will be followed by a fair of shops and other fun UFE things that will get us to be able to woo the natives and get them on our side. Diplomatically speaking we are going to need friends to survive in this planet and the Wigs upstairs want to start in Tyr Rian and to just ride the wave from there. We need to show them that we come in peace so Embassy Staff, I want you to dress in your Sunday''s best and be ready attend to the guests once the party starts."


    The Embassy staffed quietly nodded with a fierce determination. They know their duties and they know them well.


    "As for you Stryder Group however, I wish to not panic you right now but according to some Investigations by Inspector Reid, we have reasons to believe that there might be an attempt on Governor White''s life."


    Samantha''s eyes widened. ''Who could even try to take him out?''


    "We need to show them that although we come in peace. We are not defenseless. We have teeth." Interrupted Major Holyfield in the video call.


    "Holyfield? You''re not supposed to be here you know?" Polonsky protested.


    "Yet I am the one in charge of the outer ring of security for the event SO I HAVE a say in this too." Holyfield argued.


    "What kind of Security will the Event have?" Samantha asked.


    "My Marines will be on the first- and second-layer rings as you can see in this chart. We will be scouting out the guests for anyone suspicious outside the entrance whilst our scanners will be hard at work on the second defensive ring. The Third Ring however is the most concerning for it has the most overstretched amount of Security Detail." Holyfield said with a grumble when he described the latter ''3rd Ring of defense''.


    "The reason is that we are trying not too intimidate the locals too much with our guns and men which is the rationale behind the light security. Might give the wrong impression that we are conqueror''s and we don''t want to be seen like that. As for you lieutenant, your team will be set up on a vantage point overlooking the Embassy grounds. Observe the crowds and be ready to react if our intel is right that there will be an attempt on the Governor''s Life. Look for Assassins, Shapeshifters, Snipers and whatever." Polonsky said.


    "Affirmative sir." Samantha nodded.


    -----------------------------------------------


    Mita the Crow arrived in Tyr Rian last night and quietly walked up to the Crow Safe House. She and her fellow Crow and some disgruntled Grey Order adventurers who were washed out due to the UFE soldiers taking their jobs. The plan was simple. Using her custom-made crossbow that can shoot exploding bolts. She had arranged an Alchemist from Alfel-Nora to provide her with one of the most lethal poisons known to Gliesia called Demonbane. It was a Purple Flower that according to legends it can kill even the strongest demons with just a slither of the substance either inhaled or injected into the bloodstream causing the victim to cough blood, lose his sense of movements, hemorrhaging and delirium. In practice it was a rare but stunningly effective poison that can kill any target quickly with only the best Clerics can only hope and pray to cure or the essence from a specific vine find only in Alfel-Nora to act as an Anti-toxin. And that''s if first aid was immediate to stop the spreading of the poison from getting to all the vitals of the body. The plan was to aim her crossbow at the Governor and shoot him with an exploding bolt with a Demonbane Toxin delivery. Then under the cover of an explosion and some help from the local Grey Order Adventurers make their escape. With luck the Demon Invasion will be halted as their leader would be killed before they could attain the Principality''s control and bind them to their will.


    She smiled as she looked over the window where she can see the heart of the Demon Operation in Tyr Rian taking place. The UFE Embassy.

 23 Chapter 23: the Arhaf Square Inciden

    Obediah set up his rifle quietly at his half of Stryder Group''s positions. The old sharpshooter, PFC Mudwin, Corporal Clay and Lieutenant Rose were in clandestine rented room with a view of the Upper Citadel district''s Square that contained the UFE Embassy also known by the local language as Arhaf Square. Samantha was on her binoculars scanning the perimeter whilst Kayin and Clay were at a desk where they set up shop with computers and monitors of their respective specializations. Clay was coordinating communications with all the other security teams in charge of protection of the UFE delegation alongside and QRF in case something horribly wrong happens. Kayin meanwhile had a Joystick controller as he was directing Drone Reconnaissance with some small surveillance copters whose camera were equipped with thermal and magnetic vision.


    "I am counting about four hundred people attending, Colonists and Natives alike. I spy with my little eyes¡­ some Orcs! Eye spy with my little eye¡­ a Gaith¡­ Eye spy¡­ hey that''s Mr. Meria over there." Samantha said as she scanned the crowds of people who were let through in attendance to this auspicious event.


    Today was the day, the formal Declaration of Gliesian (or at least just within Tyr Rian) and the United Federation of Earth Friendship day. The UFE Flag, with its blue canvass on the background of a combination of seven interlocking rings that playfully formed the basic drawing lines of a 6-petaled flower on an ocean blue background in all of its stately magnificence. The Flag first official use was during the 2032 Mars Landing with a joint American/Russian/Pan-Asian (Specifically India, China and Japan) and European space programs and agencies when the first human colonists landed on Mars.


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    Alongside, was the Windmill on a Green and Red checkered background flag of Tyr Rian. Standing equally tall as the Blue Flower of the United Federation of Earth. It was a diplomatic move on UNOOSA''s part to show equal footing between them and the natives.


    According to Major Holyfield''s best predictions, there''s a 38% percent chance the Assassins will make an attempt on the Governor''s Life at the Speech part. Which is why a protective security glass barrier that should protect him from anyone from Range Attacks but there''s still the possibility of something magical can breakthrough.


    Hence the reason why Iris is among the gathered crowds near the stage.


    "I never seen Arhaf this crowded since these two times I remember." The Vampire Witch commented.


    "Oh? Which one?" Diaz asked. He was alongside Crocker who were wearing a regionally appropriate hooded cloaks that covered their body armor, cybernetics and guns.


    The three were on the ground in the middle of all of the hundreds of crowds that like drops of water in an ocean, blended so well under their disguises. Patrols just like the other half of their team was also not baring much fruit.


    "Do you think that they might have been turned off by our guns? We got patrols outside the city and sentries at the roofs. No way anyone can go through that." Samantha radioed into command.


    "Don''t say that until AFTER the ceremony is over and the Governor is back in New Albany Lieutenant. In my own experience, insurgents are tenacious. One minute they are up with their hands in the air, the next quick draw." Holyfield reprimanded over the radio.


    "Well I don''t see much here from my end. Crocker, what do you see from down there?" Samantha radioed in her second in command.


    "Nothing but confetti and people all over the place ove--- hang on¡­" Crocker answered but he stopped himself when he began to notice something with his eyes. A window about across face from Samantha''s position. It was open but strangely enough its drapes were unfurled. This contradictory and almost self-defeating circumstance alarmed him.


    "The building, across you with the green walls. You see a window on the third floor with the sills pushed out but a drape covering it?" Crocker described the anomaly.


    Obediah set his scope on where the Sargeant pinpointed and him too saw the anomalous window with his own visually enhanced eye.


    "Yeah, its just flipping for now reason." Obediah said.


    "Suspicous." Samantha muttered as she observed with her binoculars. "Crocker, take Iris and Diaz and take a closer look." Samantha said.


    "Aay!" Crocker affirmed as he gestured his squad mates to follow him through the sea of people.


    ------------------------------------


    "Are they already?" Mita the Crow confirmed with her subordinates one last time.


    "All are ready Athrawes." Her henchman bowed with unquivering loyalty.


    They knew that what they will do within the next moments and they are ready to execute it. She had all that she needs, the Poison, Bombs, a cadre of Illusion Mages from the College and for some extra muscle over two dozen disenfranchised Grey Order Guildsmen who were driven away by UFE who were giving their professional services of exceptional quality to the Tyr Rianni''s for virtually now charge out of a sense of ''goodwill''.


    "Get ready with everyone because once I do it, we need to run away to the stables before they all realize what we have done. Prepare the screen." Mita ordered the rest of her disciples who scattered off to their assigned tasks quietly.


    She turned around to her table to see an ornate rectangular box with Dwarfen alphabetics written over it. She carefully opened the lid to reveal an equally ornate Dwarfen Machine Crossbow. It was made from a heavily purified metal from the Dwarfen Mountain clans but the real feature to the weapon was in the string and limbs. The limbs were made from the horn ivories of a wild ram whose males are known to fight each other almost at least once per day by thrusting their pointed skulls at each other until one of them gets knocked out or flees. The string on the other hand was from the braided silks of giant spiders that the same material was used for a variety of applications such as cloth, rope fibers and even fishing poles of the highest quality. With these two exotic composites combined it created a Crossbow with the heaviest draw weight in the known Gliesian world.


    "Hello my beautiful child." Mita said as she picked up the crossbow.


    The weapon was of her own custom designed but saved for occasions where her best means of approach is from a distance.


    "Now where are my other little ones?" Mita rummaged through the box to find five crossbow bolts.


    But they were no ordinary crossbow bolts. All five of them had a broad head at their tips that had contain a small pinch of a Dwarfen explosive powder called Uzeagon, a compound made off of the grounded remains of a mineral and a rare moss found in their mountains.


    She opened the broad heads tips where a hollow container that once can additional explosive payloads or any ''special'' additional kick to the bolt. She had to be careful however for one the Uzeagon is a sensitive substance that the slightest of carelessness can either ruin the explosive powder making it defunct at best or explode prematurely at worst. Second the broad headed tipped bolts were all handmade and so were pricey by default. With a steady hand, Mita took her portion of the liquid poison Demon Bane or otherwise as known in its home region of Alfel-Nora as ''Kriozad''s Spite'' and poured all of the poison on each broad head in equal portions before closing the caps again. She breathed a sigh of relief once she finished her modification before she bundled the bolts together before neatly forming them side to side so she could slip them in all at once at her machine crossbow''s magazine.


    She smiled like a snake, now ready to strike her prey as she picked up from her utility belt a Potion of Invisibility before smashing it down and allowing the pixie dust envelope her body in a translucent and reflective light¡­


    ----------------------


    "Within only the course of a few months, the Colony of New Albany and the Principality of Tyr Rian have known only, peace and prosperity with each other. We have helped you rise from your tribulations, fed who needed to be fed, build what was needed to be built and fought who tried and FAILED to bring you to harm. It was with our humblest gratitude that we ask nothing more from you but our friendship in everlasting solidarity¡­ which means friendship but much stronger for everyone here who don''t know this word¡­ SOLIDARITY!" Governor White said an excerpt from his speech. It was rather simplistic in terms of vocabulary but it got the Natives entranced in his verbal spell.


    Unbeknownst to the locals, mixed in the crowd in local attire, are members of the UFE military keeping watch for any suspicious individual among the onlookers waiting for an opportunity to cause trouble.


    High above the gathered, beyond the range of the naked eye, hovered many surveillance drones with multiple arrays of sensors to detect targets throughout the majority of the spectrum. Their scans transmitted to the New Albany Military HQ and to the military personal on site.


    Strider squad, like the other four squads standing guard over the proceedings, have on special visors that coordinated the drone''s intel with everyone else. Even if the someone uses an ''invisibility spell'' they will be able to detect them. First-hand accounts made it clear that while the spell makes one invisible to the naked eye, it wouldn''t work for every other sort of visual aids and enhancements like Thermal and Sonar.


    The crowds were over by several hundred from the immediate vicinity of the stage as Nobles, Commoners, Humans, Dwarves and other folks looked to the podium to hear the words of the mysterious and ''undeniably Divine'' United Federation of Earth. Many nodded in agreement to the Governor''s choice of words. Was it not the UFE who remain steadfast against the rogues and bandits that terrorized the Principality? Was it the UFE who lend their hand to the weak, poor, the abandoned and famished? Was it the UFE who showed the denizens of Tyr Rian that there is another way to a brighter and foreseeable future? The crowds clapped and cheered him on as White continued.


    Meanwhile, Kayin hovered around one of his drones as the marching bands and orchestras played their songs to the ecstatic reception of the crowds. The crowd''s attention payed no heed at the miniature flying contraptions hovered above them. To most Gliesians, the Drones and their operators in their eyes are no different from those who practiced Falconry with the way they take care of their ''Bird'' and ''giving them training and direction'' in the form of their Remote Controls which they see is ''an exotic technique'' that the natives never heard of.


    "Mudwin, get me a view of that house." Crocker ordered.


    With a push of some buttons and the pulling up of an onscreen joystick on his Control Pad, Kayin flew one of his drones forward to the suspicious house.


    "Switching to Thermal Vision." Kayin nodded on command.


    His screen turned into a dark blue tint with the sights of yellowish-orange blips that squiggled in the screen showcasing that the house the drone had eyes on had signs of life.


    "I am counting¡­ ten people inside that building, some are just standing around while others look like they are hauling something. Still can''t see how it can be suspicious in my end¡­" Kayin said.


    "How about the window?" Crocker asked referring to the suspicious window earlier.


    "Nothing I don''t see anyone behind it. Must be the ww---¡­ Wait¡­ I see an eleventh person. He''s¡­ climbing on top of the roof?" Kayin said dumbstruck and his conjecture grew immensely further.


    Hearing the team Combat Engineer''s words, Obediah zeroed in on the rooftop, his scoped tuned and rifle cocked but only to be greeted by a seemingly empty rooftop.


    "Eh¡­ Kayin¡­ I mean Mudwin¡­ eh¡­ I can''t get any eyes on what you''re seeing. I don''t see anyone up on that roof." Obediah reported. He was more dumbstruck than wary compared to Kayin.


    Samantha placed her binoculars on her two eyes and shifted her vision to the rooftop. And just as equally flabbergasted with Obediah when she sees the empty rooftop.


    "Is your monitor not glitching Kayin?" Clay asked his seatmate.


    "Damnit, it must be one of those ''Invisibility Spells''!" Samantha exclaimed.


    "Hang on let me turn on Magnetics Mode." Kayin said.


    Magnetics mode was a shortened term for a relatively new Camera mode function called ''Sonar-Magnetics'' mode. It''s a hybrid camera vision mode that combines Sonar Echolocation with X-ray Vision that allows the users to be able to see through walls and to monitor and predict enemy movement. This comes at a drawback of its steep price range, its battery draining elements and the fact It had to be regulated to a few specialized cameras from drones or CCTV''s due to the concerns of radiation poisoning from extended direct human use.


    Switching it on, Kayin looked at his monitor again. This time he could see the faint hints of a feminine humanoid figure walking on the roof top.


    "I can still see someone up there¡­" Kayin informed.


    As he continued to observe the screen, his eyes widened to his absolute horror when the humanoid figure took a kneeling position and brought out on what he discerned as a crossbow.


    "Middle Window! 1 meter to your right Obed! Gun!" Kayin yelled.


    "Take the shot." Samantha ordered.


    Obediah, without even hesitating, pulled the trigger¡­


    --------------


    Mita, at the very moment she pulled the trigger, felt a strong piercing breeze zoom pass an inch from her left as her perfect aiming posture was ruined when she reflexively twitched her hands. Behind her the wooden and straw tiles burst in chaotic expulsion of dust and debris as Mita''s eyes blink and shed tears by the sudden irritants on her eyes.


    The Crossbow Bolt flew falsely as it made its way across the plaza and landed where the Orchestra was sitting by causing the Bolt to detonate and erupt in a pale red smoke. The fumes began to enrapture both UFE Orchestra players and Tyr Rian minstrels alike as they began to choke on the noxious fumes which was thick enough to even screen the stage where the Demon Leader was having his speech.


    Bodyguards began to swarm around the ''Governor'' protecting his being with their own lives as they quickly begin to evacuate the Governor and the Principalities Royal Family to safety, masking their mouths from the poisonous gas in the hopes that it doesn''t enter their lungs.


    Mita, regaining her composure for a second soon saw her chance slip but she remained undeterred. She re-bolted her crossbow before taking aim again.


    Another strong breeze breathed near her but now this time she felt a gashing sting on her left bicep. She had been shot! Mita winced meekly as she dived down for cover grasping her wound tightly. She could feel a warm and wet liquid leave out of her injured arm. She let go of her Crossbow which her other healthy arm can bear with some minor difficulty. For the first time, in her own horror, she was bleeding. Mita was a very meticulous rogue who performed her plans so perfectly she never had to worry about the prospect of getting injured, but now here she is lying like a sloughed beggar on the blindsided half of the roof of her vantage point bleeding and her grand plan to assassinate the Demon failed. She has been compromised and there''s no other option but for her, the Rest of the Crows and their Grey Order Allies to do but flee to the outer city whilst they all still can.


    The Crow leader mentally cursed herself, how could her potions, her skills, her experience and all of her accumulated gadgets just fail her at that moment like that? She was confident of Invisibility Potion to allow her to penetrate the patrolled rooftops of Tyr Rian but now she was wounded, from an assailant she couldn''t get her bearings on. He has line of sight but she doesn''t and now the hunter is becoming the hunted.


    But she can''t sulk behind the roof right there and now. She needs to escape.


    Clutching her two fingers together, Mita whistled which fell on the attentive ears of her constituents. Their cover is blown and their opportunity has been spoiled. Now is the time to leave while they still had their heads attached to their necks.


    --------------------------


    "Damnit! What the hell is that?"


    "Some sort of Chemical Attack sir! Some of the people are dead or barely holding on! We need a MEDEVAC at the double!"


    "None of my men have Gasmasks!"


    "Deploying a CBRN Team now."


    Those were the chatter of the Radio as lit up in a storm of words of alarmed and frenzied noise. Officers, Team Leaders and Commanders scrambled to respond to the change of events.


    Samantha froze in the sight of the Arhaf Plaza descend into a chaotic madness of panic screams and rumbling feet as the people fled in multitudes of directions. She could see the Orchestra Band at their stations dying painfully to the reddish mist that engulfed them. To her knowledge it looked like they were gassed with some sort of poison.


    "Lieutenant!" Clay tapped her shoulder. "The Colonel." He informed.


    Samantha picked up the Radio and took a deep breath and gulped.


    "Lieutenant, you have new orders." Polonsky said. "We got reports of Fire Fights lighting up all over the Citadel, the Royal Family and the Governor are locked up in the Embassy but our priority is to bring order from this Chaos."


    "Fire Fights? How?" Samantha''s eyes widened as her tone changed from reluctance nervousness to concerned surprise.


    "Reports of Mages, Fighters and Archers are attacking several of our checkpoints. They got casualties and they are pinned down. I am rerouting you to a checkpoint where the fighting is at its heaviest. Get there and assist Men--- Hang on, it''s your Sargeant, Crocker. Let me patch him through." Polonsky interrupted himself when his call had a new entity joining in the field. He remembered Samantha personally assigning Crocker to lead the ground team during the assignment meeting. He patched him into their conversation to hear what the man has to say.


    "Colonel! Me and my team are in pursuit!" Crocker''s cockney accent flooded both the Lieutenant and the Colonel''s ears.


    "In Pursuit?" the Colonel asked with intrigue.


    "The Assassin that smoked the Orchestra. Climbing up on the roofs to get her but I need eyes." Crocker ordered.


    "Got it, Kayin, stay here and provide Drone Support with your UAV''s. Everyone else follow me!" Samantha said.


    "Yes Ma''am!" her squad unanimously saluted.


    ------


    Crocker smashed through the door of the last floor leading to the rooftops. He, Diaz and Iris encountered several Tangoes who tried to charge at them but were quickly gunned down by them or Iris'' Magic Missiles. In his own experience however, these hostiles were more fanatical in their postures. They were practically suicide charging him and his team as if they had nothing to lose. Most of the time based on his experience in Gliesia as compared to his previous tours the Locals seem to freeze in fear of the mere sound of a gun coming off but after wasting an entire magazine of his Carbine against the assailants, it only got them to froth into a mad like rage filled with hatred, fearlessness and a ready to die attitude unseen before since his time hunting down Islamic Separatists in Mars.


    Gunning down the last of the assailants in the room. Crocker immediately detected two things. A window that he can easily access the rooftops, and a slow sizzling noise coming from behind the table.


    Diaz looked over the table to investigate and found a black and red barrel with a rope on top of it that was slowly being burnt away by a sparkling sprite that was inching ever closer to the container.


    "Shit!" Diaz cursed as he placed his hand on the spark killing the flame. "What is this? Some sort of Dynamite?" Diaz raised the barrel overhead.


    "That''s Uzeagon." Iris coldly answered. Her voice shuddered at the barrel''s sight.


    "You know this?" Diaz asked.


    "Yes, it''s a Dwarven Explosive Powder. Mirrien told me about these things. He said that if it comes in contact with even a little bit of fire it will explode." The Vampire Witch explained. "If they have one then there''s bound to be more of them."


    "So basically Dynamite. Fuck, we nearly blew up." Diaz sighed in relief.


    Meanwhile Crocker was looking out of the window seeing how he can climb ontop of the rooftop. The gap between the tallest window of the house and the ledge of the roof was only less than half an arm''s length between them so any able-bodied person can easily reach over and climb to the roof.


    "Kayin I need eyes. Where''s our Assassin?" Crocker radioed.


    "She''s running west from your position. Warning, she''s in some sort of Invisibility Cloak but my Drones can still see her through other Optics. I''ll guide you through." Kayin answered.


    "Good one more thing. Have this house highlighted for an Investigation. This place is a god damn Crime Scene I tell you." Crocker added before he climbed over to the rooftop. "Come on kids we got a bad guy to catch."


    "Will tell read about it. Godspeed." Kayin said.


    "Fish on!" Diaz smiled. Now''s a great time to stretch his legs again.


    The three climbed over the rooftop and with the help of Kayin''s Drone giving a live feed of their prey in his helmet''s Hud. The Assassin was limping and bleeding her way through the rooftops of the Citadel in her effort to escape them. Luckily the houses and buildings of Tyr Rian were tightly knit through the rationale of maximizing the 8.33 square kilometers of land the citadel consists off.


    Little did Assassin knew that no matter how fast she and her craven rogues run, the invisible and agile UAV Drones of the UFE will would always be a few paces ahead of them. Additionally, the blood that she got from her wound from Obediah''s sniper bullet was a bread crumb that all of the Thermo Optic cameras of the UAV''s could detect with ease.


    Jumping from building to building. The three made hot pursuit off the assassin. Iris had trouble catching up with the fleeter footed Diaz and Crocker due to never having to run such a distance in such a speed before. She knew no spells of Haste that could close in the gap and she felt discouraged by her own uselessness and helplessness¡­


    Until¡­


    A loud explosion rocked one of the houses that the Assassin passed by, blanketing it in burning ash and embers. A fire erupted as Diaz and Crocker stopped on their tracks to reface themselves.


    "Shit! That building is on fire!" Diaz said.


    "Must have more of that Dynamite! Using it to cover their escape." Crocker concluded while coughing off some irritants that invaded his lungs.


    "I am seeing this too. Oh no¡­ I am calculating fire outbreak risks of 86% and its growing." Kayin radioed in when his AI systems predicted disaster.


    Not only will these barbarians seek to launch a bio-chemical attack but also to leave this citadel in smolders with their fantastic answer to Dynamite. These people are more tenacious than they previously thought. And everything was going so well in terms of the soft push for peace and co-existence between New Albany and Tyr Rian.


    "Iris, can you put out the fires that these bombs will make?" Crocker asked the Vampire Witch.


    "Yes, with some Ice Magics I can." She nodded.


    "Good, get on with it and keep safe. Be sure to follow us." Crocker acknowledged before he and Diaz continued on their pursuit.


    Conjuring a pale blue gale of her magics, Iris blasted a cooling wind of ice at the fires quenching them quickly and killing off any chances of the fire spreading at the tightly packed houses of the Citadel.


    "Iris! I will spot for anymore of those fires and you stop them." Kayin radioed into her.


    "Yes!" Iris passionately yelled as she moved on to catch up with Diaz and Crocker.


    The day was not how she wanted the day to be. And she was so looking forward to asking the ''Nightman'' on a date to New Albany when it was all over.


    Meanwhile, Diaz and Crocker began to close the distance between them and the Assassin. To their encouragement, the invisibility spell began to wear off on their quarry as they could see the feint outlines of a feminine figure who now overtime was being slowed down and her desperation of the escape made her start tossing random objects that she could get her hands on towards her pursuers. She also tossed in more of those Dynamite-like bombs at them but Crocker''s Exo-Suit armor saved him from the blasts while Diaz''s Rapid Movement Boosters got him easily out of the blast''s radius'' way.


    Iris was in hot pursuit behind the two as she quenched the flames with her ice magics and any fires that she might have missed during the rush of adrenaline she had in her cold veins were spotted by Kayin who pinpointed them to her, a service she wholeheartedly appreciates.


    "Sergeant Crocker, this is Major Holyfield." The voice of the Marine''s Commanding Officer made its presence on Crocker''s ears via his radio. The man''s stern voice sent a slight shiver up the old soldier''s spine. Then again, years in the military with many different CO''s, one can learn to remain stoic regardless of the personalities each of the myriad superiors Crocker had over his career.


    "I am in the middle of a chase here Major!" Crocker talked him back. To his own legitimate concerns, this was an inopportune time to be getting spat at by his superiors.


    "I know, and I want you and Diaz to know of this¡­ I have the grave news that whilst the Bio-Chemical attack at Arhaf square had happened, Prince Clovich and Governor White has indeed inhaled the unidentified chemical substance and have been incapacitated. They are both stable for now but Dr. Lee Haneul reports that she has never seen such symptoms before. I have reasons to believe that the Opfor you are in pursuit off knows something about the chemical used. Remember, we need that HVT alive. She is our only source of actionable intel on what is behind this attack."


    "Affirmative!" Crocker answered.


    The stakes were high now¡­ it was either they get the Assassin to extract the truth or Gliesian Relationships go down the drain today.


    -------------


    Mita the Crow felt her once air of superiority dashed like sand in a beach. Her plan was falling apart, it was all supposed to be a clean get away. The Uzeagon bombs were meant to cover her escape but it did little to hamper the Demon''s advances towards her. She needed to hide from them while she can still be remotely out of sight from their gaze since her invisibility spell was about to wear off any second now.


    "Over here!" a familiar voice from behind some windows called out. She recognized that voice as one of her Crow Lieutenants, Ayda ''Of Many Names''.


    She was by the rooftop window waving her along to come in.


    Mita wasted no minute and dove straight in before her lieutenant closed the window sealing them from the outside world.


    "Master, I am glad your safe¡­ me and the rest¡­ of us weren''t so lucky¡­" Ayda said with a solemn relief.


    Mita panned through the room and she was greeted by only one other of her fellow conspirators in the attack. She recalled that she delegated Ayda to ambush one of the strongpoints of the Demon Army''s soldiers and she assigned her 30 men of competent experience in ambushes and surprise attacks. To be greeted by only one other survivor, who''s stature was shaken of the mental scarring of shell shock.


    "What happened? I gave you some of the poison and you should have slain those demons." Mita questioned.


    "We did, but when we attacked that patrol of Demons one of them who has red hair by the name of ''Rose'' warned them about our weapons and passed them some sort of masks that made them impervious to the Demonsbane. We stood no chance against their metal magics and me and Griswald barely hid here before I saw you running by the rooftops with that wound. I am afraid that we are all that is left. Gris pass me the healing ointment." Ayda said.


    The other Crow passed a barely filled bottle of healing ointment to Ayda who applied the liquid to a piece of cloth before she placed the wet fabric to Mita''s wound on her arm. Mita recoiled at first but eventually the ointment sooth the pain before the leaking wound hardened into a highly visible crater like scar. She tried to twist her healed arm around to test the effectivity of the healing process but she quaked when her arm felt a piercing cramp on where the wound was. It was as if there was some foreign object inside the muscles of her arm that diminished her ability to reach out, curl and even simply flex it. But so far, the risk of dying through bleed out has been patched up to a favorable result.


    "We need to es---" Mita was about to give out the new plan for her remaining crows when suddenly the window that guarded there rooftop hiding spot exploded in a crash of falling grass and the gusts of winds as metal birds who''s wings beat like the drumming dread of the sound of locusts ready to feasts for their own selfish machination.


    Griswald bravely pulled out his sword and tried to wave off these Metal Locusts with his weapon but they were simply too agile for him to land a blow. From what he could discern, these Metal Birds or Locusts were of a literal metallic design, bathed in a reflective white color whose coat gleamed from the afternoon sun. There wings seem to be of an unusual pair of four sets that beat so fast that the naked eye would have deemed it invisible. But most frightening to him as he saw in that brief moment was the Metal Locusts one singular eye. It was pitch black and seemed to stare at him uninterrupted from the petty need of blinking, that uncanny characteristic unnerved the Crows on these strange creatures. They were probably of the Demonic Outsiders origins by whatever reasoning or insane ramblings the three could think off. But nonetheless Griswald kept them at bay from Mita and Ayda.


    "Go! I will hold them off." Griswal said. There was a swallow of pride in his voice as if he was ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for his people and nation. He pushed the girls out of the room and locked the door behind him leaving the girls up on their own.


    "We both need to escape." Ayda said.


    "That what I was about to say." Mita replied. "My pursuers know what I look like and I can''t keep running like this." She said. Her condition was already reaching her limits as fatigue and exhaustion hit her body with a dozen of self-persevering methods that is detrimental when one is pursued by persistent predators. The wounds and the burning out of her gadgets left her metaphorically ''naked'' in the doctrine of the Crows. And being caught ''naked'' was a death sentence as you would have no means of escaping or fighting back.


    "I still have some of my gadgets unlike you master. I can shake them off. Here¡­ give me your head." Ayda told her master.


    Her namesake ''Of Many Names'' was that Ayda, who was originally recruited from the Illusion School of the Wizard''s College has mastered a spell called ''Sculpt Face'' which allows her or anyone she touch with her hands to morph the shape of one''s facial features. Ayda had studied well how to exploit her talent of the ''Sculpt Face'' spell to make her accomplish many quests and missions which involves penetrating highly secured locations by impersonating someone who is supposed to be there. She had impersonated Guards, Children, Nobles and all sorts of folks who had access to restricted areas to much of her success. But now she is given the task of impersonating her master to allow her to escape.


    "Will you be able to make it out?" Mita asked.


    "I hope so. But if they get me. I will let you know that I will be waiting for whatever horrors they might throw at me. But I will promise you this¡­ You have taught me well about the horrors of this world. I will never give up the secrets of the Crows." Ayda reassured her as she probed and measure the lengths, nooks and crannies of Mita''s face.


    Meanwhile the two Crow women could hear a commotion at the next room.


    "Drop the sword right now!" a booming but focused voice echoed behind the walls.


    "Die Demon!" Griswalds voice defiantly roared back.


    A burst of loud banging noises followed afterwards before a heavy thud came up next to that sequence.


    "Tango down, beginning search for the High Value Target."


    Ayda and Mita closed their eyes and pray to the God of the Dead, knowing that Griswald did indeed perished at the room next to them. Before Mita knew it, Ayda''s hands let go of her face. When the Crow Master opened her eyes, she saw herself, like a perfect mirror image of her own face in Ayda''s hooded civilian disguise.


    "Let''s switch clothes quick." Ayda told her.


    They stripped off their garments and traded them off with each other. Fortunately, both women were of the same height and build so the clothes seamlessly slipped into their new wearers without any complications. Years of experience of ''acquiring disguises'' made the two senior Crows to quickly do the act in under 20 seconds.


    "Now pretend some old lady and I was bothering you in this room." Ayda winked. Mita could notice a tear fell out of her other eye. A tear of doubt in her experience.


    "Intruder! Thief! Scum!" Mita cried in her most convincingly hoarse voice yet.


    Ayda, now looking like Mita from face to clothes ''stumbled out of the room'' and right in front of their pursuers.


    "You! Stop right their Assassin!" one of them who was wearing a very particular set of armor that had metal bones stick outwardly on his arms raised his hands and ordered the disguised Ayda to stand down.


    But the Crow ignored him and dashed off with him and his two other compatriots in hot pursuit. They didn''t even spare a second look at Mita when they ran pass her who was left sitting idly there waiting patiently for them to clear away before she can be free to escape.


    After a few moments of silence, her instincts kicked in deeming it safe for now to move freely. Before Mita could leave, she peeked at the window that she and Ayda were pushed out from by Griswald. The door which was once locked was forced open letting the Crow Master inside for a small peek. The room was empty of those Metal Locusts but Griswald''s body lay lifeless on the floor. His corpses ridden with holes and his eyes were frozen open in a state frightened shock. Blood poured out of the holes in his body while Mita, gently closed his eyes with her lithe fingers as she mentally wrote his name on her head to write down at the memorial at the Crow''s Nest back in Haringpoint. Leaving his body there, Mita in Ayda''s clothes snuck away from Tyr Rian, all glad to be alive but must bear the brunt of her failure to confirm the Demon Lord''s death. She will need to head back to the Emperor a soon as she can an inform the Emperor of what has transpired.


    Meanwhile, Ayda shaped-like Mita ran towards the Stables of Tyr Rian. Her exasperated breath pushed to the limit by the sheer implacability of the pursuers. These Demons no matter what distraction, disruption or other forms of misdirected subterfuge she could throw at them, they just wont stop. She was running out of ideas and now at the same of most difficult of spots in what she saw with Mita when she was trying to shake them off. She needed something fast or she will be caught. Then she saw a lone horse with a saddle on its back and unhitched from any anchoring stations whilst being attended by its owner.


    Ayda pushed the owner who fell to the ground and jumped on the horse before immediately slapping its buttocks to giddyap.


    "She''s going to get away!" one of the pursuers, a woman black hair and snow-white skin pointed.


    "Big mistake!" the Demon in the strange armor smirked.


    He tackled the horse from its behind before grappling it. Then, with inhuman strength tossed the horse down to the ground with Ayda falling down with it.


    The self-appointed Crow Decoy, felt her right foot shatter as she was violently dragged away from the saddle by the Armored Demon. It punched her in the face several times mercilessly as Ayda struggled to break free but it was no use. She was caught by demons and now she will be subject to the most humiliating of tortures by the Demons who are not none for their humane treatment of high value prisoners¡­ or women¡­ as she feared as the Demon slammed her head on the hoof trodden and hay littered grounds before dragging her cruelly.


    "Major Holyfield, this is Stryder Group-Crocker, High Value Target secure requesting extraction." The Armored Demon said.


    "Roger. Inspector Reid will arrive E¡ªTee-Ayy one hundred twenty seconds out." An ominous voice echoed from her capturer''s body.


    To Ayda''s ears, it sounded of cold ruthlessness and calculating methodology. A popular description of some of the most powerful of Hell Lords. She despaired before she blacked out from the concussions of the blows from the Armored Demon and her own exhaustion. This Crow''s wings have been plucked.


    ---------------


    Aliathra collapsed herself onto the tiny surface area of a small stool sweat falling and muscles tiring. Her day servicing the dozens of woodsmen who were rushed towards the Hospice built inside the Grey Order Guild building of Vercourt. The Peak Season of wood harvesting is now underway as the tree''s were now in season to be cut down and there was a rush by the town''s woodsmen to cut down the tree''s since during the summer season the trees will be at their tallest but this will attract the attention of an unwelcome guest in the form of ''the White-Rot'' Mushrooms, a wood decaying fungus that propagates her spores during the late summer to fall season. The fungus had a particular appetite for the famous Shield Aeyofany Pines that surround the logging town and make up the Slaegian Empire''s eastern forests. It is used to construct houses, ships and all sorts of industrious goods due to the tree''s rapid reproduction cycled and its famous hardiness which gave it the name ''Shield'' due to being used in times as old as the world to be used to make Wooden Shields. The shrooms degrade the structural integrity of the wood when they are made into planks so the rush was heavily justified.


    Woodsmen would search for any non-infected tree''s whilst mages or any one with a means to control a fire would purge the rests to prevent the infestation from getting into the other trees. This rush however is not without its own consequences of workplace accidents. The Elf Priestess had to oversee her healing magics on crushed limbs, head concussions and bleeding to categorize them all. The staff in the hospice however were of the traditional by-hand healing with bandages and potions whilst she is the only potent Cleric inside the building at that very moment. More help from the Guild is on their way but she and the Hospice staff have to make do with themselves until they arrive.


    So far, despite Aliathra''s tender footedness, she was turning over dozens of patience that was placed under her wing of responsibility by the Hospice''s chief physician. The Elf wasted no energy nor time diligently aiding the wounded. To the woodsmen under her care, she was like an Angel sent from heaven with the gentlest of her feminine touch she gave to each of them. Her shining aura alone can make even the feeble old rise up to the top of their feet, the weary reinvigorated with phoenix-like fire and the moribund attain their second wind.


    But even an Elf in all of their Superior Magical innateness have their limits. Like a hydra''s head, heal one and another takes its place. Again, she healed with all the Positive Energies that revolved around her to bring the damaged back up but even more injured were passed gnashing their teeth into the hospices beds once the previous occupant was successfully serviced.


    Aliathra could feel her heart palpitate in the extensive stress of the work. She knew from her teachers and her parents that the real world outside the comforts of her palace and outside the safety of Ethuilen''s walls is a dangerous place and in so many cases, the only way to learn how truly cruel the world can be is to face them head on. The trick is not cracking down under the pressure. That is what separates all the children, from the long living Elf to fleeting Human from the adults as her father would say.


    "Aliathra?" a familiar voice entered her ears. It was Petur.


    The Elf Princess turned around to see the Magical Knight in his casual clothing but still retaining a belt with a sword attached to it on his side. He was accompanied by several new people behind him that Aliathra recognizes the faces of. They were her friends from Ethuilen and at the school of mixed backgrounds and chosen professions ranging from Clerics just as her and to Rangers and Swordmasters that the Elves are famous for in terms of Military Sciences. One of whom managed to stand out, her dear friend Lyndis. She was from a minor noble''s background but she recalled during her 16 years in her Academy days that she was her roommate through and through. But whilst Aliathra underwent Clerical Apprenticeship and then afterwards from her academy days she applied for the Ethuilen Rangers giving her a uncommon but very versatile set of skills. Lyndis on the other hand went through Political Science and International Relationships as she sought a career as a Diplomat. Circumstances however landed her a role in not as an Ambassador or Elven Embassy staff but as an Inquisitor for the Ethuilen Sefydliad.


    The Sefydliad is responsible for the many of the more subversive and ''soft-power projections'' that the Ethuilen''s use to extend and maintain their influence across the world. Their tasks include from the opulent positions of Diplomats and Ambassadors to the more espionage-oriented positions of Inquisitors.


    Lyndis'' job often revolved around the tasks of attaining on the field intelligence as she was given by Ambassadors who are also acting handlers for the Inquisitors.


    "Lyndis? Is that you?" Aliathra spoke in her native Elven tongue so that the Humans don''t understand what she is saying.


    "Greetings again old friend and my princess. I see we crossed paths again." Lyndis greeted back as she took off her hat. It was shorter than Aliathra''s long golden white and the Inquisitor''s eyes had a complementary green eye color in combination with her auburn hair.


    "It seems you know each other?" Petur spoke in Vaikuri.


    "Oh, she was my roommate when I was in College. She''s just a sweet one." Aliathra shifted back to the Human Common tongue.


    "You know right about Lady Aliathra''s¡­ ''unique background'' I presume?" Lyndis asked Petur.


    "Of course, I read all about it. You''re here to check on her wellbeing If I concur?" Petur nodded affirming of his knowledge of Aliathra being the youngest daughter of the Ethuilen Royal Family.


    "I also took the liberty of bringing in an entourage of some of the Entente''s finest Clerics to help the people of Vercourt. We are sorry if we are late." Lyndis apologized. She never wanted to bring the Royal Daughter too much intensity on her first time out of the comforts of Alfel Nora and the Royal Family can only put too much faith to the Grey Order partners and Slaegian allies.


    Alongside the Elf were ten Elven Healers, they robe were decorated in the colors and symbolisms of the Oathtakers of Neneth. An organization that Aliathra looked up to immensely. They were an alliance of Physicians, Healers, Restoration Mages, Pharmaceutical Alchemists and Hippocratic Priests infected with Good Samaritan Syndrome who devote their time, parts of their income and efforts in the pursuit of the advancement of new discoveries in the field of medicine and physiological wellness. The Elf Princess initially wanted to join in the Oathtakers as an apprentice of one of the Master Physicians/Healers/Alchemists but her father insisted with some persuasion from her mother and elder sister that she goes through Ranger Training because he didn''t want to have a Daughter who is solely a "Scroll-Owl". Her father wanted to raise her to be able to fight on her own, survive on her own if the worse ever happens to her or her family. But she did manage to leave a huge impression on the Oathtakers senior members due to an award winning thesis on a relatively new field of medicinal study (in which when translated to UFE English in our own IRL equivalents mind u dear reader) Toxicology which is one of the most dangerous of studies that not even the Elves in their long life would dare risk themselves in studying due to the menacing and at first glance confusing nature of how poisons work against the Physiological Body.


    "Of course, it is always splendid to have the assistance of our Allies the Elves. Shall I leave you to your rituals?" Petur said.


    "Of course, my dear friend Aliathra? Do you still have it in you to perform the Neneth''s Unity ritual?" Lyndis asked.


    "Yes. I can still do it. Perhaps for a few minutes before I retire for supper¡­" Aliathra said.


    She smiled upon the honor to be able to perform Neneth''s Unity with the Oathtakers. The ritual is a powerful healing spell that requires multiple Healers of a proficient level of Restoration Magic skill to perform. It consists of a group of Restoration Mages to stand on a circle together and hold hands as they channel all of their positively charged arcane power into a focusing rune set up on the center of the circle beforehand which will be then distributed within an area of effect. It is a very versatile ritual that can address multiple ailments, maladies and injuries at once. The more mages that perform the ritual, the greater the area of effect (if they focus hard enough to concentrate) and/or the greater the degree of magical healing will be outputted. This depends on the circumstances or the collective will of the ritual performers if they want to focus on healing more people within a large radius or being able to heal people much more thoroughly. In Aliathra''s onsite observations, the ability to process through the wounded was more paramount in this situation.


    There were 3 other Clerics that accompanied Lyndis'' Oathtakers entourage and they began to prepare the ritual; one drew the circles intricate lines and runic pictures whilst the others explained to the sick and injured the concept of Neneth''s Unity and reassuring them that they will be taken care of as painlessly as possible.


    "So¡­ Princess. I heard you managed to sneak inside the Demonic Rift." Lyndis began to give Aliathra some small talk.


    "Oh, I didn''t manage to see any portal to the Seven Hells while I was there. I did manage to speak to some."


    "Did they hurt you? Did they try to do anything to you?" Lyndis asked, her voice raised in concern.


    "By the Gods no. They were in fact calm all the time especially this one named ''Diaz''. He was quite a seducer with his red Gambeson but I managed brush off his advancements. It had Roses printed on them which was quite a shock for me." Aliathra answered.


    "Well thank Neneth that you made it out with your heart and soul intact. I wouldn''t want to dream if your parents who is my King and Queen that they lost you to the Void. But may I ask, why didn''t you try to attack them when you had the chance?"


    "I am a Ranger. I just Scout, I am no fighter even with my enchanted bow. Besides, I was often surrounded by them whenever I had to talk to them on my scouting trips and the only time, I ever saw the demons act violent is when someone else acted violent to them first." Aliathra defended herself.


    "Hmm¡­ maybe they are trying a new approach. I heard rumors that they are courting Prince Clovich Tyr Rian at his citadel. Offering him gifts and powers beyond imagination but that is not even something I would here a demon would do. Most demons when they appear in this world often give contracts with conditions for the price one would pay to obtain whatever they want from them. Yet these Demons are strange, they offer gifts but ask nothing in return." Lyndis spoke about the hearsays she had collected throughout her journey.


    "I can confirm that what you heard are true. Very unusual indeed. But their Metal Beasts and ''Diaz'' scares me." Aliathra nodded. "Their beasts leave a roar and fume a sickening breath that makes the plants and small animals scream in agony. Diaz, this¡­ Demon in a shape of a human, he is neither alive nor dead. I sensed him no life energy positive or negative otherwise¡­ He says that he is human but his body is filled with note with flesh and blood but by metal and cloth amalgamated together into a parody of what a body is said to be as the books say." Aliathra explained the myriad of terrifying mysterious she saw in New Albany and Kesserheim.


    "Then it is imperative for the world to be rid off them once. The legends say we have beaten them before and we shall drive them back again when the time comes." Lyndis saluted reassuringly in the holy hand gestures of the Elven-Human Pantheon.


    "My ladies, the Ritual circle is complete. We are ready to perform the spell." One of the clerics walk up to the two.


    Aliathra quietly walked aside her old Academy Roommate and was guided by the Oathtaker Cleric to her designated spot on the Circle. It glowed in a brilliant positive light that began to envelope the clerics in its bathing luminescence. Once Aliathra''s body was fully engulfed in the magical energies she promptly grabbed the hands of the Clerics beside her to complete the linking of their bodies and spirits with each other.


    "How long do you want to help us on this ritual before you need to retire?" one of the Clerics asked.


    "Maybe for half an hour before I get my well-deserved rest. Thank you for relieving me from this burden. I do not know how much my heart can take caring for so many of these people alone." Aliathra replied.


    "As long as you know you''re doing right and you gave your all, that''s what matters Princess¡­" the Cleric said before closing his eyes and began to concentrate his magics on to the Runic Focus at the center of the circle.


    Aliathra too promptly closed her eyes and began to focus. She felt the shared magical energies that surrounded and were being used by her and her Oathtaker colleagues jump into each of everyone of their bodies. Their combine talents multiplied the output of Restorative energies that they could output compared if they had done it individually. There was a sense of Solidarity between them and to Aliathra''s on sensations she could feel the merciful presence of her patron Neneth being with them in her benevolent mercy. The Elf Princess could feel her heart skip merrily into such a beautiful feeling¡­


    But then, suddenly, she felt the hands she held let go releasing her from the magical linkage between her and her fellow Clerics. She opened her eyes to see that the Magical Circle no longer engulfed in Mana let alone bathing her or the Oathtakers in its Neneth''s light. The Oathtakers, their eyes and bodies were left frozen as if they saw a monster, and the way they faced themselves upon their worst fears was at Aliathra''s direction.


    The Elf turned back only to be greeted by the empty wooden walls of the Grey Order Hospice. Confused she turned back to her still petrified colleagues.


    "Is something the ma---" Aliathra tried to grab the Cleric on her right side by the hand but the Cleric reflexively snatched his arm away just as they were about to make contact.


    "S-s-Stay away from me!" the Cleric roared as he backed away.


    "Lord Vimdon, shield me from the Seven Fires of Hell!" the Cleric on her left knelt prostrate as he pulled out the iconography of Vimdon, God of Law in the Elven tongue whilst he is known as Vimiere to the Humans of Ysanigrad.


    "Demons? Where?" Aliathra raised her voice alarmingly. To invoke Vimdon''s name, known as ''the Silent Judge'' loudly to the heavens was only acted upon when a great profanity of Law and Order was caught by the eyes of one of the Law God''s disciples. But Aliathra couldn''t understand nor see any profanities being displayed in her immediate vicinity.


    "Stand back Spawn of Alboen!" Cleric she spoke to earlier who stood across her side of the circle began to raise his voice in a desperate but panicking tone as he began to channel for a Demon Sealing spell. "Lyndis! Help!" the Cleric cried.


    Aliathra''s old Roommate barged into the scene with her Rapier drawn with Petur too raising his Sword on his left hand and a magical missile prepared to be casted when needed to be fired. The Sefydliad Inquisitor took a moment to scan the scene. A Cleric was conjuring his holy magics to prepare for a Sealing Spell and it was aimed at her dear friend the Princess. Alongside the ground, the other two clerics.


    "What is happening?!?" Lyndis questioned.


    "That is not Aliathra! She has a Heart of Stone. She is a Demon!" the Cleric said.


    "Demon? No I would never pervert Neneth''s light." Aliathra defended herself from the accusation.


    "But you said you went and talked to the Demons have you not?" Lyndis asked.


    "Yes¡­ I talked to them and I¡­" Aliathra tried to explained but she began to stutter.


    "Did they promise you with Power? Money? Immortality?" Lyndis asked.


    "Well one of them did give me---" Aliathra was about to mention the one time that Diaz gave her clothes for her to blend in Kesserheim but she had to catch her tongue since it would sound at face value that she had accepted ''a Demonic Offering'' from the UFE.


    "You betrayed yourself Demonspawn! What have you done to the Princess?!? Answer me!" Lyndis roared as she charged at Aliathra.


    Both women had tears in their eyes. Mirroring each other on the two sides of the reception of betrayal. Lyndis, betrayed by the Demons'' shape shift of her dear friend and the possibility that her soul was devoured or corrupted by them. Aliathra, betrayed that her best friend would assume that a principled and upstanding Elf such as Aliathra Lareththor, a Paragon of the Lareththor''s prestige in Alfel Nora would be so easily seduced by the Evil forces of otherworldly invaders.


    With reluctance, Aliathra quickly grabbed her Archery Bow and with dexterity, parried Lyndis'' rapier away as she stumbled harmlessly to the Hospices floor.


    "I am so sorry¡­ I¡­" Aliathra tried to apologize to her dear friend but the Inquisitor recovered her statured and tried to slash her blade vertically on her head.


    Again, Aliathra dexterously blocked the rapier with her bow, its strong composites stood firm from the lightning slashes of Inquisitor Lyndis'' fencing abilities.


    "Give up! You shall be Purge! Petur! Lyndis! Wound him down so I can cast the Radiant Drain." The Cleric called.


    The Spell that he described is a Restoration Spell that manipulates the Mana of a creature and rapidly siphons it out of the targets body. For most magical creatures such as Dragons, Fae, Demons and Elves such as herself, it is a death sentence if the spell gets casted as when struck, her body will wither into dust killing her in the process.


    With no other choice but death or dishonor, Aliathra chose the dishonor of self-preservation. Grabbing her meager belongings from her rucksack, she then dashed towards one of the Hospices open windows and jumped out.


    Petur and Lyndis followed her towards the window but the setting sun the aimed at their eyes disoriented them, allowing Aliathra to escape. For the Elf Princess who was trained as both a Ranger and as a Cleric, she needed to escape. Confusion besieged her head as she tried to fathom what the cleric said that she has ''a Heart of Stone''. She was she cursed? Did she spend too much time with the UFE Demons that some of their corrupting influence left their mark on her? She needed to find out what happened to her but first she needs to shake off her the Inquisitor and the Grey Order. Her lithe feet pushed her towards the direction of Vercourt''s surrounding forests where she hopes she can gain a head start and a chance against her pursuers, reluctant as she maybe that they were at one moment her friends.


    "Petur, get me some Hounds and some levy the Yeomen. There is a Demon on the loose." Lyndis said looking on to the Vercourt town view.


    "Yes¡­ I cannot believe this¡­ first the Tunnel now this!" Petur cursed as he acknowledged the Inquisitors orders.


    ----------------------


    It was 6pm when Stryder Group were debriefed back in New Albany Colonial Hall. An emergency meeting was declared between the Civilian Colonial Government, the Military Leaders of the Combine Marine and Militia forces and as observes (and also as a friendly formality) the nobles of the Tyr Rian Principality lead by the active Princess Aria Rian gathered in the Congressional Hall. The Squad was standing in attention who were personally involved in the what many people from Tabloids to even the rumor mongering murmurs of an average civilian deemed the events earlier ''the Arhaf Plaza Incident''.


    "This is and read my lips. A.Declaration.Of.War!" Holyfield yelled to the top of his lungs with many hardlining members of the Military and Civilian officials giving him an ovation of praises and claps that echoed even beyond the walls of the building.


    "Mind you Major, we are declaring war on a nation with over millions of supplies of manpower and resources in addition to one, they have homefield advantage over this planet and two they are Prince Clovich''s lieges. We are talking about going to war with a Goliath and we can barely muster up fifteen thousand men from our own reserves and that''s if we enact the Draft." Polonsky argued.


    "So, are you saying that we should just let them get away with this?" Holyfield fumed.


    "No, what I was saying is that War will cost us too much if we let our impulses take the better of us. Our technological advantage on them aside, we have problems right within our house. Two of the most important people in New Albany, Governor White and Prince Clovich are in the ICU and according to Dr. Lee Haneul, she is lucky to get them in a Stable condition but without an Antidote or at least what kind of poison the attackers were using she can at best keep them and all the other folks infected for about three days." Polonsky said.


    "Well unfortunately for ALL of us, the assassin behind the attack that Stryder Group so kindly captured for us has yet to spill anything of value. I bet Reid is still on his first gallon of water and his first batch of Car Batteries with her." Holyfield said with a deadly sounding euphemism on the words of his latter sentence.


    "What kind of poison is the Doctor dealing with right now¡­ Ser Polonsky?" Princess Aria of the Tyr Rian delegation raised her hand.


    Holyfield knew it would be detrimental to the Governor''s wishes to cast aside the Primitives right now so he must temper his zeal when the real action begins.


    "We are dealing with a toxin that gives off a pinkish red gaseous cloud that when inhaled causes the afflicted individual to gradual lose respiratory, nervous and circulatory functions in his body."


    "Uhm¡­ I¡­" Aria stuttered in confusion.


    Polonsky caught himself and had to face palm himself to hide his embarrassment, even his peer Holyfield too shared the same sentiment. They again forgot to account that the Primitives don''t have such an extensive and intelligista vocabulary that the UFE Humans took for granted like ''respiratory'', ''functions'' and the word ''inhale''.


    "I meant to say that your brother and our leader are having trouble breathing, moving around and keeping their hearts pumping due to the poison. And if Doctor¡­ I mean the Physician, Miss Lee Haneul doesn''t find a way to synthesize a cure, the effects can be fatal¡­" Polonsky said.


    "Oh no! What will happen to everything?" she panicked.


    "Relax milady. We will fix this. By¡­ by any chance do you or any of the other people you brought along know any poisons here?" Holyfield allayed the young woman''s fears before asking her about the pictures that Polonsky began to display on the Congressional Hall''s screen.


    She was silent, and so were everyone of the Tyr Rianni delegation who looked at the photos at first with studious observation but then to the UFE''s distress, befuddlement.


    "I have never seen anything like that before." Lutheor Mirrien raised his voice. "And I had my fair share of selling¡­ dangerous goods. This is a really big world we all live in. It could be anything."


    "Milord¡­ Po-lawn-skee?" Iris raised her hand and stood up from where Stryder group sat.


    All eyes redirected to the Vampire Witch which unnerved her when the scrutiny of about 100 people gazed on her foolhardy display.


    "Miss Cadohagan? Do you have anything to say to us?" Polonsky asked her.


    "You can make the pictures bigger? Right? With your magic mirror on your hand?" Iris asked.


    "She means can you zoom the images? Uh¡­ Iris, which one?" Kayin minded for her.


    "The bright one with the Governor''s eye." Iris pointed.


    The Vampire Witch had a hunch, a gut instinct when she saw that particular photo among the file images of the afflicted taken that day when admitted to the Military Hospital.


    Polonsky fingered his touchpad as he expanded the photo Iris asked to examine further.


    "Closer¡­" Iris asked.


    Polonsky again gestured the touchpad to zoom further. The room held its breath as all hopes for a cure lay on Iris.


    "This is the furthest as I can go Iris. Hope this is enough." Polonsky said.


    "Iris, what are you seeing?" Samantha asked.


    "Shush¡­" Iris silenced Samantha before reverting back to the screen.


    Her eyes scanned the close-up images of Governor White''s eye veins and spotted something peculiar.


    "Did, Lady Lee Haneul mentioned that the eyes veins have a dark green color?" Iris said.


    "I don''t think so. She was in a rush to stabilize all the victims that she didn''t have time to give a full diagnosis to everyone." Polonsky said.


    "The Vampire is right, hate to admit it. Eye veins are supposed to be Red not this¡­ darkish green." Holyfield pointed out.


    "There is only one poison in Gliesia that can do that. The Demons Bane Flower, also known as Kriozad''s Spite, named after the Paladin who discovered it. Legends say that this flower''s sap which is one of the deadliest poisons in the world is so powerful it can fall the mightiest of magical creatures. It is said that Caldell Slaegiac coated his sword with poison before he faced off against Alboen." Iris said.


    "That''s great news. Does it have an antidote? Can we get the flower?" Polonsky said.


    "That''s another problem I am afraid. You see the Demon Bane Flower is only grown in Aflel Nora, the Elven Continent and during a specific season in a very specific place only known to the Ethuilen Sefydliad who are the equivalent of the likes of Mossad, FBI and¡­"


    "Basically, like some sort of State Security agency of sorts?" Holyfield pressed.


    "Indeed. The location of the flower and the cure for it is a top secret that even I don''t know of¡­" Iris sadly broke the news.


    "Damnit, we need to march our ships to Ethuilen right now and aim our missiles at those Elves until we get our cure! I will even personally fire the warning shots myself." Holyfield roared to the ovation of his supporters much to the objections of the moderates and the Tyr Rianni Nobles.


    "But there is an alternative means¡­ that¡­ doesn''t involve pissing on the most Arcane civilization in all of Gliesia however¡­ We need a Cleric." Iris added.


    "Judging by our circumstances and your tone. I believe we need a SPECIFIC Cleric¡­ Healing Priests or whatever." Polonsky said.


    "Yes, one from the Oathtakers of Neneth. Their devotion to the Goddess of Life drives them to cure even the gravest of maladies. They are from Ethuilen again and many of them travel around the Empire but they tend to cover their tracks a lot since they are often conspicuous to¡­ more sinister intending people who have need of such¡­ skills and magics that they possess and can be able to do¡­ We need to find one soon and fast." Iris answered.


    "Hang on, ''Kriozad''s Curse'' Iris? I think that Aliathra girl we know earlier mentioned she managed to cure poisons quite often¡­ do you think she''s our Cleric?" Diaz said.


    "Well she did heal me once back in that Hunting trip Vinny so I say she might be worth a shot." Obediah backed the Penal soldier.


    "Then we should find this Aliathra and these Oathtakers right this instant." Holyfield declared slamming his fist on his table before he picked up his aviator shades.

 24 Chapter 24: Aliathras Breaking Poin

    The slashing of the wind, the crack of branches, the stomping of the earth, the trotting of the earth and the rabid barks of hounds were the sounds that one could hear at dusk in the Cambervale Forest outside the town of Vercourt. The Lumberjacks normally stop the days loggings as soon as they see the bottom half of the sun dip down on the horizon. Many of them already ran back home or to their communal camps to rest and enjoy their supper.


    Unfortunately for the Elven Princess, Ranger and Cleric of Neneth, Aliathra Lareththor, she could not enjoy the luxuries of a respite as she sped through the homeward bound woodsmen deeper into the forest. She was followed by Petur and the Elf''s old college room mate Lyndis who were hot on the trail with some local guards, Grey Order Guildsmen and Lyndis entourage of Sefydliad. The pursued elf could hear the sounds of shouting of angry and fearful men alongside the rabid barks of hunting hounds who were released off of their leashes.


    Aliathra recalled from memory that on her way to Vercourt she had to cross a bridge that was built over a river that when following it north to the Dwarven Mountain hold leads to the more remote parts of the forest that she can hide in. Clutching her bow at one hand and her Ranger''s Knife on the other she sped through the forest whilst her pursuers still fumbled themselves by the growing crowd of confused lumberjacks who were unintentionally obstructing their way. She regained some self confidence as she loses sight of the camp and now at the forest proper.


    She dashed towards the river that runs east of Vercourt. She quickly crossed the river


    She ducked down behind a log and took a deep breath. Aliathra''s muscles panged in soreness as she grasped the strained areas of her body. With a little bit of mana reserved in her, she relaxed the muscles that cramped her to remove all the pain. Once relieved of such material matters, Aliathra re-examined herself. She was quick enough to grab both her bag and her Bow alongside her arrow quiver which to her account contained 11 Arrows inside. Unfortunately for her, several of her personal items like her quill pen, her journal, a grind stone for her Knife, her Rations and a couple of herbal patches were left behind due to them being outside of her bag at the time. What was left inside her bag were some other wilderness survival items like a couple of flints for starting a fire, a whistle to signal help, a piece of candy that she keeps to herself and her Royal Ring, the symbol of Ethuilen Elven Royalty which has a diplomatic and sentimental value to her and a locket of pure sentimentality to Aliathra.


    "Always remembered Valorion whined to dear mother that he wanted to go kiting that day¡­" Aliathra reminiscence.


    She can still remember that day as if it was only yesterday. She recalled her constant humming of some of the Neneth Clerics chants that lightened up the silence of their ordeal whilst they stood still for their painters. She recalled the ''whoosh'' noises Valorion made to annoy the Fairies to hurry up so he can play with his friends afterwards. And she couldn''t forget sister Lunafreya or at least that''s her Human name since she was named after a friend from her Mother''s travels. Her Elven name is Ithiel which means ''Lady of the Moon'' due to her pale skin which poets sang that her glow outshines the moon. She was the heir apparent in many courts but her Elven named faded to the background due to the name Lunafreya being a much salable name to remember. Ithiel is used by her fellow Elves but to every other race it was Lunafreya.


    She recalled the complaints by all three of them about why they need to hold still for an entire afternoon holding still while the Fairy Painters, (in)famous for their meticulously.


    Her mother Elisven lectured her that the idea behind that is that the King and Queen will soon no that one day, the children will eventually leave the safety of the Palace venture off to the world alone and she wanted to give each of their children a reminder of where their hearts were, with their family so that if they ever feel lost, they can always know that their ''Hearts are still with each other'' as Aliathra''s mother lectured after a grueling day of standing still while in the middle of a hot summer day. Her father, Aslanidor and her mother Elisven personally inscribed each of the three lockets with them signatures and insignias to give them a personal touch before handing them over to their children.


    "I wish I could talk to you¡­" She whispered as she continued to patch herself up.


    She could feel her heart palpitate quite frantically from this whole ordeal and if there was one thing that she needs to do right now is to calm down.


    She is a hunted Elf and she needed to meditate her next move less one rash decision be her last.


    She closed her eyes, knelt down on a meditative posture and took a deep breath.


    In her studies this was a sort of quasi-ritual encouraged by her Ranger Masters of the important benefits of meditation and amongst the Clerics who she was tutored by. The former stated that meditation is a great way for a methodical and cunning Ranger such as herself to undertake as it helps relieve stress and the nervousness of the high risks duties the Elven Rangers undertake. The latter, the Clerics told her that when a Mage such as herself meditates she can actually multiply her magical potential less risks of overexerting herself from a general Magic Theory sense. But in a Cleric''s point of view, Meditation can be used to help a Cleric reconnect his Restoration energies called ''Dui'' meaning Flow to be able to accomplish better feats.


    Her nervous heart felt restless and even out of beat. Thus, Aliathra inhaled and concentrated.


    Her Dui as her inner senses could feel flowed around her body like a river rapid current. With practice gained over decades of mastering the art of Meditating, Aliathra corrected her Flow.


    She worked from her tired legs upwards but as she continued her self-diagnosis.


    But as Aliathra got closer upwards to her chest, she could feel an odd sensation. She could almost hear her High Elven blood shiver in fear as they pass through as if they had witnessed the most horrid of crimes. Her nerves felt disgust as if they had seen with their metaphorical eyes a most disgusting of abominations. Even the very bones in her body could feel a sense of rejection as if they casted off an unfavorite child.


    This caused Aliathra to grow concern and confused. Her Clerical Training had taught her to detect the signs of life and to listen on their speaking for she was taught that "The very Life of Gliesia sings to them for all of creation see''s the Gods'' children every deed" as the religious texts goes.


    She mentally pushed herself further in her meditation, she needed to get to the bottom of this.


    Every inch of her body as she got closer to her heart. In the Pantheon Legends and Myths, the Heart represents the inner essence of a living being, their thoughts, personality and memories. It was the most vital part of the living creature although Aliathra did ask her professors one time if Trees and Plants have hearts. According to them and all the books she read; the Plants often hide their feelings unless a Cleric gently whispers to them to reveal it.


    At last after passing through many of the ''frightened'' blood particles and cells in her body, she arrived at the very core of her being. The Heart¡­


    And it was cold¡­


    Aliathra if she could express herself physically, would have her mouth agape in even more spiraling confusion. The very flesh of the heart was meant to be heartwarming like the gentlest of flames. When a heart gets cold, it signifies death but yet her heart beats, sometimes erratically and in other normal cases within a reasonable rhythm. Was some sort of physiological abnormality within her?


    The Elf opened her eyes again. This time, she needed clarity. Again, remembering her education. Aliathra conjured up a combination of Illusion and Restoration School magic spells simply called ''See Body'' which allows the user, whether with himself or to another person to see a luminescent live projection of their internal body. This was used by forcing the Mana energies to create waves inside the body to whilst also applying some luminescent magic to vividly show from the tiniest blood vein to one''s important vital organs outside under transparent scrutiny by the one performing the diagnosis.


    It takes awhile for the Mana energies to fully take place but Aliathra was determined to see the anomaly.


    Thinking back, she reflected on the excoriating words the Oathtakers of Neneth threw at her:


    "Stand back! Spawn of Alboen"


    In the legends, the demons were often depicted with metallic or very hard and rock like skin. Their life forces were non existent of neither positive charged nor negative charged. But how could the Clerics have accused her? A fellow devotee and faithful practitioner of the very antithesis of Demon''s, the School of Restoration Magics be accused of Unlife?


    Confusion wracked Aliathra as she beat her chest repeatedly like a war drum. Just then, she could feel her heart contract which forced her to let go.


    "By the Goddess¡­" Aliathra panted.


    Ever since she left Kesserheim she had been having several occasions of heart complications and it each time grew more excruciating. It was no longer just the simple overbeat threw the new found stresses of her first time outside in the world at large. There was something genuinely wrong with it.


    She now lay on the log anxiously as she saw the ''See Body'' spell projection of a live visual feed of her entire body¡­


    And she screamed¡­


    Her heart, was not made out of the flesh which was Neneth''s own blood, warm and soft, but instead metallic with a reflective hue from the light that resonated back to the screen. It wasn''t a singular united organ of tissue and blood but instead an amalgamation of artificial components all locked into place to form the satirical image of a living heart whilst Aliathra''s pure Elven blood flow and was pushed out by a pump that rises and hammers down the pressure needed to continue normal circulatory function.


    But normal wasn''t anything about this heart. It was one sickening parody of a Living, Breathing and God-made Heart.


    Worst of all were the inscriptions. It was the language of You-Eff-Eee people that is called ''English''. The text read:


    ''Aceso Membrum: Cardia Mk. VIII


    a product of Aparo Pharmaceutical Corp.


    Appliance installed by Doctor Hanjun of Saint Luke''s Medical Complex, Kesserheim''


    She was tainted¡­


    Her heart, is of otherworldly designs¡­


    -------------------------


    "Damnit! That''s one hell of a thunder storm!" Captain Jennifer Kaprelian said as she flew the Super Osprey towards Vercourt. Her tactical hug displayed on the cockpit the formation of heavy clouds slowly creeping towards the search area.


    The Super Osprey had several distinct features compared to its old American Airforce predecessor which boasted a 30% larger cargo/passenger hold and several armaments for Door Gunner fire support such as a Minigun and even a grenade launcher. Additionally, in the more Utility side of the plane''s spectrum was that it can be deployed into the vacuum of space and can be outfitted with high powered radios to make it a Command Vehicle to relay orders and analyze any strategic and tactical information that it''s sensor will detect.


    "Approximately one hour before it hits the Vercourt. Unsafe flying conditions are to be expected. Recommend landing." The Military Artificial Intelligence I.S.A.C.C (Intelligent System Analytical Command Computer) robotic voice warned on the intercom.


    "Negative ISACC. We need to bag Aliathra or Governor White and Prince Clovich are going to die." Samantha reprimanded the computer.


    The AI had just recently integrated itself with all the available information related to Gliesia from Important Figures to all known geography of the planet. It was rather unusual for ISACC to be used for a Colonial Militia but circumstances have led to Major Holyfield granting ISACC''s services to the Colonial Militia''s Studies and Observations squads just like Stryder Group. It can among analyzing the weather, coordinate recon and combat drones in the area. Coordinate squad to company scale military battlefield maneuvers and even play Satellite Radio station from all the corners of the UFE Civilization.


    Samantha and her squad have all been retrofitted with an ISACC tactical computer on their persons and are now connected to the AI''s growing roster of personnel under its responsibility.


    "Multiple Activity detected on Vercourt." The AI informed.


    "It is the middle of Logging Season for the town. How can we find her in this crowd?" Iris asked.


    "With this Iris." Kayin answered as he opened a box with a cage door on one side of it.


    A four-legged creature emerged from the shadows. Its paws were of a canine form but its skin was a reflective metal made with forest Flecktarn camouflage with the UFE Insignia proudly displayed on the ''Dog''s'' body.


    "Iris, this is the Aparo Robotic''s Shao-Shan K9 Drone. It''s a Robot Dog." Kayin introduced.


    "Like one of your drones?" Iris asked.


    "Yes, its all the fun parts of a Dog minus the pissing and shitting that you gotta clean up." Diaz smirked as he gave a final tune up to the All-Terrain Vehicles that Stryder Group will be moving out from. They needed to move in and out of Vercourt fast.


    "I can also have a ''Therapeutic Comfort'' mode and I am directly linked to ISACC." The Robot Dog said.


    "Why do we need to bring this mutt with us?" Iris asked.


    "We need him to help find Aliathra and the Dog comes with many autonomous tracking functions such as the ''Bloodhound'' Prog--- I mean, it can smell things and track stuff like any good sniffing dog. We should have a lead on the Elf once we landed." Kayin caught himself again with the overtly sophisticated terminology that Gliesians such as Iris have no grasp over.


    "Hey Diaz! Where did you say Aliathra might be at?" Clay asked the Penal Soldier.


    "The Guild Building in town. Shouldn''t be hard to miss. Maybe they know where she is. Hopefully she''s just there. But if not, the Guild peeps there should know." Diaz answered.


    "Attention all outgoing personnel, we are about to land. Get into your deployment stations now." Captain Kaprelian informed everyone on the Intercom.


    "Good. Okay Fido, take point. Iris hold on to me tight, this ATV can be pretty fast." Kayin told the Vampire Witch.


    The entire squad mounted their ATV''s and revved up the engines as the Super Osprey made its touchdown.


    The Denizens of Vercourt who were all dropping their tools and working moods to enjoy a rejuvenating night of tavern drinking and hearty suppers over a hard working day had their festive mood disturbed in the most highest of degrees when they heard the beating drums of the Super Ospreys engines as it approached the Town''s eastern entrance. The folks could feel the wind blow away from the mighty bird''s landing spot as they all fearfully flee to their homes. Such a sight was nightmarish to them and not even the local guards dare move one step closer towards the metal bird that suddenly landed on their humble little town.


    Just the metal birds back opened up as a ramp let out 4 Riders in small but thunderous steads whose noise wailed as they pass. Many of the folks believe that it was the wails of a Banshee come to signal their death and doom and began to pray to their Pantheon of Gods to spare them.


    Stryder Group quickly sped pass the myriad of buildings with Crocker and Samantha''s ATV plus the Shao-Shan K9 Drone leading the way.


    The Villagers, startled by the roar of their engines shuddered, daring not to provoke the mysterious strangers. Many of them feared that they were Bandits but the sound of their ''steeds'' invoke a mystical element that the natives couldn''t fathom comprehend.


    The ATV''s soon encircled the Grey Order Building. Recognizable with the inherent symbols of their power, influence and prestigious legitimacy for a glorified Mercenary Agency: A Weighing Scale balancing a gold coin on one side and a sword on the other.


    "Rose, times is at the essence for New Albany. Let me deal with this." Crocker told her.


    "What do you mean Sergeant?" Samantha asked.


    "My instincts tell me they aren''t going to give her up so quietly¡­" Crocker said as he turned his legs out of the ATV, picked up his LMG and walked straight inside the Guild Building.


    There was a fire in his eyes Samantha saw in him. It was of zealous determination. Given the context of his colorful career. Samantha knew he takes Terrorist Attacks such as what had transpired in Arhaf very seriously.


    Crocker barged into the receiving hall with a thunderous entrance with his Exo-Suit chipping a good chunk of that door off.


    "Hey! You need pay for---" one of the people, presumably one of the guild hall''s staff walked up to reprimand the Sergeant but Crocker being about twice the man''s size, grabbed the hapless native and lifted him upwards until he was face to face with the Gliesian.


    "Elf, Blonde Hair with Blue Eyes? Heals people and Carries a bow? Goes by the name of ''Aliathra''? Where is she?" Crocker demanded to


    "I cannot disclose official --- aahh!" the Staffer was grabbed by the throat by the Sargeant who remembering his discretion, turned off the hydraulic enhancements of his Exo-Suit less he accidentally kills every person his hands came in contact with.


    The Imposing British-Maori man dragged his victim towards the Guild building''s Clerk Desk where he proceeded to violently slam his body to the table taking care (or just pressure) to make sure he still has his grip on the man''s neck.


    "I do not want to hear any of the ''Official'' Blah-Blah. Tell me where is Aliathra''s Room?" Crocker demanded again.


    "Upstairs! 3rd room to your left!" the Staff member said.


    "Thank you." Crocker let go.


    "That was¡­ harsh¡­" Samantha commented, she was at a lost for words on Crocker''s¡­ ''enhanced'' means of interrogation.


    "No time to wank around now. Come." Crocker gestured.


    The two and their Dog Drone walked up the stairs of the Guild Building to where they were directed.


    Opening the Door, the two entered into the room to be greeted by 4 robed individuals. Each of them in Green and rather gracefully designed clothing that demanded respect and awe. Samantha took a closer look into their robes and noticed that the most peculiar of the robe''s designs was the Religious Symbol of Neneth: a glowing heart being held by a bloodied hand and wrapped with adorning vines. It is the very symbol of the Goddess of Life, Aliathra''s patron deity. Those men, froze in fear, not knowing how to react to the intruder in their imposing armor and alien weapons.


    Looking around, Crocker spotted amongst the humble accommodations and the Natives, several articles that he instantly recognized. A Journal, that lay on the ground by a small rock, several patches made from some sort of medicinal plant and a quill pen. The Journal was the most obvious revelation that Aliathra was indeed in that very room. It had a distinct looking flower on top of some Elven Writing scribblings that he remembered confiscating during Aliathra''s ''detour'' into Kesserheim. He may not personally know how the Elven Language was written but he swore by his guts of over 20 years in Anti-Insurgency is that Journal was Aliathra''s.


    He walked up, his Exo-Skeleton''s feet thumped the wooden floor like a hammer in every step towards the Journal.


    "Was this Aliathra''s?" Crocker said, grabbing the book and showing it to the robed figures.


    By his and Samantha''s observations, they were Elves, fair skinned, silky long hair had a rather fay demeanor of physical supremacy if it wasn''t for their shaking bodies cowering at the sight of them and their robotic hound.


    "The¡­ Hear---" one of them spoke. That elf was soon going to regret it when Crocker dashed towards him and grabbed him by the throat. He pushed the hapless Elf Cleric towards the window and forcefully smashed the wooden frames open with the weight of the Elf''s body and his muscular arms.


    He was not fooling around in this building any much longer. There were lives to be saved back home.


    "What did you say? Where is Aliathra?" Crocker asked as he pushed the Elf''s body leaning by the window.


    "You foul monster. May Neneth¡­" the Elf channeled his god to curse his aggressor but it only further agitated an overtly zealous Sergeant Crocker.


    Lewis pushed the Elven Cleric further down, his body now merely a few newtons of force and weight from being hanged upside down on the wrong side of the window. And that''s not accounting if the Armored Clad beast holding him decided to let him go to fall face first.


    "Aaah! Aaah! Aaah! She ran towards the Forest¡­ North." The Cleric said.


    Crocker pulled the Elf back up to the balcony safely before tossing him back to the beds as he turned around with the information he needed.


    The other 3 Clerics in the room began to chant and waved religious iconographies at the UFE soldiers. They hurled what Samantha can deduct from the context of their situation that they are trying to ''Exorcise'' them.


    "Subjects are non-hostile but are nervous. Suggested Action: Non-Violent Pacification." The Robot Dog said.


    His voice alarmed the Clerics as they redirected their Exorcism towards the andromorph.


    "Subjects are presenting now a threat level 1 Danger to Squad Operational Integrity. Activating non-lethal countermeasures¡­" the K9 Drone said as a hidden compartment at its back revealed to be a Taser Gun.


    It shot a bolt of electricity to one of the Clerics who was promptly shot down non-lethally by the electric rays. It then with lightning fast reflexes, fired its Taser Gun at the 2 remaining clerics who joined their incapacitated colleague on the wooden floor of the Guild Building.


    "Potential Threat pacified." The Dog confirmed its actions.


    Samantha spat a minor disgust on that K9 Unit. It had several autonomous functions that when news got out into the public created controversy over the more¡­ potent features of the Robot from the aforementioned Taser Gun, Facial Recognition, an AI with a no-nonsense attitude against potential perpetrators and Titanium Teeth. It was George Orwell''s nightmare made in metallurgic reality based on his warnings of his books of the dangers of such Totalitarian measures.


    "We got what we came for El-Tee. Let''s get out of here." Crocker said.


    "Was that all necessary?" Samantha questioned.


    "I wish I could apologize to you El-Tee but you need to trust me on this one. In my experience, it pays to be forceful to people who perform Terrorist Attacks. Don''t fucking lecture me on Geneva Con this and Human Rights that¡­ there is no choice here but power." Crocker grimly expounded as the two and their K9 companion descended down the stairs.


    "There is ALWAYS ANOTHER OPTION Sergeant!" Samantha objected to Crocker''s Cynicism.


    "Oh? What would you do? When lives are on the line El-Tee? I have seen Islamists throw White Phosphorous at a Disney Land, I seen Separatist gun down loyalists like sheep on UN Day, I saw suicide bombers toss themselves at Delegations. People this¡­ this Grey Order or whoever sent those Marauders back in Arhaf CANNOT be negotiated with!" Crocker argued back.


    "That''s because we just barged into their place and toss everything and everyone around like we already own it for a start." Samantha fired back.


    "These aren''t OUR people. They look human, smell and feel like a Human but they aren''t one of us. Planets, Fantastical bullshit, maybe someone''s own incessant writings on a keyboard! They never knew what we do. They only understand one thing. Strength. Now are we going to fuck around here or get the Elf before our only chance of some resemblance of peace dies off in a cold hospital bed?" Crocker reasoned.


    "N¡ªNo¡­" Samantha backed down.


    "Then what''s our next objective?" Crocker asked his superior. He still knows that she is still na?ve to her job.


    "Find¡­ the Elf¡­ Now." Samantha said.


    The two exited the Guild building where the rest of the Squad was barely hanging on from an ongoing crowd of heckling townsfolk who overheard the commotion at the Guild Building.


    "Up North! Forest lands." Crocker told the squad.


    He then waved Aliathra''s Journal on top of their K9''s nose who with it''s ''Bloodhound'' Protocol detecting the DNA from within the annals of paper it contained.


    "Tracking¡­" the K9 informed. "DNA match, Scent Trail nearby. Enacting ''Bloodhound'' Protocol." The Drone yipped as it began to dash off.


    Revving up their ATV''s the Squad followed the K9.


    Moving away from the Town, Stryder Group soon reached the edge of the Forest where their ATV''s easily penetrate the tree''s with terrifying speeds for a Gliesian such as Iris who was onboard as a passenger with Kayin driving the vehicle.


    "Hold on tight!" Kayin warned.


    "This Horse is quite a fiery one love! Ah!" Iris commented.


    Sometimes, the forest''s vegetation became to thick so Crocker would quickly eject out of the ATV and with his Exo suit did some heavy lifting to clear out the way from lifting off dead trees to uprooting lone freshly severed tree stumps. Thanks to his marvel of Earthling engineering, he hardly broke a sweat.


    "Come on! We got to go!" Crocker yelled.


    "That Rainstorm is gonna hit us at 50 minutes Stryder. You only got a short window before we lose our window." Captain Kaprelian radioed.


    It was now a race against time¡­


    --------------------------------------


    Aliathra collapsed a fifth time again while in pursuit. Her legs cramped from over exertion of the extreme physical pacing she is going through. But she needed to keep running, she could hear the hateful shouts of the Sefydliad and the encroaching barks of dogs who traipse the landscapes with ease for they hound were of the local garrison''s kennels. They were at their element here and there at the Cambervale Forest where they spent many autumns hunting Game animals for their master''s nutrition.


    The warm dirt tainted her porcelain elven skin as she grinded and gnashed her teeth. Her body was at its breaking point. Only the faint trickling of the Rainfall snapped her back to reality. She was in that green vegetated inferno, hungry, exhausted but most of all afraid. Aliathra''s head was swarmed with so many questions, many of which that not even the most erudite of Elven Minds could formulate a coherent explanation.


    What is it like to be ''turned'' into a demon?


    Is she no longer herself?


    Am I ''lost and damned''?


    All of these in her head rang like an everlasting bell that Elf''s attention span was disabled. It was too late for her too notice her present as her unknowing foot took an ill-conceived step off an edge of a slope.


    "No!" Aliathra cried screaming as gravity did his cruel work.


    Her body slid down several meters on the rocky terrain, tearing through the geological formation crudely as Aliathra shifted with strenuous effort to not crash through anything that could seriously injure her. She tumbled clumsily with in a bumpy landing by the end of the slope on the ground with several bruises on her feet and one on her right forearm. She limped her way to a nearby rock to hide.


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    With as much subtly to her Restoration Magics as possible due Magic always making some semblance of a sound, Aliathra exhaustingly applied first aid to her wounded limbs. She breathed a sigh of heavily needed relief as she felt the muscle pains soothed away. She collapsed on the


    Her Instincts kicked in soon afterwards, she knew that her pursuers would hear that. The Elf unsheathed her bow and drew an arrow at the cliff''s edge that she had fell over. She could hear their voices.


    "Where is she?" one voice yelled.


    "Down there?" she could hear Lyndis'' voice.


    She saw the humanoid figures of several Slaegian Militia men walk to the edge of the cliff who scoured the ground above them. Aliathra held her breath, smelling the rainfall that began to grow ever more stronger as each moment passed and then she prayed¡­ not to Neneth anymore but to any God or Deiety, Holy or Unholy that they don''t spot her.


    "Get around that quick." A voice from the back echoed.


    The militia soldiers turned around, not risking to take the obviously dangerous short cut below them.


    With a moment of opportunity, Aliathra emerged out of her hiding place with a second wind. If she can make it to the edge of the Dwarven Mountain Clan''s borders she should be safe.


    Dwarves weren''t too involved with the Elves as they tend to keep to themselves Politically speaking outside of trade agreements with the Humans. She could feign asylum there for awhile until she could figure out her next move. But even that, Aliathra gave a second thought, where can she move too?


    Dwarves normally aren''t the type of people accepting of Immigrants and she would stand out like the tallest tree on Vercourt''s Wood harvest. What if, the Dwarves recognized her and heard the news that she might be some sort of Demonic impostor? Running to the Black Tree Pact would be suicidal, they would instantly recognize the youngest princess of the Ethuilen Royal family and would kill her at best, imprison her at worst as a slave. The northern tribes beyond the boundaries of the Dwarven Clan Holds were plausible, but surviving the frigid temperatures with her current clothes on her back were made any chances of finding sanctuary dim, and that''s not overruling the possibility of her being forced into the harem of the one of the barbaric chieftains there like some toy to be used for breeding purposes.


    Then, to her own realizing horror, there was the Yu-Ef-eee themselves. The ''demons'' who corrupted her. Such a thought of her being now slowly turned to someone like that Vincent Diaz made her trembled. She saw what they did, what moral boundaries they would be willing to bypass in pursuit of their goals. Would they make her kill people for the sake of ''Profits''? Force her to be the sickening ''entertainment'' of their high masters? Would they force feed her more ''Jalapeno Peppers'' until her mouth melts?


    Her mind racing was interrupted again by the noise of a loud trumpet¡­ no it sounded more of a Hippogryph''s mighty wings? Practically ''Naked'' and afraid, Aliathra hid again on a rock as she peeked over it.


    There was a large metal bird that glided or maybe it beat it wings so fast that the unaided eye perceives its wings to not look like its wings were flapping repeatedly to stay afloat. But then after some close observations she noticed upon a zoom with her eye a familiar group of symbols.


    "The You-Ef-ee? They are here now?" Aliathra thought.


    Then she began to crack. Irrationality broke free as her brain began to open to broad expansions that she didn''t know nor care were even possible:


    ''Did they know I was turned into one of them?''


    ''Have their armies grown?''


    ''Are they here to claim my soul?''


    Then, just as her mind races with itself again, her instincts, from her ears twitched. She could hear footsteps. They are now close to her. She needed to think fast. She couldn''t handle so many of them in her state.


    Her eyes dart to a muddy puddle, it wasn''t deep but it was soft and depressing enough that she can hide down there. She remembered her Ranger Training that Camouflage can be improvised by covering oneself in mud when hiding in temperate or humid environments to evade foes. It was messy but it could save her life then and there.


    She dove down on to the mud, and quickly slathered her self with the mud until head to toe she is now covered. She took a deep breath, expanding her diaphragm for maximum duration and held it as her pursuers descended onto the scene.


    They were oblivious to the unusual bump on the puddle behind them as their backs were turned.


    Aliathra rethink her escape options again. Maybe if she, after shaking of her pursuers, she can blend in as a normal human at the Dwarven Holds by painstakingly cutting off leaf pointed ears with her knife. Or being a concubine to a Tribal Chief isn''t so bad anymore.


    Just then, the Soldiers began to slowly move away from each other that there was a considerable distance between them that Aliathra can slip pass unnoticed.


    Slowly rising from the mud, Aliathra tiptoed pass the guards, she was fortunate that none of them were the Hound masters earlier but a split off group. She knew Lyndis had to work with what she could levy up from the Town Guards and she was an excellent delegator.


    She was however, still exhausted from her ordeal that her self-awareness was still significantly hampered.


    *crack*


    The snap of a fallen branch that was so well hidden from the rainy soil betrayed her. Her heart sank as the Slaegians turned around.


    "She''s he---" the Slaegian pointed out before suddenly just as he shouted, his head exploded into a dispersion of organic matter and gore.


    ------------------------------------


    "Hit!" Clay declared as he looked over his binoculars. He turned to a smug Obediah who with his rifle ''Leah'' found its mark on the most threatening tango closest to Aliathra.


    He was overlooking the patrol of Slaegian soldiers that Stryder Group over looked. That was until they saw a figure rise from a muddy puddle and tried to slip away until the figure accidentally stepped on a twig of wood. He knew the figure was Aliathra thanks to their K9 Unit barking positively at that person.


    "Open fire!" Samantha ordered her men.


    Synchronizing their shots, Stryder Group picked their targets and shot them down with their guns.


    "Visual confirmed on Aliathra." Samantha radioed to command.


    "Good, do everything in your power to bring her in Alive. She is a priority." Polonsky said through the radio.


    "Colonel, if I may ask. How will she cooperate with us? She wasn''t so very, fond of us and going to Kesserheim last time I saw her. What makes you think she will heal those poisoned?" Samantha questioned.


    "I have ways. But it won''t work if those Insurgents get to her first. Get to her ASAP." Polonsky ordered.


    The squad dashed passed the Slaegians corpses as their K9 Drone companion lead the way.


    As they pursued, Diaz felt a force of wind gush pass his face. A soft ''thwack'' noise alarmed his ears as his eyes widened on an Arrow''s shaft that was mere inches away from hitting him on the head but instead landed on a tree. His brush with mortality made him nearly slip down as he scrambled for cover.


    "She''s shooting at us!" Diaz yelled to his squad.


    "The better! She''s just slowing herself down." Crocker said.


    "Everyone takes cover but keep moving swiftly. We can''t let her get away!" Samantha rallied.


    Moving through the trees with a sense of caution but a redoubled urgency. Stryder group weaved their way closer to the Elf who was only slowing herself down every time she took fire.


    Her aim was impressive albeit in her weakened state not good enough to be able to hit her intended marks of cutting down her pursuers as the ill-aimed arrows landed with close calls from a few inches off of her squad mates, Crocker''s Exosuit Breastplate deflecting the arrow and even Obediah''s Sniper Rifle ''Leah'' (who didn''t take his ''2nd Wife'' getting scratched that well when he saw a dent on the hull of his rifle''s receiver). As Samantha can observe, for each shot that fired became more desperate. Like a prey being pursued via Persistence Hunting tactics, Aliathra was slowly losing the distance between them until she was finally cornered by Stryder group.


    "There you are! We were looking for you but then you started to shoot at us. We need to---" Samantha greeted before she was interrupted by the Elf.


    "What did you do to me?!?! You¡­ You¡­ turned me!" Aliathra shouted. She tried to reach into her quivers but soon found out to her horror that she was out of arrows.


    The elf grabbed her bow by the limbs and held them with her two hands like a sword in a desperate bid to fight off her so-thought kidnappers.


    "Did to you? We didn''t do any---" Samantha tried to reason with her but was interrupted again.


    "You''re lying! I know what you did to me! I felt your corruption seep through my heart. Hardening it¡­ now I am just like¡­ like¡­ him!" Aliathra yelled as she pointed an accusing finger at Diaz.


    "Oh shit, she knows, doesn''t she?" Diaz muttered.


    Now realizing what was Aliathra talking about, Samantha internally cursed herself. Getting her to cooperate is now officially the easier part of the mission. Now it is getting her to the Super Osprey that is going to be the challenge. The Heart, the Artificial Hear that they had used to save her life from that freak Magical-Magnetic accident in her selfless effort to save a child from the roguish Corpos trying to kidnap her and Iris. She had to personally rush in the Elf to Saint Lukes whilst the surgeons there attended to her. According to their words, Aliathra''s heart looked like ''a well-done steak'' which was just a gallows humor way of saying that her natural heart was beyond repair of any thing organic. Artificial in the other hand was readily available. Governor White had to pull some favors quickly in the background to secure a cybernetic heart for Aliathra in fear of any socio-political consequences of a missing Elf who last traveled to the ''Sky People''s'' city.


    "You dare¡­ you¡­ DARE corrupt a priestess of Neneth?!?!" Aliathra shouted in hysterics.


    Samantha knew she was losing her; she needs her to get back to New Albany alive or Governor White and Prince Clovich is dead. In her people to people experience and learned knowledges from her College education, Irrational People are often at that state to begin with by trying to, very desperately in their case fulfill a need.


    "What do you want? We can help you." Samantha asked. She took a couple of steps forward, sheathing her rifle and holding her hands up to show she meant no harm to her.


    "Don''t come any closer!" Aliathra raised her bow and shifted her aim at the Lieutenant. "I¡­I¡­ want my heart back. I¡­ I can''t have this¡­ this¡­ THING inside me!" Aliathra pointed to her chest and beated it hard with her right hand before resuming her threatening aim at Samantha''s direction.


    The Lieutenant would expect no less from your typical Fantasy RPG Ranger of Aliathra''s apparent expertise sides her excellencies as a Cleric. She could be instantly taken a fatal shot to the head or her thighs could get punctured by Aliathra''s bow if she made the Elf snap.


    "I cannot do that I am afraid. Your heart was fried, burnt to a crisp back in Kesserheim. There was no point saving it. We had to give you an Artificial Heart so that you can live." Samantha tries to reason.


    "To Live? How can I live when my heart is now of stone? Made not by the charitable hands of a caring Mother Goddess but by what? Some honey-mouthed rogue who mocks the very Gifts of Life and put a price on it for selfish gain? NEVER!" Aliathra defied.


    "It''s no use, she''s gone mad." Obediah whispered in the background.


    "Blame the Comet Prophecies made by those pompous cocks at the college." Iris mentions.


    "You seem to hate them. What did they ever do to you?" Kayin asked.


    "I rather not talk about it but I can say Devicco weren''t the first people to try and burn my house down." Iris shot down.


    Paying no heed to hear squadmate''s ramblings, Lieutenant Rose continues to press forward with her reasoning skills. But even then, she starting to feel doubt that this scenario will end badly.


    "Miss Aliathra, please listen to me. We gave you that heart for FREE. No pay, no deals, Governor White even personally paid for the heart transplant from his own pocket¡­ I mean¡­ purse¡­ yeah¡­ to save you." Samantha reasoned.


    "¡­to SAVE me for Corruption! You are here to claim me! But no, you will not take me so easily. I will take as many of you with me. Back to the Seven Hells from whence you came just like your Demon Lord White, by now he should be vanquished from the hands of the Empire''s greatest assassins in Ysanigrad we have sent to Tyr Rian. Whence he is banished, you will scatter like dust in the wind!" Aliathra boasted. Her very flowing and well-groomed hair was now loosening up to a jumbled mess of stray hair falling across her face in a complementary display of her psychotic state.


    "Wait, hang the fuck a minute¡­ ''Vanquished'' and ''sending assassins to Tyr Rian''. Don''t tell me that¡­" Crocker''s clenched his fist angered at the realization of Aliathra''s confession.


    "I was the one who found out your Demon Lord''s identity for the Grey Order to kill so your otherworldly invasion will be stopped and with you banished from Gliesia! It seems that by risking myself being corrupted when I came to New Albany and casted off to the void in Kesserheim I found your weakness. There is nothing you can do to stop us from banishing you back to Hell where you demons belong!" Aliathra taunted.


    Crocker''s boiling hot pot of anger from the native''s blatant terrorist attack had the contrasting ingredient of amusement, the type of amusement one would feel when seeing something like a Monkey learning how to finger paint for the first time or when one see''s a crazed homeless man in the street preach some insane ramblings to the silent scorn of passersby. He couldn''t really figure out what he should be feeling.


    Checking on to his fellow squad mates, he could see Diaz puffing up his cheeks in a bid to hold his laughter whilst in contrast Kayin''s face was of capriciousness in the likes of a university professor shutting down a student''s poor choices of logic. Clay, Obediah and Iris at the other hand had there faces frozen in a limbo of not knowing what or how to react to that information. But the common denominator that the squad all shared is just the ridicule how dramatically wrong Aliathra''s conclusions were.


    For Iris, it was Ironic for her that a ''creature of darkness'' would be more enlightened than an ''enlightened one'' like Aliathra. Iris knew from her entire time in service to the UFE that they were nothing but Living Saints to her and the people of Tyr Rian. Providing them multitudes of new things, ideas and concepts that made even the lowliest pesant to the highest of Nobles stand up together.


    What did the Elves and the Empire had brought? Levies, Wars, Death and Taxes. They don''t care about there subjects, but the UFE do.


    "Of all we have been through Alianthra, you still see us these ''Demons'' even after we showed you our world. Tell me, what ''Demonic'' thing that we have done to make us like them?" Samantha asked her.


    "You fight without honor! Your presence alone unease the Winds, you terrify all those who stand against you! You even dare bring Golems like Vin-sent over there! Look at him, head to toe in metal with no signs of life yet he calls himself ''Alive''. How very funny and witty¡­ for a Clear Demon to boast to a devotee of Neneth." Aliathra pointed.


    "Oh yeah, right a Demon¡­ me¡­ of course I am." Diaz scoffed it off before stepping forward.


    "Get back in line soldier, let me handle this." Samantha said.


    "You can''t talk for shit with some cray-cray Lieutenant. I am no stranger to Mexican Standoffs, let me handle her." Diaz reassured her.


    "I can just end it all right here and there¡­ I can paralyze her with one of my spells." Iris whispered.


    "No, you won''t she might hurt you with her Holy Magics or whatever she got." Kayin interrupted her out of concern.


    "Oh, your can be such a Knight in Shining armor to me Kayin but I can handle this one." Iris stopped him before she prepared a magical spell on her hands.


    Overhearing the dialogue with her sensitive ears, Aliathra drew her bow further, ready to pierce all or at least most of the demons with her. She was ready to die fighting for she had nowhere else to go but north to the more primal regions of Ysanigrad.


    "Sacaje-Snow White, if this Elf didn''t learn jack shit from what kind of shit you gotta see in Kesserheim then I pray to God Almighty you did. Let.Me.Handle.This. Her spells will hurt you but not us." Diaz emphasized as he stepped forward from Samantha''s back as he positioned himself between Samantha and Aliathra''s tense drawing stance.


    "You want to fight a ''Demon'' Elfy-Baby? Well here I am! Fully casted ''Metal Demon'' for your eyes only." Diaz opened his arms wide boisterously.


    "Is this some sort of trick?" Aliathra gnashed her teeth at Diaz''s display.


    "Trick? More like a Deal¡­ us Demons like making them amirite?" Diaz proposed with the fakest smile he could muster.


    "What kind?" Aliathra, with not much options but death or dishonor listened in when someone like her, a Cleric devoted to Neneth and a Princess of the virtuous Lareththor family would normally shoot down a Contract with a demon with much disgust.


    "A Duel, me and you. One-on-One, nobody else. You win by smiting me back to the 7 Hells and my friends will follow me and you can go free. LOSE in the other hand, and you will become my¡­ ehm¡­ Soul-Bounded¡­ uh¡­ Slave¡­ uh¡­ peon thrall thing¡­ Girl Toy? Maybe, I got a thing for Blondes any ways." Diaz challenged.


    "Ha! I accept!" Aliathra nodded. "Aea Galad Maxima!" the Elf conjured her Arrows into a brilliant light breeming with Holy Energies that made Iris who was in the back, sweating in fear. It was an Anathema to a Vampire like her. But she still held on to the reassurance of the UFE that they do not fear the Magic that people like her and Aliathra can call forth.


    "Begone!" Aliathra roared as she fired the Holy Arrow at Diaz.


    His demeanor focused, Diaz activated his Rapid Movement boosters and caught the arrow in mid air from five meters away. It was an impressive display of Aparo Corporation''s technological prowess in engineering.


    The magical arrow crumbled as Diaz clenched the caught shaft as it faded to dust from his hands.


    "Was that best you can do?" Diaz smugly smiled. He made it visibly clear to the Elf that he was in no way shape or form that he was being physically harmed by the magically enhanced arrow.


    "Oh I can do much more." Aliathra answered. She sheathed her bow and raised her hands up to the sky and rallied her faith in the Gods.


    "Smite Undead!" she cried.


    A beam of light descended from the dark sky that was slowly beginning to make rainfall as the light shone on Diaz illuminating him in a blinding light.


    The rest of Stryder Gasps as the covered their eyes.


    When the light faded away, Diaz still remained standing, but now his legs were loosened with his left leg forward in a tip toe whilst his right foot was bended over. Then the most ridiculous moment happened, Diaz began to thrust his hips and dance. Playfully kicking and turning around whilst seductively thrusting his hip to the beat. It kind of reminded Samantha of the famous pop star Michael Jackson. Albeit, Vincent, despite his physical augmentations to his legs does a rather crude moon walk in comparison to the old music videos she had seen of the proclaimed ''King of Pop''.


    "She was more like a Galadriel, the Elven queen, from that Lord of the Rings movie scene. ~~~" Diaz began to sing in a mocking tone directed at Aliathra.


    It got to say the least upon everyone else in that forest beyond any reasonable thought of the realms of confusion.


    "She said her name was Aliathra and she reminds me of Billy Jean, cuz she always cause a scene. And I say ''I am the one''.~~~" Diaz continued to sing.


    "What are you doing? What the Hell are you doing?" Samantha asked, her pulse rising at Diaz''s cavalier action.


    "The art of confusion my dear." Diaz smiled back before turning back to the Elf. "We now dance on this floor this round; cuz this Elf doesn''t know what''s coming abound. ~~~" he sang and dance to the steps of Billie Jean.


    Retaining her focus, Aliathra decided to conjure another spell.


    "I Exorcize you!" Aliathra said as a rune of light erupted from Diaz''s feet as he continued to dance and sing without feeling any sort of discomfort or concern.


    "And my fellow ''Demons'' always reminded me what to do, be ready to steal ungrateful girls hearts.~~~" Diaz mocked Aliathra''s predicament yet again.


    The Elf, now tearing up at his breaking words was now at the brink of a total Mana Exhaustion as her magical energies were being vented out by her Holy Spells which were some of the most consuming spells one can cast from the Restoration School.


    But she had one card left on her hand, a spell she saves for the most desperate of measures.


    "Face my greatest Spell! Radiant Drain!" Aliathra gathered her last of her reserves and casted at Diaz.


    Diaz felt a gripping force grab him but it felt like seamless smoke to him as he spun around to Aliathra.


    Despair filled the Elf as she pulled out her Knife in a last-ditch attempt to defend herself.


    "Stand back¡­ I¡­ will kill you with my bare hands!" Aliathra cried. Tears fell from her eyes.


    But Diaz was too quick on his Rapid Movement Boosters, he dashed towards Aliathra whilst still in his absent world of music and quickly disarmed her but not before cradling her forward like a lover in the end of a long tango.


    "Aliathra, known as Billie Jean knows I am the one and oh I won!" Diaz mockingly declared his victory.


    Defeated, Exhausted and Mentally broken beyond belief and sanity, Aliathra loosened her muscles.


    "Do it quickly¡­ have all of your dozens of fellow Demons have their way with me now¡­" Aliathra yielded.


    "Dozens of us? But it''s just the seven of us¡­" Diaz broke out of his playful tune to be caught in himself a moment of confusion.


    "There you are Demon Scum!" a feminine voice erupted from the forest as dozens of Slaegian militia men-at-arms and Elven Sefydliad agents surrounded Stryder group.


    "Hand over the girl and¡­by the Gods! The Demons are in league with the Vampires too!" a woman with brunette hair pointed her magical staff at them.


    "That''s not happening." Samantha answered.


    "Iris, what are those people over there? Look like elves to me but they look special." Clay pointed.


    "They are the Ethuilen Sefydliad. A group of spies, agents and mages who perform subterfuge in the name of King Aslanidor Lareththor of the Ethuilen Elves. They must be here for us I am sure. They always have their knife ears everywhere." Iris explained.


    From what feint energy she had left, Aliathra saw to her horror and relief that her old friend Lyndis was standing strongly and proudly before her right now. If circumstances were different, she would have retreated on her back but then she remembered why Lyndis was there. For her head.


    "Hand over the Elf, that disgusting creature over there and surrender yourselves by the name of both the Slaegian Empire and the Ethuieln Entente!" Lyndis demanded.


    "Oh that''s not very nice¡­ It''s just an Australian." Diaz comedically tried to remove the tension but to no avail as the Sefydliad agents aimed their weapons at Stryder.


    "Fine¡­ I give up¡­" Diaz raised his hands in surrender. "Suckers!" Diaz quickdraw Ruiner from his pockets and snapshot a Slaegian Militia man.


    "Weapons Hot!" Samantha ordered.


    Stryder Group drew their weapons and fired back at the interlopers as they fumbled for cover in the Cambervale Forest.


    "Protect the Asset at all costs!" Crocker yelled.


    "I got 4 Tangoes on our 3-o clock! Can''t get a shot." Clay yelled.


    "Got it! Got it! Firing." Obediah acknowledged.


    Samantha doved down to the floor as she crawled frantically to a tree stump as arrows, bolts and magical missiles whizzed pass her.


    "Command this is Stryder Group. We got the package but we are currently engaged by Natives who are trying to retrieve the package for themselves." Samantha radioed in.


    "Affirmative Lieutenant, get your team to extraction now." Colonel Polonsky ordered.


    "You got to make it quick. The Storm is going to make it impossible to fly around safely at this weather and I am about to reach Bingo Fuel. You got 3 Minutes to get to the extraction point. Relaying it to you know." Captain Kaprelian radioed in.


    Samantha checked her squad who were now all looking towards her for orders. Their eyes stared at her soul, now counting on her to get them out of this hairy situation. Diaz was safely tucking away Aliathra behind a tree whilst the rest of her squad were pinned down or laying their head low on what meager grass that could cover their heads.


    "Throw Smoke and Suppressing Fire!" Samantha ordered.


    "Get ready to run Iris." Kayin told the Vampire witch as he pulled out a Smoke Grenade and unpinned the canister before throwing it at the direction where there was the most amount of opposition firing away at them.


    "Suppressing!" Crocker roared as he unleashed a hailstorm of bullets from his Machine Gun.


    "Go!" Clay yelled as Stryder Group emerged from cover and bailed out of there.


    Lyndis meanwhile was undeterred by the strange magics of the Otherworlders. Despite seeing firsthand her men being cut down by the Demon''s weapons, her resolve remained intact. Stoically, she ordered everyone to give chase. The smoke grenade that erupted in front of her did well in slowing them down as even she stumbled once on the confusing air that the Otherworlders casted upon her.


    Stryder Group ran through the forest to the edge where a clearing large enough for Captain Kaprelian''s Super Osprey can extract them. Firing back further impede their pursuers.


    Angered that failure, a number one concept that a Sefydliad is not known for, Lyndis readied ordered her mages to impede their prey back using the forrest terrain to their advantage.


    "Cast Thunderwave on the Trees! Don''t let them escape." Lyndis ordered.


    The mages refocused their staffs and aimed at the trees closest to Stryder Group and fired away a thunderous force that disrupted the physical equilibrium of the material world so greatly that the trees began to detach themselves like a head decapitated from an axes blade, falling down chaotically at the Squad. They know that if they don''t stop them now, that giant Iron Dragon in the sky will fly them out of there beyond there reach.


    One such tree the mages shot down in particular and of a very thick build, fell upon Diaz who was dragging Aliathra by the arm¡­


    "No! Shit!" Diaz cried as the Tree fell on Aliathra pinning her legs and crashing the Elf to the ground.


    "Ahhh!!!" Aliathra screamed as her legs were crushed by the heavy weight of the fallen Tree Trunk.


    Diaz tried to lift up the tree but he wasn''t strong enough alone to free the Elf as she desperately tried to claw her way free.


    "Guys! HELP!" Diaz yelled.


    The rest of Stryder group turned around, a few dozen meters away from the sanctuary of Kaprelian''s Super Osprey Ramp to run back to their comrade and the Priority Asset.


    Crocker and Kayin helped Diaz lift up the log whilst Clay reached out to Aliathra''s arms readying to pull her up.


    Meanwhile, Samantha, Obediah and Iris cover held their ground against the approaching tide of antagonistic natives, with Samantha being able to land a rifle bullet, in her perspective, a clear head shot to the brunette-haired leader of the Sefydliad at her right eye. She saw her hit the floor clutching her wound and with some reassurance that that Elven Spy agent of whatever stays that way.


    "She''s out! Let''s go." Crocker tapped Samantha on the shoulder.


    Clay was now carrying the wounded Elf who on accounts to Diaz and Crocker, were observed that her legs were absolutely crushed with some bones sticking out and torn muscle dangling aimlessly in the wind. She needed first aid quick.


    "Hurry! I need go now." Kaprelian radioed in.


    Stryder painstakingly in all of their present roster plus their K9 Companion who assisted them in that mission boarded the Super Osprey just as it was about to take off.


    One of the Slaegian Militia soldiers tried to grab on the ramp as it closes but his fingers were crushed and severed by the hydraulic presses of the ramp as he fell 50 feet to his death leaving their Pursuers left into the dust and now brewed up storm that on schedule barrage them with rain and gale winds.


    "Extraction successful." ISAC spoke through the K9 Drones speaker.


    "It¡­ that¡­ dog¡­can ta---" Aliathra eyes stared at the robot dot before she began to shook violently as her body was laid to the medical stretcher that the Super Osprey had in case of injury.


    "Subject is going into shock. First Aid must be applied immediately." The Dog turned to the Elf.


    "Damnit we are losing her! Get me disinfectant, splints and a bandage now!" Crocker roared.


    One of the Door Gunners of Kaprelian''s Super Osprey nodded and ran towards the first aid kit and grabbed what Crocker ordered before quickly running back with them.


    Crocker frantically applied the medical items on Aliathra''s legs whilst Samantha, with her flashlight checked her eyes out to make sure she was staying conscious.


    "Hey, don''t go out on us. We can fix you." Samantha reassured the Elf as Aliathra began to fade out from blood loss.


    "Damage Report: Subjects injuries are too extreme to be treated with casting bandages. Unidentified substance detected in the subject''s wounds. Calculating Antibiotic success rate, 1.0047 percent." The K9 announced in ISAC''s voice.


    "What do we do? What do we do? What do we do?" Crocker demanded the K9 for something that could give the Elf a chance for survival.


    "Highest chance of Subject''s Recovery. Amputation." ISAC said coldly.


    "No way¡­" Obediah said.


    "Haven''t she suffered enough under those knives of yours?" Iris objected.


    "We have no choice¡­ Obediah, get your knife out. Crocker, hold her legs still." Samantha ordered.


    "God forgive me¡­ God forgive us all¡­" Obediah pulled his knife out. Large Bowie knife that he uses to skin animals that he hunts but never had it tasted the blood and flesh of a human¡­ or humanoid in the case of Aliathra, being.


    He rested the sharp edge of the knife Aliathra''s right leg readying himself for the painful scene as Samantha placed the splint of wood on the Elf''s mouth as sedatives were handed out to her and Crocker in order to save the Elf''s life.


    "Here goes¡­" Obediah reluctantly said as he began to saw through the marred legs of the only Hope for Peace between the UFE and Gliesia.


    ---------------------------------


    Aliathra violently rose from the bed she laid on only to be yanked down by a bindings that pinned her hands on the bed''s edge.


    She tried to writhe her way out but to her horror she felt an airy sensation on her legs or the sensation of nothingness. She tried to bend her knees'' but her body didn''t respond appropriately to the command.


    "You filthy demons? Is this your idea of torture? Tying me down on this bed?" Aliathra screamed.


    Her room was white and unremarkable save for a door with a small window that had light shone past it.


    "The truth is between you and me, I am no fan of Torture. Never was and I didn''t even have a say in having you like this." A voice answered.


    "Show yourself!" the Elf demanded.


    The door creaked open as a lone figure walked out of it. It was the familiar soft motherly or in some accounts big sisterly and kind face of Dr. Lee Haneul.


    "Hello again Aliathra." The Doctor said.


    "No¡­ your just in some sort of disguise¡­ you can''t be real¡­ nothing is real¡­ I can''t be real¡­" Aliathra teared up.


    Her mental defenses of rationality were all demolished. The humiliation from Diaz, the ostracization from her fellow Elves and allies and the fact that Lyndis will most likely inform her family that she has been devoured by the 7 Hells and her image has been made form by one of the demons who now walks the northern parts of the Cambervale Valley.


    "No, its me again. I wish I can come here and give you a pat to the head but the Major told me you are dangerous." The Korean-descended woman explained.


    "I am no longer¡­ a danger anymore¡­ my Mana¡­ all run out and now you took my soul here¡­ in the Seven Hells¡­ I¡­ I was expecting screaming¡­ a symphony¡­ of agony¡­ but¡­ there''s only silence¡­" Aliathra said.


    "Oh dear, oh my, your poor girl¡­" the Doctor couldn''t help her mandated restraint anymore.


    Against her orders not to physically handle the Elf she walked up to her at her bed and gently caress her messy blonde hair. The Doctor''s strokes held a fostering sensation to Aliathra that relieved her stress and tension.


    "Doctor, I told you are NOT to physically interact with the prisoner." A booming voice echoed.


    Out of the open, it was none other than Major Elias Holyfield walking inside the room, he was in a standard military under shirt and pants as he begrudgingly folded his arms together at the unplanned scene before him.


    After Stryder Group brought back to base a Legless Aliathra, the Major had a fitful of disciplinarian shouts at the squad before he was calmed down by the collected reasonings of Colonel Polonsky. After a quick bite from Iris'' special ''Blood Memory'' trick and was given the full context of the Elf''s complete and uncensored background he and Dr. Lee Haneul devised a carefully well thought off plan to secure her loyalty but thanks to the Good Doctor''s religious dogmatism to the Hippocratic Oath, the plan went off the rails. And he was so looking forward showing the Elf the Zeus Missiles intimidating powers.


    "Major, please this requires a soft handed approach. Besides, we are dealing with Royalty afterall." Haneul told him back.


    "You¡­ know¡­ I¡­" Aliathra began to panic as she tried to shake her hips out to free her from her restraints.


    The Lareththor bloodline was a carefully plotted out eugenics'' bloodline between some of the greatest minds and most potent of Magical Users the world had ever seen, political marriages between the family were all screened for any impurities and anomalies of family lines to create the best possible offspring for every generation. If the Demons have her, they could exploit her God given bloodline for their own nefarious ends.


    "No! Don''t¡­ turn me¡­ into¡­ one of you!" Aliathra screamed.


    "Now look at what you done Major. Calm down please Miss Lareththor we are only here to----" the doctor attempted to restrain her but the elf shook violently.


    "You corrupted me¡­ through my heart. I AM TURNING INTO A DEMON NOW!" she cried.


    "So¡­ you''re a Demon now huh Miss Lareththor? So that means your evil? Well then¡­" Holyfield now thought out of a new improvised plan.


    He went to the bed and untied the bindings on the Elf''s arms. Immediately after her restraints were removed, Aliathra attempts to claw the Major but he swiftly backs away before he could scratch her. In desperate anger for the very battle of her soul, she climbs out of the bed ready to fight him with her bear fist and not give the dark-skinned man the satisfaction of a helpless cattle for the Demon to have his way with. But as her body left the boundaries of the bed, she fell down carelessly to the cold white floor.


    "Why¡­ can''t I stand uuu---" Aliathra questioned only to turn around her body to see that in her horror that here legs were absent with only the traces of bloodied bandages that filled the void of where her legs were supposed to be.


    "What did you¡­ do to me?!?!" Aliathra crawled towards the Major but due to her disabled state, Holyfield can just out pace the elf by walking alone.


    Seeing that giving chase to the man was futile, the Elf lay her face on the floor and placed her hands on her eyes as she began to sob.


    Holyfield now got the Elf where he wanted her. Broken and now looking for a ray of hope, a way out, just looking for some way to not end up like this forever (plus taking into account the Elves'' exorbitant life spans). But as he approached the Elf, he noticed the pale and worrisome face of Dr. Lee Haneul who stared at the Major with her almond eyes. They hang between the thread of hope of a humane ending and the despondent possibility of a cruel conclusion to this ordeal. They know that this elf is there only hope for a chance of Peace¡­ and it now fell to him how the peace it was achieved.


    In his entire long career, the Major was infamous for his cruelty, his callousness in the face of repression and hardened heart but to see the results of his display of intimidation first hand in a whole different angle of an Alien being who shared no political, economic or social links to the myriad strifes the UFE juggle (and consequently he also too) everyday made him stop.


    He recalled his colleague in this assignment, Colonel Polonsky, imploring him that he has to learn when to deviate from his usual methods for the sake of the integrity of the Colony''s survival which was his mandate through and through and he swore to honor to the death.


    "Polonsky¡­ you are right on this one¡­" Holyfield murmured as a CCTV camera which so happens to be observing the room connected to Colonel Polonsky''s command terminal was having a live view of the event being transpired at that moment.


    Elias picked up his Tablet and saw a video of a demonstration of the Zeus Missiles he was planning to threaten use on Aliathra''s nation of Alfel Nora if she doesn''t comply. He pressed the trashcan icon next to the video deleting off the face of the Tablets data storage. Instead, he switched to another video instead, one he keeps for sentimental purposes. He played it and sat down on the floor showing the video near Aliathra''s cradled and tangled head.


    "Surprise!" the voice of a Holyfield roared causing the Elf to recoil at the sudden spike of volume that erupted on her ears.


    She saw the video and noticed that there were people moving on it. All were screaming as their eyes fixated on the strange vision that she was presented. She shuddered as the elf heard the people scream but as she was about to cower again with her still attached arms another voice echoed from the ''Magic Mirror''.


    "Oh baby, I missed you so much!" a rather hoarse feminine voice said.


    That sentence confused the Elf, people screaming shouldn''t be saying ''I miss you''. She turned her eyes back into the screen of the ''Magic Mirror'' and saw that arms were erupted upon the edges of the screen as it began to warmly embrace the various dark-skinned figures who were all gathered up in what she can describe as a very warmth filled hearth.


    "You are back! I can''t believe you are here Honey." A tall and curvy woman with dreadlocks approached the screen and was embraced by the arms near the edges of the screen.


    "What is with the Go Pro cousin?" another man of an obese build and similar skin tone approached the man.


    "I''m a keep all of this when I get back to work. I pulled a lot of favors just so I can see you guys for Christmas today¡­ and only today." Holyfield''s voice said.


    Aliathra concluded that the man recording this¡­ ''Memory'' was Holyfield himself who she saw was softly smiling at the memories being displayed before them.


    "You are only here for one day dad?" a small boy in the video approached Holyfield.


    "Just for my Family¡­ all of you." Holyfield said.


    "So¡­ Aliathra of House Lareththor. You have family, right? A brother, an older sister and your parents?" Holyfield turned to her.


    "Yes¡­I¡­ would do everything to¡­ be with them again¡­ I feel¡­ so alone¡­ What¡­ Sin¡­ did I do¡­ to deserve¡­ this? My heart, my legs, my¡­ Mind?" Aliathra asked.


    "Nothing my dear¡­ you didn''t do anything wrong¡­ or at least not in the worst of senses¡­" Dr. Lee Haneul said.


    "What happened? Do¡­ you¡­ have to power to turn me back? Purify my soul?" Aliathra begged, a ray of hope sparked within her.


    "This choice is up to you Miss Aliathra. I will ask you first a question. Were you involved in anyway to the attack in Tyr Rian? The one using the poison?" Holyfield asked.


    "The Demon Bane flower? Yes¡­ I was told there were casualties¡­ I¡­ you¡­ want me to cure it?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yes. You see several of the people afflicted with the poison are deeply involved in a peace and friendship agreement. We only want to be left in peace and live together with you Gliesians at no cost to anything unless you want it to be. Land for Gold? Land for Technology? Land for Security? We the United Federation of Earth can do so many things for you. All you have to say is¡­"


    "Yes¡­ just... please¡­ make me whole again! I want peace¡­ it is all we Elves ever really want!" Aliathra gave in.


    "That''s what I like to hear¡­ Doctor? Proceed with the surgery." The Major turned to Haneul.


    "Surgery? Am I¡­ going to be getting my heart back?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh no, I just want you to be up on your feet by the time you leave this room. You have a lot of work ahead of you if you want to ''purify your soul''." Holyfield stood up as he brushed off his clothes as he made a gesture to leave.


    "But I have no legs." Aliathra stated the obvious.


    "Exactly. Here." Holyfield said as a team of doctors rushed inside the room carrying a tool kit filled with surgery items and machinery.


    "You will get a new pair of legs my dear. We were quite lucky to get these prosthetic legs of your exact skin color¡­ although¡­ your feet won''t be EXACTLY the same anymore." Dr. Lee Haneul presented Aliathra''s new pair of legs as the Elf Princess was carried gently back to her now being hastily sterilized bed in preparation for her surgery.


    They were indeed the same exact skin color of her porcelain white skin but what betrayed its artificial nature was the ''foot''. It was made by obsidian metal that was curved with a hook and split on the end like a lizard''s tongue.


    "Made from a Diamond and Titanium alloy. The good news at least for you is that you don''t have to worry about remembering to clip your toenails or have crazy boys ask for your feet pics online¡­ yeesh." Dr. Lee Haneul explained.


    "Will I be¡­ okay¡­ with being with you¡­ ''Demon People''?" Aliathra asked the doctor. Her childlike instincts retreated to the Doctor for shelter.


    "No, we are not De---, Yes¡­ you will be safe with us. Now¡­ inhale and sleep¡­ this will take awhile to get these legs of your attached." the kind doctor reassured as she placed a transparent mask over the Elf''s nose and mouth.


    The anesthesia was administered as the drugs entered into the Elf''s body.

 25 Chapter 25: Operation Bakumatsu part 1

    Under direct supervision by an escort of UFE Marines and Doctor Lee Haneul, Aliathra worked tirelessly to remedy the poison that was afflicted by the dozens of people who were ailing by the Demon''s Bane flower. She didn''t say a word for the entirety of her time in the medical ward despite many of the people who were no suddenly relieved off of their sickness felt their strength return to them.


    The curing process as they could describe was that the Elf would conjure a magical green bubble on her hands and holding the bubble close to the patient where the patient will involuntarily start to feel the motion to retch out. The disgusting refuse would be magnetically collected by the bubble before one of the escorting soldiers accompanying Aliathra would properly dispose it at an ''Infectious Waste'' labeled waste bin. Rinse and repeat. The Demonsbane was ungracefully purged out of the bodies of the afflicted one by one. Each patient took about 5 Minutes to be properly cured off of the poison.


    The Good Doctor couldn''t tell if Aliathra was still undergoing some post traumatic silence from her previous ordeals. She read the report and she couldn''t help but want to just give the poor girl a hug. It was a shame in her eyes to see such a beautiful woman, blonde waving hair and blue eyes catatonically save the afflicted people from the Poison Attack without so much as a word from her. She was like a robot as if the Metallic Heart and her new Ski Legged like prosthetic legs that she is having some trouble standing upright without the sign of wobbling, but then again for the latter, it was normal for first timers.


    Among the recently cured were the first two individuals who were rescued from their brush of mortality, Governor Jeremy White and Prince Clovich Tyr Rian being attended by their own retinue of bodyguards.


    "I never seen a Priestess of Nenya before, and I never knew they were so beautiful." Prince Clovich commented as Aliathra made her rounds on the hospital beds.


    "I don''t know, she isn''t very¡­ friendly looking. I mean she isn''t even blinking." White gave his piece on the Elf''s uncanny demeanor.


    "Elves, if what I was tutored is correct, are either working with close relations with Emperor Uldin as diplomats or as Grey Order members. They are very proud of themselves." Clovich explained.


    "Let me guess, there rich, lots of magic and are really old when they all look pretty young?" the Governor answered with a question.


    The Governor let out an amused smile. It was like the smile a farmer made when his labor bore fruit.


    "This reminded me you know Prince, of a story. This happened a long time ago. There was a Kingdom that used to be isolated from the world but then another nation who was hungering for fame, power and hegemony sailed his ''Black Ship'' to the isolated nation''s harbor. The King of that isolated nation was scared and he tried to fire his arrow at the ''Black Ship'' but it only angered the pride of the Black Ship''s home country. He returned with several more of these Black Ships and demanded that if he doesn''t apologize and open his doors to Black Ships nation, the Black Ships would enact revenge for its slighted ego. The King of that isolated nation, despite protests from his attendants chose ''Dishonor'' over death for he had not the power to defy their will." White began to tell the story.


    "This happened to you? Your world?" Clovich leaned to his right to hear Jeremy''s words closely and clearer.


    "Happened in a place in my world. Japan is the name of the ''Isolated Kingdom'' and ''the Nation'' that opened her doors to the world was called the United States Americans. At the time, the Americans as we, for I am a descendant of, were finding their place in the sun, we were prideful and a strong people. The story goes when the Americans came to Japan, they showed the King of Japan about the outside world. We taught them the ideas of Great Smiths who have the skill of 1000 Blacksmiths working tireless day and night. Great Machines that ran faster than the fastest of horses and finally a realm of possibilities that wetted the King and his nations appetite for more. The King, who we call him ''Meiji'' went to work sending out his best servants to all the four corners of my home world to learn more of these strange new powers and how to harness them for themselves. And if there''s one thing I know about Kings is that they always seek more." Jeremy continued the story.


    He knew he was editing some of the more finer historic details of Japan''s Meiji Restoration period since he drew mentally in his head parallels between the historical Japanese Emperor who modernized his archipelago country into one of the most advanced nations on earth within a fraction of the time it would take for everyone else in the world to develop into such an extent.


    "This King Meiji¡­ he did it so he can be at equal with his peers. He must be very wise ruler to accomplish what you said¡­ and I¡­" Clovich began to lower his once rather authoritative voice to a more modest toned pitch. "You humble me Governor, you may not be of Noble Blood nor you have the luxury of thousands of years of wisdom but you speak like you have both. This King Meiji, I want to achieve what he did. I¡­I¡­ wish to build up Tyr Rian like how Meiji had built his." Clovich admitted.


    "Are you telling me you want us to be able to help uplift you?" White asked.


    "Uplift?" Clovich twitched his eyebrow.


    "As in teach you how we build our buildings, power our machines and all the things that you see here that makes it all possible to be able to see what you see all here, in New Albany." White explained.


    The Gliesian Prince nodded yes, affirming the Governor''s assumptions.


    Yet behind White''s faked surprise face there was a fulfilled ulterior accomplishment that rang sweetly inside him. Peace was still indeed possible despite what had transpired earlier¡­ But then the Governor remembered what had transpired earlier¡­


    "But, aren''t you a Vassal? For the Slaegians? I don''t think they would let this go that you suddenly gaining so much of our power that¡­ your Master might feel¡­ threatened to say the least¡­" the Governor tried to temper the Prince''s eagerness with some grounded real politick.


    "My Cousins might say otherwise. You see, after sometime that Tyr Rian was subjugated by the Slaegians, my ancestor, Aragon sealed the conquest of the entire land I rule now by marrying a Tribal Princess from the conquered people. Aragon came from a very sunny region in the Empire called Souviel. It is a Duchy ruled by a man who shares my blood by the name of Thibault the Eighth. His entire Duchy is one of the Empires largest wheat fields in their entire nation. He had told me through letters that there were times and places where Droughts would happen or Pirate attacks as reported by the sailors from Souviel''s ports." Clovich informed.


    "Something we can help with?" White asked.


    "My Cousin wrote to me that he was getting Pirate Attacks, Famines and Monster raids lately to name a few."


    "How close are you to your cousin?"


    "Well last time I saw my Cousin in person was when he was attending Aria''s birthday a year ago and he gifted her a dress from one of the finest tailors from Souviel. There was also this one time he asked me to send some food stocks over to him due to a drought and this other time he wanted to rent out this group of Orc Rider mercenaries that would take jobs for me around Tyr Rian. But then again, according to the Records we were both amicable with one another."


    "I see, well is there any other people that can help vouch for us that you trust?" the Governor pressed.


    "Well the Mercenaries and their kinsmen I mentioned earlier can be a start. Then there''s Lutheor Mirrien''s old Dwarfen friends back from his homelands at the Clan Hold by the mountains up North and then there is¡­ but keep this between you and me and don''t tell Iris about this but also some more of the Vampire''s by the an abandoned looking fortress near Cambervale¡­ but they don''t like being near the ''Dumb Sheep'' according to her. Maybe you can see to it? I heard that the Vampires are just as skilled in Magic as Iris and the Orcish Mercenaries can be very useful to you, plus Lutheor''s friends are said to hold influence in the Dwarven Holdings." Clovich said.


    "Oh, I will most definitely see to all of it¡­" White nodded.


    But little did the prince knew, is that his conversation was bugged thanks to some rather simple subterfuge of a spy pen on one of Governor White''s bodyguards.


    ------------------------(At the same time in another room) -------------


    "That is a lot of leads to follow through¡­" Holyfield commented.


    "Indeed, it is. Well it looks like we got some squads to dispatch out and see through these. Where do you think we should send Stryder gr---." Polonsky was cut off by his hard-lining counterpart.


    "Just because I went soft with the Elf doesn''t mean I will do so again. That was an exception¡­ a rare case of me showing mercy Colonel. We still have the Slaegians to worry about." Holyfield says.


    "What are we going to do?" Polonsky asked.


    "Remember when the Governor talked about the Meiji Restoration? You know how all that shit started right Colonel?" Holyfield asked.


    "American Merchant Ship sails too close to the Japanese Coast and gets fired at, America in response sends a ship to ask for an apology and to force open the door of the country to the rest of the world and gives a year for a response. Then---"


    The Major interrupted him.


    "You see where this is going now? Send in the Ships I tell you." Holyfield coldly says.


    "We might as well play in right into the hands of those who think WE are the bad guys Major. YOUR actions at the on that excavation site was barely covered up in their perspective. Then there''s the whole incident by that Tunnel and don''t get me started on what happened after that Chemical Attack. It was too harsh even by your standards. Random door-to-door searches, strip searching, even arresting Mister Flynn from the Grey Order building UNDER the assumption that he may have something to do with several those Guild''s members participating in the Arhaf attacks without so much as a knock. He is still crying about it right now and he won''t stop until you pay for his door that you so unceremoniously broke to splinters." Polonsky argued.


    "They aren''t Earthlings Colonel; we are in a hostile world and I still have second thoughts on who could we even remotely place our few cents of trust on. Clovich is still yet to truly prove himself to me at least despite the Governor''s coercions and the Empire is in suspect suspicious about us being some sort of Mythological Invasion of ''Demons''. It''s only a matter of time before the whole continent is on tune of the whole ''Demon'' narrative against us. So, Colonel, what do we supposed we should do instead?" Holyfield asked.


    "Gain Legitimacy." Polonsky answered.


    "I am sorry, what did you say?"


    "Make the Natives accept us. Our sovereignty and our supremacy." Polonsky added in his answer. "I can think of three ways, through Rational Legitimacy where we act in the good interests of the Natives that they see us as people to be friends with and not as enemies ergo ''Demons''. Second method is through some Charismatic Legitimacy by strengthening our image through wealth, technology and power. Finally, the third method which is possibly the least palatable for us but is also guaranteed to produce the least amount of friction amongst the natives is the Traditional Legitimacy. This means cultural integration in our part with the natives¡­" Polonsky explained. There was a tone down on the Colonel''s pitch when he was mentioning the ''Charismatic'' method of the obtainment of Legitimacy.


    "You know there''s a lot of things I find unpleasant with them, right?" Holyfield raised his hand. "First, Slavery exists in one form of another and I hate to have UNHRC at my ass again. Second is the whole Polytheistic Pantheon that a good chunk of us don''t believe in and God Bless me on that. Lastly we don''t know much of jack shit of this whole planet outside of these Tyr Rianni people."


    "Which is why we send out the Studies and Observations men we got. If we can produce supporters like Iris, Mister Flynn, Lutheor Mirrien and Prince Clovich on our side then we can use how the good old books call it, ''Social Network Theory'' to get more connections that we can exploit. You heard what the Prince said, we got ourselves at least 4 Leads, his Cousin in Souviel, Iris'' other Vampires --- I can''t believe I just said that, the Dwarves up north that are friends with Lutheor Mirrien and lastly a group of Orcs that Clovich hires as Mercenaries. Once we are done, we can expand our alliances from there until we reach a critical mass that not even the Empire could break." Polonsky said.


    The Major paused in to absorb it. In a way he can agree with the Social Networking methods as proposed by his ''soft-handed'' colleague but he still doubts that good work of mouth alone can sway any threats the Colony has to the elements and factors surrounding its existence.


    "What about your ''Charismatic'' approach? You sound a bit quieter than usual talking about it. Is there something you don''t l---?"


    "It involves inviting more of those Megacorps here. Trust me on this one but I would rather handle one bratty Megacorpo whining at me then even a number more than one can. Reason why I said that it could be an option is that it''s the most convenient as we just need to do some nods and yes-yeses and they will act for us in our stead¡­ the problem is¡­ well¡­ you seen the news of Corpos killing each other gang land style right? Prime Minister Bousquet been trying to put a limit to those Megacorpos for the past five years. Our deals with Aparo Corp was just an alliance of convenience at best, a deal with the Devil at worst. I would rather have them throwing their money all over the place than anyone else." Polonsky explained.


    "Then why not just give Aparo Corp more exclusive shit or whatever those suits call it?" Holyfield asked.


    "The other Corpo''s will soon find out that Aparo is going to get his hands on a whole damn planet and I, knowing them will see it as a move for power and they might do some crazy shit to undermine him or worse, set up shop under OUR noses in some place we can''t reach. Prime Minister Bousquet''s party barely got house majority but with the Elections coming up for the seats and a lot of Lobbyists and Senators pissed off about it, it will only be a matter of time before those ''Special Interests Groups'' take some seats back. But the Pros in this plan is that we will at least on paper have access to more resources, infrastructure and personnel at the costs of control and the risks of some Corpo wars happening with the natives caught in the middle."


    "I see, and you last one, ''Rational Legitimacy''¡­ It''s going to be the exact opposite is it?" Holyfield asked his colleague again.


    Polonsky, in all his mental gymnastics, fortitude and quantum like calculations was a man who thinks hard before he does his next act.


    The Colonel sighed as he took a deep breath.


    "Rational is the most controlling of the three but is also the most difficult to maintain. We use every connection we got within the government and military to maintain key holds of power in Gliesia. We use our resources to secure alliances, resources and other sorts of things to get the Natives on our side. Additionally if it comes down to it, we can just like you like it, ''Hardline'' with the Natives by pointing our guns at them if they try to fight against us but that''s a last resort that I would rather not take at all and in your best interests never come down to it." Polonsky gulped.


    "I maybe a harsh man but I am not a tyrant." Holyfield defended himself on his colorful histories of his ''brutalizing'' policies.


    "Gunboat Diplomacy is beside the point, for I would rather have the Slaegian Empire and pretty much everybody in Gliesia see that the United Federation of Earth are peaceful Settlers and NOT as trigger happy Rednecks who want everyone off their property. The problem is that we are essentially trying to get the government to bend over backwards for us. I exhausted all my favors just to get you and your marines with the Aurora right here already. Plus, that is besides the fact that we will have to micromanage the entire planet by ourselves and one fuck up can have us dragged in cuffs back to Earth for a Hearing on Live TV and I am very camera shy. Without a good reason to send more personnel, resources and materials we are stuck between a rock on a hard place. We need something that will get us the Government to place their bets on us for we are stretched thin with what we have right now." Polonsky said.


    "What about the Unbinilium Crystals? Shouldn''t Doctor Mahelona be researching them right now?" Holyfield asked.


    Polonsky''s eyes widened. He had almost forgot about their ''Big Man of Science'' and his ongoing research on the newly discovered Element that the Colony has discovered. His attention was admittedly overly invested on the aftermath of the Arhaf Incident.


    "Dispatch, please contact Doctor David Mahelona. Tell him I want a status report on him immediately." Polonsky radioed.


    "Affirmative Colonel, patching you through." the Communication Officer nodded.


    -----------------------------------(30 Minutes Later)-----------------------


    "Doctor? You wish to see me and Iris?" Samantha said as she entered the Science Laboratory alongside the Vampire Witch.


    The two were requested and only them were allowed access to the restrictive facility deep underground in the heart of New Albany. It was right under the New Albany Spaceport, but access was blocked off to key personnel as many experiments and other engineering projects were being conducted. A large amount of the staff and resources within the facility are dedicated to the study of all things Gliesian from Biological Research on the Flora and Fauna, Physics and Chemistry studies on Gliesia''s many Unbinilium Crystals and some social experiments/observations conducted on an Orwellian scale via CCTV''s that were planted throughout Tyr Rian clandestinely.


    The Science Facility is still however under a transition of settlement as the recent partnership between the New Albany government employed scientists and Aparo Corporation''s scientific equipment and specialist personnel are still trying to make themselves at home in the facility. Box Stacks, veils and the sounds of engineering installations filled Samantha and Iris'' ears as they made their way Doctor Mahelona''s personal laboratory.


    "Ah! Samantha you are here." Doctor Mahelona greeted.


    "And milady Cadohagan too. Just the two women to see this fine day." Bobby Bianchin, Aparo Corp''s company representative and Diaz''s old friend from his Agent days also greeted alongside him.


    He was personally overseeing the entire installation of the ''donated'' equipment that Aparo ''generously'' gave to the New Albany Scientists. A storage container for the Unbinilium Crystals, a Nuclear Isotope Reactor were the fully operational parts of the facility as Samantha observed. There was a rush from Doctor Mahelona to research the properties of Element 120 and Aparo''s Energy division ''provided'' a Reactor to test some feasibility studies on what other practical uses that the UFE with their advanced technology can exploit, create and adapt to.


    "This¡­ Science Facility¡­ this makes even the Magic College in Haringpoint look crude in comparison." Iris commented marveling at the Science Labs.


    "Wait until this place is at full operation Miss Cadohagan. Once we got everything rolling, we will create WONDERS! I tell you. WONDERS!" Bianchin enthusiastically exclaimed.


    "Which reminds, me about¡­ why you two are here." Mahelona wiggled his finger. "This may sound a lot to ask from you, but we need your help."


    "What kind of help?" Samantha asked.


    "Science requires investments, People, Material, Equipment and Money. Despite me and the equipment here¡­ or will be here. My Science Teams are essentially diving into unknown territory and no offense to Iris but even she won''t be enough help for us in our studies." Mahelona said.


    "Are you calling me inadequate? I am one of the best Enchanters in all of Gliesia." Iris haughtily protested.


    "I am not saying that, but you are only one woman who specialized in one field that I am interested in studying. Enchanting as I can understand it is like Electroplating Miss Cadohagan. You zap some energies into some object to make it get some new properties and elements am I correct?" Mahelona asked.


    "Of course. Wait¡­ is ''Electroplating'' just your way of ''Enchanting'' objects?" Iris questioned.


    "Yeah Aparo Corporation does Electroplating when we manufacture the Cybernetics you see Diaz and Aliathra wearing now to make them wear proof, corrosive protection and lubricity of their components to make them move like any other body part would move for example. The thing is Miss Cadohagan is that you can do it with non-metals like leather, cloth and even wood. But Doctor Mahelona is stuck at a dead end."


    "Is that so? How come? Where are you lost at sir?" Iris turned to the scientist.


    "As I said, me and my team are essentially diving in blind and we are going to need more than just us doing trial and error and its economically inefficient, that''s we are using too much of resources to get something done and I rather we spend it on opening up more fields rather than just trying to prove a theory one too many times." Mahelona explained.


    "Just cut to the chase and spare me the Nerd Talk. What do you want us to do?" Samantha demanded.


    "I will need more knowledge stock on studies about Gliesian ''Magic'' and the Mana Crystals. I am talking about anything useful for research such as literary works, scientific stuffs, and if possible, people as in specialists who know their way around the studies we got like Iris when it comes to any field of study that we are trying to dive into."


    "So like Alchemists, Runesmiths and Mages?" Iris asked.


    "Correct Miss Cadohagan. Get me all of those and I can improve you and the rest of the New Albany in their Infrastructure, Weapon Systems, and Tactics. Right now, I know that from you Miss Cadohagan that you can enchant objects at will as seen when you Enchant a Grenade Launcher to shoot those 40 millimeters grenades that discharges with special elemental effects. I want you to have this courtesy of Aparo Corporation for your use." Bianchin gave an MGL Grenade Launcher to Iris.


    "Latest Model from our subsidiary Milkor Weaponries. Shoots 40-millimeter grenades at an effective range of 700 meters which is 20% percent longer shooting distance than the current model of MGL got that''s and just between you and me." Bianchin leaned over excitedly at the Vampire Witch with a playful wink.


    "You''re the first person to get your hands on this. Its yet to be deployed to any other UFE Military Personnel but Don Aparo see''s potential in you so he arranged you to be the first person to try it." Bianchin said.


    "Why thank you Sir Bianchin." She politely bowed.


    "Just call me Bobby. And consider that your second ''Magic Staff''." Bianchin said.


    "Well the Armory people were still skittish about giving you something from the Arsenal but since that''s a Personal Item rather than something borrowed off of the Armory, I guess you are now officially the Stryder''s Grenadier Iris." Samantha said.


    "I can think of so many things about to do with this thing. Kayin taught me." Iris smiled.


    "There is something you will need to do for Aparo¡­ AND the Science Team in return however Miss Cadohagan. You will have to teach some of Aparo Corps'' top Electroplating Engineers and Business Executives about the in''s and out of Magical Enchantments that you practice." Bianchin said.


    "In exchange? I will." Iris nodded.


    "Well that''s all settled. So Stryder Group, you help me, and I will help you. Get me more Crystals, Scrolls and people. Together we will all be made stronger¡­. Porro Terra!" Mahelona saluted.


    "Porro Terra."


    --------------(Meanwhile inside the New Albany Military Hospital in a particular room) -----------


    The sweet relief of silence, after so long was given to the poor Elven Princess Aliathra. After going through the rounds and rounds of curing the victims of the attack she was finally given the luxury of privacy and a moment of safety (albeit presumed).


    But at what cost? Her heart was quite literally no longer in the right place. Despite seeing face to face the grateful folks who were struck with the Demonbane poison to be magically cured by but she felt for an odd reason, empty. She was forced to comply in pain of being left naked and afraid in the outside world and risk having her head taken off by the Sefydliad. Yet she still feels and thinks like Aliathra Lareththor. She can remember the memories of her family during happier times together, her days in the academy, all the Healing Spells she knows by heart and lastly her ranger training. Was taking away such a vital part of her being as a Devoted of Neneth, her own beating heart disqualifies her from being one with the Goddess of All-Life? Why was she not smitten by her for being allowed to be torn asunder and repaired in a parodied image of her Holy Design?


    Suddenly a knocked from her Hospital Cell Door disturbed her train of thoughts.


    "Who''s there? G-G-go away." Aliathra asked meekly.


    "I¡­ am¡­ an agent of¡­ eh¡­ *what''s her name again? Okay got it.*¡­ I am an Angel of Neneth! Open this door. I am here to rescue¡­eh¡­ one of Neneth own." A voice awkwardly said.


    "You are just another trick! An Illussion!" Aliathra shot down as she tossed the pillow on her bed to the door.


    "Okay¡­ commence Operation break ''Peter out of Jail Blind''." A second but familiar voice said.


    Aliathra''s room cell door opened with a noticeable mechanical creak from the locking mechanism as two figures entered her room. One of them was none other than Vincent Diaz himself whom she ''befriended'' earlier but not holds him at contempt since he is working for the people who are slowly corrupting her body with metal parts. The other figure in the other hand a balding human with a set of spectacles of a wide plane and silvery rims on his head but carried a scholarly aura despite his clothes being all black except for a white tab on his neck worn like a color. He was also wearing a necklace that had a simple metal cross resting on his chest with the vertical line being much longer than to horizontal one. The balding scholar was smiling softly whilst Diaz showed a sense of buoyant anticipation as if he was hoping for something to happen, happening to Her.


    "Do what you want to me¡­ I don''t want to live anymore¡­ after¡­ aiding you." Aliathra begged them to release her from all the guilt she helped.


    With the Attack that she helped orchestrated effectively blunted, there was now nothing short of war against the Metal Demon''s from the Sky. Their leader, their Lord, ''Governor White'' is in all likelihood planning their counter attack as she lay there in a fetal position. She saw what the Demons can do, their inhuman strength, uncanny technology and alien morals and she shuddered for the future.


    "Do not say that sweetie. Come on, we are all friends here." Diaz said.


    "No you aren''t my friend. You just want to get inside my mind. You already took my heart and now you got me to heal your ''Demon'' friends." Aliathra scoffed.


    "If I know one thing about them is that they are anything but a Demon." The balding man who claimed Neneth sent him said.


    "Please Angel, kill me now so I may return to her embrace." Aliathra cried.


    "You are not dying nor you are in any danger here." The Bald one said. He took of his glasses and squatted down to the Elf''s level.


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    "You are young, Idealistic, wanting to change the world? Bring Peace, Unity and Prosperity? I respect that in fact that is my Creed." The man said.


    "What is your Creed?" Aliathra asked. She peeked over to the man, her tears staining her vision barely getting to see him.


    "To create ''a World to Come'' Princess Aliathra of House¡­ Laref¡­Laref¡­ uh¡­ what did Iris say was it called again?" the Baldman turned to Diaz.


    "Lareththor." Aliathra said her family name.


    "Yes. There are people like me who want to see ''the World to Come''. We share the same goal you and I. We both want ONE thing that''s so important in our lives."


    "What is that?" Aliathra asked.


    "Peace." The Bald man said bluntly. "You tried to fight us when we showed you that we came in peace yet you tried to do nothing more but attack us¡­ look at what it cost you."


    Aliathra reflected on that words as she was reminded of what happened to her. Her heart was replaced, her legs were destroyed and her prestigious reputation as the darling Princess of the Lareththor family was now in shatters. There was nothing more to lose anymore but her life, but even then, it wouldn''t matter anyway if the war against these Otherworlders is to happen.


    "Come on Allie, sweetie, baby, I know we can be a bit¡­ weird at times but War with everyone right now is just¡­ bad¡­ bad for business, bad for play and bad for my nice jacket here. And I thought you liked Electronic Music?" Diaz said.


    "Eh¡­ you are not helping my Son." The balding man said.


    "Oh, sorry Father but still! Please lady, listen to reason here right now if you know what is best for you. We can do so much together if you just stop." Diaz said.


    "He¡­ you are¡­ fami---" Aliathra stuttered at the realization of Diaz''s and the Balding Man''s dialogue. Was Diaz some sort of Demi-God? An ''Aaasimar'' as the children of divine heritage goes?


    "Oh no! He is not my ACTUAL Son! It''s just that I am¡­ very well respected¡­ in the New Albany Community. I am a¡­ Salesian you see." The Balding Man said.


    "A Salesian?" Aliathra twitched at the foreign word. Was it some sort of organization? A title given to certain Otherworlders.


    "I work¡­ well before going here on a Mission¡­ I used to work at Schools in impoverished places, Orphanages and Community Colleges. I mean I didn''t get this Secondary Education degree just to play therapy with an Elf¡­ I can''t believe I just said that." The Bald Man said.


    "Father Bishop, Prime Directive shit, you know because ahem!" Diaz coughed.


    "Oh right. So Aliathra yes, you are a curious one isn''t you am I right? You sneaking on the ship getting to Kesserheim, analyzing us. In fact, that''s good! I like it when people ask questions. It adds value." Father Bishop optimistically said.


    "Adds Value?" Aliathra asked.


    "You stop and think, hypothesize then conclude. You are a Spy after all but don''t worry. I know a thing or two from the great Sun Tzu himself on how to deal with people like you!" Diaz said.


    "Damnation Diaz don''t give her the wrong idea!" Bishop reprimanded.


    "What? Turn her into a Double Agent? Make her work for our interests?" Diaz said.


    "Work¡­ for you? Wha¡ªwhy?" Aliathra despaired.


    "Now look at what you done!" Bishop pointed out. "Miss Lareththor Please do not get the wrong idea about Diaz. He''s just, ''raised wrong'' as we Salesians like to describe¡­ and also YOU." Bishop said.


    "Raised? Wrong? But I graduated in one of Ethuilen greatest university and survived Ranger Training. How was I ''raised wrong''?" Aliathra gnashed.


    "Because you used your knowledge to make more problems. The attack, the things you saw and do? As I said child, look at what happened now? War is brewing and many people will die and it is all your fault! You thought you are saving the world but instead you doomed it with your own fear. You fear is the greatest enemy! You feared the prophecies by that Geltagar Comet and tried to blind us off a new home but instead, you only made sure we are here right now in this room with you." Bishop spoke.


    "You know?" Aliathra exclaimed as she was reminded about the excursion with the Illusion Mages months ago when they hid Tyr Rian from the ''Eye'' which was a strange amalgamation of blackened flesh and metal when it was salvaged. She remembered passing off the strange contraption''s carcass to the Mages College in Haringpoint for study with the Demonologists and Monster Archivists.


    "In your rush to hide from us you only made us want to find you more. I mean, hiding Tyr Rian from us with probably as Iris says, ''Illusion Magic'' was actually pretty clever amirite Father?" Diaz smiled.


    "Thank God you said something I agreed on." Bishop said alleviating their conflicting ways of thinking.


    The only reason he was with him on this bid to fully convince Aliathra that her best interests right now is with working with the UFE instead of against them was that Vincent was the closest person the Elf ''connected'' herself with during her moments with Stryder Group. After the emergency surgery on the Super Osprey which involved the amputation of Aliathra''s legs, Lieutenant Rose gave permission to Specialist Iris Cadohagan to bite her vampiric teeth on the Elf and dig into her memories using her special abilities of using the blood of whatever living thing she bit to see the moments in their memories. By the Vampires account, Aliathra''s past few weeks were downloaded into Iris'' head for her to fully understand the picture. They discovered her royal heritage, her mission, her dealings with the Slaegians and both her, and the UFE humans laughed at just how ridiculously misinformed the Gliesians were. Until they, the UFE remembered that Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to Hate and when one side see''s something they hate, they lash out. With the math that the one ''hating'' on the was an entire civilization of people, it was not going to end well for either parties involved.


    Colonel Polonsky, after reviewing the testaments and the evidence given to him by Inspector Reid, Lieutenant Rose and what Governor White could subversively collect beforehand. An All-Out war with a full-blown empire will be a Political, PR, and Logistical Nightmare. They need to reverse this misunderstanding or millions of lives will be needlessly lost for what was essentially the biggest misunderstanding since the Pre-Hiroshima and Nagasaki Diplomatic dialogue during the Second World War.


    "So¡­ you won''t try to wipe us out and enslave us?" Aliathra asked.


    "I would rather go to hell right now then to live with the fact that I am an accessory to what you describe that the Federation will not, never ever do." Bishop said.


    "Then¡­ then my people still have hope!" Aliathra jumped out of the ground, her reinvigorated faith and blind prayers were indeed answered by whatever Deity that heard it.


    "Not so fast however." Bishop stopped her.


    "Our Mercy has a cost. What you did was very ¡­reprehensible to say the least." Diaz said.


    "Not many people would forgive you for what you help did in Arhaf. The attack that you help orchestrate with that Poison is by our laws could get you at locked in Jail for a long time regardless on the fact that the attack managed to kill 1 Native, and down 16 people. Both U-Ef¡­ I mean ''Sky People'' and local Tyr Rianni alike. We barely managed to stop anyone dying when after that poor old woman rattled to death and I was there." Bishop said.


    "But¡­ Demonsbane is the most powerful poison known in Gliesia. How could you---?" Aliathra left for words on the resilience and tenacity the Otherworlders endured. And to also here that they also fought to keep the afflicted Natives alive to as she noticed as several of the afflicted that were taken to the hospital were indeed from Tyr Rian.


    "It''s science baby. You''ll be surprised on what you can do when you are angry and focused enough." Diaz chuckled.


    "Anyhow, Miss Lareththor, you have a family, right? Even though that perhaps you may likely¡­ fallout with them when they hear that you are of ''Metal Heart'' which is entirely just¡­ Bull-Crap I say. I mean you are still you right?" Bishop reeled in Aliathra. They are getting her to open up and he will be damned if he let this opportunity to slip.


    With Aliathra as a new Consultant for the UFE in their affairs in Gliesia, they can most likely better understand the ins and out of the native politics in the planet for the Federations interests.


    "But¡­ I¡­ haven''t done any good¡­ I sinned¡­ I hurt people¡­ Innocent people." Aliathra said repentfully.


    She now realized that she was wrong and now she stood there, an Elf¡­ one of the most superior beings with their age, wisdom, bodies and intuitiveness to be humiliated by 2 human men. She stood there, head down ashamed that she was wrong by every account of the spelling of that one word of the phrase:


    An Elf is Wrong


    Then she felt a hand lay firmly with a fatherly grip on her shoulder. It was Bishop again.


    "''Come now, let us settle the matter,'' says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlett; they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.'' As Isaiah was told. I believe you can make this right. For all of us." Bishop said.


    Aliathra closed her eyes, she swallowed her pride again. She remembered her mission, to protect the people of Gliesia from war and now her mission was reinterpreted into a new and radically different light. She was going to save Gliesia, from themselves.


    "Where do I begin?" Aliathra asked.


    "Tell explain to us everything you know." Bishop said.


    "And after that we can go get some Pizza and Hot Chocolate after all of this if it makes you feel better."


    "Make it a NY Special with Chilies for the Pizza and make the chocolate EXTRA Thick." Bishop said.


    "I see you are a man of tastes¡­ for a Priest." Diaz smiled amused.


    "I don''t confine myself to an Abbey and tweet the bible like some Podcaster. I am an Actor after all or I would be a horrible Salesian." Bishop smiled.


    It was a smile of a mission accomplished. And the CCTV cameras that were bugged in Aliathra''s room saw every second. It was now time to fully uncover the truth and set everyone Free from the shackles of Fear and Misunderstanding before it turns into an unquenchable inferno.


    --------------------------------


    "UAV Arriving at target location in¡­ 60 Seconds." ISAC said in his Robotic AI Voice.


    "Major are you sure we are going to go ahead with this¡­ plan of yours? Sounds risky to me." Admiral Iachima Nishizaki, the Commander of Taskforce Aurora, Colonel Holyfield''s assigned Amphibious Assault Carrier.


    He is in command of the said Carrier, the Aurora and her escort of Destroyers. Not only was he in command of some of the finest ships the UFE had ever created with their own two hands but he is also in charge of about 72 Aircraft of various roles from UAV''s, Fighters, Multirole and Bombers. When he first heard of Holyfield''s radical plan of ''a Show of Force'' at the Slaegian Empire''s capital of Haringpoint. The 51-year-old of Japanese descent from a long line of Naval Fathers did not know to be amused or to be mildly concerned of him going full circle with a Japanese trying to open up a port to a Hostile Country and he knew that moment in history as it was repeated in his heritage.


    "A little bit of Recon and Scouting doesn''t hurt anyone. Besides it''s just a Drone so no real risks here." Holyfield said.


    "So, what are we supposed to look be looking for there?" the Admiral asked.


    "There not just going to let us talk after a simple shouting that I can tell you. We need to grab their attention. Something that will make them shit their pants if it gone. Military Assets, Infrastructure, perhaps even the Royal Palace herself if it has to be." Holyfield said.


    "Does¡­ the Council back at Earth know this?" Nishizaki asked.


    "Half." Holyfield bluntly replied.


    "Half? What do you mean by¡­ ''Half''?" the Admiral''s eyes widened.


    "You know about the Press Embargo a moment after the Arhaf Attack correct? Those Wigs back home is going to have a field day if they knew most of what is happening here in Benham-3. We could risk the pulling out of our funding, bureaucratic blockings and at worse a full withdrawal if the wrong people, Wig or Corpo gets a word of this or at least¡­ not until we can entrench our presence here from our still fragile position." Holyfield said.


    "So, what does Earth know?" the Admiral asked.


    "That there was an Attack injuring several of our soldiers and some of the friendly natives by insurgents. Next is Me and Colonel Polonsky are getting the situation under control. Lastly a request for additional resources¡­ however¡­ that''s the most concerning part of what they know¡­" Holyfield said.


    "Let me guess¡­ the Wigs are going to file in a PMC unit to jump here?" the Admiral asked.


    "1 is concerning, dozens of them? I might want to just throw in my retirement papers! Even if those PMC''s are those associated by Aparo Corporation it''s still going to be shit show." the Admiral scoffed.


    His disdain for the Megacorporation and their tight control and monopolies on strategic resources that make the United Federation move was showing. Giving them, an inch of Gliesian Land and they will gladly take a mile in the name of profit. His experience in dealing with those profit driven groups who made several of his campaigns through out the colonies such a slog was a key motivator on his voting for Chairman Bousquet in taking the leadership of the Council in a bid to regulate, stifle and hopefully put a stop to the Corporations meddling in Humanities many affairs. Aparo Corporation is already one mouth enough to feed.


    "We must embrace that possibility¡­ one way or the other. Most of my colleagues are stretched out in many Hotspot Systems. But they lack something we have; Initiative and I will move mountains to get every inch of it." Holyfield said.


    "Attention: UAV has arrived at the Coordinates." ISAC announced.


    "Give me a feed ISAC." Holyfield ordered.


    His Command Room''s Holographic Screen opened as the blinking red dot of Live Recording footage shone ominously on the left corner of the screen.


    From beneath the clouds, the Major and Admiral to could see traces of civilizations from farming fields to cobble roads. As the UAV continued to fly onwards, they were met with a wall, a great sized wall followed by multitudes of dozens of brick housing that took shelter within.


    "This should be it according to Iris'' logs." Holyfield commented.


    The Camera feed flew past the houses as it progressed from one to two floored homes of simple materials to more opulent and grandstanding ones of the type of homes a well-off household could afford to dress themselves with. The further inwards the city the UAV glided, the more distinct the features of the buildings were.


    "Haringpoint is a Coastal City, right? With a peninsula? Meaning the walls are the only place people would enter from land. That means there''s a port. A Bay-area perhaps." The Admiral mentioned.


    "Good thinking. ISAC run to the edge of the City. I want to look there." Holyfield said.


    "Command received. Affirmative." ISAC acknowledged.


    It wasn''t long before the sea of houses became an actual blue sea as the UAV discreetly overwatches the Haringpoint''s Ports.


    "That''s a lot of ships. Most likely trading ships. Rules of War say they shouldn''t be blown up." The Admiral pointed out.


    "There''s got to be a Naval Base¡­ wait¡­ those ships over there." Holyfield said as his eyes glanced over an unusually large boat in more distinct painting at his twelve-o clock.


    The UAV flew forward as the camera examined the ship that Holyfield directed. It had the Red and Black colorings of the Slaegian Empire''s national colors that he knew from his experience with the Legionnaires. It had 3 Masts with the left to the right masts order of size between the largest to the smallest. It was anchored off with an entourage of smaller built ships but of the same colors.


    "Looks far too ornate to be a simple Trading Ship." Nishizaki stated.


    "ISAC we have some targets. Now let''s see the rest of the city." Holyfield said.


    He will save those Naval Ships for later once the plan is ready.


    The UAV soon flew away from the Ocean as it made its approach towards a peculiar set of buildings that sat atop a rising slope and counted the Major counted 3. What made them stood out compared to every other opulent structure that littered the inner parts of Haringpoint was the level of Complexity and Real Estate spacing those structures had in comparison.


    The first building was as the bottom of the slope and it is largest in terms of width. It had multiple courtyards within the confines of its walls plus a giant tower in the middle of the complex. It had an air of respect and prestige that aired at those who observes it.


    "I think that''s the Magic College that Iris talks about." Holyfield said.


    The next building was several dozens of meters away from the College and it hosted a large dome with fortifications that surrounded that blocked off access and further upward from the Slope. The building was of a more practical and straightforward design but had many Slaegian Empire heraldry signifying an aura of watchful sovereignty and authority throughout the city.


    "Some sort of Military Fort? Or Government Office maybe? Either way it must be important if a second wall had to be built." Nishizaki commented.


    The last building on the Slope is by Holyfield''s accounts the most lavishly built home in the entirety of their reconnaissance of the Imperial Capital.


    Its designs were of a unique sleek and opulent stature. More form than function as if the Occupants of that residence spared now expense in flaunting how much worldly objects, he can decorate the exterior of his home.


    "I bet that''s the Imperial Palace. Log that in ISAC." Holyfield said with a determined huff. "I am going to make my pitch for my plan back to Wig at Earth and get their permission, which I KNOW they will."


    "Admiral¡­ in the Spirit of your nations history and the Ghost of Admiral Perry. Take your fleet to Haringpoint." Holyfield turned to the Admiral.


    "I know a very appropriate codename for my next operation Major." Nishizaki smiled. "Operation Bakumatsu."


    "Save the Ching Chong when its Orange Chicken Dinner Night at the mess hall." Holyfield snarked.


    "It means ''the End''¡­ of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration." Nishizaki corrected.

 26 Chapter 26: Operation Bakumatsu Part 2

    Samantha had to be split with her squad mate Iris Cadohagan or now more formally, Specialist Cadohagan when they were recently summoned their presence at the Police Headquarter of New Albany. They were looking forward to having a time to themselves for some rest and relaxation and to also discuss what their plans are for tackling Dr. Mahelona''s research related requests.


    "Polonsky? We''re here." Samantha saluted with a natural gesture of her hands whilst Iris, still new to the whole Military Discipline meekly and quickly followed.


    "Good, each of you got two different tasks that you are only able to complete." Polonsky said. "Lieutenant, I am assigning Aliathra Lareththor to your unit and I need you to brief her in on the rules she has to follow." Polonsky informed Samantha.


    "Why? I am already Happy with Iris already. Why would I need another one?" Samantha asked.


    "Why let her in? I can handle things quite well with my Magics." Iris enviously slighted.


    "According to both of your profiles¡­ or at least what ISAC says about the Elf, is that you Miss Cadohagan and Miss Lareththor abilities are complimentary of each other." Polonsky explained.


    "Complimentary? But she is just a snooty Elf princess." Iris scoffed at the idea.


    "Well your ''Snooty Elf'' has displayed and boasted abilities from Fields of Magic that you couldn''t do. Restoration, Illusion and Alteration. Additionally, she seems to share a well-educated knowledge of the Politics and Anthropology of everything here in Gliesia and its only best she will be assigned to you. Besides Lieutenant, you needed a Combat Lifesaver in your squad since the beginning of your Tour."


    Samantha had to admit that the Colonel was correct.


    "But can we trust the Elf?" the Lieutenant asked.


    "She has nowhere to go but her loyalty to her homeland is still without a doubt somewhere still inside her. Her interests is to her fellow Elves well-being. Its just that her perspective of everything¡­ of us has changed. You NEED to be there for her." Polonsky said.


    "Be there for what?"


    "Be there to give her a hand. Explain, Comfort, Discipline. She may not be like Iris, but she has great potential to be able to help us get out of this mess." Polonsky answered. "And speaking about that, Iris, you are needed at the Basement. Inspector Reid been trying to crack the ''Crow'' we have captured but she wouldn''t budge. I need you to perform that¡­ ehm¡­ bite thing with the memory reading you can do." Polonsky ordered the Vampire.


    "Oh, that sounds actually fun." She smiled coyly. It was essentially a free meal for the Vampire Witch. "Farewell Red, I am going to have what you earthlings call ''Snack Time''." She bid goodbye as she eagerly skirted to the Basement.


    "So where is Aliathra?" Samantha asked.


    "Roger that." Samantha said.


    She was rather disturbed on that fact that the Elf Woman was to be treated like a Penal Soldier since most of the time, Penal Soldiers were treated as expendable assets in times of battle. The poor Elf suffered a lot but if she wants to uplift herself from this predicament, she has to pay with her mind, body and soul. Samantha might give the Elf some leniency in comparison to her suspicions with Vincent Diaz despite his connections with Aparo Megacorporation bankrolling a huge piece of New Albany''s equipment. budget and labor.


    Climbing upstairs that directly leads to the Conference Room which was situated atop and overlooking the main office space of the Police Headquarters. Samantha can see the glimpse of Aliathra who sat quietly at the chair closest to the projector screen flowing yellow hair with an elegant braid crowning her head''s perimeter. She was staring blankly at the empty white projector screen silently before her ears twitched to the sound of Sam''s ascending footsteps.


    "Greetings, Princess." Samantha introduced herself.


    "I¡­ don''t think I will be called that anymore." Aliathra said sadly.


    "Don''t be too harsh on yourself. You didn''t know."


    "But THEY still do not! My Family, my Country, my People. I know for a certain that they know that I am now no longer pure of heart¡­" the Elf Teared up.


    "Define Pure of Heart?" Samantha asked.


    "To be good and kind to Neneth''s Children without guilt, shame nor stain. That was I was told." Aliathra said.


    "Which is to be good for the sake of being good?" Samantha philosophizes.


    "Indeed. But¡­ now¡­ my heart is tainted¡­ by the flesh of¡­ I am not pure¡­" she sulked.


    "If a sick man ran to you and begs you to heal him would you do it even if he has no way of paying for your work?" Samantha threw at the Elf.


    "Uhm¡­ Yes, I would. The Neneth teaches charity. I have seen many on my travels or on the accounts of my teachers of many colonies and ghettos filled with many of Afflicted." Aliathra said.


    "If say¡­ a large man was seen beating a¡­ child. Would you intervene even if the large man can easily overpower you?" Samantha said.


    "As the Scrolls say ''Children are a heritage from the All-Mother, offspring a reward from her. Whoever shows grace to Neneth''s creations receives her grace back.'' ." the Elf recited.


    "One more Miss Lareththor. You found out¡­ that one day that something you thought was the truth turns out to be wrong, would you try to correct those who thought of otherwise?" Samantha asked.


    That third question struck the Elf the hardest. She had no response for about a minute. She sulked down, her hands on her temples as she gnashed her teeth silently before she dared speak again.


    "Where did I go wrong? Am I wrong? I should be Evil! I¡­ how can I be? Pure? My heart is not. I am everything that the Temple hates. I have the flesh of ''Demons''." Aliathra wailed.


    Samantha emphatically placed her hand on the elf back and caressed it softly to comfort her.


    "You are not evil Aliathra, you are just confused. You said that you would protect the child and help the sick man for free. That is not evil at all." Samantha said.


    "How can I face my parents? They would be horrified if they see me alongside the likes of you."


    "Why are you doing this? Spying on us?" Samantha asked.


    "I wanted to make my parents proud. I am the youngest in my family¡­ my sister, my brother, they all did something that made them the Stars in my parents'' eyes. I haven''t done anything to get that, but now¡­ I will never do¡­" Aliathra cried.


    "Then there''s nowhere to go but up now isn''t it? You can still help us and if any of your elves try to kill you, we will be there. But you need to cooperate." Samantha said.


    The Elf still brooded her face down on her hands on the conference table, irresponsive to Samantha''s words. From the Lieutenant''s studies on stress related afflictions, Aliathra is suffering through a state of Denial.


    Rose placed her hand on the Elf''s back and caressed it gently before the Lieutenant took a deep breath and let go her authoritative pitch to a more emphatic one.


    "I know you are still depressed about what happened to your body but look at the bright side, at least you are still alive." Samantha said assuredly.


    "I don''t know whether I should accept this fate or not. I am now a monster that everyone in Ysanigard and Afel-Nora will want to eradicate off the face of Gliesia. Now, I have no choice but to betray my home and conspire with the UFE just to keep on living. I feel conflicted about¡­ my own being now." Aliathra responded with her voice distorted by the reverberations of soundwaves bouncing off unnaturally from her moping position.


    "Why you are still keeping that stupid mindset Aliathra?" Samantha frowned. She was starting to get sick of hearing those ''Demonic'' Accusations laid on her and to those on behalf of the UFE.


    "You are still YOU, even with those cybernetic parts. You ought to know by now that those artificial body parts cannot corrupt you because it doesn''t have any magic to begin with by your logic. So, your soul is still ''pure'' in a sense. That means you can still do your duty as a Priestess of Nen--- whatever her name is no offense to you. You always use your magical talents and kindness to relieve people from their suffering. Healing people is one of the most noble professions back where I come from. My Mother, her name is Godeli¨¨ve, she is a Nurse. Served in the same ship where she met father. She always visits everyone who came into the infirm--- Hospice¡­ eh¡­ place where you send people to if they are sick." Samantha awkwardly coughed when she began to talk about her mother.


    Her more soft handed approach got the Elf to rise up from her ashamed posture as she can now see her azure ocean eyes.


    "I think about this a lot and I feel there are some truth behind it. I still feel that these unnatural limbs are wrong." Aliathra said.


    "Can I ask? Can restoration magic make people like Aria, who was born crippled be cure to walk like normal humans do?" Samantha asked.


    "Restoration magic has it limit as it cannot fix people who are born as disables or injuries that are too severe to recover like loss of limbs or crippling damages. The fundamental of restoration magic is that it restores living beings and only living beings to their original form. However, if the body of a being is not born whole or receiving injuries that are not making them whole again, no amount of restoration magic cannot restore it since the life force of an un-whole-body parts are not exist to restore. That is why I was so horrified by Diaz. He is neither alive, dead nor undead as we would call it yet I know that there''s some life in him but it so wildly different that it might not be even be called ''life'' anymore." Aliathra explained.


    "You just prove my point that our metal body parts are superior to restoration magic since it can cover the weakness of restoration magic by fixing natural born disable people or people who becomes cripple due to serious injuries. Hang on, I think I can show you something to prove it to you." Samantha said.


    She grabbed her smartphone and logged into Youtube. On the search bar, she tapped in ''Paralympic Runner'' and entered. She scrolled down and looked for a brief but impactful video to show until she found something she was looking for.


    "Take a look." Samantha turned her Smartphone to the Elf.


    The video played of a man on his four limbs but his left foot which was of a similar prosthetic design of bent steel in a caricature of a humanoid food but with the formed steel of cold metal. His opposite sided limb on the other hand (or foot) was a natural, flesh and blood 5-toed foot.


    A loud gun fired that Aliathra found similar to the metal staffs the Otherworlders wield. Upon the gun''s discharge, the Paralympian sprang from the tips of his feet off the ground and ran. The Elf could feel every lithe step the agile man took as he flew through the field like a proud stallion free on his feet.


    "As you can see, this man when he was still a young boy got into an accident that made him lose one of his legs." Samantha demonstrated.


    "And so he got these new metal ones that you BUILT. With tools and mineral rocks?" Aliathra asked.


    Samantha nodded.


    "A¡­A¡­" the Elf stuttered.


    "You can say. I am here to hear you." Samantha smiled.


    "Amaz¡ª" Aliathra was about to announce her approving astonishment when the doors behind the conference room.


    "Make way, Make way!" Diaz said followed by Bobby Bianchin and several of the Aparo Corporation Staff. Vincent was holding a laptop whilst another Aparo Employee was holding a modem as if they were frantically trying to get the best signal possible.


    "Make way? For what?" Samantha asked.


    "Money Dear girl. We got some PMC''s on the line and the Metanet is shit downstairs. It''s trans-stellar I tell you." Bianchin said.


    The Metanet, the official term for the 2nd breed of the Internet refers to the now interplanetary world wide medium of communication that sprang from earth and rose and grew to culturally distinct clusters of nodes, circles and even their own regional slang across the entire UFE Net. Normally the word ''Metanet'' is used as a formal term but behind the privacy of closed doors, everyone still calls it the Internet.


    "Mercenaries? They ARE aligned with Aparo Corporation, right?" Samantha questioned.


    "Yep, either subsidiaries or people who often align with us so no worries. I got an Armored Company, Rifle Corps and even an entire Cavalry Battalion of both Motorized and actual Horsies. I talk later after contracts are signed. Oh, hey sweetie you cool with us now?" Diaz said to Samantha before his lustful eye turned to the Elf.


    "Cool with you?" Aliathra asked. Confused with the proposition.


    "He means are we Friends now? Allies? Not Master and Slave. More of Friends who so happens to be uhm¡­ we are the Teachers and you are the Student yeah?" Samantha explained.


    "I see. I do declare yes. Of course." Aliathra reshaped her posture to a stance worthy of a princess.


    "That''s what I like to hear. You still like that Electronic Music by the way?" Diaz gave small talk as he set up the laptop onto an awaiting socket yet his eyes were firmly at his Commanding Officer and the Elf.


    "Private Diaz, Miss Lareththor¡­" Samantha began to reintroduce the Elf to Diaz.


    "Aliathra." The Elf paused her. "I would prefer to be called Aliathra." She insisted.


    "Aliathra, this is Private Diaz. He is our¡­ Pointman. First Man in and LAST one to get out." She said with a slight malicious tone on being ''the last one out''.


    "Yes¡­ C.O. I am compelled to agree. So Alie? If I call you that yeah? If you want to relax, we can listen to Electronic together in my car sometime. I''ll bring chips and beer¡­ or wine¡­ whatever." Diaz said.


    "Vinny! Hurry up! My Laptop is low battery before you yanked it off." Bobby incited.


    "If it means giving my¡­ Goodwill, then I shall." Aliathra bowed down.


    "Damn girl, last woman who bowed down to me was this Japanese dancer who tried to stab me." Diaz snarked.


    "It''s called a Geisha, Diaz. And that one was meant for me. Language by the way¡­ at least until we go out for some whiskey later." Bianchin scolded.


    "Oh fine." Diaz said as he turned his eyes to the power outlet to plug in the charger of Bobby''s Laptop. "I see you later you two. Oh and Obed told me we should do something for the funs as a Team soon. You ask him when ya can." Diaz informed.


    "Come Aliathra, sorry for Diaz, he can be very¡­ Roguish due to his¡­ upbringing. Come with me to the Barracks, I would like you to meet your team now and then after that a tour of New Albany. You will be working with us and for a VERY and hopefully long time." Samantha guided.


    The Elf took the red-haired woman''s hand and took her first step to her new odyssey and to as the Princess hoped:


    A brighter future.


    -------------(Meanwhile in the Basement of the New Albany Police Headquarters) ---------


    An eerie silence was the only ambiance that greeted Iris as she heads down stairs to the Basement. From what she was told about the place from the few hushed whispers in isolated ''Water Cooler conversations'':


    ''Anti-Geneva Convention''


    ''Abandon all hope, Ye who enters there.''


    ''Where no Gliesian can leave.''


    It was a torture chamber. Of the lethal kind.


    She was escorted downstairs where Inspector Reid, a familiar face that Iris had her own moments of acquainting herself with was there to greet you.


    "Miss Cadohagan, a pleasure." Reid nodded quietly; his voice felt only in the slightest whisper.


    "Inspector." Iris greeted back. "What brings me here?" the Vampire asked.


    "Its that Crow we captured. We had tried everything to make her talk but she refused to speak of anything. Accomplices, Safehouses, who her Master was?" Reid explained as he guided Iris to a woman in a chair.


    She was naked except down to her under wear. Her body was scarred, bruised and every sign of the word ''abused''. It was jarring for the Vampire to see such raw viscera up close and uncensored. She wasn''t the type of person to dissect animals or people since the former was just a source of food and no more for her and the latter is that Iris finds humanoid dissection to be disgusting, rather letting the more stronger stomach folk do all of the cutting for her. A lone light that shone iridescently like providence fell on her battered skin.


    What was strange about the Torture Room was its cleanliness. The floor was pearlescent white and the walls were of a reflective silver shine from its steal walls. But the room, as she could feel in her ears felt different as if sound coming from within never finds it way out. This left a terrifying realization on her mind that the those who were tortured could scream as loud as it they could but nobody will ever hear their pleas.


    "Ah, the Anomalous One is here." A man in a suit who sat across the room of the Captured Crow said.


    His hands were covered in a contrasting formula of his white rubber gloves with the crimson stain of blood that whetted Iris'' appetite slightly due to its freshness.


    "Who might you be sir?" Iris asked the man.


    "My name is not important. But everyone calls me, ''the Confessor''." The man said in a serious tone.


    "Damnit, Garry stop being so cynical on our new friend please." Reid said.


    "You know I am still pissed off that my vacation was cut short because¡­ oh¡­ ''we need someone to interrogate some human aliens in some far-off place that the state has classified.'' Oh!" Garry ''the Confessor'' mocked the rough and screeching voice of his superior. He stood up from his chair and pushed aside an assortment of bloodied instruments that Iris took a glance over before the shadows engulfed them completely.


    She saw a wet looking white to pinkish colored towel, an electric car battery and a syringe. Not the normal collection of Torture Tools as Iris remembered she had to make one day an enchanted Torturer''s Toolset with the properties to apply a delayed healing effect after contact with skin. The Vampire was told to never talk about what she did that day to anyone afterwards for 100 Ducats for the service and an extra 100 for her silence.


    "This woman here was captured by your squad mate a Sargeant Lewis Crocker correct?" Garry asked.


    Iris quietly nodded positively.


    "Refused to give up anything of intelligent value to us as my colleague inspector Reid said." the Confessor continued. "And then, Reid told me about¡­ you! A woman who can read people''s minds by¡­ and I was laughing on this one. Biting them. So, I made a bet with Reid, if I cannot get this woman to break in 3 days, he would have to call you in and I have to pay for my husband''s famous Marbled Mango Cake for Reid''s next Familial Care Package, shipping included." Garry said.


    "I presume you---" Iris let out a few words.


    "Yes, I lost unfortunately. She was tough. I hate torturing women but then again. What I read on the file she did was just pure¡­ EEEEVVVILLLLL¡­." Garry interrupted with jolt of cringe.


    Garry moved out of the way as he picked up the sunken face of the barely alive Crow and made it face the Vampire who stood right in front of her.


    "Wake up. Wake up." Garry shook her.


    The woman opened her eyes in a blur. For Ayda, she cursed herself on getting captured and all the attempts to take her own life had failed. She tried biting her tongue, letting the cold water she was forcefully made to ''sip'' on drown her and the crackles of heat consume her but she always seemed to get back up from the grave as if the Demons who took her refused to let her expire so she can endure every waking moment of hell. The demons know what they want and that''s her secrets and she refused to give it to them.


    But when her eyes refocused, Ayda gasped in horror. It was a Vampire. The Demons had brought in the services of one of Gliesia''s most reclusive and frightening people into their fray.


    The legends say that the Vampires an uber-species of Humans who were altered to gain enhanced physical and arcane abilities at the cost of allergenic reaction to sun light, the appetite for blood and the usage of blood in their magical spell castings. One of the abilities that they can do was absorbing the memories of what they consume the flesh and bodily fluids of. If that monster bit her, the secrets of the Crow Organization will be compromised.


    The Crow tried to wiggle away but her weakened state and Garry''s burdening gripped put her in place as he necks was exposed for the vampire.


    "Do what you do best Miss Cadohagan." Garry invited.


    The thirst within her was given the permission as the desire of blood overwhelmed Iris. Her fangs retracted out of her canines as she lunged for the crow''s neck. Her teeth pierced in as she siphoned Ayda''s (who was still under the glamour on the likes of her Grandmaster Mita) blood greedily.


    All the Crow could do was yelp as her consciousness fades from the blood loss.


    As soon as the blood poured into her, Iris eyes began to shot up as a barrage of memories flowed into her so quickly that the Vampire was left in a daze over her skull running over itself on the information overload.


    She could see faces, people, words, knowledge, etchings and other stocks that was injected into Iris'' brain but couldn''t decipher immediately. She needed some time to think.


    As her head re attained its bearings, Iris suddenly felt to cold metal of a gun''s barrel on her forehead.


    "You were enjoying yourself aren''t you their Vampire?" Garry cocked his pistol.


    "Garry? What are you doing she is our ---" Reid protested.


    "How do we know she is not lying like some Gypsy Fortune Teller?" Garry said.


    "What are you talking about?" Reid asked.


    "I am saying is why do I have to believe this woman can just¡­ READ memories. Tell me what you saw? I have questions." Garry said.


    "Reid, do what the Intelligence Agent says." Reid gulped fearing the repercussions if he intervened.


    "Who was behind the Attacks?" Garry asked.


    "The¡­ Empire of Slaegia¡­" Iris tried to rummage through the new memories she absorbed.


    "Why did the Empire attack the Governor?" Garry asked again.


    "Because¡­ they¡­ are scared of him." Iris deciphered another memory. She was essentially cramming stressfully all of the nodes of the Crow''s Head.


    "Scared why?" Garry pushed.


    "Of¡­ your¡­ power¡­" Iris responded. Her cramming soon began to take a physical toll on her. Her heart beat rapidly and her eyes began to go bloodshot in color. She was pushing herself on pain of a bullet.


    "Million Dollar question. How should I believe you on all of that? Answer me!" Garry demanded.


    "She is wearing a Glamour. The Crow is using an illusion!" Iris announced.


    "What do you mean its an illusion? She''s solid flesh and¡­ what they hell?!?!" Reid tried to point out the absurdity only to turn around back to the prisoner to see that she has been physically changed.


    From a black-haired short bob cut woman to a brunette with curls all of a sudden.


    "That''s¡­ this Magic isn''t it?" Garry asked.


    "For you? Yes, it is." Reid said.


    Garry turned away his pistol from Iris and immediately discharged one bullet at the unconscious Crow giving her finally the sweet release of death that Ayda wanted.


    "We all have what we need right? The Prisoner is of no more use to the State." Garry said.


    "Come Iris, I will give you some thing to shake that ache of yours." Reid apologized.


    "I will catch up with you. I need to make a call first before I dispose of the cadaver.'' Garry coldly told his colleagues as he picked up his phone and dialed for Major Holyfield, the man who brought him to New Albany within a short notice


    -----------(About several kilometers upwards in the clouds above the Slaegian Empire------


    "Yes¡­ I see.... so it is them¡­ tell them that they will be made an example of today." Holyfield said as he ended his call with the Bureau of Interior Agent Garth ''the Confessor'' De Sardet. ''Garry'' to his colleagues such as his old classmate Inspector Reid.


    He was brought over with him rather reluctantly from his husband''s 7th anniversary Vacation under a very alarming notice but Agent De Sardet didn''t earn the name ''the Confessor'' for being a good boy who regrets his transgression. He had a way of making stubborn people talk.


    His call to him as he flew the skies of Gliesia confirmed his suspicions after the Crow squealed. The Slaegian Empire was behind the attack. He found it abhorring that they would dare do such a cowardly attack on civilians and their own subjects too over an obvious ploy for peace. But alas, there efforts were too disruptive that the Law of Newton''s motion action say that there due for an equally disruptive reaction.


    If it were up to him, he would call in a show of force with a barrage of missiles to flatten the city but it would look horrible on his record if he every explicitly gave such a sociopathic order. Instead he needs to show a resemblance of mercy. A chance for the Primitive Natives that they could redeem themselves.


    "Major, we have arrived at our destination." Admiral Nishizaki said.


    "Give me a camera feed Rainbow-1''s view on the city." The Major Ordered.


    His Commander''s Interface immediately uplinked to the camera feed of the Airstrike team''s camera giving him a high definition view of the Slaegian Capital of Haringpoint in the flesh and stone. The capital was a remarkable city when seen in first glance. Like a mixture of some Baroque and Elven construction that made the port city a crossroads between the Human and Elven worlds. The cityscape was harmonious like a mall''s TV display. But the load roars of the Aurora''s engines would soon break that peaceful scene.


    "Unicorn and Pegasus Squadron begin mission. Take out all of the designated targets and wait for further instructions. Together!" Holyfield radioed. He knew his men were some of the best drilled and well-planned Pilots in all of UFE Space. Perfection of Execution was what got the airmen of the Aurora to be the stories of legends to other pilots everywhere.


    "Affirmative Den Father. Beginning mission." Rainbow Squadron''s lead airman Unicorn-1 said. His team is in charge of bombardments.


    There mounts for this sortie is the heavy lifting Close Air Support plane the A-25 Dragoon again for its devastating carriage of ordinances such as its Minigun and Guided Penetration bombs. Everything needed for a quick, precise yet devastating strike.


    "Pegasus-1 looking for a fight." The Pegasus leader said.


    Her squadron is in charge of protecting Unicorn Squadron from any interceptors that the Slaegians might have as a countermeasure against flying opponents, however primitive it maybe. Plus, they are also been equipped to provide saturation fire against any surface to air targets with their Rocket Batteries attached to their nimble Multi-role planes the V-96 Locust.


    "Firing!" Rainbow-1 said as he shot down and instantly sank one of the Slaegian Navy''s patrol boats as it was indicated by the Drone''s reports.


    They are after military targets and military targets only. Anything else and the squad will have to ''enjoy'' reading the Geneva Convention while inside a Jail Cell.


    ------------------------------(Meanwhile at the Imperial Palace) -----------------------


    "That is unfortunate to hear." Emperor Uldin said. He leaned over his study''s chair so his body was ready to absorb all of the days information.


    The Sefydliad agents and the shaken but still active Mita the Grandmaster of the Crows informed the Emperor of their findings. What he conveyed was both intrigue and displeasure.


    From the Crow, he had learned several key first hand indicators of the Otherworlders physical appearances. Human-like in their own shape but almost never leave out of their ''metal skin'' that protected them from almost any blows and that''s if you could get anywhere close to them in the first place since they carried staffs that shoot ''invisible thunder'' that pierced their bodies with the puncture of an arrow with the heat of a miniature fireball. They seduce all those who hear with words of ''Progress'', ''Prosperity'', ''Wellness'' and all sorts of adjectives that sounded too good to be true. They have the power to summon fire from heaven, build metal hills within a blink of an eye and all they ask is one thing: Sign a contract of friendship.


    It was all too similar to the old legends of the Demonic Invasions of ancient times. Alboen making a deal with the Demons for power in exchange for boons that would rise him up to the top. This in turn made him go on a crusade of conquest around the Ysanigrad continent forcing others to kneel or be annihilated. Then Uldin''s Ancestor, Caldell of the Vaikuri Clan rose up and rebelled against him. The rest of the legend was played off by the Jubilation of King Caldell every year which the Imperial Capital is still recovering from the massive consumption and spontaneous decay of such a felicitous festivity.


    Next was the news from the Elven Sefydliad agents lead by Lyndis. Her organization although publicly they are just the Diplomatic Wing of the Ethuilen Entente what is known behind the closed doors of every political establishment as it was also a front for Espionage. There was an agreement his great grandfather had made with the Elves that states about a limited yet proportionate exchange of intelligence between themselves. Yet there were some whispers amongst his own spies that the Elves speak in Half-Truths or only speak the truth if they just want the Slaegians to do some of their own dirty work for them.


    From what Lyndis told him, the Elven Princess, Aliathra Lareththor was missing after she came made the most advances in the progress of examining the Otherworlders. Talks of her having to ''commune'' with the Demons fell on his ears softly but like kisses of fire it made him even more fearful of what these Otherworlders were capable of.


    For Uldin''s own investigations, he had sent word to many of his spies to relay messages to the Legionnaire Fortresses closest to Tyr Rian but only a handful of those he had assigned the task to returned to tell the story of the legion fortress simply disappearing. Did the Demon''s have something to do with this?


    "My heart was not in the Jubilation because of these¡­ these¡­ Demons in Tyr Rian. I cannot believe that Prince Clovich would just happily kneel down to these barbarians and fall into their ''miracles''. Absurd to think they can all do that." Uldin said.


    "If I may milord. The Missing Princess, Aliathra was last¡­ seen in Cambervale Valley as it was ready to return to further scout the Otherworlders. Her reports were most troubling if what she says is true of ''Metal Beasts'' and their Magics then we must be ready to counteract with these Demons with our Holy Weapons and Spells." Grandmaster Owyne advised.


    "That might work but not to the same degree as you would expect Grandmaster." Lyndis informed. "I saw the princess attempt to cast several Holy Spells beforehand on a group of Demons but to no avail. It is to my hypothesis that they may have created some sort of resistance to their own Anathema."


    "She is only one Elf. Besides, Restoration Spells were meant to be used in groups." Owyne argued.


    "But the Princess is¡­ was¡­ excellency in Healing Magic that she is said to have to powers of 4 Healers in one person." Lyndis shot back. Her response was more of a chauvinistic shot on the Elves superior Magical Bodies and how their bodies were as their Gods dictated to be intelligently designed for all manners of the Arcane.


    "We will need to publicly alert the Legions immediately milord." Mita suggested. "We will need tremendous amount of hands to put down the Demons while only so few thousand of them are there right now."


    "And risk a public panic? We are still at war with the Daosne tribes at the North and our navy is still battling it out with the Tavai''s in the southern oceans." Owyne warned mentioning the other existing problems that was well under the Slaegian''s Geopolitical Context.


    The Daosne were a stubborn and proud people of man-beast fusions ranging from the wolf-like Volyudi, the feline Kotyalyudi and the northerner cousins to the horned Gaiths, the imposing Bykalyudi or fondly nicknamed by the Legionnaires stationed there ''Bull People''.


    The Tavais or more commonly known as the Sea Elves were cousins of the Alfel Nora elves who broke off a long time ago before the Elven continent was torn asunder in two. They are amphibian in nature capable of both living within and outside the bounds of the ocean. Many of them would often go down the roads of Piracy and raid shipping lanes that majority of the Empire''s navy protects as the trade galleons go to and from the great port city of Souviel one of the most important Economic Hubs in the Empire outside of Haringpoint herself.


    "Your hands are stretched and can go no further right now any attempt to disrupt this equilibrium could cause significant consequences. Subtlety is still---" Mita was about to explain to the Emperor the importance of censoring the troubling developments when suddenly a loud crack of the door erupted the solemnity of the Imperial Study-room.


    "My Lord I have a message!" a servant said.


    "Esclau! How dare you barge in at this hour while I have guest." Uldin reprimanded.


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    "Forgive me Emperadwr. But you informed us that to not disturb you unless the news is about Tyr Rian." The servant apologized.


    "Well I have all the people involved here with me."


    "This message is from the Prince of Tyr Rian himself." The messenger informed.


    The Emperor grabbed the scroll from the messenger and dismissed him. He was still somewhat insulted by the servant''s sudden disruption of this discreet meeting but to hear of news from Prince Clovich himself, his own Vassal was abrupt.


    He suspects a trick could be in play since this letter was given at a suspicious time or maybe it was a coincidence since Tyr Rian was quite a distance from Haringpoint at two opposite ends of the Empire to begin with. But a letter from the Prince might shed some light to this saga.


    "Mita can you examine this?" the Emperor handed over the scroll to the Crow Grandmaster.


    After a brief moment of external and internal examination which involved in a break of social protocol that letters be read first by the intented recipient before anyone else to search for signs of a forgery.


    "This one is authentic Emperadwr. No signs of a forgery and this is indeed Clovich''s childish handwriting." Mita said.


    The Prince of Tyr Rian was known by other nobles to have the writing skills of a child since his pen strokes lacked any form of grace and had the boxes and wormy curves that a beginner, mostly a child would have had the calligraphic skill of. The emperor grabbed back the scroll from the Crow and began to silently scan the document:


    "My Emperor, I have the most wonderful news to share to you. These Otherworlders who came to my lands a few months ago showed me things I thought were only impossible. As I write this, they have helped me make my crops grow, dealt with those pestilent bandits and enforced peace through their own brand of wisdom which I am now currently studying for myself so I can improve my statecraft being the crossroads of the Empire and the Eastern Suzerainties. They will soon help transform me and my kingdom into their own vision of what the Empire can be and I write this to you my lord to visit Tyr Rian when you have the leisure after dealing with those Dosnae Tribesmen up north."


    "It is too late¡­ for him¡­ he is¡­ dabbling in the Dark Arts! He is slowly being transformed!" Owyne panicked remembering the prophecy he saw.


    "We need to rally the Legions immediately and call forth the----" Petur Reikdorf tried to wrest a sense of urgency only for his booming voice to be blanketed over by another booming sound.


    "What was that?" Karliah Silverdane asked.


    "My Lord! The Capital is under attack by a swarm of Dragons!" an Imperial Guardsman barged into the room to warn the Emperor.


    "Under attack? By who?" Uldin asked. The thought of any army suddenly marching their way pass dozens of forts, settlements and patrols without detection or suspicion was preposterous due to the sheer size of the Legion and the Empire.


    "I¡­ do not know but we must hurry to the Cellar." The Guardsman warned.


    "We must hurry! Protect the Emperor." Petur cried.


    The party soon made haste down stairs in the Imperial Palace. The Study was at the top part of the Palace and was the most vulnerable from a Dragon attack. Thankfully the Dragons have yet to fly towards the Palace so they might still have sometime before it''s too late. The servants, the guards and any Government staff raced to the cellar as the stairs, hallways and rooms became a flurry of stomping feet.


    From the windows overlooking Haringpoint''s harbor, the Emperor to his horror could see the ''Dragon'' attacking Haringpoint. It was a large creature with flapless wings that shadowed over the waters and coastal structures of the Imperial Capital like a giant''s titanic height over the average man. The dragon was followed by 2 smaller dragons and what looks like from the distance sprites of even smaller dragons that spat fire to ground burning all in its path. Smoke, Fire and splinters of debris coated the Bay and the Harbor district as the loud thunderous roars of the chaos the Dragons emitted.


    For Grandmaster Owyne, he feared the worse of great fire devouring his city as he stood there frozen in place as he comes to thought of the vision he saw before his sight was ungracefully taken away from him.


    "Grandmaster! We need to hurry." Carliah pulled his hand. But the old man shook of the Mages hand away.


    He remained speechless as the Otherworldly Dragons passed by the Palace. There wings a sharp roar that shook the bones of all those who heard its wings.


    The prophecy is now unwinding in reality just as he feared it. The End Days as he foresaw as the Demons have returned to now enact their revenge against the people of Gliesia. Yet death never came. The Dragons simply pass by with out any heed to the obvious target of the Imperial Palace (or the Mages College or the Imperial Dome).


    Were the Demons playing with them? Taunting them to fight?


    "Grandmaster Owyne, let the Gryphon Knights fight these Demons. They have been deployed as we speak. Hurry to the Cellar." The Imperial Guardsman ordered.


    Above Haringpoint''s clouds, the Gryphon Knights, all proudly 300 hundred of them flew off immediately from there stables in a scramble to intercept the Dragons. They had their fair share of experience and knowledge of Tactics to eliminate such a beast which is through overwhelming numbers and hit and run with repeated lunges with their lance before the dragons could react to a swift counter.


    But the Gryphon''s realize too late as soon as they ascended to the skies that they were know an open and by the standards of the UFE, a slow-moving target.


    "Fox-2!" Pegasus-4 said as he fired an air to air missile at the Gryphon Riders. The missile darted across the vast distance between them as it shot down one of the Riders easily in an explosion that also managed to kill from the resulting fireball 3 other Riders.


    The Pegasus Squadron easily made short work of the Gryphon Riders until the unit was disintegrated in a matter off one minute. If the Gun fire didn''t kill them first? The large drop would to the sea would or failing that, the sea itself.


    As the People of Haringpoint despaired at their defenses'' disintegration and the lack of preparations for a siege. Suddenly, the bombardment stops.


    The chaos ensued from Unicorn Squadron only extended to the Arsenal District and the Port areas of the Harbor.


    "People of the Empire of Slaegia!" a booming voice echoed that came from the largest dragon.


    "A Cloud of Steel glides above your city. We are the United Federation of Earth! I am tasked for the protection of the Colony of New Albany. The Otherworldly city that you dared to attack unprovoked. We know that it was you who tried to assassinate Governor Jeremy White and Prince Clovich Rian with your Barbaric poison gas attack. This is your only warning! Seize Hostilities and allow open diplomatic talks, Military Access and Economic Trades or we will destroy every city in your backwards empire to dust! You have only 1 Month to agree to our demands." The voice said. It was in a fluent but alien accentuated Vaikuri.


    "Such arrogance!" Lyndis bared her teeth.


    It looks like subtlety is no longer an option for the Empire no more. Now all of Gliesia will know that the UFE are here. And they just made their most poignant debut into the world''s geo-political stage.


    "We cannot allow these Otherworlders to just vandalize our great city!" the Imperial Guardsman protested.


    "Look! It looks like the Dragon is leaving." One of the Palace Servants pointed out as the large cloud in the sky turned its tail and flew away from the city.


    As if satisfied of the damage it had caused. The attack was meant to intimidate, not yet to Devour.

 27 Chapter 27: a Land of Passion and Sun

    "We got new orders!" Samantha declared as she walked into her squad who made themselves at home at their Land Cruiser''s Vehicle Bay.


    Crocker was performing preventive maintenance with his old but reliable Exo-Skeleton suit, Diaz was observing the latest Social Media posts, Obediah cleaning ''Leah'' and ''April'' obsessively (again!), Clay eating a shoddily constructed ''Grilled'' Cheese Sandwich and then finally Kayin, with Iris were sitting together with the Vampire reading a book and the Nigerian pointing her some important facts and details. But as soon as Samantha''s voice was heard, Stryder Group stood up from their spots some practically dropping any item they had on hand. And of course, Diaz was the slowest to straighten up as Samantha passed through.


    "We will be deployed to Souviel, a Coastal City west of Tyr Rian. This is a Study and Observations assignment. Our objectives are to explore any possible diplomatic, economical or scientific leads that we may encounter there. We will be among the first of us to venture there. Expect sunny weather and cool nights so bring some shades and sunblock." Samantha said.


    "Iris, we will need you to be there with us. You sure you''re okay with a lot of sun?" Clay asked the Vampire Witch.


    "Just pack me some extra Sunblock if we have to go out during the day. I am quite fond of the ones for the Sensitive Skin." Iris informed.


    "Normally Vampires explode into dust when they see the sun. How come you just need some Sun Block off the women''s skincare section and your good to go?" Obediah asked.


    "Well you see everyone, ''Vampires'' in Gliesia and the way you depict Vampires in your culture are very different." Iris answered.


    "Explain." Samantha asked with an intrigued lean on her posture.


    "My great grandfather, King Martainn was prodigious Alchemist at his time. He forged several recipes of many potions, tonics, oils and other concoctions that can help alter the essences of people. Make them stronger, faster, resistant to poison and even changing their hair color. He was hoping to make such effects permanent before the Empire conquered Tyr Rian." The Vampire explained.


    "Are you saying Martainn was trying to chemically alter the genes of people? Because that sounds just like what you''re saying." Kayin asked.


    "That is what you call it? Then yes he is trying to change people¡­ ''genes''. I don''t recall pants being involved since most people in the Cambervale Valley work skirts."


    "I see. Back to King Martainn, before the Slaegian''s conquered what will become the Empire one day, he made his children drink a concoction that he had made in his lab. He called it ''Philter of Immortal Power''. The potion was said to give a non-magical person the ability to be able to cast magic not only for him but for his offspring too. The effect of this potion is what you see in me today, with all of my ''Vampire'' traits and flaws." Iris said.


    "So, let me get this straight some product of a chemically induced eugenics program? As in King Martainn wanted to make his children magically empowered?" Kayin pressed further to confirm.


    "Indeed. There were some effects to our¡­ ''genes'' that made us like Vampires such as our affinity with using blood to substitute for Mana Crystals, our said occasional appetite for blood and our sensitivity to sun light which dampens my ability to cast magic. Although this potion you call ''Sunblock'' gives me immunity to Lehsol''s Gaze, the word of speech we call for the sun shining. Also being in the sun without having Sunblock on gives me the most unsettling malady of ricketiness." Iris said.


    "Maybe it''s the UV Rays¡­ I don''t know. I will call Dr. Mahelona about that later when he interviews with King Martainn. He is quite impressed with your grandfather''s achievements." Samantha said.


    "That would be most welcome." Iris said.


    She picked up her Digital Tablet (which was actually just Kayin''s whom she borrowed it from) and turned back to what she was reading.


    "What are you reading?" Samantha asked the Vampire.


    "It is a¡­ Com-pie¡ªlay¡­ eh¡­" Iris stuttered at the unfamiliar word.


    "Compilation of Roald Dahl''s best works." Kayin said. "I am helping her understand English and this was something I did back in first grade was to read some Roald Dahl books." He answered.


    "Wait until she gets to the crocodile. Not me, the crocodile in the book." Crocker chuckled remembering how that novel ended.


    "I am at the Chocolate Factory right now." Iris answered.


    "Oh, Wonka is doing great these days despite not really changing anything for the past hundred years. I could just kill for some Nerds and Wonka Bars." Diaz commented.


    "Halt! There is a Wonka Candy company? Does that mean Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a Biography?" Iris asked in a fa?ade of surprise.


    A moment of paused followed. Before Clay burst out in laughter, followed by Samantha and then Diaz and then everyone else.


    "Remind me to buy you some Nerds one day Iris." Kayin said.


    "What is so hilarious right now?" Aliathra suddenly interrupted.


    The laughter seized as Stryder Group turned to the Elf who appear before them in her standard Elven Ranger armor but the clothing underneath her leathery exterior was replaced from her tainted Ranger raiment for a long sleeved and breathable (via a special fabric that allows the skin to be cooled easily) anti-perspiration shirt in green leafed camouflage. The shirt is often worn in light temperate climates but it is also a popular item sold off of Military Surplus stores around the UFE Space.


    "Oh, I was about to get here but Miss Lareththor will be accompanying us on our journey to Souviel." Samantha informed her squad.


    "As a what?" Clay asked.


    "A Political, Flora and Fauna and as a Cultural Sensitivity expert." Samantha explained.


    "And¡­ I can use my¡­ my¡­ Restoration Magics to¡­ heal any injuries or maladies you may obtain during your travels." Aliathra added.


    "How can we trust her?" Kayin asked.


    "She has no choice other than us." Samantha said. "We need her to help us give some context to the Political intrigues of Gliesia and Iris is with no offense to her is only just an Arcane Expert for us."


    A brief beat in pause played out as the Squad slowly accepted that the fearful and wary Elf Maiden is now going to be part of the UFE from this point onward.


    "Well, she is taking the Back of the Cruiser." Crocker said.


    "Shame, I was looking forward to having her back in my Car again. I was even working on a Recon Package, Off-Road wheels and a Minigun. It would give me a break from looking at my phone for the road, if it means Clay would stop staring at my Phone all day." Diaz joked flirtatiously.


    "You know, I WANT my fix of Glamour Girls too." Clay argued. His voice leaked with testosterone with those words.


    "The Point Eared one looks like one I tell ya." Diaz chuckled.


    "You two Privates, please refrain from any devious or amorous advances from Miss Lareththor from this point on. Additionally, your car STAYS in New Albany Penal Soldier." Samantha reminded him.


    Diaz kept his mouth shut but in Samantha''s eyes, she can see that he may try to do so again behind her back.


    "What about the Leads? What kind of Leads are we going to check out there?" Obediah raised his hand


    "Well, Prince Clovich''s Cousin is a start. Governor White has sent some delegates to formally introduce themselves to Duke Thibault the Eighth. Robert Bianchin and Lutheor Mirrien will be some of the delegates. Speaking about Lutheor, he told me about a Business Partner that buys some of the Tyr Rian wine he sells to his establishment with close ties with the Grey Order and the Local Community so it would be a good place to start for a grassroots campaign." Samantha said.


    "Souviel? The Pearl of the Draguitoise Coast? I know¡­ someone there." Aliathra said.


    "Who?" Samantha turned. She wasn''t much obligated to tell the Elf where the team is going rather on orders from Colonel Polonsky was to just ensure that the Elf Princess turned consultant in-custody to do what she was told.


    "A¡­ Diplomat who was a former Sea-Captain. Has done several things for my family before. He has a¡­ how do I say¡­ the uncanny ability to acquire ''Hard to Obtain'' Items." She said.


    "A Smuggler?" Diaz asked.


    "Yes." Aliathra nodded. "He can get you Magical Items from Alfel-Nora that normally would have been forbidden to get outside of my homelands."


    "Sounds interesting. Will write that down for later." Samantha said. "Get your gear and be ready to move out tomorrow."


    --------------------- (Meanwhile somewhere in a busy street corner in New Albany) --------------------


    "Hold still¡­ and¡­ Cheese!" The Photographer said as Prince Clovich''s eye was bombarded with a bright flash of light.


    He was in the Photography Studio in New Albany today to take a photo of a piece of parchment papers called a ''Pass-Port''. The prince was told that he needed to have this document so he can travel to Earth, the capital of the United Federation so he can be officially received by the General Assembly in a location called ''Je-Knee-Va''. As he was told by Governor White, he will be in front of many high-ranking officials of the Otherworlder''s Government and he needs to make a good impression if he wants to further secure his friendship with the UFE.


    In addition, he had also requested Governor White to arrange special educational tours around Earth so that he and a select group of some of his court''s most brilliant of scholars to record so that he can use the knowledge for his own use. He wanted to see the great steel farms that gives birth to the UFE''s flying boats, feel the magic of their energy ''trees'' and see first-hand the other innovative mysteries that made the UFE such a godlike force compared to everyone else in Gliesia. If they could cure his sister (who was now at that moment beginning to skip merrily like a child for the first time in her life) again then surely, they are capable of other divine feats.


    Leaving out of the studio he was then overrun by several of the Otherworlders who carried the same magic device that he observed observing him back in the Photo Studio called a ''Ka-meh-ra''. According to White it was a recording Device that inscribes visual moments or as he explained it ''memories of the eye''.


    ''Do you have any comments on the recent expansion of Military Activities conducted by the UFE in your realm?''


    ''How do you feel now that your sister, Princess Aria has been cured?''


    ''Do you think the UFE does the better jobs in dealing with banditry, threats or security issues in your kingdom than the Grey Order or even your own troops?''


    ''Do you ever feel intimidated by the UFE with all their far advanced weaponry?''


    ''What Do you expect on your trip to Earth?''


    He was bombarded by their interrogatives that he almost had a knee jerk reaction to draw his sword. But the UFE personnel attached to his retinue dismissed the crowd of questioners.


    "All questions shall be answered at the official Press Conference." One of his Earth Human attache''s told them.


    The Retinue moved away from the crowd as they made their way to their car which will take them to the New Albany Spaceport. From there, he will wait another day as his ship is prepared to make the journey from Gliesia all the way to the UFE Capital. From what he was told by his sister, ''The whole world looked so small from so high.''. He couldn''t wait to see that first hand.


    ----------------------- (the Next Day) ----------------------


    Stryder Group''s Land Cruiser was on the road again. Passing by the farms of the Cambervale Valley of the Principality, the MRAP Tactical Vehicle with its heavy cargo of Stryder Group''s many necessities and equipment from 2 weeks'' worth of Rations, Crocker''s Exo Suit and several other ordinances that were lodged tightly on the Car''s exterior. It wasn''t as agile as it was back in the Desert Tomb attack a long time ago but it didn''t matter for Kayin who was on Driving Duty.


    The Cruiser was however just one of 6 other MRAP''s that escorted a 3 Supply Trucks filled with Lutheor Mirrien''s Merchandise ranging from Exotic Goods from the Eastern Suzerainties, Tyr Rian Berry Wine and Woodworks from Vercourt. It was a fairly standard shipment that Lutheor sends through bi-annually. Normally he would just delegate them to one of his employee''s but he wanted to personally introduce the UFE to the Duke of Souviel himself. Robert Bianchin who lobbied his way into a ''Economic Attache'' for the Expedition was also part of this Convoy on his own MRAP. From what the Lieutenant could understand, the Corpo is definitely going to be scouting for something, somewhere or someone. She just doesn''t know what that big piece of Moneybags is looking for. Not even Diaz knows when she asked him since he only just get orders from Bobby and is allowed to get any loose valuables as a ''bonus''.


    Obediah was not on his usual cheery self. Just stood there quietly as his hands clasped together with his fingers twitching in anxiety, or maybe it''s just a feeling of withdrawal. Perhaps, in Samantha''s on intuition its being away from his family again for another extended amount of time is starting to put a dent on his psyche now. Yet the long-bearded Sniper needed those benefits a Soldier would entail for his family.


    Iris again was still reading her E-books again. Still at Roald Dahl no doubt.


    Then there was Aliathra. Her eyes gliding back and forth on everyone around her. The Elf''s fingers twitched every minute as mounted up pressure surged in her. It was not healthy as Samantha comes to foresee.


    "Aliathra, is what''s up?" Samantha asked trying to make the Elf''s obligatory assignment less nerve-racking.


    "Wat-ssss-ap?" the Elf turned in befuddlement.


    "I mean, how are you? You were very quiet before we left. Is there something bothering you?" Samantha asked.


    "No, it is nothing. I am just¡­ feeling¡­ how can I say this¡­ estranged." Aliathra answered.


    "Estranged? How?" Samantha pressed.


    "It''s one thing to know who your party is, it is another to see them with my own two eyes. And in such a tight space. I¡­ you are all¡­ this is all¡­ all new to me." the Elf confessed.


    "Oh? I ain''t that scary." Crocker broke his silence.


    "You have the strength of a bear and the face of a sailor. I feel intimidated by your presence." She said to the Half-Maori.


    "I can be fun too every now and then. Don''t be. I am here to protect everyone here including the Lieutenant." Lewis reassured her.


    Aliathra then turned to Diaz.


    "And you, you still terrify me in the way you live." She pointed out, almost with an accusing finger.


    "I am alive and every sense of the word. I feel, I cry, I sleep, I still want to know what it feels like to fly. Damnit, I wish we can ride a Pegasus one day. Do Pegasi exist in Gliesia?" Diaz asked.


    "The Heraldry of Souviel is a Pegasi on one-half and the other a sun." Aliathra said.


    "Interesting, would go great on the record." Samantha smiled slightly. "Oh, that reminds me."


    She grabbed from her bag a small cylindrical object that Samantha held like a container. She took of its lid and with a soft velvet like cloth began to wipe the glass surface of the device. To Aliathra''s own memory. It looked like one of the ''Demon Eyes'' that she recalled seeing months ago after that Illusion Spell she helped casted. Albeit, after careful study of those ''Eyes'' that she concluded that they were no more but new type of recording device or medium of recording. A Camera as they call it.


    "What do you know about Souviel? Anything interesting?" Samantha asked.


    "Souviel is veritably split into two distinct boroughs. Old Souviel and New Souviel. The Old Borough consists of two to single story stone houses which were, in ancient times carved in from the rocks in cubic shape with sometimes an orange painted dome over it. But you can easily tell them apart since they walls are almost always white in color."


    "Sounds like Mykonos actually if I am getting this right." Samantha commented.


    "There is such a place in your world?" Aliathra turned with intrigue.


    "Yeah, are the houses in the Old Borough have pane-less windows? Cool during hot weather and warm during cold weather?" Samantha asked.


    "Indeed. The Harbor, the Fishermen Wharf''s and the Commoner District are all located at the Old Borough. Souviel used to be a Fishing Village before the Empire turned it into the Trading Hub that it is today." Aliathra said.


    "What about the New Souviel?" Samantha asked about the latter Borough.


    "In contrast to the uniformity of the Old Borough, the New Souviel is much more, impressive, distinct and more colorful. There lies the Nobility, the College and the Shops that makes Souviel rich. The buildings there are more distinct from each other and taller too. Still the houses are built from the same stone as the Old Borough for the same reasons for the inhabitants." Aliathra said.


    "How rich is Souviel?" Samantha asked curiously.


    "Outside of the taxes they keep for themselves. The City and the surrounding province have a rich wine and arts culture. Many painters, aspiring cooks and even carvers go to the Coll¨¨gi o Soffestigadig Celf a Chrefft. That is the College that they go to perfect their skills and learn new techniques. I always wanted to see the galleries that is always open to the public." Aliathra said.


    "Sounds like a lot of fun. We should go there and see them in action while we are there." Samantha smiled.


    "What about problems? Something that troubles the place a lot? Even the richest of cities aren''t immune to a bit of shit every now and then." Crocker asked.


    "There were cases of Farms being set on fire which can cause the price of food to go up quite often, however nobody knows why the fires happen. Then there''s the Pirate Attacks that happen or the results of said coming up to the Harbor." Aliathra said with a slight cringe. "There are also the fights that happen between several Minstrel Groups, but that''s another story."


    "Nothing too crazy I say." Crocker recalled from his experience.


    Their conversation continued on for about the next 2 hours. Aliathra as soon as Stryder group loosened up had her suspicions died down. Obediah talked about his family and how he wanted his daughter April to see Aliathra again since she was a huge fan of ''Princesses'' albeit the little one doesn''t know the full truth that the Elf is indeed or given the context, was a Princess since the girl just assumed any exceptional beautiful woman outside of her mother and maybe her school teacher to be a ''Princess. Kayin talked about how Stryder group (although mostly it was his efforts and patience) that they managed to convince Iris Cadohagan the Vampire Witch to be a valuable partner and consultant in their colonization of the Planet and even told her stories of times Iris enchanted several of the UFE''s weapons to even more devastating effect. Clay who was the newest member of the squad before Aliathra joined in has an interest with cooking ever since his teenage years working as a Preparation Cook as a part time job before enlisting into the Army yet for some reason, slicing Onions was the one thing he vehemently despises doing in an otherwise preferred hobby.


    Yet for all of their small talk one thing that Stryder Group said that tickled the Elf''s ear was there reasons for being in Gliesia in the first place:


    Opportunity, the Opportunity to rise, begin anew and climb. They all wanted to better themselves, even Iris said that to her outspokenly.


    Samantha wants to prove her abilities as a Team Leader.


    Obediah wanted a better life for his family in an untapped land of possibilities.


    Diaz wanted to build something that would stand the test of time.


    Crocker wanted to wipe away the horrors of his past by going somewhere ''Quiet'' yet he still struggles to fight his inner monsters away.


    Kayin is seeking a promotion and a career for himself as a Combat Engineer.


    Clay wanted to see some Adventure to write about to his family and friends back home.


    Iris wants to further improve her Magic, Alchemical and Enchantment capabilities and see that the UFE could take her to places she could never dream of.


    Stryder no longer felt like a group of Intimidating Outsiders but now living people with dreams, aspirations, desires and fears.


    "So¡­ what about you Miss Lareththor? What do you want?" Samantha asked her.


    The Elf looked into herself. She remembered that albeit her parents were a loving, caring and protective pair who ruled the Ethuilen Elves sternly, she felt an invisible leash on her neck. Behave a certain way, speak a specific word, formalities and more formalities and the expectations of all the Nobles of the court expect from your typical Elven Maiden. All concepts from the great Elven Philosopher Seowyd, a writer who came up with thousands of philosophical and sociological writings that the Elves follow in every step. Elves are Gerontrocratic, the Elders are the most revered for their experience and wisdom collected throughout the years. Women are expected to be the Guardians of their Homes taking care of the day to day housekeeping and ultimately the defender of one''s valuables stored within. They were also expected behave ''Immaculately'' with chaperoned meetings with those of the opposite gender, reservations upon the males and to be the torch of reason to balance the man''s fiery heart.


    Yet she was still so na?ve to the ways of the world despite Seowyd''s expressions to promote a stable and time standing society. She never really knew how to react to men outside of her brother and her father as Education back in Alfel Nora is gender segregated. The only time in her youthful years where she could interact with a male was when she is in a chaperoned Soiree. Slow and Graceful dances, proper courtship and talks were to be expected. Only when an Elven Maiden has finally chosen her ''Gwir'' that the more restrictive measures were lifted and the more passionate stages of Courtship could begin This was done for more 3 millennia in Alfel Nora and still prevalent even after the Elven Split.


    Aliathra still has yet to find, her Gwir. None of the Noblemen and Boys back at her home. All of their attempts in her eyes were just Social Climbers looking to get their blood into the Royal Line even though the real prize was her sister Ithiel who is the Heir to the Astilbian Throne. Secretly between her and her sisters, they would read several human books behind their parent''s and servants backs of tales of Gallant and Daring heroes who with their wit, might and guile triumph against the odds and swept the maiden of their interested affections of her feet and ride off to the sun set. Roguish yet honest when he needs to be. She and her sister fawn over someone like the heroes in their stories.


    Weirdly enough but uncomfortably close to her, Diaz fits several of the criteria. Witty, guile, mighty in the sense of his battle prowess but the only thing that he seems interested the most is not the prize of the delicateness of a woman''s hand but more on the next great thrill, the next great payout or his next conquest. A Hedonist who thrives in conflict. Still charming but not the perfect vision she had. But then again, perfection is not the same for everyone.


    Yet, Alfel Nora despite its rigidness still had its redeeming factors. The zenith of scholarly knowledge of all of Gliesia is the envy of the world, the lush and untamed wild lands filled with nature''s fertile bounty and the most brilliant architecture in the world. Yet even then, it wasn''t enough for her curiosity of the outside world to get the better of her. Reading the books and foreign hearsay from traders and other minstrels about the hills of the Slaegian Heartlands, the titan sized mountains the Dwarves called their home and finally the great oceans of other far off locales she never heard about.


    "I wish to see more¡­ see more of the world." Aliathra answered.


    "Well we are called ''Stryder group'' after all. It means we take long steps everywhere we go." Samantha smiled.


    "Yeah, we already took you to a place you never thought was possible already." Diaz smiled.


    Just then, the Land Cruiser stopped suddenly with an abrupt stop with an equally unbalancing of everyone''s posture. Thankfully the seat belts saved them from flinging themselves all over the MRAP.


    "What is happening?" Samantha asked Kayin.


    "We just stopped¡­ hang on." Kayin said as he zoomed his eyes over several new figures that emerged from his view.


    A Patrol of Horsemen, a mix of armor varieties they wore. Most of them were wearing a light adornment of leather pauldrons and vests whilst one man in particular wore a full complement of armor. Then Kayin''s eyes caught one of the armored one''s shield. It was the Half-Pegasi and Half Sun heraldry Souviel proudly flies as there standard. What was also distinct of the knightly one was that the colors of his clothes. Flamboyantly golden for his metal protections with a puffy gold and red doublet underneath his armor. For his top wear, the Knight sported on a beak helmet otherwise known as a Bascinet and on top of his helmet, a rainbow-like bouquet of colorful feathers. He stood there like a work of art in contrast to the plain green camouflage of the Cargo Trucks and the bulky yet heavy load bearing MRAP''s.


    Samantha quietly grabbed her rifle in preparation for any danger but she kept her restraint as she was only allowed to fire her weapon if she was attacked upon. She opened the hatch that leads to the Machine Gun pintle of the Land Cruiser and slowly rose up.


    Just as she did, the Lieutenant saw Lutheor Mirrien emerge from one of the other MRAP''s in the convoy and hurriedly greeted the Knightly Figure.


    "Lutheor? Do you know them?" Samantha asked from her position.


    "They are just a border patrol. Relax let me do the talking. They all know me." the Dwarf reassured her.


    She observed that the Dwarf presented him with papers to the Souvieli Knight who examined them. It was a routine border patrol with a side of Customs Declaration. After some talking with the Knight, the Souvieli Leader returned the important looking papers to Lutheor and then gestured to the rest of the convoy to follow him.


    "We will need to meet with the Duke Thibault first in his castle at this hour first before we deliver my merchandise to my clients. He wants to talk to you very eagerly." Lutheor said.


    "Hang on, I thought it was Merchandise first, THEN meet the Duke." Bianchin protested over the Radio.


    "Thibault can be a very demanding one based on my experience. It''s rude to turn down or be late for his Summons." Lutheor insisted that the convoy adjust their plans.


    "He is right Bianchin, we are not in a position to negotiate at this moment." Samantha said.


    "You make a point. Alright we will follow them to the Duke. Lead the way. Now, where the hell did I place my ''Diplomacy'' Perfume?" Bianchin said before he hung up his radio.


    Lutheor nodded to the Knight of Souviel as he got back into his car. The Patrol watched the strange foreigners in their horseless carriages closely as the Knight of Souviel galloped to the front of the convoy to lead them to his liege lord.


    Yet Samantha at the meantime stayed at the Machine Gun Pintle of her Land Cruiser. She quickly reached back in to assemble her professional camera. She had an instinct that she will be given the Scenic route of their journey throughout Souviel.


    As a Studies and Observations group, one of Stryder''s key functions is Reconnaissance which is just in her eyes a fancy term for a photography tour. She had always a knack in handling the camera as she used to be part of the Photography club in her High School back in Quebec, Canada. She volunteered to be Stryder''s photographer due to her being the only person in her squad who can do more with a camera than ''click a button and shoot''. Her mandate as given by Colonel Polonsky is to take photos of the daily lives of the natives, local flora and fauna and other interesting locations. They are planning to create a more visually appealing encyclopedia of all the important information of Gliesia to be sold publicly courtesy of the UFE''s Bureau of Education and their connections with book publishing corporations. This slightly disappointed Samantha as she wanted to keep some of the photos for herself to hang on her wall like the beautiful sun bathing the warm green hills of Souviel that she immediately shot for the books with her camera.


    She had only taken a few official pictures of Gliesia before but not on official Recon Missions such as Iris'' old home, Tyr Rian''s city streets, the Tomb at the Desert and some important land marks surrounding New Albany that she just took for fun but had to turn over as the camera and the content in it''s SD Card were government property. She did try to appeal for at least accreditation for her work but so far now answer from high command as all photos were either classified or just said ''UFE Military Corps. File Photo''.


    Despite not being the true owner of such remarkable sight''s digital immortalization, Samantha still enjoyed the thrill of finding that right moment to shoot her camera. The green empty hills soon became farmlands of wheat, vine and fruit with farmers planting and harvesting their crops. Focusing and rapidly clicking her camera she took over 20 photos of the Souvieli farmlands. She smiled with a slight giggle as the photos she took and will most likely take within the immediate future might be mistaken for photos of Italy''s Toscana region unless otherwise stated that yes, this is the new Alien Planet that teemed with sentient life and functioning civilization.


    But then, Samantha realized after that, the philosophical, religious, sociological, economical and astronomical implications of Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, Magic and most outrageous of all, other Humans living in a Fantasy World like planet. People might dismiss at first of such preposterous revelations as some sort of coverup or propaganda campaign to push in more money to the dying UFE Colonial Expansion programs which had under gone several scandals involving corporate favoritism and embezzlement. She fears that Prince Clovich and his entourage maybe dismissed as Cosplayers when they make their appearance at Geneva soon.


    "Can you hear me? All of you? Sure? Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Souviel, the Land of Passion and Sun." Lutheor Mirrien announced on the radio.


    The Farmlands disappeared from view as Samantha felt the cooling winds of Seabreeze. Woodworks and boat family sized dry docks for small fishing and sailing vessels alongside Mykonian like stone carved homes that the Souvieli commoners live. With their distinct paintings to set the apart from the Greek lookalikes and to show some individuality Samantha took aim and captured these homes from the distance of her MRAP. Thankfully the car and the convoy were moving as fast as the steps of the Knight''s horse. She noticed as she took multiple shots of the houses that the paintings were all individually unique to set the inhabitants apart from each other''s but judging by the paintings fresh looking frescoes, it looked like a more recent thing. Perhaps the Arts College work? Some natives stared at the mysterious strangers who came to their land, some even feel intimidated by the roar of their MRAP''s engines which according to some sensitivity studies conducted by Dr. Mahelona and Dr. Haneul reminds them of beasts and monsters.


    Samantha, wanting to at least do what she could to defuse first impression tensions waved a friendly hello and a gentle smile. But she didn''t had time to see the results if that one act of cordiality made any changes to their arrival.


    Speaking about their arrival, Samantha noticed that the streets were getting progressively smaller the deeper they are into the Duchy. From open dirt roads to stone roads wide enough for only people walking on foot or horses being pushed up, the Convoy soon felt constricted, especially the Cargo trucks containing Lutheor''s Merchandise for this trip.


    "The Knight guy just halted; he says we can ''place our Steeds at the Stable'' before we move further into Souviel up to the Inner-City parts. The Merchandise will stay here. Lutheor knows the stable master and he can arrange porters to take his stuff out. Come on, the Duke awaits." Bobby Bianchin radioed.


    "I will need to put this on¡­" Aliathra turned over her hood covering her face.


    "Disembark Stryder Group." Samantha ordered.


    The back of their MRAP opened up as the squad emerged from their vehicle. Immediately afterwards the squad could hear the startled screeches and gasps of passersby. Seeing the ''Metal Beast'' spew forth people from its depth got people to recoil. One rather well-dressed woman fainted to the back of her maidservants.


    "Alright, Viking and Apache will come with us to the Duke. J?ger, you guard the trucks until the Porters come." Samantha called out.


    Every other UFE SOG Unit nodded and followed. Alongside Bianchin''s personal retinue of PMC''s and Mirrien''s trusty bodyguards, the Mission pushed forward towards the deeper borough of Souviel.


    The streets were narrow but more paved with bricks. Additionally, and quite amusingly, the paved bricked road had some worn out paint traces of flowers ranging from Red, Blue and Yellow from what the Lieutenant could discern. There were small rotundas, colored homes in contrast to the mostly white commoner houses, patios, flights of stairs, inclined rises and aesthetically pleasing tree''s that gave the affluent New Souviel a Italian-like and laid back feel. Another aesthetic distinction was the vibrant art scene ranging from statues embedded as fountains, memorials or artistic bawdiness (which was more of the latter) whilst paintings that decorate every street corner as they walk were of a cornucopia of food, wine and naked cherub like figures serving bottles of wine to naked people below like mana from the heavens.


    It was hard for the likes of Diaz, Aliathra, Kayin and Bobby to not get distracted by the beautiful scenery as they walked. Especially Aliathra who ogled at the feminine statues who''s faces and postures displayed a care free illustration.


    Even the people, who dressed in clothes belonging to the Renaissance Era completed the Mediterranean look of whole borough. That just made them, there shiny metal gear and vests stand out like if a group of Airsoft players accidentally stumbled into a Renaissance Fair. Souviel had a distinct ambiance sound of a mix of children skipping playfully on the streets, nobles travelling under the sun with their velvet umbrellas, craftsmen rushing on their businesses and minstrels playing their latest creations for a few scraps of gold coins on their feet. Compared to Tyr Rian however, Souviel was reserved in population for every 1 Souviel person she saw, there would have been 3 Tyr Rianni.


    Samantha was relieved at quite the tone down of pace. The crowds at Tyr Rian were tense and a human jungle of danger that lurked in every corner. In addition to the practical aspects, Samantha took this opportunity with her State-Issued Camera to take some photos of all the places and people she is seeing for it was inevitable for the natives, civilian, commoner, noble and guards alike to take notice:


    "What Knightly Order or Mercenary Group are you? You don''t look like any I have seen." commented a guard.


    "By the Gods you look so tall, handsome even. How about I show you a good time brave sir." Enticed a bawdily dressed courtesan.


    "You are unusually tall for a Dwarf¡­ and unusually¡­ dark¡­ dyed¡­ for any of them." A passerby said.


    "Wine? Waybread? Cicysch? Hungry after a long day?" a merchant peasant peddled his latest produce from his farm.


    "Is that¡­ Green paired with Brown? That will do you no good here in Nauva Souvieli! Buy some of my finest garbs. I am sure we can find something that matches you." A peddler marketed himself. He was quietly ignored.


    All eyes were at them indeed, all words spoken were about these strange new visitors to their idyllic little bubble. All ears of the natives fell on whatever rumors that they heard about from whom had heard second to first handed information about these Otherworlders:


    "I hear that one of them can slay an Ogre with his bare hands."


    "The Rose Dressed one and the gray haired one in the velvet doublet are said to possess the great magical power called ''Kore-poo-rit Chick''!"


    "There mages seem to be tireless too. They can shoot so many spells within a few hours without passing out."


    Samantha payed heed to those murmurs. They were neutral sounding but potentially sliding down to the fearful stages of opinion. Fear can be a double-sided sword as she knows. It can keep a person submissive or it could make another angry towards hatefulness which will only lead to violence. They need to make a positive impression to allay such fears. She heard of the chatter by the Marines back in New Albany of some sort of mission taking place Haringpoint with the Aurora and from the way they whispered nervously to each other. It had to involve violence of some shape or form. It will be inevitable that news flow down from the Imperial Capital.


    "Look up! There it is." Lutheor announced.


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    Samantha''s eyes met shadows as she looked over what towered above her. A great majestic castle of Fairy-Tale like proportions, or the gate that leads to it at least greeted her. At least 5 towers that scraped the sky, a garden filled with a painter''s pallete of flowers and flamboyantly dressed servants and guards patrol the grounds.


    A loud trumpet followed, blaring out as their feet stepped on the Castle''s courtyard.


    The Guards shifted then locked their feet and weapons in salute while the servants bowed down towards Lutheor and the rest of the Diplomatic Mission.


    "M¨¨stre Lutheor Mirrien of the South Karze? Mercantile Company has arrived." The Trumpet Blower declared.


    "Welcome again Sir Mirrien to Castel Astro-Somi."


    "As you can all see, my name is quite known in these parts. Come on! Onwards! We have a Duke to meet." Mirrien said.


    The delicate exterior of the Castle was perhaps the most remarkable architecture that Samantha captured on her camera. She remarks that the guards that patrol the premise focused more on status symbolization rather than practicality. Equipped with a Sword or a Halberd with their colorful doublet that displayed Souviel''s Coat of Arms. Nothing more than toy soldiers who were only good at marching and the occasional pest infestation. By their green faces they looked like they never been into an actual fight in their lives. The Knights on the other hand that apparently leads them looked more experienced and battle ready in demeanor thanks to their armor and more assorted weapons.


    The UFE made their way into the door of the castle proper and followed the Knight and several servants who now attached themselves and followed their every move. They were light footed as to not heavily trod the marble floor of the Castle which had an exquisite interior filled with paintings, statues and other decorative that were proudly reflected upon by the nearing-noon sun.


    Another great door stopped them, this time, Lutheor silently gestured Bobby to tense up and be ready to make a graceful entrance.


    "Oh, here we go. Time to dress to impress." Diaz smiled as he picked up from out of his hands his splashy biker jacket with glittering roses as its print pattern.


    "What are you doing Soldier get back to your¡­" Samantha said but was interrupted by more Trumpet blaring.


    "May I present you M¨¨stre Lutheor Mirrien of the South Karze? Mercantile Company and Roberto Bianchin of the You-Knighted Federation of Erff." An announcer declared with a glaring mispronunciation of the UFE''s name.


    Diaz was already covering his chest rig with his Jacket whilst the rest of the Soldiers in the Mission holstered their guns.


    They marched down to the Duke''s Throne room under the sight of dozens upon dozens of what appears to be Nobles and Foreign Dignitaries residing in Souviel. People in all shapes and colors, races, eyes and heights were in attendance. Some dressed like one of the Souvielian Nobility in their oversize doublets and puffy dresses that the men and women wore. The rest wore their native nations indigenous garments filled with furs, leather and strange feathers. They whispered to each other, very much about these strangers who walked into their little gathering. Probably commenting about their appearance, demeanors and uncanny resemblance to other Humans. The Lieutenant couldn''t tell since these whispers were inaudible to her ears or were masked by the gentle music that played by the door to give this gathering a sense of elitist bliss.


    "Welcome Mirrien one of my Favorite Merchants!" Duke Thibault said on his throne.


    He was short man with long curled hair and a gut produced from overindulgence. His demeanor judging from his giddy movements was ecstatic, like a child awaiting something exciting to happen.


    "And Hello again! You are still the same as I last so you? Was it¡­ four? Maybe five Years ago?" Mirrien answered.


    "Five, I think. I was bedridden with the most atrocious of fevers at the time. Please, tell me. May you introduce yourselves to your friends? I heard great and wondrous things about them from my Cousin the Prince of Tyr Rian." Thibault said.


    "Certainly, may Introduce you to Roberto Bianchin. Leader of this adventurous delegation to your fine realm." Mirrien introduced the UFE to the Duke.


    "Your Majesty. It is with my upmost and warming pleasure to be here today. I am Roberto Bianchin and I represent the UFE Mission to your city. We wish to discuss trade, peace and other promising and mutually beneficial deals with you and my¡­ my¡­ ''masters'' back in New Albany." Bianchin bowed.


    The Duke happily observed the aliens. His eyes marveled at Crocker''s Armor, the exotic skin tones of Kayin and Clay and Diaz''s out worldly but enviable to the eyes of all of the guests, his Jacket. But then his eyes turned to Aliathra, who was still under her hood. Thibault''s face turned red, slighted at his disrespect that the Elven Princess in accidental exile gave.


    "Do you know it is rude to wear a hood under my presence let alone in a Party?" Thibault scolded.


    Reacting quickly, Diaz and Bianchin stepped in.


    "Oh, our guide! Sorry milord. She is very shy. You see." Bianchin said trying to maintain his diplomatic tone.


    Diaz on the other hand whispered to Aliathra''s leaf shaped ears.


    "Play along. We can''t afford to risk exposing you." Diaz whispered.


    Before the Elf could react, Diaz unceremoniously pulled down Aliathra''s hood revealing her astonishing elven braided hair.


    The crowd in the room gasped in amazement at the sight of the Elf like an angel descending from heaven to grace them all. They know she was an Alfel Noran Elf thanks to her clean and ''civilized'' demeanor compared to the Sea Elves more rugged and tattooed covered faces who normally mind you dear reader are supposed to be segregated at the Wharfs and rarely climb up to the uptown borough of Nouva Souvieli.


    "Such a beauty like you shouldn''t be covered in that hideous garments Oh no." Thibault approached Aliathra.


    "Eh¡­ sorry Duke but¡­ our Guide¡­ she is very shy and not very used to Social¡­ Interactions. Please can we continue on?" Diaz tried to defuse.


    "Oh, by the Gods in Heaven. I got ahead. Yes, pardon me and I apologize for my abruptness. I always get seduced easily by such lovely faces. I do say, yours is perhaps one of the most striking in this gathering here." Thibault complemented.


    The crowd murmured again by the Duke''s statement. Some of the ladies who were dolled up in makeup, jewelry and the finest of clothes silently expressed disdain. The Nobility''s efforts to outshine their peers in the latest fashion and beauty trends stolen by a visitor who was not even trying to stand out in front of everyone''s eyes.


    Samantha could only conclude that this Duke Thibault the Eighth is a very decadent individual. If that custom raiment of his and his air headedness on diverting his attention from a monumental first encounter with a pretty face then the Lieutenant might as well set her Military College Notebooks on fire.


    "We will discuss those terms in my officer chambers after I introduce you to my court''s best and brightest. My Ministers and some of my closest confidants would love to meet you Sir Bianchin." The Duke said.


    "Oh, please you can call me Bobby if you want. I WILL be your new friend after this anyways." Bianchin said. "Team, let me and my Bodyguards alone with the Duke for now. Go Enjoy the party for now."


    The Delegates journeyed off with the Duke who with a bashful smile, introduced his closest friends and ministers to them. Handshakes, salutations and fanciful introductions were exchanged successfully. Bobby''s charm marketed like any slick Corpo would with the nobles who were smitten by his princely-like demeanor and elegant tone.


    In almost the same way, Stryder Group and the rest of the UFE soldiers were approached by the other attendees of the party. Questions bombarded them such as:


    "Where is this Kingdom called ''You-Knighted Fe-der-ashon''?"


    "What is the name of your Knightly Order?"


    "What do you think of our fine realm of Souviel?"


    Some of the more machismo attendants were smitten by Iris, Lieutenant Rose and Aliathra and were observed attempting to make fawning solicitations from the 3 Women. But were shot down thanks to Irises physical but subtle attribute of stronger grip.


    "Me and these other ladies are not interested." She said. And their pursuant courtiers retreated away.


    "Thank you, Iris." Samantha asked.


    "With gratitude for me too." Aliathra nodded.


    "I prefer to enjoy my wine in peace. Shall I recommend the Piquant Granvas? It''s something only Noblemen drink and I saw a manservant pass out some goblets filled with them." Iris returned the favor.


    The women of Stryder group took some of the sparkling white wine that Iris had pointed out and after a moment for the rest of Stryder Group grabbed a goblet of wine (except Crocker who just had a goblet of water to maintain some professionalism and Clay who was more of a liquor man took a spirit). They were allowed to only have one round of alcohol in party to avoid offending their host who had arranged such lavishness for their arrival, and no more. Samantha raised her glass to the air and cheered her friends.


    "Sant¨¦ and Tchin Tchin! That means cheers back in Quebec or my house at least." Samantha proclaimed.


    "Cheers!" Stryder group said.


    "Ben¨°stra!" Iris said in Vaikuri.


    "Joui." Aliathra meekly said. It was just an effort to fit in but the sense of Camaraderie between the Otherworlders and Iris was evident.


    Samantha noticed and cheered the young elf up.


    "Don''t worry about anything. Just do what your told and you will be safe with us." She reassured her.


    But Aliathra still held fears that her family and the other Ethuilen Elves might still come to ''rescue'' or avenge her supposed ''corruption''.


    ------------------------------- (Earlier that day at a battered Haringpoint) -------------------------


    Despite the chaos, the despair and confusion upon the wake of what the people Haringpoint could only describe as ''the Wrath of the Demons'', the Slaegian Empire''s military, nobility and other such support structures that kept their civilization stable were working at clockwork rotation. Postmen, Messengers and Scribes worked tirelessly to send forth letters to as many of their prefects, vassals, allies about the terrible news of the capital suffering from a brazen attack by Otherworldly Barbarians who dared challenge them. Religious officials, Arcanist and Monsterologists debated, reviewed and studied for any connections of these ''Sky People'' to any other phenomenon or occurrences in Gliesia but to no avail. Legionary Generals and High Ranked Grey Order Members rallied the populace at first to rebuild what was damaged by the attack but then ultimately recruit more into their numbers for an inevitable clash with the ''You-Knighted Fe-der-A-ashon''. And amongst the Grey Order and Legionnaires inner sanctums, a plan is being concocted in a hope to save themselves from what some believe to be ''the Second Coming of the Demons''.


    "We need to make the Covenant with the Great Crystal Heart." Emperor Uldin said.


    The Great Crystal Heart was deemed the Holiest of Relics in Ysanigrad. Legend speaks that this wheel sized crystal had bestowed its blessings to Caldell of the Slaegiac tribe in order to beat back the initial Demonic Invasion. According to the scriptures, the Heart gave a piece of its flesh to Caldell which bestowed him awesome magical enhancements such as enhanced health, resilience, agility and strength. His duel against the Alboen was the greatest example for it was said that they fought for a full week without pause. Additionally, the blessings the Heart gives also to share a proteus affinity with all aspects of magics but not to the same extent in one branch against someone who studied specifically that branch all their life.


    The Heart right now is underground in a secured vault deep inside the Great Cathedral of Haringpoint where it remained inert unless it is activated again.


    "You are asking us to perform an immensely dangerous ritual." Owyne warned.


    The Ritual of Recrudesce, the means to reawaken the Heart Crystal from its dormant state requires it to expend a large amount of Mana inside its specially sealed sanctum in most likely dangerously fatal amounts. But the risks compared to the take away was immense. It is said that the Heart when hearing its prayers and being surrounded by the dancing sprites of its energy flowing around it can give not only blessings but fore sighting visions of welcoming guidance that Caldell had said to hear when he begged the Heart to ask him how to defeat Alboen and rescue his betrothed.


    "No sacrifice will be too great for our survival!" Uldin shouted. "I will burn through my entire treasury just to get you the Mana Potions and Crystals you need to complete the Ritual."


    "We just need you to gather all of the best mages that the Empire has. I will also see to it I can get any mages from our own Colleges to assist you." Lyndis said.


    "Any help from you is most comforting to hear. We will also have to be ready to receive the blessing on any chosen heroes that the Heart will select so gather your best troops and Guildsmen to the Cathedral and wait for the Heart''s Blessing. But if the Chosen One is outside of the Capital, have your knights ready to set out and follow where the Crystal shall guide us." Karliah added.


    "Gods protect us all. I fear the Fires of the Goddess of Death lick my feet. First our city and now perhaps my own colleagues and students¡­" Owyne sulked down.


    He knew that he will also have to participate in the ritual as the Master of Ceremony. The possibility of death, failure or even more maddening visions afflict his psyche. He might not survive or perhaps see one of his colleague or students that he had befriended, worked with and tutored perish. But if it is for the future of the Empire and the whole world at stake then he must be ready to pay the price whether he wants to or not.


    "Very well¡­ Petur, tell Priaut Cadlys¨¦r Huguet and also the Grey Order to come to the Cathedral at noon after 3 Days from now. Gather the best that you can and also horsemen in reserve in case we must ride immediately." Owyne sighed.


    Ser Huguet Carcer, the Priaut Cadlys¨¦r or Grand Commander of the Slaegian Legion would be at that time coordinating the rescue and rebuilding effort of all the damaged areas of the Imperial Capital. A valiant man with a tendency for audacious acts of heroics but also an eye for talent to be assigned into some of the most decorated and battle-hardened regiments of the Imperial Legion. It would be natural for a soul like him to be escorted by nothing more but the finest men to ever had the dutiful honor of carrying the Empire''s Banner across all of the known corners of the world.


    "Your will be done your excellency." Everyone except Emperor Uldin said.


    Owyne, Petur, Karliah and Lyndis bowed as they went out of the Emperor''s Underground chambers that he uses for emergencies such as the unlikely event of a siege or a coup ''de tat. It was not as opulent as he otherwise intact palace above him but his advisors recommend to wait out underground with the rest of his court until the reconstruction of the Haringpoint is completed.


    "Servant, may I see the map of the Principality of Tyr Rian itself? I want to review some battle plans." Uldin whispered as soon as the rest of the council dismissed themselves.


    "As you wish milord." The manservant said.


    -------------------------------------(The next day in Souviel) ---------------------------


    The mornings at ''Camp Ghillie Leaf'' was reinvigorating and picturesque for Samantha. The sun gilding the golden and olive lands that make up Souviel was worthy of a shot of Samantha''s camera. Afterwards she went to her Military Laptop that have now been connected to the Metanet just now and uploaded all the photos that she had received to High Command and the Intelligence Agencies. The Grounds were in fact the structural wooden remains of an old fort that was abandoned a century ago and after an hour of cloaking the perimeter with camouflage. Invisible to the naked eye of any activity unless you can get close enough to break through the forest colored veils (and a headshot from a sniping sentry). The Duke assured the UFE and Lutheor Mirrien that the fort was situated in a place that no one in Souviel would ever venture to yet still has a road that connects to the outside world.


    ''Nice shots Lieutenant. I nearly forgot these were official recon photos.'' Responded in text by Colonel Polonsky.


    ''More will come soon Colonel. I am actually enjoying this.'' Samantha replied.


    ''Good to hear. Got any interesting leads? Specifically, something that Dr. Mahelona can use about the Native''s Magics? He is been asking for them now.'' Polonsky asked.


    ''We have one from Aliathra of all other sources. Some sort of Seafarer who ships items from Alfel Nora of Arcane Content. Will investigate soon but Bianchin says we need to get more acquainted with the locals first.'' Samantha explained.


    ''Very well, Godspeed. Polonsky Out.''


    The Lieutenant closed the lid of the laptop and stored back her camera as she turned around to see the rest of the UFE Soldiers are either finishing up or just completed their breakfast and there morning hygienic activities. Crocker, after configuring his Exo-Suit for the day waved at his superior.


    "Sergeant, Bianchin came up with a lot of leads last night. I was assigned with one." Samantha informed.


    "Can''t wait to begin today. Hey, El-tee? You got a moment?" Crocker asked.


    "Sure. Is there a problem?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh no, just some small talk while the rest of the boys gets ready." Crocker answered. "So, I only know you graduated at the UFE Military''s North America Camp, right? Under what course?"


    "West Point? I took the Defense and Strategic Studies there. I can analyze, evaluate and then solve problems within a geo-stellar context. Then there''s operational arts, counterinsurgency, persuasive communications. All to properly communicate tactical decisions and actions to the UFE''s policies." Samantha said. But it was robotic response. In her heart she knew there was a hole in that sentence that she doesn''t know the answer too. "As for the Camera, well I used to be a member of my High School Photography club. It was either that or the Swim Team and sharing the same room with Rebecca. She was Big-B." Samantha loosened her tongue off of the uncertainty.


    "And what is the UFE''s Policy to the Gliesians?" Crocker asked.


    It was the million-dollar cross examination anomaly to Samantha. What was the UFE''s Policy? To all of this? All of Governor White''s actions were essentially him putting on a kind face to the natives and the Colonial Affairs Office was only going through what Jeremy could produce positively. They had no real power outside of a few paper pushes to Wigs much higher in the political food chain than them. There was no official policy of diplomatic, economic and sociological interactions with any sentient civilization, pre-stellar or capable of space flight. Just theories, contingencies and some psychological concepts were dating back to when the UFE was known as the United Nations before the 3rd World War. Governor White was juggling both his official mandate of running the colony and the unforeseen duty of being in the front lines of humanity''s or Earth Humanity''s first contact with other beings. Who would have guessed that the first aliens they meet are people straight out of a Fantasy RPG?


    "There is none. Officially yet. We are just going with what is the most convenient for the colony''s safety right now." Samantha answered.


    "Sooner or later, this planet will be opened up. The Wigs can''t keep the rest of the UFE from knowing about this planet. Eventually more colonists, corporations and soldiers will come down here. What will happen to the Elves? The Dwarves? Those Beast people and all the rest? Will they be naturalized as citizens? Or will we make them strangers in their own homes for our own ends? What say you gov?" Crocker asked.


    Samantha took a deep breath. Her second-in-command is right once again. What will happen next once the UFE fully devotes themselves into Gliesia?


    "If it were up to me¡­ I would make sure we never repeat the same mistakes our ancestors have made during the Golden Age of Colonization." Samantha said from her heart. She values utilitarian ethics, on emotions and consideration of the other.


    "Interesting choice Lieutenant. But others might have different ideas." Crocker nodded.


    After that second, a loud double clang was heard. It was Obediah who had just finished eating a freshly cooked Rice Pilaf with Teriyaki Chicken breasts for his breakfast.


    "Let''s do this guy. Woo!" Obediah enthusiastically jumped.


    Kayin again was with Iris talking to her before he and the Vampire stood in attention. Diaz was helping Clay pack his spare batteries for his radio whilst Aliathra carefully re-tightened her tiara like braid worthy for a fair Elven Maiden such as herself.


    "Stryder Group. Bianchin got some interesting leads for us. He delegated them to all of us and we have to privilege of having the least dangerous one." Samantha said. "According to Bianchin, he has met a merchant by the name Galbut Seguin, a wholesaler of wine barrels in Souviel. According to Lutheor, the Seguin Family Wine Dispensary and Taproom has deep connections with various important people in the Duchy from the Nobility who he sells for their fancy banquet parties, taverns whom Galbut supplies the more upscale of beverages to and of course exporters. Bianchin wants us to talk to him and see what we can make of some his social connections and if we can get ourselves on his web too." Samantha said.


    "Where is his place?" Clay asked.


    "Near the ports. His largest buyers are the exporters and not too far away from that is some of the taverns after all. It''s a two-storied building with a basement of an unknown size but I am sure that''s just where he keeps all of his Wine." Samantha answered.


    "The Tavai that I talked about is by the ports all of the time too. We can stop by and meet with him. Maybe his latest shipment is one of the items that your Scholarly friend back in New Albany requested for." Aliathra added.


    "Doctor Mahelona is his name Miss Lareththor. But you make a good point. I will let command know about this too but first stop is the Wine Dispensary." Samantha acknowledged.


    Now with their orders clear. Stryder Group boarded their Land Cruiser and head off into the golden sunrise.

 28 Chapter 28: Vines Full of Deb

    It was a bright and youthful morning for the novice adventurer Faithleann Garmhaic. He combed off his hair as he walked out of the Inn that he stayed in Haringpoint. After leaving his village which was a good 2-Weeks journey to the imperial capital of Haringpoint to look for opportunity, adventure, gold and glory. He was an only child of two impoverished landowners. However, before his parents died as he reached the cusps of adulthood for Humans in Ysanigrad at 15, they thought him swordsmanship and moral upbringings of good versus evil actions from his father and mother respectively. He had experience in real world professions when he was given the job in his village to be a Deputy for the Local Prefect. Enforcing the virtues of every lawful good ruling and social expectations with the best of his ability (or the worst a small riverside fishing village can offer as a threat to it) he was commended by the Prefect for being ''an Exemplar'' to all aspiring youths who want to get out of their shells and do good in this fantastical world.


    This ''Exemplar'' that is named Faithleann read and heard all of the legends, stories, fables and ballads that he could lay his ears on since he was still illiterate at the present. They were his greatest delights to see heroes like the Empire''s founder Caldell Slaegiac slaying the evil Demon Lord Alboen, the tales of the Plucky Rogue who stole from disgustingly greedy nobles and give there ill-gotten gains back to the people, or even the story of the 4th Avatar of Thidar, the God of Virtue, Gerard ''Who is as wise as the River''. Whenever he heard the story of a new hero, he would ask the storyteller what became of him but to his disappointment, these heroes'' times were such a long time ago that they were obviously long dead. Faithleann was discouraged, he wanted to gaze upon such heroes and to firsthand examine their example, for he had always wanted to be immortalize into memory and record as an Exemplar of all that is good, virtuous and lawful in this world. Stained glass, Ballads and books depicting him saving the innocent from monsters, winning the hand of beautiful maidens and being a good example of bravery and tenacity to future generations who would look at his histories with awe. That was what Faithleann aspires, to attain the noble recognition denied for him at birth after his father made several mistakes in running his farm unto the proverbial financial ground.


    Faithleann wanted to personally curse the name of whomever dared strike at the very heart of Humanities'' achievement in this world. He was both enraged and horrified by the devastation brought on the Slaegian Empire''s ports for Haringpoint was the heart of humanities development in Ysanigrad. If it stops bleeding, the other cities and towns would wither. He tirelessly, selflessly and consistently pulled out the debris of off all the rubble on the Demon Attack''s wake and if he ever heard a cry for help, he would without any hesitation drop what he was doing and rush to whomever needed his aid. Sometimes, he would need to help assist a doctor amputate the legs of an injured person or apply bandages all over an extensively maimed individual. Other times, he would be tasked to help some of the Legionnaires pullout a family or a trapped citizen from the rubble. There were concerns from his Grey Order superiors who oversaw the new youths that he might have been pushing himself too hard but Faithleann paid no heed. Doing the right thing was to him like eating a banquet of his favorite meal of Spiced, Pit-Roasted Chicken.


    But today is different. He was told that there will be an important announcement happening in the Great Cathedral, one of the holiest sites in all of Gliesia and a popular place where Imperial Decrees are said out to the public due to the Cathedral being open to all walks of life. Faithleann did heard from his fellow adventurers that the Emperor after sometime from the attack didn''t make any immediate action but fled underground for his own and his own court''s safety and he only now is he making any statements. All of the Empire would be holding their breath as Uldin will be there address his people yet curiously, for such a public event, that a large portion of all the pews on the front half facing the altar in the Great Cathedral were reserved for Knights, Legionnaires and Gray Order Guildsmen such as himself. The wings were reserved on one side, the Holy Men of the Clergy and another wing, which is normally where the choir would be stationed is instead occupied by the College of Magi. He could see among his Grey Order colleagues a whole diverse cast of adventurers such as fellow fighters, independent clerics, a few bards and rangers over there. Some of notable repute others he has just seen with his eyes for the first time.


    "Whoever attacked us will rue the day they were born." One of the Knights on the same row as Faithleann declared.


    "Silence! Look, his majesty the Emperor has appeared¡­ and is that¡­" another adventurer pointed only to have his mouth left agape when the Imperial Entourage included none other than the Great Crystal Heart itself. Everyone in attendance in the Cathedral were stunned with silence.


    Very few of them ever had previously humbled themselves over the sacred artifact. They knew the centuries long stories of individuals who were deemed heroes by the Crystal''s blessing. To bring it out here from its sanctum means that the Empire and by default the world is in grave danger. Some of the more pious amongst them, knelt down to say a short prayer in the Crystals reverence.


    "My People, I, Emperor Uldin shall decree that we are seeing what is the Second Coming of Alboen, the Demon Lord of Ancient Times." Uldin announced.


    The crowds burst incessant whispers. Many of the hotblooded and patriotic warriors were up at arms and swore vengeance upon such a brazen act of vengeful defilement to their city, Faithleann among them. He remembered the stories of Alboen enslaving people to build up his armies and only Empire''s Founder, Caldell was able to fend him off by uniting the races against him in the Battle of Marnia''s Bluff.


    "He has returned in a new form. Descending from the Skies with his army and he had the cunning to call himself under a new title. The You-Knighted Fe-der-a-shun of Erf. Even then, his armies have already spread themselves all over our sovereign lands and even made one of our Princely Vassals, Prince Clovich of Tyr Rian, kneel before him! They also come to believe they had also abducted one of the Elven Princesses and corrupted her into a monster with a cold heart filled with nothing but bloodied steel. Lastly, as you all saw with your own eyes, they had the gall to attack our fair city and demanded we bend the knee to them! But we will not, never kneel to the one who had tried for our destruction and enslavement." Uldin said.


    Crowds roared in the tune to his fiery rhetoric. Very few other occasions ever made the Grand Cathedral reverberate so loudly.


    "In these trying times, we need to see a hero in what will be approaching our darkest days." Uldin said as his eyes darted to the Crystal Heart that sat idly on its velvet cushion.


    Then the College Magi began to raise their staffs and wants to the air and began to chant, concentrate or channel their mana. Transferring their energies towards the crystal to wake it from its dormancy.


    Priests and Legionnaires encouraged all of the magical gifted to lend their power as they began to enact the Ritual of Recrudesce. They will pour all of their magic into the crystal so it can awake from its centuries long slumber. Then through its wisdom it will select the most capable among all to be able to wield its power. Blessings of Might, Prowess and other untold powers shall be given the responsibility to the Chosen One or Few since there was a time the Crystal had chosen Four Heroes to be given an equal blessing of its power.


    There was silence from everyone else as the mages funneled all of that emanated power towards the Crystal Heart. Minutes, became hours and those hours became agonizing attrition for the Mages. Some collapsed in exhaustion and those who still stood resolute, there chanting and postures degraded to beseeching murmurs and rickety legs.


    The Ritual channeling lasted until after dark when the city lit up their candles to see through the darkened gaps left by starry and full moon light of that evening. But just as the Church custodians began to ignite the lanterns, the Crystal began to beat a quiet but noticeable hum.


    "It''s a sign!" the blinded Grandmaster Owyne exclaimed.


    Then the humming became louder. Those that still remained in the church awoken, the Crystal has risen again. The Mages, seeing that their progress has been rewarded, redoubled their efforts. They were however running on their own fumes, smelling salts and a few pieces of high calorized beef jerky smuggled inside the Cathedral.


    Then the heart began to shake and its humming began to be louder then rhythmic. The attendants held their breath as the Artifact rose from its cushion a few feet.


    "I have awoken!" the Crystal Heart spoke in many voices of ambiguous accents, gender and tones.


    "The Crystal! The Gods speak to us!" one of the Bishops shouted.


    "I know why you awoken from me. You seek my power in these uncertain times. Many of you I saw waver but your faith and contribution are admirable." The Crystal said.


    "Oh, Sacred Heart. We seek a Hero in these trying times and a Prophecy for Alboen has returned." The Emperor said to the Artifact.


    "For all of your deeds and feats in Caldell''s wake, you are all still Children to me." the Crystal said. "The One who will destroy the greatest Enemy of Gliesia at the cost of his own life, the One who will exhume the world from its ashes and lastly the One who will bring about the New Age afterwards. Three Heroes, branded with my Mark." The Crystal Decreed.


    "Oh, Sacred Heart! Who may these Heroes be given your blessings?" the Emperor asked.


    "One of the Heroes is among you in this very Sanctuary you built upon this rock." The Crystal said.


    The attendants gasped. One of them will be given the honor of the Crystals Blessings. Some braced themselves, others doubted they might not be worthy and the rest were somewhere in between. For Faithleann he had the moral upbringing to see through the Enemies of Gliesia, who are the Demons who seek its destruction made him spiritually fit to be one of the heroes but he doubted that he has the mental and physical acumen to be one. He just barely started off on his own.


    "The other two are in faraway lands. I warn you however, you may not like whom I choose. You may even accuse me of foolishness but my Wisdom is greater than the greatest of libraries and the longest of lives." The Crystal warned about the other two.


    Then it began to glow as bright as the morning sun. It emitted forth three separate sprites of lights, floating illustrations of light in three different calligraphic words in Vaikuri. One says ''Estysgol'' the word for the Scholar, next was ''Gweninejar'' the word for shared between modern translations of Bane, Anathema or Poison, lastly the next word ''Rhannu-Prietar'' which were the two words for Share and Holder respectively. Whenever the Crystal sent forth its Branding Sprites to embed its power to a new Chosen Hero, the person would have a permanent, Scar-like branding on their body (which can vary on location in many cases). This signifies their status as the Chosen One.


    They began to fly off in a dazzling speed yet one of them encircled the Cathedral gatherers whilst the other two left off for wherever the other Chosen Ones are.


    As the Branding Sprite left behind to select from the congregation. The attendants held their breath. Some prayed for hope, others for strength but overall, they all prayed for one thing: Salvation.


    Then Faithleann''s eyes saw the Sprite descend towards him.


    "AHH!" the Novice Adventurer cried as he felt a burning sensation on his forehead where the Sprite made contact with him. His tears reflexively erupted in pain as he covered his face. He never felt such a tremendous and sharp agony in his quiet yet virtuous life. His feet carried him in a panicked frenzy out of his Pew and onto the walkway as all eyes in the Cathedral turned to him.


    "The Crystal has chosen him." One of them said.


    "Son, are you okay?" one of the priests ran towards the young boy.


    Several members of the congregation gathered together to help the branded chosen one rises up from the floor. There was noticeable green-blue glow on his forehead that Faithleann was hiding behind his hands from view.


    "My Child, show us the Brand." The Priest requested him.


    Faithleann complied and with great pain revealed the brand he had received.


    It was ''Gweninejar'', the Brand for the Anathema.


    "It has seemed that you will be the one to destroy the Demons." Uldin said. "Petur, get this man to the Grey Order Headquarters and have him attended to until we can find the other two Chosen Ones. Magi, trace where those Brands went and bring the Chosen Heroes to me. We need them all gathered here in Haringpoint and once we do, we will figure out what our next move against the You-Knighted Fe-der-a-shon."


    Everyone nodded. The Grey Order Seniors carefully picked up the young Novice of their guild and carried him away. Whilst everyone whispered, gossiped and heralded, Faithleann in all of his body, mind and spirit felt ignited with a commitment. To Destroy the Demons who threatened their world, at any sacrifice necessary¡­


    --------------(Earlier that day in Souviel''s Old Borough) -----------


    The smell of wine-soaked wood permeated Seguin Family''s Wine Dispensary and Taproom. It was a large wooden structure near the ports of Old Souviel where the contrast between the resplendent New Borough and the simple constructed Old Borough met albeit by local land laws, the Dispensary is within Old Souviel and is subject to a tax system that is distinct compared to the new borough. Stryder group was lucky enough to catch the owner, Herrev Seguin, owner of the Dispensary and the Patriarch of the Seguin Family name.


    "Gree---" Samantha launched her Salutation only for Herrev to twitch violently at her sight.


    "AH! I already said I--- Oh¡­ I thought you were one of the Jodent''s lackeys. My apologies." Herrev replied.


    "Gresgi Jodent doesn''t hire women to do his chores for him my love." Said the Seguin Matriarch, Uridove who entered in with her red dress as burgundy as the Wine she sells.


    "We were here in Souviel and we heard that the best wine collection is sold in your Dispensary fonsiuer Seguin." Samantha said out her intentions to the Seguin in a haphazard yet genuine attempt to address a man of such title her respects.


    "Alas, I regret to tell you that all of my Wine has been reserved for others I am afraid fadame." Herrev sadly answered.


    "Oh, I am not here to buy wine. I am here to talk about some of your clients. Just some pointers--- I mean just some notes about who are some of the most prominent of folks here in Souviel." The Lieutenant pushed further diplomatic.


    "The Duke, Thibault is one of them although I believe everyone here in Souviel knows about him and his luxurious parties for diplomats and foreign merchants lately. Then there''s me, who supply most of the Taverns and Parties here in Souviel. I can show you some of the best Taverns here in our fair realm." Herrev said.


    "Oh damn, are we on Recon or are we the Michellin Star Guide?" Crocker commented.


    Some of the Squad laughed lightly on the Sarge''s words.


    "That''s actually pretty funny." Diaz grinned.


    "Really? Well, I am allergic to Prawns I am afraid. Stomach can''t handle them for some reason. I blame Genetics." Crocker said.


    "You are weak against Prawns?" Iris asked.


    "Eh¡­ Allergic, Snow White. It''s like your sensitivity to Sunlight if it weren''t for the Sun Block you slap every day." Crocker answered.


    "What about this Gresgi Jodent?" Samantha asked.


    "Be quiet. Don''t let any of his thugs hear you." Herrev suddenly shushed.


    "How come?" Samantha asked.


    "I rather not talk about it that much. All I can say is that he is one of my clients." Herrev explained yet concerningly he was beginning to sweat.


    "May we change the Subject? Even though all of our current stock has been either reserved or awaiting shipment. I can talk to you about our collection of Wines ranging from our Reds to our Whites in perfect detail." Uridove proposed.


    "Mama? Are those Knights?" a small boy emerged from the counter. He had blonde hair but contrasting orange colored eyes.


    "Oh Filip! What are you doing here? You shouldn''t disturb your parents when we are talking with clients." Herrev reprimanded his son.


    "Knights¡­ well¡­ yeah¡­ pretty much if you can say all of that." Obediah smiled at the kid.


    "Forgive my son everyone but he is a very curious boy. We let him run around freely in the Dispensary since he will one day inherit the family business one day." Uridove said.


    "Well, exposure at an early age is quite a start fadame. Perhaps you can give us directions to these Taverns we may---" Samantha said but was interrupted when the bell to the Dispensary''s main door was opened.


    A frail old man emerged from the door. He walked meekly towards the counter with as much determination as his withering legs and the unofficial third leg that was his cane could muster. Alongside him was a child-sized but green skinned humanoid followed by his right hand.


    "I have come¡­ for my pick up." The man said.


    "Sandulf! My Dear, Cotynghin''s Order please. Filip, help your mother." Herrev said. "How is everything?" Herrev then turned to the Old Man.


    "Nothing much, just me, Okt-to and Ibot. The Lonesome Hearth has always been the same¡­ old, rusty and a bit rough. But still standing tall." Sandulf said with some melancholy


    "I see. Your order will come up. Oh, these are some of the foreigners that the Baron is entertaining right now." Herrev introduced.


    "You are not from around here? I don''t recognize that armor. Are you from the Dwarven Mountains? Near the Ever-Winter Lands?" Sandulf said.


    "No, we come from another¡­ world as you can say. We are here to see the sights. Part of a Diplomatic Mission. We want to see all the sights here. Meet new people¡­" Samantha replied.


    "And taste some food." Diaz chuckled.


    "Well, allow me if I am not being so pushy with you milady but you can visit my Tavern, the Lonesome Hearth Hostel by Calelh Point. It is by the Ruins of the Old Light House. If you travel southwest of here and follow the road all the way without turning any where else you will see reach it. If you want to take a good view of Souviel then Calelh Point is where you can go." Sandulf said.


    "Sounds like a place we can stop by later. We will meet you there soon." Samantha accepted.


    "Really? That''s wonderful! I am so happy I will have company." Sandulf said.


    "Here is your Order ~~~!" Uridove smiled.


    She handed the old man and his green-skinned companion a cart wagon full of kegs of Wine. Sandulf lead Uridove to an awaiting wagon that he commandeers before he set off back to his Tavern.


    "You notice how happy he is?" Harrev said.


    "Yes. My team will check out this Calelh Point soon." Samantha said.


    "I rarely see him smile. Sandulf rarely gets any visitors apart from the occasional artist from the Art College looking to paint a picture of the view from Calelh." Harrev commented.


    "Why? Is he actually struggling?" Samantha asked.


    Harrev nodded.


    "Where do I begin? Perhaps that Storm. You see, Ibot is¡­ was his wife. Sandulf a young cook looking to make his own Inn married into Ibot''s family who were the stewards of the Old Lighthouse. There was a storm on a particularly rainy season..." Herrev explained.


    "Go on¡­ I am listening." Samantha said. Her eyes widened and he mind thirsting with curiosity.


    "Ibot''s father and brothers were on the Lighthouse that day. As if by the Gods'' Own will or maybe they displeased Tolios, the God of the Water somehow, a lightning bolt struck the Lighthouse so hard that it collapsed down to the cliffs below. All that remains was its foundation. And a few remnants of its walls. The Light House was move inside the Wharf''s after that tragedy yet Ibot and Sandulf never fully recovered from it. They lost a huge part of there livelihood since Sandulf was still building the Smiling Siren which was the official name of the Lonesome Hearth. Ibot a few years later died of sadness over her family''s lost leaving Sandulf to be the inheritor of Calelh point which was under Ibot''s Family titles. Sandulf wanted to repay her memory by making the Happy Siren Hostel into a great place to see the sunset and enjoy wine, food and song. He took a risky loan from the Jodent Bank to help kick up his little enterprise there. However, rumors abound of Calelh Point being haunted by the ghosts. In exchange for Clemency, Sandulf had to lease off some of the land in Calelh point and also pay a special fee that he must pay every tax season less the bank fully obtains the whole place. I know Sandulf and he is a fighter but to see him spend the rest of his life wasting away his dreams is heartbreaking. You visiting him made him smile in quite a while I say."


    "That''s very sad to hear." Aliathra said.


    "You mentioned Jodent again. Does that family name own the bank where Sandulf got his loan?" Samantha asked Herrev.


    "Not just the Souviel Ducal Bank, but the Jodent''s control the Tax Flow around here. The Head of the Family¡­ and I will only say this once. Is the Chief Tax Collector and many people dislike him?" Herrev whispered.


    "Why?" Samantha asked following on Wine Merchant''s discreet tone.


    "He is not from here. But someone that Emperor Uldin assigned to Duke Thibault from all the way from Haringpoint itself. His family took over the Duchy''s Bank, then the Treasury and then finally the Tax Collectors. Many merchants despise him since he raised the taxes ever since he took over the Duchy''s Finances. The Ducal Bank might as well be called the Jodent Bank since he replaced all the workers there with his own Ducat Drainers." Herrev explained.


    "I don''t know. There''s not much to do but just pay the taxes I am afraid." Samantha said.


    "It''s not that. Its those who CANNOT pay is the problem." Herrev said.


    "Oh, I see¡­" Samantha understood what the Wine Merchant was trying to imply.


    This ''Gresgi Jodent'' was some sort of ruthless capitalist of sorts who is apparently controlling most if not all of the financial aspects of the Duchy of Souviel. She feels personally disgusted by the cronyism and nepotism that must have took to gain such a significant influence but had no authority to say anything about that situation less she violates Diplomatic Protocol.


    "Well, my team has more duties to attend to fonsiuer. May I know where I can find these Taverns that you suggest us visiting?" Samantha asked politely.


    From a strategic perspective, the Calhel Point, despite the scary rumors behind it was the more intriguing part of the information gathered. The Taverns are just a means to not cause offense to the Dispensary''s owner and no more but simple sightseeing and perhaps a plan for a little food trip there when she and the rest of Stryder Group gets their R&R Day coming up soon.


    "Oh, I alone will be here just handling the Pickup and other Orders. It is my Wife and my son whom you will be seeing quite often. She goes around the city making deals and negotiating with clients. My Son tags along sometimes so he can play with the nobility''s children." Herrev said.


    ---------------(30 Minutes later, near the Souviel''s Shipyard) -------------


    Aliathra knocked on the door to a peculiar door deep in the heart of Shipyard, Souviel''s bloodline and connection to the world outside of Ysanigrad. The Port was bustling with off-shore sailors, merchants and other peddlers that supports such a maritime tradition. The scent of the sea and the sound of coast-dwelling birds filled the air. The Elf insisted that she does most of the talking with these Tavai or ''Sea Elves'' as she calls them since they tend to be weary against non-elves unless it is there usual sort of foreigners whom they trust to conduct meetings and trades with them.


    "Lamath in-gwaithen i gwennin no nin?" a voice said as a pair of eyes emerged from a peeking hole carved into the door. It sounded like some sort of pass phrase.


    "Lamath vilui vi Tol Gwannen cannen" Aliathra said.


    The eyes peeked at Stryder Group, then back at Aliathra''s Ocean Blues.


    "Adel cin?" the voice behind the door asked.


    "Mui beoria." Aliathra said reassuringly.


    The doors began to creak sounds of unlocking as the door gave way and the former Elf Princess urged Stryder Group to come inside. Samantha can faintly hear the soft bell ringing made by the winds coming from intricately woven hanging charms that were placed next to the door. They were a mix between a Dream Catchers and Chinese Wind Chimes but replace the Pagoda ornament with an Acropolis like one instead.


    "What do these do?" Clay asked.


    "They are meant to bless visitors and ward off evil spirits." Aliathra answered.


    The room was quiet and minimalist yet in contrast very aromatic. As Samantha describes the smells it was some sort of mix of an odorous plant, tree or organism of sorts that she cannot be sure of but it had a similar scent to Passion fruit but with an earthlier scent infused with. She can tell since back home that was the flavor of deodorant spray her mother uses for the Rose Family''s bathrooms. What little features the room had was a carpet colored in purple with some oceanic iconography woven into the design in light blue. The tables however, its legs were so short that the only feasible way to make use of it is if one sat down in the ground.


    "Leave.Sandals." a tall bald elf person with blue and purple body paints exposed from his worn leather armor instructed sternly yet in a broken speech.


    "Do what he says." Aliathra told Stryder Group.


    Everyone complied. It took a moment for most of them to remove their shoes since they had to loosen the ties of there respective footwear which they took great effort to bind tightly on there soles to a form fitting state. Aliathra then promptly lay down on the carpet, wobbling at first due to her prosthetic legs but she managed with some inconvenience, fashion an Indian Sit. The rest of Stryder followed suit encircling the table that the greeter instructed them too sit.


    "Ladui. Feet like Luntedanni." the tall Tavai commented on the Aliathra''s new legs.


    "Sinnarni." Aliathra answered back in Elven.


    "What is he saying?" Samantha asked her.


    "My legs look like the legs of some Sailors. Sometimes wooden, sometimes fashioned over metal." Aliathra said.


    "Oh, I know the history books. About Peg-Legs we call them Aliathra. Not a fun time actually back then. You on the other hand are lucky." Kayin said.


    "''Vitamin C for Immunity! ~~~'' That''s what a drink owned by Aparo would advertise." Diaz chuckled.


    "Vie-ta-meen?" Iris asked.


    "Eat fruits like the ones we eat and you won''t grow up with wobbly legs. That and some milk." Kayin explained.


    "Princess! It is such a surprise to have you at my humble abode." A voice presented itself.


    An elf, dressed in a silk toga came down from a flight of stairs and bowed down towards Aliathra''s direction.


    "My friends, this is the merchant, former ship wright and in name only, the Tavai Ambassador, Zatrek." Aliathra introduced the Tavai to Stryder group.


    "A Pleasure." Samantha nodded with a small bow from her sitting position.


    "For hardened soldiers, who carry yourselves some grace on the table." Zatrek commented with a hint of surprise.


    "We have some experience. Zatrek, how do you come to know of Aliathra?" Samantha asked. She wants to initiate with some small talk before heading straight down to business. She clapped her hands in an effort to force a smile open on her cheeks.


    "Me and the Lareththors have a very¡­ ''fruitful'' relationship of the business kind. I sail between Souviel, my Home Isles and to Ethuilen frequently acquiring exotic goods that pleases the Entente''s Noble Courts. I remember Aliathra when she was still a youthful student when I gave your Queen-Mother than Pearl Necklace, courtesy of your father''s payments." He said with a slight deflective tone.


    "I see." Samantha affirmed.


    The lieutenant and the rest of Stryder knew that this Ambassador had a sidejob of Smuggling Magical items out of the Elven Lands and into the other continents.


    "This house here you see? It is a haven for Tavai sailors. We ''Sea Elves'' as you foreigners like to call us are often¡­ solitary. We prefer to be with our own kind. Also, being at the sea at home makes one miss the Home Isles quite a bit so I made this old warehouse here be as close to home as possible." Zatrek said.


    "Zatrek¡­ they know too." Aliathra tapped the Tavai.


    "Know what? I don''t know anything? I am just a trader and my ''Embassy'' is a haven to all Tavai''s!" the Ambassador began to sweat and his blood pressure jolted.


    "We know abou---" Samantha went to cut to the chase but was cut off by Diaz.


    "Allow me El-Tee. I can speak Black Mart." Diaz said as he stood up from the carpet and walked haughtily to the other side of the room.


    "How rude! You shouldn''t stand up from your spot unless I, the Host permits you." Zatrek scolded.


    "I am sorry, I was looking for the¡­" Diaz falsely apologizes before he pushed his hand on a spot on the wall. Only for the wall spot to give way as he leans the weight of his arm over it revealing a hidden passage way. "Your secret Crystal Stash. Don''t deny it. I am a smuggler to. It''s all good." Diaz reassured.


    Zatrek shrugged his shoulders as he gave up.


    "Starting price¡­ three thousand¡­" Zatrek said.


    "Zatrek! That''s not your normal price. You often sell Mana Crystals much lower than that." Aliathra said as she raised her voice in shock. Her ocean blue eyes widened as she turned to the now ashamed Ambassador.


    "My deepest and most sincere apologies my lady. However, ¡­ I¡­ I¡­ there was¡­ a problem a week ago." The Tavai said.


    "A Problem? Did something happen?" Aliathra asked.


    "The other Toldonos. They stepped up their raids and it got many people angry. They stepped up the Tariff''s for goods being sold from Tavai''s. The Guard''s have been asking for hire bribes to write off some of the more¡­ sensitive of goods away from our shipments." Zatrek explained.


    "So, the Mana Crystals¡­ you cannot¡­ let me ask¡­ how do you managed to get your hands on them? I know you frequently do it a lot but what is your source." Samantha asked.


    "A mix of loot from raids and Miners wanting to make a clandestine sale to avoid Mana Crystal Taxes. Ethuilen is very sensitive about exporting Mana Crystals to the outside world but I managed to get away with it by buying protection through the Royal Family by doing some favors for them. Raiding Black Tree vessels, smuggle in a Sefydliad or two, or even taking a few detours too. Speaking about that Aliathra, your friend Lyndis was on one of my ships and she was so eager to meet you again. Shall I inform her?" Zatrek asked.


    "No, don''t I ¡­ whatever comes out of the Elven Embassies¡­ do not believe a word." Aliathra said.


    "The Elven Embassy in Souviel is quiet lately. All they do is party and the only work they have been doing is preparing for the G¨ºmfawr." Zatrek answered.


    "What is that?" Samantha asked.


    "At the end of summer, Souviel hosts, courtesy by the Arts College''s amphitheater and the school''s grounds a series of games and competition that people all over Ysanigrad and even as far as Alfel Nora come to play. It is happening about next week. It''s where Knights, Adventurers or any able-bodied person can join to compete for honor, glory and of course cash prizes. But in essence, its just an event the College host every two-years to raise money for themselves. They can''t just rely on Art Exhibit and tuition fee''s all the time you know. The Paint I sell to them doesn''t come cheap! Even if I ripped off of someone else¡­ yeah." Zatrek explained.


    "Sounds interesting. Could look into that with Mister Bianchin later¡­ my boss¡­ I mean¡­ ''master''." Samantha forced herself to say that last word in her sentence. She hated calling such an avaricious man her ''Master''.


    "So Zatrek, I believe Mister Bianchin will handsomely pay for those Mana Crystals. You just got to keep having a steady supply of them when we make the deal and it should all be good." Diaz charmed.


    "It is not you agreeing to pay off what I lost. It''s that other Tavai come to me and complain about the new Tariff''s unless you are willing to buy Fish, Dyes and Pottery from us too I supposed." Zatrek inquired.


    "I don''t think they need those except the Mana Crystals from you." Aliathra answered. "Is there a way we can help you and your people alleviate such pressure?"


    "A few I can think off. Certainly, convincing the Financial Minister Gresgi Jodent to ease off the Tariff''s is a start. You already declined to buy from us at a premium and then there''s getting rid of those other Toldonos so they don''t make mine and the Tavai''s who just want to trade peacefully, look bad." Zatrek said.


    "Hmm¡­ I think we can arrange the latter." Diaz smiled.


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    "Oh? You can? Do you have like the powers to rival our Water and Wind Magics" Zatrek asked. His hope raised from the depths anguishing economic stagnation.


    "We in Aparo Corporation have a much better Magic¡­" Diaz threw in the hook. "We are rich."


    Zatrek swallowed the bait hook line and sinker after that.


    Suffice to say much to Lieutenant Rose''s admission. She has secured a supply of Unbinillium for Doctor Mahelona plus secured some contractual employment for a group of very ''special'' people.


    ------------------ (Sometime later at Calelh point) -----------------


    After a rough MRAP ride through the damaged roads southwest of Souviel to Calelh point. Sandulf was not lying of the great view coming from the raised-up cliff where the ruins of a Lighthouse used to be.


    The old man plus from what they just found out upon closer examination was his loyal Goblin servant and assistant cook Okt-to was grateful for the company. He gave everyone of Stryder Group a bag full of dried nuts as a thank you that Clay, Crocker and Aliathra were enjoying right now.


    "So¡­ Sandulf, I heard the rumors¡­ about your..." Samantha began to talk about her insights to Sandulf but the Old Man only sighed as if he had explained this many dozen times before.


    "My light house isn''t haunted by Banshee''s! They are what is the unpassed ghosts of my In-Laws." Sandulf explained.


    "Let me guess, they died when the Lighthouse collapsed?"


    Sandulf nodded quietly


    "Damn, I know what its like. I can understand. My wife''s mother passed away. My Leah is still trying to perfect that damn cookie recipe for April lately." Obediah commented.


    He was observing from his binoculars the scene. He noticed that on the right side of the cliff where they are standing on, facing away from Souviel is a large and very picturesque beach if you can be rid off one scrapped remains of a derelict fishing boat alongside the beach itself being littered with an unhealthy amount of driftwood.


    "It is said whenever nightfall''s, the ghosts of my In-Laws would rise up from the grave and try to operate the Lighthouse again. Too bad ghosts can''t make up such a bright light." Sandulf said sadly.


    "Hey don''t be sad. At least we are here." Samantha comforted him.


    "It is not that. My dreams¡­ seeing my dishes, the Inn, even these two eyes¡­ there fading just like the wrinkles of my skin. Soon I will die as an unknown note in everyone''s memories. A ''true death'' as they say. I just wish that Lighthouse never collapsed and perhaps I would have seen better days." Sandulf sulked.


    "I am so sorry. I want to let you know that I am here for you. You need just a little bit of kindness on your life right now. Anyone who made it as far as you deserve some respect." Samantha reassured the old proprietor.


    "With gracious gratitude. May your heart make the ground you walk quake with every step. Which reminds me¡­ I wish to make my Special Dish for all of you. I really want to know what you think of it? Before they passed, my In-Law said that they loved it so much that they wish they could eat it every day." Sandulf said.


    "Maybe just good for one person so we can all share at once. I don''t want you to waste too much on entertaining us. You are already doing so much for us already." Samantha thanked for Sandulf''s hospitality heartily.


    "None at all. Even if its just one taste I still would love to know. I never smiled like this in over twenty years." Sandulf ecstatically jumped up with a youthful eagerness.


    "Oh? What is the dish if I may ask?" Crocker asked.


    "Braised Prawns in a sweet Segor Root and Chullembi stew with a side of Grapes." Sandulf answered.


    "Oh shit." Crocker cursed.


    Sandulf took over an hour to cook up his dish for Stryder Group. In the meantime, Samantha took photos of the view from Calelh Point whilst the rest of Stryder Group sat down and took a moment of some rest. Iris explained to the UFE Soldiers that Segor Root is perennial plant with a spicy taste, much like Horseradish. As for Chullembi, is a local Souvieli dish that combines several greens mashed together while infused with a vinaigrette which makes a perfect salad alone or as compounded component for cooking other dishes. When Stryder Group (except for Crocker) came to taste test the dish. They all unanimously praised it.


    "Even the Elven Royal Family would be impressed." Aliathra praised. She had always the finest tastes thanks to her acute Elven senses plus the fact her Palace Chef''s were some of the best in Alfel Nora has to offer.


    "I rate this 3 Michelin Stars." Diaz said. In his Criminal days he would often psyche himself before or reward himself after a big job he would have undertaken by eating a chef''s recommendation from Kesserheim''s many fancy restaurants not too far away from where Aparo HQ was.


    "I DO wish to eat this every day. Reminds me of Mama." Kayin smiled. It deeply reminded him of his mother back home who would cook many traditional Nigerian Recipes for him and his brothers to chow down.


    The sun began to set and there was some time left before Stryder had to return to Camp Ghillie Leaf for the night. She retreated alone back to the Land Cruiser, took off her combat gloves and began to review her pictures that she took for the day. There was the Dispensary, a few photos from the Tavai ''Embassy'' that Zatrek allowed to have shot and of course Calelh Point right then and there.


    But as she examined, her eyes began to be irritated from some of the lens flares she saw from some poorly shot pictures which she promptly deleted. But again, her eyes felt irritated from overexposed light. Samantha rubbed her eyes again, maybe it was some dust getting into her eyes now. But as soon as she opened her eyes, she could see a brightly coming straight towards her engulfing her view. She raised her hand forward in instinct but it was no use.


    A great burning pain was inflicted on Samantha''s right hand. She winced and knelt down the ground as she saw her hand burn with smoke and a red gashing burn that followed with it. It wasn''t in vein to your normal indiscriminate burn as she looked from what pain she has inflicted when her eyes managed to get through the seething smoke. The Burn was some form a mark, a branding of sorts that Samantha couldn''t recognize. It glowed a faint light blue before fading out leaving the brand on her hand a reddish-blackened scar. It looked like the brand she had received looked like of a faint Vaikuri writing in origin due to the way it was constructed being similar to the signs she reads all the time when passing by around Ysanigrad during her tour. Perhaps Iris or even Aliathra can make sense of this if she shows it to them.


    "El-tee! El-tee!" Clay''s voice cried from behind.


    "It''s nothing! It''s nothing! I just¡­ bu---" Samantha tries to explain and was about to show the strange brand to the Squad'' Radioman but she was again like almost way too many times as she could count in her juggling head, interrupted by someone with much more pressing matters.

 29 Chapter 29: Bulette Storm

    Stryder''s Land Cruiser galloped loudly through the dusk lit road. Many of the natives swore they would hear the thunder steps of a war horse as they saw the MRAP kick up the dust as violently as a knightly cavalry charge. In the vehicle, Samantha was in distraught as more context of what had gotten her and the rest of her squad to surge up to their feet.


    "How many?" Samantha asked on Clay''s Radio.


    "Three dead, 4 Injured. It''s like those things were waiting for us." Apache Group''s leader said.


    "So, let me get this straight? You took a Cattle Rancher''s Quest from the local Guild about the disappearances of livestock on a hill and your path lead to a¡­" Samantha asked to make sense of it all.


    "A sort of cave, I think. It''s big enough for something like a Cow to walk in. Could barely stand in it and then the attack happened. I couldn''t get a good count on how many as we all had to run out. We managed to kill two of them at the entrance. But I don''t know what the hell did my team killed. Maybe Iris can help." Apache Lead said.


    "I don''t know. I am not normally familiar with animals outside of the Cambervale Forest." Iris said.


    "Aliathra? You were trained as an Elven Ranger, right? Maybe you can identify it." Samantha asked.


    "Very well let me see the cadaver." Aliathra nodded.


    After a few more moments, the Land Cruiser arrived at its Apache''s Location and at the same time a Medevac Helicopter had arrived to extract the casualties.


    The squad walked up to the body bags of the deceased Apache Group soldiers and payed their respects to the bereaved leader.


    "Tivna, may you guide those departed to the Great Fields." Aliathra quietly.


    "The monsters we killed are over their Lieutenant. I will need to be debriefed but the rest of the Medevac group will keep on guard." Apache Lead informed Samantha.


    Rose lead her team towards the entrance of the cave that she was told were Apache was before they were attacked. To her own notice, she indeed saw a few bones scattered around the approach of the entrance ranging from sheep, cows and even a full-grown horse. The monster who lived in this den must have been very voracious. The Den proper looked like it was crudely dug up but the entrance was large enough to fit a man inside one at a time with a very dark and intimate chamber in addition. From a tactical point of view, it was a perfect set up for an ambush and poor Apache didn''t stood a chance.


    "That''s a lot of bullets." Crocker said.


    "Its two of them." Aliathra said.


    "Two bullets? Looked more like a hundred or more of them each." Crocker argued.


    "Not ''bullet'' as in those tiny bolts you load into your rapid firing crossbows. These things are called Bulletes." Aliathra corrected.


    "Explain." Samantha ordered.


    "These animals, often called ''Land Sharks'' to humans or ''Gholbrorn'' to dwarves are underground diggers who often uses ambush tactics to hunt prey above ground. Although it is not known if they can see quite well in the dark, it is theorized by some Druids that they can somehow sense their prey through sound vibrations. They have some really large and powerful teeth for a creature about as big as one of your smaller ''Steel Horses'' that you call a ''Kaar''." Aliathra explained.


    "So, these two? Are they like some sort of pair?" Crocker asked.


    "Yes, by the looks of it they must be mated. The larger one is females and the male ones are smaller." Aliathra answered.


    "Why is that?" Samantha pressed.


    "Let me see something first¡­" Aliathra proposed.


    She picked up her Ranger knife and began an in incision on the larger female Bulette near its abdomen.


    With a twist of her knife followed by an application of force, the Elven blade effortlessly slide across the Land Shark from left to right releasing its foul contents. It was a gory mixture of blood, guts, carnal remnants, a few bullets and¡­


    "Those are babies, aren''t they?" Diaz asked.


    Aliathra nodded.


    "Fuck. No wonder they were pissed. My wife was often very cranky when she was pregnant with April." Obediah commented.


    "The male. You see notice these scratch marks and dents?" Aliathra pointed to the smaller Bullete.


    "Yes, they don''t look like they would result from our bullets¡­ I mean guns¡­ bleh." Samantha said while gagging.


    She doesn''t know if it was a reflex from the homonym between bullet the ammunition or Bullete the monster that is also secreting a mortifying scent which maybe the alternative or combined source for the Lieutenant''s nausea.


    "A Female secrete a pheromone from its genitals that attracts multiple males to her vicinity. They fight each other until the other couldn''t take it and flees. Then the female would mate with the victor to produce these pups here. They look no longer than a month in." Aliathra pointed to the discarded Land Shark fetuses.


    "Talk about an early abortion¡­ and I never can make up a joke about those shits¡­ yeesh." Diaz said.


    "Are you implying that there are more of them?" Samantha asked.


    The Elf Ranger-Cleric Princess nodded slightly with a reluctant affirmation.


    "They attack a lot of cattle, horsies and now people. I say, we are doing the Duchy a favor if we can kill a lot of these things for them. We should pick up where Apache left off." Says Crocker.


    "In my experience we are going to need a lot of fire power and away to lure these Land Sharks out." Obediah gave his insights.


    "These remains of the female''s genitals. I know a recipe that can recreate the pheromones that they release but I will need to go to Souviel''s local Alchemist shop to get them." Iris suggested.


    "Just pour it on the ground and wait for''em to pop up?" Obediah asked.


    "No, in my time in the Ranger academy. It''s not enough to just pour some aphrodisiacs on the floor and wait for the Bulettes to come out. They have learned to read through that. We need to distract them by performing a sort of ''Mating Dance'' that involves dragging your heels on the dirt to this sort of formation." Aliathra gestured her finger around to visual represent to what Samantha can interpret as a Figure-Eight.


    "It has to be flowing and fast but large and bulky to successfully create the ruse." Aliathra explained.


    "That is a tough one. I don''t recall anything in our arsenal that can be agile yet bulky¡­" Samantha sheepishly admitted.


    "So, it has to be on the dirt correct? This mating dance alongside this aphrodisiac spell? How were you able to do that back in Ranger school?" Crocker asked.


    "We telekinetically use the spell ''Mage Hand'' to move two large stones to mimic the movements I have described to you; however, success varies as it is hard to mimic precisely how the females do it. My professors theorized the more natural the mating dance the more males will be attracted to it. At best when we drift away those rocks, we would get one Bulette and two if the gods favor us. Alas, normally within a given area there can be about twelve to twenty male Bulettes while half as much as for the females. In addition, we will also need to mimic the mating call of a ready to be bred female which fortunately I know how to recreate perfectly." Aliathra explained.


    "Say that again Allie?" Diaz asked, his smirk curled from his Corpo lips as smug as a sly salesman.


    "Which should I refer to again for your scrutiny?" Aliathra asked.


    "The rocks¡­ you say you Drift them and it has to be very flowy? Like water?" Diaz asked.


    "Indeed." The Elf confirmed.


    "My Muscle Car! I can easily call for it to get ready with an off-road build and we can have it over here with my Aparo Corp connections. I am sure Bianchin won''t mind or maybe he would. I mean, we need to start flexing here in Gliesia now that everyone is about to hear us. Might as well make a show of it." Diaz said.


    Clay face palmed and rolled with a chuckled.


    "Are you telling me we are going to use Motorsports to recreate a mating ritual?" the radioman asked.


    "Yep, I suggest you get your cameras ready on that one. I gonna make Initial D these Land Sharks till their heads turn upside down yeah?" Diaz smiled.


    "I have no other options that I can think for these Land Sharks. Very well, Diaz make the call to Mr. Bianchin." Samantha said.


    "I also suggest we arm ourselves with some Armor-Piercing tranquilizer guns too. I swore I saw some in the armory back in Gliesia. We need to slow them down so they don''t instantly topple you over. I doubt your Muscle Car can survive a horny Land Shark look for some sweet poontang." Obediah said.


    "That reminds me. Perhaps you can also tell Bianchin to arrange some Animal Containment Cells too? Doctor Mahelona and his scientists would appreciate a live specimen or two of these Bulletes." Samantha said.


    "Will do Lieutenant. Just go get that Sexy Time Juice from that Alchemists and we should be all good." Diaz smiled as he picked up his Smartphone and began to dial Bobby Bianchin''s phone number.


    This would probably be his oddest gambit yet.


    -----------(Meanwhile in Haringpoint at the Senior Quarters of the Grey Order HQ) -----------


    Faithleann had recovered unexpectedly quickly for someone who had his head punctured with Mana. Most often the first time someone was struck with an offensive Magic Spell take a week or two, the first half to recover physically and the other recover mentally. The memory, the so agonizing first touch of what Magic can do to one''s body in terms of sabotaging vandalism of the essential order of a person was a cerebral test that the injured must surmount.


    Thankfully the Novice Adventurer turned Chosen One was back to his active self except for the few Elven Pain Patches made from the dried leaves of the Aerilye Tree. A popular item in every apothecary''s store shelf or any Elf''s immediate person. There were talks about importing the Tree to Ysanigrad but negotiations to secure the tree''s fruits had went nowhere or were renegotiated to only promises of give more Pain Patches. The soothing leaves relaxed his muscles as the young boy looked at his head on the mirror.


    "I¡­ am¡­ chosen?" Faithleann asked. He looked at the burn mark on his forehead that left a seared orange burn on him.


    In his room he was watched over by Carliah, Petur, Findrum and a couple of the Grey Order Headquarters custodians. The Building he was involuntary residing in is THE Grey Order building, also known by its nickname ''the August Chalet''. The Guld was founded centuries ago, and Faithleann can still remember vividly what his mother''s stories say how the Grey Order was formed in this plot of real estate in the heart of Slaegia.


    The founder of the Grey Order, an impoverished patrician by the name of Rainier Darindl, whom was sick and tired of city life and had the business insight of working as a Mercenary thanks to his skills with a crossbow created ''the Grey Order'' a society of Adventurers whom are impartial to whomever they chose for their services. They helped revolutionized and formalized how Mercenary Work and privatized security was conducted in Ysanigrad. He built the Adventurer''s Guild from a motley crew of misfits into one of the most diverse and complex militarized organizations in Gliesia second only to the meritocratic honors of there more standardized Legionary cousins (whom was said that several of the first members of the Grey Order were Legionnaires who were trying to avoid rotting away in a brig).


    "Indeed. You have the brand of ''Gweninejar'' the Bane. We need a cure, an Antivenom to the poisons that is these demons that come from the East." Petur said.


    "I do need to say I am still inquisitive on what the Crystal empowered you exactly." Carliah commented as she looked over Faithleann.


    The young boy could barely hide his amativeness when he looked at her silver eyes. The mage knew that the boy was enjoying being glossed over by her yet it didn''t interrupt her probing.


    "Do you feel any¡­ burning feelings within you? Not like burning pain but some sort of warm feeling within your gut?" Carliah asked.


    "A bit¡­ I mean I ate breakfast on bed and I was told to not do that as it gives me heartburn." Faithleann answered.


    "I do not know the difference but do you ever know what happens when a person first realizes that they can wield Magicks?" Carliah asked.


    "I never really understood it. I came from a very quiet town and only ever hear it through whispers from my neighbor''s milady."


    "You see young one, about 1 in 10 Humans in Ysanigrad are born with the innate ability to cast Mana. It is an ever-present energy that only Mages such as myself can harness. I remember in the stories of how Caldell slew Alboen with Magic Weapons that he and several others made just to defeat the Demons when they first came." Petur explained. He had known Carliah for years but she wasn''t the type of person who would mentor newcomers.


    Petur however was looked up by many neophytes and it entailed, having been inquired everyday by ''hot bloods'' for advice, mostly about Combat Techniques and Tactics. His default answer would be to just tell them to remember the training of the in-house Weapon''s Trainers inside the August Chalet whilst also being open to new ideas that they may come across during their Quests.


    "Well¡­ I don''t feel anything inside me except some of that pain from yesterday¡­" he said as he twirled his limbs to loosen the tensions.


    The room was at that moment filled with stacks upon stacks of books, scrolls and other documentations that Carliah brought over from the College of Magi''s library to help study. There were many dissertations, thesis, studies and treatises on Mana Crystals and Carliah alongside Petur are trying to make sense on what happened to the young boy in their care. Being called ''the Bane'' was still an ambiguous branding given to someone. What could it mean?


    "All of this reading is having me gain nothing but strains. Petur, would you like to have some Tea?" Carliah asked.


    The Faithful nodded. This prompted one of the Chalet''s custodians to walk out to fulfill the request by the senior Grey Order member. But on the way to the door, the Servant trip from one of the outlaying books detailing the studies of Mana Crystals and fell, her arms flailing towards a candelabra.


    A strange instinct suddenly tingled within Faithleann. As if the world suddenly was slowed down. He saw the slowly being the widened faces of Petur, Findrum and Carliah looking at something behind them. When the boy turned around, he saw the woman falling dangerously towards the candelabra.


    "Look out!" Faithleann cried to the servant.


    He reached out his arms wide but he seems just out of reach as the woman was meters away from its reins. He had only wished he that he could¡­ the Will to save her. The lad''s hands began to glow blue as magical energies emerged from out of his body and flew towards the woman.


    As if the woman felt the cold but firm surface of flatland, the Custodian opened her eyes to see a magically conjured wall that was made by Faithleann''s own designs.


    "I¡­I¡­ I¡­ can cast Magicks!" Faith lean jumped up in excitement.


    "Thank you, sir. You saved me." The custodia gave her gratitude.


    "Boy, did you just?" Petur asked. His eyes twinkled like the stars in astonishment.


    The same description can also be said for Carliah too.


    "Making a firm wall is an Illusion spell that takes an intermediary amount of skill between an Apprentice and an Adept. It takes a few years to be able to perform that properly. Are you sure you are not Gifted?" The Mage questioned.


    "It must be the Crystal! It blessed you with the Gift where there is none." Petur concluded.


    "I bet I can make a mirror copy of myself¡­ or cast Destruction fireballs next! Or summon an army of Skeletons! Maybe even comeback from the worst of wounds." Faithleann began to fantasize on the multitudes of possibilities he could conceive in his young head.


    Yet Petur, Findrum and Carliah remain inquisitive that there has to be much more than that¡­ then the Faithful stepped forward and placed his hand on Faithleann''s shoulder. His height easily towering an extra foot over Faithleann.


    "I wish to see what you can do in a fight. Shall we head down to the Sparring Hall? I wish to test your ability with the blade." Petur said.


    Faithleann couldn''t also believe his ears again. First his discovery of obtaining and blooming ''the Gift'' being demonstrated for the first time but now he is going to be personally trained by Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf himself alongside the Grey Order''s best trainers for young adventurer''s such as himself.


    The country mouse in him felt like he had stepped into one of the Heroic Epics he recalled bards singing at the Tavern back in his home town of Clervuite.


    He was taken downstairs where the Guild Members would train in there combat skills techniques. It reeked of sweat, a few hints of blood and tears. The personal trainers for the members were busy keeping the Grey Order Adventurer''s fitness regime in check applying appropriate discipline and correction when needed.


    Petur tossed a wooden training sword at Faithleann with a smirk of confidence. A Smirk of a challenger as the Novice can see from the way is smugly curled.


    "Let''s see if that Crystal didn''t make you too soft. Don''t want to get all that magic unto your head. A Mage is fragile when one closes the distance. I want to see you if you can fend for yourself. Try to go through my parry''s and let me see your swordsmanship." Petur said as he twisted his right wrist to ready it for a friendly spar.


    Faithleann knew of Petur''s legendary fencing skills. One of the few people known in Gliesia who can simultaneously handle multiple opponents by himself and come out in triumphal roar over there defeated bodies. He knew that his basic understanding of the Sword was no match for Petur''s years of training and experience but it was an honor nonetheless to be at the same proving ground as him.


    "Here goes!" Faithleann said.


    His first move against Petur would be a chop down from his training sword.


    Petur''s instincts predictably kicked in. It was a predictable and easily readable move that many lesser swordsmen do. Easily countered with a well-practiced technique, an upwards parry to be precise. He grasped his sword with his two hands, twisted his blade up to the sky and to meet contact. He would then after the block has been made make a thrusting kick forward that should get the young lad to the ground. He was a shred of conscience in him that felt bad kicking a boy more than half his age and just fresh into adulthood. Yet he also wants to see if this ''Chosen One'' has the ability to get back up.


    There blades meet, there wooden bodies made from some of the hardest oaks from Vercourt meeting each other flesh to flesh. Yet to Petur''s sudden shock, he felt that the boy''s chop of his sword was deceptively much more powerful. As powerful as tidal wave that crashes down in all of its terrifying strength. Petur''s blade broke under the sudden weight of Faithleann''s sword and now the training weapon was left unimpeded as it aimed straight for his head.


    "Ouch!" Petur recoiled as he stepped back from grasping his bruised head.


    "Petur! I am so sorry! I didn''t mean to do that." Faithleann undone his battle stance and looked at his senior.


    The Faithful looked-for blood but thankfully the strike was not hard enough to crack his skull but onlooker commented that now Petur has an erroneous bluish-red bruise on his handsome face.


    "It''s okay¡­ but boy, you are quite strong too and¡­ what?" Petur reassured him only to see that now his training sword was now broken in two between the hilt and the false blade.


    "Another!" Petur requested one of the Instructors.


    Another blade was thrown at him. He was not going to let that boy get away with landing a blow on the great Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf.


    "Engarde!" Petur cheered as he lunges at Faithleann.


    Now the boy was in the defensive parrying, blocking and dodging Petur''s merciless assault. He could barely keep up with Petur''s tireless stamina. He soon began to waver as fell to the ground blade in hand.


    "Aha!" Petur ecstatically said as he was about to throw in ''the killing blow'' and take this round in their friendly spar.


    On the ground and due to his own naivete. Faithleann reflexively raised his hands to protect his head and upper body like a poor serf begging for mercy. But as his hands gestured, another wall, this time made of flames erupted to shield him from Petur who was caught off guard by the boy''s arcane reflex. The Faithful too now fell down to the ground as the crowed began to murmur then jeer.


    "Hey! Magic is Illegal!" one of the instructors said.


    Traditionally a Sword duel is purely a sword duel. No help of any kind or other means of attack except your own two hands and two feet were allowed in the fight. What Faithleann done or in his own mind couldn''t believe that he had done was grounds for a disqualification.


    "Oh no! Faithleann." Carliah rushed towards the boy sat now distraught with his still smoldering hands being stared down by him.


    "I can cast fire¡­ I can cast fire? I can cast fire!" the boy leaped off of his feet.


    "Indeed you do¡­" Petur got back up. "Just next time we spar, don''t do that." He informed him.


    "I don''t know how I did it. I just did it." Faithleann said.


    "We will need to train you back in the College. Your Gift needs to nurtured so you can control it. Last thing I want to see is you burning the whole Chalet to the ground." Carliah said.


    "That''s wonderful Lady Silverdane. What happens after that? The Demons won''t be waiting for us forever." Faithleann asked.


    "We will most likely go on a Quest. Likely the Greatest of our Time. Me and Lyndis have uncovered several leads that hopefully might takes us to several Demon Slaying Items. One of them is the fabled Tomb of Caldell Slaegiac himself." Findrum said.


    "You mean Can Rhyfel?" Faithleann''s eyes widened in excitement.


    "Might, the lead is vague and the rest are much more reliable than an Ancient Tomb that the stories go should never be tried to find out." Findrum said.


    According to the legends, after sometime after Caldell slew Alboen. The founder of the Empire simply left off all of his titles, lands, armies and riches to his eldest son and left with his famous sword Can Rhyfel. He said that one day, when the world needed him again. They would find him and his mighty blade ''by following the whispers''. Many scholars who read that line debated over the interpretations of that statement for decades. It was a riddle of the ages. Many rumor mongers say that the blade can kill even the mightiest of foes or the most imposing of armors. Able to strike true no matter where it struck nor no matter what ever defenses Caldell''s adversary cowered behind.


    "What about now? Have we done anything that could help us against the Demons right now?" Faithleann asked.


    "Oh, the Elves I heard are in charge of scouting out the Otherworlders as we speak already." Carliah said. She picked up the young boy and the Grey Order Seniors spirited him away to the Magic College where a crash course in Magics and Arcane Channeling will be lectured to the blooming new Mage with a fiery temper to match the sun. A fiery temper for Great Justice.


    ------------------(Late Afternoon at an Apothecary''s Stand in Souviel) ------------


    Aliathra was distracted. She was more inattentive then she was when she hadn''t yet been ''attached'' to Stryder Group. The distraction? One of Souviel''s many statues. The subject? A playfully floozy woman carrying with her a cornucopia off agricultural bounty. She admired the woman''s jovial expression and the curves and smoothness of the female''s form. It spoke to her. Something within her. Something that made the Elf blush.


    "Aliathra?" Samantha tapped her.


    She turned around with a heart skipping a beat, she turned around to Samantha and Iris who stood behind her. They had noticed her flustering over the statue.


    "So, what are we looking for Iris?" Samantha asked.


    "Several aromatic herbs. You said your friend Bianchin will be here to help facilitate my purchase." The Vampire Witch answered.


    She walked towards one of the stands and began to browse the inventories. She was silently observing the herbs, seeds and other exotics being sold, smelling every essence of them. She was looking for a sensory enhancer.


    "Do you know anything about perfumes Samantha? One such perfume I wore back in Ethuilen was for parties that my mother would say ''makes everyone fawn over you''. Some of the ingredients used in the perfume can be quite¡­ surprising." Aliathra mentioned.


    "Not really." Samantha replied. "Just curious, what is your life like back where you live?" Samantha asked.


    "Well I normally that question should be said in close doors but I can say that¡­" Aliathra hesitated for a moment.


    "Can be restrictive? Patterns and Protocols? ''Traditions'' even?" Samantha asked.


    The Elf Nodded.


    "How did you know?" Aliathra asked.


    "I am no stranger to controlling parents. My father, before he passed, forbade me to leave the house on my own unless I was with either him or my mom." Samantha said.


    "What happened to your father anyway?" Iris asked.


    "He¡­ died from Cancer."


    "Cancer?" Iris and Aliathra questioned together.


    "Imagine a pain that slowly creeps up to you. It grows in thorns until the pain it inflicts is so much you couldn''t take it anymore. I knew before I graduated West Point that my Father''s days were numbered and I prayed and prayed that he may live long enough to see me finish. But alas on the very day the ceremony was supposed to happen, I was told by my mother that my father had passed away¡­" Samantha said with quiet tone.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "I¡­ am so sorry." Iris apologized.


    "My condolences to your Adar." Aliathra added.


    "So¡­ I noticed you looking at that statue¡­ no need to say it now but¡­ are you by any chance¡­ restrained in some way?" Samantha asked.


    The Elf nodded again.


    "Oh, the beautiful, headstrong and free-spirited Elf is ''restrained''. That''s ironic." Iris chuckled.


    "Look, Aliathra¡­ as a Woman¡­ if you want to talk about it¡­ then¡­ you can with me. I have been there and I know a thing or two about that. It''s okay." Samantha held Aliathra''s hand emphatically.


    "Perhaps we can discuss that in less agitating times." Aliathra said.


    "Excuse me?" a voice said behind them. It was bit rough and Samantha couldn''t tell from the crowded market noises surrounding her.


    "You here to see the goods?" Iris turned around to politely step aside from the booth but she felt on her breast the pointed edge of a Magic Wand.


    She would be disgusted at a cowardly attempt to challenge her and she had a few times of being challenged by other hot shot mages but this time she was given pause. For the Magic Wand was infused with Holy Magic, the Anathema for beings such as the Vampire Witch as herself.


    "The Princess you kidnapped will be coming with me back to Ethuilen." The man said. It was an elf male who was discreetly aiming his wand at Iris holding hostage.


    Samantha wanted to draw her pistol but she couldn''t risk their Assailant seeing her twitch and risk Iris'' life.


    Even the Stall Owner was too horrified to react lest the man kills Iris. It was the most delicate of situations.


    "What is it you want?" Samantha asked.


    "Only that the Princess maybe returned and you coming ww¡ª" the Elf was interrupted by two sudden jolts from his back as his entire body fell limp as if he just had a heart attack at the worst possible time to get one.


    "Amateur." Bobby Bianchin said as he subtly grabbed the killed Elf from his hands and then quietly guided the dying native to a nearby bench and lay him there, his hands covering the entry wounds of the bullets he took from Bobby''s Silenced Pistol.


    "Just in¡­ ''in the nick of time''? Is that the way you say it in your tongue of English?" Iris asked.


    "Yeah¡­ Mister Bianchin?" Samantha asked.


    "Just call me Bobby, Miss Rose. But damn¡­ that guy was an Amateur. Hey¡­ you." Bobby pointed to the Apothecary stand''s owner. "I am gonna pay you 20 Ducats that you never saw this plus the pay I am giving you for what these lovely ladies need." He said.


    The Shop owner nodded not daring to question him.


    "Diaz called me up. He told me that we are gonna need enough of this Sexy Juice to lure in about twenty or so Land Sharks. So gimme all of that." Bianchin said.


    "You want the ingredients for the Animal Aphrodisiacs for twenty Bulettes? Do you have a---" the Store owner began to question? From Samantha''s own judgement it was like he was hearing something so absurd.


    Even Aliathra and Iris were left agape.


    "Do I look like I give a damn about how much it is? I can pay whatever it is the cost for it. Hell¡­ give me literally everything! I don''t want no angry mole rats with big teeth screwing me or this place over." The Aparo Corpo said.


    "Well if you say it¡­ like that¡­" the Store Owner reluctantly agreed as he retreated to his storage to get the needed ingredients. He knew the recipe well and if the mans was willing to risk himself for it then who is he to judge of the stranger''s sanity.


    "Why the shock faces? I thought you would all be grateful?" Bobby asked the two women.


    "Making an Aphrodisiac for twenty Bulettes is ----"


    "Expensive? I told you, our magic is that ''we are rich'' relax. Be glad that we are friends here." Bobby reminded them.


    "No, it''s that the Aphrodisiac has to be very potent to be able to attract that many Bulettes." Iris said.


    "They will act wild to Diaz and his Steel Horse¡­ AND I will be inside it with him making the mating call." Aliathra said in distress.


    "Don''t worry. I trained Diaz myself. Combat Driving, Subterfuge and Guns. He embraces danger like a lover. Besides, I showed you first hand with that poor schmuck over there." Bobby pointed back to the deceased Elf Assailant on the bench that he planted a moment ago. "Besides, we got some Choppers coming in with Gatling Guns on there doors for good measure. Wonder if the Land Sharks like to eat six thousand rounds per minute. Bet they won''t even know what hit''em." The Corpo added.


    "Wait, I know that man. He is one of the Sefydliad agents that were with Lyndis." Aliathra pointed out after an examination of the interloper''s face.


    "That''s some sort of State Sec right? Protect the Elves from bad guys with cunning people, right?" Bianchin asked.


    "Indeed. They must be here scouting us out. You, Earthlings are conspicuous after all. Do you think they know I am with you? No¡­ I can''t go back. They will kill me! They think I am corrupt." Aliathra despaired.


    "Relax, nobody will take you away not while I am here." Samantha reassured.


    "If that one is here, then there must be more of them." Aliathra said.


    "Hmm¡­ they might try to cause trouble for us are you saying? Well¡­ thanks for the heads up then Miss Lareththor. I will let the other teams know." Bobby said.


    "Here is your order milord." The Stall Owner came back. With an entire cart load of assorted herbs, seeds and Ambergris.


    "Ooohhhh¡­. Kay¡­ Yeah¡­ maybe I do have a limit on what is ''too much''¡­ You sure about this Miss Cadohagan?" Bobby asked.


    "I am going to need a bigger Phial." Iris flatly said.


    --------------------------(the Next Day) -----------------------------------


    Diaz was finishing up the last-minute tuning of his Mustang that was just airlifted to Souviel a few hours ago. It was almost time to perform the fake mating dance that he was assigned to risk himself to do. He was confident of his abilities but he didn''t mind making sure to sharpen his axe before he cut the proverbial Land Shark tree.


    "Diaz? Here it is¡­ the Aphrodisiac." Samantha said as she, Aliathra, Crocker and Obediah carried three heavy cast iron pots filled with the fuming concoction.


    And then Diaz''s nostrils inhaled the Aphrodisiac''s odor¡­


    "WHOA! What the fuck is that?!?!" Diaz said.


    "The Aphrodisiac." Aliathra said.


    "Are you telling me that Bulletes get off on THAT?" Diaz questioned with his voice raised. "Please tell me Iris isn''t playing some sort of sick joke on me?"


    "No, Iris is sleeping in the Land Cruiser with Kayin keeping her company. She worked all night just to make this. Please do this for her. Iris worked so hard on this." Crocker said.


    "We will be in the air shooting down on the Bulettes with armor piercing rounds from some Door Guns while Obediah and a few volunteers slow them down with some Tranquilizer shots. We will also need to capture at least one of these things alive if possible." Samantha reminded.


    "I better be allowed to drink some of that Souvieli Wine after this¡­ but how the hell am I going to clean this gunk off of my Mustang¡­" Diaz complained.


    "I will also bless your ''Mustang'' since I too will be in it when we undertake this feat." Aliathra said.


    "That sounds okay for now¡­. That and you washing my car with me in it while wearing a Bikini after this shit is over." Diaz smirked.


    "A Bi-Key-Knee?" Aliathra asked.


    The rest of Stryder Group paused with a beat. Some of them, specifically Crocker and Obediah blushed with a vain hope of that happening. Samantha can only face palm. Iris was also confused.


    "I am kidding! Sheesh, I am risking my ass getting squished by angry Mole things. Don''t I get joking privileges? Motorsport is a calling, a life I tell ya. Bleh¡­things I do for my next paycheck." Diaz complained again as he picked up the first bucket of Aphrodisiac and with a slight hesitation¡­ poured out its contents on his precious car.


    He gagged for breath for every time he poured the odorous potion on his Mustang three times.


    After the last of the chemical was finished, he and Aliathra went inside the car, specifically the passenger seat next to Vincent. Upon him laying his hands on the wheel shaped reins of his ''steed'', Diaz cracked his knuckles before starting the ignition. Aliathra meanwhile casted a small prayer for Neneth''s Blessing onto her, Vincent and the Mustang for protection and success, but unlike her previous prayers, she held a few doubts within her.


    The rest of Stryder Group except the resting Iris and the baby-sitting Kayin in the Land Cruiser, boarded there assigned Super Osprey which was coincidentally piloted by Captain Kaprelian again. Crocker was on the Door Gun, Clay was on Comms managing some recon drones to become the ''eyes'' of the operation, Obediah was preparing the Tranquilizer gun and lastly the Lieutenant is at the Co-Pilot seat.


    Diaz drove his car to a nearby field prepared with a large containment cell inside filled with some food that will be remotely triggered to close any specimens that is dumb enough to be caught in it.


    "Allie, okay¡­ so say again how do I do the dance thing again?" Vincent asked the Elf.


    "Like a¡­ how did Samantha said it¡­ ''Figure-Eight''?" Aliathra said.


    "I see¡­ and do it gracefully amirite?" Diaz asked again.


    "Indeed. Let me make the mating call." Aliathra nodded.


    Diaz remotely rolled down the window as Aliathra leaned out and whistled. A shrill sound followed by a sequence of flutes from her whistle can be heard amongst the silence of that sunny day. The sound of a Female Land Shark in-heat. Vincent can only have faith on the Elf in the hope that the Land Sharks take the bait.


    "Now. Do ''the Dance''." Aliathra climbed back down.


    "Okay Allie! Make that call." Diaz said.


    "Start the Dance, they are coming." Aliathra said.


    "In Earth we call this ''Drifting''. Buckle up!" Diaz smiled. "And away we go!" Diaz cheered as he ignited his engines.


    The Mustang jabbed forward as Aliathra''s graceful frame was jolted by the sheer violence of Diaz''s ardent ''horsemanship'' as the Elf could see it. This Steed of his was a very spirited creature and it''s master Vincent was its equal as he grasped the Mustang''s wheel shaped reins tightly as he sharply turned the wheel right shifting the car and thus Aliathra''s weight left. It was wild, uncivilized but a sense of an airy freedom could be felt on the seat of Diaz''s steed. It was a sensation of unrestrained emotion being released as Diaz revved the Mustang''s engines and his off-road built tires screeched in Alto of burning rubber, reverberating dirt and the lamentations of quietly living in peace creatures nearby.


    Meanwhile, Stryder group was in the air on the Super Osprey observing Diaz from the safety of a higher altitude.


    "Diaz, I got movement coming down on your South East¡­ 135... I mean¡­ 45¡­ damnit." Clay relayed.


    It was an earlier effort from his part that he set up several underground sensors within the vicinity of the entire Mating Ritual grounds. He had a hard time trying to relay the information methodically due to Diaz''s constant turn-a-rounds by his incessant drifting.


    "Yeah-Yeah! Have Obed and Crock itch there fingers now!" Diaz radioed back.


    "I got 2 more signatures from the same direction. Aliathra, its working." Samantha said.


    "Here we go!" Crocker enthusiastically smiled as he spun the rotary barrels of his Minigun.


    Obediah loaded a tranquilizer dart on its special gun and took aim. He knows that there were a few exposed spots of Land Sharks that he can easily penetrate despite the high frequency molecular disruption waves his dart is designed to take down high armored targets. Too bad that the more desirable parts to aim were protected by the Land Shark''s impressive armor plates.


    "Remember Diaz, we need to capture some of them alive. Lure''em." Samantha reminded.


    "Anything you want." Diaz said as he continued to create more Figure-Eights with his drifting car. Each rotation followed by Aliathra''s whistling made the already present Bulette''s much more aroused whilst Samantha detected more of them approaching Diaz.


    "Hey, some of them are doing the work for us. Those dumb cunts." Crocker commented as he sprayed a burst of Gatling Fire from his Door Gun due to his restraints.


    Several of the Bull Sharks, mad with lust saw that other than themselves, there were other Land Shark bachelors vying for the ''female''s'' attention. About 2 pairs began to fight amongst each other for the right of genetic accordance with this very graceful ''female'' who dance so gracefully and emitted a pheromone which was concentrated so greatly that it can drive already bonded males to lose all sense of nuclear fidelity and instead to think with their phalluses.


    "Oh no! I think the potion worked too well." Aliathra realized.


    "This is like that one fucking time I drove against thirty fuzzes and managed to get away with a Mountain Cliff yeah. Hahaha! Yes, this is great!" Diaz smiled.


    The Elf was confused on how can this human embrace such grave aspects with nothing more than a playful laugh. It was as if the possibility of Death was a toy to him. Not even the followers of the male half of the Twin Gods of War, Widall the Spear of Conquest would be this rapturous over such mind-boggling odds. His twin sister Ghana the Hearth Aegis in all of her calculating wisdom would see this attempt to be the greatest folly in all of follies. Aliathra can only pray again silently that she can at least get out of this predicament alive.


    "Hey." Diaz voice broke her out of her dread. He held her hand tightly for a moment with a sense of affection from the way he gripped her pristine hands. "We can do this¡­ together." Diaz smiled before his hand quickly let go to grasp the clutch and shifted gears.


    The crowd of libidinous monsters and several of there envious wives were gathering up at that one field in droves. They either continued to fight each other or were chasing for the Mustang''s non existent gonads. They didn''t pay head of the large out of place boxes that were so inconspicuously out of place due to there primal madness taking over their mind and souls.


    "You got 4 on your tail Vinny. One of them is a girl by the way." Obediah said.


    "Good! My gift to Doctor Mahelona. Let him know he fucking owes me some Poke Bowl''s after this shit is over." Diaz said as he sped away, his Mustang making a beeline for the container boxes.


    "We are going to crash!" Aliathra screamed.


    "FASTER BABY! FASTER!" Diaz''s inner speed demon took over him raised his voice.


    The thunder of his car revved to its crescendo as the Mustang aligned perfectly with the Box. Aliathra eyes were held captive as she knew that being trapped in an enclosed space with 4 Land Sharks will not end well for her and Diaz.


    "Hiiiii----YAH!" Diaz roared as he pulled the E-brakes and began to aggressively turn around his car to the right.


    His Mustang shifted away from the trap''s opening while using the inertia from Diaz''s velocity to remain in the same competitive speed despite his steed technically not galloping to Aliathra''s shock and blood rushing amazement. As for the Bulettes they had no time to realize that they had been fooled before all four of them, 3 Males and a Female were trapped inside the Containment Cell which the motion sensor activated magnetic locks coldly sealed itself preventing escape or breach.


    "Whoa! Did you just¡­" Clay said.


    "Kansei Dorifto? Yeah!" Diaz pumped up his sideboard in celebration. "And that''s why I was banned from Combat Cab¡­" he added.


    For the rest of the Land Sharks, about 7 of them, 3 women and 4 more men, it was a massacre. They were hastily disposed off by the Gatling Gun and Tranquilizer Shot tandem of Crocker and Obediah plus the other Aparo Helicopters who assisted them.


    "I think we got all of them." Samantha said.


    Another mission success.


    But just as she was about to wipe the sweat off of her brow. Her radio rang. It was from Bianchin.


    "Hello Mis--- I mean Bobby. It''s Rose we just got it done." Samantha said.


    "That''s great! We are just sitting down here enjoying Vinny''s show." Bobby replied.


    "What do you mean ''we''?" Samantha asked.


    "Look down at your Land Cruiser!" Bobby said.


    Following just that, Samantha looked downwards from the chopper to see that not only was Mr. Bianchin was having hello to them from the ground. But also, Duke Thibault, his retinue of close courtiers and bodyguards, Kayin and Iris, and several peasants who were curiously following the commotion that dragged the Duke''s attention towards.


    The Super Osprey landed amongst the bullet ridden corpses of the Land Sharks as Stryder Group disembarked from there respective groups to greet them.


    "You were wonderful you guys. Those damn monsters didn''t know what hit''em." Bobby smiled cheerily.


    "Your performance rivals even the greatest of circuses I have seen from the Art College." Duke Thibault ecstatically jumped like a child.


    The ruler of Souviel fawned over Stryder as gossip from what they had witnessed spread. Several of the peasants ran out to herald at such an auspicious sight.


    These Otherworlders, took down all at once 11 Land Sharks? Many of the most valiant of adventuring parties from the Grey Order in comparison could barely handle a budding family of one nimble male and one hot headed female pregnant with young through the skin of there teeth if the monsters didn''t bite there innards off and presented as an offering to the wife of the monster-household.

 30 Chapter 30: Two-Storms-a-Brewing

    The Slaegian Legion''s finest Generals gathered around the Imperial Palace''s War Room. War Plans were made, Military Assets were reviewed and Orders were being written to send out by carrier birds. But Emperor Uldin was still unsure of several key factors to ensure the Empire''s survival. First was the commitments of his Elven Allies:


    With news of the Royal Princess Aliathra who was sent to aid them now deemed missing and perhaps dead, Uldin drew sweat on how his most strategic ally would react to this news. He could rely on the Sefydliad and their roster of Mages, Clerics, Rangers and other sorts of Rogues and unconventionally trained people but his only links to them were through the Royal Family the Lareththors. He has yet to see Lyndis again since she was beginning to ''work on something'' but he has no idea what that ''something'' is or how it could of any help. If fighting underhandedly could help, then he shouldn''t question the Spy woman who rivals the Empire''s own native counterpart of Mita and her Crows.


    The second consideration is with the Dwarves up at the Ostalroc Mountains. He has several very strong trade agreements and other economic guarantees that ensure him that he has both the security and access to the riches of the Ostalroc''s such as Scandanite, Mana Crystals, Luxury Jewels, Silver and most fabled of them all, Actocolite which WAS used to make some of the finest weapons in the Continent and it is said that it has a mind of its own almost always protecting its user against harm and never losing it as if soul bound to serve its user till relinquishment or death. Was in the sense that the knowledge on how to make such a miraculous ingot of Actocolite that''s good enough to forge a sword from was said to be lost for centuries as not many Dwarves in the Ostalrocs knew how or what exactly Actocolite is made or even looks like in its raw form. It was one of the leads that Petur and his Grey Order said they will investigate to see if they can continue the production of these type of weapons. It was even said that Caldell''s Sword Can Rhyfel was said to be made from this very material.


    Speaking about that, there was of course his on how gamblers would say¡­ ''Ace in the sleeve''. The Chosen one himself attached under the care of Grey Order specifically Petur, Faithleann. An upstart boy from a backwater town in the Empire was chosen by the Crystal to be one of its champions. News was spreading but many of the more cynical or practical minded of the Empire held doubts over this young boy. From what Uldin has heard, the boy showed some promising aptitude in both Magic and Swordsmanship. He may have shown competency but experienced he was not. Hopefully, the Grey Order can get him out there and do any notable acts of heroism to fend off the Demon Invasion.


    Now he knows what is at stakes, Uldin deliberated throuroughly on who are his adversaries, the Demons or ''Otherworlders'' themselves.


    From what little he had gathered; their power base is somewhere near his Vassal of Tyr Rian. He hates to admit it but he has to consider the Citadel at the Crossroads between the Empire, the Southern Tip of the Ostalrocs and the exotic lands of the Eastern Suzerainties (and beyond) to be compromised. From what information he could gather, they have to powers of mighty Steel Dragons that fire arrows that explode in a brilliant gust of fiery shrapnel or it the loud gusting of their breath attacks that spat daggers faster than the eyes can see. There was no hope for an unfortified house to withstand even the minimalist of its assault from the beasts. He also still remembers the words from that "Steel Cloud" as so it called itself when it made its presence known hovering over his city days ago. It immediately left after it said its piece but nobody in Slaegia cannot forget what it said:


    "We know that is you who tried to assassinate Governor White and Prince Clovich." As Uldin could remember the Steel Cloud bitterly advocated.


    Rumors amongst the populace whispered behind closed doors over the implications of that. Prince Clovich and the Principality of Tyr Rian was one of the most prosperous places within the Empire''s realm. His family had a significant influence in the core politics of the Slaegian Empire due to being where all the Trade coming east would converge, make sales and travel away from. The Rian''s were loyal, steadfast and always in tabs with the latest gossips from all over the continent and any attempt on his person or the lands he governs would ripple through all of Ysanigrad. There were doubts being sown within the populace outside in the countryside and inner territories if open conflict now is even a viable option due to not experiencing firsthand these "Otherworlder''s" themselves. Many only just recently heard of the news that the Capital was attacked through varying degrees of trickled down word of mouth from the less informed citizens of the Empire.


    Uldin parted his lips and let out a deep shuddering sigh feeling the mixture of stress, age, and sleeplessness all mixing together in a foul brew. Before him lay numerous problems with the greatest being the arrival of those from the void, these Otherworlders. Damned beings whom had undone the entirety of the Empire''s table of that displayed in all of her expansive glory. He was used to juggling around the more practical sides of running the Empire such as statecraft, law legislations and economic management but these Otherworlders almost made him want to swipe away all of the pieces on the board as everything was now deemed irrelevant. His inner torment leaving him oblivious to the back and forth discussion of his advisors and generals, some noticed, some didn''t continue their back and forth with others across the table.


    "Three hundred twenty-five thousand Legionnaires all spread out with only less than half of that near Tyr Rian." One general said.


    "Who are also mostly recruits or only experienced in fighting bandits rather than proper armies. We need to move one of our northern Legions down south to reinforce now." Another said.


    "The Tribespeople might see that as an opportunity to take back some of the ground we had taken from them." Said Huguet Carcer, the Priaut Cadlys¨¦r or Grand Commander of the Legion argued.


    It was his valor and the veterans he led that fought tooth and nail for at the North to get the new territories for the Empire. The Daosne, the Umbrella term for the Beastpeople who live North of them sat upon a rich and untapped reserve of Mana Crystals and Oak that the Empire needed for other expansion plans such as their Navy to fend off Tavai Privateers and to build more cities with. In his experience, they are all despite their many sizes, colors and hairs were relentless with each kind different but equally perilous to behold. Using their homeland to their advantage to perform ambushes and sneak attacks, only the strongest and daring of Legionnaires can live to see their first years there through. To be made even partially pull back from his gains made the Cadlys¨¦r feel like all of his hard campaigning will be all for naught.


    "What use is the North if the Empire will be up in flames from the south? We know how to deal with the Beastpeople well enough that we can eventually take back whatever we let them gain but these Otherworlders DARED attacked our city. The homeland is bleeding! Please Cadlys¨¦r, the Goddess Ghana needs her bravest of Sons to protect her domain." One of the younger officers appealed.


    Those words pierced Huguet to his heart. The Junior Officers were right. Yet when he said about knowing how the Beastpeople fought in those countless campaigns against them got him to stop and think of another concern.


    Just how do these Otherworlder''s fight?


    He knew that the Easter Suzerainties prefer to use Horses or other mounts to outmaneuver their foes. The Daosne will try to outsmart the enemy with intricate knowledge of their home terrain, the Dwarves prefer to outlast their enemies based on his experiences helping out several Clans during Civil Wars and the Elves prefer a mix of outfighting their enemies through superior technique and also out shooting there enemies with the aid of their Bows and Crossbows or Magic. From the reports he heard, there was mix of Elven and Easter Suzerainties patterns in the form of the ''Steel Dragons'' the Otherworlders have being able to out maneuver there best Griffin Riders and whilst being able to output an obscene amount of Ranger fire with their breath attacks. No reports yet if these ''You-Knighted-Fe-der-ray-shon'' have any melee fighters just like the old legends of Alboen and his Steel Demons being supremely armored and heavy weapon wielding monstrosities who cut down anything through brute force alone.


    "Emperadwyr? Should we redeploy some of our Northern Legions back home?" Huguet asked.


    "Wh¡ªwhat? Sorry, I¡­ I was lost in thought¡­" Uldin woke up from his inattention.


    "Redeploy some of our best Legions to the Tyr Rian border?" Huguet repeated.


    "Yes! Yes! But what about Lyndis? Petur?" Uldin said.


    Huguet had his reasons to harbor a significant amount of distrust to the Grey Order and the Sefydliad. The former being nothing more but glorified mercenaries more concerned of their pay and living another day despite their numerous and credible skills that come with a price tag of hundreds of Ducats. They also have a tendency to be quite Insubordinate when it comes to the more lawful Legionnaires who have a more uniform means of conducting battles. For the Elves, there more concern of the survival of their Nation and people''s plus their tendency of secrecy and often times manipulating the other peoples of Gliesia to do their bidding like pawns in a game board makes them feel condescending and smug at their ''Supremacy''.


    "I do not think those two can do much good other than causing too much chaos in our own soil milord. I suggest you let the Legion do -----" Huguet was interrupted by the door opening suddenly behind them.


    It was Lyndis, the Sefydliad Elf.


    Normally it is rude to barge unless a critical update was needed to be let known.


    "Lyndis. You said you and your colleague are working on something? What is it exactly?" Uldin asked. His dull face was reinvigorated by the Elf''s presence. Or maybe it''s the fact that Elven women are just supremely dashing in looks compared to the war weary and stern faces of all of the Generals gathered.


    "I was just informed by my agents¡­ that the Otherworlder''s are in Souviel." Lyndis bluntly said.


    The room was set abuzz by that heralding. These Otherworlder''s are making their move so quickly now and already their tentacles have reached one of Tyr Rian''s neighbors, the Duchy of Souviel. One of the most important economic centers in all of the Empire. Many of the Generals began to fear the worst, a besiegement. The city from a strategic point of view was not designed to fightback a siege.


    "We must rally the Legions now! Souviel will not hold out for long." One of the generals pleaded.


    "They are not besieging the city mind you." Lyndis calmed them down. "But based on my reports they are attempting to do the same thing that they did to Tyr Rian." She said.


    "Which is?" Huguet asked.


    "You Generals lack subtlety. All you brutes can think of his bashing other people''s skulls until they squish. As I was about to say, they are trying to Seduce Duke Thibault to their side. My scouts reported that the Otherworlders have presented him many gifts." Lyndis said.


    "What kind of gifts?" Uldin''s eyes twitched, his head now pried to this new development.


    "From what they could discern, promises of riches beyond his wildest dreams, sights never before seen and fruits never before tasted. One such gift of the latter is what they could here is ''Mee-sus Feelds''. It said that the Duke and his court were already begging the Otherworlder''s to give him more of that strange dark looking bread." Lyndis said. There was a slight cringe on her tone when she got to the part about the Duke clamors.


    "That is most troublesome¡­ I am afraid Souviel is lost." Uldin capitulated.


    The Duke was by all accounts from the lowliest peasant to even his own Imperial Guards that Thibault is someone who can best be described as a man with the body of a bloated 31-year-old man but the mind of a spoiled prepubescent child of at least 10 autumns worth of age. Souviel in the grand scheme of things from a Wartime Perspective as the aging Emperor see''s in his map of the Empire, is valued for its ports and rich recruiting grounds for Sailors and Marines. Then there''s the Wine and Fruits of the region that could be used for a whole variety of purposes like preservatives, medicines and lamp fuels. It normally relies on Tyr Rian for its protection inland and a garrison of well-funded (thanks to the rich trading by mostly inexperienced Knights in addition to the Ostalroc''s going down all the way south of its coast. For the sea however, a Garrison of the Slaegian''s Imperial Navy sits atop the Duchy but are mostly just fast and light frigates whose job is to patrol and intercept any intruders that fall into the line of Pirates and Smugglers. However, there was rumors that the Garrison are easily bribed to feign ignorance.


    "Not quite milord." Lyndis said.


    "Oh? You have something?" Uldin asked. His heart skipping a beat.


    "The Duke still has to have a bard come into his chambers to sing him to sleep and some of those songs conform to several superstitious beliefs. I recall one song calls about a bad omen that warn of a disaster. Storms and earthquakes followed by famine or rebellions to name a few. I told my Spies that if we can convince the Duke that these Otherworlders are a bad omen we need to make these ''Warning Signs'' to get the message across." Lyndis proposed.


    "Can you¡­ explain further?" Uldin pushed his ear closer.


    "The Games, that festival that the Duchy holds around this time to celebrate the end of the Summer?" Lyndis said.


    "Ahh¡­ you mean the Chwartiadd? Everyone flocks there." Huguet interrupted.


    "Are you saying we should make the Chwartiadd cancelled by causing the storm? It is in bad faith to hold a festival after a calamity!" Uldin said.


    Lyndis silently nodded.


    The Emperor and his Cabinet deliberated it for a while. The Chwartiadd held many kinds of games from fighting tourneys, art contests, races and even a fireworks display. It would be a huge blow to one''s spirits and finances if it was unfortunately cancelled. Uldin bit is lips and swallowed his pride.


    "Tell your agents to do it." The Emperor said.


    "A lot of people are not going to like this." Huguet sighed.


    Everyone in the room knew the consequences of this action.


    -------------(Meanwhile in Calelh Point) -------------


    The Clouds were slowly darkening the once azure skies of Souviel and the wind began to flow harder like crashing waves brushing violently with the cliff side grass as Stryder Group oversaw the vista from the ruined lighthouse. It was nearing sunset and Stryder Group was assigned by Bianchin to scout over Calelh Point for the Ships that Zatrek and his Tavai are transporting the Mana Crystals too. Another team by the name of Viking will oversee the unloading of the Cargo while an escorted Convoy of Trucks arranged by Aparo to be transported back to New Albany for research.


    "Hope they come here on time." Clay commented. The good light left from his Binocular but it was immediately followed up by the Squad Land Cruiser''s headlights turning on.


    It was laid back that time as Dinner time approaches so Kayin thought it would be a good idea to watch a classical fantasy film for the sake of Iris and Aliathra inside.


    "What is your Magic Mirror going to show us?" Aliathra asked.


    "It is called a¡­ a¡­ ''Smart Pad'' Aliathra. It will show you a movie that you might like." Kayin answered. He turned the device over facing the screen towards the two women.


    "A Movie is like a play Princess." Iris explained in her own way.


    "What are we going to watch?" Aliathra asked.


    "The Hobbit bade by John Renauld Reuel Tolkien. You may see some¡­ familiar¡­ eh¡­ things and ideas here that will hit you close to home. It is by the way, the prequel or what happened before the events of Lord of the Rings that you have watched, well... for Iris at least." Kayin said.


    "Close to home?" Aliathra was bewildered as the metaphor didn''t go through her head.


    "Just watch it." Iris said.


    The two girls saw the story of Bilbo Baggins and his quest to help Thorin Oakenshield get his old home back from the evil Dragon Smaug. She also saw the moment that the Halfling get the One Ring of Power, an Artifact as the girls saw it of extreme and seductive powers that corrupts the souls that touches it. To Aliathra''s astonishment, the corruption is less visually apparent and more psychological in nature with their own selfish desires doing the real physical changes such as neglect of one''s exterior as in the case of the previous holders of the Ring can attest. They fought orcs who were by Iris'' own statements were ''distorted'' and almost always male. Orcs normally allow their own women to fight alongside them in raids and compared to the looks between the Orcs in Lord of the Rings and the Orcs in Gliesia, the latter were much more presentable in facial features.


    "Hey what''s going on?" Diaz said, he came back inside the MRAP alongside Obediah and Lieutenant Rose. The top side of their heads had the scent of fresh rain drops.


    "The Hobbit. Something for fun before dinner time." Kayin said.


    "Oh my¡­ wonder how will Aliathra react to the Elves?" Samantha mentioned.


    "There are Elves in this play?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yes, look and see for yourself." Samantha smiled back.


    Just then, Crocker entered the Land Cruiser through the Driver''s seat and turned to the squad. His eyes widened in worry as he looked at the rest of his team.


    "Damn! I just got a call from ISAC. He told me this is gonna be a rain storm." Crocker informed.


    "Oh no! Is the Delivery going to be off?" Diaz asked.


    "I think it will just be delayed." Crocker said.


    "I hope the Tavai know what they are doing. I noticed they use the same normal wooden crates to transport¡­ well¡­ everything to avoid arousing suspicion." Aliathra said.


    "You say that like it''s a bad thing." Samantha said.


    "Mana Crystals of exceptionally large quantities have to be transported in special crates that only a few groups of people in Gliesia are known to use. It''s meant to keep them safe and stable during so they don''t accidentally ignite. This however comes at the cost of less space being used up to properly separate the crystals from each other. Unfortunately for the Tavai they are focused on speed and profit over safety I am afraid. Although they did improvise several¡­ subpar measures but ultimately, one wrong move can cause the whole ship to blow up in an expulsion of magical energies." Aliathra explained.


    "The way the Elf sounds like it is similar to how we Transport Nukes and Oil Lieutenant." Kayin whispered.


    "That is most troublesome." Samantha said.


    "I don''t understand is that the skies normally shouldn''t produce any rainfall let alone storms this time of the cycle." Aliathra questioned. "I think its best if the Ship is delayed for maybe 1 or more day until the seas are cleared.


    "Stryder Lead? Stryder Lead? Come in?" the Radio announced. It was the voice of the Viking Group leader contacting them.


    Samantha picked up the radio and pushed the button to talk.


    "This is Stryder Lead. Sitrep? It''s supposed be me calling you first." Samantha informed.


    "Sorry Lieutenant Rose, we just need to inform you that we are going dig in for the night. Storm is shutting down the town. And some people are pissed." Viking Lead said.


    "What happened Did something go wrong in Town?" Samantha pressed.


    "Not of our own fault. But many of them said that they are worried that some sort of Festival called ''the Chwartiadd.'' might get cancelled." Viking Lead said.


    "Oh, that is very troubling. I would be mad too if Ultra Kesserheim got cancelled for the year. Wait¡­ what exactly is this¡­ Chuwa---Tea¡­ uh¡­?" Diaz commented before his tongue twisted itself on the foreign word.


    "Chwartiadd." Aliathra and Iris said together in its proper pronunciation.


    "It is a Grand Game and Festival held in Souviel to commemorate the Duchy''s founding." Aliathra said.


    "Translated to the English tongue of ''the Bravery Games'', this festival celebrates the Duchy''s Founding and is commemorated by Dancing, Music and Food followed by Games and Performances all happening outdoors. I have been to one such festival in my life and it was so colorful there. Masks, Costumes and Minstrels singing their latest tunes while Knights and Adventurers from across the realm compete for honor, money and glory." Iris said.


    "So, like the Olympics and Mardi Gras has a baby gotcha. Damn¡­ now that I realize it¡­ that''s gonna suck a lot." Diaz winked.


    "Sure, is going to suck more if we stay here. This place is unsafe for us to stay on. Let''s get back now down there to the Lonesome Hearth yeah?" Crocker said as he revved up the engine and carefully guided the Land Cruiser back to more stable ground.


    Meanwhile, the rest of Stryder Group huddled up together to watch the rest of the Hobbit movie for the next hour or so before supper, but they were mostly just wanting to see the novelty of seeing Iris and Aliathra''s reaction to the UFE''s interpretation of the many fantastic creatures imagined up by the legendary J.R.R Tolkien. Although there was no Vampires in Tolkien''s adapted work, the Vampire Witch was held in a captivated stance whilst Aliathra chattered with her teeth every time she sees the actors playing the heroes of the story perform daring feats. The Elf felt like she was seeing with her own two eyes the Romanticized novels she read with her sister now come to life. From the slaying of giants to the odds-defying stands the heroes took to get to the ancestral Dwarven Hold took the Princess breath away.


    "Oh Sam, this play¡­ I¡­ I¡­I am impressed that your people wrote and capture such epic scenes for me and Iris to see." Aliathra thanked. "The only complaint I have is the Elves not using much magic as they would. All the Magic is being used by that Old Wizard they call ''Gandalf''." Aliathra gave her feedback.


    "Well it''s how Tolkien wrote it and the story revolves around just Bilbo''s party and Gandalf so happens to be the only Mage in the group." Samantha said.


    "I do say that I find Thorin and Kili to be the most handsome of the bunch." Aliathra blushed.


    "How Ironic¡­" Obediah said.


    As Stryder group began to discuss their thoughts and opinions of the movie, Samantha turned her eyes away to the window of the MRAP out of some boredom or maybe just curiosity because she likes to see sometimes the raindrops slide down from the windows.


    By the window Samantha looked towards at was facing the Lonesome Hearth''s front door and she could see that despite the state it was in. The building was holding out strong and hopefully a lightning bolt doesn''t smite the home and burn it all to the ground. She couldn''t bare to see Old Man Sandulf lose his life''s work. Speaking of which, she noticed the front door open from the inside and out comes the man himself whose clock flew like a charging banner standing against the gale winds.


    "Excuse me." Samantha said to her team as she got out of the MRAP.


    "Sandulf? What are you doing out here? It''s not safe!" Samantha yelled. Her voice was muffled by the winds disrupting the sound. She walked closer to the Old Man who was carrying some a small bag of discernable content.


    "They call to me again." Sandulf replied meekly.


    "Who?" Samantha asked.


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    "Aaahhh¡­" an eery sound was detected from Samantha''s ear. Suddenly, illuminations of light of uncanny humanoid figures appeared.


    Their bodies were a of the same cloth of a commoner but in a macabre twist, there bodies looked like they were crushed, flattened by some heavy weight. The Lieutenant counted 4 Figures all male by the way their hair was set and the clothes they wore. The figures all flew towards the ruined Lighthouse that Samantha and her team just left from.


    "My¡­ my Family''s restless spirits. They continue to do their duty one more time¡­" Sandulf sulked.


    "Spirits? You mean Ghosts!?!" Samantha asked.


    "Yes¡­ they never accepted that they had died not while the storms continue to darken the night. The Storm that took their lives away and changed my life for the worst is just like this one¡­" Sandulf said. There were tears falling on his eyes as the Lieutenant could discern due to the reddening of his eye whites.


    The Old man pushed the Lieutenant away as he began to move forward, his frail body barely withstanding. But then a sudden acceleration of wind knocked Sandulf back but thankfully the Lieutenant was there to catch him.


    "It is not safe here." Samantha argued.


    "Then please¡­ take these candles up there by the ruins where my In-Law''s died and light them. It keeps them appeased at least for a while." Sandulf said.


    With no other option or perhaps it was her own sense of compassion, Samantha grabbed the bag filled with candles and guided Sandulf back inside his Hostel where his Goblin servant was waiting for him.


    "What are you doing?" Okt-To asked Samantha.


    "Helping. Now stay here with him." Samantha said.


    She held the bag tightly on her arm and dragged herself towards the Land Cruiser.


    "Lieutenant? What are you doing?" Crocker asked.


    "It is Sandulf¡­ he wants these Candles up at the Light House." Samantha explained.


    "That WE just left. That''s dangerous back up there." Crocker said.


    "Please, it would mean a lot to the Old Man if we do it just now for him." Samantha appealed.


    "It''s too dangerous!" Crocker argued.


    "What''s going on?" Iris poked out.


    "She wants to place some Candles to where Sandulf''s family died. Up there by the Light House." Crocker pointed.


    "The Dead needs to be tended to with respect as decreed by Neneth. I will go." Aliathra said.


    "Yeah, I did some shit like that for my Maw-Maw. I will help." Obediah volunteered.


    "Ah fuck this. Clay, go with the Lieutenant and make sure she ain the rest of the squad get back here alive." Crocker ordered.


    "Yessir." Clay saluted.


    Samantha, Aliathra, Clay and Obediah trudged themselves up the Cliff. The wind''s weight made them struggle every step of the way. As the progressed they could hear the mournful wailing off the ghosts as they hovered around the ruins of what was once their familial duty and legacy.


    "Hold each other''s hand everyone! Don''t get separated! We got to finish this fast." Obediah cried.


    Everyone held a hand to each other and gripped tightly. Together with each other''s support the group made it back up the Lighthouse ruins where they can see the Ghosts hovering at the ruins of the once mighty tower.


    "The ships are in danger once again father!" a young faced ghost tapped an elderly looking spirit.


    "Alas! The Beacon is down! Hurry Boy, grab the spare Whale Fat." Elderly ghost ordered.


    Samantha made her way past the ghost who did not notice her as she found a small sheltered compartment among the ruins where several dead candles lay. There melted wax rooting them on the cold and wet stone. Using her waterproof lighter, Samantha lit the bundle of candles she took from Sandulf and delicately placed them on the driest section of the compartment. She silently prayed for a moment for these two lost souls who departed so tragically.


    "May Neneth have mercy on them. The Boy looks no more than fifteen." Aliathra commented.


    "Aliathra, by any chance, how exactly are these Ghosts¡­ eh¡­ Spirit things are made?" Samantha asked the Elf.


    "There are many theories about how these beings came to be. The humans say that these Ghosts came to be because they have some sort of unfinished business and that they are tethered in this plane by the Mana Crystals until they fulfill whatever they wished they had done in life. Others from my own kind say that it is some sort of projection of a person''s consciousness through the exposure to Mana Crystals. If we are going to believe but there are several light houses in the world that uses Mana Crystals over regular Whale Fat since the former can project a more luminous projection than the latter. But I have heard that it makes the light house more vulnerable to¡­ fiery related accidents." The Elf replied.


    "I see, well by the looks of what I can understand, these ghosts are salty that they weren''t able to fulfill their jobs as Lighthouse keepers when they were needed the most." Samantha concluded.


    "Salty?" Aliathra asked.


    "It means being resentful in our tongue. These Ghosts that were Sandulf''s Family In-Law were angry that they died while in the line of duty." The Lieutenant explained.


    "That is a good assumption." Aliathra admitted. The Red-Haired woman never fails to impress the Elf.


    The wind began to pick up and the rainfall grew heavier on Souviel. It was strong enough to cause the sea levels to rise and weak branches of trees to fly off. Meanwhile the Ghosts of Sandulf''s In-Laws continue to wail for the light that can never shine in their old enterprise. Moans of sadness, frustration and anguish can be heard from all the living who are present atop Calelh Point which made them restless.


    "This storm is getting crazier by the second now. We should get out of here now! Hope those Tavai ships can find their way safely. Storms like these can cause floods." Obediah said.


    "As long as the Light House down there is still on. We should have nothing to worry about." Clay said. The Tavai from his judgement were capable Mariners. These ''Sea Elves'' should have no problem handling a nightly rainstorm.


    He peered over the cliff the New Light House situated at Old Souviel''s Harbor burning brightly through the night like a sun that descended to be a lantern that lifts that darkness leading to Souviel''s Golden Sanctuaries.


    Before unexpectedly¡­


    The light snuffed out.


    "Ah¡­ El-Tee? The¡­ The Light House!" Clay yelled.


    "What?" Samantha walked towards the Radioman.


    "The Light on the new Light House! It¡­ It just vanished!" Clay panicked.


    From Photographic Memory, Samantha knew from that direction is indeed the new Light House that replaced the Calelh point Light House after its collapse. At first, Samantha couldn''t believe it.


    "Maybe they just needed to replace the Light Bulb or whatever is used to make that place glow in the dark." Samantha tried to reason out.


    Just as she spoke that, Clay''s Radio beeped.


    "All teams! This is Viking group! We are engaged in combat. I repeat, Viking Group is engaged in Combat." The Radio said.


    "Say again Viking, who are you engaged in combat with? Where is your position?" Samantha asked.


    "By the Light House at the Port. Some hooded cloaks killed the Light House keeper¡­. *static*¡­ destroyed the Fuel Barrels¡­ *static* Light House is out of comm¡­ *static* Fire! Fire! 50 Meters 3''o Clock! I need all available units to converge on my position now! We are pinned down my Magic Missile fire!" Viking Lead said.


    "Sabotage? Who?" Samantha pleaded for answer but the call dropped.


    "Who would do such a thing?" Clay asked.


    "Look hoe! My son! Ships seeking shelter from the Water God''s wrath!" the Elderly Ghost pointed.


    "More ships?" Samantha questioned.


    She dashed to the other side of the ruins and peered over to the great sea across.


    "Clay! Use your Night Vision goggles." Samantha ordered.


    Turning on his NVG attached to the top of his helmet, the Radioman looked truly past the darkness across him. He saw three ships that were blindly walking sailing hazardously fast towards Souviel. He recognizes those ships. It was from the briefing earlier from Bianchin that those ships were marked from Zatrek''s Tavai smugglers containing the volatile but precious Unbinilium Crystals.


    And Souviel is engulfed in absolute darkness.


    "Shit! They are going to crash in blind to Souviel!" Clay realized.


    "With those ships, they crashing so violently they could devour the whole city in an explosion of Magical Fire." Aliathra added.


    "We need to do something! They are heading in to fast." Clay said.


    "We need a light source. They should slow down if they are nearing some light." Obediah said.


    "I got it! We have some flares back at the Land Cruiser and a Flare Gun we can improvise with those." Samantha said. The lieutenant then pointed downwards to the flat beach below the Calelh Point''s cliff.


    "We can use the flares to light up the beach and signal the boats to land here." Samantha reasoned.


    "But what if the Crystals still explode from the rough landing?" Clay argued.


    "Well I rather have an empty beach on fire than an entire damn city any day of the week." Samantha argued back.


    "I can use some of my Illusion Magic to make a big bright ball too if that can help." Aliathra said.


    "Yes, you may also want Iris and her Amulet to assist you on that too. Clay! Radio in Crocker and explain everything quickly. Miss Lareththor! Make that Light Ball now!" Samantha ordered everyone.


    "Yes Ma''am!" Obediah and Clay saluted in Unison.


    Aliathra meanwhile brandished her arms now conjuring a brilliant white light before raising them upwards to the sky. The beam of light illuminated the darkness for miles ahead to see that one must be blind not to miss such a sight. However, the Elf Mage''s acts are an exhaustive effort for her to maintain. Normally a light spell should be no larger of a ball than the size of a child''s head.


    Meanwhile, Clay radioed in Crocker from the Land Cruiser and as best as he could explained the situation to him.


    "A fucking Oil Fire could happen?" Crocker asked.


    "Yes! Get all of our flares out now." Clay said.


    The Sergeant scrambled inside the Land Cruiser, toppling several objects and discomforting several of his own squad mates who were alarmed by the sudden shift of pace their Sergeant was in. It took him a quick shouting of ''Find the Flares now!'' to whip up Kayin, Iris and Diaz from there inert states.


    "Here our reserve flares and a flare gun." Kayin said after spotting the correct container box.


    He opened the box and made a quick inventory of its contents. 2 Green Landing Flares, 3 Red Landing Flares, 5 White Flare Gun shells and the Flare Gun itself.


    "What are those?" Iris asked.


    "Think instant bright light Iris." Kayin explained quickly before closing the container box and running outside to the freezing and drenched storm.


    Crocker and the rest of Stryder Group quickly grabbed their raincoats before heading out where Clay rendezvous with them. He was gasping for air and trying to shake off the raindrops from his person after a mad dash back down Calelh Point.


    "Crocker! Aliathra is making the Old Light House work again. She need''s Iris for help." Clay panted.


    "Got it. What about the Flares?" Crocker asked.


    "You, Diaz, Obediah and Kayin got to Illuminate the beach so that those boats can land safely." Clay relayed Samantha''s orders.


    "Got it." Kayin nodded before opening the container box of Flares.


    Vincent and Kayin took 2 each of the Landing flares whilst Obediah took the last one. For Crocker he took the Flare Gun and all 5 of its ammo. He knew intrinsically that he is using these Flares against its intended use. But he also knew that They can''t afford to have the Fantastic equivalent of an Oil Tanker fire to strike Souviel directly.


    "Iris, grab some raincoats and follow Clay back up to the Light House Ruins." Crocker said before he and the rest of the Flare wielding Stryder Group ran off.


    Iris thanks to some instruction from Kayin knew where the raincoats were held in the Land Cruiser and picked up one for her and 2 more for Aliathra and Samantha who ran off without raincoats. She then returned to Clay who escorted Iris back up the Cliff.


    The rest of Stryder Group descended to the beach, they had to struggle to find a fine line between the urgency of there steps with the caution of there footing against the slippery ground. After a tense descent down the slopes, the Flare wielding half of Stryder Group made it down without any complications.


    "Pop the Flares now!" Crocker ordered. He loaded his Flare Gun and shot the first out of five shots into the air illuminating the shadowy beach in artificial sunlight. The ball of light that was expelled from the Flare Gun fell. Like a lamp hanging on a corner, it further illuminated the beach.


    Diaz, Obediah and Kayin popped open their flares and began to ran down the beach. They both agreed that they should be equidistant from each other as they waved the flares around to make the full stretch of the beach as visible as possible. The beach was quite large that Stryder Group are safe from the crashing waves but the beach is shallow enough that any large vessel will be marooned. The worst-case scenario was that the ships will crash violently and be engulfed in fire and the best case in their gamble was that the ships will be marooned with minor damage to the ship and its precious cargo. Crocker hope that these Tavai Sailors are indeed skilled in Maritime related magics if Zatrek and Aliathra''s words are to go by.


    Meanwhile back up at the Light House Ruins, Iris has just made it back up to the top of the Lighthouse and is now assisting the Elven Mage with her own Magics with Iris'' Crystal Necklace as an Auxiliary power source.


    "El-Tee! What is the status of those Tavai ships?" Clay asked.


    "They would be blind to not see this. Look!" Samantha said before she pointed out towards the sea.


    The Boats began to change course from blindly going to a crash course for Souviel to now an illuminated sail for the beach below Calelh point. The Boats should in Samantha''s intuition should notice the illuminated beach front filled with a trinity of Red, Green and White lights.


    Thunders cracked and gale winds shifted as all of Samantha and Stryder hopes fell on this expeditious plan.


    "The Light! The Light! It has returned to us! Calelh Point shines ONCE MORE!" the Elderly Ghost feverously cried. It was an ecstatic roar as the luminous materials that made its body glow brighter. The same can also be said for the younger looking ghost too.


    "The Ghost it is getting elated. The Light House must be the key." Iris said.


    "The Key to what?" Samantha asked.


    "For it to move on." Iris bluntly answered.


    Meanwhile back at the Tavern, Sandulf peeked over the window and he couldn''t believe his eyes. The Lighthouse somehow rematerialized in amidst the darkness of the stormy night. It was nearly the same structure, shape and state that he remembered in his younger years except for the being to be made of pure bright light. Soaring, illustrious and most important of all gleaming against the obsidian deluge that is night. From what his old eyes can discern he could see none other than Samantha and her friends (that she insists she calls ''Team'') standing alongside his tragically departed Father In-Law Keon and his Brother In-Law Farrand. For the first time in along time, he was reminded of times when he was a youthful young restaurateur who married the beautiful daughter of the Lighthouse Keeper. He had a dream to build the greatest Tavern and Inn in all of Gliesia. It renewed him a vigor that he thought was lost forever when he buried Ibon sometime after that tragic accident. A Vigor to continue on living. A tear fell from his eye, a tear of sweet respite. This Samantha Rose alleviated his burden.


    "Okay! Okay! Ohhh-Kaaay!!! It''s coming its coming!" Diaz said as he saw the Boats steer the course towards his direction.


    As soon as the Tavai Smugglers on the could see the peeking grey of dry land. There Sailors readied themselves with their Water Magics for a very rough landing. Conjuring the Water around them to there will, the Sailors created an artificial wave from the violent seas that they used to safely cushion there landing. The waters engulfed all of there hulls as they thrust themselves to the safety of dry land in an aim to land the ship in a less turbulent medium.


    "Brace!" a Tavai captain told his crew.


    "Bollocks! Get out of the way!" Crocker yelled.


    Stryder Group dropped their flares and began to scramble away from the Ships who sped pass the Beach and onto the wet and muddy plain inland. The Water Magic cause their boats to hover pass the ocean before touching down ungracefully at the flat plain, slight capsizing their vessels as soon as the Magic energies dissipated. Ultimately there was now crash fire which relieved everyone in Stryder Group.


    "Let''s go." Crocker told him.


    Diaz, Obediah and Kayin followed the Sergeant towards one of the boats where the Crew emerged from there vessels, battered in rain water but unharmed except for a few cosmetic cuts and bruises on their bodies.


    "You. The Sun share''s her wealth." A Tavai told Crocker.


    It was a challenge phrase. Thankfully Aliathra taught them the correct response earlier to all of the teams involved in this operation. It was based off of a Tavai Proverb about generosity.


    "And the Moon follows her example." Crocker responded.


    "So, you are what Zatrek told us about? Your armor is impressive." The Tavai said.


    "Thank you but let''s get down to business. How much of these Crystals do we got?" Crocker said.


    "Thirty Crates all filled up just as you wanted, Ten each per boat. Zatrek will take care of our payment. Where can we hide them for now? The Aer Quessir will surely investigate." The Tavai informed. His breath was weary from the storm he and his fellow sailors barely survived such an encounter.


    "I know a place for now. Get your crew to port these and follow us. Diaz, Root, Mudwin carry some Boxes and get them to the Lonesome Hearth now." Crocker ordered.


    For the next Two Hours, Stryder alongside the Tavai Smugglers ported all 30 crates to the Lonesome Hearth. They had to make multiple returns back to the boats to ensure every last crate was accounted for. From Kayin''s observations, the Crates weigh about 10 Kilograms each.


    Much to Sandulf''s astonishment and chagrin over the influx of newcomers into his establishment.


    "What? Who are these people?" Sandulf asked.


    "Tavai, Sea Elves." Samantha a said after she hung her wet raincoat by the door and shaking off the raindrops from her body with a towel.


    "Sea Elves? Nothing really good every comes with them¡­ Hey! What are those boxes? Why are they glowing? Are those Mana Crystals? Enough to supply an Army of Mages?" Sandulf pointed out to Crocker who was storing the crates at the Tavern''s empty storage room. There wasn''t much content outside of Sandulf and Okt-to''s personal supply of food for their nutrition, a few barrels of untapped wine, a box of dried meats and lastly some preserved produce.


    He didn''t want to have his life''s work seized by the Guards for being an accessory to a crime. His debts to Jodent was already difficult enough to fulfill alone. Without his establishment scrapping by his meager paltry sums to the bank, he might as well sell himself into slavery.


    "Look here Inn Keeper." The Tavai Captain approached the fearful old man.


    The Sea Elf reached into his pocket and handed him over a full hand sized bag at Sandulf''s hand. From the clinking noise that Samantha could hear it was a bag full of coins. Bribe Money.


    "This deal is going to make me famous amongst my Cartel and I don''t want some nosy Innkeeper to ruin it for me." the Sea Elf Captain said.


    Sandulf tried to speak up but the Tavai cut him off.


    "I would like to ''Invest'' 10,000 Ducats to this fine establishment. In addition to any¡­ ''donations'' from my motley crew here for shelter and a meal for the night. Do we have a deal?" the Tavai proposed.


    The Old Innkeeper was left flabbergasted. His eyes and mouth were widened open by the large sum of Ducats he heard the Sea Elf offer. Not believing his ears at that moment, Sandulf pushed the Captain aside and headed to the bar counter of his Tavern and opened the bag. He counted the golden, silver and bronze denominations of the bag. To his amazement, it was indeed exactly 10,000 Ducats that he held on his hands.


    He turned to the Tavai Captain, his worrisome concern over being an accessory to a crime transitioned to optimistic participation.


    "I¡­ I¡­ I¡­ can pay¡­ off my De--¡­ Deb¡­ Please yes! Everyone, make yourselves at home tonight. I don''t have much but everything is one the house for you for one night only!" Sandulf smiled.


    And for the first time in his life, he had tasted the success of prosperity.


    All the tired, thirsty and hungry congregation of Tavai Sailors and Stryder Group cheered for the rest of the night. Dining (or more of rationing) on Smoked Fish, Dried Fruit and Wine with a few shanties sang by Aliathra and the Tavai until they all collapsed in fulfilled pleasure.


    Sandulf looked on and when he saw Samantha try to sleep on the chair of one of his tables, he carefully gave her a blanket and a pillow from one of the Lonesome Hearth''s guest rooms for her to lay comfortably on.


    He gave thanks to the Gods for his change of fortune.


    --------------------- (the Next Day) --------------------------


    "Stryder¡­ I think I fucked up¡­ ahh¡­" Bianchin said. He palmed his face as a massive headache assaulted him again.


    The Next Day after the stormy night was dry and blue skies like how the UFE first entered Souviel. They returned to camp Ghillie Leaf after the convoy that was meant to transport the precious Mana Crystal Cargo to New Albany for Dr. Mahelona. They bid farewell to the Tavai who had to quickly get out of Souviel once the order was delivered before the local authorities came. There marooned boats reentered the waters the same way how their ships were beached in the first-place last night. It was no wonder as Samantha documented on her camera why the Tavai were renowned sailors.


    "What happened? Did relationships break down with the Duke?" Samantha asked.


    "No, actually its never been better. It''s just that¡­ well¡­ yesterday¡­ the Duke shared with me a special bottle that ''keep me smiling'' for days such as yesterday and it was¡­ SO¡­DAMN¡­ GOOD!" Bianchin said.


    "He is suffering from a hangover Lieutenant." One of Bianchin''s PMC Bodyguards explained.


    "And what happened?" the Lieutenant pressed further.


    "You know about those¡­GAYM--HISSS that''s happening tomorrow?" Bianchin asked.


    "The Chwartiadd? Yes, I know. We noticed the town has been preparing for it. Hopefully the Storm doesn''t cancel it." Samantha answered.


    "Well¡­" Bianchin replied before he let out a large belch from his stomach "It is going through." The Corpo added.


    "One day delayed to be exact. Which is two days from now." Bianchin finished.


    "That''s great. So, will you be there to watch the games with him in some fancy box thing. You''re his guest after all."


    "Not me¡­ We are all are." Bianchin waved his hands carelessly while giving a loose smile on his reddened cheeks.


    "We?" Samantha twitched her eyebrows.


    "Not completely all of you Lieutenant but some of you will participate." Bianchin''s Bodyguard explained.


    "Participate? As in¡­ play IN the Games?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes¡­ during last night while we were dealing with that¡­ ''Incident'' by the Lighthouse, Mr. Bianchin and Duke Thibault had a drinking session together to pass the time. The wine served was so¡­ eh¡­ how do I say¡­ Potent for lack of a better term, that it made Mr. Bianchin very¡­ loose lipped." The Bodyguard explained.


    "I am actually more concerned about what happened in the Lighthouse with Viking Team. What happened? All I got was broken words and static." Samantha asked.


    "First off I would want to commend your team for your quick thinking on averting a potential disaster first." The Bodyguard clapped followed by everyone else in the camp congratulating the young lieutenant.


    She blushed with all the flattery she received and with a retained yet slowly fading smile she continued on with her inquiries.


    "With gratitude, and now the incident? What happened? All I saw was the Lighthouse turning off when it shouldn''t be." Samantha asked.


    "Sabotage." Viking Lead stood up answered. "My team were digging in at Zatrek''s Warehouse for the night when the storm hit. Then one of my men spotted a suspicious individual assaulting and then murdering the Lighthouse Keeper. We gave chase and managed to capture him. After some¡­ ''chat time'' with him he squealed and led us to his friends. We managed to find this."


    The Team Leader presented to Samantha a ring. It had an intricate symbols of a bird like creature and what can she only describe as four petals spreading outwards like a flower from what she could discern. In between the lines and crannies of the symbol, there were traces of a red paste that stuck to its surface. After smelling red material, she came to the conclusion that it must be some sort of wax.


    "That looks too delicate for anything I have seen at the moment. Maybe it''s not from here." Samantha asked.


    "That looks of Elven design is my guess." Iris added.


    "Funny enough, we did find some Elves there. They were doing some sort of ritual or something when took''em by surprise. We managed to get some of them but a few managed to escape from the fight with some of them Invisibility Magic." Viking Lead said.


    "Hey, maybe Aliathra knows a thing about this." Samantha asked.


    She took the ring and head outside. Normally Aliathra wasn''t allowed to be in such meetings due to her relatively recent assignment with the Study and Observations group. Her normal routine outside of eating breakfast with everyone was at the camp''s lavatory washing her golden blonde hair and trying retain any grace still worthy of a (former) Princess. They did indeed find her observing herself in the mirror. She was touching the screen''s silver surface staring at herself when Samantha approached her.


    "Good Morning Aliathra." Samantha said.


    "And also, with you Rose." Aliathra answered as she dried her hair.


    "We need your help with something¡­ Elven in nature. Can you help?" the Lieutenant asked.


    The Elf nodded and Samantha promptly showed the ring.


    Immediately, Aliathra''s eyes widened. She grabbed the ring, her eyes blinking in disbelief as she examined the object with not only her sight but her touch and scent. After a long minute looking at the ring. The Elf turned to Samantha again.


    "Where did you get this ring?" Aliathra asked.


    "First, tell me what is this ring first?" Samantha asked.


    "This winged creature you see here? It is called the Beenabber. A small little bird native to my Alfel-Nora. It maybe small but it is perhaps one of the most cunning creatures I have ever seen with my own eyes." Aliathra said.


    "Oh? Tell me more." Samantha leaned over, eager to hear.


    "Beenabbers love to eat berries and insects but it gets its name for how it attracts the latter. You see, the Beenabber can open their mouths to appear like plants in full bloom. If an insect such as a Honeybee tries to get close to the Beenabber so it can pollinate. Once the bug gets close enough, it will quickly devour it whole! Deceptively beautiful but deadly when you least expect it. Like¡­ the¡­" Aliathra said before pausing. She hesitated to say a word.


    "Miss Lareththor? Do you want to say something?" Samantha asked.


    "What happened¡­ Lew-Ten-Ant? What happened?" Aliathra asked.


    Samantha sighed. It was best to tell her the hard truth.


    "We found this on an Elf who was caught trying to sabotage the Light House. The one you and Iris had to tag in for. Remember that storm?" Samantha answered.


    "How could they¡­ all of those¡­ do they¡­all of those¡­ People¡­ all of that... Crystals?" Aliathra muttered.


    The Elf became distraught, her eyes redden as she began to shed tears, tears of disbelief.


    "Who?" Samantha pressed.


    "The Sefydliad. You remember them don''t you?" Aliathra said.


    "Yes, I do. Elven Diplomats and Spies, right? That''s there ring?" Samantha asked.


    "For top secret documents, yes. But¡­ they caused the Lighthouse to get turned off?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yes. We also found their camp where they were performing some sort of magical ritual too." Samantha added.


    "They must have been trying to do some sort of¡­ curse or whatever against you and your You-Eff-Eee masters. The storm, the games being cancelled. They are likely trying to make you look bad by creating contrived ''bad omens''." Aliathra said.


    "That''s horrible." Samantha recoiled. "Do they also intend for those Tavai Ships with the Crystals to crash on Souviel too?" she asked further.


    "Perhaps, I know Zatrek normally tries to stay away from them even if they offered him money since the ''requests'' they ask of him made him risk his reputation, friends and even his own life in many occasions. I am just¡­ How could they?" Aliathra cried.


    "How could they what?" Samantha asked.


    "How could they be willing to do that? Risk thousands of people''s lives just to stop you? Do they forget they are supposed to be spies? Not¡­Murderers? Despoilers? Or¡­ Or¡­ Vandals? Do they forget that Neneth teaches to value life? Have they forgotten that?" Aliathra began to cry.


    She fell on her knees on the ground and curled up. Samantha followed her down and held her ha


    nd on one hand and the elf''s back with her other one. She knew that the Elf was in a state of disbelief and she had to be there for her, Aliathra had essentially lost everything she had known. Her family, countrymen, status and other material sorts except the clothes and items she carried with her when she first ventured out into the world.


    "I am so sorry Aliathra. It must be tough hearing this." Samantha said.


    "I am a monster!" the Elf cried. "My Heart, my Legs are impure and now my former sisters and brethren are hunting me. Worst off they are doing all they can to get find me and kill me. I am nothing but another monster to the Elves that needs to be wiped off of the face of the world." Aliathra sobbed.


    "Don''t say that! You are an Angel and I am thrilled to have you here with us." Samantha reassured her.


    "You are¡­ ''thrilled''?" Aliathra turned her eyes back. They were doe-eyed as her ocean blue''s met with Samantha''s olive green''s.


    "Happy. You are doing so much help. I mean if it weren''t for you the Tavai would have crashed at Souviel. You did good. No Demon would ever do that right?" Samantha reasoned.


    "You¡­ you''re right. I did." Aliathra smiled amidst her tears.


    "Look, tomorrow will be our day off. We can do whatever we want during the games. A Girls Night out perhaps? You, me and Iris? Out at the town? Enjoying the sights?" Samantha proposed.


    "Can we visit the Art College then? I wish to hear the Bards sing and the Sculptures there." Aliathra asked.


    "Sure, thing lets go back." Samantha said.


    She held the Elf''s hand and took her back to where the rest of them are at. But as they got their she could hear an intense argument going about.


    "You want me? To participate?" Diaz asked Bianchin.


    "Yee¡­ahh¡­ Come on if you win you can keep the winnings ''cuz I don''t know what to do with them. Bianchin answered.


    The rest of the UFE Soldiers gathered around gave awkward looks to Diaz and Bianchin as Samantha and Aliathra found their seats.


    "What is going on?" Samantha asked.


    "You won''t fucking believe what Bobby did with Duke Thibault. They made a bet." Crocker smiled.


    "What kind of Bet?"


    "You know when you drink too much you start to do stupid shit Rose? Well Bianchin said¡­ or at least according to his Merky guards that he told the Duke that the some of us UFE soldiers can win some of the Games handily. You see, gambling is something the Duke and a lot of these Souvieli''s like to do outside of getting drunk, posing nude and singing a lot." Crocker said.


    "Doesn''t sound so bad." Samantha said. "But¡­ then again, I don''t think Colonel Polonsky or Major Holyfield would approve of us going unless there''s something out of it. Is there something out of it? What''s at stake?"


    "Well for us if we lose, we have to give some Merchandise for free. Nothing too sensitive but its quite a lot. I am talking about Macaroni, Pasta, Books, Sauces and Clothes. About a hundred thousand worth of some commodity shit. Then again, some of our shit are luxuries to these natives, like soap and salt." Crocker said.


    "And if we win?" Samantha asked.


    "Mercantile Permits free of charge and allowing our ships to come in and go here. We just need to win at 5 Games and me and Diaz are gonna do some of them. Command got the heads up and are willing to play along." Crocker said.


    "What games are you participating?" Samantha asked.


    "Me? A fighting tourney with the local Souviel Knights as my team mates¡­ but there''s a catch¡­" Crocker informed.


    "A Catch?"


    "Not only I need to win the tourney for Souviel but also I need to be able to take out at least about a dozen number of opponents. Good thing I got my Exo-Suit armor on since the games are very¡­ open-minded to say the least. Just that no killing, use designated weapons given by the tourney people and armor has to be at a set amount of thickness. My Exo-suit is pretty light outside of the pistons it uses. Should be approved."


    "What about Diaz?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh¡­ Horse Racing." Crocker said.


    "Since when did Vincent know how to ride a horse?" Aliathra asked.


    "Didn''t he told you that uh¡­ listen here Lieutenant, next thing I want you to do is scream at Mister Bianchin when I tell ya¡­ Diaz''s ''horse'' is his Mustang." Crocker bluntly said.


    "A Car into a Horse Race? Isn''t that¡­ unfair?" Samantha said. She facepalmed at the sheer ridiculousness of such a bet if it was one to begin with.


    "I heard that El-Tee." Diaz turned around. "And yes, even I have standards." He continued to protest.


    "But look here Vinny, the horses there are said to be some of the fastest in all of Gliesia. The races are just like¡­ I don''t know Gran Turismo? NASCAR? F1? But with horses!" Bobby argued while he curled an awkward smile.


    "Circus Maximus but on a circuit basically¡­ or something. I ain''t cleaning any Horse guts or roadkill if this is your plan." Diaz told back. "I will probably just take my time sweet time or give''em all a head start.


    "Think of it this way. Goodwill! I mean you don''t have to really win this game there''s like a whole bunch more games we can go through¡­ yeah¡­ I had to explain that shit to Command that this is a Goodwill Mission. Just try to have fun at least." Bianchin reasoned.


    "I am giving up a rest day for this?!?!" Diaz complained further.


    "Well compared to what shit we all gone through. This is a vacation." Viking Lead commented.


    Diaz paused and think for a moment. He raised his hand up for a second to protest before he pushed it back down again and think again.


    "Fine¡­ I will throw some chips this one. I just want to have a night out after this is all over." Diaz submitted. "But no guarantees!" Diaz said.


    "Of course. Maybe a night of drinks should be good." Bianchin said.


    "Thank you." Diaz bowed down as he heads back to his chair.


    "One last thing, since this is a Goodwill Visit there will be some people back from New Albany that will becoming to visit, mostly merchants and a few diplomats but Governor Whites is gonna see if we can get ourselves our own booth at the Festival at the last minute but worse case scenario its just gonna be a flea market stall." Bianchin said.


    "Speaking of which, how is the Governor right now? And Prince Clovich?" Clay raised his hand.


    "The Prince should be at this hour boarding a ship that will take him to Geneva. Right now, someone is attached to him to make sure he behaves properly when he gets there. This could be the greatest news conference in about decades after the Treaty of Singapore." The Bodyguard said.

 31 Chapter 31: Playhards Part 1

    A scruffy but still together dark blue Varsity Jacket of West Point Military Academy which imprisoned Samantha''s green buttoned-up shirt was all that she wore outside that brought her otherwise military demeanor to of a casual wearing young woman of 23 Autumns. She still had her Tactical Jeans (with a Pistol for protection just in case) and her Boots from her standard uniform but for the average Gliesian and even for Iris and Aliathra who have come to know the Redheaded leader of Stryder group is that she looks nothing as ''intimidating'' as many of them would say of their first impressions. For Iris, she was wearing the same clothes she had bought from that boutique in Kesserheim that Aparo Corporation took the brunt of the bill for and by every playful glance of the mirror she sees herself dashing. For Aliathra she still wore her worn ranger armor with its Eesilfore Elm armor which is a tree bark that can be fashioned into armor that outperforms the protective properties of leather with the added benefit of being more receptive to magical enchantments that Elves always added as Iris informed the Lieutenant. For the Elf''s case, she made her Ranger Armor have insulation properties against Fire of both natural and magical types.


    "It looks like we are ready for our Girl''s Night Out in the Town now." Samantha said.


    Today was a special day or at least that''s how Samantha entreated to the Vampire Witch and the former Elven Princess. It was ''Their'' day.


    "But it''s still morning?" Aliathra raised.


    "I mean¡­ its Lady''s Day." Samantha corrected herself.


    "What is this ''Lady''s Day'' you speak of?" Iris asked.


    "Well, it''s just something us women in the Federation call when where women get together and go out and have some fun together." Samantha explained.


    "You can just go out like this every now and then?" Iris asked.


    "Yup, we do this so we can take a break from it all. No boys, just girls just doing girl things. You will get what I mean as time passes." Samantha reassured.


    "Oh my." Aliathra blushed. "That must be a lot of Chaperones to keep an eye on them."


    "With NO Chaperones." Samantha said.


    "We¡­ we can go to that Museum, right? With the statues?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yeah sure." Samantha nodded. "Why not?" the Lieutenant shrugged.


    "The Bards must also be getting ready for their songs too. We can also catch that too after we look at the art exhibits." Iris mentioned.


    Off the girls went to the Coll¨¨gi o Soffestigadig Celf a Chrefft, otherwise known as the College of Fine Arts and Crafts. The Souviel sun radiated down at the idyllic Duchy as the locals merrily opened themselves up for the first hours of festivities. Some children were playing or waiting for the exciting events that are scheduled today such as the Games which also reminded Samantha that two of her squad mates were participating as an act of Diplomatic ''Goodwill'' to Duke Thibault but she knew that this will be more of a Show of Force unless they decide to hold themselves back but in her own honest opinion she doesn''t know which is the correct choice. To be perceived strong? Or to be perceived as just? Both had their own rights and wrongs.


    As for the rest of the walk, the Duchy sprang into even more vibrancy as the festivities were being emplaced. Colored banners were raised, summer flowers were installed and the folks strolled in celebratory wear of frilly costumes, playful masks and extravagant hats. Souviel had turned into the makings of a


    "So many colors." Samantha smiled whilst she held her camera.


    She devoured all the fantastic eye candy she saw and took. She did have to explain to the locals who were acting on suspicion by the Otherworlder''s strange eye-like device but after an explanation or at least as best she could by saying that: ''This object is a possessed by a Painter so detailed and so fast that it can make an exact copy of the sight it saw when I command it.'' The Natives were eager to be ''put into paint'' as they responded and gladly posed. They were indeed shocked at the sheer precision, detail and lighting the camera can produce in such an instance.


    They passed by Duke Thibault''s fairytale of a likeness castle just as the man alongside a horseback riding Robert Bianchin who was trying to keep a straight face whilst his horse trotted. His company of Mercenary Bodyguards were all jogging around him to keep up with the cavalcade. For Samantha she knew that their ultimate destination is still the Art College albeit for the Duke, the Games will be held at a field outside of the College whose premises are outside of the city proper and surrounded on the east the picturesque farmlands that the Duchy is famous for and at the west the great blue sea. People are now flocking to the College as Samantha noticed. Peasants, off-Duty Knights, Travelers from far away lands, Townsfolks and Nobles were all eagerly walking towards the festivities.


    ''Today was going to be a fun day'' Samantha said to herself.


    She worked hard for the past few months, now she wants to play harder. And also show Iris and Aliathra a good time out in the town.


    Meanwhile, in a secluded tent near the Elven Bazaar part of the Festival, some shocking news was discovered.


    "The Duke invited these Demons to these games?" said a Sefydliad agent. He was weary, his clothes torn and physically exhausted.


    Their plan to cancel the Chwartiadd of the highest possible degree. Not only where the plan failed in its intentions, but it was effectively countered by the unexpected arrival of these Otherworlders who had come to their camp in the middle of their Weather Invocation ritual. Of the twelve Sefydliad Agents that were in that camp, only 5 got out with their lives.


    "That is what I have heard from the Ambassador. They will send several of their finest warriors to participate in the games. No doubt to show their power and impress everyone. They will likely be seduced by them and be vulnerable to whatever sorts of corruption or sweet nothings they will offer." Marxian said.


    "There are also reports from that one such person accompanying the Demons shares a likeness to her Royal Majesty Princess Aliathra herself." Brenyra said.


    "She must be just some sort of Shifter of sorts. Just to exercise some good will under false pretenses to the Duke." cursed Waltorin.


    "I doubt its always that Fat human and his guards near him that talks with the Duke. I doubt that''s a Shifter though. She most likely is being held captive by that redheaded one and her fellow Demons. I heard that the Fat human speaks to them very favorably and 2 of them will be competing in the Games." Marxian said.


    "If their intention is to impress the people of Souviel with their feats we will need to show them that they are weak. We can use our Holy Spells to diminish them and then ultimately expose them for the tricksters they are." Said Marxian.


    "We will need to be careful when it comes to the Fighting Tournaments. The judges have been stepping up their procedures for any unscrupulous folks." Waltorin said.


    The Chwartiadd''s Fighting Tournaments were notorious for Cheating. Illegal Substances that enhances the performances of Teams, Pre-Battle Spell Enchantments on tournament regulation equipment and poisoning the other teams beforehand were part of the course in the game. If it wasn''t for the large prize money in the end, many fighters would have skipped this event.


    A Demon would no doubt have the advantage of its superior physical prowess on its side but it can be diminished by the casting of Holy Spells upon it. Unfortunately, the Ethuilen Team''s Mage doesn''t know how to cast them and only he is allowed to cast magic during the Battle.


    As for the one entering the Horse Races, however, that would be a bit tougher if the rider representing the Outworlders will be mounting a Horse borrowed from one of the Duke''s own stables since he is there as a Guest at the same time as he is a games participant or will it bring its own mount. Either way, outside of telling the Ethuilen''s representative Horse Rider the situation at hand, the best they can do is try to poison the Otherworlder''s mount if they can.


    "What about the Princess? What do you believe? Is she a Shifter or being held captive by the Demons?" Marxian asked.


    "I believe that she isn''t the Princess at all but someone of her likeness." Said Brenyra. She folded her arms as she said her piece.


    "I think she was simply captured and now forced under to do the Demon''s bidding. We should see if we can find that Redheaded woman, we may most certainly find Lady Aliathra. She must be rescued before the Demons use her gifts against us." Waltorin argued.


    "And if she is a Shifter, then maybe she may know something or two about these Otherworlders." Brenyra added.


    "Either way that may sound something that we can do to salvage what we can from this calamity. If you see an opportunity take it but don''t risk yourself too much. Lyndis doesn''t want to lose more of us to these Demons." Nodded Marxian.


    --------------


    Crocker gazed at the black metal-reinforced fists his Exo Suit embedded itself with. He was there, at the Fight Pits which he arrived so early in the morning that there were still candles shedding a few embers of lights before a dredge took their warmth away to make way for the slowly rising sun on the horizon. The fighters inside aired a sense of excitement and anxiety for all of their training and preparations will be put to the test at this tournament.


    Tournament Officials began to make a roll-call of the tournament''s participants. They made their way past the pits accounting all of the fighters and recording whatever formalized position they will take during the games. Crocker got to admit, this tournament was more robust than he thought.


    "I will take a Sword and a Mace please," Crocker told the Tournament Official.


    "Excellent choice." The Official said.


    It was honestly the only thing that he had any familiarity of using since the Mace and a Shield were similar in usage to a Riot Shield and Club. He had a few stints of volunteering for Anti-Riot operations before. He was told that the Tournament regulated weaponry were designed to be dull and at a set weight so it doesn''t draw any life-threatening injuries but still cause some considerable damage to one''s armor. Speaking about Armor, Lewis'' Exo Suit was allowed through due to a mix of technicality and plain ignorance. The Technical Loophole for his armor being a non-magically enchanted/enhanced armor with his Exo-Suit''s protective full-face helmet covering him being within the rules of the Tournament. As for the ignorance part, Crocker''s Exo-Suit hydraulics were of non-magical in nature and were the secrets to his hidden strength.


    "I heard that you were called the ''Ogrebreaker''. Is it true you fought an Ogre with your bare hands and won?" One of his teammates asked.


    His exploits back in Tyr Rian did indeed perceived him.


    He was hastily pushed into the local Souviel team as a Substitute for one of its linesmen who called in that he was unable to attend the games due to his house being flooded soaked by the storm days ago. Other than their gladness that they won''t be a man down for their game, Crocker was still in the humble position of Linesman which is the most basic unit of the game.


    The Fighting Games were split into many categories as Crocker heard through the Official''s rules and quickly understood them. For the Duels it''s a match between who can get the most accurate hits into the other opponent within a set timeframe will win. Another man from Camp Ghillie will be in that category and he hopes for his success. As for the Group matches, it was more of team coordination and to be able to eliminate another player you have to knock him down for only the feet up to the knees are allowed to touch the ground. Any other part and the Tourney Officials will count you out of the fight.


    Magic and any Range combat on the other hand has another set of rules just for them. For Archers or Ballistari, not only were they given Regulation Bows and Crossbows but were given specially made arrows that are made to apply a significant amount of blunt force that the unwary warrior can be knocked down by it or if enough of said ammunition saturates its attacks then it can fall even the most steadfast of champions. For mages, they must write a waiver beforehand that details what kind of magic from what type of field they will use and must stick to Spells that come from that school only. Any such range objects that may cause collateral damage to the audience are either heavily discouraged or outright banned. Thankfully a shield spell was cast on the stands as a precaution courtesy of the locals.


    Crocker reviewed his Armor; he hasn''t officially registered what kind of armor he would be wearing in which it is regulated that it can be of any material as long as there is no Magical Enchantment were discovered as evaluated by the judges who will classify beforehand. His suit not only allows him to perform herculean tasks and a minor speed boost but with an additional modification albeit one at a time every time he has to perform maintenance checks: add first aid injectors which is no pun intended his first choice of gear when he brings out his suit into a combat yet, unfortunately, it is considered an illegal substance so that was considered a discard, unfortunately, an Overclock ability but in his experience it was risky as the structural integrity of his suit also accelerates the chances of a malfunction, and lastly a small jetpack propulsion systems that can allow him to jump higher or hover into the ground which is what he selected to have on his armor.


    "So, your armor can¡­ fly?" the Judge said. His eyes were twitched in confusion as he observed the burly man before him. He was easily less than half of Lewis'' size.


    "If I need too and only for a small amount of time. It has its fuel, I mean limits¡­ if it''s illegal I will remove it right now." Crocker said.


    "Oh no, your armor¡­ if I can say that is legal. It''s just that¡­ well¡­ it''s because of your role in your team that I am quite worried about." The Judge said.


    "What do you mean by that?" Crocker asked.


    "Linesmen normally wear Medium to Heavy Armor. Your¡­''Armor'' if I can say that barely qualifies as Light." The Judge said. "I mean it only protects your head, upper chest and some parts of your legs. You are going to feel the full force of everyone''s weapons when you get out there at the grounds."


    "I prefer to not be weighed down if I can help it." Crocker considered.


    "Well, you need to be quick on your feet if you don''t want to get a sword poked into you. They may be dull but they can still hurt." The Judge said as he officially wrote down Crocker''s contestant vitals on his paper.


    "You are a Linesman wearing Light Armor while carrying a shield and a mace. Remember that my colleagues who will be out there will want a fair but entertaining fight out there." The Judge said.


    Crocker cracked his fists; he could hear the announcement horn at the distance which alerted the rest of Team Souviel that the gathering of Fighters from all teams is being called in.


    Promptly following their lead, Crocker walked out of the Fighter''s Pit as the roar of the crowds engulfed him. The half-Sun and half-Pegasus banner of Souviel flew proudly as he and his team mates draped themselves in the Duchy''s colors of sunset dusk and aquamarine to each half and half the color over there armor.


    Many eyes were directed towards Crocker, the women chattered to themselves as they mesmerized over his thick biceps and exotic tattoos, the men commented on his strange armor that he wore that just as the Judge has said his piece was almost non-existent outside of several connecting areas over his body. But soon those murmurs turned from astoundment to belittling slander.


    "Is that what they call ''Armor''?" One lightly bloused Knight who wanted to have a night out for himself and his lovers asked.


    "That ''Armor'' won''t protect him from anything. All of his skin is out! Is he like some sort of barbarian? Disgusting." Scoffed an off-duty guardsman.


    "For someone who can defeat a dozen Land Sharks and an Ogre barehanded, their fighters look so feeble." A Nobleman jeered.


    All of the fighters about 8 teams of them of differing sizes, shapes and colors gathered up to the podium up above them and to his sight, Crocker saw Duke Thibault accompanied by his entourage, Robert Bianchin and a rather dapper fellow carrying an elongated trumpet adorned with a flag. The Dapper blew the horn as the crowds and the fighters seized all sound to stop and listen to him. The participants all turned their gazes upwards.


    "A Cheer for the fighters, the ladies and the lords. To commence our entertainment two teams shall cross swords." Said the Dapper Fellow as he heralded the commencement of the Chwartiadd Games.


    "Who virtues ignore or lands blow unclean shall be forever branded as shameful and obscene." The Dapper Herald spoke in rhymes.


    Crocker had to admit, his words were worth a dime.


    Then all of the fighters in their teams saluted with their weapons across for all of the crowds to be seen. Crocker felt ignorant as he was the last man to draw his sword and do the courtesy call. In the meantime, the crowds roared cheering the names of their nations and favorites. Crocker can see that outside of the Humans who were likely just people from around the Slaegian Empire, but there were also fantastic races ranging from animal-like humanoids who wore light armor yet held on their hands'' several Javelins and Darts tucked under their shields. He also Saw Elves who were dressed similarly to what Aliathra''s Ranger armor was with a mix of green and wood. Another sight was the Dwarves who were just like the Humans had a more armored uniform befitting of their pint-sized stature. Lastly, he also saw several crudely armored but imposing Orcs who wore what is in his eyes scrap metal bundled up to look intimidating whilst covered on a layer of furs.


    "Whilst the Fighters prepare, let me say I am elated. To behold such a crowd on the edge, breath bated." The herald said.


    "Eight teams enter this tournament, their heads held high but only one can take home the crown whose wreaths shall the victors head will lie." The Herald said before he promptly blew the trumpet again.


    "The first fight of the day is our own company of Knights, Errants of Souviel who many here wish to see win the day. Their adversary, a foe most firm, Bannermen from the Dwarven Mountains who''s walls they affirm." The Herald declared the first bout.


    The rest of the fighters that were not called left the grounds leaving the Dwarven warriors and the Souviel Knights alone in the Tournament Field.


    "The Shield Wall is Unbreakable together!" screamed one Dwarf in his native tongue.


    "The Dwarves rely on formations to win due to there armor slowing them down." Mentioned one of Crocker''s Teammates.


    "So what? They can tire us out?" Crocker asked. He knew that such a Shield wall will be used as a draw away as someone lighter but armed much more offensively can go for the team''s unguarded flanks.


    The Souviel Knight nodded in agreement. "We just need to draw out the Dwarven Rangers with our Skirmishers before making any push." He said.


    "I see, but be ready in case things go not according to plan." Crocker nodded.


    After the last few moments of weapons and armor checking, the Dapper Herald walk towards a large bell near him and with a great strong pull, he rang the bell which signifies the start of the match.


    "Let the Chwartiadd begin!" he exclaimed.


    The crowds roared as they are eager to see the beginning of the Games commence.


    As expected, the Dwarves gathered around a shield wall but it wasn''t just the Linesman, but it was also the Dwarven crossbowmen too. They fortified themselves inside the Shield Wall before raising their shields upwards on their heads to evolve it into a tortoise formation or the Testudo. But this time, there were a crack underneath the formation to allow a crossbow to shoot out from.


    Several of the Souviel Knights scrambled to defend themselves from the hail of bolts but their unarmored comrades who were the Mage and the Skirmishers were shot down leaving only the linesmen and Crocker left who created their own but crudely shaped shield wall due to a hasty arrangement by this change of events.


    "We need to get close!" The Souvieli Captain ordered.


    Atop the Duchal Box, Duke Thibault watched nervously as his team was being cut down by the Dwarves.


    "Are you so sure that your man can win this? Where is this ''Indomitable Strength'' you speak off about these special Armors can give?" Duke Thibault said.


    "The Hercules Mark 4 Exo Suit is not meant to be used as an armor but instead it is used to help the soldier do more for far less effort added in. It is called where I come from Efficiency Multiplication." Bobby said.


    "Oh? Explain." The Duke leaned closer.


    "Efficiency is Input divided by Output. Input being how much effort you do something versus Output is how much of what you wanted gets out of from your input. Therefore, Efficiency is just an indicator, a sort of symbol that you can see on how well you can do your work. In Aparo Corp we believe in making things more efficient." Bobby explained.


    "That still doesn''t explain what makes this suit of ''Armor'' Sir Lewis Crocker of yours so special." The Duke said.


    "In our myths there was a Hero named Hercules who is said to be the strongest man to be ever born. It is said that he can had done thought to be impossible deeds such as carrying a mountain, out running a bull and fighting something ten times larger than him. In Aparo Corp we make suits like what Crocker is wearing. Some for Agility and some for Strength." He said. "Imagine your knights being able to do more for you, the Duchy and the people of your Duchy if they have a suit like Crocker wears. They can carry more objects, do more without tiring too often, move faster in all terrains and be able to do it all again without any break. That is the power of Aparo Corporation, Efficiency at the palm of your hands."


    Yet Bobby internally was a bit embarrassed for himself. He was advertising Aparo but the exact origins of the Exo Suit Crocker wore was from one of their competitors Militech but the Duke will likely not have any time to investigate it. The Suits Aparo Corporation sell to Militaries and Mercenary Companies were more specialized compared to the more Jack-of-All-Trades suits Militech offers.  But if the Duke asks for several suits of Armor in exchange for money and other such beneficial guarantees then he will without hesitation give it to him with no knives behind his back. He can always just pass along the past generation Exo Suits to the Knights Errant of Souviel. It could be quite an entertaining sight to see fully armored knights perform athletic feats with ease.


    "What kind of Armor does Crocker does he wear?" the Duke asked.


    "It is both." Bobby said.


    Down back at the Tournament arena, the remaining Souvieli Knights closed the distance between them and the Dwarves who dug in their heels on the dirt ready to shake resist the battering of the Souviel Knights.  All of the fighter''s feet tore through the dirt and sand of the Tournament grounds leaving slight marks and deep footsteps as the weight of their bodies pushed against each other in a clash of physical prowess, despite their losses, the combined weight of the Souvieli Knights was of a match against the still intact Dwarven Bannermen.


    Crocker however, knew such a strategy have a low probability of working in their favor. Brute force meeting brute force will only be a battle for attrition of energy. Then he got an idea, it was an old Chinese teaching he remembered reading from a Chinese Fortune Cookie dispenser as a joke sometime before his Tour here in Benham-3:


    "Water follows to the end while the Mountain resist until it erodes."


    It is also another thing he knows that the strength of the wall is its weakest brick. Applying that to a Shield---Wall he has to look for the weakest link. Unfortunately, at the heat of the moment, he could barely see the white of the Dwarves eyes so trying to find the weakest link in a span of a few seconds would be too risky. Instead, Crocker thought why not create the weakness?


    He grabbed the Dwarven Warrior who was in front of him shield with his weapon hand and yanked the Dwarf off of his shield wall. The Stout and Pint-Sized powerhouses that they were, they did not expect to be pulled away rather than just pushed back until they were toppled over. For a split second a large glaring hole was exposed.


    Crocker thrusted the Hydraulic presses of his Exo Suit forward, his feet drawing a line on the sand. With one great push at that brief second, the sheer weight of his multiplicative force produced by the 150-pound Hercules Mark 4 suit plus his 167 pounded self and adding the combined weight of his 7 remaining teammates of Souvieli Knights-Errants, they sent the Dwarven Bannermen flying in a miss of 4-foot-tall bodies. Their formation was decimated beyond any that they could conceive. All of them fell down on their backsides or face first onto the sandy ground in utter defeat. The Crowds couldn''t believe their eyes, the officials couldn''t believe their eyes. Some tried to protest by accusing him of sneaking in some Magic but the Wizard Judges confirmed to their own astonishment that no Magic was detected among the Otherworlder throughout the entire matchup.


    Crocker stood alone in front of his teammates whilst he himself towered above the knocked down Dwarves.


    "What¡­ is this power?" a Dwarven Bannerman said in a defeated voice.


    "It is called Kinetics sir." Crocker said.


    The Audience''s attention was held captive as they look upon the triumphant Otherworlders who was shaped into a tattooed armed Human man.


    "Point. Made." Bianchin smugly smiled as the Duke stared at the Herculean feat that had happened.


    Already the games had started with showstoppers and the Chwartiadd had only barely begun.


    --------


    At around the same time but another part of the Festival two knowledgeable people who know their machineries were at work placing all elbow greasing onto the heartiest of race horses since Secretariat. Even onlookers couldn''t help but glance at this strange yet boldly flashing ''horse'' that stood amongst the rest of its peers. It was shorter than the other horses and held a wider body expanse. On its surface, the skin was of a setting sun with the visage of a single lone horse on each side that looked almost alive as it pounded across the land. Its legs were circular like a wheel made of luminescent metal instead of wood much to the disbelief of the natives as they only ever saw wheels of the flesh of trees. But the most peculiar feature of it all was the way it rumbles. Some say it coughs winds, others say it howls like the maw of fire but all can agree that it had an aspect of hoarded restlessness within that horse that its rider calls ''a Mustang Sixty-Five''.


    "Okay¡­ insides are cleaned¡­ initiating the computer." Kayin muttered.


    He was assigned to help Diaz tune up his car before the big race. There were some parameters that needed to be optimized since this race is had no pitstops or can afford to have any pitstops.


    "Okay let see her purr." Diaz smiled as he closed the lid of his car before turning around back to the driver''s seat.


    "Ready¡­ Set¡­ Go!" Kayin urged.


    Diaz revved his engines letting out a boisterous roar. He smiled as he heard his Mustang spring to life. It did however startle several of the contestants and onlookers who were starting to gather at the starting point of the Horse Race. People were scurrying for a place to stand and see the horses that will be participating in this event. Aside from Diaz''s oddly shaped steed that he noticed that several onlookers admire the ''shiny fur'' which is actually just the waxed surface of his Mustang. As for the other steeds there were some fairly mundane but quite majestically presentable steeds with well-groomed hair and chic dresses from the tall cloaks of linen to jewelry adorned with some hairstyling on the manes like braids and knots.


    "That your horse neighs strange. Is it sick?" one of the contestants asked Diaz.


    She was a Female Elf of brown long hair of a lithe frame similar to Aliathra. Her slender legs were emphasized by the slim jockeying pants she wore. Diaz had to admit, that the Woman had a nice firm behind as he smiled.


    "Men, always think with their eyes¡­ typical. My Gh''da, Poloth¨²l will leave you all to tasting my Dust." The Elf Rider haughtily said. She twirled her long hair exposing her radiant and moist mane with some scents of oils and perfumes that matches her pride.


    Her eyes were dismissive seeing the Mustang for her own eyes and the painted horse decals on its sides. The Elf thought she was seeing some sort of exotic breed of horse she never heard before but in her eyes it didn''t matter. She was confident that she would win with her faithful steed.


    "Well if its means seeing your nice butt, I don''t mind losing." Diaz smirked.


    "Such Boorishness!" the Elf scoffed before she walked off with her horse breed.


    "Hey, Diaz did she said that her horse is a ''Gh''da''?" Kayin asked.


    "Yeah." He nodded.


    "Iris told me about them once. They are considered the fastest horses in all of Gliesia. Even faster than Thoroughbreds. Or at least that''s what ISAC said." Kayin said.


    "Good to know¡­ but that ass! Have you seen that one?" Diaz pervertedly smiled.


    "Focus Vincent. Remember this is just an exhibition despite the stakes." Kayin reminded.


    "Yeah¡­ your right. It''s like brining a Gun to a Knife fight yeah? A Ford Mustang created and perfected by Shelby against actual horses. I mean¡­ now that I mention that¡­ Should I hold back?" Diaz asked.


    "More like bringing an MGL to a Knife fight¡­ minus Iris'' power ups." Kayin said.


    "There it is again with Iris. Do you ever¡­ think you ¡­ her¡­ maybe just try?" Diaz asked.


    "I¡­ maybe¡­ I¡­ don''t know¡­ I¡­" the engineer was at a loss for words.


    "Just try¡­ initiate¡­ you know you want to¡­ maybe later¡­ during dinner huh? Some time together?" Diaz proposed.


    "You are right, maybe I should try at least once. Just¡­ keep that between us." Kayin said awkwardly.


    "Well I am a Criminal¡­ so I am a very good liar." Diaz blushed.


    Just then a Herald approached the large stands beside the Starting Line of the Race. He blew a horn grabbing the racers attention.


    "Attention! Attention! The Festival''s: Ras Ceffylau Traws Duchy will commence in 5 minutes." He announced.


    "Okay Diaz, one last review before we go," Kayin said. "This is an Endurance Race with at least 29 checkpoints between you and the Finish line which is right in front of the Duke''s Castle. You need to pass every last one of those checkpoints otherwise it''s all no good. This race is meant to take all day until sunset but your car can easily cut the distance in about an hour or less. I suggest just for the sake of not making the people think we are not Gods at best or cheaters at best just¡­ try to go easy on them or maybe give them a head start? Also, my Drone will provide Aerial Reconnaissance so I can keep track of your progress." He reminded.


    "Yeah, thanks for that and the map on my phone too. These routes have festival outposts scattered on some of them. Plenty of people to see seven-hundred horse power in my Mustang." Diaz smiled.


    "Seven-Hundred horses? Are you a Necromancer? Judges!" one of the contestants who overheard their conversation exclaimed.


    "I meant that as a metaphor¡­ a figure of speech." Diaz tried to calm him.


    "But that''s true." Kayin bluntly said.


    "Shut it Kayin you ain''t helping." Diaz reprimanded.


    A Judge approached them. After the contestant who waved the protest told his piece a Mage was dispatched to examine for any magic on Diaz''s Mustang. He had to make his ''horse'' neigh, kick and strut a few feet as the Mage used his innate senses to detect any illegal arcane energies within the Mustang.


    "I detect no magic of any kind in this strange steed." The Judge said.


    "It''s just a metaphor asshole. This horse has the power of Seven Hundred horses!" Diaz boasted.


    "Then let me see that the track then. I wish to grin off of your brow." The rider badgered.


    "Hey leave it to the Elf girl over there with that Gh''da thing¡­ whatever." Diaz shot back. "She has some great ones on her back to see that I don''t mind losing." He gave a soft smile.


    "You mean Ladui Eriande? She is from the Elven Rainbow Helms. The Elite Guards of the Ethuilen. She is there best rider and the Gh''da are the fastest breeds known to all of Gliesia." The rider informed.


    Diaz took in that information before he headed back down to the driver seat of his car. He could see the sun already radiating from up above him and the mirage lines waving around as it interacts the cool and warm air together leaving some of the dirt roads to give the illusion of water lying about.


    "Hey Kayin¡­ its morning right now so and I haven''t gotten Breakfast yet¡­ whatcha having?" Diaz said.


    "Well thanks to some purchases back at town we got some fresh eggs¡­ then our rations¡­ I got a stove up so I am getting some REAL food cooked up finally." Kayin said.


    "I can almost taste it." Diaz murmured.


    "Attention! All Riders the race is about to start." The Herald of the Game said.


    "Try not to run over or scare the shit out of the horses Diaz." Kayin warned.


    Diaz nodded despite the fact that he was contacting him through radio. He didn''t want to get any stains on his car except the inevitable dust he will eject from the ground. But then it him again. The fact that he is essentially bringing a gun to a --- no a nuclear missile to a knife fight metaphorically speaking. He maybe a hedonistic Playhard who strives to always win every confrontational, social, business encounter in all of his times as an Agent for Aparo Corporation, but all of this was different. There was no thrill to it if he just launched himself over a mushroom cloud of kicked dust behind all the other racers, the Prize wouldn''t taste well if he had such an overwhelming advantage over them.


    The other contestant''s horses were becoming restless as they all piled up around Diaz who was positioned in the exact middle of all of them. He can see that the Elf woman he teased was a few positions away from him on his left. She was wearing her knightly helmet and her horse''s eyes were focused with a steely gaze, a gaze on the long path towards victory.


    "Riders! Ready¡­ Get set¡­" the Herald announced.


    All of the horses hollered loudly as they took their first gasp of air for the long rush ahead.


    But for Diaz, he only swallowed his ego as his right hand lowered towards the Keys of his Mustang and de-ignited its engine.


    "Go!"


    The horses galloped forward leaving a thick and impairing cloud of dust in its wake. It was hard for the race officials to see who was first to emerge from that dust cloud until their eyes shed off the last of the particles from its delicate surface. When the smoke cleared, to everyone and including Kayin''s astonishment, the so-called ''Hundred Horses'' Mount of Diaz was still stationary before the starting line.


    "Uhm¡­ Vincent? Is¡­ did something went wrong with your car? The Engine isn''t kicking." Kayin radioed.


    Diaz sighed.


    "I go when I feel like it. You got any of those Eggs and some cups of Coffee there for me? I ain''t racing on an empty stomach." Diaz said.


    Kayin shrugged, the Federation team can afford this luxury and then again, it''s only illegal to willingly go out of your mount once you cross the Starting line under pain of disqualification. He too also feels just as bad at being an accessory for such for all intents in purposes, a Diplomatic ''Flex'' on the primitive Natives. Diaz winning the race despite the head start from the other contestants could prove to be much more of better impression on the Natives to their way of life and power and should be more receptive to a peaceful capitulation of hostilities and suspicion if all goes according to plan. Unknown to Kayin, not everyone is impressed with Diaz''s performances. The large number of native spectators still insistent that Diaz shows his oh-so ''Many horses-powered'' steed. The Engineer just so hopes that if he and Diaz have to explain to the Officials that the Mustang has indeed have not a single trace of Mana when they get probed by the Mages officiating the integrity of the event. Magic is a way of life in this world and this world still not ready to embrace science and technology with open arms yet. But a demonstration on the Earthling''s Superior ways would be a start to convince them that maybe these Otherworlder''s who are in their shape and form might not be so malevolent or hostile as they feared at first glance.


    But then what if despite such efforts from there more¡­ peaceful teams the Natives would still rather dilute themselves in fear and paranoia. No doubt instigated by the Empire and their friends and lackeys who still foolishly believe that the UFE come here in Conquest rather than in Peace. A Counter-Misinformation Campaign will likely have to happen in conjunction with their Diplomatic Missions from now on as Kayin thought. He will have to suggest this to High Command as soon as he is able.


    "Fine¡­ scrambled or sunny side up?" Kayin asked.


    -------------------


    The Complementary wine was delicious as Samantha says so herself. She, alongside Iris and Aliathra are enjoying themselves in an art gallery in the Fine Arts College of Souviel. It was an assault on all senses for the women, but a most indulgent assault. There was the pleasant sound of strings humming along the tune of the tintinnabulation of flutes and the beating step of an exotic dancer laced in gold and scantily clad dress for the ambiance that surrounded their ears. Their noses scented a collection of aromas from flowers, burnt spice mixes and even a few leaves which left them in a state of blissful lethargy. But the real draw was the hard work of the Artists who studied in the College. An assortment of paintings, sculptures and mosaics kept the visitors captivated.


    Especially Aliathra whose eyes caught a sculpture that stood by that mesmerizes the men in attendance. A nude woman as the artist intended to be its subject, her long hair brushing leisurely in the back by her slender hands. She was bathing as droplets of water fell down her marble skin from the neck down to her legs. The illusion of water falling was courtesy of a small water sprite that constantly showers the statue in moisture collected from a bucket to be siphoned off to its cloud-like visage before sprinkling it down to the statuesque stunner below.


    For the Elven maiden, to see the woman displayed brandish herself so erotically made her feel thoughts of¡­ emancipation. The feeling of being back in control of herself. All those days of Proper Etiquette, Lady Like behavior, pre-determined expectations from the moment her mother conceptualized her in her queenly womb and all of those prying eyes were all forgotten as she saw the fawn-like woman''s smile as she let the refreshing waters soothe her inanimate skin.


    "Aliathra?" Samantha poked her from behind.


    "Ahh!" the Elf jumped.


    Her sudden reflexes startled the crowd causing a chain reaction where the man next to her recoiled backward hitting another man, a custodian who was carrying a wooden bucket of green paint to lose his balance and spill onto two other attendees.


    "Oh no! I am so sorry." Samantha rushed into apologies.


    "Rose? Is that you?" two familiar voices said at the same time.


    "Bishop? And¡­ Sandulf? What are you both doing here?" Samantha asked.


    She could barely discern the Catholic Priests'' balding head and Sandulf''s greying mane (now turned jade) from all the paint that covered them. Bishop''s glasses had a splotch of green paint on the right-sided lens but he managed to cover the other side in time with a reflex of his hand.


    "Wait¡­ you know her Cleric?" Sandulf turned to Bishop.


    "Yes, we live together in New Albany and I know almost everyone there. But my God, I need to get these cleaned." Bishop sulked over his half-ruined eyewear.


    "But that still doesn''t explain what you are doing here." Samantha asked.


    "Well for me my child, I am actually helping out building the UFE Exhibit for this event. Did you also happen to know that I used have some friends in the museum business in Madrid in the category of ''Religious Arts''." Bishop said.


    "The money I earned from those Elves gave me a lot of things to do lately like actually enjoy the festival. I also volunteered to help cook the food for the Student''s supper and I got some time before I am needed back in." Sandulf said.


    "I see. Father, what do you mean by ''friends'' in a Spanish Museum?" Samantha asked.


    "Wait, you are her Parent? Does your God allow his Clerics to have children where you come from?" Sandulf asked.


    "No, No, it''s just a Title of Respect. Nothing more. As for the friends, I was a restorer and conservationist in the Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid. They pulled a few strings with my old workplace and they let me display these HD Photos of the exhibits in here." Bishop replied.


    "What about the Paint all over you Father Bishop?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh, well¡­ I think I can keep this on for a while since it reminds me of my younger days. I can never be mad at you. Go Green Archers! Ha!" Bishop jovially smiled. "Although¡­ there is¡­ was Iris¡­ I just wanted to say¡­ I am sorry for all the¡­ things I said back in Tyr Rian. She really is nothing but help these past months here. Where is she by the way?" Bishop asked.


    Samantha turned to both of her shoulders but only Aliathra stood behind her hiding her face in embarrassment.


    "I will look for her. It is good to see you both again." Samantha excused herself.


    She grabbed Aliathra''s hand and they weaved through the crowds of people who piled up all over the exhibits.


    "Have you seen where Iris was?" Samantha asked the Elf.


    "I think she went over there to the older paintings," Aliathra said.


    Samantha followed her directions and sure enough she saw Iris'' dark purple dress with her pale white skin glowing amongst the filter of the College''s golden interior. She was peering through a large painting of a man and a woman. Its frame was opulent and its grandeur rising up above the ceiling. But contrasting its nobility was its violent scene. To Samantha''s horror, the Woman held a hammer, raising it high into the air with one hand and at the bottom, as she can see the painted woman''s eyes beaming down onto a man laying sleepily onto the ground with a large nail resting on his head. All held steady by said hammer pounding woman.


    "Iris?" Samantha asked.


    "Samantha?" Iris turned.


    "You ran off." She said.


    "Oh, I apologize. I wanted see this painting again for a long time." Iris said. She turned back to the violent canvas. Her eyes glaring with an intense synergy between her and the painting.


    "You seem to be quite focused on that." The Lieutenant commented.


    "This painting. I know the story." Iris said.


    "Oh? Go on." Samantha prompted.


    "During the days of Cadell Slaegiac, a woman by the name of Helaine had her entire family murdered by a rival tribe and was said to be forcefully married to one of the rival chief''s son who was responsible for killing most of her male family members." Iris foretold. "She organized several of her tribesmen and managed to win the support of the newly established Slaegian Kingdom to overthrew her family''s murderers. At first the Slaegians wanted to push her around but Helaine stood firm and demanded among her land being annexed by the Slaegians, and then being allowed to rule over it as a Duke in equal footing to every other Duke in the empire who oversees all the provinces of the Empire, but she also demanded that she to be the one to kill her father and brother''s murderer''s one by one. The King of the Slaegians at the time was so astonished by her fiery temper that he allowed her that satisfaction."


    "A great story. So why do you see yourself a lot in this painting huh?" Samantha asked.


    "When I first decided to work with Mirrien as an Enchanter for some of his more¡­''special'' goods. I was still on the run from the Holy Order due to my Vampiric heritage. I felt so helpless when I had to pay for protection from Devicco to keep Inquisitors away from me. Then Devicco tried to accost me with more¡­ egregious demands and that''s when I stopped paying for protection as I had enough. And then you came to my home and as you Earthlings would say ''the Rest is History''." Iris said.


    "What do you mean by that?" Aliathra asked.


    "I helped Iris¡­ permanently¡­ get rid off someone who was extorting her. Let''s just say that Tyr Rian is better off with Devicco gone am I right Iris?" Samantha explained.


    The Vampire Witch affirmed with tilt of her head.


    "This painting reminded me that even I can be powerful when I am cornered." Iris said.


    "That is great to hear from you. See Aliathra? This is what a Girl''s Night is like. We get to be ourselves for a while." Samantha said to the Elven Princess.


    "I understand now." The Elf nodded too.


    "So, that nude statue? You took your time seeing it just as much as all the men are. Care to explain?" Samantha asked.


    "That Statue is called ''a Bathing Nymph'' according to the sculptor who was feeding the water sprite with magic. I¡­ wanted to just spread my arms and just be free." Aliathra said.


    "Free? As in not having to behave like a princess?" Samantha said.


    "Not completely, I have to behave like everyone else. Not as unbridled as the Nymphs. Just less chained to so many ''traditions'' and ''social cues." Aliathra said.


    "Oh¡­ so that''s why you have been looking at all of those nude statues lately. You are how we called it ''Sheltered''. Makes sense give you are of course well¡­ you know." Samantha said.


    "I cannot believe that I am saying this, but I felt ''Free'' with you than back at Ethuilen." She confessed. "So, what about you? Did you see any of these works of art that caught your eye?" Aliathra asked.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "It''s not a painting nor a statue but a song that I heard from a bard that we passed by. I don''t remember well the Lyrics but its about a baby Pegasus who struggled to fly but after practicing he managed to do it and soar."


    "Oh, you mean the


    "Can you two keep a secret?" Samantha asked.


    "I have a fear of not being ''good enough''." Samantha said.


    "Not being good enough? But you are the best person I have ever met. Well¡­ other than Kayin and Ser Mirrien." Iris objected.


    "That''s because I let that fear rule me every day of my life." The Lieutenant confessed. "Normally you''re not supposed to let fear take over you but I let it change me, mold me into what I am now. I used to actually be pretty bad at school, then I was bullied because I sucked at sports and not having the latest gadgets since most of our money is used to treat my father for Cancer. But after I followed onto my father''s footsteps as so started by my great-great Grandfather, L¨¦o Major who served at World War Two. He as everyone who served afterward wanted to make their family proud of them." Samantha said.


    "World War Two? What do you mean by your World as in Earth and then War¡­ and then there are two of them?" Aliathra''s eyes asked with dread.


    Even Iris also grew pale from that thought and she was already as pale as she is right now. To hear that her world had a war where everyone, every nation participated was the likes of which they never heard of before. Most wars were instigated by the Empire or the Black Tree pact and they were wars of conquest against lesser nations. But they were told beforehand that all of the UFE had similar sizes, technology and know-how so the thought of them fight amongst each other in such a world-spanning share is nigh impossible to imagine.


    Samantha was alarmed of herself with the careless slip of the tongue.


    "It is¡­ not a proper time to say it but I will assure you that the reason the UFE exists now is that we had to go through those periods several times." Samantha explained.


    "You suffered through several of them? Were they like the legends of the Dark Lord Alboen?" Aliathra asked.


    "In some ways, yes. But we managed to pick up the pieces and rebuild our tomorrow. As I said, it is because of those World Wars that the United Federation was born from the ashes of there predecessors. You know there is a saying that sometimes something beautiful can come out of something ugly, that is how the You-Eff-Eee was born." She explained.


    "I have to confess once more that I further underestimated you Otherworlders." Aliathra humbled herself.


    "I know Aliathra. I know." Samantha nodded.


    Just then, a ring was heard from Samantha''s Pocket. It was from Robert Bianchin. She picked up the phone and answered:


    "Lieutenant my dear? How are you? You won''t believe what I just did¡­ and don''t worry its actually good." Robert Bianchin greeted.


    "What is it?" Samantha asked.


    "I managed to get you and all the other soldiers with us on this mission to feast with Duke Thibault. He is getting impressed by all of the shit we have been doing both today and earlier." Bobby said.


    "Oh? So, no need to pay for some tavern food? Straight from his table?" Samantha asked.


    "Yeah! You, Me, Mirrien, your squad and all the others. There''s roast pig or I think it looks like a pig¡­ it smells like one." Bobby said.


    At the background noise of that call, Samantha can discern the echoes of cheering behind her that perturbed with the Corpo''s voice.


    "What am I hearing over there? What noise is all of that?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh, that''s Crocker, he''s just killing it with his Exo Suit virtually singlehandedly. Hang on¡­ he is coming back in¡­ remember the Duke''s Tent at sunset alright?" Bobby reminded before hanging up.


    ------------------


    "Sergeant! Sergeant! Sergeant!" Bobby fought his way through the human flood of victorious Souvieli Knights.


    "Mister Bianchin, I didn''t expect you haul yourself here. What''s happening?" Crocker asked.


    "While you were beating back those Lion-Face warriors from some¡­ desert place I can''t remember the name of. Anyways, while you were kicking their asses with reinforced fists, I have been making deals back up on the Duke''s Box." Bobby answered.


    "What kind of deals?"


    "Well outside of the ones of that bet I made drunk I have been pitching the Duke about your suit. I told him that although not magical, you would still think it did. I said that just imagine your Knights duking it out and saving damsels with your gear." Bobby said.


    "Your planning to sell Exo Suits to Souviel?" Crocker asked with exclamation.


    "If it means he gets to like us then yes. I am trying to get into his good side after all." Bobby replied.


    "First of, you are giving advanced Technology to these Natives for what? A paper saying ''peace be with you and me''? Second you know my Hercules suit is from your rival, right?" Crocker asked.


    "Okay for the suit, yes I know its Militech''s but it doesn''t matter on that end since he won''t tell the difference anyway. Second, I told him I am a merchant of¡­''Solutions'' when I told him about Aparo Corp and we make stuff that solves problems. Besides would you get mad at the guy who works for the company that practically runs 80% of every Hardware store in the UFE Space huh?" Bobby argued.


    "Your ''Solution'' could cause more problems than it could solve," Crocker argue back.


    "Could! You said ''Could''. keyword, besides we in Aparo Corp have thousands of means of solving any¡­''anomalous deviations'' in our plans. Besides, in same vein to Major Holyfield''s Meiji Restoration motif we have decided to take in our own initiative in making this planet more at home, by starting just as the Japanese Emperor did in Westernization, we in Aparo will make the Gliesians go through the Industrial Revolution whether they want to or not. You have to admit it, deep down in your heart, this is inevitable just like all of our History." Bobby lectured.


    Lewis was mixed with anger and admissive humility. All of his winnings and all of his performance was all just an unwilling Sales Pitch to advertise a Military Industrial Complex Corporations sales reports. His reasoning was also sound despite the lack of tact and subtlety in his words. The advanced technology the UFE enjoys will spread from word of mouth, heralds and messenger''s etcetera through all of the worlds. Many would fear, others would come to examine but for sure it will be soon that all of the world knows the United Federation''s name.


    "Just be sure those Knights-Errant folks use it for good alright?" Crocker gave his only request as he wiped off the sweat of his brow and bandaged a cut on his arm from a stray spear grazing past him from the Lion Warriors that he had jostled earlier.


    He for at least the shortest while got to know these Knights Errant of Souviel, despite there pompous demeanor with colorful armors and showmanship they are still trained soldiers beneath there dolly appearance who also were sworn to protect their homeland, who is he to judge if they dress at the same time as Renaissance Fair cosplayers if the people see them as essentially their local law enforcers?


    "Speaking about all of those, I also have to issue a warning." Bobby discreetly shifted his voice lower by sitting down on the bench next to the burly Cockney.


    "What did you find out?" Crocker asked.


    "Not me but have you ever wondered where your teammates Corporal Edward Clay and that Hillbilly guy with the beard is?" Bobby asked.


    "You mean Obediah. I assume they are just enjoying there day off." Crocker answered.


    "That is where you are wrong. Me and a State Security agent have been very observant lately about the behavior of the people around us and we have reasons to believe that they might try to harm our Delegation." Bobby answered.


    "Cut to the chase guv. What do I need to look out for?" Crocker asked.


    "You are at the Finals now and the last opponents before you can drink that sweet victory are the Elves. The State Sec agent have a working theory that some or perhaps even all of the Elves are working for the Elven Sefydliad. They might try to ''expose'' you as a Demon and they may try to use cheats to make sure they can. Be warned of any magical shit they might pull. I heard they can be crafty if you let them run amok on their own. See if you can spot any of them doing this." Bianchin said.


    The Corpo gestured his right hand with its ring finger tucked down by his thumb only leaving his pinkie, middle finger and index finger raised up. It reminded Crocker of the Catholic Trinity gesture that he catches Father Bishop wave around every time he blesses anything or anyone.


    "Doctor Mahelona, and yes he is involved in this and may I inform you he has been detailing a lot of things about the Natives in remarkable details¡­ but I digress. This Gesture is used by Elven mages to better channel their innate magic thing¡­ or whatever¡­ I don''t know other than it makes them shoot stuff from there hands more efficiently, ask your Elf Princess when you see her again when this is over."


    "I understand thank you for the warning. I will do my best with my team to fight off these Elves." Crocker nodded before he got back to diagnosing any damages to his suit.


    But Bobby lightly slapped Crocker on his shoulder with an alarming concern.


    "Do not give me your best. I need you to WIN this not for yourself and the Knights Errant but if you lose to those Elves my credibility is off." Bobby said.


    "Credibility?" Crocker twitched up his eyebrows.


    "He says I have been ''offering him the stars'' and he doesn''t believe me until I can fully demonstrate our power to trump against all odds. I may be overdoing it but as Don Aparo would say, ''Blessed are the Risktakers, for if there are none in this world, the world will still be in the Stone Ages''." Bobby said.


    "Are you saying that if I don''t win, we can kiss all we done for the Duke goodbye?" Crocker asked.


    The Corpo only nodded silently confirming Crocker''s fears.


    "God fucking damn it all." Crocker sulked.


    He just wanted to have some fun and he didn''t care about losing just the thrill of letting of some Steam was all the pleasure he needed. But now, the Stakes were bet upwards by the powers that be. Win and the UFE''s best interest, his Mandate will be pushed forward. Lose and its back to square one at best, a war against the Natives at worst.


    Just as Crocker riddled himself in pre-fight anxiety, Bobby''s phone rang.


    "Talk to me? What? Diaz? Rioting? Where? Race? Shit! I am coming!" Bobby''s usually slick diplomatic demeanor turned into cold sweat as the words came from out of his phone''s call.


    "What? Was it?" Crocker stood up from the bench to ask.


    "Less asking, more doing! Above all else, kick those elitist pricks with the Hercules Suit for me and it should all be good. I need to find that Dwarf Lutheor right now." Bobby hurried off.


    Meanwhile, at the Elven corner in the fighting pits:


    The Elven Fighting Tournament team nodded in agreement when Brenyra confirmed their suspicion of the upstart exotic warrior fighting on the same side as the Souvieli Knights-Errant. The inhuman strength and speed were unheard of any ordinary human to display. Then came Brenyra and a few other of her colleagues and explained to them that the exotic warrior in the worst excuse of an ''Armor'' in all of the blacksmithing and engineering design is actually the work of something far more sinister. A Demon dressed to be like the shape of a human, infiltrating the Empire and by default their ally and making Demonic Deals with the nobles to offer the power in exchange for their allegiances.


    "Take these rings and place them either on your mage hand, do it quietly." Brenyra instructed the Elven Fighters.


    By close examination, the Elves with there arcane attuned physiology could sense magic of a more affixed variety. There was a specific signal of Mana resonating within these rings.


    "What are these exactly?" the Team Mage inquired.


    "Rings of Radiancy, courtesy from the Cult of Thidar the God of Virtue. Make sure you pick your time to strike when the ''Strange Warrior'' that the Souviel Knights have is showing his Demon Powers in his guise. Then expose him to Holy Magic so we can show that they are nobody else but Demons. The Duke will surely see reason and back out from there Demonic contract signings." Brenyra said.


    "What about the other ones? Surely that the Otherworlder he came with will make a move once we know we are on to them." the Elven Mage raised.


    "Do not worry, one of my colleagues is meeting up with someone from inside the Duke''s Court and the single Grey Order Office in the Duchy to take care of the matter. Just focus on taking down this one Demon and if we need you again for more help then be ready to answer." Brenyra said.


    The Ethuilen team complied discreetly. They were a collection of some of the finest fencers and combat magicians in all of their nation, all assembled at Souviel for one purpose, for there Gods, King and Country. If the Standing Army and Navy were the twin hands of True Elven power in Gliesia then the eyes, ears, and nose of the Ethuilen Entente were the Sefydliad. Their institution was responsible for growing, solidifying and protecting their nation''s interests across the whole world is what made the Entente, the Entente. Deep connections to many mercantile guilds, other civilizations and a vast amount of influence over the Magical and Arcane studies ensure that the Elves always stay on top of what they do best ever since the time of the first Demonic Invasion, protecting the world from those who seek its ravishment.


    They all nodded and took the Holy Pendants of Ghannae the Goddess of Justice and Wisdom, also known in the Human interpretation of the pantheon to be the just Ghana the Goddess of the Hearth.


    They need to be subtle with taking down this demon and worst-case scenario they have to force a public exposition of this vile creature spreading its subversive lies and seductive promises to the land for all to see. And maybe then after they defeat him, all of the worlds will unite once more to send back the Otherworlders to whence they came.

 32 Chapter 32: Playhards Part 2

    "What the hell is going on?" Bobby interrogated Kayin and Diaz.


    "Nothing." Diaz said.


    "Nothing? Are you deaf Diaz? I am hearing boo''s and cusses from the crowd. Look!" Bobby pointed out.


    They were indeed jeering at Diaz for his inaction. It was already 3 hours into the Ras Ceffylau Traws-Duchy and the racers except the Mustang were long off the start already hitting their first checkpoints. They were exhausting an aura of absolute disappointment after all of Vinny''s boasting of his steed having ''the power of Seven-hundred Horses''.


    "Liar!"


    "Is this the Otherworlder''s best? Pathetic!"


    "Charlatan!"


    "All talk no might!" the crowds jeered.


    For the Earthlings on the other hand it was perhaps the laziest brunch in all of time. Diaz had down as Bobby can observe 3 cups of 3-in-1 instant coffee, 4 eggs worth of sunny side up eggs, 12 strips of cured ham and 2 bundles of grapes. Kayin wasn''t at his usual studious self and was also sharing along the excessive ration they had.


    "Diaz, I don''t care if doing this doesn''t feel ''rewarding'' and all but you are making me look bad right now." Bobby argued.


    "Look, the Race is about 12 hours long at the minimum according to what we heard. I can afford a head start. Let them have their fun." Diaz dismissed.


    The crowd became more restless and they began to start tossing whatever refuse they could grab towards the Otherworlders such as pre-masticated scraps, dirt, rocks and even a large splinter of wood.


    "Get out of here you poltroon!" one of them said.


    "What''s a poltroon?" Diaz asked.


    "It''s another way of saying ''chicken'' Vinny." Kayin bluntly said.


    "Chicken!?!" Diaz grinded his teeth at that insult.


    Just then one of the scraps of food, a pre masticated piece of fruit with a fragile exterior landed on the Bonnet of Diaz''s Mustang. It''s emerald and pulpy contents desecrated the waxy luster Diaz had worked so hard to remove the dirt stains from the time he played bait for some Land Sharks.


    "My Mustang!" Diaz cried. He rose from his chair and rushed towards his car towel at hand.


    "Are you going to let them just do that to you and your car Vinny?" Bobby challenged.


    Vinny was now seething with rage and internal belittlement. His sense of feeling victorious was overridden by his fear of the perception of weakness. It was an encompassing anger, that, after he finished removing the stains from his hood, he turned to Kayin.


    "Get your Drone." He said. It wasn''t his usual Devil-may-care accent he was known having, but instead devoid of humor.


    He was being serious right now.


    "Boss, you got a Hanky? Get ready to set me off." Diaz turned to Bobby.


    They both nodded. Kayin ran back to his computer set up behind the stables and readied his drone''s engines. Meanwhile Robert Bianchin walked towards the raucous causing crowd and put on his most poised stance. He was honestly scared that he might get his clothes violated by whatever the onlookers could throw at him but he needed to salvage this for his paycheck''s sake.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, People of Gliesia of all races, colors and creeds, the Aparo Corporation¡­ which means a really big Merchant Guild would like to apologize for the¡­''technical difficulties'' you have seen." Bobby addressed the crowd.


    The crowd was still jeering at him but thankfully nothing was being thrown at him at the moment so the Aparo Corpo have to wrap this up fast before it gets worst.


    "As my associate Vincent Diaz has said that yes, his Steed has the power of seven hundred horses and he would gladly show you how we, the United Federation of Earth have the best horses in all of Gliesia. The pinnacle of Earthling Technology! Observe!" Bobby said.


    He walked back to the car where Diaz had just finished starting up the Engines of his Mustang alongside Kayin''s little recon drone hovering above him. Bobby pulled out his hanky and looked towards Diaz.


    ''Dare Runner'' pulled down all of the windows of his car before he turned on the music player of his car via a Bluetooth function to his Smartphone''s collection of music fondly dubbed ''Epic Racing Tunes''. He then turned to Bobby and gave him a smile with a thumbs up. Diaz is ready.


    "Time to end these Horsies whole career." He said as he grasped the Mustang''s steering wheel tightly.


    "Ready¡­" Bobby began to countdown.


    The Mustang began to roar to life as the jeering crowd became silenced as they held their breath.


    "Get set¡­" Bobby continued.


    Loud music began to play from Diaz''s Mustang. To the astonishment of the crowds, they didn''t know that his steed can also sing and play music, specifically what they could discern the sound of a lute and a drum.


    "GO!" Bobby swiped down his handkerchief.


    With a great burst of zero to sixty agility, the Mustang launched off creating a choking cloud of dust that impaired the eyes and expelled the air out of several of the people''s lungs out.


    As the dust Clear, they saw the lazy steed was no longer sitting idly before the finishing line but instead was galloping at what the natives saw at an incalculable speed.


    "By the Gods! No horse can run that fast!" one of them said.


    For Diaz however, the top speed of his Mustang being a 150 miles per hour whilst the entire race distance was over 160 miles in total. The map is an entire encircling of the Duchy''s land across hills, fields and a few forested areas, terrain that Diaz is familiar in navigating efficiently in for all of his times smuggling high value contraband with his Mustang. The only challenge is to not accidentally run over any of the poor sods who raced with their mortal mounts for pragmatic and aesthetic reasons. Although he did want to take a photo of that Elf Knight''s big butt before he made them bite his dust.


    "Okay Diaz, you got some stragglers right now slow it down a bit." Kayin warned.


    Three horses Diaz saw walking idly by, perhaps they were conserving their energy or they got of the wrong footing as the Dare Runner thinks. After he sped pass them 3 horses and their riders were toppled over not out of any physical force but in terror over the roar of Diaz''s engines.


    "Well¡­ its only illegal if you touch them." Kayin remarked.


    As Diaz sped through the race track, words began to spread around the festival attendees of the strange horse that glided through the earth with the speed of the birds, the grace of a dancing nymph and the endurance of a Minotaur. Whenever Diaz passed by a Checkpoint, the Race Officials didn''t have the time to blink once before Diaz sped through.


    Within no time, the farming fields and rolling hills transitioned to the hard rock of the crudely paved hill passes of Souviel that separates the Duchy from the Wilds east of them. To most horses this was the most difficult part of the race and several horse feeders were on standby near the Checkpoints providing hay and water for the rest of the journey. When Diaz passed by one, in a haughty display of his skill, he would drift around them in a circle, his engines and wheels roaring loudly terrifying the horses and their riders.


    "I ain''t slow! I just really need my breakfast." Diaz teased.


    "Impossible? No Steed can run that fast without magic!" a Race Official commented.


    "Are you sure he is not under the effects of the spell ''Longstrider''?" one of the riders asked.


    "Absolutely no trace!" the Race Official alarmingly said.


    The riders seeing the threat to their racing positions ran back to their steeds and giddyap''d.


    "Hey watch out for the descent Diaz, slow it down." Kayin said.


    Perhaps the most dangerous part of the race as Diaz can attest is the descent down the mountain through a winding path. There were no safety rails and if the fall wouldn''t kill someone physically, the prospect of being overtaken by a more alpine-footed steed would kill any chances of getting the victory. There were a few people who are now winding down the snake like pass as carefully as they could but for Diaz this was another display of his driving skills.


    He shifted to lower Gear, then floored the brakes and prepared to make several hard turns. The resulting friction of his tailormade and grooved tires made him glide effortlessly on every turn gracefully with cutthroat split timing.


    "Just like New Torino!" Diaz smiled.


    "Wow! That''s actually pretty impressive¡­ but I am still not letting you drive the Land Cruiser again." Kayin radioed.


    After descending down to the mountain pass Diaz was now behind the top leaders of the race and low and behold, he saw Eriande with her Gh''da horse in its immaculate silver skin.


    "You! How did you get here so quickly?" the Elven Knight angrily asked.


    "I smuggle shit like you are ass for years!" Diaz answered.


    His Mustang began to meet the same speed as the Elven horse not out of any mechanical error but out of a spiteful display of haughty behavior by Diaz. The Corpo pulled out the camera of his Smart phone and began to record the Elven Rider.


    "You got a great thick butt by the way. It''s going on Instagram and you ain''t stopping my Mustang for shit!" Diaz cracked a smile before speeding off.


    "Oh no you don''t." The Elven rider said as she raised her hand in gesture.


    It was signal for Sefyliad agent Waltorin to activate the trap. A Runic Trap, designed specifically for Demons and Monsters. It had to be made quickly for the Silver and powdered Mana crystal compound that is the component for such a spell take a while to actually form a Rune large enough for something the size of the Mustang to make. It was also quite expensive to have such a compound to begin with thanks to the aforementioned materials being hard to come by.


    "Take this Demon Scum!" Waltorin cursed before running away to hide.


    But as Diaz sped pass the Rune, the delay between activation and detonation was milliseconds too long for the blast to even touch Mustang, nevermind that Holy Magic to much their foolish chagrin won''t affect them anyway.


    "Whoa!" Diaz looked back from behind him to see the magic. "Did you see that?"


    "I did Vinny. Oh yeah, you should be in the lead now and the rest of the run is just some straight passes and a few turns around the farms before returning to New Souviel." Kayin said.


    "Good, get yourself over there if I were you. Your gonna see Gliesia''s first Car Meet." Diaz smiled as he sped off.


    The forests below the mountains now transitioned again to the farming fields of Souviel''s rich bread and wine culture. Diaz can also see the favors and d¨¦cor of the Chwartiadd festival again. He had to take care of slowing down to make the Racing Officials record his passing so he can still remain within the bounds of the rules. He even made sure to emphasize his cars non-magical nature of his steed to hammer down the fact that he is indeed not cheating¡­ at least via Magical aids.


    To the Natives, the sight of his steed was terrifying and awe inspiring to behold, its roar complemented by the way its wheeled feet passed through the dirt like the gust of air it leaves on its wake. Within no time, he had cleared 28 out of the 29 Checkpoints he needed to pass before the home stretch.


    As Diaz made it around the corner leading to the Duke''s Palace, he was astonished to see that the road that was meant to be opened is being used as pedestrian way for festival on lookers. The Race Official in charge of the last checkpoint between him and victory.  It was the last turn before it is a beeline for the finish line as Diaz remembered in the map.


    "Diaz! Watch out! The road!" Kayin suddenly roared on his radio.


    "Shit!" Diaz cussed as he blared his horn and slammed his breaks.


    The people seeing the runaway horse charging at them began to scramble away with a shocked race official nearly losing his balance.


    Diaz had to sway the weight of his car back and forth to maintain the slowing speed while also his momentum. As he the skin of his car''s teeth met the corner, Diaz turned to his left as hard as he could, drifting perfectly by the pedestrians who were in awe by the horse''s vigor and ultimately unharmed.


    "Dude! Pls tell me you saw that." Diaz said.


    "I saw that too. Damn that was close." Kayin said.


    "Did you get that on picture? That''s what some people call ''the Tokyo Drift''. Diaz smiled.


    He sped off, now seeing the fairy-tale spires that adorned the Duke''s Palace. Passing through the gate and cutting through the finish line where the workers were still trying to attach the finish ribbon onto the posts.


    After the confusion of the loud roar and the torrent of wind pass by, to their absolute shock of both the guards, the attendees, the Sovieli Noble Court and a few foreign dignitaries, they saw Diaz and his steed ''the Mustang'' standing in front of them. Its engines were like the exhaustive panting of breath as Diaz turned off the engine of his car and walked out from the driver seat and slid his body by the hood and windshield and lay down his body lazily behind his hands.


    "What is this?" the Herald of the Games emerged.


    "I finished your race in under an hour." Diaz smiled.


    "Impossible! No horse can run that fast! You must be cheating." The Herald disputed.


    "I don''t think so. I checked his steed and there are no traces of Magic in any inch of its body." A mage argued.


    "He also made it pass through all the Checkpoints! The Judges there sent out their Tweeter Bird messages to me just this instant." Huffed another racing official.


    The Herald couldn''t believe, even the onlookers too. This horse tore through one of the most prestigious horse racing events in all of Gliesia like if it wasn''t anything. The exasperated look on his colleagues, men he trusted for decades saying the exact same words made the Herald realize that they speak the truth.


    "The winner of the¡­ Ras Ceffylau Traws-Duchy. Is¡­ wait¡­ I never got your name." the Herald was about to announce but inquired Diaz. To his fairness, he was a last-minute addition.


    "Vincent Diaz but you can call me ''Dare Runner'' and this Steed is called a ''Ford Mustang'' one of the fastest horses where I come from." Diaz smiled.


    Several light-footed and soft-faced maidens in flower crowns walked up to Diaz and gave Diaz a Victor''s Laurels for both him and his Steed. They wore nothing else but the Virgin White robes that were draped over there skin.


    "Your Boon milord." They said in unison.


    "Hang on! Wait lemme take a selfie for the boys back home." Diaz smiled as he grabbed his phone and took a selfie photo with it.


    "No¡­ shit¡­ my Car is dirty¡­ I need it cleaned." Diaz turned around.


    "Only the finest waters for your noble steed O'' brave sir." One of the flowery maidens said.


    He can see the young women grab their sponges as they began to scrub the dirt stained surface of the Mustang.


    The color of the water was golden, and there was sparkly look on its surface alongside a fermented fruity scent as Diaz caught on his sense.


    "Are you bathing my Mustang¡­ in Wine?" Diaz asked.


    "Indeed O'' brave champion. It is tradition that the winners'' horse be bathed in the finest Targrosir wine in all of the land. You are also given a several bottles of Targrosir for your own drinking pleasure." The Maiden said.


    She handed him with a lithe grace a basket filled with golden colored grapes and the Targrosir Wine bottles of at least 6 quantities. The girls smiled and bowed before the Corpo as they began to pamper Diaz''s Mustang with buckets filled of the wine.


    "You are quite handsome as we all do say so ourselves." The Maiden giggled alongside the others.


    "Diaz! You did it!" Kayin smiled as he ran towards Diaz alongside Mr. Bianchin.


    "Oh, you got some of that wine too. That''s a regional specialty but its basically Champagne." Bobby added.


    "Champagne eh?" Diaz turned back to the congratulatory maiden. "How much is this bottle worth?"


    "Every bottle of Targrosir is worth a thousand Ducats milord. It is an honor to even just hold one bottle let alone drink from it as per tradition in Souviel." She replied.


    "Perfect¡­This is how we do it back at Earth!" Diaz smiled coyly as he popped open the bottle, placed his thumb on the opened neck of the Fantastic Champagne and began to shake it.


    "Don''t do that! It will exp--" the Maiden tried to warn Diaz.


    But Diaz immediately let go of his thumb forcefully ejecting the carbonated contents up in the air. Gravity did the rest of the job as it rained down to the ground, most of the wine landed on the Victory Maidens whose white robes became damp then translucent before clinging tightly on the maiden''s bodily features.


    "You are quite a feisty Prince, aren''t you?" the Maiden commented.


    "Hey, this actually work and I worked hard and I play harder now think fast!" Diaz flirted as he grabbed a bucket of wine and began to splash the Victory Maiden in its auric juices.


    "Oh, Diaz always a charmer you are. I ain''t letting you out shine me!" Bobby smiled and grabbed another bucket of wine and splashed Diaz with it in kind.


    "That''s a lot of money you are burning there. Let me join!" Kayin said as he joined in the fun.


    For the rest of the afternoon, Diaz, Bobby and Kayin held Gliesia''s first Car Meet and Wet T Shirt (or Robe) contest. There was laughter, music and a few carefully placed words by Bobby and some help with Kayin that molded the hearts and minds of the Natives to the UFE and their way of life and what they wish to be able to do more here in Gliesia. It was a most unexpected type of Party but thanks to some hosting skills by Robert Bianchin, they managed to integrate such a celebration for the Chwatiadd. Even the Herald of the Games wish to add such the blatant disregarding act of ''Targrosir Popping'' to be a new tradition for Victors of future Ras Ceffylau Traws-Duchy.


    When the rest of the contestants made it to the finish line, they were in awe by the deceptive power the Mustang had compared to their steeds. Many names were given to the UFE such as ''the Bardic Horse'' when they heard the music emitting out of the Mustang''s car. Then there was ''the Merchant of Kings'' for Bobby, ''the Shadowy Man'' for Kayin and ''Sun Nymph''s getting wet'' for the aforementioned Wet-Robe contest that Diaz created. But most especially from the enraged loss of words by Ladui Eriande calling Diaz a ''Horth-raug'' or a ''Speed Demon'' before storming of back to the Elven Embassy. Too bad for Diaz, he took it as a complement.


    ---------------


    "I am telling you there might be something not right about those Elves." Crocker tried again to warn his team captain of his suspicions.


    "That is because they are Magically Attuned, Greenblood. Our Mage will be mostly locked out for this one until we can get theirs first. We just need to wait for an opening then push, Elves are fragile when it comes to sheer brute force." The Captain said.


    "Sir, I don''t think the plan of running around their Fighters to attack the Elven mage will work¡­ I suggest we try draw so---" Crocker tried to argued but he was shushed by the Captain.


    "I am the leader of this band and you have to do what I say. The Duke told me. Now get out there and make me that Shield wall." The captain ordered.


    Crocker reluctantly had to follow him. Deep down he knows that there might be something horribly wrong with these Elves but he needs to keep his toes in check. If worst case scenario comes, he will have Obediah and Clay to back him up, wherever they maybe in the crowd. He just needs to get through this final challenge and he can at last take a much-deserved round of beer. He rendezvouses with his teammates and formed the center of the mobile shield wall that united all of the Knights-Errant combined weight with his own.


    Crocker peaked through the gaps of the shield wall to get a better look on the Elves. He saw them across the field standing stoically with their great swords, bows and spears. There gear was light with leather like coverings of hardened yet flexible tree bark covering their bodies with the armor being present at there forearms, chests, helmets and legs. They were like statues or a football''s Defensive Wall standing side by side to each other staring at the approaching adversaries before them. What''s interesting about these Ethuilen Elves is that only the Spearmen wielded enlarged kite shields whilst the rest had no other means of protection outside of their Tree Armor.


    "Let the battle begin and may the best team win!" the Herald announced as he blew his horn commencing the Tourney''s Finals.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    The Souvieli Knights slowly pushed forward immediately to pressure the central core of the Elven formation whilst the archers winged around their flanks looking to exploit any openings that the Elves might have in order to Goad them to direct their ire at them. As for the Mage on Crocker''s team he is preparing to cast some sort of Ritual-like spell behind him and it was the priority that he is to be protected as long as possible before the real fight can begin.


    Looking forwards, Crocker see that the Elves were now on the move, changing their formation. In response to the flanking fire of the Souvieli Archers, the shield-bearing Spearmen with lightning discipline formed a protective embrasure with their shields with the gaps where the Elven Archers can continue to fire unhindered while enjoying the protection of cover. This did decrease the frontal center of the Elves leaving only the great swords behind. At first, they continued to stand idly staring down at the Souvieli causing Crocker to be unnerved.


    "Something is not right." Crocker told his teammates.


    "They are going to start spinning." One of the Knights said beside him.


    "Spinning?" Crocker questioned.


    "Hie!" one of the Elves holding the great swords beckoned.


    He and five other fellow Great Swords wielders gripped their swords and stepped forward with there left foot. Then with lethal grace began to swing their blades vertically with machine like efficiency. For Crocker it was similar to the way a wood chipper''s blades awaiting the logs to be shredded to pieces.


    And they were inching closer towards it.


    "Now! Split!" ordered the Captain.


    The Shield wall disbanded, liquifying the formation with the Souvieli Mage, with his spell prepared casting his hand to the ground causing the land beneath the Elves'' feet to be liquified. It was some sort of spell that Crocker can discern that riles the ground to be turned into quicksand. The Elves were caught by the impeding terrain halting their slow advance yet their blades were continuing to spin.


    "Now Archers!" the Captain roared.


    The Archers redirected their fire at the vulnerable Elves hailing a torrent of arrows down on the Elves.


    But as they fell on the ground in barrage after barrage, Crocker spotted something suspicious about the Elves.


    There faces remained stoic despite the stressful ordeal for a start. Shouldn''t they be panicking or at the very least alarmed by all of the arrows raining down on them?


    He examined closer and realized that despite the heavy rainfall of arrows, not a single arrow became stuck to the Elves'' armor, but instead somehow phased through them.


    It was an Illusion!


    "Hie!" a voice roared behind them.


    The Elves on the Quicksand dissipated before it was revealed that the Elven Great Swords were in fact invisible for the entire time until now. They had been anticipating that the Knights-Errants would scramble to avoid the superior technique of their little ''Th¨²l-Magol'' or Whirlwind Blade Formation as their great swords can effortlessly hack through there tournament regulated shields.


    "It''s a trick!" the Captain warned before he was knocked down to the ground by one of the Elves.


    The other Great Swordsmen wasted no time capitalizing on the shock. They swung their blades at the rhythm of the whistling winds as they cut down the exposed Knights-Errant of Souviel effortlessly. The Team''s Archer and Mage too fared no better when the blunted arrows knocked them into the ground and thus kicking them out for the rest of the fight.


    And thus, all that was left of the Souvieli team was Crocker who managed to slip away during the commotion.


    "Oh me! Oh my! That must have been painful! Like a thorn to the heart, only more baneful." The Herald commented with his rhymes.


    If this were a real battle it would have been a Massacre of the highest degree. Though Crocker did have to give where credit is due to these Elves. Aliathra was indeed correct of how disciplined and how executive their battle-prowess and tactics were.


    "Get the Demon!" one of the Elves yelled pointing at Crocker.


    "Demon? Who me? What are you talking about?" Crocker denied.


    "How dare you kidnap the Princess and try to seduce both Prince Clovich and Duke Thibault. You will not defile our lands any longer. Prepare to be Vanquished!" one of the Elves said.


    To his dismay the Elves began to surround him with their weapons aimed at him. This was no longer a friendly-competition of who had the best warriors. This was now the most dangerous game. Suddenly their weapons began to ignite in a bright white glow. So brilliant in its luminescence that Crocker''s eyes were forced to shed a few arduous tears in bodily instinct. It would have been blinding if it weren''t for his Full Faced helmet designed to absorb flashbang like lights.


    The Elves were about to cast their Holy Magic at him as they tensed their weapons back readying to fire their Magic using their swords as a focus point.


    Crocker got to his feet and thought his next move fast. He has to get away from this encirclement.


    Bending his knee points of his Exo-Suit, Crocker leaped upwards the moment the Elves fired their spells by slashing away the magic with their great swords. The spells instead of striking their intended target was instead striking down their fellow Elves who were knocked down by the sheer magical force of the blasts of Holy Magics.


    "Hey! What are you doing? Is that Holy Magic you are using?" one of the Officials protested.


    Crocker landed several feet away now no longer surrounded but still clearly outnumbered 15 to 1


    The Elves stood back up from the ground, their immaculate robes of silk stained with dirty and they gritted their teeth on how this Otherworlder slighted them.


    "You are supposed to stay down! Stay down!" the Tourney Official cried. "You are dis--- hmmmphh!" the official tried to use his authority at the Elves brazen display of non-compliance to the rules only for a magical bolt to shoot him at the mouth silencing him.


    "People of Souviel! You are being deceived! The Warrior you see before you are not what you think he is. It is a monster disguised to look like one of us¡­ a DE---AAACCKK!!!" the Elf tried to proclaim his intentions only for his jaw to meet the thousands strong force of Crocker''s Exo Suit arm.


    "You talk too much!" Crocker grinned.


    The Elves recomposed themselves as they tense their stances to fight this absolute beast of a Monster who claims he is human.


    "Monster? He doesn''t have any Magical proper---aaahhh" another Judge protested but he too was silenced by the magical bolt that blocked their mouths from expelling words.


    More of the Elves began to conjure up magic from their hands, all while their fingers were tucked in various of poses in the shape of magical runes that emerged from their hands ready to burst out.


    "Hey! No fair! You are all cheating!" the crowd jeered at the Elves.


    Some of the Elves tried to explain to the attendees of the dire situation they are in but to no avail. The mob''s anger was too heavy that the Elves warnings were drowned by the crowd''s scornful distaste. The rest began to fire away all sorts of magical projectiles at Crocker from Fireballs, Ice Shards and Lightning bolts.


    "You want a monster huh? Well since you asked me¡­ I will show you what this monster can do!" Crocker spat.


    The big burly Half Maori man reached into a keypad on his left arm which gave an overlay of his suit''s functionality. He scrolled through the menus until he reached one such button appropriate for such a dire occasion.


    Overdrive Performance


    The button had big yellow warning outlines around it foreshadowing the dangerous nature of this mode. Without hesitation, Crocker pressed the button as he felt the energy core within his Powered Suit detonated to life. He felt the four limbs of the Hercules Mk. 4 surge with enhanced electrical power, his stiff robotic movements became much more fluid in flexibility without the sacrifice of thousands of Newtons worth of force.


    "Come on! Come all! I''ll take all of you knife-eared pompous pricks!" Crocker roared as he charged towards the Elves. He clenched his fists as the enhanced mechanisms of his suit readies itself.


    He dashed hastily forward towards the Elves, his enormous size contrasting with his ferocious speed. Those caught in his way soon learned that corporeally, that it was futile to block, weave, parry for his combined force was just simply beyond any doubt in the Elves mind, ALWAYS FASTER.


    To them it was like fighting against a great Tidal Bore.


    Crocker would be punched one Elite Elven Warrior so hard that it would crack whatever armor he was wearing to mangled shrapnel in addition to the sheer force sending him flying off across the arena or violently colliding with the walls below of spectator stands.


    Nobody in the Arena couldn''t believe what they were seeing. ''the Ogrebreaker'' was no tall tale myth. It was every degree of tangible reality that this man in the strange armor could tear apart one of Gliesia''s greatest warriors like if it was nothing.


    Every punch, kick and vigorous grapple could be felt in all senses by the crowd held pensively captive by the passionate sight before them. Many didn''t bother to run away from this battle as many wanted to see how this all ended. It was a landslide offensive for Crocker as one by one he took down the Elves knocking the out cold to the floor, their bodies crushed beneath the thousands of Newtons of Force the Hercules Suit dished out. Before long, there were only two Elven assailants left amongst the initial fifteen warriors who stepped inside the Arena, the rest of their compatriots laying on the ground inert with only anguish and despondency on how they were so easily humbled they were before Crocker.


    "Hey get up! Get up!" Crocker urged one of his ''knocked out'' teammates who only lay down on the ground both in compliance to the rules and in terror.


    "What are you doing?" the Knight-Errant asked.


    "Just get everyone out of here. They are here for me." Crocker said.


    "You will be purged Demon! Holui Naur!" the Elf Mage cried.


    His hands began to charge a brilliant hue of red-yellow light from within him. All the power and prayers he could muster converged to him. He would destroy this Demon once and for all or die trying.


    Yet Crocker again was even more angered at these Elves hubris. He pushed the Souvieli Knight away, non-verbally urging to run away with the rest of his bewildered teammates. He turned to the Elven Mage and a sinister deduction came to his head, if the Elves need to make fancy poses with their hands fingers to cast their spells then perhaps, he can disrupt their as his studies with Aliathra and Iris would say, a Mages ''Dui'' by PHYSICALLY disharmonizing said tapping of magical portents.


    With the Hercules Suit''s amplified agility Crocker grasped the Elf''s hands, his large hand easily eclipsing the combined size of the Elven Mage''s, and with fiendish enmity he crushed them both like a shattered fruit with pulp and bone ejecting out of the Elf''s hands. He screamed in intense pain as the Magic in his hands began to pile up dangerously cascading into an unstable ball of energy.


    Quickly, Crocker with his superior strength pushed away the Elf before his body was fully engulfed in Magical Energy. Like pulling the grenade pin off of the other man''s pocket, the Elf Mage exploded in radiant flames killing him instantly.


    "You!" a feminine yet martial voice boomed behind Crocker.


    Another Elf, this time a Woman wielding a spear pointing glaringly at the Exo-Suit Soldier.


    "I am Brenyra ''the Singing Blade'', Inquisitor of the Great Radiant Tower. You have committed Crimes against the people of the Light and the land in which they inhabited on with your disgusting monstrosities." Brenyra boastfully indicted.


    "What are you talking about?" Crocker questioned.


    "You arrived here and started to corrupt the land with your Metal Cities and seducing the Sovereign Prince of Tyr Rian and the Princess Aliathra Lareththor to your tunes corrupting them with your promises of power and grandeur for price of their souls. You devour the land with your great beasts feeding the life out of the soil and leaving nothing but ash and rock in their wake." Brenyra justified.


    "No, no, you are wrong. All of you ARE WRONG! We are being set up! This thing? Us being Demons? That is ----" Crocker defended himself and the Colony.


    "Lies! All Lies! Alboen will never return while the Alliance Still breathes!" Brenyra shot him down. "For your crime of simply daring to return Spawn of Alboen, I shall vanquish you off the face of the world!" Brenyra roared as she charges towards Crocker, her spearpoint facing towards him.


    Crocker weaved pass Brenyra barely at the nick of time, his exhaustion from both the Overclocking and extraordinary output of his mind and body starting to wear on him. He needed to end this fight fast.


    Brenyra''s Spear had a large spear point as Crocker could scantily observe. The way the blade was designed made it ideal for both slashing sideways for a cut as it was thrusting forward for a stab. In essence it was essentially a short sword with a rather elegant finish on an elongated pole worthy to be wielded by a hackneyed, world-spanning and boastfully leading High Elven civilization that all imaginations could conjure when they hear about what they think of when they hear those words.


    Gilded in gold, fashioned in a blue felt handled pole with an elegant blade to match, the Elf walloped with her polearm with a barrage of strikes that Crocker barely managed to hold on with the protective armor of his Suit''s mechanical arms. Thanks to his hobby of boxing with a few occasional fights that were not friendly Spars, Crocker maintained his defenses but he was already starting to feel the Elf''s attack wearing him down.


    "Take this!" Brenyra shouted as she swoops down her spear, this time at another angle.


    The spear tip slashed an expose part of Crocker''s soft flesh drawing blood.


    "Damn you Elf Bitch!" Crocker let his rage get the better off him.


    He launched a wild haymaker punch towards the Elf but the Female Warrior was expecting of this. She was trying to rile up the ''Demon'' before her to make him on edge so he could make the mistake of forgoing his defenses.


    Her spear tip parried Crocker''s wild punch before, with the grace worth decades of consistent refinement of skill, she pushed Crocker away from her with the blunt ball point of the other side of her Spear giving her the distance she needs with her superior reach.


    "A flawed technique." Brenyra derided.


    Lewis recoiled at the shock, the pommel strike causing his helmet to ring troublesomely in a daze. He could almost not hear the ringing of his helmet''s built-in radio.


    "Crocker! I saw everything! We are coming for you. E.T.A One-twenty seconds!" the voice of Edward Clay trumpeted.


    "is ''Bout fooo-king time!" Crocker spat.


    He regained his focus quick enough to see that the Elf actuating her arms back with her spear for a mighty thrust.


    Crocker strafe right, the spear missing its mark by a mere inch before he grappled the polearm''s handle with his left hand and elbowing the Elven Warrior with his right to stun her. Her hands promptly loosened its grip giving Crocker the opportunity to yank the spear out of her lithe hands before shoving her back with a swift knee to her abdomen. Now holding the spear, Crocker bitterly snapped it in two like a twig with the fulcrum of his armored knee.


    "Stop this before more people get hurt. We don''t have to fight." Crocker pleaded to the Elf''s desire to protect.


    "Don''t raise your charlatan voice of mercy with me Demon! To think you can seduce Prince Clovich and Princess Aliathra." Brenyra oppugned.


    She pulled out her sword and readied herself for a more up close and personal expulsion of Otherworldly invaders.


    "I am surprised you can THINK at all!" Crocker miffed.


    "Engarde!" Brenyra rallied as she swung her blades rapidly at the UFE Soldier.


    Raising his guard, Crocker blocked the slashes of Brenyra''s Elven sword, the mythical Elven steel colliding with years upon years of Earth''s greatest feats of Engineering. It was a battle of the Fantastic against the Architectural.


    And Crocker was slowly running out of time¡­


    "Suit Battery is at Critical Capacity." The Hercules'' MK. 4''s UI warned. He and also his trusty suit was about to lose steam.


    "We are here! Breaching!" Clay radioed on his helmet.


    Bright flashes erupted from the ground blinding everyone in the Arena. Luckily for Crocker his helmet again negated the effects of the UFE''s Flashbangs. The Cavalry arrived just in time as hordes of both UFE Soldiers and Aparo Corp PMC''s descended upon the Arena grounds. Jumping over the railings they were rushing towards the downed Elven warriors and one Mage''s seared corpse arresting the injured but still very much alive Elven Warriors whose hands were restrained by the nylon Flexicuffs the reinforcements bore on them. The warriors could only succumb to the defeat and disgrace of being captured alive for their enervated bodies could do little to no amount of resistance as the grungy ''Demons'' restrained their hands and gathered them up.


    "No! My people!" Brenyra despaired. Her stance evaporated on the sight of everything falling apart in the worse possible way for a soldier, a spy and servant of the Astilbian Throne could be. "What¡­ are you?" She looked despondently at Crocker.


    With one last huff of his now depleted Exo-Suit''s power, Crocker stomped the ground intimidatingly as he rested his arms around his waists. The ground quaked as the earth broke apart on the suit''s heavy shockwave.


    "Exo-Suit battery fully depleted. Engaging Safety Protocol Number 3: Releasing Bindings." The UI announced.


    As it said, the Bindings that tied Crocker''s body to his Exo Suit were released causing Crocker, due to his exhaustion to nearly fall forward were it not for a quick reflex of his sore feet catching his body.


    The Elven Warrior stood there unresponsively as Crocker, with what little energy he had left walked up to her and delivered one final Haymaker punch to her head knocking her out.


    Victorious but tired, Crocker could only go onto his knees on the sandy ground panting and sweating with sores all over his muscles. Near his side, he noticed and caught his eyes the broken speartip that Brenyra had on her polearm before he snapped it off. He grabbed the Spearpoint and held it tight on his hand as a keepsake, a little souvenir for this Tour of Duty. He was for all intents and purposes, proud of himself. It looks like that playful hobby of boxing paid off after all.


    He could only leave a smile as Clay and Obediah rushed towards him.


    "Crocker! Are you alright?" Clay asked.


    "Where the fuck was you when I needed you minutes ago?" Crocker asked.


    "I wasn''t expecting the ENTIRE Elven Tourney team to be trying to kill you. I had to get help. Besides, Obediah was there covering you the whole time from the Duchal Box. But he couldn''t get a good shot in." Clay answered.


    "Those Elves were fast if I say so myself." Obediah said.


    "You should have taken the shot¡­" Crocker reprimanded.


    Immediately, a Native Healer with an official Chwartiadd uniform and a UFE field medic arrived on the scene and assess Crocker''s Injuries.


    "So, am I still good?" Crocker asked both of them.


    "Flesh Wounds, they will heal." The field medic answered as he wrapped a bandage around the few cuts on Crocker''s flesh.


    Everytime however the medic touched his body, Crocker winced.


    "Your muscles have over-exerted themselves due intense fighting." The Healer added as she soothed Crocker''s wounds with her magics.


    "But will it heal?" Crocker asked.


    "You will need to be spoon fed for a few days¡­" the healer answered meekly.


    "Bollocks!" Crocker cursed.


    -----------


    10 broken beyond-repair training dummies, 4 smashed windows, 2 occasions of the same wall being demolished and a singed Magical Instructor were the casualties of Faithleann''s training in the College of Magi. To say he was prodigy in the Magical Arts would be a litotes to a description of a person of extraordinary ability. Faithleann whenever he was taught a new spell would always get the spell right at the first or second time, he attempted them. From the humble yet serviceable spell of producing a flame to light a camp fire, conjuring a mage hand to pick up an object from a distance to a simple warding spell, the young Chosen One always delivered to the wonderment of his instructors.


    But when it came to the more complex or outright dangerous spells however, those beams of awe became low jittering stress thanks to the aforementioned casualties of damage to the College''s property and one staff.


    "Focus boy! You need to learn how to control your gift." Carliah lectured.


    "I can''t help it Miss Silverdane! It''s just that with these Marvelous Spells I can finally do incredible things! Like when can I go fight a dragon? Or search for lost relics? By the Gods! When will we go to Tyr Rian and take the fight to those Demons? I mean, that''s why I got the Mark of the Bane right? From the Crystal?" Faithleann said.


    He proudly bore that mark he was painfully inscribed upon his head that signify his status as a Chosen One. The brand mark was shaped like a tear drop that formed around the actual script of the ancient word of Anathema being ''Gweninejar''. At first it was an honor for the College to accept a Crystal Chosen, but the more that Faithleann sally through his lessons while boastfully telling all of his fellow students whom he sat in with in class and also the Professor''s themselves, the more that people were reluctant to be anywhere near him, his status or not. The Grey Order had to separate him from the entire Student Body for private lessons to not risk an incident.


    "That is Methra again Faithleann. Remember your titles of respect." Carliah reminded him. "Beware of pride child! You are still young and have yet to know the perils of the world. You do not know what it is like to see the darkness of this world."


    "Look, I am the Chosen One here! My destiny is to go out there and fighting those demons in glorious battle not staying here and waste time with your lecture and needless training! If you let me out there, I can vanquish the demons!" Faithleann begged incessantly.


    "I had the misfortune of so many before you with that attitude to die in within their first year as a Guildsman." Carliah protested.


    "Maybe he is right in some aspects." Mita''s voice interrupted Faithleann''s buzzes.


    She stood before them, not in her usual roguish leathers but in a simple clothed shirt and pants. Her skin was exposed leaving little to the imagination of her figure and also several scars obtained from a few¡­ lucky hits on her flesh. Fresh out of her tiring journey from Tyr Rian and now back at the sanctuary of Haringpoint once again to relay all of what she had found.


    "Mita, you are back. How was Tyr Rian? I heard you had failed." Carliah asked.


    "Tyr Rian? The Crossroad City? Where the Demon''s took over? What was it like? Were the Demon''s eating people? Building their armies? Summoning more of their accursed bretheren through their vile vessels and obscene rituals?" Faithleann badgered.


    He had dropped his training sword and shield onto the floor as he skipped towards the Crow Leader with his fawning infatuation on the high-ranking Grey Order member.


    "None much that I had seen of from my short time there. From the looks of it, there take over was surprisingly placid since none of the Walls that the Citadel is famous for was destroyed." Mita answered.


    "Maybe that Prince let them in! He would be known in the history books for generations as the ''Arch-Traitor''! I can see it now with the scribes already." Faithleann vowed. "So Mita, how did you and your Crows manage to get out of that Demon Stronghold alive? Did you use smoke bombs? Somersault atop the city roofs? Sliced up a few of them?" the boy asked.


    Mita''s face turned aside much to her chagrin. The more that the boy talked about her Crows the more of the anguish of being forced to leave her Crows, the people she had personally trained them from neophyte to adepts, behind to fates worse than death. She remembered the sacrifices they had made to ensure that at least one of them could make it out of that damned city alive, and that one was Mita. It was not supposed to be the Master, who became like a parent to the other Crows to bury her denotative children without a body to give the proper blessings off. She had to personally light a lone candle for every Crow that didn''t make it. The child''s na?ve provocation of what she was forced for her own pride and her reputation to endure was absolutely tasteless despite the fact that the boy, Chosen One or not, is likely not heard the grim news. She almost wanted to quietly walk away at this moment and her checking up on her colleague and this promising young lad was a mistake.


    Carliah, realizing the Crow Master''s bereft cues, grabbed Faithleann''s shoulder.


    "The Crow Master normally only talk what she needs to be said child." Carliah said. Her stiff grasp of the Chosen One''s shoulder barring him from his restless inquests.


    "Yes, what needs to be said. I can say with confidence that the Demon''s will only get stronger as time passes further and we must not delay. However, I am afraid this boy is not ready yet for the journey ahead." Mita said.


    "Oh, you''re Just like Lady Silverdane, saying ''I am not ready''." Faithleann mocked Mita''s dainty voice.


    Both the High Mage and the Crow were disgusted at his arrogance, the power within him also grew his ego too. The two women composed themselves, they need to continue. The Child will learn through time.


    "You are not ready in the sense that you need a blade worthy of your power." Mita continued.


    "You mean Can Rhyfel? We are going to look for King Caldell''s Tomb?" Faithleann asked. "I thought it was lost forever."


    "Perhaps, but I don''t think chasing some tacky rumor from a crazed hermit would produce anything of value.  I mean he told me that the place where he pointed at where he says where he thinks the tomb is that the villagers are all¡­''not right in the head'' before they chased him off." Mita said.


    "I had my fair share of ''Insane Hermits'' telling the wildest things only to find out that they are actually speaking something true. Besides, in my experience all rumors have a seed of truth written somewhere. Maybe we should just investigate this man''s claims." Carliah argued crossing her arms questioningly.


    "Perhaps, but I would rather go through a task that is much more certain such as getting the Chosen One here is own blade." Mita said.


    "My own blade?" the boy muttered.


    Faithleann stopped and looked at the Crow dumbfounded for a moment, only to come to the realization of what she meant when she says that he needed ''a blade worthy'' for him. He was going to get a weapon, his own Sword of fabled quality. A blade made out of Actcoolite.


    "I am going to get¡­ my own sword? That is magnificent! Wait, I need to think of a name first. Demon Destroyer? Light of the Gods? Sword of the Saints? Who would be the Blacksmith though? Will I be able to choose how the blade will be shaped? I always wanted to hold an Elven Curved sword, but also want it to have a very Eastern-styled crossguard too with snake emblems. Can I? Can I? Can I?" the boy pestered.


    "Hold on first Child, those can be arranged but there''s just a problem. The Actcoolite themselves. The Dwarves have it and we need to get the Ingots ourselves." Mita informed.


    "From here to the Ostalrocs? That''s going to be a long journey for us! But also, the Mountains themselves, I heard they are scary." Faithleann shuddered.


    "Don''t worry!" Findrum''s voice introduced itself.


    He walked into the room alongside Petur Reikdorf and a few Knights.


    "I know my way around the Ostalrocs like the back of my hand. Our destination is my Clanhold of Tilelyuhr, home of the greatest forge in all of Ysanigrad that can rival those Elven Pansies in Ayagroth. Cipag''s Breath, also known as the ''Forge by the Volcano''. That''s where I got my two lucky axes here. I can''t wait for you to meet the smith''s there and my niece who works as a Tavern Maid, she would love to see you and of course her Uncle again." Findrum said.


    "You still need to be able to lift your own weight around and just sitting here practicing your fireballs to your sword stances can only do you so much. But the best teacher is experience out there in the world. So, every time we stop by a city or town with a Grey Order Office, you should take a Quest that is local to that area. You will need to warm up for the real fight ahead. Undead, Vampires and Bandits most likely and the occasional roaming monsters is what we should expect. But you need to be ready for whatever deed''s that Gliesia will require of you so let''s get your hand dirty. The more you sweat now will be the more you will bleed in battle and we need you to be ready when we go to the Ostalrocs and wherever from there." Petur said.


    "What do you mean, ''We''? Are you saying¡­?" Faithleann widened his eyes on the realization.


    "Yes, I Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf, with Findrum the Monster Slayer, Carliah Silverdane and Mita the Crow Master will accompany Faithleann ''the Bane'' Garmhaic, the Chosen One of the Crystal Heart on his journey." Petur said with formal honorifics finished with a polite bow.


    "In addition, the King has also has given you a substantial sum of Ducats to invest on your journey, a retinue of Knights and Legionnaires for some grunt work, Guildsman for the more special times and Mages for everything Magic related of course. You will meet them later however when we get set off by the Emperor in a few days." Findrum said.


    "Alongside them we will have a caravan''s worth of travelling gear for all us on our Journey that will follow us to the Heart of Darkness of where gates of Tyr Rian itself lay on.  We will need to wait for now, since the Empire is hard at work gathering everything and everyone we need for our journey." Petur added.


    "I can''t believe it!" Faithleann jumped for joy.


    He was going on an Epic Quest to save the world with some of the Grey Order''s finest heroes. He remembered the stories of the Hero''s journey with is companions. Camping together, singing together and fighting together they all did as they fulfilled their goal of saving the world they loved from destruction. With the best possible companions at his side, a fully stocked caravan of all the things you can ask for a long hauling journey and of course once he gets his own Legendary Actcoolite sword, Faithleann Garmhaic will be able to fulfill his destiny as the Bane at which all the Otherworldy Demons who dared return when they were once banished. They will curse his name while the bards will sing in praise to him.


    Faithleann ''Gweninejar'' Garmhaic


    Hero of Gliesia


    --------------------


    Echoes of laughter, merriment, dining and drinking alongside the melodies of romantic bards plucking, pulsating and whistling their instruments away in the night at Duke Thibault''s Tent. A private affair was being commenced, a feast for the celebration of the first day of the Chwartiadd. The Duke''s court feasted and played alongside the Winners of the Competitions of that day for it was a privilege to even just be in the same tent as the Duke for only the finest foods were served at his table. Diaz and Crocker sat there at the Honorary Table alongside the other day''s victors witch each other whilst the rest of Stryder Group, Lutheor Mirrien and Mr. Bianchin sat along a separate table reserved for Guests of Honor. They were by common denomination sat adjacent to the large flowery table for the Duke and his closest advisors with the Guests of Honor sat on his left and the Victors at his right.


    The meals served was generous portions of meats, fishes and fruits all concocted by the region''s best chefs served alongside sweet wines to refresh their palates. Samantha, Aliathra and Bobby helped themselves excessively with the wine being served, Diaz and Kayin gorged on the courses of meals set before them, whilst in the other hand, Crocker had to be spoon fed every morsel by a woman who volunteered to help him eat his fill. His muscles were to sore for him to lift himself up and the doctors told him he will need to take some Vitamin Shots at his person for a few days before he can get back to duty. Not that the SAW Gunner didn''t mind, the Woman had a pretty face¡­ if only he could only just muster the strength and visual clarity to smile due to his entire body covered head to toe with hot compresses.


    "Is it true you not only fought those Elves and won but also took on an Ogre brave sir?" the woman asked him.


    Crocker grunted in broken moans. His body, too impaired to speak properly.


    "I think he is trying to say yes." Diaz explained to the girl. "Why not talk to me sweetie? I am the best racer right now in the world, and I can actually talk!" Diaz bragged.


    Crocker moaned again, he just wanted to give plain ''Fuck you'' to Diaz since he wanted to keep the lass to himself.


    Meanwhile back at the Guest''s Table, the scene was much merrier.


    "¡­It was so funny that even the Drill Sergeant couldn''t help but laugh¡­ normally he would have made us to push-ups but the Sarge let it go for this one." Samantha told a joke from her Westpoint days to her team mates.


    Everyone of the soldiers laughed, with Clay laughing the loudest. However, Iris and Aliathra happily looked on. To Stryder''s entire credit, Samantha is a completely different person when she downs a few rounds of alcohol into her systems.


    "Ohmyfuckinggod! That would ruin Westpointers rep for being ''robots'' if more found out." Clay rioted stomping the table rowdily.


    "I even shared that on Reddit and got about a hundred likes on that one yeah? Someone called it a fake since it came from West Point but its true!" Samantha drunkenly pointed out before she downed another round of Wine.


    Kayin almost spat out the fowl meat on his mouth when he heard of Samantha''s joke too. At the same time since he was next to Iris, he grabbed her, almost by instinct or perhaps unwittingly, by the hip around the Vampire Witch''s designer dress. It was form fitting that by touch leaves little to the imagination of what her hips was like.


    Iris blushed and looked towards Kayin. She could feel the caress of his strong black arms wrapping around her with his warmth inflaming her from within. She shuffled closer to the Nigerian to further enjoy his pleasant company.


    She just couldn''t help it with him. His strength and intellect seduced her alongside the man''s exotic skin stone which was as black as a new moon''s sky. Where many would flee before her, he was the first to stand up against her. Everyone feared the Vampire''s, even Lutheor Mirrien held some of his own reservations for her due to her exceptional magical talents. Kayin was different, he was proud of his own intellect that complements well with his physical prowess. Seeing him out there fighting or carrying all of those heavy machinery around while still being able to entertain whatever inquiries that she would forward to him was astonishing. Iris always thought that intelligence and strength were mutually exclusive to each other. You were either a desk-jockeying scholar or a dull-headed brute whose muscles think faster than their brain.


    "Yeah, you look great with each other¡­ *hic*" Obediah clumsily nudged. The ale in his breath masked his sincere tone.


    Everyone laughed, even Aliathra saw to it that the Vampire did indeed look great together with the Obsidian colored man. Kayin indeed was an exceptional individual, smart yet also strong, he just lacks all charisma due to his rather straightforward and calculative nature. Diaz though, despite his boisterousness can indeed back up his words which was something the Elf Princess liked about him.


    "Iris, a little warning¡­there''s a saying where I come from¡­" Samantha placed her shoulder at Iris''. "Once you go black, you can never go back!" she said before sipping another round of wine.


    Kayin''s eyes widened at the implications of his superior''s comments. He was attracted to the Vampire in away but out of professional reasons due to her inquisitive nature, her arcane talents and overall competency in handling explosives thanks to his teaching. He tried to tactfully move the Vampire Witch away but she only coiled him harder.


    "Don''t fight it, admit it. You like each other." Clay said.


    "Fine¡­" Kayin submitted. "Maybe I do¡­ but why Iris?" he asked the Vampire.


    "You are everything I want in a man. Tall, Strong, Handsome and Smart. Just like Bandall Thunderhand." Iris said.


    "You read Bandall Thunderhand?" Aliathra jumped when she harkened those familiar words.


    "You too?" Iris turned to Aliathra.


    "Who is this Bandall Thunderhand?" Samantha asked.


    "Only the most handsome, dashing and magnificent Bard in all of Alfel-Nora and beyond! Me and my sister read all of his adventure''s all twenty of them. Oh, I wish I can get the twenty first back home¡­ but then¡­ you know." Aliathra transitioned to a downed expression when she had to mention again about her home.


    "I only got to book seven." Iris added.


    "Maybe I can tell you what happened after Bandall jumped off of that Giant Tree." Aliathra giggled.


    "Attention! Attention! May I have your Attention pls!" Duke Thibault announced.


    A dinner bell rang loudly across the tent grabbing everyone''s attention. All turned to him as they saw the Duke stood up along with a very ecstatic Lutheor Mirrien and prim Robert Bianchin.


    "As you all know, these Otherworlder''s have been shown to display strength, intellect and discretion at all terms and they have also shown to be nothing else but willing to cooperate and help us in our time of need now and also to the future." The Duke said.


    It worked as Samantha couldn''t believe it. Duke Thibault has just been bought over to the UFE''s side thanks to Mr. Bianchin over there. Although she still had her reservations about it most likely a monopolistic move in of Aparo Corps industrial and economic muscles but it was all for the good of stability in the region. She didn''t want to see another messy Corporate warzone like what she saw in Kesserheim again.


    "To my Knight-Captain, you will be made the most indomitable in all the lands with the aid, training and new arms to be given to you by Aparo Merchant Guild. To my Duchal-Architect, only the finest stones and brick for you! And to my Treasurer¡­ wait¡­ where is he?" Duke Thibault asked.


    "Oh, Jorgen just excused himself right now¡­ he said he drank too much wine right now and he is at the back." Said one of the servant girls.


    "Well I will tell him the good news myself when he comesback. But for now, let us toast to Unity, Harmony and Prosperity for Souviel! Lechyda!" the Duke cheered.


    Servants began to spread around the tent passing a golden goblet filled with red wine to each of the guest. Even the UFE Mission had their share of the tap too.


    "Lechyda!" the Duke repeated.


    Everyone copied what he said and with a mighty roar all shouted:


    "Lechyda!"


    And promptly gulped¡­


    "Chwa!" Iris cursed. She violently expelled the red wine onto the floor.


    Everyone in the tent looked towards the Vampire Witch She collapsed with her hands grasping the discarded liquid and her knee''s wobbling in weakness.


    "What happened?" Samantha asked as she knelt down beside her.


    "This¡­ wine¡­ it¡­poisoned me¡­" Iris muttered slowly.


    "What do you mean?" Samantha pressed.


    "Ladui Rose? This wine, I can feel it¡­ Holy Magics. It has been consecrated." Aliathra added.


    "Consecrated?" Samantha turned to the Elf.


    Adrenaline surged through her, stimulating her once inebriated brain. There was only one group of people she knows who can ''Poison'' drink with Holy Enchantments.


    "Die you Demon filth!" one of the servants roared. He revealed his hair to see the thin outlines of leaf shaped ears. On his right fist that he pointed defiantly at Mr. Bianchin''s direction. His arm sprouted two bone like limbs with a tensed string stretched aback along its long points. It was a sort of hand drawn crossbow.


    It was the Sefydliad!


    With little time to think and the fate of what could be the most urgently needed Diplomatic Mission in all of the UFE''s history. Samantha, now powered with adrenaline that purged the toxins within her leaped out of her table and dived towards in between the firing distance of the Elven Assassin and Bobby just as the former squeezed the trigger.


    A crossbow bolt, enchanted with Holy Magics shot forth but thanks to Samantha''s reflexes met her body instead of Bobby''s.


    The Lieutenant''s figure slided down across the floor with Rose in slight shock of what she had just done. She just took a bullet¡­ or bolt. Yet strangely she didn''t feel anything, no biting pain nor any feeling of something stuck between her. She felt strangely¡­


    Warm.


    "You will die too!" the Sefydliad Assassin as he reloaded his crossbow for another round and walked towards Sam to finish her off.


    Samantha was caught in the moment as panic took over her. She forgot her training of reaching down to the pistol on her waist and drawing before the superior adversary has a chance to finish her off.


    She could only just, with the young nerves of hers, reach her hand bare handedly like an unarmed civilian pleading for her life.


    But then¡­


    A lightning spark of green energy suddenly erupted from Samantha''s right hand, the same hand that she remembered where the strange mark she received days ago appeared. She had kept it a secret between her squad mates, at least until after this Diplomatic Mission was over and they are all back at New Albany where she can report to Colonel Polonsky. The lightning bolt of energy was also followed with a loud rapturous thunder that shook the earth with a boom.


    The Magic Bolt struck her would be finisher dead center and to Samantha''s horror, the Assailant was vaporized before her. He faded into dust alongside his clothes and weapon. He was gone beyond gone.


    "The one with the Red Hair! She''s a Mage!" another one ordered.


    3 more Sefydliad Agents revealed themselves from the disguises of servants. Hands drawn with either magic or a magically enchanted hand bows attached to their forearms. They shot towards Samantha with all of their self-righteous fury as the Lieutenant scrambled for cover.


    But the missiles were too fast for Samantha''s reflexes, striking her body once again. Yet instead of her going into a shock over herself getting shot. Samantha felt the previously felt warmth again¡­ turning hotter and hotter inside her body. Like a surge of electricity being left unstable in its current, Samantha''s instincts turned from survival to the suddenly encompassing need to expel.


    She stood up as lightning bolts and the light green energies filled with excited winds of magic giving the Lieutenant a Jade glow. She took a good look at the three Elves with their hands drawn forth to her and their faces tainted with turbulence as if they never expected something like this to happen in their attempted subterfuge.


    In that brief moment, Samantha had one thought in mind.


    That she REALLY NEEDED to kill all of these three people.


    Just as soon as she thought, the energies around her complied. More lightning bolts came forth from within her in a violent discharge of power. It blinded nearly everyone with its pure flashes of light.


    3 Missiles shot forth and spread themselves each towards the assailants that Samantha saw as the assassins.


    Two struck two Assassin''s down. Their bodies evaporating to dust. Whilst the third one had to fire across the crowded tent towards the farthest assassin in the room. Luckily for him, unlike his poor colleagues, he casted a magical ward on time shielding him from the blow. But the blast resulting from the magic dissipating was great enough that he was pushed backwards all the way pass the door.


    "Get him!" one of the Duchal Guards shouted.


    The Knights-Errant of Souviel drew their swords and began to make chase for the Sefydliad Agent who dared to try to make an attempt on the Duke''s Life or at least that what they believe it looked like since Mr. Bianchin was right next to Duke Thibault at the table.


    The entire tent was set ablaze with frights and frantic foot treads as the attendants in the Tent scrambled to safety with the Duke quickly being dragged away by his bodyguards.


    "There''s been an attack!" the Duke screamed


    Meanwhile the rest of Stryder group approached Samantha who after discharging the magical energy that she had in dispelled. She slid down on her knees as she could feel her hands burning like hot steam. She took of her gloves not caring that she exposed her strange brand mark to her colleagues that also glowed brightly in the same Jade energy that she had released earlier.


    "Lieutenant? How did you do that?" Clay asked.


    "Indeed! You are not a mage how can¡­" Iris tried to approach Samantha.


    But then her fangs began to water with saliva as she approached the Lieutenant. She felt the power of some enormous amount of energy within her that made the Vampire Witch wet with appetite. Before she could get her hands-on Samantha, Kayin pulled Iris away. He didn''t want her to betray her Vampiric nature in public and he knew by the time he spent with her about her quirky habits. Maybe Iris was right about that she is attracted to him.


    But it wasn''t just Kayin''s protective instincts that were the reason he deflected Iris away from Samantha. According to his scanner on his shades he could detect copious amounts of Radioactivity within Samantha.


    "She''s Nuclear?!?!" Kayin said.


    "What? Where?" Samantha exclaimed. She scrambled around her body in confusion to Kayin''s declaration.


    "You are!" Kayin added.


    "Me? How!?!?!" Samantha questioned.


    "Neutralize her quick!" Bobby ordered.


    "I am sorry Lieutenant¡­" Clay apologized as he pulled elbowed Samantha''s head knocking her before the Lieutenant could react.


    "What the hell just happened? Why did one of us just shoot magic?" Bobby asked.


    "I don''t know how she did that honestly." Kayin answered.


    "Ser Mudwin? If I may?" Aliathra tapped Kayin''s shoulder. "Look at Ladui Roses'' hand." She pointed out.


    All of Stryder Group, Mr. Bianchin and Lutheor Mirrien approached Samantha. They now see with their own naked eyes the strange mark on Samantha''s hand.


    "It''s like some sort of Rune." Lutheor said.


    "Not just any Rune, but it is a Brand of Choosing!" Aliathra said.


    She knelt down on Samantha''s unconscious body and held her hand up for the rest of her acquiantances to better examine. Only Mirrien and Iris shared a surprised but knowledgeable nod to this strange mark whilst the Earthlings were confused.


    "Are you saying that¡­ Samantha¡­?" Iris began question upon the implications of what Aliathra had deduced.


    "She has been chosen by the Sacred Crystal Heart." Aliathra informed everyone. "Her mark in my tongue, Rhannu-Prietar meaning ''the Share Holder''. I believe Samantha, no¡­ I am SURE¡­ that Samantha has been Gifted not by blood¡­ but by the Great Crystal Heart itself."


    --------------


    Marxian barely made it away from his pursuers by sheer dumbluck. He was so confident at first when he securing his benefactor, a man on the inside of the Duchal Tent to smuggle them in with servant disguises to assassinate the Demons who attend on Duke Thibault''s side. He thought that blessing the toasting wine with Holy Magics would poison the Demons or at least weaken them enough for his men to close in for the kill. Yet in a sick twist of fate, he was foiled again. That red headed woman, the one they call ''Samantha Rose'' revealed her hidden Magical talents upon him and vaporized his friend Waltorin and the rest of the Sefydliad cell assigned to Souviel. He was all that is left. Now with this ''Samantha Rose'' name etched within his head, Marxian vowed for vengeance. He will vanquish that vile Demoness if it''s the last thing he do. But for now, he needs to regroup with his contact. They needed a new plan.


    The Elven Spy ran across the festive streets of New Souviel using the celebrations as cover as he made his way discreetly towards the rendezvous point. He knew that their contact within the Duke''s Court had just as much to lose as the Elves and the Empire are if the Otherworlders were allowed to establish their footings in the Duchy of Souviel.


    He made his away upon a shady alley and whistled a special tune that he arranged with the contact as a challenge word. Another whistle responded and it was the correct response.


    "Jodent? Gresgi Jodent?" Marxian said.


    "Did you kill them?" Gresgi Jodent, the Chief Tax Collector of Souviel emerged from the shadows.


    "No, we have failed. One of the Demon''s used Magic against us. I was the only survivor." Marxian regretabbly answered.


    "By the Gods¡­ we have no more options left but one." Gresgi Jodent said.


    "No, we are not going for the last option! This could put you at risk too." Marxian dissuaded.


    "If that Demon who goes by the name of ''Aaa-Pa-Roe'' wraps the Duke around his finger then you can say Goodbye to Souviel and give the entire Duchy to the Demons in a silver plate. You, me, your Royal Family and the Empire will lose Everything." Gresgi said.


    It was a well-guarded secret among the Sefydliad and the Slaegian Empire that Gresgi Jodent, a former Lawyer and Tax Collector from Haringpoint was given the de-facto means of power in the Duchy of Souviel. They had little faith at Duke Thibault''s ability to rule over Souviel so they assigned him to be in charge of the Tax collection going through the region. He was also given permission to set up various extortive schemes like Loan-Sharking and ''Accelerated-Processing'' of important documents in order to increase the revenue that the Empire got. He had established himself from the powerbase of his Bank for over twenty years starting from Thibault''s ascension. The Duke was more concerned about keeping himself and all of his subjects in a constant state of felicitous Bread and Circuses. But with the coming of the Otherworlders and how this ''Aparo'' Demon whispered sweet nothings of promises of power and wealth in exchange for the one thing Gresgi Jodent hated the most, Exclusivity Rights. He absolutely hated sharing.


    "Fine, but we will only get one chance at this. It''s all or nothing. What is the plan?" Marxian asked the Chief Tax Collector.


    "Two things, one the Grey Order, there are a lot of Grey Order Adventurer''s here in Souviel celebrating the festivities or just passing by. We will use them for our plan." Gresgi explained.


    "How will you get these Adventurer''s to agree to help us? Just bribe them with all of your Ducats?" Marxian questioned.


    "Bribe is such a harsh word. More of, ''Award'' I prefer. Anyways, to the second part of my plan. You and I know that both of our realms have very¡­ differing views of Magic and the people who uses them am I correct?" Gresgi asked.


    "Yes, I do." The Elven Agent nodded.


    The Slaegian Empire and the Ethuilen Entente shared different views of how Magic should be harnessed. For the Elves, Magic should be nurtured and accepted with educational grants and openings to possible high-salaried Arcane related jobs within the Entente for the beneficial strength of the True Elves. But for the Empire''s perspective, Magic needs to be controlled for the correct purposes. Guards, Officials and even the College of Magi themselves need to keep a record of every Magic-User in the world. They, the Magic-Users must be reported upon seeing the first signs of Magical Potential. The Empire''s processes state that they must be sent to a special education affiliated with the College to learn both the strength and dangers of their powers to indoctrinate them to use their gifts for the benefit of the State only. Most Mages who didn''t decide to join the ranks of the College registered with the Grey Order Guild with the Empire''s agents always closely monitoring their actions. Harboring an independently aligned Mage or being one yourself with the stigmatic title of ''Rogue Mage'' is a punishable offense of the highest degree. Many of these Rogue Mages, with their nefarious reasons for not registering themselves with the College of Magi would hide themselves away, practicing their dangerous arts in secret. There were numerous occurrences of attacks, accidents and other forms of mishaps caused by these Rogue Mages which only further pushed by the Slaegian Senate to enact harsher and stricter laws and punishment against them and their associates. It was much a shock to Marxian that the Vampire, one by the name of ''Iris Cadohagan'' was among the side of the Demons. She and perhaps more of her twisted kind might have also began to align themselves with the Otherworlders. To both Gresgi and Marxian this must stop.


    "I can accuse the Duke of harboring a Rogue Mage. This will give us some time to place¡­ the ''Right People'' in the Duke''s Palace to make the¡­ Apprehension. The Duke will be ruined and for my work in exposing treachery within the Duchy, the Emperor will award my family the Dukedom of Souviel." Gresgi conspired.


    "I see. Is that''s where the Grey Order comes in?" Marxian asked.


    "Them and also my Guards, your fellow Elves from the Embassy and a few others in between too." Gresgi added.


    Marxian nodded. The plan was clear to him now. It was this or the lost of an important region in the Empire.


    "Understood? Good, we will need to make the arrangements. Follow me to the Grey Order Office. My guards will protect you. I know the Manager well." Gresgi said.


    A Cadre of guards engulfed Marxian as the Scheming Gresgi marched forth with them following behind him for their plot to enact.


    Yet despite all of Gresgi''s attempts of subtlety. There was one person who overheard the Chief Tax Collector''s conspiracy. He emerged from his darkened corner behind some wooden boxes as they stood their mouths agape in terror and pants still loosened downwards and his bottoms still exposed


    It was Father Bishop. He had retreated behind that alleyway for a moment of relief after eating glutinously Sandulf''s signature Braised Prawns in a sweet Segor Root and Chullembi stew with a side of Grapes. He wanted a moment to relax as he excreted the food away. As if by the hands of the Almighty himself, the Catholic Priest chose that certain alleyway where he overheard the conspiracy against the UFE and him take place.


    "Jesus, Mary and Joseph! These monsters will not stop us! They will not stop Sacra Terra!"

 33 Chapter 33: the Counter-Coup Part 1

    A sharp ringing sensation from her ears and the piercing luminescence of a light bulb above her person greeted Lieutenant Samantha rose as she awoke from unconsciousness. Her head swirled as she rose from the blanket-less white cot in her monotone gray room which was minimalistic as it got with only a toilet and a sink with a mirror to accompany the lone bed. It is a holding cell. She got herself inside a military brig!  When she managed to gather her bearings, she remembers what happened beforehand. She was attacked by Elven Mages and in her attempt at a drunken defense, she somehow blasted out what she can only fathom as magical energy. The same likes of which her squadmates, the Specialists Iris the Vampire Witch and Aliathra the Ex-Princess could accomplish. Was it the result of her hand? Especially that mark? Or did she downed too many rounds of that succulent Souvieli Red Wine last night and now in her drunken stupor got herself in trouble or for her own safety in the brig?


    All of Samantha''s were answered when her ears caught the Cell''s door chirring outward.


    "Lieutenant Rose?" the voice of Major Holyfield emerged from the breath of the outside world.


    Alongside him was an attachment of two bodyguards, the snow-white and raven black contrasts of her squadmate Iris Cadohagan and lastly, none other than the rotund figure wrapped around a lab coat shape that is Dr. Mahelona. If the last two are any to go by


    "Maj---" Samantha tensed up to salute.


    "Don''t salute me!" Holyfield suddenly shouted. His voice reverberated a fearful confusion by his tone and posture. His arm was tense with his right hand inching closer for a quick draw of his .45 caliber. Also, his two cadres of bodyguards were just inches away from releasing their self-restraints of their trigger discipline.


    For Mahelona however, his eyes were of curious awe aimed towards Samantha''s branded hand. Observing the intricate rust-colored rune marks that she bestowed on her skin. Miss Cadohagan shared the sentiments of Holyfield''s abashment and Mahelona''s engrossment over Rose''s strange branding.


    "Doctor Mahelona would like to answer some questions for you. About that¡­ a thing in your arm." Holyfield informed.


    "I will sir but what brings you here t---" Samantha nodded but she was cut off again by the Major.


    "I am the one here asking the questions here. Not you. Right now, in this room, I am not your friend nor your superior until I know what the hell is going on. Answer the Doctor''s question." He ordered. "I have my eye on you." He added a cold and piercing warning to the Lieutenant.


    "Shall I begin?" Dr. Mahelona asked the Major.


    Holyfield approved with a quiet nod.


    "We were having a feast, I was enjoying myself and then suddenly a bunch of Elven Assassins who shoot magic showed and tried to shoot at us, specifically at Mister Bianchin." Samantha answered. "I dove in front of the magic missiles they threw at Bobby''s direction and somehow I managed to block them all."


    "How come you managed to get out unscathed? Those Magic Missiles as Iris informed me can punch through armor." Mahelona asked.


    "I don''t know. All I know is that I fell some sort of electricity surging in me after I landed. It felt like the Magic energies were attracted to me. When one of the Assassins came up to finish me off, I raised my hand and suddenly a bolt of lighting escaped me. It felt like the blood on my veins was roaring." Samantha explained.


    The Doctor turned his head to Iris who stood quietly on his left side. She nodded upon observing Samantha''s accounts for the events transpired last night, for she herself was a witness.


    "I see¡­ that mark of yours¡­ when did you get that mark?" Mahelona pointed at Samantha''s hand.


    "This? I¡­ about¡­ I think¡­ how long¡­ was I¡­ out?" Samantha returned fire with a question. She needed to clarify something first before giving an exact timeline.


    "It all happened last night. It is around 9 am now." Mahelona told her.


    "That means¡­ about¡­eh¡­ four or five days if I remember." Samantha said.


    "Around the same time¡­" Mahelona muttered carelessly.


    "Around the same time? As for what?" Samantha asked.


    "Doctor¡­ show her." Holyfield said.


    Mahelona took off his lab coat to reveal his full buttoned-up polo. He then proceeded much to the shakiness of Samantha''s predicaments, to unbutton his polo. Halfway through, he pulled the two sides of his top open.


    To Samantha''s shock, he too had a runic like brand, this time on the Scientist''s breastbone. Although different in strokes, the similarity of the writing was the same in terms of styling. It was as if her hand''s brand and Mahelona''s brand on his chest were from the same language.


    "I got this around the same time as you said you got yours." Mahelona said.


    "Me and Aliathra know of this language it was an old style of writing in Vaikuri called ''G¨²lweg Sgript'' or the old Magic Language." Iris said.


    "Explain." Samantha requested.


    "Centuries ago, Vaikuri was a different language than it was today. It was borrowed from the Elven Languages and formed around the existing Human languages at the time from around the Slaegian Tribal period. Not many people still use G¨²lweg Sgript today except two entities, College Scholars when reading and translating old texts of Magic dating back long ago. And the last one who I am afraid to say but¡­ is the likeliest person to brand you¡­ the Sacred Crystal Heart." Iris said.


    "The Sacred Crystal Heart? What is that?" Samantha asked.


    "It is a giant crystal that is said to house some sort of powerful magical entity inside it. It occasionally talks to the Clergymen in the Great Cathedral in Haringpoint. Legend says that during a time of great crisis, the Crystal Heart would bestow powers to one or more individuals when a great crisis comes that threatens Gliesia. The last time it was used was around the time of King Caldell Slaegiac''s period." Iris said.


    "By my closest translations of the Brands you and Ser Mahelona have. You have the brand saying ''Rhannu-Prietar'' meaning the Shareholder judging your ability to¡­ absorb and give off Magicks. For the Scientist, fitting his name, he has the brand of ''Estysgol'', meaning the Scholar."


    "Let me guess, he too was chosen by this Crystal Heart?" Samantha inquired.


    Iris nodded.


    "So, what is my power then? If I am branded by this¡­'' Crystal Heart''?" Samantha questioned.


    "According to my initial readings on you when I was dragged in here¡­ and if you ask¡­ you are still in Souviel Lieutenant. My readings say that there is a significant trace of Mana energies within you. Probably leftover by what happened yesterday." Mahelona said.


    "Mana¡­Power¡­So¡­ deli¡­shsh¡­" Iris began to quiver, her knee''s shaking weak and her mouth salivating. Her eyes pierced her like the finest gourmet meal set upon her.


    "Ramirez, escort Iris out of here. And pass her a packet of Januaris." Holyfield his escort on his right.


    Januaris is Artificial Blood made from stem cells and infused with fresh oxygen meant to be a universal substitute for real human blood but controversially it was regulated amongst the UFE States for various economic, moral and safety concerns. It was made by Aparo Corporation and is commercially available albeit with some regulations about a few years ago. Iris has been given a weekly ration of the artificial blood courtesy of the Pharmaceutical hand of Aparo Corporations many trades.


    The two walked out leaving Samantha with Holyfield, the other bodyguard of his and Dr. Mahelona left.


    "Let me continue, but please forgive Iris, she was feeling like that when we brought her here." Mahelona apologized. "Anyways, you, as I hypothesize, that you can absorb mana energies upon close contact. Then store them within yourself like a battery. I checked your internals and you are storing quite a bit of power inside you¡­ but¡­" Mahelona stuttered as he talked about storage.


    "But what?" Samantha asked.


    "Storage room ALWAYS have a limit." Holyfield said.


    "I theorized that if you reach a certain limit and extend beyond it. You will somehow, reach a sort of ''Super Critical'' like a Reactor¡­ a NUCLEAR Reactor¡­" Mahelona hesitatingly informed.


    "Are you saying I can explode if I take too much mana?" Samantha leaped.


    "Yes. Which is why I am not hesitating right now to end you right here and quietly." Holyfield said.


    "Why? I am a good soldier. I was always a good soldier. I always diligently follow the UFE State and I don''t plan on deviating from our principles ever." Samantha objected.


    "And I cannot risk the lives of my men or Colonel Polonsky''s too. I see no other options but to dispose of you one way or the other. Now you can either leave Gliesia quietly on the next cargo ship¡­" Holyfield stated his intentions.


    He then pulled out his pistol from its holster and pointed at Samantha''s head at point-blank range.


    "Or you leave in a body bag." Holyfield said.


    Tension rose for an agonizing moment as Samantha sweated bullets down her freckled cheeks. She just got here in Gliesia and was starting to not only feel comfortable working on this tour of duty but also getting to know everyone and everything about this Fantasy World for herself. Her photography collection that she does for the State was also starting to pile up nicely too and she didn''t want to have all of it end right here and now. Rose felt helpless at that moment yet she also understood where the Major was coming from. She has powers she has no idea how to control and if it goes wrong then she could explode like a Nuclear Bomb with devastating results.


    "What? But the little voice in my head is saying that it objects to it!" Mahelona raised his hand.


    "You¡­ or ''It''¡­ Objects to me?!? Tell me, then what other nonsense did that ''Voice'' in you say?" Holyfield turned to the Scientist.


    "She can control it. She''s like a mage like every other else. Just¡­ with some limits." Mahelona said.


    "Oh? Eating up mana until she explodes like a Nuke? How can you address that Doctor?" Holyfield said.


    "I¡­ well you remember Actocolite and Ghyranite report?" Mahelona asked.


    "Yes, one is made to absorb and automatically obtain to store Unbinilium''s radioactive energies, the latter is used as a sort of insulator to keep Unbinilium energies from jumping too much around¡­ wait¡­ continue¡­ Doctor." The Major''s tension lowered as the gears on his head spun to process the good doctor''s studies.


    "Well¡­ I can weave with maybe some help from Aparo Corp a sort of special suit for the Lieutenant. A Containment suit made of Actocolite so she can be of use with her new skills as a sort of mage by absorbing then releasing the Mana Energies in controlled and concentrated blasts. Then Ghyranite like the ones from King Martainn''s tomb to help keep the Mana Energies to a minimum and acceptable level. A few cybernetic implants here and there and she could be very useful¡­ I mean¡­ she is a Chosen one after all just like me." Mahelona said.


    The Major was stunned at that moment. He lowered his pistol and fastened it back to his holster and ordered his other escort to stand down too.


    "So, you need Ghyranite and Actocolite am I correct?" He asked.


    "Just Actocolite, then some help from Aparo like engineers who had made Hazmat Suits and Body Armor plus some machinery there and there. I mean I think King Martainn has not much more use for the Ghyranite in his tomb anymore since he likes to go around Tyr Rian a lot and he enjoys our protection. I am sure he can understand." Mahelona said.


    "That sounds, actually feasible Doctor." The Major Composed himself back to his idle yet no-nonsense stoic demeanor.


    "You can hear a voice? Doctor?" Samantha asked.


    "Yeah, it keeps telling me whether I dream or whenever I am near Unbinillium. Sort of like some sort of guide. It Tells me what I need to know whatever I can get my hands on from the recon teams. Best I talk about it sometime later when you visit me at my lab again if you got the time yeah? Oh, by the way, thank you for that shipment of Mana Crystals¡­ although I was about to have some fun with them when Major Holyfield drags me out of my lab to you. I just wanna get this over with and head back to my lab. The team won''t start without me." the Scientist replied.


    "What about my team?" Samantha asked.


    "Last I checked, they were at Calelh point on some additional scouting. The land there is pretty good for a base for all of us to use if the Duke allows it." Holyfield said. "I will go talk with Agent De Sardet now about what I managed to gather. He is a bit annoyed that he isn''t here do the talking but trust me, you would rather have me interviewing you than him."


    Samantha gulped. Intelligence officers were some of the most clandestine and ''unconventional'' people under the employ of the UFE State. They had a reputation of having an unfettered approach to their jobs against any threats to the ''State''s Interplanetary Unity''.


    The Major then turned his head to Dr. Mahelona.


    ''Containment Suit'' idea of yours. How long would it take for you to give that to the Lieutenant?" he asked.


    "Three months I think." Mahelona answered.


    "You have ONE." He sternly informed.


    -------------------


    A Hot Vegetable soup complimentary from Sandulf paired well the Spaghetti Bolognese Rations that Stryder is scheduled to use today.


    Among all the MRE''s that the UFEAF have, the popular favorite among all service members is the Spaghetti Bolognese Ration. It was the closest it could get to ''real food'' as a survey would say. That''s why there were stockpiles of Tomato Sauce cans being piled up due to the hearty taste and nutrition it gave to each UFEAF serviceman. Kayin and Iris weren''t there to enjoy the Ration as the two were called in by Mr. Bianchin for an ''Important Meeting'' about yesterday''s events.


    For now, Sergeant Crocker is effectively in charge. Yet all of them were anxious about the fate of their original CO, Lieutenant Rose, most especially Corporal Clay.


    "I hope I didn''t hit her too hard, ''cuz I don''t know what the hell just happened." Clay stood up and waved his arms in lamentation.


    "We ALL are Clay. Shit, I wonder what would ''dem Suits would say when they find out." Obediah mentioned before he took a spoonful of soup on his mouth.


    "It''s called ''High Command'' again Root." Crocker corrected. "Also, it''s likely they brought in some coats from the Science Team along too if we are going by what we saw last night."


    The Sergeant cupped his hand on his face, in vain trying to make sense of everything that had happened. He saw his Commanding Officer, his superior and a sort of a daughter to him shoot what he can only describe as Magic from her hands. How was it all possible? What did Iris say about that Mark on her hand? He had never seen anything like that before and lastly Why Samantha? Why her among everyone else? How come she could exhibit such an ability for Arcane Arts yet everyone else couldn''t?


    He sulked down before he remembered the newcomer in their group who sat quietly across him beside Diaz.


    "Aliathra? I need an explanation I needed it yesterday." Crocker ordered.


    The Elf turned pale as Crocker''s imposing frame shadowed over her lithe elven body. She was paralyzed and cowardly to say a word in front of him.


    "Sarge, I think you''re scaring her." Obediah commented.


    "I''ll cut to the bloody chase. How can Samantha shoot Magic like you and Iris?" Crocker asked the Elf.


    "I don''t know." The Elf answered. "From what I see is that the mark on Samantha''s hand is from the Sacred Crystal Heart, it bestows her the ability to cast magic to what extent I don''t know," Aliathra explained.


    "Why her? Why is she chosen?" Crocker asked.


    Aliathra answered. "I am not sure about that; the Crystal Heart is invoked to choose heroes to save the day during a crisis that can threaten the world. The Slaegians normally would invoke the heart to choose heroes against you people but somehow for an unknown reason, it chose Ladui Rose."


    "That doesn''t make sense at all why the heart chose to give great power to the enemy to defeat the enemy?" Clay gave his inquiry.


    "Is that Crystal Heart thinks using Samantha to get close to us and kill us all?" Crocker asked.


    "I don''t know. All I know is that normally you are born a Mage not made into one. Us Mages can easily detect another Mage by their innate Mana Reserves within them. If Samantha was born one, I would have seen it myself too." Aliathra answered.


    "So, are you saying that perhaps Samantha never had any Mana shoved into her until now?" Crocker pressed.


    The Elf nodded in affirmation.


    Crocker turned away, again cupping his hand on his face.


    "There isn''t¡­ how¡­ why?" Crocker stuttered. "Stuff¡­ Stuff like this¡­ It is NOT normal!" Crocker said.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "Sarge this whole world is not normal!" Obediah argued.


    "I fucking read those old books okay? But it''s the Lieutenant, not Gliesia, not Tyr Rian, not Iris nor it is not Aliathra!" Crocker said.


    "But Magic is a celebrated craft. Given by the Gods to aid us in our lives. Ladui Rose should be happy that she has the Gift." The Elf argued.


    "Well not to us it ain''t! Gifts are meant to be something that the person getting it would like to have. Samantha¡­ the Lieutenant never asked for this¡­ this¡­ mark or whatever Iris called it. She sure as shit ain''t asking for it by the look of her face." Crocker argued.


    "It takes time to understand the extent of your Dui, Ser Crocker. She will need time to learn. For sure Iris must be divulging her knowledge of Magics to your superiors as we speak." Aliathra reassures the Sergeant.


    "It''s not her that you should be afraid of Miss Lareththor. Its High Command and the Scientists you must fear." Crocker dreadfully warned.


    "What would they do to her?" Aliathra asked.


    The scene turned from an ignited debate to an awkward silence for the UFE Personnel in that room. They knew what the High Command and their parvenue Government-funded Science Divisions were capable of, although some of the news they heard could be just slanderous rumors meant to discredit them for ''Unethical Practices''.


    "Elfy¡­ girly¡­ Uhm¡­ I just want to say that¡­ remember the time about your heart? The Metal one you got?" Diaz asserted with as much bravery as he could muster.


    "Indeed¡­ the Heart you gave me to save my life? I am still not so sure about having it within me." Aliathra nodded.


    "Well Imagine that but¡­ the Doctors¡­ I mean healers, don''t have your best interests at heart." Diaz said.


    "I do not understand." The Elf trembled.


    "Crocker, don''t ask or don''t tell the Colonel or the Major how I know this but¡­ Samantha is¡­ whether she likes it or not¡­ is now Government Property." Diaz said.


    "Property? As in your Superiors own her? Like a slave?" Aliathra''s eyes jumped in horror on her realization of Diaz''s words.


    "If I recall from the Hack, any anomalous anything is to be sent and studied by the Scientific and Experimental Agency for Advanced Research and Development. Or I like to call it¡­ Sea-Ard. It doesn''t matter what it is. If we cannot understand it, they will take it and study it." Diaz said.


    "It''s true," Clay admitted. "What the Corpo said is true. Samantha is whether we like it or not a Magic-User just like you and Iris."


    "Yeah, to be honest with y''all. I am pretty scared of you sometimes." Obediah commented.


    "Why should you be? Magic is a Gift! Samantha should learn to wield her awesome powers. I wonder what kind of affinity she would have? Maybe like me or Iris¡­" Aliathra began to get ahead of herself.


    "Again, that is not the point Miss Lareththor. She is¡­ or was not wielding magic before and now she can! Why her and not us? Virtually all of us are Non-Magic users¡­ or whatever you call them." Crocker argued back.


    "What are they called? People who can''t do magic?" Clay asked.


    "Muil-Bor which means ''Empty Handed'' for they don''t have any Mana from their hands." Aliathra answered.


    "But see this¡­ at least in my eyes Miss Lareththor. Magic is a thing we don''t understand and we see as something Dangerous. Don''t you get it?" Crocker said his piece.


    "So is your ''Science'' and Metal Technology. You make the world bend to your will and mess with the natural order of things. I mean, you gave me this heart and these legs when you could have easily left me to die. But you didn''t¡­" Aliathra pleaded, her eyes began to shed drops of reddened tears as she beat her breasts at first and then to her prosthetic legs too.


    This time, Crocker and alongside him the rest of the UFE Personnel were left in shock. A different sort of shock too.


    The Elf, the Primitive in the group was correct. The UFE sees magic as dangerous, while the Natives see their technology just as disruptive too.


    Nobody knew how to respond to the Elven Princess'' argument.


    .....


    Then a panicked knocking noise followed up from the Lonesome Hearth''s front door. The knob twisted and outcomes a distressingly sweaty and exhaustive Father Rudy Bishop. He hunched down as he gasped for breath. His eyes were wildly jumping side to side when Bishop scanned the room and to his relief, he spotted the familiar faces of Stryder Group.


    "Padre? What are you doing here?" Diaz asked.


    "There''s¡­ something happening¡­ I¡­ I¡­" Bishop panted.


    "Breathe. Take a deep breath. Inhale and out." Crocker walked up to the Bishop to guide the old man to a chair.


    Yet the Clergyman refused to rest, resisting with all of his exhausted energy to not rest. His panting sounds turned from gasps to barely coherent words.


    "Did something happen to you?" Crocker asked.


    "Bad Guys!" the Priest ejected from his mouth with all of his breath.


    "What?" Crocker questioned.


    A shadow then appeared from the exposed entrance of the room. He walked up to the entrance and to the alarm of everyone''s ears, they heard a scabbard unsheathing.


    "You lead us right to them." A tall man with long hair and a scrabble of facial hair haughtily declared. Out came from his right hand a shinning saber encrusted with a gold handle.


    He was followed by several other men and women, their hands revealing the sight of weapons. Bows, Swords, Staffs, Axes and even a double-pointed Spear pointed at Stryder Group and the debilitated Salesian with violent intent.


    "Hey! Weapons are not allowed iii---" Sandulf angrily walked up to the armed men to reprimand them but he was swiftly cut down by the first man who drew his Sabre and without hesitation cut him down.


    "No!" Crocker cried out.


    "Take them out before they could fight back!" he declared to his companions.


    "Ambush!" Clay shouted as he dove towards his Carbine Rifle sitting idly by on the Bar Counter.


    "Draw!" Diaz smirked as his augmented reflexes drew Ruiner from his pocket and he began to open fire at their assailants.


    Obediah kicked the table he sat on to create the cover as he to drew ''April'' the Revolver from his sheathe and opened fire. Aliathra crawled towards the long-bearded man and hid them. She was defenseless at the moment without her Bow and Arrow which was lying away from her a few meters across another table. Crocker meanwhile held his ground behind a support pillar of the Inn drawing his pistol whilst dragging the bleeding Sandulf away from danger, keeping his hand tightly covering the cut wound he was inflicted on.


    A fight occurred in the close quarter dining hall of the Candle Hearth Hostel. Some of the ambushers had not expected their quarry to draw their weapons so quickly and with such a range that they didn''t have the time to realize how outclassed they were when the bullets pierced their bodies. Killing them on the spot.


    The rest of them, about at least eight of them, jumped to whatever minuscule cover they could hide from. But even then, wooden furniture wasn''t strong enough to protect them from bullets made over centuries of refinement and engineering. Some were shot, not understanding how such invisible arrows could cut through their cover while those with the instincts to move swiftly continued to stand their ground.


    "Who the hell are these guys?" Clay asked as he opened fire with his carbine laying down suppressing automatic fire.


    "I don''t know? Take them down!" Crocker ordered as he took control of the situation.


    "Flanking!" Diaz shouted as he spotted several of their assailants huddled up into one large banquet table flipped down against them.


    He emerged quickly and with his superior speed, he slid down to the ground barely dodging Arrow and Magic fire before gunning down 3 more adventurers'' from behind that table before hugging down behind another one.


    "No good! Retreat!" one of the Ambushers cried.


    Several of them began to kick up their heels and began to flee, making a beeline for the front door from which they came.


    "I need one of them alive!" Crocker yelled.


    Aliathra, hearing this knew what she needed to do. Whether its out of her newfound friendship with Samantha or her own self-preservation instincts to follow Crocker and continue to enjoy the UFE''s protection, the Elf''s hands begin to conjure Magic once again. It was the first time in a long while since she could use her powers again.


    With a flick of her fingers, her hand cast a mix of Alteration and Restoration magics called ''Paralysis'' she aimed at one of the fleeing ambushers.


    The young man felt his body numb as if the muscles within him stopped working as he fell limply at the ground.


    Taking the rest of the opportunity so that their location won''t be compromised, Obediah and Clay gunned down the last of their assailants with their weapons.


    "Clear! Everything is Clear!" Clay said.


    Crocker sighed in relief.


    "Master!" Okt-to despaired as his little goblin legs ran towards his bleeding master.


    "I¡­ I don''t¡­ have time¡­ to live¡­ please¡­ the¡­ letter¡­ Will¡­" Sandulf rattled. His warmth chilled and his body stiffened with rigor mortis. The little Goblin only cried mournful tears as he saw his master and his only companion fade in his eyes.


    Even with Aliathra''s intervention, she couldn''t save her as she tried frantically reanimate him. But there was little life to work with for a proper restoration despite her exceptional abilities. All she could do was wipe off the blood from Sandulf''s wound and closed his eyes.


    Normally, restoration spells are less effective the more Aged a person gets although this phenomenon as she studied back at her college is only prevalent amongst Orcs, Humans, Beastfolks and some cases Dwarves. The ever-youthful Elves couldn''t find an understanding of why such an occurrence happen to the more ''fading'' races compared to themselves.


    "May Tivna guide you safely and may Neneth welcome you to her garden," Aliathra whispered to Sandulf''s dead ear. The Prayer of Mournful Comfort when one comes to pass off of this mortal coil.


    The Goblin tugged the Elf''s lithe body like a child being borne down a great tragedy in Infront of him. Okt-to shielded his eyes from the disheartening sight. He hugged for comfort like when the departed one''s relatives seek to hug those closest to them for comfort.


    Under her own knowledge, Goblins were repulsive creatures like their barbaric kin the Orcs. But to see a Goblin mourn for a human contradicts all that she was taught by the school. Turn around to the Goblin, Aliathra returned his embrace. The Elf let the Goblin pour out his sorrow and share it with her.


    Even Bishop who stood idly by a few meters away shared a heartfelt tear fall down from his eyes and staining his glasses. He shared some part of guilt within him that this man, who loved the finer things in life and tried his best to share generously his passions to the world was cruelly snuffed away before his natural time could come.


    Meanwhile, Crocker looked towards the paralyzed ambusher with vengeful intent. He brutishly carried him over to the table with his two arms and caressed the man''s throat.


    "Who sent you!?!" Crocker roared with an opening question.


    The man responded with spit on Crocker''s face.


    The Exo Suit man responded with a quick punch from his right hand. He may be out of his currently awaiting repairs Exo Suit but he can still deliver a mean beatdown with his bare fists. Religious weight lifting and shadow boxing sessions do that to one''s muscles.


    "I ain''t gonna ask again," Crocker responded. "WHO SENT YOU!?!" he raised the man up so that his eyes could meet his.


    "The Grey Order¡­ we¡­ the Grey Order will wipe Souviel of your corruption, Jodent would see to it." The man said.


    "An Adventurer? Here?" Aliathra commented as she stood up with the less teary-eyed Okt-to holding her hand.


    "Princess¡­ you are as they say¡­ quite a stunning beauty in person." The Adventurer said.


    Diaz stood in between the man''s gaze and Aliathra''s. He was quite slighted for that move. This Elf was his mark and even then, outside of the need for feminine stimulation, Diaz felt he had an obligation to guide Aliathra through her present state of Prosthetics taking over several parts of her body.


    "Too bad¡­ it''s too late for you¡­ the Elven Embassy paid handsomely for your safe return if you could be rescued¡­" the adventurer said.


    "Jodent? Gresgi Jodent? The Tax Collector? And the Entente Elves? What do they have to do with all of this?" Crocker slammed the table to intimidate the captive further.


    "He ordered us, adventurers, to apprehend the Duke so he could be removed from his position for someone as capable as Jodent to replace him to save Souviel from your corruption. The Duke was always a childish buffoon anyway so he should be removed one way or another."


    "So Jodent paid you handsomely for this too?" Crocker shook the adventurer violently.


    "More than that if we succeed in this quest, the Emperor will honor us with knighthood and the people will praise our glory in preventing the takeover of the demon horde in Souviel and we will bathe in riches filled with Elven S¨ªla and Slaegian Ducats." The captive laughed.


    Crocker began to pat down the Adventurer for anything of a grain of truth to his statements. Was this man trying to taunt them or is the Diplomatic team in danger?


    Penetrating his pockets, Crocker found a letter signed with the approving seal of Gresgi Jodent''s familial emblem alongside several coins of two different varieties judging by the minting used in its production. Judging by the way they were designed, the Sargeant saw the all familiar engravings relevant to a Slaegian Ducat of its varying sizes and amounts of precious metals. For the other variety of coins, compared to the Ducat, these Elven S¨ªla had a more refined engraving of uniformity and the aesthetic pleasing that Elves are obsessed in attaining.


    Seeing the Elven Coins made Aliathra''s blood spike around her. She couldn''t believe that her Noble Father would do such a dirty handed thing in launching a Coup De Tat. He had always thought that he was a kind and humble ruler who always chooses the least violent approaches to his problems.


    "Why are my people in this?" Aliathra walked up to the captive, her nerves struck by the words of this man.


    "My Lady, the Sefydliad wish just the same to rid of these Demons off the face of the world. Can''t you see it?" the adventurer teased.


    "You mentioned Elven S¨ªla ¡­ Gold from my father''s treasury¡­ who is financing you? The Sefydliad should have been decimated here?" the Elf asked.


    "Who else but Ambassador Thelanil and Agent Thelanil? But mostly the Ambassador. He is already calling in more of your Paladins to come here as we speak. Especially your brother¡­" the Adventurer taunted.


    "Don''t you dare bring his name into this!" Aliathra called him out.


    "Who is this Thelanil?" Crocker asked.


    "The Ethuilen Ambassador to Souviel. I know where the Embassy is." Aliathra said.


    Crocker nodded.


    "So¡­ what will you do now? We are everywhere! You are all surrounded. You cannot win." The Adventurer laughed.


    "This."


    Crocker pushed his weight down to the Adventurer crushing his throat, killing him.


    "Damn Crocodile! Shit! Remind me never to piss you off." Diaz cringed.


    "He is our only lead to this¡­ what exactly is fucking happening right now?" Clay wondered.


    "Ah don''t worry, my camera is on¡­ its always on¡­ they will see everything." Crocker reassured.


    He then placed his hand on his chin to think now that he began to process what he just learned now.


    "Adventurers backed by Gresgi and the Elves¡­ How common are Adventurers from the Grey Order?" Crocker asked Aliathra.


    "Quite a lot, maybe about every five people is an Adventurer or had taken the job before," Aliathra answered. "But at this time during the Games? I say that maybe several thousands of them are here right now. I think five thousand of them are here for the festivities." Aliathra added.


    "Well, it had to be subtle judging by the way Gresgi is trying to seize power. He can''t just ask all of them to go after Duke Thibault¡­ to much room for error. Maybe give or take¡­ a thousand about as much?" Crocker reasoned.


    "Hey, I am a bit slow here¡­ but what are you thinking about? What is going on?" Obediah raised his hand.


    "Coup, Obediah¡­ the Duke is going to get Coup''d. Sudden Military Overthrow¡­ and I bet the Grey Order is the Muscle behind this." Crocker said.


    "If the Coup happens and I assume Jodent is gonna take over then¡­" Obed began to process through his thoughts.


    "We can kiss all that we did here goodbye. Shit." Diaz cursed.


    "We need to warn everyone now!" Bishop said.


    "Father¡­ I mean Mister Bishop¡­ How did you get here and how did you know where to find us?" Crocker asked.


    "Sandulf¡­ poor Sandulf here told me that you do¡­ Binocular things here and would be here for the day. You were the only Team I could find. I did manage to warn some of our Attendees in the Chwartiadd about this but some of them don''t believe me.


    "Well, they will now! Clay get me a line with Camp Ghillie Leaf! Code Black! Code Black!" Crocker shouted Orders.


    -------------------------------------


    After a hasty drive back to Camp Ghillie leaf and a briefing of the situation. The Camp was alive with activity as soldiers alongside their PMC colleagues scrambled to their stations.


    Stryder Group who were the bearers of such news were personally called into the presence of Major Holyfield in his private tent. He stood, arms wide on a holographic map showing the entire Duchy before him alongside his right-hand man in the Bureau of Intelligence, Agent De Sardet. On the line on a Satellite phone is Bobby Bianchin who is currently attending another of Duke Thibault''s many parties that he must attend by showcasing his appearance that day in his palace.


    Stryder was also reunited with Iris and Kayin too whom they both shared what happened to Samantha''s interrogation. For now, much to the squad''s relief, she is safe for now.


    "A Coup is imminent and it''s all those damn Elves and the Empires fault. I should have blasted that Palace when I had the chance." Holyfield muttered.


    "They will learn in time Major. But we must act now in the present. We need to protect our people from these Savages and then deal with these Plotters." De Sardet said.


    "How? What''s the Plan?" Bianchin said.


    "Well the Elves main actor is the Ambassador to Souviel, a guy named¡­ eh¡­ The-Lah-Neel? Is that how you say it? Anyways Aliathra knows where the Embassy is. Not too far away from the Docks actually." Crocker said.


    "Okay, but we will need to get close with some subtlety. Armed Soldiers rushing towards the Embassy would probably tip off our guy there." De Sardet said.


    "I can dispatch a group of Mercs to dispose of the Embassy and apprehend the Ambassador. That should cut off any Elven Support they have¡­ or at the very least we should be able to unravel more of this plot. Diaz, accompany the Elf Girl with ya." Bianchin said.


    "We will have to also dispose of that Jodent guy too. Where would he be at this hour? Is he in the Palace with you Mister Bianchin?" Crocker asked.


    "No, Duke told me that he has his own thing at his mansion¡­ eh¡­ just get ready to move out. I will ask him if he can let me know about where he lives." Bianchin said.


    "Speaking about the Palace Mister Bianchin, but will the Duke be there for the entire time?" Holyfield asks.


    "Yes, actually. He won''t come out for the rest of the games no more after that incident at the Tent." Bianchin confirmed.


    "We need to protect him at all costs. Otherwise, our whole Mission will fall apart." Holyfield said.


    "Thankfully you accompanied the rest of my PMC''s with you. They got all sorts of Guns. I just need to sneak them into the Palace and we should be good if they try to make a move." Bianchin gave his affirmative nod.


    "Very well, as you say your reinforcements plus a company of Marines will arrive at your location shortly. Be sure to make sure they get through." Holyfield said. "As for everyone else, Embassy and also Jodent''s Mansion. When I call your squad, names proceed accordingly to your assigned rally point then deploy immediately." Holyfield ordered.


    Agent De Sardet, promptly now that the briefing of this crisis has been done, cut off''s Bianchin''s connection now that it has been concluded.


    For the Aparo Corpo, who has been sipping wine and charming everyone in the Ducal Palace with his charismatic voice and sharp suit styled with a stylish purple silk scarf, it made him for the first time in Gliesia, feel spooked. Talking the ways of a Salesman was like breathing to Robert, always relying on the muscle of his Contractors in case something goes pear-shaped. However, the real threat of him getting skewered by dozens of swords made him weak in the knees as he wiped off the cold sweat off of his wrinkled forehead.


    "Oh dear, my new friend Ser Bee-yan-kin. Do you seem to be already tired? Is the party too much for you now? ~~~" Duke Thibault walked up to him.


    His mouth was drunk with wine and his belly bloated with glutinous indigestion. The rest of the decadent court was as equally enthralled by the festivities of food, drink, song, dance, and spectacle. A perfect opportunity for something horribly wrong to happen to all of them.


    Fighting back his dulled senses, Bianchin forced up a smile. It was time for a little bit of Subterfuge.


    "Milord, if I may, remind you about our little Deal? The Contracts and Materials you wish to pay and receive for our services?" Bobby asked.


    "Indeed, a plot of land for your people to do you¡­ ''Gold Magic'' with. I have to say if this indeed works through, Souviel could be making more money than Ethuilen and Harrinpoint together. I can''t wait to tell my Chief Tax Collector, Gresgi Jodent that we now can solve many of our Ducat problems now¡­" The Duke Optimistically slapped his hand on Bobby''s shoulder.


    "Yes, may I have a word with you? Also, your Captain of the Guard and any of your still sober officials to come with me in private? Something is wrong." Bianchin said.


    "Oh? What is it?" the Duke''s cheerful face soured into concern.


    "Something that could destroy this Deal before it could even be put into ink. Please take me somewhere private. I will explain everything there. It''s about your dearest cousin¡­ Clovich." Bianchin requested.


    The Duke, always eager to make more money and always loved his cousin''s in the Rian family agreed. Gathering what strength and mental cognizance left, he gathered several of his still mostly sober officials and his oblivious but ultimately abstained Ducal Guards from the Knights-Errant including the Captain himself to follow him to the Palace''s Study room which was off-limits to the guests.


    Placing everyone haphazardly at a chair by a large table in the middle of the Study.  Bianchin closed the door and ordered his personal retinue of Contractors and several Ducal Guards to keep watch and wait for more soldiers. There is still one more part of the plan that he needs to secure the Duke''s eternal favor. The Dice is cast as he could hear the echoes of a Super Osprey chopping its wings towards the Ducal Palace.


    Carrying within it, Aparo Mercenaries and UFEAF Soldiers armed to the teeth for a fight. But aside from their Machine Guns, Assault Rifles, and Cybernetic Upgrades, their greatest weapon, mightier than any of the UFE''s Arsenal was held by one suited Aparo Employee. He carried with him, a briefcase. It was the letter that Crocker took out from his Assailant that damns the Chief Tax Collector and the Ethuilen Embassy of Conspiracy, a Conspiracy to commit Treason.


    ---------------------------------------


    "Mayari may embrace you in her Twilight." Ambassador Thelanil prayed to the Goddess of the Moon for the Sefydliad Agent Marxian.


    The patron Deity of the Sefydliad, Mayari is known to be a reserved and secretive who when she speaks she is always known to say the right words is an entity favored by those whose jobs require diplomacy or subtlety such as the nature of the Sefydliad when it comes to Espionage and Diplomacy for it was their duty. To the Humans, they would call her Noomea.


    Thelanil busied himself by fixing the collar of his stimulating mint cloak with golden designs of vine leaves branching out around his body while he anxiously cycled through all of the day''s events. Yet one concern stood out from all the party planning and conversation with the local Firen Nobles of Souviel.


    His collusion with Gresgi Jodent orchestrated with the help of Marxian.


    He had a productive albeit distressing discussion of what happened to the rest of the Sefydliad who were deployed to Souviel. They were originally supposed to be dispatched to reach Tyr Rian but the circumstances of the Otherworlders coming to Souviel first before they barely got off the boat forced them to change plans. They needed to discredit these You-Eff-Eeaa from seducing the frivolous Duke Thibault or else the Demons would take away a strategically important Harbor for both the UFE and the Entente.


    The first attempt was to exploit local superstitions with the form of a few Weather Manipulations in the form of a storm and the cause of accidents by disabling the lighthouse in Old Souviel Harbor. The plan went well for only one day until they were somehow discovered by the Otherworlders. From the survivor''s accounts, it was a massacre with few survivors, especially some of Ethuilens best mages who specialized in Hydro-Manipulation were killed.


    The second attempt to discredit the Otherworlders was in the Chwartiadd themselves. With some bribery and a few subtle nods, the Ambassador and the surviving Sefydliad. Try to stretch the rules and in one attempt to expose the Demons in front of all of the festival-goers. However, it failed in the worst possible way it could fail. The Elves were seen as the malevolent forces and the Otherworlders as the Heroes of the Games.


    The third time was more a desperate measure than anything else. The surviving Elven Spies decided to disguise themselves as Servants being staffed by the Duke for his feast at his personal tent but it was foiled. However, it did expose one of the Demons to be able to use Magic in an effort to protect themselves and their quarry the Duke. Yet it was strategically and tactically a failure for the Demons were unscathed, the Duke condemning his assailants and Marxian being the last survivor of the dispatched Sefydliad from the homeland.


    They had one card left to play. It was the most conspicuous but the most straightforward. They will attempt a Coup. Jodent will provide insider access to the Palace with the help of some guards and servants plus a significant amount of funding to be used to pay off several Grey Order Adventurers he can muster under the promise of riches and titles. The Embassy''s role in this is the other half of the financing of their muscle, the Adventurer''s to act for one part. The Elves'' other role is what will happen after the Coup. With their influence in the Imperial Slaegian Court, they can legitimize Gresgi Jodent''s role as the new Duke of Souviel after forging up some documents detailing the Duke''s corruption and the dealings with the Otherworlders.


    Subtlety will have to be used for now until the Empire and the Entente can muster enough strength to properly march to Tyr Rian and expel the Demon Menace. But for now, they need to go into damage control. Deny the enemy to gather its strength while giving time for them to do it themselves. He had heard rumors of a ''Chosen One'' being selected back in Haringpoint weeks prior and according to what he got from Imperial Messengers; the Emperor is planning to invest heavily in this one-man that the Sacred Crystal Heart chose to. Right now, they are still planning out what exactly will this ''Chosen One'' will do next after everything has been prepared.


    Jodent''s seize of power should be enough political clout to have him forcefully expel the Otherworlders quietly from Souviel without causing too much panic during the Festivities. There were several Nobles who will support him but can''t do it openly less they be stripped of their titles provided the Duke. The Adventurer''s and Jodent''s men will storm the palace and arrest Duke Thibault and this one ''Ser Bee-yan-kin'' under the cover of the Festivities at around Midnight and stop the Otherworlder''s provocative push deep into the Empires homeland. If the promise of monetary reward wasn''t enough, the attainment of titles such as the coveted Knighthood which means to your average Grey Order Adventurer as a permanent source of honor and livelihood with benefits ranging from exclusive contracts not available to commoners and even some Noblemen, several ''off the list'' privileges that shops across the Empire can provide for Knights, to a steady income for themselves and their families for the rest of their time. All for the price of an attempt to commit Treason. Yet some of the volunteers who quietly nodded to the compensation that is proportional to the risks involved that the slaying of evil-aligned creatures was just as a bountiful bonus as being set for life.


    Marxian was sent off to observe the send off of the paid off adventurer''s that Gresgi promised will ''number by the hundreds'' for this endeavor before personally meeting up with Jodent at his Villa so he can be sent off to Haringpoint and report to Lyndis, the Sefydliad Spymaster assigned by the one true King of the Elves to merge with the rest of them there.


    The door magically locked itself with an enchantment meant to keep out non-Elves or virtually anyone unwelcome out of the Embassy. Tonight, was their night as all the Ethuilen Elves gathered around the Embassy to celebrate the Chwartiad. There was a slightly somber air from the disappointed participants that contrasted the smells of honeyed cheeses, Elven Wine (''provided'' courtesy of Zatrek and his Tavai) and some music.


    The Ambassador helped himself to the assortment of treats laid before him as he celebrated a with a toast to all of the attendees of his little party.


    Tonight shall be the night that they will celebrate that they will not make the same mistakes their Forefathers had made on allowing the Demons to fester in their own world unchecked.


    ----------------------------------


    "Let them through. They are with me." Bianchin told the Souvieli Sentry guarding the door.


    The Super Osprey landed quietly at the Duke''s Gardens at an unoccupied part of the Palace. Sentries stationed their recognized the soldiers as being the same cut of Bianchin''s retinue but were more numerous than they count and grew concerned when the Armed Men escorted a man dressed similarly to Bianchin but instead of a cherry face he had a look of impatient conviction at the guards.


    He and the men of the Super Osprey were stopped by the Knights who were alarmed of the Metal Beast that flew so quietly yet daringly to the Ducal Palace. They can feel the Osprey''s wing beating tremble to the rhythm of their ornate steel armor.


    It took Bobby to send out a representative of his own retinue to clear up their emergent arrival. Yet even then, they only barely were allowe through as the watchful eyes of the Palace Guards scanned them for any heinous moves.


    The Aparo Mercs and the UFEAF Marines practiced restraint as they knew that the guards are only doing their jobs and this crisis was an emergency. Yet emergencies require urgency which the Guards did not permit to allow. Thus, creating a tense situation of impatient UFE and Anxious palace guards staring down at each other. The only reason the alarm wasn''t raised is because of the innate trust Bianchin implanted at the Duke plus the slight familiarity of Bianchin''s chosen Private Military Contractors. Their hearts pounded restlessly as a contingent of Aparo Mercs escorted the Suite Man into the palace quietly careful not to alarm the Guests. Bianchin had the insight when people were less reluctant to talk to the Aparo Corpo when his guards were standing idly by his side with their tall frame, there intimidating rifles and alloy plated body armor in an amalgamated geometry the likes of which no Blacksmith had the expertise to replicate such an alien appearance.


    They passed by the fresco interiors and stylistic walls of the Tuscan like home of Thibault, seeing exotic goods from all over Gliesia collected into one building. It was like a museum. Every room a differing style, region or stimulation awaited. But like many museums it was a complicated labyrinth, every moment they stepped foot at a room that wasn''t where Duke and Bianchin is standing is a drop of sand falling shorter down their invisible timer. There was virtually no time to lose once the entourage made their way to the same Study room Bobby dragged the Duke and his bloc into.


    Knocking on the door and confirming their presence, Bianchin opened the door an let his subordinate into the secure building.


    "Finally! Get in, Get in." Bianchin ushered.


    "You need to tell me right now how is this all happening? Why in the Heaven''s and Gods'' name are there suddenly more men coming here than your promised retinue of Ten. You promised you will only need 10 Bodyguards. That is obviously over there more than Ten in that¡­ He¡ªlee¡ªCop---ter of yours?" the Guard Captain walked towards Bianchin for an explanation.


    "You won''t believe me if I say it¡­ Letter!" Bianchin ordered the Aparo Employee with the briefcase to open it.


    With a flick of a switch and a quick gesture, Bianchin handed the Guard Captain the incriminating letter.


    The Captain grabbed the letter and began to examine it. His head moving down to each letter of every little juicy tidbit of conspiracy the letter contained. The writing was eloquent as a Nobleman should, but his words, masked with the honeyed handwriting was poison to his eyes. His heart sank as he darted towards Bianchin as anxious sweat fell down on him from his heart''s dwindling disbelief.


    The letter stated that Gresgi Jodent''s appointment by the Duke himself decades before thanks to the manipulations of the Emperor with approval of the Emperor to keep Souviel in state of economic stagnation. All of the parties and festivals would cause an inflation effect on price tags in Souviel which would be a reason to pass several burdensome taxes and tariffs which Jodent is in charge of setting. The Bread and Circuses of Souviel, famous across the land for ''a Celebration once every moon'' was used both as a clever distraction from the economic cutthroats of This results on Souviel economically stagnant and decadent as local commoners struggle to make by at best or fall short like Sandulf at worst, tainting a great irony of Souviel''s reputation being ''the Pearl of the Draguitoise Coast''. Souviel was meant to be a cash cow for the Empire to suck its teat with and it was no wonder that Pirates and Smugglers such as Zatrek''s Tavai and all sorts of brigands seem to keep the Knights-Errants so busy from the REAL danger into their cities. But with the arrival of the United Federation, the Conspiracy to turn Souviel into an overpriced piece of land that quagmires whoever holds the deed off was forced to expose itself to defend their interests. It was high time for Jodent to take direct control of the whole Duchy and become the Duke of Souviel by Force. The Sefydliad''s role on this was the sabotage of the Old Souvieli Lighthouse stationed at the harbor which the Captain oversaw the investigation of once the stormed formed by the other Elves were cleared off. The overall plan was to create a diversion for the Adventurer''s to storm into the Castle and arrest or kill Duke Thibault whilst his congregation eyes were turned away. They will then use Ethuilen Support to help legitimize Jodent''s claim to the throne on the grounds of mental instability on Thibault. To finally seal the deal, the newly appointed Duke Gresgi would make amends to permanently usurp the growing centralized law-enforcement group, the Knights-Errant for the bureaucratic and mercenary-like Grey Order. Essentially, they are going to replace what is essentially a pre-cursor to a formalized Police Force to the acquisitive Adventurer''s Guild.


    But most damning of all was a Grey Order wax seal written right at the bottom right of the note. It detailed a promissory compensation for participation with promotions of rank or the covetous Knighthood which the Duke will promise to give once he has been set up in power.


    "A Coup! By Jodent? That''s preposterous!" the Guard Captain couldn''t believe what his eyes read.


    "Think about it. You told me that this Jodent person has all of Souviel at the palm of his hands with the control of money. The way I did the Deal was going to shatter his monopoly on all businesses here when I move in with my own Banking system. I wanted to work with him, come up with something that would benefit us both but he shows his true colors." Bianchin reasoned.


    Funny enough, the Corpo knew he was lying off the ''benefiting us both'' part with that Jodent fellow. He never had any plans to let Jodent''s business dealings see the light of day once he moved in. The illusion of Prosperity in Souviel was just that, an illusion made by him when he strangles so many businesses with debt. Like any megacorporation, there was only two things that remain sure, Death and Taxes.  If someone was going to eat up all the wonderful assets in Souviel it would be Aparo Corp, debt is just a liability that needs to be quashed for it stifles potential, and stunted growth is synonymous with the luxury of time that Aparo Corporation has little off. Their lobbying within their contacts in the Government and head start in Gliesia won''t last forever.


    Bianchin did have to admit, though he never played too close attention to it that the prices in Souviel were significantly more spiked than Tyr Rian but he shot it off at first as just supply and demand. But now that he thought of it. The extortionist taxes on so many merchants looking to use one of the most strategically important Ports in Ysanigrad, the contrasting Economic Disparity between Old Souviel filled with commoners and barely middle class to New Souviel where all the affluent live is a recipe for a house of cards to collapse. It reminded him of the curious case of the fall of similar prosperous semi-independent port cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Monaco.


    He got to admit, just studying Jodent''s avaricious control of Souviel''s economy reminded him of home back at Kesserheim. Unlike Aparo Corporation''s rivals, he had the disadvantage of Low Technology and the inexperience of classical survival-of-the-fittest competition. Bobby had dealt or participated in several corporate take downs and hostile take overs and no just what to do to ruin him. He almost felt bad for him.


    But then again, now Aparo Corporation know''s what kind of territory they are moving into. With a few ''Briefcase-Diplomacy'' with the Common State Party and the Terran Central Bank, Bianchin should be confident in getting Souviel out of the ''California-Housing Trap'' before its jaws could bite everyone in it.


    "I knew the Tax Collector was ambitious in seeing Souviel becoming the richest Duchy in all of the Empire but I never knew he would resort to treason to the man who gave him the duty of collecting the taxes of all of the trade that comes and goes." The Captain said.


    "It''s not just treason! But Economic¡­ I mean¡­ Attempted! Economic Sabotage. This man was making everything more expensive. Don''t you realize it? The bread you eat? The wine you drink, the Parties you throw?" Bianchin reminded.


    "I¡­ I¡­ this¡­ this is¡­ my¡­ home¡­ and¡­ he made me lose¡­ my old Estate!" the Guard Captain lamented.


    Bianchin heard of the story that from the Duke during his foray in the Palace, the Guard Captain used to own a large Estate but Joden''t Bank foreclosed it. He had to crawl his Knighthood status to the position of Guard Captain to re-establish his old position pre-estate foreclosure. Bobby can see in the gnashing of the Captain''s teeth that it was now personal to him.


    "I must inform the Duke of this Treachery at once." The Captain huffed.


    "No don''t! We can''t cause a panic. Will cause more problems." Bianchin stopped the Captain from moving.


    "I provide solutions. I really do. Now listen here. I will need the help of some guards for this to work. The Coup plotters will likely storm the Palace when everyone is distracted. You know any idea when it can happen?" Bianchin asked.


    "The Show! They will strike during the Show!" the Captain exclaimed.


    "What show?" Bianchin asked.


    "I hired an Illusionist and Pyromancer to perform a show as the final act of the night. They are quite a parade, Twins they are and came all the way from the East to perform here." The Duke said.


    "Focus! So¡­ this show¡­ its some sort of Lights Show? Am I hearing it right?" Bobby asked grabbing the Captain and turning his gaze back to him.


    "Yes, we need to have the lanterns in the Western Gate to be dimmed so we can magnify the¡­ THE WESTERN GATE!" the Captain''s cogs ignited upon the realization.


    "Damn, now I see what they are up to¡­" Bianchin placed his hands on his hips.


    The thread has been spotted but now there is little time to stop the spark from reaching the dynamite.


    "Where are most of the guards right now?" Bianchin asked.


    "The Sentries are at their stations by the walls as they should be, but the rest of the Guards are all at the show protecting all of the Guests during the performance. There''s only me and ten other Knights here to protect the Duke personally." The Captain said.


    "Alright, here is the plan, the Duke must not be at the Show or at least not directly to it. Take him somewhere safe and lock the place down until I give you the coast is clear. You can take some of my men with you." Bianchin said.


    "The Birthing Chamber. It hasn''t been in use for years and there is only one-way in." the Captain said.


    "Alright, Bernard, Santa Maria, Donovan, and Kapalkin! Follow him." Bianchin ordered four of his Mercenaries.


    The Captain nodded. With a few gestures, the Captain was assigned a small unit of 4 Mercenaries to accompany him and the Duke to the safe place.


    "We need to alert the Western Gate guards immediately." The Captain added.


    "Don''t bother," Bianchin said as he cocked his pistol that he keeps for self-defense. "Your men are already dead or in on it." He forewarned.


    The Duke grabbed the letter from his Captain''s hand, still not yet fully believing one of his own trustees betrayed him. But as he and several of his loyal officials read through the incriminating letter, their disbelief turned into absolute revulsion that had gradually grew every character and word the letter states of the Chief Tax Collector''s treachery.


    "Jodent! May the Gods damn you for all of your life! I thought you are my friend. How could you? How could he?" the Duke wailed. "Guards! Seize him and, seize the Embassy and the Grey Order office immediately! I will report this matter to the Emperor!" the Duke ordered.


    "I am afraid you can''t do that." Bianchin stopped the Duke. "You''re just going to get your soldiers killed. The Adventurers outnumber your men and not to mention the Elves are powerful magic users too. So let us handle this." Bianchin asked.


    "You have blessing then Ser Bianchin. Get rid of these traitors! Destroy them all!" the Duke furiously shouted.


    His face red and his overbearing feet stomped lightly on the palace''s marble floor.


    "I will, I assure you." Bianchin vowed.


    The plan now unraveled; the Contracted Gunmen were now itching for a fight as they were caroused to a vigilant frenzy as they made their way West of the Palace. To the march of their feet they jogged with hurried pace, careful to avoid the crowds of party goers hurrying West with them to the show.


    After a few minutes that had felt longer than it should, the Mercenaries arrived.


    The Western Gate area of the Ducal Palace was another garden for the Duke containing tall and thick fauna which if one doesn''t refer to a map and at the time of hour, a light, one can be easily lost in the garden. It was like a Labyrinth, and with the light dimmed, it would require a torch to lead the way through and through.


    Quietly inserting themselves into the maze the combined PMC and UFEAFMC forces threw an Echolocation Scanner linked up to ISAC to give the Earthlings an accurate depiction of the whole area. Some pulled down from their heads googles that allowed them to see through the dark. Whilst other groups used Flashlights. It was now a Search and Destroy mission.


    Meanwhile, the Captain had quickly alerted his subordinates of the possible threat but also to not cause a panic, they must cancel the post-show reception and have everyone that does not belong in the palace to shown to the door and be bid a Good Night. He also informed his messengers to alert all Knights-Errant in the Duchy to be on immediate alarm for any insurrections within key areas of the Duchy. He knew that he can still trust them all due to working with them all for years, highly loyal to their homelands and centralized through his command. They had worked together to keep Souviel safe for years with a sense of Justice, upholding the Law and protecting the Innocent from all sorts of catastrophes that wish to do harm. It was a proposal that he had made that was approved by the Duke to make an independent body, fueled not through the miserly fees of Adventurers from the Grey Order but through the Ducal Taxes of hardworking Souvieli. A Force of the Finest men to become the shield that protects their homes.


    Although the performance could be easily heard from atop the Palatial Castle, neither the Duke nor the Captain and the rest of the Bodyguards was in no mood to enjoy it. For all of that, all that the Duke could do as he looked on to his Palace from the window of the dusty, rustic and cobwebbed Birthing Chamber was to pray that he may live to see the next Sunrise. Even the Captain, loyal beyond compare to the Ducal family, too shared in with his disposition as the Aparo Mercenaries and UFEAF Marines began to sweep into the Western Gardens of the Palace.


    "Be advised all personnel, all signatures within the Western Guard area are considered hostile. Fire at will." ISAC said.


    "ISAC, how many tangoes do we got?" one of the Marines asked.


    "Scanning¡­ Complete¡­ I detected two hundred and fifty-three Unknowns coming into the Western Gate. More of them are coming inside by the minute." ISAC Respond.


    It confirmed their worst fears. The Gate was open and now Intruders are infiltrating the Palace premises. But not only that, but more are coming in by every moment that gate continues to stay accessible to the edacious Grey Order.


    "I see, me and the Mercs will get up to the wall and see to it that we can Close the Gate, that should stop them. While we do that, your Marines will sweep up anything on the ground. Try to keep this quiet as much as possible. Not all of us have silencers." Bianchin said.


    The Soldiers nodded.


    Meanwhile, the Ducal Court watched in amazement the spectacle of Lights shown to them. The Pyromancer and the Illusionist, a respective duo of twin brother and sister, razzled and dazzled the crowd with Mythical Beasts flying to the visual and audio rhythm of properly time fireworks and Bardic melodies that reverberated on the Amphitheatre that it could easily clouded any other sounds within the near vicinity. Watching over them is the Vigilant Captain of the Guard himself and a contingent of his most trust worthy Knights surrounding the perimeter. Augmenting them were a rear guard of several PMC''s hired by Aparo Corporation that Bianchin ordered to be the fall back group in case more of the Coup Plotters come in another direction that they couldn''t uncover.


    "Contact, twelve hostiles. Small arms, nothing special." A Marine quietly said on his radio.


    "Affirmative Stiletto 3-1. Neutralize immediately." ISAC nodded in his robotic voice.


    Shots were fired, from both the Magical Hands of the Pyromancer exploding a wall of flame that enraptured the ears of the amazed Souvieli Noble Court and the firing of 5.56mm rounds onto the bodies of the Grey Order Adventurers. They never had the time to even notice what had happened.


    They were all so confident of their nightly infiltration that the never foresaw the possibility that they were now the hunted and not the prey. Yet as soon as the Marine''s laser sights met their bodies, they were doomed.


    "Targets Neutralize." The Marine said.


    "I see more, I got about twenty or 30 of them standing there." a Mercenary added. He saw several more of the Adventurer''s doing a final check of their gear.


    Weapons were sharpened, Armor was fastened and Arcane preparations were being ready for the Adventurers who sat idly by the grassy and stone walkway. Under the cover of darkness, the Mercenaries got into firing positions.


    Their gun''s tac-light hovered over them menacingly as they took aim.


    One of the adventurers noticed the strange light on his companion''s body and turned around to its source. He only caught a glimpse of the dark shadows of the UFE soldiers before they squeezed the triggers.


    "Firing! Firing!" the Merc ordered.


    Their guns ignited as the unready adventurers were caught defenseless from the PMC Ambush. Some tried to unsheathe their blades with the rattling of Scabbards, others tried to scream. But all were masked by the timely intervention of Rifle fire and the great rapid striking of a large Orchestral drum.


    "Climbing up the Wall now¡­ damn, they didn''t even see what''s coming." Bianchin gagged.


    Bodies of Palace guards littered the hallway as several Grey Order Adventurer''s kept watch of both sides of the wall to see their colleagues pouring through the opening. Their deduction was on point. They are all coming from the Western Gate.


    Bianchin ordered the dispatching of these tangoes who were quickly knifed down quietly by his accompanying Mercs as they tried to Maintain the element of Subtlety. They made their way towards the gatehouse passing by more Palace corpses before they saw the gate''s Portcullis.


    "We are closing in on them. Damn, there''s a lot of them. They''re just pouring in on the place." A Marine commented.


    Before the Ground Team''s eyes was a mass gathering of Grey Order Adventurer''s. They were lined up, being inspected by several professional looking soldiers. No doubt also participating in this Conspiracy too. The Large courtyard by the gate housed several dozens or even close to more than a hundred of people. To some people''s humor, it was like they just stumbled upon a Medieval Fantasy convention. They saw several Warriors, Mages, Rangers and all other sorts of folks of many races and cultures gathered together in this very spot as their paymasters rallied them for their assault. Elves, Humans, Dwarves, Beastpeople for example were all quietly anxiously waiting for their strength to reach the critical mass needed to penetrate the Ducal Palace. By their sheer numbers, they easily outnumber both them and the Palace Guards combined.


    "I am not taking another step until I see another piece of Coin." One Adventure said.


    He began to form a makeshift union of his own colleagues that surrounded one of Jodent''s Cronies.


    "Once the scouting parties have finished clearing out the rest of the Gardens, we can proceed." One of Jodent''s personal guards who is helping to oversee the takeover said.


    His orders were simple, ensure the main bulk of their ''Army'', the Adventurers are organized into an effective fighting force that will pierce through the Duke''s Palatial Guards. Once the Duke has been either taken in chains or his corpse laying on the floor, he will immediately message his master Gresgi Jodent to move in and make his announcement to the Duchy who by then would start to get hints that something wasn''t right with the sudden change of Guard uniforms from the golden glint of the Knights Errant to the gray, black, and red of the Slaegian Legion.


    "Just one Coin or I will go back." The avaricious Adventurer demanded.


    His arms crossed and following suit, other indigent Adventurer''s crossed their arms too. By the Jodent Underling''s intuition, they will not take another step in committing such a perilous undertaking less they receive more hopes for compensation. They had just barely gotten through the loyalist to the Duke with the ones in the Tower who put up a fight but weren''t able to alert the entire palace of the attack. But even then, Monsters and Bandits were one thing, a Political Coup was an entirely different matter altogether for the average Grey Order guildsman.


    With the unified action stacked against him, the Underling relented and opened his bag. There were several high valued Ducat denominations ranging from Copper, Silver, Gold and Platinum. He dug through as many of the Silver and Gold coins as he could from his little ''Coverage Bag'' and dropped a single gold coin to each of the unionized Adventurers in front of him.


    Now properly motivate again, the Adventurer''s began to calm down and were now casually talking to each other on what their plans after they finish this Quest whilst they prepare their weapons.


    "After this Quest is done, I can''t wait to finally retire in luxury. No more struggling for my next meal and risking my life out there shooting out monsters." A Human Ranger smiled as he observed the Coin, he received knowing full well there''s more where that came from.


    "A Dwarven Knight? I wonder how that will work? Back home, the closest I know is a ''Huscarl''." A Dwarven Fighter asked one of his colleagues.


    "I guess so. But Knights have their own land too. Besides, when I get my own home and rank. I can''t wait to see the look at all of my tribe''s faces when I come back with my own Horse and Title." A Daosne Wolf-Warrior boastfully said.


    "O! O! O! how I will sing that we all slew the Demons in Souviel today. Perhaps with the Ducats I have; I can finally sweep that cute lass from the tavern off her feet and onto my lap." A Human Bard playfully and melodically worded.


    But as they conversed each other their plans afterwards, a voice was heard from above them.


    "Well, Well, quite a fine day for a Masquerade? But aren''t you a bit too much on the heavy side with those little props of yours?" Bianchin chided.


    The Grey Order looked up to see the Corpo, in his corpulent two-piece suit standing pompously above the gate tower with his hands on his hips.


    "Who are you?" one of the adventurers catechized in a demanding voice.


    "You may not have met me. But you already know me I assume." Bobby smiled. "I am the one you call, ''Bianchin''." He introduced himself.


    The Corpo''s voice was amplified thanks to a drone with a loudspeaker connected to a small microphone attached to his mouth. He had used the said drone as a sort of novelty demonstration to the Duke''s court earlier to showcase the many products Aparo Corporation could produce that they could enjoy. He never knew he would use it however in such a confrontational way right now.


    The adventurers, meanwhile panicked, their hairs were raised by the earshot entrance of their quarry revealing himself. Many of them drew their swords while some shook their knees with fear. Their element of surprise, now dashed away like the cool summer night winds breezing by for their quarry now stood before them.


    "It''s the Demon! He¡­ they know we are here!" one adventurer cried.


    Those of the more experienced of their pack steeled themselves after the initial shock. They correctly realized they may not need to go through the trouble of finding their quarry amongst the rubble they will throw in the palace for the Demon Alpha himself presented himself before them.


    "Come down yourself demons. So, we smite you off of our world forever!" a Cleric challenged.


    "Oh! You caught me!" Bianchin playfully leaned back in an act of stupor. "I am not truly a Fighting kind of Demon!" he teased.


    "Ha! You are a coward! All you do is lie! But when cornered you will try to run." An adventurer pointed out mockingly.


    "Your just another greedy Demon looking for an easy meal." The Cleric raised his fist.


    "Liar? No, for I admit I am greedy. That is my job." Bianchin confessed.


    Bobby saw the shadows of his men take position quietly behind all of the adventurers as their gaze was all directed towards him. It made the Corpo smile softly with devious amusement.


    For the Adventurer''s many of them were beginning to feel unnerved by the Corpo''s continued presence before them. From the Legends, Demons were powerful abominations who can wipeout dozens of warriors with a swipe of their claws, yet the Demon, ''Bee-Yan-Kin'' before them wasn''t trying to initiate any form of attack.


    "I have to admit. I commend you for your willingness for this job. I have that fire too you know? I fight for profit. You fight for profit. The difference being of methods." Bianchin poured out his heart.


    "The money is meaningless for the sight of your foul kind being purged. I will gladly fight and die knowing I made a difference against you." The Cleric said.


    "A martyr! My complete opposite." Bianchin laughed before he started clapping his hands.


    "Congratulations! Finally, someone different. And I thought everyone here is just in it for the money."


    "Silence Demon! If you won''t come down then we will climb up there and cut your head off." A brave swordsman yelled defiantly.


    "Oh, I am sorry. But this Armani won''t look great with blood. Well¡­ not mine¡­ yours actually." Bianchin verbally shot them down before he nodded to one of his men for the signal.


    Suddenly, the darkness of the Courtyard burst with illumination as the adventurers saw their shadows bearing down in front of them. To their horror, there was light behind them. But as they turned around, they were blinded by the Marines'' and the Mercenaries'' tactical lights being shone onto them.


    "You know, one of the perks of my trade is that you can afford to have other people do the dirty work for you." Bianchin smugly announced.


    The adventurers could barely see, let alone take a stance against these new comers who held these unusually luminous torches before them. To some of the more devout members of that congregation of Grey Order guildsman, it reminded them of the tailor-made ''Holy'' Spells that Clerics and Priests of the Light could wield against Demons. Which is strange, given that the Demon is using such an exclusive spell against them.


    "So, let me ask you this question." Bianchin took a deep breath. "Is the money offered to you right now, really worth it? The gate is open before you. I am being very generous here so choose. Ten¡­nine¡­eight¡­" he began to count down.


    Several of the adventurers realizing that the odds were now dramatically stacked against them decided to run towards the gate and not look back. Their eyes, now lastingly widened in horror at Bobby''s intimidating aura. Yet the rest stood firm, or at least they could despite the fact the bright lights lazed on them means they couldn''t even see their enemy.


    "One!" Bianchin gestured his hand down as the portcullis lowered down the gate, sealing it from the outside world.


    "If we die here then we die as martyrs while you will be known as a coward!" the Cleric cursed.


    "Oh, I am sorry, but in my experience, the opposite of a martyr, one who is willing to die for his beliefs is not a coward." Bianchin lectured.


    The gunmen began to cock their guns and their fingers ready to squeeze their triggers. Cold sweat dripped down many of the Grey Order as they heard the soft sound of bullets being armed and loaded. Yet to them, it sounded like their Magic was about to be unleashed.


    "It''s a Zealot. One willing to KILL for his beliefs." Bianchin finished. "And I believe you are bad for business¡­Dispose of them." he ordered.


    In the distance, he can hear the aforementioned show that the Duke was hosting now reaching its final act, the Grand Finale, where all of the spectacle roars out to the captivated crowd. A perfect mask for the most perfect murder. (or in the world of Corporate slang, this would be called a ''Write-Off'')


    "Open fire!" one of the Soldiers yelled.


    Their guns fired down upon the Adventurers with lightning fury. Some tried to twitch their muscle to form a coherent means of attack or defense ranging from a valiant charge, a shield wall, a magical spell or a protective ward. Yet all of their efforts were no match for the velocity of a bullet as their bodies riddled, twitched and cut them into pieces.


    They tried to scream. But the loud fireworks, the thunderous applause and the rumbling of music blanketed their terror as their hopes, dreams, and aspirations of grandeur died with them.


    A macabre scene lay before Bianchin. Bodies of Adventurers lay dead, their faces frozen in unbelieving horror as their bodies and every orifice natural or otherwise leaked their blood onto the floor, tainting the beautiful grounds with grotesque crimson that permeates the ground in an evidencing the great act of calamity beset by the leisurely-indulgent people of Souviel,


    As the Soldiers walked towards the now blood tarnished Courtyard, finishing off anyone who somehow managed to survive the barrage of bullets.  Bianchin sighed before he picked up a Cigar, he carefully was saving it for a celebratory moment but originally meant for the time the Duke would sign all the binding and cooperative papers he will receive once he manages to have him accept Aparo''s and the UFE''s hand of friendship through him. But right now, he needed a smoke.


    Lighting up the Cigar with his lighter he observed the soldiers below him sweep through the dead bodies of the Adventurers, finishing off anyone who so even twitched. It was a mercy for them for what little mercy they would give if they hadn''t stop them.


    "Sir, all targets neutralized" one of his Mercs radioed Bobby.


    "Tell our Rear Guard and the Captain that all threats are neutralized. Send in some of his men too." Bobby answered.


    "Affirmative sir, but what about the bodies?" the Merc asked.


    "Make a call¡­ We need some trucks, a shit load of Shovels and a large clearing. Don''t start until the Duke sees this first I want this place spotless by sunrise. Dismiss." Bianchin ordered.


    The Merc saluted again before he left for his assignments.


    The Corpo lowered his burning cigar while reached into his pocket for his phone. He needed to make some calls now that he did his part.


    "Raven Company? Sitrep?" Bianchin called.


    "All UFE Citizens have been either evacuated or under our total protection sir." The Commander of Raven Company, one of the PMC groups hired by Aparo Corp to take into a tour of duty in Gliesia.


    They were one of the Soldiers assigned to either evacuate or if impossible, lock down and protect any UFE civilians in attendance of the Chwartiadd. The Civilians were spread into pockets throughout hotspots in the city. Thanks to the warnings courtesy of Colonel Polonsky''s emergency broadcast systems into their Smartphones. The Civilians were well informed of the dire situation that they were in.


    "Any incidents?" Bianchin asked.


    "Got reports of several attacks but no casualties¡­ for us of course. Local Guards dealt with the rest." The Commander reassured.


    "Perfect, await extraction and then be ready for a debrief. Your payroll should be wired to your accounts by the morning." Bianchin informed. "Thank you for being here in such short notice."


    He dropped the call and then immediately afterward, Bianchin dialed another number.


    "Major? It is done. I think we will need a cleanup crew by the Palace now. Sense some engineers, especially the ones with a strong stomach." He informed Major Holyfield.


    "Excellent work," Holyfield replied.


    "I will clean up this mess and then debrief with the Duke and his captain afterward. I can take care of everything here. You will have your men back before sunset.


    "I see. Good. Well, as for the rest of my men, they are moving into the Jodent Estate outside of town. He won''t last long." Holyfield said.


    "Good, Bobby Out." Bianchin dropped the call.


    Yet there was one more person he needed to contact tonight. He screened through his library of Contacts until he found the last person he needed to call. It was Diaz.


    "Hey¡­ what is it now? Change of plans?" Diaz answered as he picked up his phone. His voice was in a whispered convulsion of one who was originally in


    "No, everything is according to plan. But the mess is gonna be a shitshow to work with. You?" Bianchin replied.


    "About to get into the Embassy¡­ Aliathra¡­ you got that lock, right?"


    A moment beat off from the Phone''s audio of muffled audio could be heard from the background.


    "Remember Diaz, you are just there to Talk. Let the Elf do all the talking. Make sure she doesn''t get killed." He reminded hm.

 34 Chapter 34: the Counter-Coup Part 2

    Cocking Ruiner, Diaz gestured his accompanying Cortege of PMC''s under Aparo-Payroll into the front door of the Embassy.


    The door was enchanted with a protective forcefield that only Elves could pass through. Anyone else, and the force field would as it would often be programmed to be, repulse any intrusion attempts back with a non-lethal but very discouraging bolt of shock to the trespasser. This was a normal security measure for Elves when they want to restrict access to certain areas back in Alfel Nora.


    Thankfully Aliathra, who had experience creating such Locks knows how to reverse it. It took several tense minutes of blending within plain sight of the crowds of festival-goers for Diaz and the rest of his Allies to await the Elf''s ''unlocking'' process.


    The Embassy itself sat in contrast with the rest of the architecture of Old Souviel. While the surrounding buildings were of unpainted wood and plastered brick. The Elven Embassy, about 2 stories'' high with immaculate architecture and aestheticism. It had no creases nor any gaps in between the fine details of the building as if the building erupted from the ground in its splendid form during construction. The embassy was also sporting a pallete of gold, white, green and blue shades of the Ethuilen Entente''s colors that meshed together in strokes that invited inspiration with delicate flora, fearsome Elven weaponry and majestic Elven artistic refinement for all the rest.


    "Form up." Diaz commanded.


    Piling up behind Aliathra, Diaz and the rest of the Mercenaries checked their weapons and did a last-minute examination of their target. Judging by the sounds of the party, they know where the all-important Ambassador, Thelanil by his name as given by Aliathra.


    But after she had undone the Magical Forcefield, Aliathra could only freeze in thought as she stared blankly at the Embassy''s door knob with her hand out of reach except if she stretched out a few inches further. She began to think again of what brought her here in the first place.


    She turned the nob of the Embassy door and pushed through. Yet her nerves tensed around her and her heart skipped a beat every step she took in the Embassy alongside her ''companions''.


    "Hey, Alie. What''s that over there?" Diaz asked.


    He pointed to a Fresco with an azure view of an Elven City across a great blue bay. A silvery sun could be seen rising upwards to heaven. From the sky, its illumination beams downwards on the city.


    "My Home, Ethuilen, Ser Diaz." Aliathra answered. "If my people don''t take heed, then I am afraid you and I won''t be able to see it." The Elf whimpered.


    Alongside Diaz and their accompanying mercenaries, they walked quietly towards the celebratory cheers of Elven regale.


    By Elven Law, she is a criminal entering the mouth of the beast. Word of her ''Corruption'' should be known by now by all of the Royal Family and the Sefydliad. Her Heart and her legs, that she had covered in a thick pair of jeans and shoes provided by the UFE to disguise her obvious ''Sign of Corruption'' were of unnatural design. Yet deep down, she knew she was still the same Elven Princess.


    Aliathra Lareththor, third and the youngest child of King Arslan and Queen Elisven. Known to be selfless and attentive of the Royal Children. Being raised by her mother in the manners of proper Elven Maidenhood, trained by the best teachers across the world and patronizing through the tenet scriptures of the Maternal Goddess of Life''s words and her spell craft. All of her memories were intact and she still held on to those years of her Cultivation into the Maiden she is today.


    Yet deep down, she held an inner apprehension about how will the rest of her Kind would say? She hadn''t dare show her face in front of another Elf since the time she was chased off of Vercourt. There would be many prominent Elves appearing inside that Embassy that night. Some of whom she likely had known during her years. She had before in her days of youth, presented herself as the quintessential Elven Maiden only rivaling her sister Ithiel in values of Grace, Duty and Filial Piety.


    Aliathra needed to speak to them. Tell them, that their fears that they let themselves be taken over by, shouldn''t be the case. The UFE, these people weren''t the Demons of the Old Legends. She needed to clear her name and hope they see what she sees. But yet, she feared the one thing that could happen, if they still believe she is only trying to corrupt them into the service of these ''Demons''.


    She partly hated what she had become, yet despite her Mechanical Heart, she had a contradictory high opinion on the state of Medicine Craft that the Earthling have. Not using magic but creating ''life'' from objects that do not.


    "Aliathra? We''re ready." Diaz said.


    "I¡­ I¡­" the Elf hesitated. Her hand once again frozen as she reached for the door.


    "Hey, look Alie, if you''re not comfortable doing this. Let me do the talking and just sit back behind one of us." Diaz reassured her.


    "No, it''s not that Ser Vincent. I need to do this." Aliathra rebooted herself from her self-loathing state.


    "M''kay, but if things go south, I will protect you." Diaz smiled.


    "Pray that it does not come to that." Aliathra requested. "But hold back please. My people will likely react violently if they see you. Let me talk to them, alone."


    "Sure." Diaz said as he picked up an object from his pocket.


    "When shit does go bad, I will toss this in. When you see it. Close your eyes you got that?" Diaz instructed as he held an explosive device on his hand.


    Judging by the sun like symbol indicative on its surface, Aliathra discerned it was what they call a ''Flashbang''. The Elf nodded as she reached her hand forward to the door with Diaz and the rest of the Aparo Mercenaries holding back beside each of the door''s left and right sides readying themselves for entry.


    With no turning back now, Aliathra, opened the last door that lead to her Final Judgement¡­


    "Ambassador Thelanil?" Aliathra said as she walked into the Elven Celebration.


    The party''s opulent atmosphere of gossip, light snacking and music abruptly stopped as their eyes turned to the unexpected guess.


    At first, the Ambassador thought it was a late comer. But as he swims his way across to examine the graceful Ethuileni accent worthy of a Noble Woman, his welcoming demeanor turned into shocked horror as what lay before him is the ''Fugitive Princess'' Aliathra Lareththor, the youngest of the Royal Family standing in front of her.


    He recognized the Elven maiden from his years mingling and touching the shoulders of the Elven Elites and catching glimpses and official ceremonial gazes of her back at the Capital. He never knew he would be able to see her face to face and eye to eye. Under normal circumstances, everyone in the room would have bowed down to honor her presence but now is not. The Elves began to whisper to each other in malicious slander over her circumstances, ranging from kidnapping, her ''corruption'' and double agency.


    "But¡­ how¡­ you''re not supposed to be here! Guards!" the Ambassador alarmed.


    Several of the Embassy''s detachment of Elven Swordsmen emerged and drew their weapons.


    "Please, milord. Ser Ambassador. I can explain everything about what had happened to me." Aliathra said.


    "How can I trust you? Maybe you are just a shapeshifter Demon taking to place of our beloved Princess. Or perhaps you are indeed Princess Aliathra but you have been corrupted to betray your people, your family and your nation?" the Ambassador accused.


    "There is no need to fight Ambassador. I can prove to you I am the real Aliathra if it means to reassure you." Aliathra pleaded.


    The crowd took pause, mostly haughtily awaiting what proof this ''Aliathra'' had to authenticate herself in front of them.


    "You are Thalanil, Ambassador of Souviel for 50 years, you once gave my father a rare 100 years vintage Ho''op wine from this province on his 560th birthday. You danced with my sister on her 180th birthday There are at least 60 Ethulien spies within the Black Tree territories and Prince Clovich was our spy that helps us gather information about troop movements of the Slaegian Empire''s eastern Legions." Aliathra said.


    "Impressive, but that does not convince me still. Name one thing I have told you about." The Ambassador challenged.


    "Not me, but my Father told me this." Aliathra grinned. "You actually hate your wife''s singing your too afraid to tell her that and you collect other Animals Teeth for fun." She answered.


    "The King actually told you that?" the Ambassador jumped out of his bodyguard''s protective lines to walk towards the Princess confrontationally.


    "Yes, I was there in the send-off party for newly appointed Ambassadors after my father announced that new Trading Policy about lifting some tariffs of our Wine and Bread." Aliathra said.


    "You really are the Princess¡­ but¡­ how? What happened?" the Ambassador asked.


    All of the Elven onlookers stared at her in disbelief with their guards lowered, and their minds slowly being at ease as Ambassador Thelanil walked closer and tried to grab Aliathra''s hand lightly¡­


    The Elven Princess hopes grew upwards as she had prayed for¡­


    "Don''t touch her!" a voice erupted from the crowd.


    "Ladui Eriande?" the Princess turned to her direction.


    "That is impossible! The reports from the Sefydliad say that your heart was corrupted into metal." Eriande announced, pointing her sword at the Princess.


    The whole party gasped in shock at the accusation. A Metal Heart? No one can create life from something without it. It was absolutely heretical and absurd to even think of something that Neneth handcrafted herself to make be made and copied from something that had no life.


    "It may beat like one but its not a true living heart." Eriande added.


    "I can explain Ladui Eriande. These people you call ''Demons'', they saved me, they don''t even have any Magic to begin with." Aliathra said.


    "That is preposterous! How can they take down those land sharks so easily with their metal flying beasts, have only a single one of them defeat our very own Warriors with his bare hands and killed Sefydliad agents with their metal wands without much of the sweat in which all of that can be done without the help of extremely powerful magic? Not even the best baw-g¨²l can do all of that." Eriande argued.


    "They don''t need to; they have Technology to match even the greatest of our Sorceries." Aliathra answered.


    "Technology?" Ambassador Thelanil asked.


    "Let me explain what they told me¡­ these You-Eff-eee people from this world called Earff¡­ They can¡­ use Technology too¡­ eh¡­ the ability¡­ to create things to improve themselves in every aspect of one''s lives¡­ your sword, this house and our clothes is made from Technology." Aliathra explained.


    "Another pathetically blatant lie! You state that this Otherworldly Magic that they call ''Technology'' is based on pure craftsmanship? No amount of pure craftsmanship can outperform Elven Magic." Eriande haughtily refused to consider.


    The Guards and some of the more martial of the Guests became even more tense, gripping their hands readying to unsheathe their weapons and spells soured the festive atmosphere. Aliathra was starting to crack under the pressure as she mustered whatever will she had left to appeal, to try and attempt to get through her people''s fears of the unknown.


    "Please, everyone. What I am saying is true." The princess begged.


    "Princess? If you are truly her, how can you say all of that? Where is the Pride the most powerful and Arcane race in all of Gliesia? Didn''t your mother and father taught you about how we were blessed by the Creator Gods to guide the world?" the Ambassador contended.


    "They are not of our world! They wish to only live in peace. I¡­ I¡­h-hate to confess this to all of you¡­ it but they showed me¡­ Technology¡­ theirs¡­ can do so many amazing things that not even magic can hope to achieve! My replacement heart and legs¡­ they were made by them." Aliathra said.


    Her noble High Elven accent cracked as tears fell on her cheeks and her voice became hoarse with grief as everything, her plan of a peaceful dialogue with her imprudent kin was falling apart. All going wrong in the worst possible way for her as her na?vete cracked under the pressure of the contemptuous scrutiny that Elves are known for when it comes to the lower races.


    "What? They even replaced your legs?" the Ambassador asked, his face dumbstruck.


    The Elven Princess sighed, she needed to tell her people of this now about what had happened to her.


    "I lost my heart and legs due to some accidents I had before coming here, and they saved my life when they could have easily left me for dead. They save me by using their metal hearts and legs they created to make me whole again." She explained. "Please, you have to believe me."


    The room fell quiet after they heard Aliathra''s side of the story. For a moment, Aliathra thought she had finally managed get through with her kinsmen as they all brought themselves into the expression of deep thought, reserving their emotions back¡­


    "No." Thelanil said.


    "Pardon?" Aliathra asked.


    "You hear me Demon? No." Thelanil frowned.


    "What do you mean ''No''?" Aliathra asked.


    "What you just said is blasphemy to both your fellow Elves and Neneth herself that you had vowed to serve. How dare you allow them, those¡­ those THINGS do that to you! You just show that you have been corrupted beyond salvation." Thelanil cursed.


    Aliathra felt her heart crash down to the depths of forlornness as if her heart was pierced with the cold blade of betrayal as the Embassy Guards closed to apprehend her.


    "Nothing made by hand can compare to the flesh and blood gifted to us by Neneth! I am sorry Princess, no, Apostate, you are too far gone now. May Neneth purifies tryout soul when you pass on. Your family will understand." The Ambassador coldly proclaimed.


    "CLEAR!" yelled Diaz as he threw his Flashbang into the middle of the room.


    Breaking out of her tears, Aliathra realizing what is going to happen next, she quickly closed tear wet-eyes as the grenade illuminated the room in a blinding light. The other Elves in the room were discombobulated with them reflexively covering their eyes and flailing about mindlessly across the room. Sometimes hitting each other, the party preparations or valuable pieces of art.


    Before the Ambassador and the rest of the party goers realized it, Diaz and the rest of his men swarmed into the room with their guns drawn out as the spread themselves across the party room making sure their eyes and weapons pointed unwaveringly towards the Elves. They were surrounded.


    "Don''t even flinch!" one of the Aparo Mercenaries shouted.


    Just as Aliathra opened her eyes, she felt a strong force grab her. It was Diaz''s Red Jacket.


    "Stay behind me sweetie." Diaz smirked.


    He was pointing Ruiner in front of the Ambassador while he stood between Aliathra and himself.


    "No! Don''t hurt him please." Aliathra pleaded to Diaz.


    "Shh¡­" Vincent hushed her.


    He then turned to address the Ambassador with his gun held high.


    "Alright, Alie just say everything that we did to her yet still¡­ you want to KILL her? Your even thicker than Eriande''s thick butt over there." Diaz threw a flirty cheap shot at the Elf woman who was his rival in the Race.


    "The Speed Demon? I should have known. You are her Patron, are you not?" Eriande accused.


    "Patron? Her? No, it''s actually the other way around. I am her Patron." He joked. "But I digress, less about the Princess and more of why she is here. I will say this once. We know¡­ and you lost." Diaz said.


    "Lost?" Thelanil asked¡­ his voice trembled upon Diaz''s words.


    "Make a move on the Palace while a show is happening? Read that a mile away." Diaz said.


    "Well¡­ go kill us all. You surround us but I will not give you the satisfaction of me dying in agony." The Ambassador defiantly stood up.


    "Oh, kill you no, me and Aliathra really think we come all this way to kill you? You Elves, despite saying you are really smart are actually pretty stupid. I would have killed you all and turned you into fish food before you could sing ''God Bless the King''." Diaz intimidated.


    "Then why are you here?" the Ambassador asked.


    "At first, I wanted this for my dear friend here Aliathra to just catch up with her friends here in this wonderful place you call an Embassy. Have a snack, drink some wine, chit chat with you guys. But unfortunately, it seems you are being the party pooper here. So, we have to do this the hard way as we like to call it." Diaz explained.


    "Aliathra is just your way through here I presume? No one could ever break through our protective wards unless it is another Elf or an Elven Mage to break through it." The Ambassador asked.


    "Correct." Diaz admitted.


    "You are using the Princess to talk to us? Yet there is one thing I do not understand. Why are you here?" Thelanil pushed.


    "I am just paid to do this. Rough up some people who think they can try to punch us around but should no better such as you haughty pieces of shit. I mean, we did it save her life for crying out loud, the Legs and the Heart, can''t you see it that we don''t want to be your enemy?" Diaz argued.


    "You are being paid? Is it just about the money for you? All of you?" Eriande intervened.


    "Not all the time, sometimes its about the Sex." Diaz winked. "Other times it is for the money. But other times its about all the sexy money. Which is why I am here to tell you that Souviel will become territory for the Aparo Corporation¡­ which is really, really, big Merchant Guild for everyone here listening." Diaz said.


    "Quit your lies Demon!" Eriande threateningly pointed her sword.


    "Quit being such idiots. Aliathra is fine in every possible way. There''s only two ways we can end this and I don''t like where this one going at this rate." Diaz warned.


    "You will not corrupt this land any further while I still stand." The Ambassador spat.


    "Says the one who wants to have Jodent turn this whole place into a Debt-Slave camp masking as some Artsy Uptown." Diaz replied sarcastically.


    "Ambassador¡­ I read the letter. Is that¡­ are all of that true?" Aliathra stood up and emerged from Diaz''s back to confront Thelanil.


    When she read the letter of the Ethuilen scheme to have Jodent bleed out every coffer of the Humans off of their Ducats to be given to the Empire and the Elves, she couldn''t believe it, denying every aspect that her Nation, the Ethuilen Entente would be so venal and exploitative. She had always thought that the Entente was the leader of the Gliesia, the dominant nation who was given the Heavenly Decree to guide the younger races forward. Yet this plot of draining money off of the hands of the Humans contradicted everything she had believed.


    "When you have a neighbor, who wants to usurp your father, Princess you need to be as tenacious as them." Thelanil argued but his cocky poise cowered as Diaz and Aliathra walked closely to him.


    "My Father said that we must be better than our aberrant kin. That he said ''We must inspire the Younger Races forward, not force them to bend against their own individual wills.''" Aliathra pointed out.


    "And you believe your Father on that one speech? Please, my dear, that is only just honeyed words when he addressed to those envoys when they visited the Capital that day." The Ambassador scoffed.


    "No, that can''t be. My father would never lie to me." Aliathra grieved.


    "Oh, it is true Princess. Your father and mother may not be like the despotic Black Tree Pact but even then, we need to maintain our dominance over the other races through more, subtle means¡­" Thelanil coyly answered.


    Diaz noticed that Aliathra''s azure eyes began to tremble tears alongside her weakening knees collapsing on the revelation that her ''noble and benevolent'' nation was anything but noble nor benevolent.


    The rest of the Mercs became tense the more that Thelanil denounced them and Aliathra. Hearing that their most peaceful means of pacifying the situation had been miscarried before them. Their senses ringing, adrenaline pumping, their guns priming. This standoff was going to escalate into an unfruitful escalation of violence. Superfluous violence that Aliathra wailed to not see come true. Their guns sliced through the room, passing by all the possible threats close and far from them as the partygoers beamed at them with equally gawking contempt.


    Diaz looked on at the Congregation with disgust. These Elves were willing to jaw this innocent little port city into eternal debt-servitude in the name of maintaining their grip on the world. He maybe a materialistic capitalist working for a larger materialistic capitalist, but they prefer to not milk their customers to bankruptcy. It was more productive that way. Solving problems is what they do. Not creating them.


    Yet another concern for Diaz is everything that had happened to Aliathra up to this point. Her heart and legs were replaced were the least of her first wave of cultural shock. Then the next hit was her, a Cleric dedicated to a Healing Goddess realizing that yes, life can be created through none living things in the form of her said heart beating like any other. Her recent assignment as a ''Cultural Consultant'' which is essentially, and she knows it too, glorified enslavement to the UFE was already harsh enough for her as it must have felt bad to be indirectly helping the people she conceived as ''Demons'' beforehand. But now, true cold betrayal happened before her eyes. He could only imagine the anguishing thoughts the Elven Princess must be feeling right now. Her own people, being hypocrites to their own ideals of altruism, harmonic solidarity and enlightened prosperity under the Ethuilen vision. Yet they do the exact opposite of achieving said goals for the sake of gains and the maintenance of their influence. All at the cost of robbing the people of their pursuit of happiness must have stuck a deep and baleful wound on Aliathra''s core beliefs as a Priestess of Neneth and as the Daughter of the Royal Family being raised all her life to believe such values. In his years of reading people''s motives, emotions, goals and fears in the Cyberpunk Ecumenopolis of Kesserheim. Aliathra was dangerously reaching an emotional rock bottom.


    For Diaz, seeing Aliathra in such a precarious position made the artificial blood and hormones within him fume to boiling hot temperatures. It wasn''t about the ''Sexy Money'' anymore on what he is planning to do next. The Elf, who in the United Federation''s, Aparo Corporation''s, Stryder Group''s and his own eyes did nothing wrong and held altruistic beliefs of charity, wellness and compassion for all life be broken down by these avaricious, imperialistic, and amoral Politico''s or in his ancestral tongue Buwaya. He concluded without a second thought, that Aliathra Lareththor is the true exemplar of the Ethuilen Vision and not the Ambassador and his Sefydliad cronies.


    "Aliathra, please take of my jacket for me." Diaz asked.


    "What? Why?" Aliathra sniffed fighting back the tears.


    "I want to show them something." Diaz softly smiled before nodding at the Elf.


    For Aliathra, she could sense the violent intent of Diaz when she noticed him cracking his fists during Ambassador Thelanil''s confession of the corrupt practices the Sefydliad has been doing in Souviel. Although she never wanted to see violence being enacted in such sacred grounds, Diaz and even her own innate thoughts knew, that what will happen next is justified.


    She carefully unsheathes Diaz''s jacket, careful that the Corpo agent continues to aim his gun towards the Ambassador.


    "What¡­ are you?" one of the Elven party goers questioned when Aliathra finally revealed what Diaz hid behind his genteel jacket.


    It revealed his entire augmented body. Covered from his neck down to his torso, in obsidian metal ''flesh'' that detailed his muscles complete with corporate product placement courtesy of Aparo Corporation. Diaz then glow red as his cybernetic augmentations activated to life.


    "Aliathra, Little Miss Princess Aliathra, she thought she can save the world as the little princess. She thought she can bring the world of Gliesia forward in with acts and preaches of love, kindness and generosity with the rest of her kind following suit. But now¡­ look at you. Look at ALL of you. You are more ''Corrupt'' than me, Aliathra and my friends here combined." Diaz spoke.


    The Elves, in all of their pride recoiled in disgust at this hubristic Demon calling telling them who they truly are. Hypocrites.


    "What do you know of morals? You are just a Demon Warrior doing what he is told to do." The Ambassador argued.


    "What do you know of morals?" Diaz shot back. "For all I see, Aliathra would have died after saving that poor kid if it weren''t for me." he said.


    "You?" Aliathra said.


    "My own money, I paid for your surgery¡­ I ¡­ couldn''t bear to see you go out like that¡­ someone who so selfless yet¡­ so young¡­ we need more people in this world like you." Diaz confessed.


    "You, saved a child?" one of the elves asked.


    "I did, I rescued him but then one of the¡­ bandits struck me with a Lightning spell. It was so powerful that it destroyed my heart. Yet now, here I am with a new heart, made of metal." Aliathra said.


    "Ambassador? Maybe the Princess is indeed speaking the truth." That one elf appealed.


    "No! He is lying to you. This¡­''Aliathra'' is trying to lull you into her side!" the Ambassador said.


    "Isn''t healing to repair and make better of a body part?" Diaz asked, nudging his head to Aliathra.


    The Princess nodded. The Doctors who had operated on her, Stryder Group and the kindly April and Dr. Lee Haneul did indeed hold her hand through all of this. When she questioned herself when she found out about her heart to time, they saved her from a life of crippling handicap, they were there to help her stand up again.


    "Stop lying, you are just like them! The Demons! You are just the same like them." Eriande said.


    "Demon? Again, with the ''Demon''! What the heck is your problem?" Diaz asked.


    "All you live to do is corrupt, offend, destroy and deceive wherever you go." Eriande said.


    "Ever since you first come forth here in our land you already disrupt the world order with your power and boons to those who bend the knee to you." The Ambassador said.


    "Oh? Is that what you think?" Diaz twitched his eyebrow up. "I rebut that statement. Or more like, Aliathra should." He turned to his Elf friend.


    He nudged quietly at Elven Princess who stood behind him by his right hand, urging her to assist him. Her words, (a presently disowned) Daughter of a King arguably drawing more weight than the foreigner. Swallowing her fear, she exhaled as she begins her account.


    "Prince Clovich, you know him being our informant in Tyr Rian. We give him potions for his sister, Aria." Aliathra answered.


    "And what does that have to do with them?" the Ambassador asked.


    "As a sign of our good will, we offered Aria to be fully healed from being bed ridden for the rest of her life and made her walk again. Your Medicine, although effective in its own right was only a temporary cure, she will go back straight to sitting down all the while the rest of girls go to Galway now." Diaz added with his additional hint of snark.Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "Enough of the lies! Your means of ''healing'' is perverse!" the Ambassador angrily refused Diaz''s consideration.


    "Ambassador? How could you say that?" one of the Elven guests turned to the Ambassador.


    "No one else, Man, Orc, Handyn can heal the crippled at birth. No amount of Restoration magics  can accomplish such a grievous affliction." Thelanil gasconade.


    "Oh. Now I know what you are playing." Diaz smiled.


    Vincent couldn''t honestly believe what this Elf was saying. Even the other Aparo Mercenaries would say the same for themselves too. He could barely contain his amusement at this Elf''s hubris. In his years navigating and fighting his way through the anarchic streets of Kesserheim, this Thelanil''s arrogance was the downfall of so many Corpos, Cyberpunks and any other myriad folks living in the Ecumenopolis. The way he spoke every little heinous word would be a death sentence for anyone pointing the gun towards when one finds themselves cornered by a trigger. The way, the Ambassador rebuff all of his and Aliathra''s statements despite the latter allowing herself to be disadvantaged by the absence of her protection in the form of the Aparo Mercs was appalling at best, cartoonishly dumb at worst. Diaz knew from experience, just how to knock him down from his high horse.


    "Superbia." Diaz said.


    "Pardon, Demon?" the Ambassador agitated.


    "It means Pride. You are so prideful, that you and you couldn''t accept someone better than you. I have to admit. We are superior to you in some ways, yet you are also better than us in others too." Diaz said.


    "What do you mean, WE are superior to than you Demons?" Thelanil asked, taken aback by the Otherworlder''s words.


    "Your good with Magic, superb actually, no denying that. I myself ''am, as you would say from my dear friend Clarke, a ''Mage''. Yet I am not as skilled is Aliathra here who was trained in the Arts of Healing and stuff, is that true?" Diaz turned to the Elven Princess.


    Aliathra nodded in turn.


    "Where are you going with this Demon?" asked the Ambassador.


    "I believe, me, my Masters, you, your friends and Aliathra here got off. I rather leave this place unscathed yet kicked out for the trouble than succeed but made to shed your blood in this really nice house here. Splashes of Red everywhere doesn''t go well with it." Diaz slowly moved away his pistol.


    "I am going to order my friends to lower their weapons but you need to lower yours too." Diaz said.


    "Vinny? What are you doing?" one of the Aparo Mercs says.


    "Trust me on this! Lower it slowly in the Count of Three." Diaz grinned earnestly at the scrutinizer.


    "Ha! The Demon wishes to Parlay! Surely you jest." Eriande pestered.


    "I can kill everyone in this room faster than you can blink. But I have to clean up this mess all night and its way past my bed time. Count of Three!" Diaz fired back. "Don''t make this End badly for you Sir."


    "Three." The Corpo began the countdown.


    The reputation of Demons, of being merciless, relentless and cunning monsters precedes the Embassy staff and the rest of the Elven guests. The legends of being few in numbers but superior in every way forcing the races of the Gliesia to unite against them. Many people of every race died in droves, martyring themselves so that the Tomorrow that is today could happen. The Guards and the Elves knows this all well for they recorded all of the battles, the sagas, the epics and songs that happened during the Great Demon War. Only through Caldell Slaegiac''s unison of the scattered Human Tribes of Ysanigrad was what brought an end to the War. Now here on this day and hour, another great War looms in the horizon as the Ambassador came face to face with the Demon''s of the Old Legends.


    "Two."


    Yet, he was deep down, afraid. If a Martyr dies, yet nobody is there to know it. Is he truly a Martyr? This, ''Dee-Yaz'' character boasts he can end them all in snap of his fingers and none of his superiors back home would realize it.  He knew everyone of his staff that he had worked with in the Embassy. Alongside the Guests, they had families and livelihoods to return too after all is said in done. They would be devastated if such cantankerousness became their undoing. This Demon has been, he had to admit, was surprisingly generous in his offers of parlay. He could sense it all within them. The way the Demon and his ebony armored followers with their black rods flutter as much as the way his own Embassy Guards tensed along the tune of the guests. Many of them would rather get out of this alive above all else. The answer was now clear.


    "One." Diaz finished.


    He lowered his gun, placing it softly back at its holster as he gestured the rest of his men to lower the holster down their rifles too.


    Followings suit, much to Diaz''s and Aliathra''s delight, the Ambassador himself gestured his men to lower their arms too.


    "Ambassador?" Ladui Eriande eyes swell at the downturn.


    "Be quiet or this will become pointless." the Ambassador interjected.


    "Good. Good." Diaz sighed as he raised his hands up.


    "I wish not to harm you or anyone here. If it makes you feel better. I will let all of your guests leave this room right now. The Staff has to stay though." Diaz said.


    The Ambassador nodded and his eyes darted towards every Elven Guest in the room. One by one, they all left the room quietly, leaving the Ambassador, Ladui Eriande and around 9 more Elves inside the room.


    "Wonderful. Wonderful. Very Wonderful." Diaz smiled. "We are getting somewhere now? If so, let me ask something to Aliathra." Diaz turned to the Princess. "If I am a guest in this Elven place, what do I expect for any¡­ Hospitalities?" he asked.


    "Offered a drink. A sweet Su¨¬lad mead." Aliathra said.


    "May I have any if you still have any?" Diaz asked.


    The Ambassador gestured one of his servants who quickly poured on a silver gleaming chalice before passing the drink to Diaz.


    Vincent promptly tasted the wine for a full minute savoring its tastes. He took care to keep his hands up in his earnest form of conciliatory courtesy. The senses on tastes buds rose into excitement as the drink bathed his tongue. Upon swallowing the wine, the liquid brushes down through his throat, rehydrating his body and putting his mind at ease. It was indeed a great giveaway to receive when welcomed in.


    "Delicious. Very much Ambassador." Diaz smiled.


    "I want to inform you that I we are speaking as two nations in one room together. Like the Vermillion Rock Concordant of Old and I demand the respect of that." Thelanil changed his condescending accent into his typical Elven Diplomat''s.


    His tense stance, relaxed to a stoic yet magisterial aura.


    "Understand I am not taking your word for it just yet. Until we come into terms with ourselves then I trust this¡­ Vermillion Rock¡­ Aliathra?" Diaz asked.


    "The Old Alliance between Men, Elves, Orcs and Beastfolks¡­ or in my tongue the Handyn. The fought against Alboen together." Aliathra explained.


    Diaz nodded in affirmation to the Elf''s information. It was an interesting historical tidbit within the context of Gliesian geo-politics.


    "Understand this of what I understand you. From the reports I heard from Ladui Eriande, several of my Spies and even the loose chatter of the town, that I know you and your kind are very skilled in the ways of violence. How you slew that Bandit Lord in Tyr Rian, how you slew the Eastern Legionnaire garrisons near the Deserts, and how you annihilated those obsequious Bulletes here in Souviel." The Ambassador said.


    "It is true, where we come from, Peace is just a lack of conflict." Diaz answered.


    "You are all born Warriors, born from a harsh land I see. Yet, to my own admission, you showed surprising restraint coming here to my Embassy so boldly. I wish to thank you that you and all of your men accompanying you that blood is shed." Thelanil gratuitously acknowledged.


    "We would be no better than animals if that is the case." Diaz nodded. "You are quite well informed about our exploits."


    "Indeed. Ever since you eliminated all of the Sefydliad that I had overseen their passing from the Docks all the way to Vercourt, it was only a matter of time before your masters sent someone to find me. Please, have a seat." The Ambassador gestured to a couple of the Nouveau art chairs in the room.


    "I am not here for a Social Visit Ambassador; I am here because I have questions for you and it''s ABOUT the Sefydliad." Diaz said.


    Thelanil sighed and turned around behind him. Before him is the Ethuilen Elves''s Royal Crest.


    "Our Mandate, is the continuation the True Elven Sphere''s domination across all of the known world. Create the opening of dialogue, discussion of said Dialogue and above all, the protection of all Ethuilen interests around Gliesia." The Ambassador explained. "We are a cordial Organization." he added.


    "Then this should be easy, answer my questions and you can forget I was ever here." Diaz pushed.


    "I am no Gwarlammen. Knowing you, once and if I ever do tell you what you ask to know, you will just use it against us." Thelanil declined. "Make no mistake, you have their eyes, the Black Tree Pact''s. I will not make the mistake King C¨ªrdan, Aliathra''s grandfather had made. My people and I WILL resist you."


    "Who?" Diaz asked.


    "The Black Tree Pact, our kin who abandoned my kingdom and have become the Entente''s rivals." Aliathra briefly explained.


    "I thought you''re just a Diplomat?" Diaz asked.


    "Diplomats are not just lofty desk clerks who sign papers and smiles to everyone all day. We carry knives in our backs when words fail to evoke the tides we wish to sail upon. Like the thorns of the beautiful Rhosyn. Our interests above all else must see fruition." Thelanil established. "That is why your masters wish to see me eliminated from the picture. Our interests conflict." The Ambassador defended his dutiful statement.


    "All I want is some answers. If I wanted to just extract it out of it from you violently, everyone else would be dead in this room right now, you and the guests you wisely sent away. I will ensure you that if you tell me everything honestly about what I will ask you now and you will be treated fairly by my masters¡­ eh¡­''protection''." Diaz said.


    If he could turn around this Ambassador into someone much more cooperative, then oh so the better for everything can it be? Thanks to Diaz''s cybernetic eye, he can read the Elf''s body movements, signals and beats like a book. He is patriotic, he can admire him for that thanks to his dutifulness as a Diplomat and as a director for Sefydliad operations. Yet beneath that, the Elf conceals the fatal flaw of all Elves, their Pride. And judging by the way he and Aliathra poised themselves, it had cracked. He knew deep down that the Otherworlder''s possess power that his country could not compare in prowess to and he was raised just like Aliathra herself, that Elves were and are meant to be dominant. The Elf''s resolve is slipping, desperate to cling on to his pride as he maintained the fa?ade of High Elven braggadocio.


    "Do not speak to me of honesty and fairness not when your masters live on their high towers, seducing, coercing and manipulating all that is around them without the courage to proclaim their full intentions for them to the rest of the world. To all of Gliesia." Thelanil argued.


    "Oh, it''s not like you are any different Mister Ambassador. Didn''t you just say the same thing yourself with your ''Masters''?" Diaz turned the question around. "Oh, my country Country speaks of prosperity and peace from muh ''high towers''." He mocked. "But when I have you cornered; you are just likely to shit it all the way." Diaz ended with a refute


    "The Otherworlder speaks the truth. You are a hypocrite Ambassador. The Sefydliad are all hypocrites." Aliathra commented.


    "No! Let me¡­ let me¡­ I can¡­ I can explain." the Ambassador cracked, just as Diaz hoped.


    He can see the Elf''s eyes contract his irises widely at the piercing assault of his own words being used against him.


    "The Younger Races, Human, Dwarf, Handyn, even Orcs are still in their cerebral infancy. Only us Ethuilen Elves, have the strength, the insight and the ascendancy to see through the children remain safe from those who would see to their harm and danger." Thelanil rephrased.


    "Children? You always call them all like if they were ''children''." Diaz waived. "Are you trying to lecture me about Parenthood? Because that''s how I am hearing it."


    "Paternal-like Diplomacy. That is what we do. If the ''children'' deviate to a path that will not end well for them, we intervene." Thelanil added.


    "You, know we get the same looks too. You and I." Diaz grinned. "My masters want best for Tyr Rian. They had banditry, bad harvests, squalor and all other sorts of nasties. I suppose you do that to help too when you can? So, I ask you, why fight us when our goals align? From what you are doing, you are already making things worse. My masters are already hawking to see the whole continent burning fo every time you try to thwart our next moves. People are dying for a cause that shouldn''t be here in the first place."


    The Ambassador nodded.


    "Ambassador? Do not tell me you are actually agreeing with him?" Eriande frowned.


    "I said silence." He brushed her off. "I agree, it pains me to see my people died. Most of them were people I had known in the Academy. We have been trying every day, to think of something, anything finds a way to stem the tide you introduced. But so far, nothing. Just failure and more of my people dying."


    "Then tell me this question. Where are the rest of the Sefydliad or at least the ones you know of? Since you are one of them you can tell them that war with us will only end badly for you in the long run. Tell your King, tell the Slaegian Emperor, tell everyone you can that war with me and my masters will be a mistake." Diaz requested. "If I return to my masters without anything to show for it, they will either tell me to use violence anyways or send someone else who isn''t as¡­''polite'' as me."


    "And I can see myself on those sides too, ''Cythraul''." He remarked. "But understand this, when I do this task for you, understand that you will be not just responsible for my renouncement of the Entente''s Interests and the Slaegian''s sovereignty. But also, the collapse of the Ethuilen Hegemony and the disruption of Gliesia''s equilibrium."


    "His point remains Ambassador, please for my family, for our people, do the right thing. He is giving you a choice." Aliathra pleaded.


    "Choose to fold now with only dishonor as your only forfeit, or choose to see Ethuilen, Haringpoint, and Souviel, plus all the work you and your colleagues did be gone in a poof?" Diaz proposed, pooping his mouth to resonate ''poof'' in his sentence.


    "I¡­I will not stay idle while more people die pointlessly. You offered me a choice to trust you¡­ open a discourse between you and my Superiors and our allies. I will¡­" the Ambassador said.


    "That is Treason Ambassador! Treason!" Eriande wailed.


    "Calm down! We can settle this another day!" Thelanil said.


    "Demon? What did you do to the Ambassador? You corrupted him, don''t you?" Eriande accused Diaz.


    "No! It''s called being a rational individual, you thick girl." Diaz denied.


    "I will not stand idly while these Demons make of mockery of us! Die!" Eriande roared.


    The Elven Knight lady conjured her hands encompassing magical energy into her hand as she primed herself to unleash it.


    "Ladui Eriande! No!" Aliathra dashed pass Diaz to attempt to restrain the Elven Knight''s foolhardy acrimony.


    Yet Eriande was too impassioned in her blinding rage to see reason. She unleashed from her hands a singing wave of fire bursting from her hands. Aliathra, still blinded herself in na?ve idealism of peace couldn''t react fast enough to reflexively close to blink as the burning embers met her azure irises. The Elf screamed as she recoiled back covering her broiled eyes in pain.


    "Ladui Eriande seize this foolishness at once!" the Ambassador tried to grab the knight.


    "I will SEIZE, your Treachery!" the Rainbow Helm rallied herself.


    She raised her sword and cut down Thelanil, killing the Ambassador instantly.


    The Elven Princess wanted to cry, not in pain, but of dolorous grief over her people''s steadfast ignorance. Yet she couldn''t, the burnt flesh on her eyelids infused itself to her eye''s delicate expanse causing her to cry but never shed a tear.


    At the same time, the burning particles of magic found their way around the spreading to all sorts of surfaces made of flesh, fabric or hardware alike. The more combustible materials like the dry carpets and curtains ignited.


    "Fire!" one of the Elven embassy staff alarmed.


    "Shit! Someone gets ''ome water quick." An Aparo Mercenary ordered.


    "Shit! There''s some on me!" Diaz screamed as he found his body erupting at several places with embers smoldering such as his left arm and the pair of pants he is currently wearing. Despite his augmentations and cybernetics being fire-resistant or straight up fireproof, his head is still vulnerable to getting burnt alongside the fact that he still has the instincts of avoiding having himself be lit on fire.


    Everyone in the room panic as people struggled to keep the growing flames from turning into an engulfing inferno. Some tried to choke the fire out by dumping heavy objects unto the flames whilst others used the water or whatever liquids they can throw to douse the flames.


    For Eriande, it was the diversion she needs, looking down on the Traitor Princess trying to heal herself from the pain of her eyes being charred. Seething with self-righteous fury she pointed her sword at Aliathra.


    "You will die here and now Demon!" the Rainbow Helm avouched.


    "Why didn''t you listen to us?" Aliathra asked her.


    "You are not the Princess! Rainbow Helms only take orders from the Royal Court!" Eriande spat.


    This time, she will have the glory of slaying this corrupted being in the shape of her beloved Princess with her own hands. Raising her sword overhand, she charged forth ready to cut down Aliathra in half with one mighty smite.


    If Aliathra had failed in trying to get her people to be convinced about the non-violent ways of the United Federation from the start, she would have allowed herself to be swallowed by her despair and be frozen still as she let the Knight plunger her blade at her heart. Crush by the boot of her people''s finest would be both a dishonorable way to die but the most befitting for one who allowed herself to be consumed by the Otherworlder''s blasphemous devices. Yet, when Diaz came in and almost persuade the Ambassador to rethink his hostilities, she was renewed with a sense of hope. A Hope for peace. A Hope that she can still have a home to return to. A Hope that life can still live on in harmony as Neneth or whatever omniscient being created all of Creation. This hope renewed the same fire she had when she first left the lofty towers of Ethuilen into the adventure she found herself into. The aspiration of being something more than just the youngest child of the Elven Royal Family. She is to become the bridge between Gliesia and the Otherworld above. She will fight to not die today.


    Pulling out her Ranger''s Danger from its small sheath. Aliathra, listening to the battle cries of Eriande, began to wildly slash the at the Rainbow Helm''s perceived direction. Without her sight she was like a fish out of water, trying to flop itself blindly back to the water.


    In her panicked slashes, Aliathra shuffled herself backwards, knocking over several of the valuable party or office d¨¦cor the Embassy had in display. At a glance, the Elf''s wild cuts were similar to two kinds of things: a storm for its sheer unpredictability, and a Hostel where you can go in but will never come out. In her blind sauntering, she felt her back hit a solid wall, stopping her in place.


    "Stay back! Stay back!" Aliathra warned with her stormy carving meeting nothing bu


    "Aliathra! Relax! It''s over."


    The Elf could hear Diaz''s reassuring voice as it move towards her.


    "Ser¡­ Vincent¡­ Vincent¡­ I¡­ I can''t see." Aliathra told him as she grasped the Otherworlder''s body.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay." Diaz comforted her. "It''s over." Diaz said.


    "Vinny! Fire is out. We''re safe." One of the Aparo Mercs says.


    "Good¡­" Diaz sighed in relief.


    He turned around and was left appalled at the chaos that had entailed thanks to one Elf''s blind rage. Several priceless pieces of nouveau art were destroyed or damaged with an ugly char burn and the Ambassador''s lifeless body laying on the floor.


    "I¡­ tried¡­to¡­ stop¡­ her¡­" Aliathra snorted, her ability to shed tears hampered by her stinging burns.


    "It''s okay, you tried. You tried to. That''s what matters." He reassured her.


    He gently pushed her away to see the resulting damage of Aliathra''s eyes. To say it reminded him of her old flesh heart back in Kesserheim would be a traumatizing statement, to say the least. He couldn''t tell where the eye begins when the fused flesh united together. Her Azure eyes, forever taken away cruelly by the hands of benighted patriots. There was also freshly spilled blood on the Elf''s cheek.


    With his thumb, Diaz slowly rubbed it off.


    "Is something on me?" Aliathra asked.


    Diaz remained silence. He knew where the freshly spilled blood came from and it was definitely not hers.


    "I smell it¡­ on your hand. Blood¡­ am I bleeding?" Aliathra asked.


    Again, Diaz remained silence, not daring to tell her of what she had just did.


    "No¡­ No¡­ I am¡­ I am¡­ a¡­ Neneth¡­ No¡­ No¡­ I ¡­. I¡­ I¡­ am¡­ Eriande¡­ I am¡­ so¡­ sorry." Aliathra realize.


    Aliathra couldn''t bother to heal the smoldering burns on her eyes. Her visioned not only darkened but her own self as well. Without herself at optimum focus, she was paralyzed and left emotionaly broken.


    Neneth, her teachings abhor most forms of murder. Teaching a non-confrontational way of life that valued the utilitarian ideal that all life within Creation deserves to live in systematic harmony with one another. Eriande, the Rainbow Helm was one of the most decorated soldiers of the Ethuilen Nation outside of her competitive spirit in Horse Racing. She was the ideal soldier in regards to her duty, bravery and loyalty. She couldn''t blame her for her consistent rebuttal yet only if she knew what Aliathra had seen what they UFE were capable of. Her oath to protect the True Kingdom of the Elves would flow alongside Aliathra''s ideals that Gliesia and the Earthlings could leave in peace. But now, she lay dead, her soul forever vengeful of the ''betrayal'' Aliathra inflicted upon her kingdom now bared witnessed by dozens of her peers. The thought of seeing her dead body at that moment, spasming for breath as the rod pierced her throat with her unsettling green eyes rattling to death sickened her.


    There was the point of no return for her. She did not only commit a great schism, but she had just committed a Royal Offense with the Rainbow Helm''s murder.


    Aliathra wanted to cry, but couldn''t shed a tear. All she could discharge was hoggish snorts, rasping puffs and mournful wails with her nose and mouth as she tightened her embrace with Diaz, the only person who guided her hand through her journey. For all intents and circumstances, Aliathra could no longer call herself a Princess of Ethuilen no longer. All she is now is¡­


    "I am a Monster." Aliathra sobbed.


    "No, you are not. Look at you. Look at you! Deep down, it took guts for you to be here now." Diaz said.


    "I am a Monster." She repeated.


    "Don''t say that." Diaz repeated again.


    "I am a Monster, just like you." Aliathra wailed louder.


    All that Diaz could do now for her was to hold her tightly. He rocked the Elf softly as the Elf''s sorrow. The more he sways as he cradled her body, the quieter the Elven Princess'' agony felt. He maybe mostly machine and wires, but he still had empathy encoded within his heart. He could only imagine what kind of vicious thoughts are now besieging Aliathra''s head right now as she was lulled to sleep.


    "Sleep now, dear Princess. It was all just a dream¡­" the Corpo quietly lay Aliathra on a chair allowing the Elven Maiden to be taken away from this horrid nightmare.


    After laying the persecuted and mentally damaged Elf on the chair, Diaz turned to the beleaguered Embassy staff who shuddered at the sight of the Otherworlders. Their fanciful clothes not stained with sweat, ash and splotches of unknown matter.


    "You, Who among you is willing to send a message for me?" Diaz asked them.


    One of the staff, a frail clerk raised his hand.


    "Here is the Federation''s message. Tell your kings, tell your lords, tell your armies that all we ask is for you to come to speak to us in peace at Tyr Rian. We will be waiting. Fight us and you will only lose. We may not want war, but we will finish it." Diaz said. Every sentence he finished he thrust his finger forward pointing to the clerk.


    The Elf Clerk nodded.


    "Get.Out." Diaz ordered. His voice dripping with displeasure.


    The Mercs behind him looked at the surviving Elven Embassy staff members, their guns still holstered but still ready to intervene violently. With no cards left to play, the Elves silently left the room. Descending down to the streets of Souviel alone and away to wherever the closest sanctuary their kind in Ysanigrad could be. Their memories forever imprinted with what happened that night and never forgetting the Corpo''s ultimatum: Parley or War


    -----------------


    Meanwhile, as the night reached its darkest point before the rising of the dawn, Gresgi Jodent can be found at his Estate. He had slammed the desk of his office denting its wooden surface and causing several loose coins of Ducats to jump slightly upwards before falling back down. He couldn''t believe the words of the last Sefydliad said. When he first arrived at his home, his clothes were tattered with dirt, wear and tear-soaked with sweat and feet threatening to crumble into collapse. At first, Jodent thought that his Coup plot needed more reinforcements from more of his private guards whom he kept a few dozen of in reserve, or perhaps he was such in a rush to inform him to now set forth to the Palace as planned when the Adventurers have finished clearing the building. But it was neither, for it was the results he did not want.


    Marxian''s role in the plot was to ensure the guards were supplied sufficiently with the coin to amply compensate the Grey Order Adventurer''s down payment before he personally, oversees the breaching the perimeter of the Palace. After that, he is to return to the Jodent Estate and report to the Chief Tax Collector of what happened before being sent off to Haringpoint where he will rendezvous with the rest of his colleagues in Haringpoint.


    "The coup has failed; the demons ambushed and slaughtered all the adventurers and your men at the palace." Marxian dejectedly said.


    Jodent turned pale upon his ears listening to the Elf''s words. All of their hirelings from the Grey Order perished by the hands of Demons. Their endeavors evaporated before him.


    "You¡­We¡­ We need to leave." Jodent stuttered. His hands shuddered as he reached into a drawer behind his desk. It was key. "Several of the people I hired have a letter that indicates me and your Ambassador in this plot. Have you told Ambassador Thelanil about this?"


    "I sent away a Tweeter Bird right after I witnessed the Adventurer''s getting massacred," Marxian answered.


    "Why not send one to me too. Why run all the way here?"


    "Forgive me, I was in hurry to your Estate for I saw the Guards and more of the Otherworlder''s doubling their patrols so I was forced to flee less I risk capture." Marxian defended himself. "Besides you agreed to extract me out of this Duchy regardless of success."


    "I take your point for this one Elf." Jodent placed his hand on his face.


    His decrepit heart raced as anxiety and fear of being forced to answer for himself before the Duke that he had spent decades earning and maintaining his trust would entail. A punishment for treachery was a long torturous death and the complete seizure of all of his possessions and property. Just like the Elven Spy, he too needs to escape.


    "I know. It looks like our hopes must lie on that ''Chosen One'' now." Marxian said.


    "Chosen Ones." Jodent emphasizes on the plurality. "What is your opinion about what happened in the Cathedral?"


    "For me, I am not someone who leaves everything to fate. But then again, I see the wee lad as a tool. A very powerful tool." Marxian gave his comments.


    "Faithleann is his name? Then there''s also two more of them. So far there''s a search for the missing ones. The Emperor is probably investing heavily in this one boy. I just hope he will succeed where many of us failed." Jodent assesses.


    "Well, my reports here will be of some use to the Chosen One. His powers and the symbolism his brand gave would rally many of the people to his cause. We will need to raise an army and we need to raise it fast. We can count on several of the Dwarven Clans to assists us in material and people whilst the Grey Order can help us with a whole assortment of talents." Jodent added.


    "Do not forget the College of Magi in Haringpoint and also my homeland''s equivalent, the Arcaneum and its Academy for anything related to Magic," Marxian said.


    "Indeed, they may have one this battle but this only the beginning. Take one of my horses and gallop out of here." Jodent stood up and gestured Marxian to the door.


    "What about you Jodent?" Marxian asked. "The Chief¡­ no former Chief Tax Collector?" he condescended.


    "Go on ahead. I need to collect my belongings before I depart. I will meet you in Haringpoint to discuss what we can do next." Jodent says.


    He remained confident that he can still return to Souviel sooner than later. He has several supporters and henchmen whom he knows will likely have to lay low for a while after the failure of the Coup. As Gresgi salvages what he can from this setback, he will appeal to the Emperor to recognize that the Current Duke, Thibault is illegitimate and accept the Jodent family name of claiming the Dukedom of Souviel. He was always propping the Tax Revenue files to indicate that Souviel was a very prosperous region even though the acquisition of said revenue is less than wholesome. With Imperial Support he can return to Souviel and seize the region for himself and no longer stand idle at the sidelines under Thibault''s shadow.


    But right now, he needs to salvage as much of his resources as he can, money, titles, and henchmen to do his bidding.


    He held onto his key and descended down a flight of stairs.


    One of the perks of being a Banker is that you can afford your Estate to be turned into a small fortress with locked doors, patrolling guards and vigilant watchtowers. Another perk is that he can legally safe keep a large sum of treasury tied to his bank under his home. The crooked tax collector knows all well that an impoverished nobleman is as potent as desert farmland, which is none at all. The Duke will likely seize all of his banks collected treasury as by the law and now Gresgi must work to rescue as much as he could carry before departing.


    "All of you! Get as much money into that carriage immediately!" he ordered.


    His servants toiled at the Ducats scattered throughout the treasury room, being able to fill chests after chests of Ducats. Jodent meanwhile heads down to the accounting room of the underground treasury and used his key to unlock a chest within it. It contained not only Ducats of the more, larger denominations but several deeds and titles personal to him like his Estates, the Land being occupied where his bank is and also a Balance Book which indicates all of his allies and dealings within his long career in Souviel.


    But as Jodent frantically packed all of the Chests'' contents into his money sack. A loud explosion could be heard from above him that shook the ground below, stunning everyone for one moment.


    "What was that?" one of the servants asked.


    For that moment, nobody knows what had happened up above them. But then one of the Estate Guards descended downstairs, his sword drawn and his helmet missing.


    "We are under attack!" the guard said.


    "They are here! Get out there and hold them off!" Jodent ordered.


    "But sir! They are slaughtering us! We need to flee now!" the guard argued.


    "Not without the Ducats! That is an order!" he yelled as he returned to gathering his gold.


    The guard, not wanting to argue at such a dire time like this, returned upstairs to hold of the intruders as Jodent continued rescuing as much of his wealth as possible.


    By the time he cleared the contents of the chest, his sack was as rotund as his stout self and cumbersome as that he could barely lift the sack all by himself. He struggled to reach back to the underground carriage room. But just as he was about to reach the glimpse of hope that is the large door, several of his guards burst out of the door, pushing away its wooden frames before immediately turning around and barricading it with their bodies.


    "Milord! They reached the Carriage! It is not safe." One of the Guards warned.


    "But my Ducats is there!" Jodent argued.


    "I told you, it is not safe behind there!" the guard repeated.


    The door the guards obstructed began to shake violently, unbalancing the guards who jostled to remain in their forestalling position. Gresgi had to swallow his loss now, the Ducats in the Carriage room were lost.


    "The Stables! There should be a horse there. Follow me." one of the guards told Jodent.


    Escorting the nobleman out of the few still unpenetrated areas of the underground left, the two emerged in the surface where the greeting of thunderous explosions and the cacophonic madness of a battle ensued. A fire occurred at his home and he could see the bodies of several of his servants and guards laying on the street. These Demons, and their Eldritch powers, they had overrun his home like a plague spreading from its origin of Tyr Rian and now expanding its tentacles into Souviel herself. His home and the Pearl of the Draguitoise Coast has fallen.


    Jodent could also see, through the darkness of the night, four of what he can only construe as oddly shaped but great-sized birds whose wings beat like the sound of charging warhorses. On their noses, he could see orbs of light whose rays descended down to the ground like the gaze of Lehsol''s morning light. To him, these giant birds reminded him of fireflies and sprites that seasonally come out during the spring and summer seasons at the more temperamental or magically more attuned areas of Ysanigrad. Beaming down to the ground before in its blinding luminousness, looked upon Jodent and his escorting Guard.


    "Hold Still!" the giant bird spoke.


    "Hurry to the Stables Master!" the Estate Guard pushed him.


    Staggering forward with the weight of his most prized possession at hand, Jodent ran across the yard of his estate onto the inviolable shed of the Stables. His confidence arose when he could still hear the neighing of horses still confined within its walls.


    Entering the Stables quickly, the Guard readied the closest horse that they first came across when they searched the pens. It was a venerable yet agitated white horse whose breed was to be a beast of burden for whatever arduous work its master wants it to do. Normally it would work quietly as it told, but the sounds of thunders and the screams of rapacious strife made it restless.


    "Get that Horse ready so I can flee," Jodent ordered.


    The guard took time to comfort the horse with a few careful head pats. Yet for the Nobleman it took many of his precious time and judging by the way the giant bird had spotted them. The demons are descending upon his position as he sees the horse finally revert back to a more amenable state. The Estate Guard guided the horse away from its pen and into the saddling area of the Stables.


    "Quickly." The guard instructed.


    He grabbed a nearby saddle and fitted it on the horse''s back. Yet Jodent was such in a hurry to hop onto his horse that he got in between its back whilst carrying the hefty carryall of his possessions. Thanks to the way Jodent disrupted the rushed Estate guard''s flow of fastening the saddle properly onto the steed, he wasn''t able to fully secure its grip between the beast and apparel.


    "You two! Get down on the ground!" a voice yelled.


    The doors of the Stables opened to reveal over a dozen shadows appear before him with the same light emitting from the giant birds hovering above the exposed door, revealing and catching Jodent and the lone Estate Guard in their attempt to escape.


    "To Haringpoint with you!" the Guard yelled to the horse as it slapped its flank causing Jodent to launch forward abruptly towards the Stable door where the Demons stood before him.


    A couple of the Demons, seeing the horse wildly charging forward to them, dodged away allowing the former Chief Tax Collector to escape to the open gate leading north out of his now conquered Estate and North out of Souviel.


    "Die you De----" the Guard raised his sword to prepare one final stand but the Demon''s magical bolts from their black rods pierced his body before he can even lunge out for a charge.


    The initial path north of his estate with eclipsing hills and feathery vineyards that Jodent''s horse could easily pass through surreptitiously much to the former Chief Tax Collector''s coy idea. It was a perfect screen for his escape with the darkest part of the night masking him further with the late-night clouds blinding Mayari in its stygian folds.


    He could hear the raping of his estate from the distance behind him, but as he progresses through the shrubbery and shadowy hillsides of Northern Souviel, its despoiled cries abated more and more for every hoof before ultimately, the sweet hymn of the night''s silence was all the ambient sounds Jodent could hear.


    In his head, he vowed that he will return to Souviel one day and exact his vengeance! For now, he needs to get himself to Haringpoint as soon as possible and make his case to the Emperor himself of the complications in his previous appointment, preventing him and the empire from extracting its due on the Pearl of the Draguitoise Coast. Knowing war needed not only money but supply, the Empire will gladly push for his reappointment not as a desk-bounded Chief Tax Collector but as the Duke of Souviel himself. Carrying the last of his possession on his sack tightly, Jodent fled through the Souviel open wilderness. The crooked nobleman smiled as his steed advanced at every pace. The rhythmic crackle of the last vestiges of his ill-gotten gains disturbing the peaceful night''s path. There was nobody who would be up scouring about at this hour, let alone at such an occasion back at the city during the Chwartiadd. It was all him, his steed, his money and the strengthening sea breeze from the Draguitoise Coast that aided him forward.


    He could even feel Lehsol''s day-breaking light shine closer to him as he made his sunrise escape¡­


    "Gresgi Jodent! You are under arrest by other of the United Federation and the Duchy of Souviel!" a voice echoed behind him.


    His heartbeat raced upwards while his wooly hairs straightened with cold sweat as he pried his eyes back. However, he saw nothing, just the sunrise starting to illuminate the skies with its apricot glow.


    He sighed as he turned forward to return his eyes to the path. Perhaps it was just his anxiety getting the better of him in a moment of weakness¡­


    "Freeze!" the giant metal birds that swarmed his Estate asserted.


    The monster hovered in front of him, its great body blocking his pack and its radiant gaze, oh its radiant gaze that he could never forget blinded him and his steed.


    His steed recoiled backward, stricken with overwhelming shock. In addition to the imbalance of posture, Jodent''s saddle, thanks to its earlier improper fastening loosened, allowing Jodent, his heavy sack of Ducats and the horse to fall crashing down to the hard ground respectively.


    The soft and bloated body of Jodent''s overweight, desk-adjusted body was too unfit and unpracticed to hold its form against the crashing of his wealth onto his person. The burdensome tote crushed his weak and malnourished bones, most especially his ribcage. Its splintering causing his internal organs to rupture violently. Years of unhealthy life choices such as meat and wine with no desire to lift his foot off of his office, simply using the power of his money to enforce his will on the destitute denizens of Souviel now coming him to take its due.  The contents were also loosened its tie on the bag causing a considerable amount of mammon to smother the Tax Collector in his own hubristic greed.


    If the money poetically killing him wasn''t harsh enough, the horse he road upon, an expensive crossbreed of Elven Gh''da and Ysanigradic Purebreds fell on him, adding its weight onto his crushed body, further disintegrating him into a pile of his own blood, bile and bones.


    Jodent faded away as the very thing he wanted to desire to collect at all costs the most became his downfall. Dying with a whimper in a lonesome dirt road with his home, riches, status, and name to be forever dashed away from history.


    Just as the Tax Collector expired, his pursuers, the otherworldly figures descended onto his body like vultures. They quickly shot down the bewildered horse for their own safety as the beast wildly flailed its legs at anything it sensed coming closer to him. They examined the body and its material damage it came with a sense of disappointment


    "Spearhead, this is Stryder Lead, the HVT is dead." A man walked up to Jodent''s corpse said. His arms were protruding metal appendages above his limbs like a spider''s claws. Compared to his fellows his black rod was the most intimidating of sizes.


    He listened to his little device attached to his ear earnestly. His voice sowing a breath of hesitant displeasure.


    "There''s a bag and a horse here. Filled with papers, ducks and a book¡­ accounting I believe." The man said.


    Another moment passed with the voice in his ear.


    "Affirmative Spearhead, sending coordinates for the Military Police as we speak." The man nodded. "Yes, I think the Duke would need to see this." He added.


    "Hey! Crocker, the suns up! Iris, you got your sunblock?" a dark-skinned Otherworlder, similar in shade to the night earlier informed the attendant Otherworlder. He was followed by a pale-skinned woman with runic tattoos on her face who was frantically slathering her exposed skin with a potion.


    The Otherworlders turned around to watch the sun-star Lehsol rise above the hills of Souviel, glinting the land in its golden rays as a new day had started.


    "Mark my words squad, this is only the beginning¡­" the Otherworlder asseverate.


    ---------------------


    The new morning was met with blessed reverence and equal amounts of observance for Faithleann Garmhaic, the Chosen One deemed ''Gweninejar'', the Anathema. He was dressed in adornments such as a Blue and Silver ceremonial armor adorned with the Empire''s symbolic being, a Greater Dragon holding a the sword Can Rhyfel on its right paw symbolizing the Empire''s united order brought by Caldell Slaegiac''s masterful confederation of the Human Tribes of Ysanigrad, upon his left paw is a cornucopia filled with bountiful harvests symbolizing the continent''s age of prosperity brought by the said confederation into the Empire it is today. Such an armor being worn by Faithleann can only be worthy for the venerable Marchog, the Knightly Lords of the Empire, high-status warriors known for their skill, minute ability to independently lead brigades of men to their banners for their campaigns and also for their prized valor in the face of incredible odds. The way he was abruptly awakened from the College of Magi and rushed from its scholarly halls to the Imperial Palace and the way his opulent plates presented themselves, he could deduce, that indeed, in that moment and at that hour, he will be Knighted by none other than Emperor Uldin himself alongside the even more so esteemed than the Knights, the Cadfridogion y Lleng, the Slaegian Empire''s Legionary Generals. To think, days ago, he was just a lonesome lad from the countryside looking for his place in the world and now his destiny has been thrust to him by blessings and the act of the Gods. He now sees himself on his lifetime goal being achieved sooner. A poem, a record in his name in the great books of heroes that his mother and teachers read to him. Not just a Hero but a hero only subpar to the Founder-Hero Caldell Slaegiac himself.


    The trumpets blared signaling the beginning of the Knighting Ceremony as Faithleann was led to the great door separating him and the Imperial Throne room.


    "Stand upright and proud Chosen one! You are about to be a Marchog of the Empire. So act like one!" An attendant instructed.


    So did Faithleann proudly taut his chest up, the Armor''s breastplate facing forward like a vanguard through the matching colors of the Empire''s embroidery below his feet that is the Royal Carpet.


    As the doors opened, he put his best foot forward. Marching proudly down the hall with his head held high as worthy as the Knights who precede him, whom were the first people he recognizes attending the ceremony from the Throne Room door''s immediate vicinity wearing a similar ceremonial wardrobe for the occasion.


    After the Knights, came the Noble Houses, descendants of Caldell''s closest followers, dressed in their opulent robes and fanning themselves with their own prestige. Next followed were the Magisters from the College, they held their staffs by their hands like sentinels stoically looking on with studious eyes at Faithleann as he passes by. Also, across the hall, he made pass more peculiar folks that he had never seen before in his life, some of which only heard in stories and gossip that passed through his childhood town of Clervuite, non-humans. He saw delegations of the Empire''s peers standing closest to the Emperor''s thrones with their heraldry in full display. He saw the Ethuilen Elves in their graceful aura''s wearing their translucent and colorful robes or wearing their resplendent armors. He saw husky the Dwarves of Clan Kur Falduhr in their master-crafted armors. Races close to the Empire''s heart for their partnerships. There also other Delegates from lesser-known or more exotic areas that the young boy heard whispers about. He saw the Tavai Sea Elves, dressed in a scantier version of Ethuilen''s own designs which emphasized their well-toned bodies. A contingent of Daosne Shamans, silently prayed to their ''Guardian'' Spirits of each of the Volyudi, Kotayudi, Bykalyudi, the major Tribes of the Northern Barbarians. Faithleann even noticed one of their own, a hulking Bykalyudi or Bull-Person as its commonly called around the Empire claspin a letter at his person. Perhaps another plea for peace or another of the tribe''s diplomatic gestures with courtesy to the more civilized neighbors as he thinks. With their bizarre runic marks scattered on their bodies, these Shamans were the shabbiest dressed people in the room causing most folks to keep a diplomatic distance from them, not helping their case that Daosne never clean themselves. Then there was a baggy dressed man from the Eastern Suzerainities, adorned with finest jewels and pelts from the monsters known to roam the savannahs there. The next two groups of unusual guests were from the continent of Saihan, he never heard many stories of them other than the Elves being in contact with this isolative continent east of Ysanigrad beyond the coasts of the Suzerainties. He saw a furry eared but less bestial compared to the Daosne humanoid who wore a flowing red and gold-lined robe that kept hidden his hands, a tall cap shaped like a branch reaching upwards making him look taller than his barely five-foot stature could compensate. He was a Yeouseon or a Fox-man with a remarkable amalgamation between humans and a fox, with the human side being more profound than the latter. The only remarkably alien feature was his narrow-slit eyes, but only when you look at him face to face up close could you notice them being shaped like a castle''s arrow slit. He was attended by four other figures who bowed their heads down with humility before the tall-capped Yeouseon. This one was an envoy from the declining Roegyo Dynasty of the Yeojegung Empire. His lands declining due to the violent takeover of the robust Black Tree Pact. The other envoy from Saihan is, in contrast, an imposing to rival the Bykalyudi shaman, Snake-kin or a Nahana as they prefer to call themselves from the tropical jungle kingdom of Nahadhya. He was the most unsettling of the people in attendance, almost giving off the same disdainful aura the Daosne are giving. He lacked legs, except that he carries himself with a strong and flexible appendage below his torso that allows him to glide through any surface with ease. He was acting as both an envoy to his people and as a peculiar bodyguard choice for the Yeouseon due to the fact that the last free remnants of the Dynasty bordered where Nahadhya begins.


    All of them looked at Faithleann as he made his way towards the Throne with a mixed reception with hope from the Dwarves and Elves, uncertainty from the Naha and the Yeouseon, apathy for the Daosne and the Tavai. The Dwarves and the Elves came were in attendance for their mutual interests with the Empire despite the two''s differences. The Naha and the Yeouseon had a concern of what this could mean for the Empire and their people''s whilst the Daosne and the Tavai couldn''t careless of the Chosen One, they had their own reasons why they are in the Emperor''s presence. They began to whisper quietly to each other of their subjective thoughts on Faithleann.


    "This boy, so young, but can he? Does he know what will happen to him after this is all over?" one of the Knights asked another that is his senior.


    "The Chosen One is blessed with Magic just like us? Such is the tilt of the Human''s Crystal Heart." An Elf scoffed. He was envious of such an individual magically significant but subpar race can be suddenly blessed with a huge assortment of magical inclination to all forms of Magic compared to the Elves natural Arcane talents and carefully crafted lineage started by their founders who originally created the Elven Kingdom of Alfel-Nora before the Dissension War causing the Elves to be split between the Black Tree Pact and the Entente with a posthumous break off of their island colonies south creating the Tavai Sea Elf nation.


    "I just hope this Agreement we have with the Empire will work out well for us in the long run. I have to tell the Drudge Caste to double their quotas to meet the conditions." The Dwarven envoy commented with concern. He knew the Empire will ask of his people to produce more minerals in exchange for more vital materials unavailable in the Ostalrocs.


    "You are a Tavai am I correct?" the Volyudi Shaman asked the Sea Elf.


    "Indeed. What brings you to me Handyn?" the Tavai asked.


    "Don''t call me that first." The Shaman said. "I am here with a warning. I have little to no reason that we can trust this Chosen One nor the scrying of the College."


    "Tell me something I don''t know." The Tavai waved off.


    "You and I both know that the Empire is only going to push harder against us now that the powers that be are emboldened with this Chosen One''s arrival. Who''s to say that they may use him against us eventually?" the Shaman argued which caught the Sea Elf and gave him pause.


    Could this Chosen One really be more than just a glorified armament? Could it be used against his people and also the Daosne''s own? What about everyone else that is neither Man nor Elf? The Empire, the Entente and arguably the Black Tree Pact are the greatest powers in the world right now. This crisis of the Demon Invasion and the rumormongering of the Chosen One''s exceptional abilities will surely disrupt the status quo.


    "I hope this Chosen One can help us too. My Emperor would pay any price for his help." The Yeouseon envoy wondered.


    Many more held their reasonable doubts on Faithleann ranging from his unusually young age of being Knighted with all the skipping of Squirehood with a sponsoring Knight though many argued back that the Emperor is not barred in handling the apprenticeship and sponsoring of neophytes in addition to the newly emergent Demon Crisis being a state of emergency that certain customs and laws will have to be bypassed.


    Passing by all of his onlookers he made his steps up the elevated platform where Emperor Uldin and the Cadfridogion y Lleng leaders stood by looking at him ominously with their dignified gaze. Some filled with doubt, others filled with hope for this young boy given such a prestigious status at such a young age. Yet the Emperor briefed them earlier, that the ceremony and their attendance was a formality, he wanted to show the Empire how seriously he is dealing with the new threat of these Otherworlders and how much he is willing to go for investing in their protection. Once he has shown his hand, the rest of the Nobility, the Army and the Commoners will show their support.


    "Kneel, Faithleann Garmhaic, my child." Emperor Uldin fatherly said as he drew the ceremonial sword, a replica of Can Rhyfel used for the Knighting Ceremony.


    The young boy knelt forward, his knees landing on a soft pillow to cushion him as he awaited the rite''s completion with his eyes fixated with fire looking up to the august Emperor Uldin. To several of the closer onlookers, it was rather peculiar of an up and coming young Knight to not humbly lower his head before the one knighting him. Some debated quietly behind the scenes whether the boy was showing arrogance before the Emperor or a passionate desire to look into his liege lord''s eyes as he is being knighted by him.


    "Do you, Faithleann Garmhaic solemnly swear to defend the Empire until your final breath from all of its enemies?" the Emperor asked.


    "I do." Faithleann responded.


    "Do you, Faithleann Garmhaic uphold the honor and prestige worthy of the esteemed Knights of the Empire? The Marchog?"


    "I do."


    "And lastly, do you, Faithleann Garmhaic to uphold


    "By the powers of the Dwyful Teulu, I Emperor Uldin with the powers given to me by the Gods dub you, Faithleann Garmhaic, to be consigned with honors and titles to the Knighthood of the Order of the Soaring Dragon." Uldin dubbed as he tapped the replica sword on Faithleann''s two shoulders with the ceremonial weapon''s flat side.


    Despite his face remaining motionless, Faithleann internally could barely hold his excitement. His dreams coming true before his very eyes. He had to pinch himself dozens of times whenever he met any of his heroes and idols from the upper echelons of the Empire''s Elites to see he wasn''t just dreaming of his hopes for the future. Yet indeed, the future he wanted to have heard now.


    "Arise Marchog Garmhaic." Uldin told him now with his new title.


    Faithleann followed, and with a smile on his face, the trumpets blared as the Slaegians within the crowd sang a joyous chorus. It was the song "Tale of the Hearts" a song detailing the saga of Caldell Slaegiac and often sang whenever the Sacred Heart bless a new Chosen One or few. Often the song is sung during the Jubilation Day when the Empire was founded.


    "Let us gift the Chosen One with the boons he will need for his journey." Emperor declared.


    With a quick motion of his hands, several people from the crowds marched forward and knelt down to the Emperor before eagerly looking on to Faithleann. He can recognize from among them, Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf, Karliah Silverdane, Mita the Crow and Findrum the Monster Hunter. There were however also several other people of unfamiliarity as Faithleann examined from scholarly folks, industrious craftsmen to knightly soldiers.


    "My Child, these men and women will be your followers in your journey. The finest the Empire has to offer." The Emperor bestowed "You may have already met several of them already."


    "I am Marchog Gratianus Faughn." Stately and heavily armored Knight saluted. "I will be your Mentor on your Chivalric duties as a Marchog." He said.


    "Ser Faughn is one of the most respected Knights who served at my side and my lineage for years faithfully. Although he maybe past his prime, this man mentored Petur when he was newly dubbed too." Uldin added.


    "Indeed." Gratianus bowed.


    The next one the Chosen One walked towards, was a bubbly looking young woman with dark hair but rosy cheeks jumped in front of Faithleann with excitement. She wore a virginal white robe adorned with leather belts holding scholarly implements like quill pens, inkwells, measuring tools and examination apparatuses. An air of prodigious femininity can be scented by Faithleann as he passed by her.


    "Hello! I am Olayra Ekroth." The girl said. "I can speak eight languages, read 10 languages, can tell the difference between a Wyvern and a Dragon, my fruits to my vegetables, my herbs to my spices¡­" The Scholarly girl spoke rapidly.


    "Forgive me, but she is quite a fast speaker. But Ladui Ekroth is one of the College''s best Scholars. She may not be a Mage by any sense but she is a prodigy in Alchemy and Languages. In addition, she is also from Clervuite and is around your age." The Emperor smiled with a suggestive tone.


    To not cause offense, Faithleann honestly couldn''t recognize this Olayra Ekroth. He couldn''t recall anyone from his childhood years with that name or perhaps it''s just the fact that the town had only one school house and there were over fifty other children other than him coddled up inside it for the first 10 years of their lives.


    The last person was a burly man, perhaps the tallest in the room by his giant size almost akin to an Ogre thanks to the light shade of lilac on his skin. He was wearing several medals over his white Apron. His chin however was his most protruding part or in the sense it''s most glaring. It was elongated with an oversized lower lip. Essentially this goliath was somewhat deformed.


    "This is Morthwyl. He is a Half-Ogre blacksmith who was under the tutelage of the great blacksmith Gwilliam Keelan." Uldin said.


    "The Keelan''s? The ones who made many Legendary Weapons and Armors like Can Ryhfel?


    Morthwyl nodded with a clack from his mouth.


    "I forgot to also say that he can''t talk very well¡­" the Emperor awkwardly mentioned. "But he is quite vigorous in the Smithy and he is talented enough to use Scandanite and Actocolite ingots to make whatever you and your army of followers need."


    "Army?" Faithleann twitched his eyebrow.


    "I shall explain." The Emperor said as he stepped forward with his hands raised to call out the attention of the crowd gathered in his Throne Room.


    "My Subjects, my Attendants and Envoys. I, Emperor Uldin of the lineage of the Slaegiac, do declare my annotation for the first time after we were attacked by the Steel Cloud that rained thunder and fire from the sky on our fair city." He said.


    It was over about less than a fortnight ago when Haringpoint was attacked and the Emperor was making his first public appearance since then. The areas still devastated by the attacks were already being cleared off of rubble. Many of the affected citizens were looking towards any authority for guidance yet the chaos that ensued during the attack caused a bureaucratic standstill in the Imperial Senate due to several important figures, buildings and even injuries caused miscommunication amongst the Authorities and the Citizenry. Some even began to speculate beforehand that the Emperor was killed during the attacks. But the rumors were shot down when the invitations were given out for delegates and the Nobility to attend this event.


    There were however several unexpected complications such as the arrival of the Daosne Shamans, the arrival of the two Envoys from Saihan who were part of a mercantile fleet and the delay induce in bringing in Faithleann''s followers into Haringpoint in such a short notice hence a rather precarious yet intriguing environment of a diverse set of vested groups within Ysanigrad and beyond.


    "I must apologize for my silence these past few moons but I assure you, my silence was necessary for I was taking great heed to ensure the Empire''s response to this catastrophe brought before us." Uldin humbly bowed.


    The Nobility and the Marchog gave an ovation to the Emperor now that their concerns were finally being answered after days of grueling ambiguity from the Throne.


    "I maybe old and aging, but rest assure that I have not doddered off yet." The Emperor said. "For you are my people and I am your Emperor. I take your safety and the continuation of your well-being seriously. We must find the other two Chosen Ones and bring them to our fold so we may bring a decisive end to the Demonic Invasion. To prove that what I say is the truth, I am investing heavily into our triumph against this emanating crisis." The Emperor snapped his fingers.


    He signaled several servants coming forth bearing gifts for the Chosen One. One gift was a chest filled with Ducats, another was a finely adorned and polished saddle that indicates the gifting of an exalted steed for which he can ride on and the last gift was a badge containing the Imperial Dragon Insignia. Confused, the Chosen One tapped Emperor Uldin.


    "What is that you are giving me?" he asked pointing to the badge.


    "Ah, that is the Imperial Crest used by diplomats and officials to show their status. Wearing it will allow you to travel freely within the Imperial Road''s and not be compelled to pay the tolls for you and your followers and granting you audiences with virtually anyone in the Empire whom you may need at your disposal. In addition to all of those privileges, you will also have the authority and the responsibility to levy soldiers unto your Army of up to five-thousand men or a whole Legion. It also gives you a degree of protection from the Law." the Emperor said.


    "And about this Army? What will it contain?" Faithleann asked.


    "You are free to choose who joins your Army, but if you are to ask for my input, Marchog Faughn''s old Legion, the 14th Legion are willing to let go several of their men to your banner. Mages from the College can also be coerced into joining your Army as long as you can keep their needs in check. Mercenaries, however, will be needing payment but if you evoke the Seal on to their contracts, they can attain their due at any Imperial Banks in our major cities." The Emperor explained.


    "This all more than enough that I can work with." Faithleann smiled.


    "Your words are truth, my Child. Do you have anything to say?" the Emperor asked.


    "Yes," Faithleann said. He stepped forward into the audience''s view as he inhaled his breath. "People of the Empire, I Faithleann Garmhaic, latest in the line of the Marchogs do solemnly swear to vanquish the Demons from our lands and purge down everything that they have corrupted. Not only, that I will for as long as I breathe, will take the fight those who seek the Empire''s destruction!" He addressed the crowds.


    A standing ovation followed for the Chosen one, except for the Daosne Shamans, the Tavai and the Sahai Envoys who lay their quietly, uncertain what this Slaegian''s ascension would mean for their people.


    -------------------------------


    From the window, Prince Clovich Rian marveled past the great bastions of the Federation''s mastery of the great void or ''Space Station'' as his guide, a one Isabel San Matthias described. Isabel, dowager who worked for the Federation''s Government as a Cultural Historian of ''Old Earth'' as she described herself. She was attached with courtesy to Chairwoman Di Poppo to be Clovich''s guide to the planet Earth. These Space Stations being the defensive barriers that protect the Federation''s Capital of Earth from all sides. He also marveled at the spherical celestial bodies of the Sol system before him. He saw Saturn''s rings crowning the world in an auspicious circlet; the discombobulating palette of green earth, blue veins and orange deserts being lit up by the off-planet view of the starlight skylines of Mar''s nightly-side;  the planet system''s sun who''s golden glow reminded him of Lehsol back home; before finally he saw the great Shipyard of the UFE''s Navy based in Sol, Starfleet Sol.


    "Tell me, Ladui San Ma-teh-yas? What is Earth like?" Prince Clovich asked his companion.


    "Like your homeland, green grass, blue waters and bright skies. Only the difference being of our advanced technologies in contrast." Isabel said. "Tell me, what do you know of our technology?"


    "I know of Windmills that you also have just like ours that produces this mystical power of Ee-lec-tris-ete." The Prince says.


    "Energy, yes. Very important to us too and very important to you too? Just like your Mana Crystals." Isabel said.


    "Indeed. If I may ask. What other wondrous technologies of yours do you have?" Clovich ask.


    "So many to think about? Where can I begin?" Isabel flustered.


    "Where did King May-jee begin when he was like me?" Clovich asked.


    Isabel was surprised and amused by the Otherworlder''s semi-inaccurate historical insight. She recovered with a sincere smile as she shuffled the cards in her head in response.


    "You mean Emperor Meiji of Japan. Yes, I do say you have his fire for progress in your eyes." Isabel said.


    "This, Ja-pan. What is it like?" He asked.


    "Used to be just farmlands and rough mountains before the Emperor brought technology into his realm turning the Island Nation into one of the most powerful nations in my History." She said.


    "Can I¡­ visit it?" Clovich asked.


    "Maybe, after your appearance before our Parliament, we can arrange that. You are here to see what we the United Federation of Earth are capable of." Isabel said.


    "And how we can work together." Clovich nodded.


    "Of course," she praised.


    "Attention all personnel, prepare for landing to the Basel Spaceport." The captain of the ship announced in the PA''s speakers.


    After placing himself at a seat and fastening his seatbelt, Clovich observed the descent from the black void of space to the Federation''s home world of Earth. Passing by the aurora borealis above its atmosphere, Clovich marveled at the rainbow palette of lights it produced when their rays clashed with the monotone white clouds of the beginning of Earth''s aerospace. He could feel the clinging sensation of gravity take root within his bones as the ship further descent closer to the planet''s surface. The clouds grew thicker with every altitude drop before finally from beneath the bottom of his glass window, he saw a glimpsed of green and solid land followed by the dotting presence of civilization in contrast to the natural surroundings.


    The ship landed safely at Basel, Switzerland the closest Spaceport to the UFE''s central political heart of Geneva in the Western European Prefecture. From outside the window, the Prince and his entourage saw a great expanse of concrete ground where the Spaceport placed their ships and gizmo-filled tools related to the docking, launching, and maintenance of these Great Flying Boats. As the Ship glided its way onto a carousel attached to its bottom, Clovich could see the industrious tools of the UFE''s might be transitioned away with the ground suddenly turning to a bright royal red with a walkway and barriers that followed along the red-colored path towards an awaiting carriage. Behind the barriers scores of people in brightened clothes, leathery vests aiming their eyes at him. He could feel thousands of eyes fall upon the Prince as the wheeled boarding ramp adjoined itself to the Ship''s supply bay. It''s stairs also too, covered in red carpet as earlier.


    Prince Clovich held on both a fear and an optimistic drive within when he first made his journey from Tyr Rian to Earth. What would these greater being think of him? What will he be able to see on Earth? How could this visit affect what will happen back home? All of those thoughts ran through his head as he and his entourage were escorted to the boarding ramp.


    A sharply dressed man, similar to the way Governor White dressed but with a blue sash of the UFE''s many ringed emblem attached by his shoulder with his gray two-piece suit.

 Chapter 35 - the Tyr Rianni Mission

    The Palais du Parlement, was perhaps the earthiest building in Clovich has seen so far in Geneva. The city surrounded an entire pristine lake whose crystalline waters matched with the shimmering spires and neon lights that glittered the skyline. Once called the Palais des Nations by the UFE''s predecessor, the United Nations, the building remained untouched outside of the occasional restorative works every so often by the UFE Government. The Palace is a white stone building situated in the middle of a park that oversees Lake Geneva with a clear view of the French Alps. Littering the grounds, the Tyr Rianni Mission saw dozens upon dozens of Flags flying highly above their flagpole horizontally.


    He made several passing comments about so many of the quirks the Earthlings had that he observed based on his experience dealing with the folks of New Albany to Prime Minister Bousquet who has been escorting them on foot to the Palace ever since his arrival.


    The Prince of Tyr Rian talked about how they were so religiously obsessed with Cleanliness, oftentimes refusing several articles of material unless sterilized based on his observations with Earthling Merchants interacting with his own. The Prime Minister''s response is that Health is important to the Earthlings as it was one of their insights that allows them to remain physically and aesthetically superior compared to the more disheveled Ysanigrad Natives since Elves also have a similar albeit less refined conceptualization of personal hygiene. No wonder the Earthlings, even most surprisingly, their werytadan or commoners, who are just as fair as their affluent noblesadan.


    When Clovich asked about all the strange contraptions and gizmos that litter Geneva''s streets like metal carriages, their titanic spires and glimmering cloaks of iridescent light, Bousqet says that it was all the byproducts of years upon years of development. Not even the Elves or the Dwarves could match such technological might as Clovich recounts. He is a bit shaken by the incessant pelts of flashing lights that followed his every step. According to the Prime Minister, those are recording devices called ''Cameras''.


    After walking down the green fields in front of the Palais du Parlement''s grounds, Clovich saw at the end of the walkway a blue draped stage with a speaker''s stand laying at the center of it. Behind the stage are flags, dozens of them all unfurled equally as they are mighty.


    "Please sit here Prince Clovich, the Prime Minister needs to make a speech before he introduces you to the entire world." Isabel gestured her arm to an unoccupied chair.


    Clovich and two of his trusted bodyguards complied and took their seats as his guide instructed.


    The Prime Minister meanwhile broke off from the Prince''s vicinity and approached the stand, making one final check on his tie for maximum presentation for a high-profile individual such as himself.


    "In the long history of Mankind, when we first ascended towards the cosmos centuries ago. There was one question that enamored artists, scientists and every child alike¡­" Bousquet began to speak.


    The cheering crowd''s silence as their gaze was fixed towards the UFE''s Prime Minister.


    "Are we alone in the Universe?" he phrased the ground-shattering question that heralds across all of the lands will mark as the beginning of a new age in Interstellar Exploration.


    With one final swallow of courage after a brief pause of gasped onlookers, the Prime Minister continued his speech.


    "On June 12, on the year of our Lord and Anno Domini 2218. The Colony ship the Eodem. Landed on Benham-3 to a planet we have first thought was to be an uninhabited continental planet with Earth-like qualities that were more than perfect to support human life. However, it was perhaps too perfect¡­ Upon touchdown unto Benham-3, the Colonists have discovered the most¡­ astonishing sight. An entire new world." The Prime Minister said.


    The Journalists with their cameras, audio recorders and microphones roar in clamor with questions. The most common denomination being along the lines of the phrase:


    What is the meaning of this?


    Bousquet gestured his hands down to silence the Journalists again.


    "We have discovered a brand-new world. The likes of which we could only dream of seeing. Magic, Dragons, Knights, and Castles as far as the eyes can see. The Colonists of the Eodem were shocked at first, but it dissipated quickly after because, for the first time We have discovered a world with intelligent alien life forms. However, instead of aliens with hyper-advanced or similar technology to ours the likes of Star Wars or even Mass Effect, we have discovered that a world of fantastical beasts, people and creatures where not Science, but Magic is the way of life amongst them." He said.


    The Journalistic crowds up roared with questions as they ask:


    How is this World possible?


    "I know it is difficult to believe and I admit that meeting with an advanced alien race is more believable than what I have said but now we must press onwards to the fact that, yes, our wildest fantasies has become a reality and fairytale has come to life. Benham-3 has proved that our wildest imagination has come true."


    Again, the onlookers roared with more questions than what the Prime Minister had answered:


    Why is this possible?


    "Our journey and exploration in Benham-3 so far have bear great fruit. We have learned more of these people, who are just like us in appearance yet somehow deviated beyond our current understandings of Creation. We learned how they live, how they conduct their lives without such a need of what we of the Federation too for granted, but most important of all, we learned how they conduct their special abilities to perform Magic. But don''t just take my words for it, I know that in every new discovery needs hard evidence to prove its claim so I had invited a special guest who is a native of Benham-3 to introduce his magical homeworld to all of the United Federation. May I formally welcome, Prince Clovich Rian of the Principality of Tyr Rian."


    The Prime Minister offered his hand to his Guest of Honor to step forward atop the centerpiece of the stage.


    The Vassal Prince Clovich is extremely nervous about the scenario of having to speak in front of so many people. He knew from the accounts of Colonel Polonsky and Governor White that the United Federation is but multitudes of billions of people and all of the Empire was but only a small fraction to the larger Earth Human''s population. The Prince himself has no problem of public speaking but only used to speak in front of a dozen people at best but speaking in front billions of people is utterly overwhelming. To make matters of his fear of public speech worse was the fact that virtually all of the Earth Human''s, every single one of them from the lowliest peasant to the richest kings and to the youngest of children to the eldest of sages know how to read and write in their own language. He wasn''t talking to a mass of Peasant looking to hear what the Princes'' next edict will be, but a universal gathering of Scholars all united to gaze upon the Prince. Clovis can imagine what question they all had in mind:


    Who is this Mystical Man in our Image? He who comes from his frontier home to our Inner Most Sanctums to curry our Favor?


    It was now the moment of truth, all of his tension now at the balance as he slowly walked towards the Stand as his eyes were bombarded by the flashes of light from the strange men and their handheld gizmos. His face painted to an image of tensed stage fright. His mouth pouted as in his own mind. He is now addressing personally to what are essentially Gods to a Gliesian like him. For the Fate of his homeland, he must speak on their behalf and vouch for their blessing.


    "They want to ask you some questions. Choose a person among them and entertain them." Bousquet smiled.


    A sea of palms was presented to Clovich, all the eager Journalists hoping to have their multitude of questions be answered by the Otherworlder.


    Clovich chose at random and picked a young woman who had the same shade of hair his sister had among them. The young woman stood up, her spectacles reflecting the other Journalist'' flashing lights.


    "What language did you speak in your world?" she asked. "How are you able to talk and understand us? In English?"


    "I... I speak a language called Vaikuri." Clovich answered with an accent. To the reporters his speech was similar to an Italic-Hispanic sounding accent.


    "I learned English through the help of a Mage that uses a magical spell that allows me to understand and even learn how to speak your language, this¡­ English. Though, it does leave me with an awful headache right after the Enchantment." Clovich added.


    The Journalists looked down at their notebooks and electronic devices and clicked away to record the Otherworlder''s words.


    "Next Question, pick a new one." Bousquet pushed.


    The sea of palms reemerged in front of Clovich again.


    This time, the Prince of Tyr Rian chose a grey-haired old man carrying him a small camera drone hovering above his left shoulder.


    "The Prime Minister states that you are the first group of Natives they have encountered in Benham-3. Describe honestly, what do you think about our civilization compared to your¡­ this¡­ Slay-gee-yan Empire?" the Journalist asked with an awkward choke on the butchering of the Liege Lord that Prince Clovich bends his knee upon.


    "When I first met Colonel Polonsky and Lieutenant Rose¡­ I was at first dismissive of their capabilities. I had my fair share of many people where I come from who are all-talk and nothing to back it up with. I thought they were just a bunch of exotic mercenaries with a few gimmicks here and there. But now, after what they have done to my Realm, giving water, better roads and providing better safety through out my people. I have to say that you, Earth Humans have been nothing but invaluable to the Principalities continued enterprise." Clovich answered. "It is my hope that with this visit to your Home Plane of, Erf that I may be able to learn more ways of developing Tyr Rian and to strengthen Empire and Fe-der-ray-shon ties with one another." He added.


    "Choose one more." Bousquet urged the Prince again.


    Clovich, was starting to like the attention he was getting by these ''Gods''. He doesn''t know if it was the opulent setting the UFE has provided for him or the flash of the camera''s attention-hungry gazes to his person that made him smile from his initial seat of unease. With a proactive finger, he pointed towards a young man sitting far away from the chairs of seated Journalists whose hand was nearly blanketed by the sea of palms that his peers gave.


    "Who me? Ah¡­ yes¡­ I am from Gaia''s Crier." The man stood up. "Many of us in Gaia''s Criers and perhaps all throughout the Ethernet doubt the authenticity of the videos spreading about."


    "I beg your pardon?" Clovich asked.


    "We believe that this ''Magic'' that the UNOOSA Office is reporting is a fabrication, a lie to justify an increase for their budget." The man said.


    "I do not understand this inquiry." Clovich twitched his eyebrow.


    Just then, the Prince felt Prime Minister Bousquet''s hand touch his shoulder.


    "He thinks Magic in your world is not real." The Head of State bluntly explained.


    "But it is!" Clovich exclaimed.


    "Did you bring any Mages with you?" the Prime Minister asked. Sweat fell down from his wrinkled brow as his eyes widened to the Prince. The politician could even feel his aging heart skip a few beats.


    "I see. Indeed, I did bring a mage." Clovich nodded, now understanding the question''s substance.


    He looked at his entourage, sitting on his right side silently but knowingly cheering him on with their thoughts, prayers, and smiles. Clovich scanned the aisles until his eyes met a purple topped old sage that he had known from his childhood that had served both his father and him ever since.


    "Edmurl. I request your presence up here now." He ordered.


    The wizened old man bowed his head and complied. He stood up from his seat and with the escort of one of the UFE''s Security Personnel, he was guided to his lord''s side. If one was the camera or simply observing this auspicious event live through one''s own naked eyes or through a screen, Edmurl would look like your stereotypical ''Old Wizard''. He wore a dark-colored robe, loose and baggy in a fashion sense with a matching conical hat. Complementing his look was his withering face and long white and bushy beard. He carried along with him several articles native to his Gliesia specifically Tyr Rian, some smelling herbs attached to a spherical hearted necklace with holes that allow the herbs to protrude upward to his decaying nose. Edmurl''s belt contained an assortment of quill pens, scrolls and even a small notebook which gave the man a rather Sage-like appearance upon first sight. He carried with him a tall staff that he uses both as his Magical Conduit thanks to the noticeable Mana Crystal attached to the staff''s head and as a walking cane. For such an old man born into the life of a Medieval commoner, he was left in a state of awe at the sights of Geneva and Earth''s many other technological Marvels just as what Clovich and the rest of the Mission had seen. It was if the gates of Heaven opened for all of them.


    "This is Edmurl Mvaillel. My Advisor in everything that involves the Arcane and¡­ as you asked, a practitioner into the Magical Arts." Clovich introduced.


    "Explain for all of us to here. What is this ''Magic'' that your world is so proud of?" the Gaia''s Crier Journalist asked.


    Clovich touched the old man''s shoulder to shake off the wizened one''s wanderlust.


    "Ah yes¡­ Magic where to begin? Where to begin?" the Wizened one pondered. His old mind was rusty to say the least.


    "Talk about how Magic works." Clovich whispered.


    "Ah, yes¡­ Magic¡­ In our world, Magic or in our tongue G¨²l is sourced from the power of Mana Crystals like the one attached to my staff." Edmurl gestured his staff hand with a slight wave, emphasizing the blue glowing crystal at its top.


    "Mana Crystals, the new Element that we discovered by our people in Benham-3. The 120th one if I read the reports." Prime Minister Bousquet commented. His hands grasping together like a student eager to learn from the teacher in front of him.


    "What do you mean by Mana Crystals being Element? There''s only five! Not One hundre---" Edmurl ''corrected'' but he was cut off by a slight nudge of Clovich''s Elbow to press on with his demonstration.


    "Ah¡­ so¡­ Mana Crystals power our Magic. Some spells require certain ways to be able to cast them, verbally, somatically, the need for a specific material for some examples." Edmurl lectured.


    "Can you show us some spells?" Bousquet requested with a euphorically suggestive smile.


    "Certainly." Both Prince Clovich and Edmurl said in unison.


    The Wizened one step back a few meters from his master and the host of this ceremony discreetly. Upon obtaining a good distance between himself and the center stage, Edmurl folded his floppy sleeves to reveal his withering hands that had tattoos of ancient arcane runes imprinted on the surface of his skin. He waved his left hands clockwise with the ring finger tucked by his thumb as the runes flash to light. Even his magical staff glow just as brilliantly as a flare of bright blue energy erupted from the Magical Crystal atop of the staff and wisped away towards the Speaker''s Stand.


    To the bewilderment of the crowd, the Speaker''s Stand began to suddenly quake from its feet. To their additional awe the Stand was lifted several feet up into the air. At the same time Edmurl was flowing upon the rhythm of his body''s direction in match with the floating stand.


    "This is Mage Hand! I release a tuft of the Gui within my staff''s Mana Crystal to allow me to manipulate objects. Such as moving them around, floating them and even other more delicate procedures like knitting and kneading." Edmurl explained.


    A significant portion of the first-hand observing crowd bearing witness to this show clapped in applause. However, there were still just as many doubters upon such ''sorcery''.


    "Anyone on Earth can do something similar to that. Show us more." The Gaia''s Crier Journalist stipulated.


    Carefully, Edmurl lead the Speaker''s Stand down to its original position before he huffed. His pride, practice and a legacy being challenged, the Sagely figured took a deep breath.


    "Step Back¡­ and behold all of you¡­ especially You." he exhaling with emphasis to the skeptical Journalist.


    Inhaling again before concentrating his innate powers, the tattoos on his marks glow once again as Edmurl''s chest slowly grew upwards with a rumbling sensation and a warm orange flow exposing the tinge of his lungs. He tilted his head back, stretching his throat skywards as he shouted:


    "Naur Anor!"


    Edmurl''s voice reached to the heavens above as his breath ignited forth from his gorge. Exhaling the channeled magic within, a burst of fire release ten feet into the air, glowing the azure scenery of the UFE''s colors. The crowd''s eyes were enraptured by the Wizened one''s flames. Going on over a minute, Edmurl continuously kept the flame alive. To the impression of the onlookers, he held no fuel to help quench the flames nor had an obvious means of ignition outside of his person. Indeed, it was if he was truly breathing out fire.


    The crowd cheered after Edmurl dissipated the flames, harmlessly emitting an after smoke as above and so within the old man who''s mouth steamed with the wake of the flames.


    "That is Fire Breath. Not many people back in Gliesia can accomplish this without horribly scaring themselves." Edmurl bowed.


    "Impressive!" Prime Minister Bousquet clapped.


    "Indeed, for something even Street Performers can do¡­" the Gaia''s Crier condescended.


    "Still not convinced?" Bousquet looked at the sensationalistic skeptic.


    He knew his kind too well. Always looking for an angle, a crack to destroy, diminish, and disrupt. But even then, this was already starting to push it.


    "As I said, some people can do that too with some lighter fluid and a torch¡­ even some exotic Augs can do that." The journalist explained.


    "Oh¡­ Sir Edmurl?" Bousquet twirled his head back to the old mage. "One more trick. Something that not even a Charlatan like him would have to believe. Something, nobody could fake." He requested.


    "Something that nobody could fake? That''s a challenge¡­" Edmurl became lost in thought. But his master, Prince Clovich tucked his robe.


    "Remember that trick you did on Aria''s seventh birthday?" Clovich reminded him.


    "Oh yes, milord! I do remember that one. The smile on your sister''s face." Edmurl smiled.


    He promptly excused himself from the stage and went down. The Cameras of thousands of News Channels across all of the UFE''s space followed him regardless.


    Edmurl walked towards Ariana Park outside of the Palais du Parlement until he stopped on a patch of green grass resting upon some soil in the middle of field of green. With his bare hands, the wizened one clawed out half a dozen handfuls of dirt from the ground.


    "What are you doing?" Bousquet asked? His demeanor shaking by Edmurl''s coarse act.


    "Be quiet¡­ allow me to concentrate." The old mage shushed.


    He then spat at the collected pile of dirt he had accumulated several times, much to the Prime Minister and the other witnesses disgust. Inciting more of their nausea was the mage''s immediate action of sculpting by hand, mixed with his dirt, grass, and spit. Edmurl then began to chant repeatedly as he began to articulate his modest materials.


    "Tul-na cuil!" He evoked repeatedly. It was a rather rhythmic display of his art in contrast to his ramshackle arrangements.


    He formed an ovoid body at first, he then proceeded to form five appendages around its clay-like body. One thick appendage with a slight bend over forming a bill shaped head and four thinner appendages with a circular bottom at its feet. Two appendages on the same side as the thicker appendage, while the other two appendages rested across with upon the side without. Clovich and the Prime Minister knew from the wizened one''s handicraft that he was forming a horse out of the muddied soil out of Ariana Park. It was barely considered one in their eyes at it lacked its waving mane and trembling tail but it was rather impressive for one to form in a span of five minutes for Edmurl.


    "Tul-na cuil, Roch!" He powerfully worded as his Tattoos glow to life again. The Magic Crystal flare another emission of its energy towards the clay figurine Edmurl forged with his two hands.


    The figurine ascended to live as its four legs articulated. The Earthen Horse galloped upwards and ran wildly across the green fields of Ariana Park. The Cameras gave chase as the animated yet pint-sized horse galloped majestically on the Palais'' front yard.


    There was no more room for doubt anymore, all were left captivated at Edmurl''s one-two-three demonstration. From the youngest of children to the most antique elders, their wonder was captured more of this new ''Gliesia'' that this Prince Clovich talks so eminently of. Already the word had spread across all Media of this never before seen phenomena. Even then, Journalists swarmed Prime Minister Bousquet and Prince Clovich with a barrage of questions as they erupted with their inquiries.


    Do Elves, Dragons and Fairies Exist?


    What are Mages capable of?


    What is life like in Gliesia with the existence of magic?


    The Prime Minister and Prince Clovich answered as much as they could of their commentary and insights to the fantastical world of Gliesia as the former lead the latter and his entourage deep into the chambers of the Palais Du Parlement. There was much more work to be done outside of entertaining the masses, much to Bousquet''s acute plan, this is only just the releasing of the floodgates. And now he has to make his move fast, less other more unscrupulous folks beat him to it¡­


    -------------------------------


    "That was¡­ surprisingly smooth." Major Holyfield''s nightly eyes widened.


    "Is it not too late that I knew he could do it?" Governor White said to the Major.


    "I honestly also thought he would have to lean on the Prime Minister for most of everything." Colonel Polonsky commented.


    The two UFEAF Generals sat together again with Governor Jeremy White at his office, overlooking the live broadcast of Clovich''s public introduction to the whole Federation. But it was more of just simple pleasantries for the welcoming of a special individual. That moment will be bookmarked into the annals of the history books as a new age in Space Exploration. But with Gliesia''s true nature lay bare for all the public to see, this brings out the possibility of a whole new cocktail of potential problems, hazards, and factors coming into play¡­


    "Well, then gentlemen, our doubts of the Prince''s capabilities with courting the Wigs back home have dissipated. Already I am seeing hashtags popping up about that old wizard guy''s magic in Social Media." The Governor chuckled as he looked at his Smartphone.


    Already hashtags ranging from #realmagic , #fantasyworld and #gliesia were now trending upwards across all platforms. People simply couldn''t believe their eyes, all of their thoughts, all of their imaginations were indeed real in another world. But as word spreads, so does people''s intentions for what they wish to do upon this new revelation.


    "You know, the Wigs can''t delay this any further soon¡­" Holyfield turned his cold gaze at the Governor.


    "I know Major. That is why we need to make as much ground as possible." Governor White acknowledged.


    "But what about the Empire? You have seen what they can do and our actions could result in an equal response from them. They are not going to take what is essentially our intrusion. If worse comes to worst, he may be already mobilizing his armies as we speak. I mean, you have seen what they were about to do in Souviel Holyfield." Colonel Polonsky gave his opinion.


    "And you have seen what just happened to Doctor Mahelona and Lieutenant Rose? They have been branded with this¡­ this¡­ whatever those brands on their bodies are and already my Political Officer and I are already breathing down both of their necks for even the slightest hint of them going rogue¡­ or worse. What is it that I personally oversaw Operation Bakumatsu Colonel?" Holyfield shot back.


    "The Capital is where the Emperor is and the seat of Government of the Empire. Your little stunt could have actually turned this little ''territorial misappropriation'' into a possible War!" Polonsky argued.


    "Which is all the better we return to Haringpoint and seize it! We have all the reasons in the world to take it. Plus, according to our local assets, there house an artifact called ''the Sacred Heart'' that can allow us to further study these brands that Mahelona and Rose have gotten. We just need to cut the head off of the snake fast. This Prince just propping up some brownie points with the press and the locals. But even then, he is limited to just his place, maybe his cousin and the Dwarves." Holyfield said.


    "He WILL learn our ways Major, one way or the other. Inevitably, the Empire capitulate to us. Its how they will lose is what we have to worry about. Fortunately, we have the cards to control that." The Governor Reminded. "The Prince is our best and only shot and making this war less bloody than it needs to be. ; They think we are ''Demons'' yet to him we are ''Angels''. These natives will only ever accept him as their Ruler and NONE of us. If we have to make the least likely man in all of the Empire into the next Emperor then so be it. He is one of their own after all by their blood."


    "Are you sure this plan with Clovich will work?" Holyfield asked. "I have seen folks like these before White! There is no reasoning with them. They are like a spark that eventually becomes an inferno. They will stick to whatever words their masters would say and gladly march down to Tyr Rian en masse to kill us all." Holyfield argued.


    "I have to agree on you on ''the Masters'' part Major for this one." Polonsky nodded.


    "Gentlemen, all you think of is war and the next battle. That is your jobs is it not?" White asked the two of them.


    The Major and the Colonel nodded quietly.


    "My job is to win this Benham-3 for the Federation and ultimately this war. My Plan remains that Clovich will learn of our society, our power and technology and when he returns, he will be our foundation to expand outwards to the rest of this planet." The Governor pushed.


    "The Legions are after us, the Mage College are going to try and blast us, the Adventurer''s Guild is finding ways to harass us and their Church is preaching against us. Pray tell, Governor but the Odds are stacked against us even if we will win." Polonsky argued.


    All three men in the room sulked down, they care for their reputations within the political bureaucracy of the Federation. Polonsky and Governor White cannot stomach the idea of being slaughterers of an entire Primitive Civilization as it would taint their reputation and the Common State Party''s throughout the Federation and undo the Reformation that got them into their positions in the first place. Holyfield was far more pragmatic as his reputation as of being the CSP''s Cover Man of being the Vanguard of the Party''s military might would be put into a negative light if he butchers defenseless people called ''Adventurers'' that by the UFE''s standards of the Rules of War would be considered in between the lines of a civilian and an Irregular Unit (with the scale tipped next to the former). The Party''s reputation among the dissident folks of the entire nation are now resting on the hands of all three of them now that they are in the forefront of this new world and now their names will be scrutinizing with the little luxury of a convenient ''cleaning'' job by the censors. They also knew that history will judge them for their actions on what their next course of action is next.


    "With all that you said Polonsky," Holyfield broke the silence. "this is why we should march on them before they march on us!" Holyfield gaveled Governor''s Desk. "I already have a plan in mind for a quick and the decisive capitulation of the Empire. I call it ''Operation Haymaker''."


    "You do? Go on then Major. Explain this ''Operation Haymaker'' of yours." Governor white clasped his two hands together forward, now intrigued.


    "A Multi-Pronged assault across the border of the Principality. I studied the maps and dug some intel on the Core settlements of the Empire." Holyfield said. "The good news is that thanks to the Mountain''s the Empire will only have one way of getting to Tyr Rian which is a fortress after Vercourt on the road. I hear that is fondly called ''Little Hill''. It is a sizable fortress and the strongest point that the Empire can use to defend itself before we can touch their territory proper. If an entire army is to march down on Tyr Rian then it is to be there. A mechanized assault will be the answer." Holyfield said.


    "So, knock the fort and move on?" Polonsky asked.


    "Not exactly Colonel, let me explain." Holyfield answered. "Speed is key, the longer this war happens the greater the heat the Party and us will have. We have the advantage of fire power and maneuverability and the luxury with¡­ admittedly¡­''help'' from Aparo Corporation. The theory is to create a new vulnerability to catch the enemy off balance and then with one blow strike its heart before it has the time to react." Holyfield said.


    "Then what happens to Little Hill?" Governor White said.


    "We Double Envelope. Trap as many Slaegian Legions inside the Fort and then just continue onwards to the reality of this operation. Here takes a look¡­" Holyfield placed his tablet on the ground.


    It was a satellite map of the entire Empire, with settlements and major road networks highlighted out.


    "After Vercourt and Little Hill is a quaint little place near the center of the Empire''s heartland called ''Neugonia'' by the locals. It''s a transition point where goods, people and other stuff pass by and go to reach wherever they are needed to be."


    What Polonsky and White noticed is that the location based on the map was the most interconnected area in all of the Empire''s core, not even Tyr Rian can compare to this place. Its also not a town nor a settlement per se, but a very interconnected province of the Empire with nothing more three major road networks, one heading north to south and another west to east, and the other diagonally slashing north and the eastern ends.


    "My reports say that outside of a few walled farming estates, this place is essentially open country," Holyfield said.


    "Indeed¡­ we get boots on the ground and all of the Slaegian Empire is ours to march on." Polonsky nodded. "But how will this force a quick surrender? Medieval Folks would barely notice this until we are already knocking on their front door." The Colonel questioned.


    "Neugonia''s capture is just the rope for the Empire''s noose. A Tactical and Operational goal essentially speaking. For the full weight to have everything crash down on them we need a Strategic Objective. We need to decapitate their Leadership, Haringpoint itself." Holyfield coldly said.


    "That''s the second part of your plan?" Governor White asked in pursuit of the Major''s line of thinking.


    "Indeed," Holyfield confirmed. "Thanks to our little friendship with the Duke of Souviel, I can easily sneak in a battalion or two of my Marines into Souviel and blitz it for the Capital on the ground whilst the Aurora will support them from the skies. Their task is to seize the Capital of the Empire whilst most of their army''s attention is in Little Hill. We need to make them think our main attack is by the border of Tyr Rian when actuality our killing blow is straight to their Nerve Center. Haringpoint herself." Holyfield said.


    "Hang on, I think I know what you are trying to pull off¡­ a¡­ Deep Battle Doctrine do they call it?" Polonsky raised his hand.


    "Yes, a Soviet Battle Doctrine of creating and then driving the knife deeper on breakthroughs. Key word, ''create''." Holyfield oscillated.


    "Sounds like a plan Major, a Great Plan. But we will have to wait for Clovich to return from Earth. My biggest concern is the transition. I have no idea how the Empire react when one of their Vassals takes up the Imperial Throne." White pondered.


    "It''s best we allay any¡­ uncontrolled considerations with more planning. I say we redouble our efforts with my Studies and Observation groups. We got the Dwarven Mountains, the Easter Deserts and Zatrek with us. Let''s push the envelope further and see where they can take us." Polonsky said.


    "Agreed." White nodded.


    "Hold on a moment, Colonel, you actually reminded me something¡­ about the Dwarves¡­ eh specifically Lutheor Mirrien. It''s about Lieutenant Rose, you read the reports, right?" Holyfield raised.


    "Yes, poor girl." Polonsky solemnly lowered his head.


    He had read that Samantha has been transferred to containment unit deep inside Mahelona''s Underground Science Laboratory for several experiments. He was initially suspended in disbelief when one of his own Team Leaders of the SOG''s he is in charge of displayed magical powers similar to Aliathra and Iris'' abilities. However, a report by the Doctor''s observations says that if she is to take too much of the Mana energy inherent from the Unbinilium crystals, she could disperse copious amounts of harmful radiation if her energy reserves are left unchecked.


    "Yeah, Doctor Mahelona too. But besides that, the materials we need to build that special suit to better control her powers are in the Dwarven Mountains. We can send some teams over to retrieve them and bring it all back to New Albany for his special project. The Codename is ''Witchwood''. It''s a collaborative effort between our scientists and¡­ sheesh¡­ Aparo engineers¡­" Holyfield said with a drop of disdain from him when he mentioned the Mega Corporation.


    "I know our alliance with Aparo Corporation has made things awkward for most of the General Staff but we have made deals with the Devil beforehand. If we are to survive, we need to let the monsters inside the house for even just a moment. But even then¡­ Even Devils can be cheated¡­" Governor White smiled.


    He has placed his faith on the Prime Minister that the Megacorporation Influence, Aparo or otherwise can be curbed¡­


    --------------------------------------


    Marxian pushed away the Firen Guards of the Imperial Capital in his dirt, sweat and wear and tear of his travelling apparel. In deep contrast to the elegant showmanship the guests, the servants and their security in full display. Brushing off the brief scoffs of the elf''s revolting exhibition, the Sefydliad Agent dove into the sea of partygoers in search of someone.


    "Lyndis." he bowed to his superior.


    The Elven Spymaster, the Ethuilen Ambassador attached to Haringpoint and none other than Emperor Uldin himself, standing opulently in his blue and golden silver-lined robes alongside his crown that is domineered by various gems, some decorative, some magical. To say the Emperor was appalled by Marxian''s dilapidated presentation. Sticking out his tongue in front of all the prattling nobles and influential personalities.


    "Ser Marxian! You are in no way in the acceptable conditions to present yourself to esteemed guests or to our honorable host." Lyndis reprimanded.


    "My Apologies herdir. But I bring the most urgent news." Marxian said.


    "Can you not wait until after the banquet? You are upsetting my guest." Uldin conveyed.


    "Souviel has fallen." Marxian candidly apprised.


    The chatter of affluent festivity was instantly spoiled upon the cursed words that fell on the Emperor''s and Lyndis'' ears. The Militaristic folks were left frozen, their eyes widened in disbelief, while the drunken Mercantile family-run guilds spat out their spirits, all the rest simply dropped whatever activity they were doing as the turned to the Emperor and the gravely informing Elven Messenger. Even Faithleann, who was across the hall introducing himself to his sponsors and supporters was left stunned upon the audition of Marxian''s news. All aspects of exorbitant appetites, decadent play, and courtly romance disappeared in that instance.


    "What do you mean¡­ Souviel HAS FALLEN?" the Emperor''s voice raised to an acrimony.


    "It was horribly milords and miladies. The Demons¡­ the Otherworlders¡­


    "How! How can you let Souviel fall! You Sefydilad are supposed to be the pinnacle in fighting Arcane Creatures." Uldin roared, not accepting the fact that his plans of keeping this crisis under control in his Court has failed in the most unexpectedly damaging way possible.


    "Forgive me your Highness and Herdir. We tried our best but the Otheworlder''s strength was simply too much for us to dispense with. Even with the support of the Grey Order and Chief Tax Collector Gresgi Jodent it was simply not enough. I am the only one made it out alive, all Sefydilad agents, Grey Order adventurers, Jodent and his men, as well as the people in the Embassy back in Souviel have all perished."


    "No! You mean all our men, elite warriors, embassy staffs and even ambassador Thelanil were all ... all...killed¡­?" Lyndis tore the lapels of her formal dress.


    "How many of my Fellow Guildsmen were killed?" Petur queried.


    "About a Legion''s worth. All gone in one night! During the Chwartiadd the Demon''s had massacred them all as they drank and danced. The Embassy tried to fight back but they fell into the knight by Red coated Demon." Marxian slyly deceived.


    In truth, his words were meant to be as provocative and fearmongering as possible. He knew that these Otherworlder''s ''invaded'' the Port City through far more subversive means. When he had chanced upon the surviving Embassy Staff who relayed to him, of how much not only how the Demons had unraveled their plans but shockingly the most, how far Princess Aliathra had fallen by the sight of her metal legs and the way her new ''heart'' beat still without a cuil m¨¢n , a life force and how they managed to escape to his astonishment they were let go by the Red Demon upon the request of the Princess herself. At first, Marxian didn''t believe it, but when the survivors allowed their tongues to slip about how the Princess did not try to devour their souls that the Sefydliad agent accused them of being corrupted themselves, like a contagion that spreads amongst carrier to carrier, Marxian cut them all down quietly in their sleep before he departed for Haringpoint. Lyndis nor the rest of the Institute must know of this sinister turn.


    "How can they defeat so many and so quickly?" Lyndis asked.


    "It has seemed that the Demons were able to not only penetrate the Duchy''s defense but have even managed to proudly wave their many ringed banners on the same night without as much as a battle!"


    "This is terrible news. The Demons are acting faster than we thought." The Ethuilen Ambassador to Haringpoint despaired.


    "I hope that Duke Thibault managed to either escape or go down fighting¡­" Owyne bowed his head.


    "No, far worse I am afraid." Marxian refuted. "The Duke has been seduced and has been corrupted by the Demons."


    The entire room gasped for air upon his revelation.


    "We attempted to fight back, but the demons revealed our attempts to counter this betrayal to remove him from power. With his mandated powers, he expelled many of us out of Souviel violently. As I said, I am the only survivor of our attempts." Marxian said, faking his lamentations.


    "This is an outrage! We must fight back immediately." Emperor Uldin rallied with a fire in his aging heart.


    "Indeed! I will marshall the men." Commander Huguet said. "How large is this Demon force that came to Souviel? Surely even with powerful magic, they must be large enough to take impregnate the Port city with the Knight''s Errant and your troupe. Besides, your people should have at least killed some of them thanks to your expertise in Holy Magics."


    "If my memory serves me right, in actuality, the demons only have no less than thirty of their warriors when they conquered Souviel. Our combined Sefydilad, Grey Order, Elite Elven Knights along with the embassy staff are at least 500. They slaughtered everyone and we...w-we...failed to even lay a finger on one." Marxian meekly replied.


    "I can''t believe you allowed them to just simply make a fool out of yourselves with your gross Hundreds of you cannot kill even a single one of the demons!! And yet you have the audacity to report your pathetic failure to everyone here? What a pity!" Faithleann mocks Marxian heavily much to the horrified and revulsion of all the witnesses at the party.


    "Careful with your mouth boy! The Otherworlders are more powerful than you think." Marxian shot back at this young man''s insult of his own and institutions reputation in the arts of securing success. "One of their most powerful Demons was strong enough to take down the Rainbow Helms armed who were armed to the teeth with nothing but his bare hands." Marxian forewarned, remembering the herculean strength of that one Otherworlder who bore a peculiar and expository garment called ''armor''.


    "You surely lie to cover your incompetence! What a bunch of pa---" Faithleann continued to mock then suddenly experiences a big pain in his cheek which he realizes that Lyndis just slapped him


    "You have no right to mock my men like that. you have no idea what my men and I have faced against the demons!! So, shut up and listen." Lyndis pointed her finger to express her antipathy.


    "You dare to slap me? I am a chosen one here!" Faithleann gathered his wounded newly found pride and glared at the White Elf. "I do hope to defeat the Demons!! I demand you to---Ahh!" Faithleann stops as another slap from his other cheek appears, this time is from Mita the Crow.


    "Can you for once listen to us? Chosen One~?" Mita spoke in a mocking tone. She was honestly starting to get sick and tired of this young boy''s hubris. "My people and I went through the same ordeal like the Sefydilad back in Tyr Rian. The Demons are too powerful that not even in my long experience as a Rogue could prepare me to face them. I lost almost all of my Crows without even laying a finger at them. So, behave yourself Chosen One~, you must know who you are facing to not suffer like my Crows or the Sefydliad." Mita knocked some sense into the brash young boy with her own brand of sly sarcasm directed on his new found status.


    In the Crow Master''s experience, Faithleann was acting like a bratty noble who let their Status and Wealth get into their heads.


    "One moment, Lyndis, this is him?" Marxian''s eyes widened as he turned to his Spymaster who only silently nodded.


    The young boy in Knightly Armor was the Chosen One of the Sacred Crystal Heart''s choosing. This juvenile chutzpah is going to be the ''Bane'' of the Demons and the Savior of the World? Within Marxian and Lyndis lurk a disdain for the young boy, they did, however, catch themselves in the moment when all eyes darted towards them and practiced restraint. In-fighting will achieve nothing today.


    "I also bring more grave news." Marxian bowed again while clasping his two hands.


    "What could possibly be worse than a city overrun with Demons?" Uldin asked.


    "The Princess, Young Aliathra of the Lareththor line, was spotted in Souviel¡­ she was¡­ leading the Demons into the City." Marxian lied.


    His little rendezvous with the surviving Embassy Staff of Souviel gave him very horrifying accounts on the Princess'' appearance in the Jewel of the Draguitoise coast. This causes Lyndis to turn pale while intriguing the rest of the onlookers. The Elven Spymaster had learned little of what became of her old classmate. She only prayed that the wilds of the land gave her swift death so she maybe returned to the soil as Neneth''s words say: From earth, you came, thus to the earth, you will return.


    "One of the Lareththor line? This is terrible news." Owyn desponded.


    He knew full well that the Lareththor''s were one of the proudest bloodlines of Magically-Adept mages in all of the known world. Their kin produced some of the best Mages the Ethuilen Entente had to offer able to perform the spells of widely differing Schools of Magics. The family were considered an icon and a major sponsor of the College from the very beginning. He had heard of stories from his still-seeing days of how Princess Aliathra''s achievements from the College''s sister institution, Parvia''s Ivory Tower Academy.


    "I cannot believe it. She has fallen so much¡­ where did we go wrong?" Petur sulked down.


    "I share your plight Petur. We simply cannot take more of all of this." Lyndis expressed her solidarity.


    These Otherworlder''s have made all of their people''s recent defeats oh so more personal. She silently swore to herself that she will tear down these Otherworlder''s by any means that she could and know how to do.


    "How will I tell this to her Parents?" the Elven Ambassador mourned.


    "You may allow me. I am a personal friend of the Royal Family. It''s best I relay of her passing." Lyndis volunteered.


    "May Tivna guide her." The Nobility collectively mourned.


    A moment of silence was given for everyone to Mourn for a young woman whose life was dashed away so suddenly. Hearing of the Princess'' demise and the possession and corruption of her body, made Faithleann boil with rage. He will gladly avenge this Princess or if possible, rescue her soul from the maws of these Demons so she may rest in piece and have the White Elves'' eternal gratitude. He could already imagine the immaculate Elf maiden (or just an image of the most beautiful woman imaginable) twisted into a parody of metal and flesh with black eyes and claws seething with heinous intent to spread itself until all that is beautiful in Gliesia is wiped clean. This time, there will be no shortage of Volunteers.


    "Now is the day and now is the hour milord." Owyne stepped in. "Today Souviel, Tomorrow could be Haringpoint."


    All around the Emperor, from his best and brightest to the most accomplished and influential members of his court and inner circle began to gather around Uldin, encircling him in a council of his entire cabinet. He saw his ministers standing alongside Ambassadors and Diplomats


    "We must march down to Souviel and retake it from these Barbarians at once." Owyne said.


    "We must also march down to Tyr Rian and put down the traitorous Prince Clovich at once. We should divide our forces into two. One will march down to our Fortress near the border which will contain the main bulk of our men while the rest will reclaim Souviel before the Demons are allowed to gain a foothold." Huguet counseled.


    "Yes, yes, pose a blockade between us and Tyr Rian. We must accept that our Border Vassal is lost now. How many of our forces should we allot and how long could it take to get them all?" the Emperor asked.


    "If I remember, including the Garrison already inside Little Hill, I say we can attach about sixty-five thousand troops within or at nearby Neuogonia and Vercourt. I can tap into our existing reserves and with your blessing enforce conscription on several of our provinces." The Commander of the Legion declared.


    "We can just have the Slavers step up their raids on the Southern Colonies and the Eastern Deserts." The Emperor coldly said.


    "The Mages of the College will stand by your side and await any order. Research or for Combat, we will provide."


    "We will assist you just as we have always." Lyndis stepped in. "I can easily dispatch an army of the Entente''s best soldiers alongside led by none other than Prince Valorion Lareththor, son of King Aslan Lareththor."


    "As for Clan Kur Faldhur, you will need weapons. Lots of weapons that we can provide. Iron, Silver, Stone, Actocolite and Scandanite too." The Dwarven Diplomat added.


    "That is more than enough." Uldin smiled. "And Faithleann¡­ you¡­ you already know what to do." He pointed to the Chosen One.


    "Go to Little Hill and beat back the Demonic Hordes! Of course, I will do." Faithleann jumped quite over enthusiastically for everyone in the room for such a clamorous time like now.


    "After you get you and your party the Weapons you need from the Dwarves. I will be sending you and the people I have provided to the Ostalroc Mountains and obtain the Actocolite and Scandanite ores which will be forged into weapons! You will need it. Treat the gifts that the Empire has given you with care. The fate of the world rest on you and the other two Chosen Ones." the Emperor notified.


    "Follow me and Petur''s advice and we will get through this together boy." Marchog Gratianus Faughn nodded fatherly.


    "May we¡­ provide a say in this?" a grumbling voice emerged from the crowd.


    To everyone''s surprise, the source of the voice was from a Daosne Shaman of the lupine Volyudi tribe who had earlier visited the Haringpoint alongside his feline Kotyayudi and the Taurus Bykalyudi colleagues on their self-imposed investigation on the so-called ''change in the winds''. Their crude garments and the smell of animalistic fur permeate the pleasant aroma and atmosphere of the halls of the Imperial Palace. Some of the attendants from the sophisticated elves and slightly less decent folks of the Human Nobility gagged at their wild visages.


    "The winds flow curiously and the earth bewails every day ever since me and my fellow Shamans left our villages." The Volyudi said his word.


    "Forget it Beastman!" Faithleann dejected. "You should just all stay out of our way. Everyone in the College and in Alfel-Nora knows that your ''magic'' called Shamanism is weak." Faithleann belittled.


    Several of the Slaegian upper classes quietly joined in Faithleann''s aspersion of the malodorous Beast Folk that had dared display themselves in the Haringpoint, the very heart center of their ''hated'' enemies.


    "It is not weak, Distinct." The Volyudi Shaman said.


    "Why are you here Beast Folk? To ask for your ''Ancestral Lands'' back?" Emperor Uldin asked.


    "No, this is more important than ancestral squabbles. We had heard of the Eternal Sky screaming and the Earth becoming sorrowful. These Outsiders, the upset the balance of the world greater than anything this world has seen in its annals of its antiquity." The Shaman said.


    "Which is why we are going to Little Hill and destroy them don''t you get it on your dim barbaric brain of yours?" Uldin said.


    "You are like a mountain, tall and imperial. What the Winds whisper to us is like a Flood a deluge¡­ we will not survive if you proceed like this further. Flow is required¡­" the Shaman forebode.


    "What do you know of War? Beast Folk?" Faithleann asked with his voice raised and seething with discrimination.


    "And what do you know of composure? We heard your reckless gloating moments ago. Showing your Offeryn like a child would brandish a new toy." The Shaman said.


    "Pardon me but I am the Chosen One here?" Faithleann beat his breast upon this aggrievement.


    "How is that a defense? You lack compunction." The Shaman bluntly discharged.


    Now with his ego scorned, Faithleann stepped forward leaping his knee towards the Shaman and with the conjunction of his index and middle finger of his right hand let loose a lightning bolt at the Shaman. He was not going to let this detractor get away with such a misdeed. All such Barbarians just never understand the Empire and what it stood for.


    Yet the Volyudi Shaman smirked, the Human''s attack was wild with all of its power over sheer strength. No Subtlety, just raw Power for its own sake. A critical mistake.


    Calmly, the Shaman waved his hand into the air and as the bolt struck his hand harmlessly. In a split second, the Beast Folk redirected the Gui of the Chosen One''s attack right back at him sending the young boy flying back a couple of feet on his bottoms.


    "Why you! I will---" Faithleann recoiled as he prepared another magic spell, but as the energies conjured around his hands, the Gweninejar felt a force wrap around his body on every inch and on every limb. He tried to move but the said force stopped him in place. He was Paralyzed!Find authorized novels in Webnovel£¬faster updates, better experience£¬Please click www.webnovel.com for visiting.


    "This is all pointless!" Owyne shouted. His hand thrust forward as runic symbols projected on his arm. It was a Hold Person spell he cast on the Chosen One.


    "Grandmaster!? What are you doing?" Faithleann asked.


    "Shamany! I apologize. I think it is time to take your leave." Owyne turned to the Daosne.


    The three Shamans humbly bowed to the Grandmaster, turned tail and left quietly. But before the Volyudi stepped away from the boundaries of the Banquet Hall''s grand doors he looked with his astute slit eyes at Faithleann who was promptly released from the Hold Person spell that his colleague by practice relieved him of the inconvenience of. The Lupine humanoid scoffed at him dismissively as he walked away.


    The young boy was debarred from pursuing the Beast Folk Shamans further by the timely intervention of the adults whom he had unceremoniously disparaged.


    "I want my Cadfridogion y Lleng and the Arglwyddi Cyfraith of Haringpoint to my study immediately. This is war." The Emperor ordered.


    All nodded in agreement. The Legionary Generals and the Arglwyddi Cyfraith or the Law Lords, a group of Nobles in charge of the day to day Law and Order of every Duchy in the Empire from the Courts to the foot patrols and the firemen. This sub-class of Nobility is often a place where one can achieve much honor and prestige that is equally meritocratic between Noblemen and Commoners alike. One such Marchog Gyfraith, a Law Knight, was a reputable young woman of unkept allure blonde hair and green eyes with a silvery yet slightly stained armor by the name of Haelioni Elussenol, a former Orphan who grew up with a firsthand account of many great injustices brought forth by the abused, the lost and the mutilated of her city Haringpoint''s slums. This gave Haelioni or ''Hael'' by her friends and ''little siblings'' back at the Orphanage situated near the Grand Cathedral a notable sense and desire of justice and parity to cleanse the streets of moral filth and decay in the cobblestone streets of the city and if she played her cards correctly, she believed she can make a difference beyond the Capital''s walls. She was tutored by the Nuns who administer the Orphanage on the belief of the Feudalistic harmony and austere social leagues especially the bottom down foundations of commoners in upholding the sovereignty of the Empire alongside the Nobility. A society just and cordial is what she dreamed. And these Otherworlder''s seek to tear down everything that she holds dear. As the most important people needed for the Emperor''s emergency War Council was for at least one person, dragged literally to the table. Both Hael and Faithleann held on to the mutual belief that they must protect their nation from those who seek to do it harm. For Hael, it is likely she will patrol in between the Cathedral and Slum district of Haringpoint again as per her usual orders, yet she doesn''t mind, she was familiar with the people and in turn, the people are familiar with her and they all adore her with well wishes, favors and smiles from her. She was even courted occasionally by some of the handsome young sailors and foot soldiers who live by the Slums. As for Faithleann, the Gweninejar will have to embark on the perilous journey to the Ostalrocs to obtain the materials he needs to forge his bequeath band of the Empire''s best in brightest to the ultimate Demon-slaying Corp the likes of which the world had ever seen. But still, he can''t help but keep his bitter-bitten eyes from the Beast Folk Shamans who had humiliated him of his Gods-given gifts. He continued to dart his eyes towards them as the three Shamans exited the Banquet Hall.


    "Let me go Grandmaster! I must teach this barbarian a lesson!" Faithleann kicked and screamed.


    "There are more important things right now than Beast Folks today Chosen One." Owyne argued as he dragged Faithleann away from public view in order to prevent him from further embarrassing himself.


    The Daosne departed quietly, with disappointment sketched into their faces over this childish sight.


    "You desire to fight, to oppose, to defy! But you do not know how to truly fight. If you wish to do, then come to the Northern Lands and find the Skyward Throne." the Volyudi Shaman turned around and said unto Faithleann and gave his parting words. "We will be waiting." ;


    ---------------


    Clovich and his entourage''s bellies were being treated like pigs¡­


    In the sense that they gorged themselves silly with all the selection of foods that Prime Minister Bousqet exposed him too.


    From the French, Beef Bourguignon, the American Mac and Cheese and quite requested, Japanese Sashimi of the quality of Michelin-starred meals provided by Earth''s best chefs. Their tables, that they shared with the mild-mannered Prime Minister and his flabbergasted fellow Party Members was if a tornado had assaulted the fine china and silverware within the Palais Du Parlement''s Banquet Hall. Clovich and his followers skipped the utensils entirely all eating their fill like famished children. If it were up to the Chefs for this feudalistic behavior, they would have kicked them out into the streets if they had done this in their own restaurants, but the Prime Minister stayed their hands. He simply ate his 5-course meal with his reservations. He is allowing them to be seduced by their World''s gifts and if that means turning the Banquet Hall into a pigsty to achieve this goal, then so be it. Thankfully this affair is closed behind guarded doors.


    "This is¡­ Divine!" Clovich smiled as he gorged himself on a bowl of steaming Mac and Cheese. It was like edible Gold that melts in his mouth to his eyes as he dug in with his naked paws which reddened with every grasp he took.


    "Ouch, it''s quite hot though¡­" he complained, shaking off the meals heat.


    "You are supposed to eat that with a spoon." Bousquet bluntly said.


    "This... is a Soup?" Clovich eyes widened.


    Blinking his eyes and looking down on the table again, he noticed to his horror that the shiny objects laid before him in thin silvery finery were in fact not Decorations for the table but actually the utensils that were cast aside to make room for their glutinous platter''s ways.


    "I¡­ forgive me¡­ Prime Minister¡­ I am so used to eating with a wooden spoon and my bare hands. I didn''t recognize all of these." He apologized, his face pink in his chagrin. His entourage too.


    "It is okay. I can never be mad at you. You are a very curious one, aren''t you? Am I right?" Bousquet leaned forward.


    "Indeed. Your food is delicious. How often do you Nobles feast like this?" Clovich asked.


    "Oh, I am no Noble, I am merely a servant for I come from a family of Merchants." The Prime Minister smiled humbly. "And the food you see is eaten quite often by both the Rich and Poor alike."


    "You eat meats often?" Clovich asked, holding the earthenware platter of Beef Bourguignon.


    Meats were rarely eaten in the on the average diet of the medieval Gliesians. Livestock were valued for their productive capacities of providing fresh milk, eggs and wool. When an animal is to be slaughtered, the effort, the preparation and the knowledge to cook a meat dish was tedious and expensive and only reserved for special occasions or at the very least at the end of the day, but even then, choices were limited to poultry and dried cuts of mystery meats. But here on Earth, it was all a Land of Plenty.


    "Of course, Our lands are very prosperous." Bousquet nodded.


    "And the fish! Look at this fish! I have never seen fish so chewy, so fat!" Clovich commented on the cuts raw fish called ''Sashimi'' that he ungracefully grabbed from the serving plate onto his own that lay haphazardly on the tomato-based stew of the Beef Bourguignon, tainting its cold flesh in blood-red sauce.


    Fish at least the only one found in Tyr Rianni is a small creature and come in schools that jump around in their migratory paths along the Principality''s river. Fondly called the Gerrinh. ;It is served raw with the bones and head removed leaving its body and tail behind, then marinated in vinegar or brine. It is then served with chopped aromatic vegetables alongside some bread to mop of the sour taste. Upon occasion, Clovich would often eat the fish freshly caught by his cousin when he is invited to go to Souviel again. But even that, there came in so many shapes in sizes when served on his plate since they were often served whole that he got scared of eating any other piscine creature except ''good old Gerrinh''. Yet this Sashimi as the Earth Human called it, taster just like that little fish back home yet in a much thicker cut and peculiarly differing colors of flesh like red, slightly golden and pink.


    "Ah, the Sushi. I had the Chef and the fish fly in all the way from Japan to serve it to you. I didn''t want to risk something too complicated so I stuck with French, American and Japanese food." Bousquet gave his thoughtful words.


    "Japan? I have heard of this¡­ Japan before. By your friend, Governor White." Clovich said.


    His ears twitched with excitement when the Prime Minister mentioned that land where King May-jee came from.


    "Ah, the Land of the Rising Sun! One of the best places to go to in our world." Bousquet proudly declared.


    "What is it like there? In Japan? I want¡­ I want to know¡­ what became of King May-jee." Clovich pushed aside his pigpen of a plate to firmly place his elbows forward as he inquired of his oh so similar ditto.


    "Meiji? Well, quite a lot. I can say that his country took with the current time of his day, ten to twenty years that took his country ahead of his neighbors in what took his teachers a century to obtain. He was very smart, curious, loves to see new things. Just like you. I can see it in your eye. You have his¡­ fire." Bousquet gave his flatteries.


    "Your too kind dear host." Clovich waved. "I wish to ascend the way he has ascended. The Governor and my guide friend told me that you are to give me some sort of contract? Like the one I had signed to show peace and coevality with your people between my Tyr Rian and your New Albany?" he asked.


    "Your quite too eager for your own good. But then again, Meiji was the same when he was in your footsteps." Bousquet wiggled his finger as he leaned back on his chair. "It is best first you understand what you are truly getting yourself into first¡­ so tell me¡­ Prince Clovich¡­ why do you pursue us?" the Prime Minister asked.


    This Primitive Native in their likeness was indeed too eager¡­ too eager for his own good. Bousqet weighed the benefits against the possible drawbacks of giving this Prince, a Vassal no less. What if, the Primitives used their Technology wrong and get themselves hurt or worse by its improper usage? What if, the Primitives turned their weapons and the knowledge they learned from them against them? Or perhaps what if UFE Technology fell onto the hands of various unscrupulous individuals¡­ he can already imagine goose-stepping Skeleton Armies armed with Assault Rifles.


    "It had started¡­ with my sister. Aria." Clovich confessed.


    This one sentence awakened Bousquet from the amoral, chaotic and cutthroat realm a UFE Prime Minister experiences in the all too cruel dance of Earthling Macro-Politics. He may be hardened by such experiences throughout his career but he never forgot the Party''s roots founded upon the principles for what they believe is a united and harmonious society for all of Gaia''s children. Clovich''s concern for his Sister''s previous plight, that was what made him join the Party and rose to be its Vanguard, decades ago¡­


    "I know¡­ born crippled correct but our doctors made her walk again." Bousquet said but he phrased his response in a vein for confirmation.


    "She is¡­ the one thing that makes me wake up at night. Every day, her smiling or just being by my side everyday¡­ ever since my father died and I have become the Prince of Tyr Rian¡­ it was all just¡­ how would I say¡­ uhm¡­" Clovich stuttered. His face showed weakness as his eyes reddened into the state of emotional delicacy.


    "Hard to keep things together? Like make everything work?" Bousquet asked.


    "Indeed." Clovich nodded. "Being a Vassal, most of the Tariffs that go in and out of my Citadel ends in the coffers of the Empire. I barely have enough money to outlay the costs of my Army, the Walls and the Well system. When your people showed up to my door, I thought you were just Charlatans, seeking to drain me another chip of my Ducats. But when you asked for almost little in return for making my sister finally be able to walk. I was¡­ I thought I was dreaming." Clovich said.


    "Go on." Bousqet followed. He nodded quite excessively, as if this leader that Clovich sees as if he was trying to play him as a Stooge. This offended the Prince, but he knew that a lash now will have him crawling back to Tyr Rian emptyhanded or in a platter.


    "Then I saw you built these towers¡­ of power¡­ oh that rhymes." Clovich lightly chuckled. Recomposing himself back to his in-between tone of cursory language with a bit of beseeching diplomatic forethought to his next words. "Allowing the people, young, old, rich and poor¡­ a respite from their plight of Famine, Banditry, & other likes. You know what I see right now?" Clovich leaned forward as if directly vying for the Prime Ministers undivided attention.


    "See what your Majesty?" Bousquet steepled his hands while leaning back on his lofty chair.


    "I see your World of Earth free of Famine, Banditry and all other forms of discord. You prove yourself that you wield incredible power like Gods yet you hold back¡­ why?" Clovich asked.


    Bousquet laughed.


    "I am as human as you¡­ and those ills that you speak of¡­ Famine, Banditry and all of the rest? We still have them every now and then."


    The prince sulks down in shame¡­ these beings weren''t as Godly as he had thought.


    "Yet you see here, there is a difference between you and I¡­is that we learned from them." Bousquet explained.


    "Learned from them?" Clovich asked.


    "You came here to learn right?" Bousquet inquired for confirmation. "Sweet your words are about us, but we are not Gods. Yet you wish to learn of our ways. How we build our people. How we build from nothing so quickly? Is it not the reason why you travel from your humble abode to my Palace?"


    "Yes." Clovich nodded.


    "For a start, all those problems with your Medieval folk experience on a daily basis? As I said we are not immune to them just like you. Yet the difference here is that we learn from them. We learned what causes Famine, Banditry and all of that stuff. We rose to the challenge and today whenever they rear its ugly head, we know how to alleviate them¡­ to work around them." Clovich said.


    "So, you are not Gods, but you have the Wisdom of one. That is most unusual. May I also ask, you keep using that word. ''Me-dee-val''." Clovich pointed out.


    Bousqet gulped. ;Looks like he needs to twist his words slightly next.


    "In the end of the day Prince, you are hear because you are benighted, unlearned, ww-e¡ªI mean frail and you come to me seeking knowledge, wisdom, and strength whether you want to admit it or not. You expect Perfection, we are more than Imperfect you see. But then again, if we are all perfect there can never be any room or desire for growth or to go beyond that boundary. The thing is¡­ your first lesson is being taught right now here in this very room." Bousquet informed him.


    "You are teaching me¡­ us right now?" Clovich stuttered, almost forgetting his personal conversation was overheard by his entourage of Sages, Knights and other Noblemen he had brought alongside him.


    "Yes¡­ and If I may warn you. If you don''t get this lesson now then don''t even bother asking for my patronage." Bousquet sternly said.


    "What is this lesson you are teaching me this moment?" Clovich asked, his voice in the tone of a demand. This extravagant fellow who allowed himself the time to have audience with him was speaking in riddles and half-answers.


    Clovich was not the type of individual to have his patience tested nor someone who would give up so easily. He wanted¡­ he needed this power that these Earthlings possessed. He could no longer bear the sights of such ills that he hears, see''s and touches about as he administered his State. These Earthlings were the key yet they hesitate.


    "Not a good sign¡­" Bousquet snickered. "But allow me to cut to the chase." He smiled.


    The Prime Minister stood up from his chair and with stout strength, he shoved aside the elegantly clothed table that separated him and Clovich from each other, much to the piqued curiosity of everyone in the room. He stretched his arms out and waved them around, releasing the tension that his body endured previously when he enjoyed his Michelin-starred feast with the Otherworlders.


    "You see all of this? My Palace, New Albany? The Spaceships¡­ or Boats as you would call it?" he asked to the Prince.


    Clovich silently nodded.


    "It took years, decades and centuries! To get here on this moment." The Prime Minister orated.


    "I don''t understand. You built New Albany within a month! How can you say that it ''took years''?" Clovich scratched his head.


    "Innovation. Change. It takes time! Lots of time! Many people before me took decades, five to be exact for Osei Korporasie to figure out how to build a fully functioning settlement with the likes of New Albany. The Progenitors of this momentous goal¡­''To build a city in an instant'' was a dream that they weren''t able to see for five decades for they all died before its completion¡­" Bousquet said.


    "That is tragic to hear." Clovich frowned.


    "¡­Yet, the Progenitors of Project ''Second Eden'' laid the foundation for our vast reaches to the Stars, none of our interstellar empire could be possible for their sacrifices and the groundwork they left behind for their successors for without that initial first step, we won''t have a Kesserheim, a Mars or a New Albany¡­ do you understand what I am saying?" Bousquet inched closed to Clovich.


    "That¡­ I must humble myself? Are you teaching me Humility?" Clovich answered.


    "You''re getting there but the point is this¡­" Bousquet tailed his finger as he smiled knowing now that he and the Prince have a mutual understanding of one another. "You will likely not see the world you want to see within your lifespan. Your world needs time. Time to accept us, to understand us, to aspire like us. In a fair bit of warning, you may too not like what you will learn after we are done tutoring you. Or worse may not yet understand it fully until much later. There will be times where even your best men would revile you, other times you will see your once enemies become your sworn ally. There will be times when your people stumble and fall. But in time, they will join you as you cross the bridge to the next age. Take in fact your friend ''King'' Meiji. He had to actually fight his own countrymen at best, destroy some of the very core traditions of his nation at worst." Bousqet explains his lesson.


    "I¡­ I see¡­" Clovich humbly moped. The more he learns of this King May-jee the more depth his character becomes. Perhaps he will visit his country within the duration of his Mission. The Tyr Rianni Prince needs to know more about him. "I believe that not even my Liege Lord, Emperor Uldin would take so kindly at first to your presence¡­ he probably already knows of your arrival right now. I did give him a letter explaining what is happening and I hope he will come to an understanding."


    "Well that would be good if he did. I would be glad to show him what I will show you¡­ but tell me Prince Clovich Rian¡­ Are you willing to plant the seeds of the first step for your people to brighter tomorrow? Even if you may not live to see its fruits?" Bousquet asked.


    Clovich paused. He knew that deep down, going down this path with the United Federation would be a point of no return for him. He saw their awesome strength, their overwhelming wisdom of eldritch knowledge, and the fortitude of steel these Earthlings possessed. Yet as the Prime Minister says, this will take time and the transition to the future he dreams of a new Tyr Rian¡­ a new Empire, a new Ysanigrad, a new Gliesia will only happen if he took the first step for them.


    He even knew that many of them would try to worm their seductive voices of riches in exchange for pieces of his honor and soul for example the uber-Merchant Guild A-pa-row Korp. He knew that beneath the smiles of one Bee-yan-kin was the glib aura of a very ruthless Venture Capitalist. They may be an independent third party, but even then, their influences within the trade routes gossips have been creeping and upsetting to behold. Their blessings, alongside the rightful authority of the UFE''s Common State Party have their prices. Land, Titles, Authority, sacrifices that many of a weak will would wince upon a second thought or foolhardily jump into its maw only to be turned into a puppet in the very end living in a gilded cage. It is how would Clovich turn whatever blessings he receives to something to hope and believe for tomorrow that matters for him.


    The future is inevitable¡­ it''s just that what will he do next to shape it?


    "I accept," Clovich decided.

 Chapter 36 - Open your Eyes Aliathra

    ''She has a Heart of Stone!'' the Neneth Oathtaker condemned with an equally denunciatory finger that pierces her soul.


    No! my heart remains pure!


    ''Did they promise you with Power? Money? Immortality?'' her old friend Lyndis beseeched in disbelief. Her sorrowful overture shared with everyone else in that cold Vercourt barracks on that fateful day.


    They showed me another world! Another way!


    ''You will die here Demon!'' Eriande convicted her for the Abyss with her sword raised in her ''dutiful'' act of purgation of all threats to the Ethuilen People as sworn by a Rainbow Helm.


    Stop this madness! I am still Aliathra Lareththor, Royal Princess of House Lareththor.


    ''Our Daughter¡­'' She can here the collected voice of her parents. King Aslan and Queen Elisven


    ''Dear Sister of mine¡­'' then followed by her older brother and sister, Valorion and Ithiel who spoke in unison.


    ''For Shame! For Shame on you! Oh, woeful travesty of the esteemed Lareththor lineage. You, Aliathra Lareththor, supposed pure maiden of our sacred bloodline. Now corrupted, tainted beyond redemption in your mind, body and soul!'' Her entire family renounced her.


    No! This cannot be! I remain ecclesiast to Neneth, Goddess of Life. I did not wish nor d.e.s.i.r.e too¡­


    ''You are not good enough!''


    Please¡­


    ''Our Aliathra is dead. You were never a Warrior nor a Cleric. You will NEVER be good enough!'' she can hear her Family banish her.


    "NO!" Aliathra screamed out as she opened her eyes.


    A loud crash from a metal tray unbalanced Doctor Lee Haneul causing the Elf''s ears to reverberate violently as Aliathra''s breathing quickened.


    "Oh dear, please calm down." Dr. Lee Haneul consoled her whilst she picked up her tray of medical tools. "But hey, at least you are awake." She smiled sweetly.


    "What happened to me? I remember a fire, blood and¡­" Aliathra rasped but she felt the soft warmth of Dr. Lee Haneul''s hand placed behind her.


    Examining closely her surroundings, Aliathra noticed that the same monotonous white walls and the scent of chemical medicine bubbling around her that she was again inside New Albany''s Military Hospital under the tender care of Dr. Lee Haneul, a Physician of repute that the Elven Princess has come to deeply respect for her healing abilities without the aid of Magic or Arcane instruments.


    "You are back in New Albany now Miss Lareththor. You are safe herd with me." the doctor''s lithe voice comforted the elf''s ears.


    "But¡­ I remember¡­ the fire¡­ my eyes¡­ they were seared by Eriande''s¡­ Fire Magicks. W-wha--- am I¡­all right?" Aliathra sobbed.


    "About that¡­" Dr. Lee Haneul stammered.


    "Is¡­ it¡­" Aliathra equally stumbled in her speech.


    Her heart feared the very worst, yet a part of her wishes the pain she saw, felt and inflicted upon herself, her people and her family were all just a dream. But it was for not, as the baby-faced Doctor of Korean descent presented to the Elf a transparent container, a glass jar filled with a transparent preservative liquid, retained securely within a pair pinkish-white jellies with a crimson rope linked to the said blobs. By the end of the crimson rope, was faint stains of blood coating the colorless preservation liquid in rose. It wasn''t rope, to Aliathra''s horror, they were blood veins. Even her Arcane-s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e Elven physiology can detect the faint traces of Magic left behind in that macabre model. She felt the Gui of both Eriande''s Fire Magicks and her own Restoration magic still left innate by those two slime blobs that were once her immaculate azure eyes.


    "You suffered an Ocular Chemical burn to your eyes which unfortunately permanently blinded you." Dr. Lee Haneul gravely informed her.


    "That is¡­ impossible! I¡­ can still see right?" Aliathra stared at the Doctor''s hazelnut eyes in disbelief.


    "My Surgeons had to replace your two burnt eyes with new ones." The Doctor informed her. "Eyes¡­ Cybernetic Eyes¡­"


    Aliathra wailed, in her heart, she is beginning to feel she is straying further and further away from her Goddesses light. She wanted mourn; to lay b.a.r.e to Neneth in her darkest hour to show her a sign, anything that could alleviate the stigmata on the Elf''s soul. But to her appended dread as she clawed her face with her lithe hands in a bid to forcefully expel her anguish but all she could only shed was one doleful tear. Not nearly enough to extirpate all the repressed cogitation within her mind and soul.


    Dr. Lee Haneul, seeing the Elf''s grief, grabbed three pulls of tissue paper from a box and offered the cloths to Aliathra.


    "Blow." She said.


    Grabbing the napkin, Aliathra released the frustrated agitation on to those pieces of cloth with a half a dozen of sternutation with the help of her breath. After her expulsion of air, Aliathra looked away from the good doctor who stood beside her with a serene smile as the Elf faced herself in the mirror.


    Gazing on her reflection, the Elven Princess can see her hair lay loose and the skin on her face abnormally paler than she could remember. She was marginally encouraged when she noticed that her ocean blue eyes were still maintained despite the artificial nature of her new pairs. Tracing her head with her finger, Aliathra shivered in cold fear as she felt her l.u.s.trous skin was smoothly being glided over. But as she traced her face towards her cheeks, the Elf''s s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e nerves felt an anomalous fluctuation painted on the surface, as if there was a noticeable gap end in between a certain point on her face. Standing up from the bedside with her two prosthetic legs, Aliathra examined herself on the mirror closer. Still holding her finger over the anomalous area, the Elf zoomed in closely to her horror there were two subtle borderlines, barely visible at a closely efforted glance, on her skin stretched from above her forehead all the way down to her cheeks.


    "What¡­ did you do to me?" Aliathra turned to Dr. Lee Haneul.


    "The Surgeons, they had to perform Plastic Surgery on your face in addition to installing your new pair of Eyes. I am sorry." The Doctor apologized.


    Aliathra''s legs collapsed, again attempting to wail mournfully but alas, only one tear was shed on her eyes. Falling again at the same edge of despair when she found out about her previous injuries, the Elf and no means to stop her body from being further overrun by these Otherworldly devices now working in tandem with her Elven body. But now, given her exocommunication from her own people. There was nowhere left to go but forward with these Otherworlders now as the Elf hated to admit, to humble, to lay prostrate to this new power. She even felt like she wanted to worship it.


    "This is it¡­" Aliathra weeped.


    She looked at her palms as the sparse sum of tears she shed fell on to their surfaces. There was no longer an Aliathra anymore, just pieces of machinery extracted from lifeless stone to be made for profit, instead of the grace of her Goddesses'' selfless benefaction of her own creation. She had tried to deny the fact that she was being kept alive by these mechanical parodies of her gifts from Neneth, she tried to unleash her anger on Samantha and the rest of the You-Eff-eee, she tried so hard at first to purge the Otherworldly ''filth'' enrapturing her soul, fell in the deepest darkest pits of despair and out that crevice, all that was left for her was to accept what she has become.


    "My dear, everything is all right." Dr. Lee Haneul knelt down and sat down on the ground next to her. She placed her hand atop Aliathra''s back as she intimately grasped her body closer to hers. In all of her few young years as a Physician, the good doctor had never had a patient who was emotionally fragile as Aliathra Lareththor.


    "How? Don''t you know that those Corrupted with Demonic power like this Heart of mine will use these powers for Evil?" Aliathra looked at the Doctor.


    "You are not Evil Miss Lareththor. By your own logic, you cannot perform those Holy Spells that you could do. Go on, try it¡­ on yourself." The Doctor challenged.


    Wiping away her face, Aliathra waved her hands around and without effort, conjured a palm-sized luminous golden ball of Holy Magic, enough to ward off any creeping corruptions or evil presence, which astounded the Elf as she didn''t feel its soft glow rend her asunder.


    "But¡­ how?" Aliathra asked.


    "You are still good and I know it." Dr. Lee encouraged her, shaking her hand to excite her. "Why else did you agree to heal those sick people afflicted with that Demon Bane poison?"


    "I¡­ I¡­ didn''t want them to suffer no longer¡­ you and the people of Tyr Rian alike¡­ they all writhed in agony as the poison tore them apart¡­" Aliathra answered.


    "Would an ''Evil'' Person do that?" the Doctor reasoned.


    "No. I devoted my life, body, and soul to the Goddess Neneth to heal the afflicted and allay all the pain and injustice in all of Gliesia."


    "Then you are not being Evil or turning into Evil at all Aliathra." The Doctor advocated. "You still tried to help your people back in the Embassy, right? You gave them the chance to run away when you could as ''a Demon'' just cut them down right there and there. You wish to seek peace yet your kind wishes to see all that they do not understand to be destroyed." She reasoned.


    In fact, for the Elf, she did see the hypocrisy hidden beneath her people''s lofty statuses when Diaz and even she pointed every little dirty secret that the Sefydliad does to maintain Ethuilen Interests in all of Gliesia through such harmfully subversive means to maintain such power. Such against the teachings of Neneth which say to respect and cherish all life, not belittle and stunt. But as Aliathra''s heartbeat paced, she still remembers the Oathtakers of Neneth''s denunciating words:


    ''She has a Heart of Stone!''


    "But my Body, these¡­ it corrupted my flesh¡­ these¡­ Ohg-ment-tay-shons... they turned my body into one like yours¡­" the Elf lamented.


    "What proof do you have that Cybernetics are Evil? Because what other people told you? You never stopped and take a look at why is it ''Evil''? Do you know what an Augmentation is Miss Lareththor?" the Doctor asked.


    The Elf gave pause for a moment. In her self-loathing and self-righteous despair, this word ''Augmentation'' was an alien concept just as the United Federation was to Gliesia. She turned back to the doctor and balked.


    "It means ''to Increase'' in our language. Your heart, your legs, and your eyes they are superior in every way. Better Stamina, more durability, faster, stronger and better vision. You should be happy that what those injuries have taken didn''t kill you but allowed you to come back stronger. Why? Because perhaps maybe the powers that be know that you, Miss Lareththor can still do so much good in this world. In my experience, your world of Gliesia needs more people like you. Augmentations help improve the potential in the people that it is installed with. By your own logic as a Healing Priestess, Cybernetics end-goals are the same as your Restoration Magics. To Heal, to improve, to strengthen." The Doctor lectured.


    She couldn''t believe how wrong she was. She had to say, her legs and heart alone made her much swifter and more vigorous compared to before. Her magic was still unimpeded despite her recent changes and deep down, Aliathra still held the beliefs to her heart of Neneth''s healing grace deserving of all those who seek the shelter of her hearth.


    "You, you are right." Aliathra lightened up. "I can still do good. I can still make this right. For me, for my people and all of Gliesia." She smiled.


    "Good girl! I am proud of you." The Doctor cheered.


    "So, what sort of ''magical'' abilities do my eye---" Aliathra optimistically inquired about her cybernetics when suddenly¡­


    "MA-ganda-ganda-ganda-gandan-ganda-ganda-gan-dang Hapon Aliathra!" Diaz''s voice and his own image appeared on the corner of Aliathra''s eye.


    The Elf recoiled backwards, her heart skipping a beat. Blinking hard, she thought it was an illusion of her own delusion but no matter how much the Elf tried to slap herself back to the realm of sanity as she knows, the more Diaz smiled coyly.


    "Ladui Han-yule?!? I can see¡­ I see Ser Vincent!" Aliathra exclaimed.


    "Diaz? He is not here¡­ oh! Yeah¡­ about your Eyes Miss Lareththor¡­" Dr. Lee Haneul stood up "Your eye comes equipped with an Eight-Gee Cellular Data Communicator."


    "A what?" Aliathra asked.


    "You can now talk to us from far away Alie." Diaz explained. "How are you? How''s the surgery? You with Iris now?" Diaz asked.


    "Iris is here too?" Aliathra asked.


    "No just Iris¡­ I''m at the supermarket right now buying snacks for Samantha. Crocker made me if you ask." Diaz replied.


    "But? How? What? I¡­ I don''t understand." Aliathra further questioned. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassed confusion.


    "You have installed on your head an Aparo Pharmaceuticals ''Eye-See'' Vision Enhancement Package with Eight-Gee Ethernet connection. Plus, I managed to find an eye model that matches those Blues of yours." Diaz winked.


    "But How can I see, and hear you when you¡­ you are not really here?" Aliathra asked.


    "The Beauty of Eight-Gee Ethernet Alie. I just wanted to check out if your Video Call receptors are working properly. Tell the Doc I''m sorry if I am interrupting anything but lemme say, with Don Aparo''s complements to your practice." Diaz clicked his mouth.


    "What is he saying?" the Doctor asked.


    "Complements to your practice by Don Aparo." Aliathra answered.


    "Thank you." Lee Haneul half-heartedly acknowledged.


    "Look here, it''s about Samantha right now and she really needs your help. Can you do that for her? Go with Iris to Sammy? I''m all holed up here buying some Doritos and Spaghetti for the Squad right now." Diaz asked.


    "Do what for her?" Aliathra asked.


    "Do what for who?" Dr. Lee Haneul asked. "I just want to let you know that just because you can see and hear Vinny doesn''t mean I can to. What is Vinny asking?"


    "He wants me to see Samantha with Iris." Aliathra answered.


    "Oh, I know what that is. Well, for the sake of what I told you that you can still do good Miss Lareththor. You should go to her." Haneul said.


    "Why?" Aliathra asked.


    "She has done so much for you, to help you when you were injured and hurt from your legs and your heart. Now it''s your turn to heal her. I cannot say all of the details here but it is best you come with Iris to her now. She will appreciate you being there." Haneul said.


    Looking at the corner of her eye, seeing Diaz smile enthusiastically to the same vein as Dr. Lee Haneul. Aliathra''s new found resolve arose a new determination. She will make this right, there was too much to lose now for her to give up and sulk on her previous failures. Her people and all of Gliesia have to see that these Otherworlders were nothing of the sorts of what the orators speak of ''Demonic'' and ''Destructive''.


    She vowed to protect all life from harm. Now it is time to see her vow but into action.


    ----------------------


    Under an inconspicuous hood to not betray her Elven ears, Lyndis waited impatiently inside the Green Cloth Inn, a semi-shady establishment that serves the passing by mariners on shore leave and the everyday burgherdom of Haringpoint''s cosmopolitan systems. The little corner she managed to secure herself for her stay on the dining hall was dimly lit with a singular candle atop her stand which is, in fact, a repurposed seedy-aged barrel oak. She had previously shooed off any previous attempts for the wenches to ask for her order, stating that she was ''expecting company''. Eyeing the patrons present, coming and going for a moments respite of their day to day lives. The Sefydliad Spymaster can see Sailors intermingling with their peers, the rabble of society and even Grey Order Adventurers. Not odd for the type of person she was waiting for since the Guild''s Headquarters was only a block away. But he was waiting for a very specific of their lot in this enterprise. A superciliously erect man who had just entered the hall and asked to a table with ''a certain Madame Gwathren'' (a rather common alias used for Sefydliad Agents when they need to contact anyone within a public setting) and was promptly directed to his destined way. Her eyes, locked with the Adventurer''s eyes and Lyndis knew that it was none other than Radred, known by his peers as ''the Flagrant''.


    "Ah, Madame Gwathren I presume?" the dapper fellow approached Lyndis'' empty seat.


    "You could have worn something more¡­ muted¡­" Lyndis commented on Radred''s flamboyant attire.


    A golden-skinned leather cuirass with a complementary violet cape is what he wore which infuriated Lyndis towards the human''s lack of subtlety to know the end as several of the Inn''s patrons gave sideward glances to their direction. Many of the Grey Order, the waitstaff and a few of the mariners have heard of this fellow before.


    "You summoned the great, handsome and charming Radred. What do you expect?" the Adventurer shrugged.


    "That is not the point Ser. What if someone hears of this plan?" Lyndis pushed forward.


    "We''ll let them know. It''s not liked these days you are planning to do anything, shameful aren''t you madame?" he asked.


    "It''s not that the task is somewhat gray in matters Ser. I have looked into your history and I know a thing you know that many others do not." Lyndis said.


    "Oh?" Radred leaned forward, his hand inching closer to his dagger as his instincts kicked in.


    He had done many morally dubious assignments throughout his years but he had always considered the contractual trust between him and his clients, his talents and charisma to keep him on top despite what he has done in the past ranging from ''Personnel Obtainment'' to ''Item Acquisition''.


    "The Emperor has recently given his blessing to the ''Chosen One'' and already this morning he and his retinue of the Empire''s finest were dispatched on their ''Quest to Save the World''," Lyndis said.


    "I have seen the procession. Flowers, coinage, and cheers were given to them near the gates before their departure. From what I hear, their current destination is East. But Madame Gwathren, I fail to see how that affects me?"


    "Petur Reikdorf? You have a history together." Lyndis took aim and played her card.


    That name alone awoke an emotion hidden inside the Adventurer. An emotion of malicious resentment.


    "How did you know? What is he up to? Is this Job about him?" Radred asked.


    "More of, something that would get you more motivated for this job if you know what I mean." Lyndis said.


    "I do not know what you mean." Radred bluntly answered.


    "You see, you know that this Chosen One is getting ''the Best of the Empire'' has to offer? Knights, Weapons, Followers, all of the money of the work can buy? Well one of them includes no one other than Petur Reikdorf himself." Lyndis intrigued.


    "I see." Radred releases his tension, his interests now genuinely piqued.


    "But tell me Ser. First, why do you hate this Petur so much?" Lyndis asked.


    The Golden Skinned adventurer sighed; it was a rather sordid affair to talk about his history with one of the Grey Order''s Diamond-ranked Adventurer''s.


    "You are right I am quite unhappy with what had transpired recently. First of all, why an infant and Copper ranked newbie can be chosen to carry the glorious task of vanquishing the Demons and not someone more senior of a warrior like me in Grey Order or knights in the Empire Knightly Orders? Secondly, why the Emperor didn''t offer Me and a lot of my fellow adventurers to at least escorting that brat to his quests? At least I can be his real mentor for on how to fight the demons! I am one of the best adventurers in the Guilds, I am maybe gold-ranked but I did more quests than that fancy-faced Petur and I am more pragmatic than his silly code of ''Chivalry''. We used to be squires back on our wee days under Marchog Gratianus Faughn. However, Petur was the one who managed to attain Knighthood while I washed out. I shouldn''t have been Knighted as I was much more resourceful and zealous as he." Radred shook his fist.


    "I can see why." Lyndis hid her amus.e.m.e.nt. "Maybe because they often call you, ''Radred the Dishonest''."


    Her research into this man yielded much more interesting bits about him than he would willingly divulge in front her, essentially a stranger.


    "You shut your tongue wench." The Adventurer growled; his ego snapped. "Do not tease me with that epithet!! People might call me dishonest but I believe in a practical approach in combat because winning is everything in life. Why do people care so much about ''honor''? In battle, it is a matter of glorious victory or shameful defeat."


    Radred despite his flamboyant personality was equally in terms of intrinsic scale a charismatic fellow and a venal individual. He has a reputation, perhaps a result of his resentment of being passed over for Knighthood, to be a very unscrupulous combatant and a shrewd deal maker. Always seeking every possible advantage, honorable or not for himself. There was even a rumor that some of his magical Paradoxically, he is popular with the more profit-driven and high flying members of the Grey Order for his unique brand of ''generosity'' for those who follow him such as hosting lavish feasts on his tabs at various taverns across the land overflowing with decadent hedonism that even the Souvieli would find excessive. His actions, however, have gotten him and some of his associates into trouble by the Guild''s administrative bodies but if it weren''t for his previous achievements and relative popularity among low to mid-ranking adventurers, they tolerated him unless he gets caught in the act of something openly illegal.


    "No need to hide anything from me Ser Radred ''the Flagrantly Dishonest''. I know everything and this mission shares your interests in showing that Petur fellow whose prowess will reign supreme." Lyndis honeyed words pierced the Adventurer. She intrinsically gave a pompous smile over her clever usage of the Adventurer''s two-faced name.


    "Color me intrigued¡­ for now¡­ I am listening. So, what great task shall I accomplish for you." Radred relaxed his tension before he further inquired. Any mission that could get him to jockey upwards towards his goal of trumping Petur is a welcome opportunity, even if it does mean he has to undertake such dishonorable and clandestine tasks.


    Now reeled in, Lyndis prepared her thoughtfully prepared little gambit. Do impart, this Radred has no idea that he was being played like a fiddle to the Sefydliad''s machinations.


    "Petur Reikdorf is going to be at the vanguard of fighting these Otherworlders with the Chosen One Faithleann but I have reasons to believe that this is not the best course of action." Lyndis said.


    "Faithleann? That is his name? I heard he was pretty buoyant for someone who is about to undertake something so dire. I was there at the Cathedral you see." Radred commented.


    "Indeed." Lyndis nodded. "I have a friend on the inside that the boy will take his sweet time trying to fulfill all of his Quests before he could face the Demonic threat. But by then, it could possibly be too late. The hooded Elf gestured, spreading her hands open wide. "Already the Demon''s played their hand by attacking this fine city herself."


    Promptly, Lyndis dropped on the table a small little ring at the middle of the table that caught Radred''s eyes. Upon closer examination, Radred''s body emitted cold sweat when he recognizes the obsidian and aviary symbolism the ring had engraved.


    "You are with the Crows?" Radred asked.


    Lyndis, maintaining the lie, nodded.


    "Mita, the Crowmaster and some members of the College of Magi have shared several well-rationalized beliefs on how the Empire can best survive this crisis. It is just that Emperor and the Senate has been too focused on the Theatrics of showing the people that their fears are being answered without seeing the bigger picture. Tell me Radred, do you remember how the story goes of how Caldell Slaegiac defeated the First Demonic Army?" Lyndis described.


    "Pardon me, but refresh me on the matter. I only remember Caldell''s Duel with Alboen at the Battle of Marnia''s Bluff."


    "In the Old Legends, the Demon''s nearly engulfed all of what will be the Empire today but their powers come at a very steep cost. Think about it for a moment Firen, how much power can these Demon''s muster to summon up that Giant Cloud that terrorized the Capital weeks ago? Alboen had to sell his soul and those of his followers for such powers. It is by the legends go, that if the Demons'' especially their leaders should be exhausted by now and its only a matter of time before they can regain their strength before they launch their assault into the Empire''s Heartlands." Lyndis chronicled.


    "You are right. Caldell did slay many of Alboen''s lieutenants and bodyguards in order to draw him out." Radred affirmed.


    "With many of their leaders dead, the Demons became a disorganized lot and it was only Alboen himself that had kept them together. Besides, Demons needed Souls to fuel their powers so they must have nearly exhausted all of Tyr Rian to accomplish the feats they have done now. Think about it again Radred, why did the Demons only demand that the Empire come to them to talk instead of barging inside of Haringpoint already after decimating the Navy and the Gryphon Knights?" Lyndis reasoned.


    "Because they were too exhausted taking over Tyr Rian to actually deal the killing blow." Radred speculated.


    "Exactly." Lyndis leaned back and smiled. "The Demons must be l.i.c.k.i.n.g their sores right now and it the time is nigh to deal a decisive if not a crippling blow against them at Tyr Rian herself." Lyndis says."


    "Wait, you want¡­ ME? To go to Tyr Rian?" Radred asked. "That''s suicide! Surely you jest." he exclaimed.


    "Would I Jest if this ''Ancillary Expedition'' was approved by the Emperor himself?" Lyndis rolled out a paper and passed it across to the Grey Order Adventurer.


    Seeing the Imperial Seal, a Blue Wax in the shape of a Dragon holding a sword and a cornucopia, the symbol of Imperial Power, Radred carefully locked the adhesive bindings of the parchment and examined the text closely. It had his official seal and also the seal of the Magi of College that give the entrustment of a treacherous mission to infiltrate the Vassal Principality of Tyr Rian and kill as many and take as many Demonic items that they can manage to steal before the Demons can muster a defense. A ''most handsome'' reward for those who can pass as much as they can carry of ''Otherwordly Materials'' to the College of Magi for intensive study. The money coming from straight from the Imperial Treasury. A promising initiative outside of waiting for the Demon''s to come and holding the line of defense of the free & civilized world from the barbaric Otherworlders with the additional prospect of profit looming on the horizon for those brave or foolhardy alike to venture south. Could also help complement well for the preparation of the main defenses of Little Hill too as despite his previous apprehensions with Marchog Faughn, he still has a deep respect of the Slaegian Legionnaires.


    "This is a ''Raid and Raze'' sort of assignment then? A Smash and Grab of sorts to damage and study as much of these Demon''s as we can possibly can?" Radred asked.


    Lyndis nodded.


    "I see." Radred looked down at the paper again. "But this is a dangerous task even for the best of us." Radred asserted.


    The Details of the letter that the Sefydliad Agent gave him was treacherous in a way. Going down to a land beset overwhelmingly by Demons to disrupt their recuperation processes and to acquire studying materials in order to research ways how to decisively vanquish the Otherworlders once and for all was still quite a feat that even the Legionnaires of the Empire could have a difficulty with. The protracted skirmishes with the Daosne and Black Tree/Tavai Corsair battles were at a stalemate based on the news he had received.


    "Unlike many enemies before. The Demons prefer raw, individual power for all of their peons, warriors, and doyens. If we can overwhelm these barbarians with the sheer number at a time, they are at their weakest we could be able to avenge that display of humiliation and if our cards play correctly, defeat it in one blow! Imagine, you instead of Petur or that bratty Copper-ranked Adventurer Faithleann being hailed as the Hero instead of you." Lyndis played into Radred''s aspirations for glory. "Like for example, what if you so stumble upon the Demon Lord himself? Alboen or whomever is his successor. Are you just going to let some shiny stone n a Cathedral dictate everyone''s life? Especially if one such opportunity for that ''Big Score'' presents itself?"


    "Surely you jest?" Radred questioned.


    "And so surely, you never let Fate dictate your destiny? Would you like to prove even the Sacred Crystal Heart is wrong? Not just for you but for your fellow Guild Members that you can become the greatest of heroes?" Lyndis challenged.


    Grey Order Adventurers, most especially impressionable and arising young ones or those who remained stagnated at the middle of the hierarchal pyramid of the Guild have a sense of entitlement and hot-headedness unseen in other life paths. The promises of high rewards or the thrill of perilous risks can lure and intoxicate many people of all walks of life. Fame, Ducats, Influence and the soothing consciousness of an honorable recollective Legacy is what made the Grey Order one of the most fastest-growing institutions in the world, with the unfortunate but oftentimes in a very tastelessly macabre sort of way, a high turnover rate. For every two adventurers who come in, one by the end of five years is made physically unable to continue adventuring whether willfully or not. Nonetheless, the hazards of an Adventurer are counterbalances of the one elusive ''Big Score''. It was why Radred and so many like him offered themselves up for work in the Grey Order. It had its way of attracting some of the more¡­ improper of folks.


    "I am still concerned about Tyr Rian even if I will be paid ''more than Handsomely'' for ''Research Material''. How can I be sure that this little invasion that the Emperor and the College concocted under the table could be more trouble than it is worth?" Radred asked.


    "Again, you underestimate the Crows." Lyndis wagged her finger to wave her superior position. "Crowmaster Mita has been to Tyr Rian herself to scout out the Demons. She has told me that although the battle was messy, they managed to take down as many of them as possible with only the Crowmaster herself escaping with her life."


    "No way." Radred''s eyes widened. But before he could foolhardily jump into his Big Break, his cooler head prevailed over his enthusiasm. "Hang on, but these are Demons you are talking about. I will need some very potent weaponry to even stand a chance against one of them, even if they are weakened. Hold on! How many are there? Did the Crowmaster gave a good count?" he asked.


    "That can be provided by the Emperor just as he has generously bequeathed Faithleann and his Retinue oh so he will generously bequeath to those who would have the heart to venture into the Maw''s of which the Otherworlder''s came," Lyndis said. "And as for a count? I would say a few thousand, no less than a legion or maybe around that number. But it will grow for every day they are left to suppurate in Tyr Rian." She added.


    "That''s actually not too much if my memory of the legends serves me right. But then again, these are Demons we are talking about. So of course, preparation will be key¡­ with the materials, you say the Emperor can provide. But alas, I am but one man and if you add in my little cavalcade of crass champions, you have maybe¡­ five men." Radred counted.


    "Oh, if only there is someone in the Grey Order that can convince may more of his kind to take in such a daring deed?" Lyndis faked despondency.


    "Let me guess, that is where I come in?" Radred said.


    "Indeed, you have the skills, the charisma, and the experience to lead such a band of Crusaders. You can rally not only those in Haringpoint but everywhere you can go until you reach the Gates of Tyr Rian herself. All I just need is one thing." Lyndis leaned forward to gesture for a whisper.


    Radred promptly leaned his head forward as his left hear lay an inch cupped by the disguised elf''s delicate hand and soothing voice that tingles the unscrupulous adventurer''s ear.


    "Despite all of this involving you and your fellow colleagues, this is NOT a Grey Order Quest. Nobody must find out less this opportunity of yours gets the ''Unauthorized'' stamp by some bureaucrat." Lyndis whispered.


    Radred shuddered, an ''Unauthorized'' stamp kills off any chances of fair compensation and any sort of growth in the Guild''s hierarchy and can also be causes for the Law Lords to intervene and arrest all parties involved.


    "Then how can I gather people to this cause? Six won''t be enough." Radred asked.


    "You have made more than those friends of yours in your travels have you not? Especially other Grey Order Guildsmen, independents and all other sorts of rogues." Lyndis suggested.


    Now that he was thinking of it, the hooded woman was correct, he does have some people to refer to that he can trust with a few whispers and promises of discretion within the Guild. Additionally, he does have underground contacts throughout Ysanigrad that he can whisper a few short words in and at a times like this, the Emperor could not afford to be a beggar towards those who would answer the call of duty or in this case money.


    "And the Materials?" Radred further inquired. "I will need blessed weaponry and maybe a few Holy Scrolls too make this work."


    "Do not worry about that. All you need to do is to gather your pack, oh Brave Wolf, when you have everyone you can muster, ask ''for the Sunsetting Earth lies on this dome'' here in this establishment again. You have a week to spread the word." Lyndis said.


    Little that Radred knows, is that the owner of the Inn was a Sefydliad Informant.


    "Even the Demon Lord who is leading the invasion will be exhausted too. Wouldn''t you too want the opportunity to strike him down?" Lyndis egged, knowing that Radred will not resist the chance to triumph over his hated peers.


    "Very well, I will find my friends. Good day Madame Gwarthen." Radred begged his leave. Leaving the table with an eager but roguish smile on his face.


    Lyndis smiled. Her plan works and she played that loathsome Adventurer like a fiddle. Indeed, he knows not nor what his networked colleagues and associates know of the Sefydliad''s Spy Master''s true intentions. To be pawns, as expendable and as many as it can be for the TRUE Raid onto Tyr Rian. She will see these Otherworlders first hand of their strange might, and perhaps avenge her loses if she could with Prince Clovich and her little brat of a sister Aria herself. All that Radred and his merry band have to do was to cause a loud enough ruckus for her to observe these Demon''s and their ways and how they managed to not only rise up so quickly but also how they could defeat so many of her chess pieces in this little game of Subterfuge and Stratagems. The thrill of placing all of her pieces into place as she creates her grand design will be oh so satisfying.


    --------------------------------------------------------------


    Crocker swiped down his ID Card for Aliathra as she was allowed access into New Albany''s underground Science Lab deep below the Military District of the Federation''s colony. Alongside the eerily blue-eyed Elf was Diaz who carried on his person a plastic bag of snacks and goodies. She can see his smile facing her as they descended down on the elevator leading them to the facility.


    "So¡­ Alie how is your eyes?" Diaz asked.


    "In all honesty, I couldn''t tell the difference at first until you appeared before me." Aliathra replied.


    "You stopped by at the Hospital?" Crocker asked Diaz.


    "Oh no, Video Call. She got some Eight-Gee on her head." Diaz explained.


    "Damn it Diaz, you must have scarred the poor girl. Haven''t she suffered enough." Crocker reprimanded.


    "I am fine Ser Crocker." Aliathra defused. "I¡­ actually find being¡­ able to talk to people at long distances to be¡­ good." She said.


    "Hey, do you know that your new eyes can do not just call people?" Diaz informed interrogatively.


    The Elf stood silently there with her new cybernetic blue eyes as she lay frozen in curious confusion.


    "Think of the Weather Alie." Diaz said. "Think of the weather and Eye-See will listen."


    "What do you mean my new Eyes will¡­ what are those?" Aliathra inquired.


    Spotted at the bottom corner of her eye, or at least in her perspective was a series of numbers and symbolisms inhabiting that said corner. No matter how she tried to shift her gaze, the images remain at the same place. She can see what could be seen as a vividly reproduced image of the Gliesia''s sun, Lehsol followed by a tuft of feathery white clouds. There was also an Earthling number of a double-digit size that Aliathra couldn''t understand which sat adjacent the Earthling alphabetical letter ''C'' with a small hollow circle that the Elf nearly mistook for a dot on its upper right corner.


    "Your ''Eye-See'' blue eyes can tap into a Weather Satellite and tell you what''s the weather like for you at your location. Haha!" Diaz chuckled. "Eye-See, and Icy. That''s a good one."


    "Yes¡­ yes¡­ indeed it is." Aliathra mustered what she can garner from her rapidly overwhelmed the emotional capacity of wonder, curiosity and her earlier previous fears.


    The Elevator Doors ring sounded to life as the light motion of descent stopped. Aliathra still has yet to get used to the feelings that these alien contraptions produced.


    Until the Elf''s eyes met with the blank blood-red glowing orbs attached to a decayed skull standing in front of her. The skull had a body below it and it was bandaged with a linen cloth and the odorous smell of burial spices. An evil sensation crawled over Aliathra''s skin as she realized the being that stood to welcome her and her friends from the elevator to be none other than a


    "Ah, Ser Crocker you have finally returned." Old Lich of Tyr Rian himself, Martainne''s deep voice echoed as he greeted them as the elevator''s doors opened.


    "Lich! Take cover!" Aliathra exclaimed.


    The Elf''s instinct kicked in and her muscle memory raised her arms towards the Lich as she begins to cast a Holy Spell towards the vile creature.


    "Whoa!" Crocker pushed down Aliathra''s spell as it was about to fire away from the Holy Blast of light, harmlessly impacting not Martainne but the Elevator''s floor instead. "He is a friend! This Lich is helping us." Crocker explained.


    "But he is a vile monster that enslaves people''s souls!" Aliathra argued.


    "Enslavement? Do you mean my Skeleton Army and Workers?" Martainne asked.


    Aliathra nodded as she shuddered at the Lich''s decrepit presence, his scent reeked with rot and the corroded linen cloth that cloaked his body which lives between the realms of ethereality and material existence. As for Martainne, a glance of his eyes examining the blond-haired woman who attempted to lay a finger on him exposed Aliathra''s Elven leaf-shaped ears that protruded from her golden braids.


    "What have we here? An Elf of Alfel-Nora? Centuries have passed, yet your people still haven''t changed at all. Still thinking any other way but your own is inferior or outright blasphemous." Martainne spat with sarcasm.


    "Just calm down Princess, we are all friends here." Diaz added.


    "A Princess? How did you?!?" the Lich looked at Crocker and Diaz with his skeletal face emphatically emitting an aura of visible confusion. "Like, a member of the Royal Family? The Lareththors?" the Lich asked.


    Both of the two nodded silently, confirming the Lich''s begrudging fears.


    "If it weren''t for you Sefydliad I would have perfected my Serum if it weren''t for your grandfather." Martainne scolded.


    "Do not speak ill of King Coreranil, Lich. You are an Unholy Monster! I know what kind of horrible things you are capable of doing. You can raise an army of skeleton soldiers by enslaving people''s souls. He is not your friend Otherworlders; he will turn all of you into part of his Ghoul army!" Aliathra alarmed.


    "Who told you my necromancy is all about enslavement? They are not Slaves. Merely an extension." The Lich reasoned with his cold but soft-spoken voice. "Those Skeletons, they have no Will. If a being has no Will how can it be enslavement you speak of? They are just tools, powered by my magic."


    "But the people, their bones¡­" Aliathra muttered.


    "They willingly let me use their bodies for a greater purpose than themselves. When it means that they can continue to serve their children and their descendants long after they pass." Martainne justified calmly.


    "They, willingly let you use their bodies after they died?" Aliathra''s heart skipped in disbelief.


    "Yes, how else was Ancient Tyr Rian able to be the only settlement to have an irrigation system and walls compared to everyone else except the Slaegians?" Martainne challenged. "All of my Necromancy is to create a substitute for slavery by using corpses of my loyal subjects as a labor force who will work days and nights tirelessly. The skeletons are void of the soul as only my magic controls them. Besides, Skeletons don''t complain nor try to revolt and you never have to worry about feeding them as long as a Mana Crystal conduit is present by their side." The Lich continued.


    "Essentially like Robots. You know the one''s you see in Kesserheim. Something akin to that Alie." Crocker added.


    "That doesn''t justify you being the origin of Necromancy King Martainne ''Hierarch of the Dead''. The Black Elves use your book ''llyfr o Orchymyn y Meirw'' to create Ghouls for their armies." Aliathra said.


    "What do you mean the Black Elves uses Ghouls?" Martainne asked. "And what do you mean your estranged kin have my rubbish notes?"


    "Rubbish notes?" Aliathra asked. To say she was left dumbfounded by the Lich, the progenitor of Necromancy to call his own creations ''Rubbish'' astounded her.


    The Elven Cleric to Neneth had thought of Liches as imperial beings who prided themselves on their mastery upon the manipulations of Life. An affront to the core teachings of Neneth''s dogma of respecting the natural order of all living things and to mend the deviations and occasional disjunctions that disharmonizes the Goddesses creation.


    "That book was never meant to be used as a proper Spell Book! There is a reason why I do not use Ghouls!" the Lich said, alarmed on Aliathra''s epiphany.


    "You do not know what, Ghouls are? AND the ''llyfr o Orchymyn y Meirw'' is NOT a Spell Book?" Aliathra inquired.


    "It''s just the refuse of my research. I haven''t even perfected some of the ''Spells'' in those books." The Lich said. "And what are these¡­''Ghouls'' you speak of?" he asked.


    "The Black Elves would gather up all of the dead of their soldiers or those that they have killed then reanimate them into these¡­ these¡­ decaying¡­ things and they use them as fodder and screening troops for their armies. The Yeojegung''s Imperial Army broke when they saw their loved ones rise up to kill them." Aliathra explained.


    "Oh, I see what they did¡­ perhaps it must have somehow ended up with the Black Tree Pact after the Empire had conquered Tyr Rian." The Lich concluded. "But listen here Elf, there is¡­ a very good reason why these ''Ghouls'' that you speak of were as I said, were junked by my research into Necromancy." Martainne pointed out his voice softening upon gaining his bearings on this slight to his life''s work.


    "What do you mean by that?" Crocker asked.


    "These ''Ghouls'' or I just call them simply the ''Ail-ystyried'' as I remember calling them make terrible¡­ well¡­ everything. Raising them enmasse is too efficient for whatever you want to accomplish and the fact they bring disease and are so vulnerable to a concentrated effort of outside interference such as a Magic Fireball made them too¡­ unfeasible when I was researching them. It was way more profitable to animate and then automate a clean skeleton or a mummified corpse after all of the useless¡­ flesh rots away. The extra amount of Magic inputted is worth the trouble when it comes to the incantations. Besides, the Ail-ystyried often tend to go berserk or may not even follow your commands at all now that I had remembered how my experiments went. I blame the fact that they still retain faint traces of their Cof, their living memory still attached to their rather¡­ eroding¡­ heads. These¡­ estranged kin of yours perverted my refuse! How vulgar of them!" The Lich cringed in disgust.


    Aliathra stepped back, she could not believe what she has heard from the supposed ''Architect of Necromancy''. She had thought of him as someone obsessed with immortality, despotism, and narcissism. But instead, she is talking to a placid almost serene even, Undead King who just wanted to build what is best for his people at an ancient time where everything had to be done with the painstaking effort of hand with primitive tools for meager returns. His voice, the way he deflected and masterfully defended himself against her accusations astounded her. Martainne was nothing like the conspectuses of books and histories detailing all the Monsters and vile archival figures of the darkest pasts had described.


    "Oh¡­ Ghouls are Zombies in Gliesia? You will be both surprised that killing Zombies by the droves in the Federation is considered a fun past time." Diaz chuckled.


    "Grandfather!" Iris interrupted Aliathra and Martainne''s confrontation. "What is taking you so long?" the Vampire Witch asked.


    "My Child." Martainne turned to the Vampire Witch. "This snooty little Elf Maid thinks that I am a Tyrant!" the Lich flicked his finger towards Aliathra.


    "Ser Mahelona needs our presence at the Testing Hall at once." Iris alarmed.


    "Damnation! Fine, we will settle this later." the Lich cursed as he turned away from this minor contest of ideologies as he followed his granddaughter through the silver halls of the Underground Science Facility.


    "Come now Alie, just do what I say for now and I will share you some of the Potato Ch.i.p.s." Diaz ordered.


    Rushing through the halls of the facility, Aliathra was led to a great spherical dome, a chamber of sorts with a translucent canopy that surrounded a great theater of many onlooking Otherworldly Scholars that Aliathra knows are called by the Federation as ''Sigh-yen-tiss'' observing the phenomena below. Looking inside, Aliathra spotted one of the few Otherworlders she could emphatically correlate herself with, a one ''Luu-Ten-Nant'' Samantha Rose placing her hands within a bowl of ice water, her hands bandage with snow-white linens pinkened with her blood and partially thick burns especially within the palms and wrists of the intrepid redhead. The gnashing of her teeth and the impassioned screams that the Elf hear made her realize that Rose was in. Her veins glowed volcanically in pure blue light as the Mana Energies fluctuated around her like moths to a flame. It was raw, unrefined and too powerful for any living being to withstand such flooding. She was suffering under the effects of Mana Enc.u.mbrance.


    "What is happening here?" Martainne asked, his granddaughter too equally alarmed.


    "The Subject is overloading! Martainne that potion now!" Agent De Sardet ordered.


    The Lich, from out of his pocket grabbed a jade-colored bottle with his withered hands and glided towards Samantha as he places the bottleneck onto her mouth. The potion was a classical cure for Mana Enc.u.mbrance.


    "Drink this infanc." Martainne said.


    As she swallowed the potion, the glowing blue veins dimmed and the Energies surrounding her dissipated into smoky steam as sweat glistened Samantha''s exposed skin.


    "That was close. For a second I thought I had to execute her." De Sardet sulked in relief.


    "What were you trying to do Ser Mahelona?" Iris asked.


    "You know, see how she could take all of that Mana for me. I passed along some of that Mana that Zatrek provided us but suddenly Samantha started to go overload according to my senses." The Scientist answered.


    "That is very dangerous you know. Her training needs to be done by proper Mages like me and my Granddaughter here." Martainne said.


    The UFE Scientist turned his gaze to Aliathra and with a gladdened face he turns his rotund body to her.


    "You''re the ''Gooey'' specialist, right? Eh¡­ Flow?" Mahelona asked the Elf.


    "Uh¡­ yes. I know how to help channel Magic by hand." Aliathra said. "The Problem I see with Samantha is that she is channeling her Mana wastefully. This build-up of excess Mana adds up to the risk of Mana Enc.u.mbrance."


    "I just call it ''Overload''." Mahelona commented.


    "If I recall, Elves can naturally cast magic with less reliance for Wands and Staffs," Iris said.


    "Something I tried to mimic for your granddaughter," Martainne asked.


    "Can you show me?" Samantha asked.


    "Follow my hand," Aliathra instructed.


    The Elf''s fingers performed to what the Elves pioneered and mastered, the Somatic Art of the Changing Hand or Alura Spar. The Elven Cleric, with centuries of experience under belt, tucked her right middle and ring finger with her thumb while raising her index and little finger. For her left hand, she curled around her hand making sure the knuckles side of her left hand is facing her body. She then proceeded to tuck her ring finger but not her little finger but instead let it stretch flatly across away from her.


    "Follow my movement," Aliathra ordered. She stood up and began to blast away a short burst of Mana, its energy blasting forward with her right hand, still in the same Somatic Position she had set up, pushing forward while her left hand faced opposite away from her as her feet stood with her right foot forward.


    Aliathra maybe ambidextrous but upon close observation with Samantha''s movement patterns, she knows that the redhead is righthanded. This is an important aspect of Alura Spar''s teachings as the studies say that the strong dominant hand has the strength to give, to emit, and to grant whatever the person wishes to output. The opposite is said for the weaker non-dominant hand for its purpose is to receive, to absorb and to take in. The Changing Hands techniques, however, were more of an Elven Exclusive art only taught within the walls of Parvia''s Arcane Academy. Most Humans would rather invest in the creation of tools such as wands, staffs and even arcane jewelry to help channel their Gui efficiently but for the Elves, it was as natural as breathing.


    Following Aliathra''s commands, Samantha screeched as a ray of raw Magic burst through her hands. But unlike her previous attempts to harness her powers, Samantha could feel like the Mana, the foreign substance that her body had an unnatural affinity¡­ and worse a craving for was being harmonized within her. For the first time in a long while, the Lieutenant''s body felt like it was reverting back to normal, ever since she had absorbed that one magic blast, she had taken in Souviel. At first, the sensation was exhilarating, like if she had tasted a great new flavor of ice cream that she would instantaneously become addicted too. As it was, the absorption of Mana was like a stimulating drug to her. But then, too much of a good thing can be inevitably bad. When she had eaten that Mana Crystal whole, Samantha felt a great burn within her that was slowly building her insides up that her body urges her to evacuate. She could if it weren''t for the fact that releasing the Magical Energies within her wasn''t so unbearably painful. That is why Martainne and Iris were there and the bowl of ice water was by her side. But at a moment of weakness, she nearly got herself killed by stabilizing the Mana Energies within her by keeping them locked inside when it was beyond her capacity to contain them safely. Agent De Sardet was ordered by Major Holyfield with executive approval from Governor White to execute her if she became too much of a risk to herself and her fellow Earthlings.


    The Lieutenant collapsed onto the ground, still burning from her previous brush of Mana Enc.u.mbrance but overall satisfied. Like after a long but fruitful workout, Samantha inhaled and exhaled calmly as the Scientists in the room began to whisper and exchange their notes eagerly with one another.


    "I think you did it," Iris said.


    "We did!" the Lich Martainne cheered.


    "That¡­ felt much better." Samantha smiled. "Thank you."


    "No, thank you for Opening my Eyes." Aliathra smiled.


    "What do you mean?" the Lieutenant asked.


    "Your people, all of them. You are not Demons. Your people can never be as kind, accepting and loving to someone like me. No Demon could do that." Aliathra answered.


    "About time you do Aliathra, about damn time you do..." Samantha smiled.


    "So, enlighten me then Otherworlder. What happened to you?" Aliathra asked as she examined the testing chamber that she was in. It was like a centrifugal theater where the actors play at the middle of a wide circle and the audience, the Scientists observe her from above.


    "I was¡­ obliged to agree to undergo several dangerous tests to see the extent of my powers. I can absorb mana and release them but it hurts to do the releasing part." Samantha cursed.


    "Your kind is still new to our magic. So, whatever you do with your powers or with your Mana you need to consult me or Iris first. Don''t be reckless!" Aliathra scolded the Lieutenant.


    "Recklessness is just the fun part of Science Aliathra, this happens in my world all the time since sometimes progress requires to do something stupid," Samantha said.


    "Same for me, I nearly light my house on fire over a botched Potion experiment once. You and many of your Elven kind are too risk-averse, you never try to do something new, always take the tried and true methods to heart." Iris added.


    What the Vampire Witch said was indeed true for Aliathra. She had always stuck to the teachings that her professors, instructors, and any authoritative figure told her, passed down from their predecessors, again and again for millennia. But look at what all that they had taught got both her and potentially themselves into. The worst that could happen is that they may be crushed violently under the Federations boot. But if by the divination of her Goddess or whomever it may be, she has the power to prevent a calamity. Right now, she needs to continue allowing these Otherworlders to play her in the present. Perhaps one day, she may return home, and definitely not as a ''Demon''.


    "May I ask another question, Ladui Rose? If you were testing out your powers then where are the targets or training dummies you are supposed to test yourself with?" Aliathra asked.


    "You see those black spots that smell like ash? Those were the targets. Iris set them up for practice." Samantha bluntly said.


    Aliathra noticed the burnt marks that tainted the grey ground of the testing chamber and the Elf was both unsurprised and fearful of what extent Samantha''s powers is capable of.


    "Bravo. Bravo!" a voice echoed down from the theater above. "I knew this would be worth my Interest."


    A silver man in a black suit descended upon the Native Magic-users, Samantha and Doctor Mahelona while under a heavy escort of two mechanized bodyguards armed to the teeth in cybernetics. The carefree Doctor Mahelona tensed his hunchbacked spine straight as the man a quarter of his scale walked towards him. Samantha too, wobbled back up with all the remaining strength as she could to do the same. Combining that by the considerable security he brought with him, Aliathra, Iris and Martainne knew that he is held in much more importance than the likes of all other ''Leaders'' that they have met. They all had very unusual names like ''Scientist'' and ''Squad'' mixed with familiar words like ''Chief'', ''Governor'' and the word ''Leader''. What can this man''s rank they wonder? To strike fear into the heart of all of them combined.


    "Thomas Sight. Ministry of Education. English Professor and Political Theorist extraordinaire." the silver-skinned bald man said. "I have crossed the stars to meet you." His voice was a mix of a monotonous robotic voice that was smoothed out in an uncanny attempt to sound something vaguely coherent.


    None of the native Gliesians could forget the sight of this man''s face. His eyes had no natural irises, instead, multiple led lights glow like miniature suns conjured up the Otherworlder''s unique interpretation of the ocular organ. His neck was of another description entirely, in contrast to his silver-white skin, his neck was pitch black with a supporting mechanism across opposite ends of his neck that pumps up and down with each slight jounce of his head.


    "Your too gracious Ser. So, you come to study our Magic I presume?" Martainne returned his pleasantries.


    "Not just that. But I will also be Prince Clovich''s Official Liaison to the Federation''s ruling party, the Common State Party. That''s being someone who lives and helps advise the Prince on many matters from here on out." Thomas said.


    "Oh, I see. The Prince as I have heard has taken an interest in your Otherworldly powers. Me included." Aliathra nodded.


    "I know your very curious case Miss Lareththor. I have to say that you have both my personal and the Party''s condolences. But I am quite pleased to see you are doing well for yourself especially with those." Thomas nudged Aliathra'' steel bladed legs by lightly kicking them.


    "You know, you are quite different than the other ones I have met." Iris commented. "Most of your people tend to be either very impassioned or very shrewd."


    "You, of course, speak of Governor White, Major Holyfield, and Colonel Polonsky? All three loyal without fault. It''s just how they show their loyalty is what makes them different. Tell me, Miss Cadohagan I presume? What do you think of them?" Thomas leaned forward to ask.


    "Holyfield speaks like a Preacher but he backs those words with his actions with so much zeal. He is no Hypocrite, that is for sure. As for Ser Polonsky? He is calm and always tries to think ahead. He is also very caring for the men he works with. And the Governor? I see him as someone who will get the job done and will do anything to see it through. I like that in people, people with Zeal and Devotion but take the time to commune with those


    "That is pretty interesting, from someone who has to live alone for most of their life." Thomas nodded. "That also reminds me, since you and the Elf are perhaps our best sources on how Magic can work here in Gliesia you should be able to teach what you know to Miss Rose too." The Wig said.


    "Are you proposing to us to be Miss Rose''s instructors?" Iris asked.


    "Of course, you will be well compensated for the trouble and we can even provide you your own lodging as long as you agree to teach Miss Rose everything you know." the Liaison explained.


    "My own home? I cannot say no to that. I accept." Iris accepted without hesitation.


    As for Aliathra, she hadn''t quite thought through about how she would actually live inside New Albany yet. She knew that she was essentially a prisoner in a Gilded Cage with a lofty title. All dancing like a puppet to the whims of her UFE Masters. But even some form of freedom, her own abode where she can peacefully meditate and contemplate herself would be most welcome.


    "I¡­ agree." She said reluctantly.


    "Great, I will have you be arranged to live in the same House together immediately." Thomas Sight said.


    "What!?!" Aliathra and Iris exclaimed.


    Living together, a Cleric of the Life Goddess Neneth and the Antithesis to her teachings, a Vampire was almost impossible to be seen true.


    "Surely you¡­" Iris tried to negotiate but Thomas stopped her.


    "Look I know that you two are the opposite of each other in species but you two are among the top mages we have right now to teach Sam and may I remind that you two still owe us a lot. We gave you all of what you have so far and imagine where would you be without us? There is still so much we can do together so you shouldn''t back down now." appealed to their interests and previous favors.


    Thinking back at the moment, both of them feel that they do owe a lot of things to the UFE. For the Vampire Witch, they released her from Devicco''s harassment and sheltered her from the persecution of the Inquisition not to mention giving her a chance of having a life where she is accepted for the way she is. In the case of the Elf, the UFE saved her life at least 3 times already so she feels deeply indebted to them. Plus the recent actions of her kind could lead to her kins destruction if she is not there to bridge the gap between her people''s aloof heads against the UFE''s guns. Both Iris and Aliathra had their own reasons for wanting their own home. An additional security measure of having dual positions in the UFE''s machinery will secure her place in New Albany politically speaking. For the Elven Cleric-Ranger, sleeping in such an uneasy place alone in the cold green grass maybe something she has been trained to do. But under close monitoring and her still shaky trust with the Federation see''s that in her own personal wellbeing, she needs a form of shelter where she can call her own spaceless, she has to sleep under the gazing eyes of the men in the Mechbay of the Garrison or inside Diaz''s Car.


    "I accept." Iris nodded as she stared at the Elf with hostile intent, her face, stoic not to betray her true feelings. Perhaps when she does move inside her albeit shared home, she can at least invite that handsome Kayin to help warm the abode and even help her move in the inevitable furniture she will have to set up inside.


    "Yes. I will accept too." Aliathra followed suit. When they get to their new home, they will have to establish certain rules to draw the line in the sand of where they can or cannot be in.


    "Very good! Then let the limits of what can be done with Magic be pushed ever further with your insight." Thomas smiled.


    "You and I think quite alike." Martainne commented.


    "Indeed, it is good to see someone who loves to solve problems as much as I do. Perhaps we can speak again over Coffee, a meeting of the minds." The UFE Minister proposed.


    "I can''t drink. I am a Lich." Martainne bluntly said.


    "Oh yeah¡­" Thomas awkwardly paused.


    ------------------------


    Iris and Aliathra sighed as they crashed themselves unto the Underground Lab''s cozy break room. It had been a long day since the two were just dismissed from debriefing with Doctor Mahelona''s team on Samantha''s conditions and what are the plans for Samantha moving forward. Despite the training regimes that they planned from how to properly manage the Lieutenant''s Mana flow in her body in the meantime before she can get her suit in order. To Aliathra''s astonishment, who has her fair share of witnessing Arcane related Armorsmithing, the Aparo Corporation and the cooperating UFE Scientists sure had an excellent plan of creating a suit of armor that can allow the Lieutenant to store her Mana properly, monitoring said levels, siphon more of Mana when commanded too and also to release said energies efficiently with the two minerals, associated with everything Arcane in Gliesia, Actocolite, and Ghyranite. One for storing mana, the other for releasing it. To both of the Gliesian mages, such a project had never been undertaken in the history of their lives or any other records that could suggest such an attempt. They had always thought that Actocolite and Ghyranite were two polar opposites that can never intermingle, like fire and ice, oil and water, Humans and Daosne.


    "You know Iris, the way your teachings worked on Ladui Rose was very presumptuous. You nearly got her killed." Aliathra reprimanded Iris.


    "It''s not like I have ''the natural affinity'' for it Elf. Your way is too soft, she will never learn anything if she doesn''t know how to push herself to reach it." Iris said.


    "My training was refined and passed down by the Greatest of Spellsingers for generations. And you? An accident by some hubristic backwater king who wanted power for his own sake." Aliathra pointed.


    "Because he was envious of your kind Elf. We Vampires have to train ourselves in secret at best or just rely on sheer power to survive as Apostates. You can freely roam around your pretty pink paradise without a care in the world. Me? I had to teach myself all of what I know!" Iris argued.


    "And yet you lack the means to step back and think before you act." Aliathra said.


    "And yet you lack the means to initiate!" Iris argued back "You stand there and wait for your opponents to begin." Iris countered.


    "There is no beginning nor an end in Elven Culture, have you ever wondered why Elven books had such a peculiar design?" Aliathra mentioned.


    "I recall, they are circular design and all of the pages are attached to a central spine like the spokes of a cartwheel. I think I remembered seeing one being sold by a merchant in Tyr Rian, couldn''t afford it at the time." Iris said.


    "Indeed, neither a beginning nor an end, just what happens in front of you." Aliathra nodded. "What matters to Rose is what happens to her now. She must let the Gui within her dictate her move. Let her see the full spectrum of the Winds of Magic before she decides on where she calls to next." Aliathra said.


    "I disagree. Samantha shouldn''t devote herself fully into one discipline of Magic, she must be able to reach out to other forms too! Let her take control of her power and unleash it to wherever she pleases." Iris said.


    "Then let me agree to disagree on everything but that," Aliathra concluded.


    "About what?" the Vampire Witch asked.


    "Only Samantha knows how to use her powers. Who are we to judge what she does with them? All we can do is teach her how to use it safely." Aliathra said.


    "Agreed¡­ and effectively." Iris nodded.


    Just as then, the door of the break room opened as a large man walked inside carrying multiple bags of food on his hands. By the way, his brown beard was unfurled down, it was none other than Stryder Group''s resident Sharpshooter and proud parent, Obediah Root.


    "Greeting''s Ser Root." Iris sent her salutations.


    But the man didn''t respond, instead, he dropped all of the bags carrying ch.i.p.s, soda, coffee and candy onto the counter table''s surface across where Aliathra and Iris sat and walked at first quietly to the water cooler next to it.


    "Ah¡­ hello girls¡­ nice morning we are¡­ having." Obediah''s voice, instead of his usual cheerful self, it was cracked and under duress despite the calming tone he futilely tried to mask under.


    "It''s about to be sunset Obediah. Are you alright? Shouldn''t you be happy now that you have reunited with your family again Ser Root?" Aliathra asked. She knows its sunset thanks to the Visual Stimuli on her new ''Eye-See'' telling her that above at the surface, Lehsol is now setting down, to allow Mayari to rise above her in place.


    "Everything is fine. Everything is fine. Everything is fine. Everythignisnotf.u.c.k.i.n.gfine! GODAMN YOU! IAMF.U.C.K.E.D! IAMF.U.C.K.E.D! MYDAUGHTERISF.U.C.K.E.D! MYWIFEISGOINGTOF.U.C.KME!" Obediah tried to retain his calming voice, clumsily repeating the same phrase before he croaking and descending into expletives.


    "By Neneth''s Grace! Calm down! What is happening with you?" Aliathra stood up from her seat and walked towards the backsetted Obediah with Iris following suit.


    "It''s April''s Birthday in about a week and I haven''t gotten so many things in order!" Obediah despaired. "I need to secure a venue, get catering and provide entertainment!" he cried.


    "There is no need to cry about it." Iris said.


    "Do you know what kind of TORTURE! It is to hear April cry? On her very special day among all others? I am NOT going through that again. I want to give her the best eighth birthday party she will ever have!" He said.


    "But crying here won''t help your daughter''s celebration come to fruition." Aliathra reasoned.


    "I know! But everything is just going wrong! I can''t seem to juggle finding all three of what Leah told me to get for the party. The venue, Food, and Entertainment." Obediah pulled his hair. "If only I had some Magic way of solving all of this¡­" he sulked down to the counter, slamming his arms onto the marble surface.


    He needs something Magical if he were to get out of this challenge of Parenthood alive (mentally speaking). But then it hit him, something Magical. Obediah turned to the two mages and smiled, his burdensome eyes filling with his tears tried to straighten up as he made his appeal to them.


    "Are you available to go to my home and do a little, Practice? If you want to help me after your done training Samantha with her Magic Classes can you¡­ like¡­ provide said Magic for my Daughter''s Birthday Party?" he asked.


    "That might seem quite a stretch good ser. We just are about to move into a new home that---" Iris tried to tactfully decline.


    "I will pay you! One thousand credits to show up for practice everyday and then Fifteen thousand for doing the Magic Show on April''s Birthday. Please, do it not just for me you two, but for my girl." He appealed.


    "Well if you say it like that. I accept." Iris smiled.


    "But Iris, are you sure we should agree to this¡­" Aliathra dejected but the Vampire witch hushed her.


    "Trust me with this Elf. You are going to need these ''Credits'' this man will give you if you even want to make your stay in New Albany, somewhat tolerable with me around." Iris whispered.


    "Very well I accept too." Aliathra nodded reluctantly if it was for her own sake of having to live in the same household as the ''Unholy'' Iris.


    "Wonderful!" Obediah cheered. "That''s one dashing Magician and one beautiful ''Princess'' for April''s princess-themed Birthday party!" he mentioned.


    A ''Princess'' Birthday party? Aliathra shivered silently at the hearing of that. Memories of all the strict lessons, etiquette and the pompous superficiality of talk haunted her mind. What on Gliesia''s green earth did she get herself into?


    -----------------------


    Today''s tour for Clovich was a Factory, but not just any normal run of the mill factory. But THE Factory for the United Federation''s Armed Forces. The Tahoe-Reno Industrial Megaplex an all Government-owned Industrial Park whose sole purpose in life was to produce the Arsenal of the UFEAF. Although there were a couple of dozen of Megaplexes all over the Federation''s territories of similar and even larger size, Tahoe-Reno was the oldest and where all the practices of mass-produced Arsenals based their models on.


    Prince Clovich marveled at the sight of the Federations Military might produce endlessly and tirelessly by the steel arms of the robotic drones that inhabit the factory. From Military Jeeps to Weapons of War it was like the strength of millions of Black Smiths had concentrated into one area to do their craft. He had been to Dwarven Forges as a child when he had toured his neighbors with his late father by the greatest of Volcanic Forges of Kur Fahldur before. But it paled like an ant to a dragon that was Tahoe-Reno. All of the Forges, Smithy''s and Ironworks around to compare were horrendously slow, insignificant and pathetic compared to what he has witnessed. The speed of the Federation''s industry was breathtaking and equally terrifying to behold. One loss of their machines of burden and they can easily replace three times even. Sometimes he still cannot believe all of these wonders of manufacturing are built and done without a single trace of magic. Furthermore, these so-called machines can work effectively days to days without the needs of rest with such precision, details, volume and speed that makes an army of slaves back home in Slaegians-slave city looked unproductive in comparison.


    He even got the chance, allowed by the Factory Workers as to try on several of their inventions and ho what fun he and his entourage had interacting with them.


    The Prime Minister has got to say, his Otherworldly guest look very silly wearing the knightly Tactical Mesh Helmets.


    "Such Power! What kind of Magic do you Earthlings possess?" Edmurl asked.


    He was examining the test-firing of a rod-shaped device that was no larger than a well-built man''s arm. At first, the wizened old mage who advises all that is arcane to Prince Clovich dismissed the device as something of a mere toy. But when the rod fired away with a great blast of smoke, a projectile that dashed faster than his eye could see towards a wall set up meters away and obliterating it on sight, Edmurl jumped onto the Weapon Tester.


    "Not Magic, just Science." The Engineer responded.


    "Hey, this Helmet is actually easier to breathe in." one of Clovich''s Knights commented when he alongside his Lord put on the Tactical Mesh Helmets that the UFE standard issues to their soldiers.


    "Imagine, my Knights and the Men-at-Arms wearing all of this." Clovich dashingly bragged as he toted a UFEAF''s Combat Rig to the (enforced) approval of his traveling companions.


    "You do look quite great¡­ wait¡­ you want to have your men have this?" Bousqet asked.


    The Prince nodded. But for a moment of brief Silence, the Prime Minister gave pause. He knew there was a risk in giving the Otherworlder''s there weapons but there was also the benefit of being able to puppet control over them through the Party-owned Military-Industrial Complex. It was much more preferable than letting the Megacorpos, even if it was Aparo Corpo monopolize Gliesia''s entire untapped riches. There was also the double-edged effect of having an Army of Natives equipped with UFE weaponry to have a hit-or-miss effect on the local populace. It could either generate legitimacy on the UFE''s interests in peaceful coexistence with them or the worst it could frighten Tyr Rian''s neighbors into hostile action. If it were not the way, Clovich smiled at the prospects of uplifting himself for not his own sakes but for his people and his sister''s sakes, the Princes prospects would have been doomed from the start. Instead, the Prime Minister decides to roll his dice. Fortune favors the bold after all.


    "Well, that could be arranged." Bousqet smiled.


    Just then, his cellphone rang. Looking down on the screen it was an Interstellar call from all the way from Gliesia. It was Major Holyfield, the Commander he had sent to bolster the new colony''s security. By the way, he had to pull the strings to get a direct line with the Chairman of the High Command Commission, this must better be of most importance.


    "May you excuse me for a moment." He begged for his temporary leave. "Please enjoy your time in Tahoe-Reno for now."


    Walking towards a secluded area, the Prime Minister pressed his finger on the green button of his phone''s screen and started the call.


    "Chairman, there has been a development." Major Holyfield grizzled voice reverberated on the speaker.


    "What happened now Major? I thought you had the situation under control." The Prime Minister answered.


    "A new development has occurred that requires your attention," Holyfield informed.


    "Will this affect our long-term goals in Benham-3?" Bousqet asked.


    "Yes." The Major bluntly nodded.


    The Prime Minister sighed. When will these Natives learn that they cannot fight the cascading river?


    "Make this quick, what do you need?" the Prime Minister opened himself.


    "The defense back in New Albany requires additional security measures and we could use more materials for White''s Infrastructure program," Holyfield said.


    "I see." The Prime Minister scratched his chin. "Who should I write the Transfer Orders for?" he asked.


    "You know of 119th''s and 52nd''s Division, right? The 333rd. I need the Armored, the Artillery, the Rockets, the Infantry, my Headquarters, and the Reserves too!" Holyfield made his request. "I also need an additional Carrier with more Marines and a Wing attached, maybe throw in a Spec Op team too while you''re at it. Perhaps the Aurora''s sister, the Tenacity." He added.


    "That is a tall one Major, even by your own standards." the Prime Minister said. "Some of the Watchdogs on my back might get suspicious of such a large number of troops, especially as famous as the 333rd just¡­ leave from Fort Sparta. Some are going to start asking questions you know? What are you planning Major?" the Prime Minister aired suspicion down his Phone''s mike.


    "I am planning something big. I have reasons to believe that the Empire might not be so¡­ friendly to us as you and Governor White had thought." Holyfield said, in a vain attempt to dodge the question.


    "And your saying?" Bousqet pressed, not buying the Major''s ambiguity.


    "I¡­the Empire, I have reasons to believe that they are planning to put the boot on both Prince Clovich and the Colony, mister Prime Minister." Holyfield confessed. "I have in the works a plan, a Master Offensive that will decisively


    "Your planning to roll in the Tanks on these Primitives?" Bousqet asked, alarmed by the Major''s idea. "How sure are you of this?" Bousqet asked.


    "It''s not a War I am doing Mister Prime Minister, it is a ''Pacification Campaign''." Holyfield explained. "Based on my experience and a recent¡­''Incident'' in a region called Souviel sir. Details should be in your private E-mail sir. Plus, now its high time for you Wigs back at Earth to push those pencils of yours and make a move. Already Aparo Corporation just initiated and I don''t want to be caught when more of them Corpos show up. Get your Industry friends over here and stat." The Major reminded.


    "Actually, you haven''t heard? But I have a man already there sent ahead sometime after Clovich left. He goes by Thomas Sight. He''s going to help, ''ease'' relations and ''push'' for development with our own people already. But even then, you need to help him know what kind of anything can be feasible down there." The Prime Minister informed. "Still even if you go through with this plan of yours, then all of this fanfare I am doing with the Prince will be all for nothing! He is a Vassal after all and the Empire is his Master." Bousqet politicked with a reprimanding voice.


    "Well his ''Master'' has been doing everything he could to impede our progress." Holyfield exaggerated.


    "Look here Major, without a Casus Belli, the best that we can do in our own interests is a Defensive Build up or at the very least, we station the troops above orbit quietly and just roll in when the shit kicks the fan." Bousqet said.


    "I understand. Prince Clovich won''t react well to a whole lot of troops in his Principality as it would violate the Treaty. But¡­ the Colony and the Principality, the Sleagian and their allies could kill them if we don''t make a move and I am having almost zero confidence that Clovich''s Master would listen to what we going to say judging from what happened to our little¡­ Elven Princess Asset." Holyfield said.


    He didn''t want to see the peaceful coexistence between the New Albany colony and Tyr Rian be seen as a creeping take over. He wanted the natives to accept the UFE and embrace them and such a scenario requires not soldiers, but builders of all shapes and specialties.


    "I get your point Major. But remember, Casus Belli or no Offensive¡­ ehem¡­''Pacification Campaign''." Bousqet accentuated. "Or its our heads." He forewarned.


    "So, my 333rd Division?" Holyfield asked.


    Thinking deeply, the Prime Minister weighed out his options in that short moment. He reasoned based on his previous encounters with the hard-lining Major that it was better to be like Noah, building a boat in the desert than to be the rest of the damned of Humanity doomed to drown in a deluge. Once he has finished dealing with Clovich''s little furlough on Earth, he will start making the power moves that he and the rest of the Common State Party has planned for their interests in Gliesia to be seen through.


    "Permission granted." Bousqet cautiously initiated.

 Chapter 37 - a Fading Peace

    "Are you sure about this?" Samantha asked.


    She was wearing her a plain green training shirt, black colored jogging pants and most peculiar of all, a Sparring Helmet, designed for Hand-to-Hand combat training, handily provided by a concerned Aliathra at the last minute when she had heard what Iris has planned for her Magical Arts training today. Before the Lieutenant deemed the Chosen One of the Sigil ''Rhannu-Prietar'' or the Share Holder, was Iris Cadohagan and whole assortment of various items ranging from weights, medicine balls and even a several articles of clothing curled up in the shape of balls being floated around by Iris'' Mage Hand spell.


    "You need to learn how hold yourself against any attacks from those who will try to hunt you down. I have to live through this every day before your arrival and its only right I teach you how to survive." Iris said.


    "Yes, Okay, I remember from yesterday you taught me how to use the Shield spell right?" Samantha turned to the Elf Cleric.


    "Indeed, remember what I taught you." Aliathra reminded.


    The Shield Spell, as Samantha can decipher from Aliathra''s teachings is from a sub-category of the Restoration School of Magic.


    "I got it." Samantha readied herself. She grabbed the Unbinilium Crystal set aside to her on a pedestal set up by Dr. Mahelona who observed quietly above her by the Testing Chamber''s theater.


    "Today''s lesson!" she raised her voice. "Block ALL of my Attacks!" she declared.


    Immediately, Iris hurled the first of projectiles, a five-kilogram weight flying towards Samantha''s direction. Tensing her knees and shoulders, the red head braced herself as the magical energies circulate around her.


    Curling her fingers down facing the thumb, Samantha effortlessly casted a sapphire colored circle on her hands. Impacting the oncoming projectile, the weight harmlessly fell down before her, much to Iris closeted sadism and Aliathra''s nervousness. At the earliest of stages, the Lieutenant was able to fairly withstand the lighter and fairly discernable reads of Iris'' barrage. But as time progresses, Samantha''s reserves began to deplete causing the shield to ricochet off the thrown projectiles before dampening the impact of the attacks that managed to come through until ultimately, Samantha faltered trying hold the shield all together.


    "Stop!" Samantha begged as she shielded herself from the medicine balls thrown at her with her limp arms.


    "Yes, halt this lesson. You are going to injure her!" Aliathra rushed to Samantha to check her vitals. Fortunately, thanks to her mana reading''s she discerns she was still hosting a safe level of Mana inside her.


    After confirming the Lieutenant''s safety, the Elf''s eyes darted to the Vampire Witch, simmering with apprehension.


    Iris gave pause, disappointed at the ''Chosen One''s'' weakness.


    "She was about to exhaust her Mana already Iris. Your idea of training will not work, not at least alone that is." Aliathra reprimanded.


    "Samantha needs to push harder if she wants to unlock her true potential Elf. Her training is to hold her shield for as long as ten minutes to replicate what an intense Magic Fight could entail. If she fails here, she could be cut down by Fireballs, Magic Missiles and Ice Spikes or what not out there! She will be overwhelmed." Iris replied with a scalding voice. "Besides, she is a soldier after all. Shouldn''t she be used to this?" she argued.


    "I disagree. Samantha is still new to all of this Magic and must take this much more slowly." Aliathra protested.


    "I agree... to disagree Elf!" Iris dejected. "What can you do?" she challenged.


    "May I give a suggestion?" Aliathra requested to Samantha. "Instead of holding out and just standing in front of Iris all the time, why not strike back?" the Elf proposed.


    "Absolutely not!" Iris dejected. "She must learn how to defend herself from an onslaught or she will not survive out there." She argued.


    "Back in the Academy, we were told that when it comes to creating Wards and Shields, Abjuration spells or Amddiffyn G¨²l, we are to only cast when we have no other means of protecting ourselves. We were trained to use as much as necessary before we find an opening to strike back. In essence, block then counterattack." Aliathra said.


    "Yeah, that sounds right Miss Lareththor. Why not try that? I mean, I am not meant to be left alone all the time. I have the rest of Stryder and you to in my team." Samantha nodded.


    "What makes you say your way is better?" Iris argued to the Elf.


    "I am not saying it is better. I am just expanding upon your teachings Ladui Cadohagan." Alaithra explained. "The point back in the Academy is not to be told what is correct. But to be able to disprove what you think is correct. Isn''t the point of this training being to ''push the limits'' of Samantha''s powers after all? It''s not enough to know just what you are doing now." the Elf Reasoned.


    "Hmm¡­ perhaps I shall try that." Iris thought. "Very well, again. If you can lay one finger against me. Then you shall pass this lesson." Iris nodded.


    Conjuring her magicks again, Iris'' Mage Hand grabbed all of the objects she was using for her Projectile Defensive training and readied herself to release them.


    Digging down at her position again, Samantha braced for the upcoming barrage. The Unbinillium energies reconstituted around her veins again as Iris threw one of several dozens of Medicine balls at her.


    With her powers, Samantha stopped the ball mid-air before promptly returning the Vampire Witch the favor by teasingly brushing the ball pass the Witch''s head. Iris reflexively, with a slight delay to register what had happened lost focus for a moment.


    "You see? At that moment, you were now afraid." Aliathra justified, the infamous Elven smug protruding down on the Vampire Witch.


    "Shut up Elf!" Iris fangs gnashed whilst the Elf laughed haughtily.


    Not to be deterred, the Vampire Witch released more of the objects she held towards Samantha. But with a renewed will from Aliathra''s more finesses approach to her training, Samantha managed to catch all of the objects thrown at her person before lo and behold to Iris'' shock and Aliathra''s amus.e.m.e.nt, now the Lieutenant has all the means of attack whilst Iris didn''t.


    "Prepare yourself!" Samantha smiled as she unleashed one full storm of metal, furniture and soft plastics onto the Vampire Witch who haphazardly curled herself into a protective shield, her smug grin wiped off of her face and her silky raven hair becoming undone of its flow as she withstood the hail.


    "Point made?" Aliathra asked the Vampire Witch.


    "Point made." Iris admitted defeat.


    "You know, you two," Samantha commented. "I am glad both of you are here with me. Learning everything I can from you." She smiled.


    "You are both right you know? Sometimes I need to push myself with my new powers sometimes. Others I may need to take it slow. Your trainings were both of great help." the Lieutenant bowed.


    For the next few hours inside that chamber, Aliathra and Iris continued Samantha''s Magical Training. The red-haired Lieutenant learned not only how to best use Wards and Shields to protect herself but also several more iconic spells like Fireball, Magic Missile, and even the Tweeter Bird spell that Sam abused to playfully annoy Dr. Mahelona''s Science Team observing her to no end. Despite several arguments between Iris and Aliathra''s training methods, one to push, one to nurture. Samantha took all of their lessons to heart despite the differences.


    "Whew!" the Lieutenant wiped the sweat of her brow. "That was fun!"


    "Yes, Indeed." Iris nodded.


    "Perhaps tomorrow we can test how you do with a few Alteration Spells, L¨²g Faer, I can teach you how to command the forces of the earth and make metal, trees and water bend to your will." Aliathra said.


    "Hehe." Samantha chuckled. "Bend Elements to my Will? Reminds me of Avatar." She said as she glugged down her bottle of refreshing ice water down her thirsting mouth.


    "Avatar? What is this ''Avatar'' you speak of?" Aliathra asked.


    "Oh, it''s just some show that was popular for its time back at Earth. It''s about these people who can bend ''the Elements''. Earth, Fire, Air, and Water just like what you said." The Lieutenant explained.


    "A Show? Like those plays inside your magic mirrors?" Aliathra asked.


    "Yes." She nodded. "You know, you actually gave me an idea for it¡­ but that could be for another day. You interested to see?" Samantha invited.


    "I am intrigued. I would love too." The Elf accepted.


    "Me too." Iris added.


    "Attention! Attention!" Dr. Mahelona''s voice echoed down upon them from his Gallery.


    "You three, please come to my office right now. I have a few things to discuss with you before you can go." Dr. Mahelona said.


    The three promptly climbed up to the Scientist''s Office situated above them next to the observation gallery of the Testing Chamber, there the girls can see the Scientist had placed on a large holographic screen, recordings, textual observation notes and a small obsession wall with interconnected colored lines attached to several ineligible ramblings of a disorganized but focused scholar detailing of Samantha''s actions throughout her tests and tutorial sessions throughout her time with him. Mahelona was smiling humorously at all of his recordings as the girls entered his office.


    "The Ministry is gonna love this." Mahelona grinned.


    "Is there anything else that you want to test? I do want to get back out there outside already. I am kind of getting¡­ restless just being on my¡­ ehem¡­''Cell'' this past week." Samantha complained.


    "When the Ministry deems you can control yourself then they will let you go back to command for your squad now." The Scientist informed.


    "Oh, come now Doc, how long would it take for you to synthesize that Armor now? And how the hell are we going to get everything?" Samantha inquired about Doctor Mahelona''s proposal.


    She had heard more of the Scientists'' promises of a ''revolutionary new armor'' tailor-made for her but for all of the man''s innovation l.u.s.t, she has yet to see it pass the form-fitting drawings that David showed to her and even then he was no fashion designer due to his unfamiliarity with the female form.


    "I know I know, but your Containment and Dispersion Suit needs the materials before we get this party started. Luckily, we know where to get some right now. Okay, a lead but still!" David answered.


    "A lead?" Samantha asked.


    "Lutheor Mirrien''s brother in the Ostalrocs has some friends who are part of the Miner''s Guild for the Dwarven Clans. They are a pretty tight-knit group of folks so if one Mine knows where to get a certain ore, the rest will know too. We can get all the Ghyranite, Actocolite and the Scandanite that we will need for your suit plus more. You will be finally allowed to be left alone from¡­ well¡­ not hurting people accidentally by your Nuclear Powers." Mahelona said.


    "I have the Powers of the Atom within me and this is still terrifying." Samantha sulked down and see her two pinked hands with distraught. She cooled her hands off with a quick shake of her risks to allay the singe of her hands as the Vampire Witch and Elven Cleric walked to her.


    "But Magic is a Gift. And this¡­''New-klee-yar'' you speak of? Why do you fear it so much? The way you describe the Mana Crystals and this ''New-klee-yar'' you speak as if you fear it. But why fear something that you can control? Don''t you have Machines to contain them?" Iris asked.


    A moment of tense silence gave Mahelona and Samantha pause to Iris'' question. They both looked at each other longingly, not knowing how to say the answer Iris speaks. Neither of them don''t want to leave the Vampire Witch in the dark on what kind of mythical power those Nuclear Energy can entail in addition to its less than wholesome origins.


    "Not all¡­ creations were made with the best of intentions¡­" Mahelona broke his silence. "Some of the things we had made¡­ used to start as something very¡­ very frightening¡­" he continued.


    Mahelona turned to his computer and then searched around the Ethernet for several videos and photos


    "Nuclear power is the releasing of Energy from two powerful atoms¡­ like¡­ really small¡­ power¡­ things that we can catch and use¡­ think like what happens to break a Mana Crystal but at a more¡­ violent scale." Samantha explained, her voice awkwardly dumbing down the more scientific bits of Nuclear power.


    "How dangerous can it be?" Aliathra asked. "If it is like our Mana Crystals then you can control it." She said.


    "It''s not that simple. Nuclear Energy or Radioactive Energy has a mind of its own. When let lose it can do so much harm to everything." Mahelona said. "Samantha''s powers, its dangerous I tell you. You still don''t realize what you are doing is probably the only thing keeping Samantha from either being killed outright or worse used against your people as a Weapon of Mass Destruction." He said.


    "Mass. Destruction?" Aliathra gagged trying to comprehend such a combination of adjectives to describe an armament.


    She never would consider a fellow mage, even if not born of the Same world as Samantha, to be a Weapon of Mass Destruction, most Mages have temporal limits to their bodies with some having the constitution to regularly push said limits, her people included.


    "Look here." David lured the two Glisian''s attention to the screen.


    "Tell me, Iris and Aliathra? Do you honestly believe what you saw in Kesserheim, or what we did in Souviel? The Big Sh.i.p.s, the Guns, our Vehicles, our Cities, was our fullest and most high of our potential?" Mahelona asked.


    "That is only a fraction of our full power." Samantha grimly added.


    "In our long history of Wars on Earth, we Earth Humans developed terrifying new weapons of war in order to defeat our opponents as efficiently as possible." Mahelona reluctantly lectured.


    "Efficiently as possible?" Iris asked.


    With a click of David''s fingers, the Screen metamorphisize to a barrage of images that bombarded the Gliesian''s eyes in color. But not of playful prismatic variegations, but of vivid violence in its n.a.k.e.d true self. The screen before the girls was perhaps the most macabre sight, they had ever seen in all of their long lives. Not even Iris, a woman who had her fair share of the acts of murder and the sight of the very worst of the social conditions of the Empire''s racist laws against her kind shuddered at the sight of what she saw. A golden cloud soon erupted from the inferno. At first, the sight was relieving to see that the instinctual fear of fire''s burning kiss dissipated. But for Aliathra, at that next moment she wished that if she were to die, she would be dead through the flames. The golden gas descended upon a group of weary blue men who looked upon the gas holding their breath in dread and held their breath in dread the forever did as they clawed their throats with them hopelessly as their life was stolen away by such a gilded yet silent killer. Their eyes froth in tears as they lay motionless and twisted in mangled angles to the ground as they drown in their own vomit, saliva, and breathlessness. It disgusted the Elven Cleric to the Goddess of Life so much that she felt sick in her stomach. Such agony, the antithesis of her Goddesses'' teaching of giving solace to the body. A diary of faces permanently implanted into the poor Elf''s head.


    "Neneth''s grace!" Aliathra grabbed the nearest trash bin to her person and vomited. Her naive stomach unable to weather the scenes she is witnessing.


    Seeing the chemical reactions done to the people in the video had slightly unnerved Iris, for her own Magical spells of fire, ice and most especially acid were of similar experiences to the results of previous escapades and soirees. But such grievous harm to the human body was insignificant to the next horrifying weapon David showcased. Images, still and animated, display of fire, burning steel and worst of all faces, faces of people in agonizing stillness as their bodies lay mutilated in ways not even the Elf new the living body could bend or break in such away. They trembled as the screen emitted the audio of chilling rumble made in place as a great mushroom cloud of smoke erupted from the ground and the voice leaving a crater of what was once a living city in its wake:


    I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds.


    The ominous rumble of the cracking Earth made cold sweat flow down their brows as Samantha felt her hand being grasped by none other than Iris Cadohagan herself as she struggled to keep the highbrow demeanor of her own mortality to be humbled by the sight of such power. These Eldritch insights into the ways of the Earthling War were incomprehensible to the scale of what the Natives had ever seen before. The showcasing of Chemical Gas, the Atom Bomb and the Earth Cracker Orbital Bombardment over Bel-Taviv. Thinking back, she had heard of the stories of the previous ''Demon Invasions'' that Gliesians had undergone through their history. Although the time was long since past and only told through oral or privileged readings of the legendary romanticizations of the events, to see such a horrifying sight in vivid detail, could not compare to speech or written thought. The faces of deceased, their mutilated bodies, the inventions born of war and the sheer scale had made them pale with fear as their volition began to break.


    "Over Billions of our people fought and died in our world for resources, ideals, and power for hundreds of years. And every generation, there is always a new weapon ready to unveil its head to the world." Mahelona said.


    The girls began to whimper as Samantha''s empathetic instincts kicked in. They felt their souls torn asunder by these revelations. Seeing their fair share of fantastical elements and every Arcane awakening imaginable, none prepared them for Dr. Mahelona''s discourse. They are like birds trying to outfly the storm. Try as they might, their might cannot compare to Nature''s Wrath which the Earthlings had mastered to be able to weaponize in such a terrifyingly regular reproduction.


    "S-stop!" Samantha told David alarmingly. "They''ve know enough!" Not even taking into account David''s personal space, Samantha dove to the Chief Scientist''s computer and closed off the sordid sight that the Gliesian''s had the unfortunate curiosity to witness.


    "Oh Ladui Rose! Samantha!" Aliathra''s eyes flooded again as she grasped for the Lieutenant''s warmth. So does, but not as ardently, Iris the Vampire Witch too.


    Like a crying child seeking the shelter of her mother''s bosom as she entangled the Lieutenant in her embrace. Aliathra, breaking down on her person was perhaps the only thing the young Elf of a couple of centuries-old could fathom to do. In all of her life, she never felt so humiliated and powerless and the more she is exposed to the Earthlings, the more she had wished she had just stayed in her lofty tower back in Ethuilen. But even then, she could imagine the cracking of the earth that she had witnessed to be the end of her people that she had in her blood, the duty to protect alongside all of Gliesia''s younger races.


    Iris too can feel the same way.


    "Neneth''s Mercy, what do you want with us? I beg of you!" Aliathra broke into incessant pleas. "Do not destroy us! The Demons, the Demons of Old are nothing compared to your might. Please I beg thee¡­ spare us¡­" she sunk down as Samantha c.a.r.e.s.sed her golden hair.


    "I never knew you are capable of such¡­ such destruction." Iris muttered with distraught. "As for your Gift, now I truly understand why you see it as a ''Curse''." Iris, perhaps in the first time in her long life humbled herself before someone.


    "I am so sorry¡­ It was¡­ for me the only way to show you. You have to understand." David said.


    "I already do understand." Aliathra said, stifling the tears from her eyes. She mustered all the courage she could in order to face this Leviathan.


    "You do?" David asked.


    "If our people continue fighting against you. That will happen to all of Gliesia." Aliathra lamented.


    The Elf know fully vowed that only she could prevent such a disaster from happening to all of Gliesia.


    "No, it won''t I promise it won''t." the Lieutenant reassured.


    "We will only use such Weapons if the lives of the Colonists are at stake. Tell me, do you know of such Magic capable of doing something similar to this?" David asked.


    "None that I know of." Iris balked.


    "Perhaps the Colleges but even I am not so sure." Aliathra unassumingly answered.


    "For all that you see. We only use these weapons against military targets, like Armies, Fortresses and Castles. Cities, however¡­" Mahelona stuttered. "Depends if your Magic does something very dire to the safety of New Albany." He said.


    "Oh Ladui Rose, please promise to us, you will not do this to our home. I know my people will fight back but please. We are like children to you, ants to your feet, ultimately powerless to resist your flood but please¡­ give us one chance¡­ one to become the water that flows instead of the rock that withstands in vain only to be eroded." Aliathra begged. She began to blurt rapidly in religious psalms and proverbs incoherently as Samantha continued her warming embrace. Perhaps it was the first time for the Elf that someone, deep down, genuinely had cared for her, not for her status, not for her superficiality but for the virtuous soul within her. All she ever wanted to was to be the Paragon that all could aspire to be in for Neneth''s Cleric, radiant, maternal and principled. She just never knew that it would create a road filled with such hardship.


    "I promise. We will make all of this right. Together." The Lieutenant sanguinely vowed.


    ---------------------------------------------------------


    "The local Grey Order Office boss." Diaz informed as he pulled up his Mustang as he unlocked the door to allow himself and Bobby Bianchin out of the car. He had also taken with him, one big duffel bag of a c.u.mbersome weight that Bianchin had theorized that he will need for this venture as the two Aparo Corpo''s stepped outside.


    In all of its entirety of this establishment, the Grey Order Office had never before seen such activity. Tyr Rian''s Guild Manager, Flynn was exasperated by the amount of foot traffic and demanding traffic inside the building.


    It was a mix of complaints, inquiries and peculiar of all, Demands by an assortment of people. On one half there were the usual patrons of the regular stock of Grey Order Adventurer''s, gallivant Knights, wandering Wizards and roaming Rogues. The other half were the ''Foreign Warriors'' that the Federation had recently imported from their homelands. They were distinct in uniforms compared to the standard camouflage texture wear that the Armed Forces wore, instead they wore pitch black uniforms with lime green outlining that protruded from their strange armor and weapons. They also wore on their backsides a silvery backpack.


    These were Mercenaries under the payroll of Aparo Corporation. Their company goes by the name ''Silverback Securities''. They are one of many Private Military Contractors rallied forth by Aparo Corporation to ''bolster'' the defense of the New Albany colony as per the Megacorp''s Alliance with the Colonial Governor. However, their real purpose into this strange and foreign land was of a more subversive design. Under orders of Aparo Corporation, their mission was to, by all means within their abilities (and even then, some) dismantle all presence of the Grey Order''s economic and political influence in Tyr Rian and Ysanigrad. This also aligns with the UFE''s goal of having a more centralized network of Law Enforcement and Public Utilities.


    The strategy was devious but impactful. Their targets were not the institution itself per se, but the very people who make the said institution be what it is, the Adventurer''s themselves. They would walk into any Grey Order Office that they come across and take up all of the Quests on the boards at a discounted or even straight up no restitution for their services. The Mercenaries are still getting paid stably by Aparo despite the varied risks of all the tasks, earning Credits by the number of Quests they have completed for the Grey Order. Most of the grizzled mercenaries were somewhat relieved that they are doing relatively easy work for an above medium paygrade while the greenhorns were balked by the disproportionate risk vs reward balance being gerrymandered.


    But for poor old Flynn, the Guild Office Manager was having the time of his life in his long career seeing Adventurer''s pass and go.


    "Coming through!" one Silverback PMC said as he carried off the bullet broken body of the ferocious Worgs, who runs wild and rampant to prey on unsuspecting beings around the Principality.


    "Impossible! It would take days for even Silver Adventurers to catch such a beast." Flynn said.


    "Here is the certificate of collection from the Sherrif for that Delivery." Another Merc said.


    "But, the journey to Habshan would have taken weeks!" Flynn suspended his disbelief.


    "Took only three hours." He answered.


    Seeing all of these Quest being turned in at record times and quantities nearly made Flynn faint but even then, more and more quests from ''Item Retrievals'', ''Explorations'', ''Bounties'' and ''Escorts'' were done all throughout the Principality solely by these Silverbacks. What would take even the best of Adventurer''s days with a degree of hardship took only these Otherworlder''s hours with barely any sweat to fall off their brows. At first, by the name alone, Flynn thought that these men would ask for an unconscionable price for their high-quality services but they didn''t. These people couldn''t care less of whomever or what rank and station in life who posted the quest or how little they would pay. In the most extreme cases, they even ask themselves to offer their superior services at a discount or straight-up free if the Quest Giver was of a low-status. Completely unimaginable for most other Adventurers who would often get into arguments with their Quest Givers over their ''rightful'' earnings. If his throat wasn''t so meek, he would sing to these Otherworldly heroes his praises.


    "Yeah, keep''em coming lads." Crocker ushered the oncoming Mercenaries in and out of the establishment for their sweeps. "Hey Flynn, we need more Quests for these guys, these Gorrila''s are starting to get restless!" he asked the Guild Manager.


    "Aparo is paying me Twenty-Kay per Contract and I need to keep going!" one Silverback demanded.


    "I¡­ am sorry but??" Flynn put his foot forward and gestured his hands to be exposed. "But these other quests are for Silver ranked and higher Adventurer''s." he explained.


    "Why not give it to us? If it''s just more killing some big monsters then we should handle it." The Silverback bragged.


    "I apologize but there are rules in this Guild. I appreciate what all of your men have exceptionally accomplish but may you all yield for one moment please?" the Manager gaveled for order. "Understand me, but I am stretching the rules to the limit by allowing you all in here right now without proper registration of your identities." Flynn said.


    "Are you sure about that?" Bobby walked inside of the conversation to inquire.


    All of the Silverbacks saluted their patron whilst Crocker and Clay lightly bowed in respect.


    "Status report Sarge?" Bobby asked.


    "Twenty-five quests sir. But there''s more inside that safe over there." Crocker pointed to the secured object behind Flynn''s back.


    "So, Flynn''s your name, right?" Bobby asked.


    "I am sir. Welcome to the Grey Order Guild Office of Tyr Rian." Flynn bowed down.


    "What do you think of my men? My Silverbacks?" Bobby asked.


    "I think they maybe causing some trouble with ----" The Manager was about to air his grievances when the front door suddenly opened up to reveal even more Mercenaries wearing the Silverback''s colors enter the building.


    "One Kidnap for Ransom victim! And the Bandits are now six feet under. That means dead." the newly arrived said as he carried a dirtied and likely battered woman on his arms to the safety of the city. From her faint tears, she shed tears for joy for her valiant rescue from her oppressive captors.


    "Ghana give praise thee! These men are indeed exceptional in every shape or form. Your men are perhaps the best people I have ever had the honor of hosting in my humble establishment." Flynn quickly changed his tune.


    Bobby had done his research of the Grey Order and had studied them thoroughly after the Coup Attempt in Souviel. In the eyes of a Corpo, the Grey Order is a Guild organization of unacceptably vagrant mercenaries who act as both Teamsters, Explorers and Soldiers upon the drop of the coin. The Order is headquartered at the Empire''s Capital and has reached around every corner of the Gliesian world. All races, creeds and species were allowed membership through a meritocratic system of ranks. From the lowest to the highest ranks there is the beginner Porcelain, Obsidian, and Steel; the intermediate, Sapphire, Emerald and Ruby; and the venerable Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond ranks. They were an accessory to the law and order of the land and is a high-risk and high-reward means of alleviating one''s status across the realms. But even then, such a loose-knit institution had its flaws.


    The most peculiar that the Corpo can exploit today is the disparity between the higher tier Silver and higher ranks versus everyone else lower than the Bronze rank. Silver rank and up Adventurer''s get access to exclusive privileges within the guild such as exclusive access to Elite Quests that offer the highest pay grades, access to various perks on selected business establishments and quite the most unpopular of all the ability to influence or outright decide Rank Promotion and Demotions. These ''Elite Cloaks'' or just ''Cloaks'', named for the distinction formal Cloaks they wear to administrative meetings that display their statuses, or simply just ''Elites'' as the lower folks call them were famous throughout the land for their exploits and are often hold significant political power within and without the Guild. The rest had to contend with limitations on their rank such as subpar privileges to none at all, contending with lower-paying quests and uncertain job securities.


    "They will be taking all of the Quests! There''s nothing left for us?" one of the Native Gliesian adventurers complained. He had the misfortune of arriving to take in his next odd job from the Guild he calls his own but only to be outshined virtually immediately by these Otherworlders.


    "This isn''t fair! If they keep doing that we are going to starve. We worked hard to get where we are the guild now. You have to do something about this Flynn! You can''t just let them walk all over you." An emerald rank adventurer yelled.


    "Walking someone over implies intimidation. I believe in this situation for me and my represented party''s interests, Persuasion I believe is the best course of action. Observe." Bobby snapped his fingers to signal Diaz.


    Vincente, with the duffel bag in tow, dropped it onto the Front Desk counter causing a loud thud to be emitted in its wake. He quietly unzips the bag and grabs a fistful of its contents before dropping them onto the floor.


    "Ducats! So many Ducats!" Flynn hovered his hands over the gilded coins, a high of the denomination at that was before him, but his hand was caught by the firm grip of Mr. Bianchin''s equally gilded in rings hand.


    "I want those Elite Quest details. My Silverbacks WILL accomplish them and they are going to get away with NO problem. And you Will keep feeding my men more Quests whenever they come up again and again and again. And they will do them¡­ for FREE." Bobby said


    His coercive voice struck true at Flynn''s innermost d.e.s.i.r.es and needs. He was always making a meager salary being both the Manager and the Desk Clerk of the Grey Order Office Building. His position wasn''t an attractive magnet for Graft due to him being only a simple Herald that doubles as a second-rate Innkeeper for the Office due to how little power he truly wields in the grand bureaucracy side of the Guild. But this much Gold, he had never before seen so many Ducats in his life.


    "Do you understand?" Bobby asked.


    "Yes." He bluntly nodded.


    Bobby let go of Flynn''s hands as the Manager quickly collected the Ducats on the table before the table. Much to the uproar of the Native Adventurer''s present in the scene. As the Manager turned around to the safe to acquire the Elite Quests upon the Corpo''s word, tensions began to escalate unhealthily among the Natives and the Otherworlders.


    "Who do you think you lot are? Coming in here and taking our jobs away?" one adventurer said.


    "Because we want to drive your kind of folks out of Tyr Rian." Crocker bluntly said.


    "You scoundrels! Have you no shame?" He raised his fist.


    "Says the one who drains old farmers off their coins to protect their hovels from monsters." Crocker cringed in disgust.


    "Sergeant, allow me." Diaz intervened. "I''m a pay you twenty pieces if you f.u.c.k off right now." Diaz offered a hand of several Ducat coins of varying denominations to the provocateur.


    "Who do you think you are? All of you?!? You''re not even bothering to hide your intentions¡­ you¡­ you villains!" he shot down the obvious bribe. The man was fighting for his livelihood and to see these outsiders pay to be adventurers by breaking so many rules and regulations that had to maintain the Grey Order Guild''s reputation of promoting peace, well-being and safe commerce throughout the land.


    "I pay for the Privilege." Diaz smiled.


    "Oh? You think you do?" the Adventurer furrowed his brow.


    "Indeed? Where are your Papers and Tags? All adventurers need those to be allowed to take quests. You just came in today and just grabbed all the quests on the Public Board then fly off to finish them." Another Adventurer backed him up.


    "You know, you can just take this Gold and go away too." Diaz offered to him.


    "You think I am some scanty guard that you can just bribe?" the adventurer gnashed his teeth.


    "It''s not for you though." Bobby smiled.


    "Oh?" the Adventurer turned to the rotund man in the rich dress, in confusion.


    "It''s for your wife. Gisela." Bobby said. "Dalmur isn''t it?" he asked for his name.


    The Adventurer nodded. But in his stricken heart, he was absolutely left frozen upon the hearing of his own name by the Otherworlder.


    "How did-----"


    "I am friends with Lutheor Mirrien at the Inn she works in. It''s no surprise she, being wench offers a few ''extra services'' to make your ends meet and you hate letting her do it just to put food on the table. I mean, what the hell is a foxy and big titty redhead with golden eyes doing with a guy like you? Hunting wolves and bears for a living while she struts around her skirts all over at the Drunken Bastard huh?" Bobby asked. "Wouldn''t you want to at least I don''t know¡­ you come home with something nice for her? A new dress? Jewelry? Tickets to a show together?" he asked, his eyes piercing down on Dalmur''s.


    Bobby''s eyes then darted back to Flynn.


    "Which reminds me, you have neighbors right? At Byrn Haul? They got a bit of a Quinn-grif¡­ eh Rabbit-Raven I call them. Their too poor to afford the fees to get their problem into the registry yeah?" Bobby inquired.


    Flynn nodded.


    "If it makes you want to scratch my back more if I send some boys and make some stew out of them? You know, a few herbs here and there, some vegetables and you got a really nice soup! Something you want to go home too yeah?"


    His charisma made nearly everyone stoop down to laugh or at least smile reminiscing such a delectable dish.


    "Also, how about that little Orphanage that I presume many of you folks have either come from or would sometimes donate a bit to the nuns there? Yeah, your Neneth be praised! That makes me happy, seeing kids, healthy, learning and having fun. Especially when a little someone¡­ of my own stature and likeness offered to help renovate the place yeah?" Bobby smiled.


    All of the Adventurer''s lowered their tone as the stranger who seem''s to know their own lives just as well as themselves. It shook fear and awe to their hearts of how much power and influence this Otherworlder possesses.


    He then spat at the wooden floor of the premise to assert his high-caliber position now that the Natives have been cowed.


    "I am Roberto Ferrero Bianchin of the Aparo Corporation. I have eyes everywhere in this city you call your own and thanks to your Prince, this city is working for me and the UFE now."


    "Look, I know what I and the UFE doing is obviously ''bad'' for you adventurers in making ends meet, but I believe in striking some compromises. My job is to make deals for a living you yeah?" he clasped his hands forward politely.


    "Never you Cretin!" One of the Adventurers challenged avidly. "You will not take this City you scoundrels! I will not let some disgusting looking upstarts like you people to take away my glory! Engarde!"


    The adventurers witnessing him knew of this man, a local hero of sorts who is known for his reputation of hot-bloodedness and his martial proficiency with the blade. But just as he was about to unsheathe his long sword from its scabbard, Diaz beat him to the draw by unleashing a wild swing of his Titanium bat, knocking him to the ground. Sadistically, whilst the man was down, Diaz repeatedly hammered his bat onto the swiftly defeated Adventurer much to the Native''s shock and the Silverback''s nonchalance. Crocker wanted to stop this as per his principles but these were two evils he had to choose over and the Megacorporation were the Devil he knew. For the Governor''s plan, whom his and Clay''s true loyalties were to succeed, Aparo''s creeping takeover of their soft corporate power was a necessary evil. They just couldn''t have what has essentially hired vigilantes to run loose around the Principality, not while their only interests are their next pay, not while they come and go as they please and definitely not while the Prince or his puppet masters the UFE cannot have direct control over such deviancy. For if he remembered one thing to say about the Common State Party is this:


    Whatever they cannot control, they will destroy.


    "As I was saying, I am offering you a choice." Bobby gestured his right hand to the heart to showcase his sincerity, however brutal it may be. "We, Aparo Corporation and the United Federation are inevitable. Already, Prince Clovich as we speak is thinking of having us partner up with the Guards for Tyr Rian''s safety and security which will all of you be driven out of business." He told them the painful truth. "You can either leave here and don''t make me see your mug ever again. Second is that you end up like your little friend here..." Bobby pointed down with a belittling tone to the beaten up and lifeless body of the man who dared try to openly defy him just as Diaz has finished his little session of battery on the man by whistling a playful tune as wiped the blood off of his Titanium Bat.


    The natives shuddered upon the sight of his purplish-red face oozing out blood and pus from his broken body. Many of the more green-faced of Adventurers, knowing no better, entertained the choice of taking their loss and run.


    "Or lastly¡­ something you may all like¡­" he chuckled.


    "What could possibly be better?" one of the Adventurer''s asked.


    "I will give you twice this amount of cash you saw me pay off Flynn here if you join us." Bobby reeled them in.


    "Gentlemen and a few ladies over there at the back! I know you are struggling to earn a means of living because my Silverbacks take over all the quests and finish them much better than all of you could ever hope to pull off. Sooner or later, Aparo and the Federation will take over all your jobs and your Prince is going to love every second of it but there is a way out for this. If you can''t beat us? Join us!"


    "Join you? To share your quests?" the Adventurer pressed.


    "Indeed! I know that some of you adventurers'' band together to increase your chance of success in your quests so why not join the Silverbacks? We are in needs of people who know the terrains, flora and fauna around here? And who is better than you gentlemen who live here longer than us. Besides, we pay you fixed salary that means that every week you receive payment unlike you have to wait for who knows when to get some money? Why wait for the opportunity when you can be the opportunity?" Bianchin proposed.


    "And to sweeten the Deal... Free Healings for all work-related injuries and a Retirement plan after at least ten years of Service with me and the Silverbacks." he added.


    The Adventurers began to whisper among themselves of this brave new prospect being offered before them. What this stranger and his merry band of men were offering was a way out of their unstable financial situation. Like the security of Knighthood minus the titles and glamour but all of their futures and beyond secured


    "There is a saying where I come from: Oro o Ferito? Gold or Pain? Join us or be wiped away by us?" he gave his ultimatum.


    "Join you? Ha! When it rains wine! You are even worse Villains than the Demons of Old." Another Adventurer rallied himself.


    "Wine? Oh, go on! Toast to your ''noble'' profession." Diaz teased. "Toast to being glorified murderers, thieves, and hypocrites or you can all do better? Join us, Join the Federation." Diaz added.


    "You know what? I am sick and tired of the shite pay while all of the Cloaks get all of the good stuff for themselves!" one Adventurer stood up and volunteered. He walked towards Bianchin and received his ''introductory welcome pay'' from him.


    "Where can I begin?" the Adventurer asked.


    "Hey! Sarge, make every one of these good folks like him find a squad and attach him to it yeah?" the man slapped the Native''s back like dear friend and brother as the UFEAF Soldiers begin the long process of assigning Native Guides to the Silverback Securities Mercenaries.


    However, just many adventurers pragmatically join the UFE to work and then enjoy better means of making living, not everyone thinks like that. For those Adventurers who rejected the proposal, glory, fame and rank are more important than a fat paycheck or luxurious benefits and the Otherworlders are taking them away. They quietly walked outside as they were showed off by the Foreign Warriors with their head looking down to the ground as to not show their ashamed face to the world as their position of keeping the status quo, weakened upon the wake of this new invasive wave that these Otherworlder''s brought forth.


    As some walked around, cursing silently of how ''cheated'' they were by the Aparo Corporation, a shady figure approached them.


    "Hey? Are you Adventurers?" he asked. "Looking for a Quest?"


    "How so? There''s nothing left." An Adventurer sadly informed.


    "Oh no, this one I managed to save for myself but I can use some help for this. We can split the cash." The shady figure explained.


    Lured in, several dozens of them like several dozen more before them approached the man.


    "You know of those folks over by the Branch Office?" the figure asked.


    "Yes, they took all of the quests away. We are being driven off."


    "You want some payback for those Otherworlders? I have a Quest for people like you that can surely gain you great fame and let you pay back those people." the Figure coerced.


    "Really?" the Adventurer''s the figure managed to catch in the most opportune time collectively gasped.


    "Have you heard of the Adventurer Radred the Flagrant?" the shady figure asked.


    "Yeah, I know him, he maybe a Gold-rank but he looks out for us scrappers. What''s going on with him?" an Adventurer asked.


    "I hear he pays quite well." Another Adventurer added.


    "Hehehe¡­" the figure grinned. "Listen closely and do spread the word quietly." The man curled his finger back repeatedly to usher them closer.


    Little did they know, that these Adventurers were not only going to be recruited into a plot so sinister but they were being watched unknowingly from above them. A Spy Camera designed in the shape of a native purple bird to overlook discreetly the Grey Order Office, a ''Point of Interest'' for the New Albany Police Department.


    "What are you planning?" Inspector Reid whispered to himself as all of his colleagues spied at the disgruntled Adventurer''s that Aparo Corporation wasn''t able to successfully defect.


    ---------------


    Light on her feet but still reeling from the revelations before she came to the Root Family Household, Aliathra put into her practice, years of the Quar-Alfel Vandor, the Dance of the Elven Forest as it is called. Something close to heart about the Creation legends of Gliesia, specifically the Elves and her homeland of Alfel-Nora. It is described by those few outside witnesses to the Elven continent to be a merriment-filled cavort filled with flowing movements to mimic the movements of her Goddesses creation separated in verses: the Rushing Rivers, the Warming Sun, the Peaking Mountains, the Blooming Wood, the Frol.i.c.k.i.n.g Wilds, the Caracole of the First Peoples and lastly the Neneth''s Regalement. The moves can be described with the contrasts the beget the real world it imitates, a mix of flowing, rising, and falling actions followed by a free-style of rapid movements and slow movements that interprets the Wilds that was the Goddesses creation. It is normally danced by multiple people but if one has the ingenuity, intransigence, patience and Arcane competencies in the fields of Illusion Magic, one can accomplish the full dance alone with the aid of several Minor Illusions. The Quar-Alfel Vandor is often performed to mark a new point in a certain road for a person or to mark the beginning of Spring and Summer. Especially of one April Root''s birthday, this Dance was more than appropriate. The Elf just hopes that this would be up to her parent''s satisfaction as she has yet to detail Obediah about how she is going to provide entertainment.


    As Aliathra hummed to the verses as she remembered from her youth, her ears perked, alerting her to an uninvited visitor.


    "Who is there?" she asked amongst the solemn grounds of the Root Family Homestead.


    "Hi-Hi-Hi." A peal of childish laughter can be heard.


    "April?" Aliathra eyes widened as she recognizes that girl''s voice. "Should you not be at your home right now?" the Elf asked.


    "Never! My mommy will make me eat Beans for dinner! I rather play with you." She playfully protested.


    "You need to be back with your parents right this instance!" Aliathra ordered.


    "You have to find me!" April challenged before another playful laugh echoed through the chiming of the tree leaves.


    With her senses tingling, Aliathra''s eyes darted around the scenery, her shivers raised and ears perked to attention as she tried to search for Obediah''s child. She will humor this little one today.


    "Come out April! Your parents could be worried that your missing!" Aliathra warned.


    "You have to find me first princess." She teased.


    "May I remind you that I am also a Ranger? It''s like your father being a Hunter. I track and find things in the forest." Aliathra kept the conversation going to egg the child for a response.


    "You bring my mommy meat stew too? That''s cool!" she exclaimed.


    "Cool? What does that mean?" Aliathra questioned.


    "It means you''re a nice person to be with if you are like my Daddy." April smiled.


    "Oh, sweet child. You know nothing of your father." Aliathra backed herself behind a tree, with a confident smile on her orifice as the shiver of her skin alarmed her to April''s hiding spot.


    "Surprise Attack!" April leaped off of the tree branch she hid from only to be caught by Aliathra''s reflexes mid-air.


    "Got you!" Aliathra babbled at the little one.


    "Hooray! Hug me beautiful and pure princess!" April articulated her arms open to receive the warm bosom of the Elf''s embrace.


    Pure.


    That word, that one single word soured that innocent moment that the Elven Princess wanted to cherish at this moment of fading peace. It made her body quiver upon the guilty word that the child had innocently reminded Aliathra. Her cybernetic body, her fractured soul, her broken heart shivered at Pure''s reverberation on her ears. Her smile faded as her mind wandered off once again.


    "You¡­ think I am¡­ beautiful?" Aliathra asked April.


    "Not only that but pure!" April squealed. "Daddy told me all about you! How you help people, care for animals and being nice to everyone like a real princess should."


    "Oh, your father must be saying abo---" Aliathra tried to backtrack herself in a haphazard attempt of humility to save her the further embarrassment of the Child''s incessant praises.


    "Daddy also told me about how many bad people lying that your evil. But you''re not!" April said.


    "He¡­ he told you that?" Aliathra asked, her mouth left agape at the child''s insight.


    "You are just misunderstood. You''re not evil, you can never be evil." April further embraced Aliathra. "You are like Elsa the Ice Queen."


    "Elsa? Who is she?" the Elf asked.


    "Elsa is a Princess and later a Queen of her Kingdom of Arendelle who has tremendous Ice magic powers which makes people be scared of her, they even called her a monster too. But later, she does a good deed for her people and her people accepts her for what she is. My daddy and mommy said the beauty from the inside of a person is purer than the beauty from the outside." April explained.


    "You think I am like Elsa?" Aliathra asked.


    "Uh-huh." April nodded. "She''s just like Shrek too! He''s a big ugly Ogre but gets to marry a beautiful princess because he is a good Ogre from his heart! Even Auntie Iris too is a good lady. She maybe a blood-s.u.c.k.i.n.g vampire but she is a good Vampire! She always helps us when Daddy and his friends ask for her help and makes Mommy happy by buying her food too!" April further revealed.


    Thinking back (in addition to the previous revilement of Ogre''s and their foul general appearances), Aliathra recalled the time the Empire and her own people would describe these Otherworlders as ''Demons''. Feeding off of souls, ruining the land and wantonly sowing the seeds of decay in the world. But what these Otherworlders did was to the contradictory, constructive and benevolent even. They build prosperity when there''s poverty, they built order for where there is chaos, they brought peace when there was only strife. Demons, shouldn''t do that. However, the prophecy as she heard from Grandmaster Owyne that these Otherworlder''s will sow the end of Gliesia still troubles her.


    "Little One, I have to tell you something. It is about¡­" Aliathra swallowed her angelic demeanor to explain something serious, the but she was cut off when April whispered softly in to her pointy ears.


    "Professy¡­ Shmo-pessy." She denounced. "Those bad men in Hairy-Point are just dumb-dumbs. Nobody can see the future."


    "What do you mean? Clairvoyance is one of the most powerful spells in all of Gliesia." Aliathra leaped at the child''s non-belief.


    "The future, as Daddy told me is ours and ours alone. We choose where we want to go. It''s just how we will face it is the hard part." April said.


    Again, reflecting back, Clairvoyance, in spite of it name maybe powerful in manipulating the Quantum dimensions of the world to see into the future, but it is imperfect at the politest descriptions of its practical evaluation. It was a relatively new discovery by the College of Magi in Haringpoint that had met some controversy amongst the top Arcane Academics around Gliesia due to its unreliability and general inefficiency with how much Mana must be consumed to properly conduct the ritual. Was there a chance that Grandmaster Owynne misinterpreted the Future of Gliesia?


    "You¡­ you are wiser than you look little one." Aliathra softly praised.


    For once in her entire duration of this tumultuous Quest in a search for acknowledgment, Aliathra felt a sense of hope. It wasn''t through the political machinations these Otherworlder''s concoct that will inevitably be triumphing against all odds, the prophesized humiliation of her kind nor the continued ''corruption'' of Aliathra''s body with cybernetics so she may fight on for a better future in this new tide that the Federation from the World above the Skies that gave her a glimmer into a day where all of Gliesia can live in peace. What renewed her hope was this child, this small tyke before her gave her hope! Her lamenting prayers to her Goddess or whoever is listening to them were answered!


    Aliathra hugged the child wholeheartedly as April embraced her back in equal folds. She even shed a single tear from her eye that, despite her damaged vision was able to seamlessly yielded.


    "Enough talk Princess!" April lets go of her embrace so her little hands can grasp Aliathra''s


    "Can you show me more of those cool magics you are practicing for my party? I want to see it and I am the Birthday Girl and the Birthday Girl gets what she wants!" she ordered with an impish tone.


    "Of course, your ''Majesty''. Allow me to demonstrate." Aliathra smiled as she stood up and began to hum again.


    A Rainbow''s worth of orbs consisting of sparkling lights conjured around her as Aliathra began to flow her body to the rhythm of the Quar-Alfel Vandor. April in tow, danced along to the playful song as well as her little body could copy the intricate and delicate steps the Elf had taken. Despite the contrast, they were both enjoying this moment together. This moment even reminded the Elf of a simpler time at her youth when she would use her magic not for healing, casting defensive wards nor even deceiving people with Illusions but to create something¡­ something truly magical.


    As the two danced together, a bewildered but now relieved Obediah and Leah root watched their only daughter play along with the Elf harmoniously as the sun began to set on the horizon.


    ------------------------------------


    "Done!" Kayin smiled as he wiped the sweat of his ebony skin over a hard day of work.


    The Combat Engineer was helping Iris Cadohagan move into her shared new little house (that she will also share with the Elf Aliathra.). Today, all of the basic furniture has been moved inside and now the home is now minimally livable. There were some empty walls that could use some brightening up with decoration and other sorts of knick-knacks here and there but outside of that, Iris now has a place to finally call her own (although she will have to share it). It is a single floor; residential home situated a moderate walk between her new home and the Underground Laboratory''s entrance. It wasn''t as spacious as her old Cabin by the River Valley Woods but it was definitely more aesthetically pleasing. What was considered the most profanatory of this little hearth was the fact there''s only a single bedroom inside the residence that she and Aliathra will have to share with two separate twin-sized beds on opposite sides of the room. There was a garage area that was meant to be the storage area for one such of the UFE''s mechanized beasts they call ''Vee-hee-kills'' but as Kayin explained, she can with some help convert it into a workshop just like or even better than its predecessor with the luxury of adding several new amenities and gadgets such as a full-fledged blacksmith anvil, a forge and a tannery. Too bad that she will also have to share that space with Aliathra too, but at the very least she can brew stronger potions without some straggler getting suspicious as per her previous clandestine arrangements. There was also enough plot of open land that Iris can, when she can gather the seeds again, make her own little herb garden just like before. But for now, such additional facilities to continue her work at the comforts of her home will have to wait for now. She will have to contend with the b.a.r.e minimum of decent living until more of the Federation''s boons bless her again.


    And already, the blessings she counted were beyond her 10 fingers¡­


    "Oh, Glory to Ser Mudwin you are indeed so capable with your hands." Iris cooed as she placed on one hand to her b.r.e.a.s.t and the other skirting away her long raven hair as she approached the Otherworlder whose skin was black as night.


    "Well, this is your new home now Iris, I do hope you and Aliathra find it comfortable. It''s not much but if you work more with us and with the Party you should be able to get some decorations out to make it really yours." Kayin acknowledged.


    "You know, My Dear, Ser Mudwin¡­ Kayin I mean¡­ but ever since our little tango back at my old home, you were always so¡­ so nice to me¡­ despite your... Physique.~~" Iris tantalized as she c.a.r.e.s.ses Kayin''s biceps that lay b.a.r.e due to his sleeveless shirt.


    It seeped with sweat excreted through diligence but the Vampire Witch marveled at Kayin''s firm muscles and how his skin was as dark as the night sky. She had a previous weakness for males of a well sculpture based on those Bandall Thunderhand novels who has a similarly described body. The musk of him, however, it made the Vampire Witch tremble at Kayin''s presence even when he tries to be humble, she still feels an aura of masculinity whenever he sees him bravely fighting whatever it maybe in front of him. From the Western Desert, that Rainy Day in Souviel and most especially their first encounter, she has to say, Kayin Mudwin was quite a catch, exotic skin color not included. He was intelligent and as curious as to her, but there were some degrees of complementary traits that the Nightman exhibit that Iris lacks. Kayin was a planner above all else whilst she was a creature of impulse. While he is calm, she is passionate. Lastly, despite his lack of Magic, he had respectable understanding and respect for her that Iris had never before had gotten before. Even Lutheor Mirrien, the closest person Iris has to a friend before meeting the Otherworlders was more of a Business Partnership with a few perks since deep down, even the Dwarf feared the Vampire''s powers. But the Otherworlders, unlike the Inquisitors and self-righteous Adventurers who took bounties of hunting down Vampires like her, they treated her as a person and a sense of respect to her abilities with Kayin being its strongest example.


    And this feeling turned into d.e.s.i.r.e for Iris. A d.e.s.i.r.e akin to the romantic novels she occasionally reads in between projects and business assignments.


    She wants Kayin, she craves his warmth, she needs his arms to wrap around her and protect her from the ravages of this cruel world and the horrors of what this Otherworld''s Eldritch magics and technology could possess. After only having herself to fend against such monsters, Iris had always dreamed of a man who can say they will love her for who she is and have the actual might to protect her. A metaphorical¡­ and quite literally in such a humorous sense a Black Knight to chase away the scary monsters of what Gliesia has to offer.


    "You know, Kayin. Now that you helped me and all moving into this new home of mine¡­ would it be good if you can stay for a bit¡­ and help warm this place with your presence?" Iris said.


    She stared at his eyes longingly as she fought her urges to claim him. Her hands, rather obnoxiously c.a.r.e.s.sed her body top to down her violet dress in an amateurish display of sultriness. It was still too early to have her for himself and it would ruin this moment if she shoots her arrow too early. However, due to her lucid body dynamisms, Kayin was able to decipher that there was something off with the Vampire Witch.


    "Is something the matter Iris?" He asked.


    "Oh Love, so many where should I begin?" Aliathra exploded her arms up and about. "I had the most dreadful epiphany today with Samantha."


    "Did something happen to the El-tee?" Kayin asked.


    "Oh no, Ladui Rose is fine. As fine as a horse." Iris reassured. "It''s what happened a few moments after that got me so¡­ how do I say¡­ restless." Iris said.


    "What could be so bad now?" Kayin asked.


    "Today, your friend, Mahelona talked about these powerful weapons you call ''Double-You. Em. Dees'' and it made be so¡­ dispirited! Hold me love!" Iris said as she pried Kayin''s large right hand to c.a.r.e.s.s the back of her head.


    Almost instinctively, Kayin brushed the Vampire Witches silky black hair and for a moment he was mesmerized. But as Iris jovially m.o.a.n.e.d, the Combat Engineer snapped back into reality letting go of his amorous grasp.


    "I-I-Iris?" Kayin questioned.


    "Don''t stop Love, I want you. I need you!" Iris retracted her Nightman''s hands. "Relieve me of such fears! Hold my body as I fasten mine unto yours!~~"


    "I know we do¡­ but this is all going so fast." Kayin protested. But his face was then c.a.r.e.s.sed by Iris''s lithe snow hands.


    "Where is the Night Man who bested me? Where was the Night Man when he defeated the villain Devicco from of one Iris Cadohagan? Where was the Night Man who valiantly slew the Orc Hordes?~~" Iris poetically challenged.


    She was no true romantic however unlike the comical characters of those Bandall Thunderhand Novels could suggest. The dashing Elven Bard rescuing the Damsel in Distress or the ravishing ladies demanding to bed such a paramount poet had the gaudiest jargon to prose the Vaikuri translated pages. Many of such ladies who read these novels, mostly of those of obvious literate comprehension, the dream of a man like Bandall to romantically lift them up their arms and be their ''Knight in Shining Armors''. It was common for such folks to host chivalric tests to find the superior specimens amongst the males to become their husbands. Iris was no different, she may have the most extensive collection of Bandall Thunderhand this side of the Empire if she can admit since such a scandalous book was unheard of in the more conservative Empire territories and is regulated under the locked cabinets of the Nobility''s Study Rooms.


    "Iris? Are you okay? Did¡­ did the Doctor get you all mad because he showed you all of those¡­ those things?" Kayin asked.


    "Oh, hold me! Oh, my brave Black Knight!" Iris smothered herself on Kayin''s c.h.e.s.t. "Protect me from the horrors of the world with your Sword you dedicate yourself to me!~~" Iris fainted blithely, taking good care, to follow how the woman would have pose visually speaking, as seductive and as vulnerable as possible.


    Vulnerability, something Iris never thought she would allow herself to be in such a state of. But if it was with Kayin, all of the world around her, all its hate, all its tremors, and all its sorrow means nothing if he was by her side. Perhaps she has a taste for men who can keep up with her in the aspects she excels for a century in.


    "I think you just need to relax after what happened. May I suggest some Herbal Tea?" Kayin asked.


    "I need something better!" Iris grasped and fiercely pulled down Kayin''s shirt on until Kayin can scent Iris'' l.u.s.t-pulsing breath. Her teeth exposing her excited smile as she licked her yearning lips to meet with Kayin''s.


    "You have bested all trials to prove your virility on this young maiden! Claim your prize oh my brave Black Knight." Iris teased. "RAVISH ME!" she shouted.


    "B-b-but¡­" Kayin was reaching his inhibition''s breaking point as he too wanted to claim his glory but is still held back by his own volition to take it alone.


    But alone, he did not have to take the next step in this amorous adventure as Iris'' lips for the first time made contact with the flesh of another living being, not for her own feeding of her Vampirically enhanced nutritional needs but for the primal craving for something she didn''t know she needed:


    Companionship.


    The Vampire Witch and her Black Knight warmly united their bodies together as the latter pushed their combined weight to the newly installed sofa who, true to its nature held firm as its soft foam supported Iris and Kayin as they magnetized themselves for the first time.


    Little did they know, walking home now that Lehsol began to set down into the horizon, An Elven Cleric, one named Aliatha Lareththor witnessed Iris and Kayin''s romantic moment. Ducking down shyly on the bush, the Elf saw the passion that drove each of the two together as the repressed memories of her restrictive upbringing came back to haunt her. If she was the same Aliathra before months ago, she would have recoiled in disgust but, knowing Iris and Kayin''s growing rapport with each other, how could this be a ''Sin''? Was what she witnessing of what she was forbidden to see as a ''Proper Princess should''¡­


    "Romance?" Aliathra single word echoed through her head as now she too¡­ d.e.s.i.r.es companionship in such a time where she thought she was alone in this world and everything is out to destroy or taint her Soul.


    "S-s-such might!" Iris squealed in delight as she faded to black under Kayin''s charcoal embrace.


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------


    "S-s-such might!" Prince Clovich squealed in terror as the thunder of the Self-Propelled Guns 155-millimeter cannon pound the ground and decimate a dummy Castle to literal dust. They were still in Reno-Tahoe Industrial Complex today as they Otherworldly but primitive guests get a front-row seat to a weapons demonstration of the UFE''s Arsenal. They saw the Guns, the Mechanized Steeds and Arms that the Earth Humans possess and wield with such distinctive enthusiasm and discipline. Many of Clovich''s militaristic of companions and advisors speculated on the applications of such deific equipment be given to their own soldiers as they eagerly studied the UFEAF''s Doctrines.


    The Military Exercise that was used to demonstrate such arms, however, were of an unsettling scenario. It was a Siege of a pre-constructed Castle with the UFE''s soldiers attacking target dummies worth of men in similarly designed steel, leather and iron equipment just like the Gliesian''s wielded. They were torn to shreds without such an opportunity for a reprisal could be mustered as the outer walls were decimated by the combined might of Guns, Aircraft and worst of all, the UFE''s answer to the Gliesian Trebuchet, a Self-Propelled Gun.


    "This is Big Bass. Target is no more." The Radio on their observation booth casually informed all of the congregation.


    Indeed, there was no more pretend castle to seek protection on. All that is left from the dispelling black smoke was a shallow crater of black where said target used to be. All were frozen but felt a stunning fever paralyze their bodies as they imagine such firepower impact there or their Liege Master''s armies. No amount of formations, magic or equipment could stand up to such might. Clovich too now realized the hard truth about the Federation''s power of whom its leader proudly smiles with self-satisfaction. He can imagine such familiar places such as Tyr Rian, Souviel and Great Haringpoint herself crumbling in ember-red smolders under the tattered and now trampled remains of the Empire''s banners as the Federation''s Armed Forces marched triumphantly above their corpses.


    "Milord¡­" Sandulf shuddered.


    "I know. There is no denying it." Clovich swallowed his pride. "They may not be Gods but they might as well be."


    "Of course, you do. Just as easily I can build, we so easily can destroy. Just so I can easily gift to you so I can easily take it away and use it against you." Prime Minister Bousquet lectured. "You know understand what power is at your back right?"


    All of the Native Visitors acknowledged silently, at a loss for words of what to say next.


    "Good, very good. You do your part in making sure what happened to Fort Rocky over there not happen too much to your home otherwise¡­ well, you know. We may be Generous but we are also Impatient." Bousquet said as he snarkily chided to the crater before them at the distance.


    The Otheworlders humbly lowered their heads.


    "Hey what are the long faces?" Bousquet''s voice raised up to a cheerful tone.


    "Long faces? Did something happen to my face?!" Clovich asked in alarm.


    "Oh, I mean¡­ why are you sad?" the Prime Minister corrected himself. "I am not leaving here until you have something to bring home." He said with zealous determination.


    "What could I bring home but Doomsays? You are like Gods!" Edmurl despaired.


    "No." He shot down the emotional old man. His senile mind, not able to handle the river''s current that is the progress of time.


    "Aspiration." He said.


    "Ass¡ªper--- I¡­ what is this word?" Clovich asked, the definition unknown to him.


    "It''s an Ambition. You saw what you could be back in Geneva right? Glistening Cities, Happy Populace, Peace and Prosperity." Bousquet explained.


    "But, you speak of those yet wield the power to destroy everything with a Killing Word. How can I have the Ambition to achieve all of what you have built if you can easily take it all away?" Clovich asked.


    "I believe there is a special someone, who lives in a castle in the middle of a certain Island country that can help you. Someone who can show you what was it like... to see such power." Bousquet smiled.


    "Nakamura." the Prime Minister summoned.


    A man of a humble stature with a soft smile emerged into the Gliesian''s field of view. As the man stood before them he humbly bowed down to Clovich''s presence. With his visage enthusiastically smiling on them, the man calmly introduced himself.


    "I am Masakazu Nakamura, Herald of the Imperial Clan." He gave his name.


    "Emperor Shinharu of Japan has cordially invited your Audience to his Palace." The Herald continued.

 Chapter 38 - the Road ahead

    "Inquisitor is in position." Reid radioed, his static buzzing through the air of Governor White''s Conference Room.


    "Good, all forces move in." Jeremy exercised his authority.


    It had been about day''s work of nerve-wracking detective work for the Police Force''s lead by Inspector Reid as anxieties from both the Civilian and Military sectors of the Colonial Government of New Albany waited on for evidence of the most sinister of plots unlike, they had face before. A deliberate attempt to undermine their power within Gliesia. According to the intel gathered, several disgruntled Grey Order Adventurers are being recruited for a Plot against them. However, they do not know the specifics such as what, when, how and where is the Plot would take place? That is why he is now in his conference room to deliberate on the matter.


    With him were his league of ungentlemanly folks that make up his inner circle:


    Major Holyfield, commander of the Aurora Battle Carrier, leading a contingent of Marines and the projected might of the Federation''s Air Power to bear. He was sitting idly by, paying little to no heed to the live feed on Governor White''s laptop displaying Reid''s Operation. His eyes stare blankly at his Smart Pad that showed Order of Battle across his project of Operation Haymaker.


    Colonel Polonsky, leader of the Colonies Defense forces, held the most sway on the largest amount of Federation Troops and arguably several Natives too. If Holyfield is UFE''s Sword, Polonsky was its Shield.


    Agent De Sardet of the Bureau of Intelligence, instrumental into the discovery of the plot sat eagerly by Polonsky, awaiting any update from the action-oriented Reid on what yields he will likely bring out once the mission concludes. He twiddled his thumbs, littering his husband''s muffins over the mahogany table as his ears intently directed its attention to the Governor''s computer.


    Lastly, was the newcomer, from all the way from the crystal spires of Earth, one Thomas Sight. A Senior Bureaucrat from the Ministry of Education assigned to Gliesia to help lay the foundations for Prince Clovich''s healthful Modernization and Reformation efforts. He was an uncanny human-being in respect to his minimal human face. Bald hair and lens-like eyes gave him a more robotic appearance than a human. Yet despite his eerie appearance from the Militaristic members in Governor White''s inner circle. Agent De Sardet and Governor White give him in high regards, unquestioningly taking his sage advice.


    "Rodger, moving in." Reid nodded.


    The laptop displayed a feed from the Inspector''s Action Camera as his team approached a flophouse door. Based on Agent De Sardet''s intelligence gatherings through a few well placed ''Spy Birds''. The Colonial Police have tracked a suspicious group of Adventurers to that location thanks in lo part through their irregular get up of mismatched armor and exotic weapons, unlike the more uniform Tyr Rian Citadel Guards that regularly patrol the streets. Many folks like the ones they followed come and go at Tyr Rian all the time which unnerved several of the Colonial Defense Forces and the Marines as such people can suddenly turn to descend upon them at melee range and in response to a possibility, the enactment of an alienating measure, enforcement of a rule that a minimum distance to be between a UFEAF Soldier and a native be of two sword lengths apart from each other. This was suggested by Clovich sometime before his departure on how mannerisms towards soldiers were conducted when they have to visit a city whilst fully equipped in their gear. An additional precaution by arming UFEAF Personnel with Bayonets bellow the barrels of their rifles were also ordered.


    "Check the door." Reid instructed.


    One of his men grabbed a tool from his pocket, a snakelike appendage object, known as the Under-Door Camera was inserted underneath the gap of the Flophouses door.


    "One Tango, Crossbow pointing at the door facing us." The team''s Pointman holding the Camera informed him.


    "Breach and Clear. They are expecting us. Let us not disappoint." the Governor ordered.


    "Will do." Reid nodded.


    On view with the camera, as Jeremy observes, the team began to set up the fuse and the payload of the Breaching Charge. A tense moment occurred as the SWAT Team embedded the Breaching Charge at the door as their off-site superiors observed them anxiously.


    "Clear!" Reid shouted.


    The Breaching Charge gave a great expulsion of dust and debris as it effortlessly demolishes the Flophouses wooden front door. Their greeter, pushed back by the explosion, barely saving his constitution from the shock tried to aim his crossbows at the intruders but a reactive shot from one of the SWAT Members gunned him down in the head.


    "Damnit, remember we need some of them alive you know!" Reid reprimanded his subordinate.


    Undeterred, the SWAT Team redoubled their efforts as now the whole building was alerted to their presence. They knew they need to clean this house quickly and fast before the Adventurers flee away or worse destroy the evidence.One team scoured the upper floor whilst another, Reid included searched the ground floor. The Governor minimized Reid''s personal feed to oversee the rest of the Action Cameras of all of the brave souls participating in this operation.


    "Hands Up! Don''t try it¡­ Hey!" one SWAT member caught an Adventurer in his room who tried to pull a blade on him but was quickly gunned down.


    "They are here! Kill them all. They must not find out!" a voice echoed ominously in the distance of another feed.


    "Clear. Moving up." Another SWAT member monotonously informed.


    "Inspector?" one SWAT Member, who''s feed was facing Reid himself called out.


    "What is it Officer?" Reid asked.


    "Got something on my scanner¡­ something hollow. Behind that Cupboard." The Officer informed.


    He pointed out to the object of his suspicions across the room. Riveted, the Inspector quietly gestured his men to form up behind him as he and another Officer moved the Cupboard away. Much to the alerted Officer''s satisfaction of his tools, there was indeed, hidden behind the furniture a hidden flight of stairs leading down. It was however dimly lit to pitch black that one cannot see the bottom of the stairs well.


    "Going in Dark." Reid said as he pulled down his Night Vision goggles.


    With their feet stepping down the flight of stairs, sweat began to nervously fall down the SWAT Team''s brows as their heart beat stressed upwards at the darkened anxiety that the stairs give a menacing Aura on.


    "Hold up! There''s a door." The Pointman gestured.


    "Check it." Reid ordered.


    Using the Under-Door camera once again, the Pointman observed what lays ahead.


    "Ten Tangoes, and a whole damn armory." He said.


    "Reid get in there, bag them and tag''em back to HQ. De Sardet would want to have his way with them." Governor White radioed.


    "Will do." Reid unquestioned. "Breach and Clear with a Flash." He ordered.


    "Breaching." The Pointman unpinned a Flashbang Grenade from his pocket, peeked open the door and tossed the explosive inside.


    "They are he---" one of the Adenturer''s tried to scream but her eyes were devoured in a brilliant white light as all ten of them became dazed by the Flashbang''s rude awakening.


    Reid''s team descended upon the Adventurer''s aiming their guns and shouting at them in Vaikuri to surrender. Two adventurers however either did not take the message or were foolhardy enough to try to, attempted to reach for their weapons to fight back against their attackers but were quick with a double tap on their heads by the SWAT''s Carbine Rifles.


    "What am I looking at?" White radioed as he leaned forward to examine the hidden room of the Flophouse.


    Reid turned his head around to gain a closer look at the rest of the room. There was a stockpile of assorted weapons and magical scrolls in one side, enough to arm a small brigade and his magical aura detector, a recent invention by the collaborative efforts of Dr. Mahelona and Iris Cadohagan when it comes to detecting various forms of Magic. It''s HUD displays that the magic present in that stockpile were of the ''Holy'' category. On the other side of the room, he can see what looked like an oversized map of the entire street network of Tyr Rian with big circles and arrows pointing towards locations that to Governor White''s horror was the Tyr Rian Castle Keep, the UFE''s Embassy and New Albany herself.


    "Surrender now!" Reid told all of these dissident folks.


    "Never!! You took away our glory, the only things that matter for us in life!" one adventurer flouted.


    "You think your fame will be noticed by anyone if you die? Don''t be a fool. Nobody will mourn a dead man." Reid shotdown.


    "That is what you think Demon! We are Silver and Gold-ranked Adventurers who have made our names know to the people and the guild! They will ALL remember us!" he rallied his ego.


    "You are all just cheats! The lot of all of ya!" his friend behind him backed him up. "Cheaters who never have to work hard to get to where you are all at unlike us all."


    These adventurers have let fame cloud their judgment and rationality so Reid has observed. Even his superiors were frustrated and admiring their tenacious stubbornness.


    "Let''s get real, here shall we? The common folk don''t need people like you flashing your badge of Silver Gold-rank or whatever color it is to show you are great and demand high pay --- I am sorry¡­''Rewards''. Right now, they want us more than you people because we UFE do better jobs than you and we don''t make folks spill their guts out pay for your crappy services no more." Reid said.


    "That is where you are wrong! When we are done here. There will be no shortage of heroes and gold for us to reap at a every so grateful Tyr Rian¡­ by the Gods¡­ an ever so grateful Empire!" the adventurer defied again with all of his breath.


    "Done with what? What are you planning?" Reid pressed for answers with his Carbine jerking lurching towards the Adventurers.


    "I am afraid you will not be alive to see it." A cloaked Adventurer coyly smiled. "Flame Wave!" the man revealing himself to be a Mage began to conjure his hands to form the magic used to incinerate him and his teammates.


    But Reid remembered his training when dealing with Hostile Mages. Compared to a standard Fighter, a Ranger or Rogues that the Grey Order employs, the Mage was arguably the most articulated of the types of folks he may encounter in Gliesia. They rely on somatic gestures, a focus point a voice command or a combination of what was described. Seeing his hands glowing orange, Reid took aim with his rifle and shot the hand off of the mage just as his spell was about to articulate.


    "AHH!" the Mage screamed as he knelt down to the floor, his friends watching in horror.


    Just as Reid was about to order his men to apprehend the Adventurers. The SWAT Team noticed that the injured Mage was now beginning to Glow a reddish-orange as the magical energies within him became unstable.


    "No¡­ No¡­ Too¡­ Hot!" the Mage cried as his body combusted into a blazing inferno engulfing his fellow adventurer''s and putting the incriminating evidence in the underground room to the torch. Reid''s men barely got their bearings over the sight of this extraordinary event. Their whole plan had gone south in an instant by no part of their own.


    "Run! Run! Run!" Reid shouted to his men.


    Quickly the Swat Team regrouped themselves out of the Flophouse just as the building was fully blanketed into flames.


    "Did we get anything?" Reid asked his teammates. "Anyone?"


    "I only got this letter when I searched for someone, I shot sir. Looks important but I can''t read it." One of the SWAT Officers showed a barely singed letter with some equally barely legible handwriting in Vaikuri, a weakness to Iris'' spell and to the UFE''s on transcription teams.


    "Damnit! We were so close." Reid cursed himself.


    At the distance, the SWAT Team can hear the alarming bells and cries for help. It would be in a matter of time before the Tyr Rian Guards and the Citadel''s primitive Fire Brigade swarm into the scene.


    "Pull out of there. This went too loud for our tastes." The Governor reluctantly gave the order.


    "Rodger¡­ Inquisitor is exfiltrating." Reid coughed up smoke to acknowledged the change of plans.


    Jeremy achingly closed down his laptop as he frustratingly grasped his besieged head at the failure to yield anything concrete to the Plot against him and his regime. All that they managed to pull out from the Flophouses fire were just more questions than answers.


    "Why are you so sad about Governor?" Holyfield interjected.


    "We still don''t have anything to go by that Rumor the Blue-boys got up. But we were THIS close!" White pinched the air to show his grievances.


    "I say, that is more than enough evidence." Agent De Sardet closed his fist. "Those plans, those murmurs? We need to lock down everything from Tyr Rian to New Albany at once. We use the ''Puffer Fish'' method. Especially at Tyr Rian where our men would be at its most vulnerable. Show them that it will be more trouble than it''s worth to tread on us." He proposed.


    "If we do that! We will break the Military Access Treaty with Clovich." White argued.


    "Then how about we just pull out the Embassy? It''s likely the first place they will target in the Citadel." Thomas Sight suggested. "We need to protect our Diplomatic personnel at least until we can fully purchase Clovich''s allegiances," Polonsky suggested.


    "Again, that will also break the Treaty too. His advisors and his sister will start to question all about it and may take it as a sign of bad faith. We cannot afford any more ''bad faith'' at a time like this and the Tyr Rianni are our best cards in play." White argued. "Again, we also have to take into account Aria''s and even Clovich''s reaction if we abandon our post in Tyr Rian now, regardless of their safety. They might think we are about to do something shady and so I go back to not producing ''bad faith''." The Governor added.


    "I say, Disarm and Pat Down all the Civilians and confiscate their arms." the Colonel gave his second proposition.


    "Since when did mass disarmament of civilian populations¡­ EVER worked?" the Technocratic Thomas reasoned. "Plus¡­ Magic. You forgot they exist, don''t you? They walk and talk like us? Weapons in a Human form."


    "How about let it happen? Then have some of my friends in the Bureau spin it? Do we stoke new patriots to the cause? Hell, get even more funding and stuff from the Wigs while we are at it?" De Sardet threw another bet of his lot onto the table.


    "No, too much uncontrollable variables. It can go wrong if one thing doesn''t go our way. The Party might risk political crucifixion. Try again." Thomas calculated.


    "Then what can we do?" De Sardet asked. But all of his colleagues stayed their silence. "Damnit!" the Intelligence Agent cursed as he sunk down to his seat in defeat.


    All of the Inner Circle collectively sighed in defeat with him. They were grasping at straws, smoke even and now these Adventurers are going to strike a Terrorist Attack at their hard work and there was no way of fighting back or mitigating its material and political damages to all parties involved.


    "Hmm¡­ so¡­ a Terrorist Attack, right?" Thomas asked.


    "Yes, this is but just a cell of them. Isolated except for maybe a few members who can contact another Cell. All to maintain the secrecy of this Plot mind you." De Sardet said.


    "I see. So, in Cell Theory or whatever you warhorses call it. These individuals would be untrustworthy of that outside of the group right unless whoever is the connecting person is to link one cell to another gives the clear that they are of the same side?" Thomas said.


    "Go on," White said with intrigue.


    "As I have heard from Polonsky and one Mister Bianchin, many of the unrecruited Adventurers that the Aparo Corporation wasn''t able to sway to their pockets are walking around right now upset of the sudden new normal? Their motivation being of social disenfranchis.e.m.e.nt, right?" the Technocrat reasoned. "Why not pretend we are one of these repressed folks? These Grey Order people can''t just expect to know all of their members, right?" he asked.


    "Undercover work?" De Sardet asked. "I know a little bit of faking a few things it but I am no field agent."


    "Then perhaps some of our more integrated of your men Colonel will suffice?" Thomas turned to Polonsky.


    "That sounds like a great idea. I have a few men in mind. We can find out what we should have found out by that way much more quietly." The man said.


    "But much more slowly," White interjected. "Even if we know how this attack will go. There is the problem of responding to it. The Treaty for our forces still stands."


    "Illusion Magic, it exists here in this world is it not?" Thomas asked.


    The Governor nodded.


    "Then how about we have a select group of our men¡­ become ''Adventurers''? A quick trip to the tailor, maybe a few prints of some fake armor, a bit of help from Asset Sacagewea and Asset Pocahontas and fake some credentials here and there to walk around the streets and the Guards and Clovich''s people will be none the wiser? Therefore, if our men can successfully sell this ruse. Our men can have free reign to patrol Tyr Rian without the fear of any political reprisals. Even better, when at the night of the Raid starts, we can reveal our undercover men''s true colors and sting them before they can do anything unsavory." Thomas said.


    "Yes, we can even use them to scout out what lies ahead of us for the Major''s Offensive and the Pacification Campaign. Put them all into the process and voila~ All of this world''s secret b.a.r.e n.a.k.e.d for our designs." De Sardet shrugged his shoulders confidently.


    "That could actually work." Polonsky smiled. "Thank you for your wisdom Minister." He gave his gratitude.


    As the Inner Circle nodded in agreement with Thomas'' plan, Polonsky noticed that Holyfield was uncharacteristically quiet during the discussion. Normally he would be preaching fire and brimstone from his side of the table but strangely, all was silence as the Major looked at the maps of his projected Operation Haymaker strategies.


    "Major, you have been studying earnestly." Polonsky nudged.


    "Yes I am. There are just a few things bothering me about the Plan everyone. I¡­ its best I share it." Holyfield said.


    "Go on." White conceded.


    "The Mountain pass that connects the Principality to the Empire proper is too narrow for an army of the scale we need to ensure the operation''s success would be too impractical if we just shove them through. Will be playing right into the Empire''s hands and use Little Hill as a Strongpoint to deter any invasions. We can''t hide them and the Fortress would smell our offensive literally miles away. In addition to that obstacle, there is also our little entry point that we have just managed to secure through Souviel. See here." Holyfield places his map down to the floor.


    A Holographic screen emitted out of the Smartpad detailing the map north of Souviel. There was a road network that spiked north of Souviel that connected the fertile Mediterranean city to the Empire''s other territories north of their position. The road was situated between two bodies of water, a swamp situated inside a canyon-like system of eroded rocks by the east and the Draguitoise Coast by the west. The red pieces on the map detailed the Opfor of Haymaker, the Slaegians while Blue is represented as the UFEAF forces. Their army is split between two forces, Army Group West lead personally Major Holyfield will be consisting of Mechanized Marines and Armored Elements from the incoming 333rd Assault Division combined with the support of Aparo-aligned Mercenaries and half of the Aurora''s Airborne Soldiers from the 119th taking position in Souviel with their objective is to charge towards Haringpoint and seize the city. Army Group East on the meanwhile shall be led by the Colonel consisting of Polonsky''s own Colonial Defense Forces with motorized elements, the second half of the 119th Airborne Marines, the 53rd Engineering''s Assault Engineers and a Mercenary Armored Brigade, the Steel Breakers. East''s objective is to pincer attack Little Hill so it can be cut off from trying to break out and reinforce the softer but more s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e strategic targets of Vercourt and Neuogonia with the latter being the Operation''s ultimate prize. In addition to reinforcements, the UFE will enjoy a second carrier group to enter the Theater of War, Aurora''s sister ship, the Tenacity.


    "Scouts reported that this area here, called ''Marnia''s Bluff'', despite giving the most convenient access and a clear road from Souviel to Haringpoint is plagued by soil erosion, uneven terrain and several impassable areas. Most caravans need a guide to pass through this area safely and it is in the way for our Mechanized thrust into the Imperial Heartlands. This can also be used as a chokepoint if the Imperials decide to make a stand here. The Aurora doesn''t have the operational capacity to air lift then redeploy my Mechanized forces in a timely manner. We would have lost the element of surprise by then. But thanks to the Minister, I got an idea." Holyfield said.


    "Oh? Wait¡­ when did I?" Thomas Sight shivered.


    "The word ''Undercover''." Holyfield answered. "For our plan to work the element of surprise and speed is key. We need to keep the Enemy at places we want them to be so we can easily punch through them. Little Hill Fort is where they suspect us to be but the Empire would eventually know by now that we have a presence in Souviel. We need to learn more of the land before we can proceed everyone. Especially if there are any magical surprises waiting for us." He explained.


    "Speaking of Magic Major, what of Lieutenant Rose? Asset Le Fay? Have you forgot of her too?" White asked.


    "Of course not Governor, as we speak Project Witchwood is underway and we are making contact with the Dwarven Clans north of the Principality for leads on how to obtain Ghyranite and Actocolite from them." Holyfield informed. "A one Captain Mendoza is leading the expedition north as we speak and once, we can secure the supplies. We will send out our Engineers and Aparo''s to the location to build the Hecate Suit immediately. Doctor Mahelona and his team are both eager and wary of the Lieutenant''s arcane potential can be."


    "Weary?" Thomas sight inquired.


    "His team does not know how much longer or how well they can contain Asset Le Fay in her current state and Iris, Aliathra and King Martainne can do so much. I say it is time and the Party harness the powers of magic ourselves now. Lieutenant Rose will be our vanguard into this." Holyfield closed his fist in determination.


    "So is Marnia''s Bluff supposed to drove into or not?" Polonsky raised his hand to ask after a careful observation of Haymaker''s battleplans.


    "Drove through, it is our highway into the nerve center of the Empire, Harrinpoint once with the 53rd Engineering pave a proper road for Army Group West to gun it to the Capital in less than a day''s tops."


    "So have the 53rd build you, your road so you can push the rest of the Marines out of Souviel straight to Haringpoint and the rest of the job is to make the enemy think we will pour into Little Hill?" White asked for confirmation.


    "Correct. Besides, by the time the enemies have noticed what we just did we would have made it to Neugonia by now and beyond that is Open-Tank country. We just need to make the enemy over commit to that Fortress and when the offensive begins, we trap all of them inside as we despoil wherever we please in the Slaegian''s heartlands." Holyfield smiled.


    "Impressive, but how do we set up Army Group East?" White pressed.


    "Brute force and containment power are what we need here rather than the speed of Army Group West. Again, we are not taking Little Hill but trapping the forces inside and slowly choke them out while they see their homes in front of them be eaten up by our forces which are now left undefended." Holyfield said.


    "But didn''t you say that the Mountain Pass leading to the Empire''s lands is too impractical?" Polonsky interjected to bring his point across.


    "Who says we are using the Mountain Pass? It''s obvious already but we are all going to land everyone here." Holyfield pointed to a remarkable piece of land southwest of Little Hill Fort. According to the map, there is supposed to be a thick foiling of forest trees in that vicinity.


    "We can''t land an army in a forest." White said.


    "Then we REMOVE the Forest." Holyfield said.


    "You are not saying that we will Napalm the Forest just to have a landing zone for Army Group East to move in!" Polonsky protested. "What of the people of Vercourt? That is not some trees we are burning but their livelihood and thousands of plants and animals'' homes there."


    "Time is not on our side here people!" Holyfield flailed in exclamatives. "That forest must go or this Invasion is dead in the water." He pointed out.


    "But think of the Ecological and Economical damage we might invite when we do this. Vercourt is a lumber-centric settlement. I thought we come here in Peace? Not as marauders?" Polonsky pointed.


    "You bring good points to you two." The Governor placed his hands on the table to mediate.


    "Indeed, you do," Thomas added.


    "We have to make the landing but we most also account what damages we will inflict and, in my experience, I am a believer who must give just as much as he takes. There has to be a compromise between total annihilation of an entire ecologic-economic relationship between the natives?" the Governor defended his position.


    "It would be waste for such flora and fauna to go up in smoke. For what? One Empire''s hubris? Unfair, from a scientific perspective. Is there away to preserve them while still being able to get our strategic insertion into the Empire''s heartlands?" Thomas asked.


    "Hmm¡­ now that you mentioned it Sir." Polonsky scratched his chin. "I can send some SOG Teams their and capture some of those life forms if it makes a suitable compromise."


    "That is within acceptable parameters Colonel." The Governor nodded.


    "Know this again Polonsky, your team has only one week starting tomorrow to rescue whatever you can. When the time is up. I am burning that forest down until all is just ash." Holyfield reaffirmed.


    "Still, burning it down? I mean, the animals and plants their will be saved. But what of the people? It will still be the apocalypse for them." Polonsky said.


    "I thought you were the people person here?" Holyfield asks. "Just focus on boxing all of the Natives into a safe place and wait for this pointless war of theirs to blow over. Don''t even hesitate to use any measures necessary to keep them away from our advancing troops. Neuogonia must be captured at all cost."


    "I see, I will make sure of it. You make sure you do your part and keep this mess under control." Polonsky quietly nodded with his own return fire of words.


    "Then it is concluded." Governor White adjourned.


    ---------------------------------


    "Are you sure we should attempt this once again?" Emperor Uldin inquired to Grandmaster Owyne.


    "We need to find the other three Chosen ones and we needed them, yesterday milord." Grandmaster Owyne.


    A clandestine congregation of the Empire''s top Mages in the College of Magi in Haringpoint was quietly yet quickly rallying to the Great Hall. Like the last time such a gathering had occurred, taking Center Stage was the Mirror of Aunsellus, the Artifact with a now personal history for the Grandmaster Owyne as for Months before, he was left visually impaired by its awesome power as he attempted a dangerous Spell into peeking through the Future. What the last saw was, however, not of a bright new sun gleaming over a glowing new Slaegia but of its ashen death by the hands of the returning Demons straight from the legends themselves. Although his advisors, fellow faculty and even his personal physician recommended against it, the Grandmaster volunteered to wield the Mirror once again.


    This time, his objective was much more concrete and has previous experience in conducting similar rituals beforehand.


    Faithleann, known as Gweninejar, the Bane, maybe first of the Chosen One''s but the Sacred Crystal Heart says of two more Chosen Ones that is destined to save the world. One known as Estsygol, the Scholar and the other Rhannu-Prietar, the Share Holder. But they are of unknown name and even likeness to them. The Empire needs, no, MUST find these individuals and rally them to their cause before all is too late. The other two brands that the Heart bestowed flew in such a great velocity that not even the Empire''s best scouts could keep up. Grandmaster Owyne, however, has proposed a rather modest solution.


    The plan is to use the Mirror of Aunsellus again to perform a less expeditious version of the Clairvoyance spell. Instead of transversing time and space to see of events forthcoming to pass, he will instead use the spell to scry through his own cerebrum and then focus his mind to the Clairvoyance ritual channel to get the answers or at the very least a hint of what Owyne d.e.s.i.r.es the most, the Identity of the Chosen Estsygol and Rhannu-Prietar.


    "Hope they are much more, modest than Faithleann." Uldin commented.


    Emperor Uldin shared great optimism for the Grandmaster''s plan as the discovery and the eventual retrieval of the two other Chosen Ones will greatly bolster the chances of the Empire weathering this Crisis. He needs to address the Nobles and the Commoner''s fears after the rumors of Faithleann''s ''imperiousness'' was leaked throughout the realm. He was most excited for the Rhannu-Prietar, the Share Holder as he believes that this individual, whose name is synonymous with Selflessness will be a much more noble individual to handle compared to the plebeian that is Faithleann¡­ no¡­ Marchog Garmhaic. Even the Estsygol, the Scholar shared promise too. Perhaps his wisdom would be invaluable in these trying times for Gliesia.


    "You know, you remind me of that time when I presented Estrice and Arthurfir''s tutor." Owyne badgered. "I want them all to be modest to him you said."


    The Emperor''s heart skipped a beat upon the Grandmaster''s words. Ever since the arising of this Demon Crisis, he had forgotten to check on his children Princess Estrice and Prince Arthurfir, such is the blessed curse of having the luxury of attendants and servants to look after them most especially Estrice. There could never be any other better example of polar opposites than Estrice and Arthurfir. While Estrice vigorous, Arthurfir is sedentary. While Estrice aspires to be a great warrior in battle, Arthurfir prefers to be in the confines of the debative Forums. While Estrice is impassioned into the now, Arthurfir is quixotic of the future. Nonetheless, the Twins were still close to each other when it comes to living within the confines of the Palace. They were however of 15 years olds each due to their twin births, who were born quite later than normal for an average a.d.u.l.t at around 35 years old when the Emperor and his consort Lysithea bore them into the world. He used to be very busy back in his early reign as the Emperor often neglecting his family. Perhaps Uldin should take a break just for one moment to spend with her and the Twins after this ritual is over. His men were already working tirelessly to see that the Empire restores to what it should be and paranoia is starting to get the better of him. It would be good for the psyche to remind him of something much closer to his heart that he is fighting for.


    "Everyone! Places!" Owyne announced to the crowd as the congregation of Mages scrambled to their assigned seats.


    The most venerable of Mages were closest to the Mirror whilst the intermediates with experience in Channeling Magicks were farther away and that leaves the non-Mages such as Uldin himself, the Cadfriogion y Lleng and the Arglywyddi Cyfraith plus delegates. From his elevated booth, the Emperor can see Owyne descend upon the amassed congregation to the center stage where the crystalline artifact, second in prominence to the Sacred Crystal heart lay for all eyes in the room to see.


    Upon setting his two feet before its base, the Mages insufflate their courage for one hesitated moment before the enact the perilous endeavor.


    "Ohmm¡­" Owyne initiated pre-chanelling meditation.


    His vocal strumming followed by the raising of his Magic Staff was followed suit by the rest of the Mages.


    Glowing blue light of Mana began to surge out of the Mages Bodies as their collective channeling empowered the Mirror of Aunsellus to be activated in a luminous white light. After the articulative prompting of one of his constituents, the Grandmaster himself approached the Artifact and placed his hand upon it.


    Immediately, the enchantment''s energy surged within his body as he felt he had become one with the winds. To tell the truth, he felt like he had the powers of a God, yet unfortunately due to his human flaws, his power is temporary. He refocused himself as Owyne reminded himself of why he allowed himself into this ethereal state, to begin with. He began to think hard within himself, the one or in this case the two things he d.e.s.i.r.es right now.


    Rhannu-Prietar and Etsysygol.


    As the idea conceptualizes into his head, the Mirror of Aunsellus'' clairvoyant abilities surge anew as psionic energies bombarded his mind. Once he was with the Aetherium, the Winds of Magic now he feels he is one with all living beings. Already, like a hound''s nose perked to hunt its prey, Owyne scry far and wide for the Chosen Brands of the Shareholder and the Scholar. It was however, despite expeditiously searching every inch of everything''s and all''s minds he had a hard time finding them. He can hear the heads and thoughts of his mages within the room they share tenant in ranging from doubt, hope and anticipation. As he scries outward of the Capital, he can hear the thoughts of merchants bartering, mourners crying and children frol.i.c.k.i.n.g. The Grandmaster, as time passes can feel his cerebrum starting to get overwhelmed by the bombardment of thoughts flooding into his mind. But Owyn willed himself to persevere, he needs to find these Chosen Ones before all is lost again.


    Pushing back the noise of the insignificant rabble of the world, Owyne reached out East, pass the farmlands and granaries of the Empire''s hearth, pass the trading hub of Neuogonia, pass the rolling hills and waking seas of Souviel until finally, he had reached his limit. But as all hope began to feel lost, Owyne heard a faint, a small speck of dust of the two words he is familiar with.


    I am Rhannu Prietar. The Shareholder, I was given Magic.


    A Faint feminine voice lulled Owyne, almost relieving him for a second of the mental overload.


    Etsysygol, meaning Scholar, I will unlock the secrets of the Aether


    A deep masculine voice echoed.


    Owyne tried to reach out to these voices but the closer he tries to wade through the sea of thoughts, the more his mind reached its breaking point. Owyne, in desperation, reached out to the neural synapses of the source of where this Rhannu-Prietar woman and Estysygol man. Upon touching each of their Synapses, his cerebrum reached his limit and Owyne''s psychic line with Mirror of Aunsellus was broken.


    The neural feedback snapped back like the returning recoil of a stretched band as Grandmaster Owyne collapses unto the floor to the alarm of all of the congregation.


    Several of his colleagues held him up as Owyne mumbled incessantly with a drooping lip.


    Emperor Uldin descended to the stage as he pushed aside the Mages to reach his trusted confidant.


    "Owyne! Were you able to find out?" Uldin asked pleadingly.


    "Rhannu-Prietar!" Owyne yelled, saliva drooling from his fractured mind. "Samantha Rose!"


    "What?" Uldin asked.


    "Estysygol!" Owyne yelled again, now bumbling like a mad beggar in a slum. "David Mahelona!"


    "Are they?" Uldin pressed further. Was he speaking of the Brand holders'' names?


    "Rhannu-Prietar! Samantha Rose! Estysygol! David Mahelona!" Owyne repeatedly mumbled.


    "I¡­ I see." Uldin concluded, now in concert with what Owyne had discovered.


    The Emperor of the Slaegian Empire then turned to his right hand, his Prime Minister.


    "Set up a Bounty for all. Whoever can find me and bring to my palace these Ones, a ''Samantha Rose'' and a ''David Mahelona'' will be blissfully rewarded. They are the Chosen Ones!" Uldin ordered.


    "Yes milord, but forgive me, how can we find these names? I do not recall any of these names being something within our own or any other tongues I know of." The Prime Minister said.


    "Well, in my experience, the one named ''Mahelona'' is an Eastern Desert name by the sound of it. I know of the root word of ''Mahael'' meaning ''plentiful'' from those Deserts so maybe try searching East. The City-States there do favor a Scholar such as the Estysygol''s caliber." Uldin said.


    "What of this Samantha? The Shareholder?" the Prime Minister ask.


    "The southern frontier where our Colonies used to be, the word ''Samhain'' is an uncommon name for the women there so we could try to focus our search too Southeast of us beyond Tyr Rian." Uldin searched his inner library of knowledge of Ysanigrad''s history into action.


    "Beyond Tyr Rian? But that is where the Demons are located!" the Prime Minister exclaimed.


    "Then how about we motivate the searches with this! One Hundred thousand Ducats for the one who brings me the two Chosen Ones." Emperor Uldin decreed.


    The room gasped. One Hundred Thousand Ducats was enough to buy an entire castle and a township for oneself in comparison. It can also buy a fleet of Galleons, a half-decade''s supply of Mana Crystals or even the services and production of some mythically hard to craft weapons and armors, specifically of the materials of Ghyranite and Actocolite.


    "Each." Uldin added.


    There was no hesitation upon hearing the Emperor''s words after that. Like fire, his decree from the sanctums of the College of Magi began to spread about to the Empire. Now there other two hopes dangling upon the names of ''Samantha Rose'' and ''David Mahelona''.


    ------------------------------------


    "Rhannu-Prietar and Estysygol? I wonder what they may look like?" Olayra wondered.


    She was bubbly upon the early part of their excursion out of the Capital after a very flower-covered parade through its streets as well-wishers blessed them for a fruitful Heroic Quest. Faithleann Garmhaic, the Bane of Demons, still couldn''t get over the fact of his newborn status. He fancied and basked on the glorious images of his accompanying retinue that he was blessed to receive. The silvery armored legionnaires, the majestic Knights, the opulent Mages, Mercenary Skirmishers of various forms of reaches and all the rest were at his side. By the accounts of Marchog Faughn, Faithleann''s retinue is over 500 strong of combatants with about over 100 of support workers ranging from doctors, surgeons, cooks, blacksmiths, armorers, foragers, hunters, camp follower sand alchemists to provide all the items and services that soldiers cannot live without. There was also money left within the allowance that Emperor Uldin gave to Faithleann to allow expansion when the need arises but from that point on, the rest of maintaining his finances was up to his own merits.


    Olayra was assigned to be closest to Faithleann''s side, about two formations from the Vanguard providing academic counsel and soothsaying to the Chosen One. The small army''s destination to is the City of Mountassone. A Human and Dwarfen influenced city below the Ostalroc Mountain''s base. There they will meet a contact from the Miner''s Guild of the Dwarven Clan Kur Faldhur who will hand them over the Ghyranite and Actocolite materials that Faithleann and his men will need to arm themselves properly for the fight against the Demons.


    "They do not sound too exciting. ''The Scholar'' and the ''Share Holder''?" Faithleann scoffed. "I am the one with the will and the brawns to defeat all of the Demons. So, you should stand back and let me take all of the fightings." He flexed.


    "Oh, don''t be so c.o.c.ky. I may be glad you are at our side now but if you are to combine your strength with the bearers of the brand of Rhannu-Prietar and Estysygol our forces would be able to bring down the invaders." Olayra counseled.


    "Pah! A Scholar is too weak to fight a damn cub with what? His pen? The sword is mightier than that." Faithleann spat. "And ''the Share Holder''? What kind of name is that anyway? What can he share? If it is not power than it is no use to me and this army."


    After all of Faithleann''s hubristic boast, Olayra began to feel upset being under the young man''s presence. He doesn''t know how to count his blessings well and yet he still boasts that he needs no help from the other two missing Chosen Ones.


    "You do realize I too am a Scholar like the Estysygol, Faithleann?" Olayra reprimanded. "Knowledge can be used to help people and improve society."


    "Be silent Ilfyrciad! What can you do but speak in tongues and learn to write? You know nothing of us common folk. All you do all day is read-read-read and talk-talk-talk. ''Fury-rise'' this and ''con-sept'' that!" Faithleann mocked. "The world needs more hard-strong men like me where might, will and bravery prevails. Wars are not won by words, but through blood and guts! Scholars are only good as scribes to record all heroics and romance."


    "You dim-witted peasant!" Olayra lunged at Faithleann.


    "Quiet children all of you!" Karliah intervened.


    The White Mage gently pushed the two quarreling young ones away from each other just as Olayra was about to claw Faithleann with her ink-stained hands.


    "How dare you try to assault the Chosen One!" Faithleann scornfully shouted.


    "How dare you belittle me and people like me Little Fish!" Olayra stuck her tongue out and walked off.


    "Little Fish?" Faithleann was left dumbstruck by the Scholar Girl''s statement.


    It had been a long time since anyone had called him that nickname. About around the time he was still yet to have the first strands of puberty hit him, among his circle of friends, Faithleann was for a long time, was the first of his generation of Children from Clervuite to learn how to swim. Most villagers his age and even grown a.d.u.l.ts have a hard time swimming around the lake and river nearby his home. That is how he was called by everyone for awhile the term ''Little Fish'' for his aquatic prowess. This Olayra, a girl just about his age was one of his old playmates?


    "Faithleann! Chosen One! You do not behave like that." Karliah scolded.


    "I¡­ I¡­" Faithleann crumbled.


    "These people that have rallied under your banner deserves some respect. Besides, the Scholar Girl is right, by the time we finish arming our army here we need to find Rhannu-Prietar and Estysygol soon. These men are fighting with you so they can see their families and homes tomorrow and you are just there belittling them because they aren''t ''Chosen'' like you?" Karliah said. The boy''s pretentious attitude was getting into her nerves being struck violently like an Archer in the heat of a battle.


    "I know." Faithleann sunk his head. "You are right."


    "Hooah!" Mita the Crow halted her horse. She had been galloping from the opposite direction from where the Scouts of Faithleann''s army were busy studying and then immediately reporting upon the Terrain.


    "Crowmaster! Something to Report I assume?" Marchog Gratianus asked.


    "Indeed, I just heard from a nearby Grey Order Office that they have a Quest that should test Faithleann''s mettle for the first time." Mita bowed.


    "Oh? A Quest? My very first quest!" Faithleann smiled.


    "Indeed, the Quest giver, the Town''s Sheriff said that there is an Evil Sorcerer that has been giving a plague curse to his town and you must help him get rid off him and he will pledge some supplies for us and some brave men to our army." Mita nodded.


    "Sounds perfect for you to get some action." Gratianus nodded. "Maybe just have you, me, Petur, Findrum and Karliah accompany you to the villain''s lair and let''s see what that Brand of yours can do. Shall we boy?" the old Knight proposed.


    He had always been a great mentor for the newly dubbed Knight as Faithleann can attest. Teaching him the codes of Chivalry, wearing plate armor by himself without the aid of a squire and teaching him how to ride the very white horse he saddled himself atop of. Still, that Olayra girl that he belittled, he couldn''t get out of his mind¡­ he never recalled a girl named Olayra in his childhood, but there were several girls back in Clervuite who shared her chilly personality and brunette hair. He will have to when he has the time to spare, walk up and apologize to her and makeup.


    ------------------------------------


    Upon the stately halls of the Royal Elven Palace of the Ethuilen Entente, a gathering was organized. But instead of the sophisticated tunes and nightly party chatter that often give the Manse a prestigious honor if one is invited to its legendary Balls was instead the antithetical description. No colorful banners, no flowers raining lively like the spring rising nor the attendees came in a rainbow palette of party wear, instead, the Palace held a more melancholic aura. Visitors and Tenants of the opulent manse remained silent as they dressed in mono-ebony robes depict their aching. For starting today, as the Lareththor''s decree shall be a Month of Mourning for their youngest child, Princess Aliathra had died, officially by being killed by the Demons. Outside the Royal Palace was no different as the Ethuilen Capital''s streets, once alive with activity had effectively ceased operations for the duration of this time of lamentation.


    Aliathra''s Funeral took place at the Palace''s Private Dock where the Lareththor''s personal Galleon, used by the family for tours across all of Gliesia, was made room to accommodate scores of Nobles and visiting dignitaries who wish to pay their respects and solidarity to the bereaved family. Under traditional funerary rites, Aliathra''s hyperbolic corpse would enjoy a public wide visitation with incense burnings and mummification. But due to never founding her body, the secondary funerary ritual, one designed for such an occasion would suffice. Aliathra''s personal belongings ranging from dresses, a few of her childhood trinkets, a saddle, articles of jewelry of both magical and non-magical nature, her Academy uniform and finally her first Magical staff. In addition to the princess'' Memorial Service, King Aslanidor was generous enough to also allow a collective memorial service for the dead Sefydliad staff who died in Souviel to be sent off with military honors in the same vein how Aliathra''s sent off is constructed. A large makeshift galleon filled with all of their cherished belongings with Aliathra''s spot taking the frontmost point of the ship was made with a haphazard and not-seaworthy structure in addition to being pre-doused in flammable oil. The reason being that the ship was purely symbolic as the rite intends that after getting a good distance from the gathered mourners, an archer, in this case, Prince Valorion, Aliathra''s brother would shoot a flaming arrow to the ship to set it alight.


    The boat heading off to sea and its ignition has two meanings. The former, being the journey onwards to the afterlife for Aliathra, the deceased Sefydliad, Ambassador Thelanil and the Embassy Staff. While the latter is to help purify the soul, clean of mind and clarity of consciousness as for the standard cremation rites of the Elves.


    Officially as the story goes, Aliathra''s death alongside the Sefydliad, Rainbow Helms and Elite Warriors that were sent to Souviel had died by the hands of the Demons. However only the Royal Family, Marxian, Lyndis and a select upper echelons of the Ethuilen''s ruling class know the true story. Aslanidor swore that he will, to avenge his daughter, expend as much as he can to the Slaegians once he has been given the time to shed a tear for his loss, and it is rare for him to even express any emotion outside of stoicism as his close confidants can testify. The two surviving Siblings, Aliathra to them, despite being a darling to the public they knew she was ultimately a pawn in the grand scheme of things. Her destiny, unlike Valorion becoming the new Patriarch with a prestigious position in the Ethuilen military circles and the Ithiel becoming the new Queen of all of the Ethuilen Elves. Aliathra''s fate was to be married off to House Siannodel to bear strong heirs and assist in the ruling of their entitled lands.


    But for Queen Elisven, the most intrepid and the eldest of the Lareththor family, she was all at fault.


    "Aliathra! My sweet Aliathra!" the Queen Mother wailed as she blew her tears and clogging from her napkin. "I shouldn''t have let you go to Ysanigard to perish and be dammed like this by Forces of Darkness! I am so sorry my poor daughter! I killed you! I dammed you!" she cried unceasingly for all of the Elven Nobility to see.


    "Enough Elisven! No number of tears from you can bring our Aliathra back." King Aslanidor said to his Queen.


    "But it was your Idea to send her out in the world and gain ''some worldly experience'' before you could accept her back home fully as a m.a.t.u.r.e and proper lady." Elisven argued.


    "Well it was your idea to send her to Ysanigrad when we could have sent her to the Border!" King Aslanidor, very publicly, argued back.


    "She should meet new peoples, see other cultures! There is more to life out there than here." Elisven returned fire.


    "Mother! Father! Stop this now, not here in front of everyone!" Ithiel, also known by her human nickname, Lunafreia mediated. "Now is not the time to argue on who is at fault and its neither your fault! The Demons, the Otherworlder''s they killed Aliathra not you." She pointed out.


    "Either way, Aliathra was incredibly reckless to go confront these Demons on her own. The Sefydliad aren''t meant to be fighting armies out in the open like that. As much as mother''s fault for sending dear sister to the belly of the beast-like that, Ali is equally to be blamed for allowing herself to be killed when she should have easily succeeded." Valorion interjected.


    "Well! Well!" an ominous voice echoed above them startling the Lareththor''s and the Funeral attendees.


    "Who is there? Show yourself!" Aslanidor challenged.


    "It''s me again¡­''ambassador'' Raisar at your service and in your presence once again." The voice said.


    A humanoid figure appeared before them by the Dock''s windows and with a grand spectacle that was an entrance that resulted in the window''s destruction that he appeared before the gathering of Elves.


    The Royal Guards, the Rainbow Helmets immediately formed circle to protect the surviving members of the Lareththor Family as the uninvited figure readied his voice.


    "You never cease to entertain me and the Midnight Camarilla," Raisar said. "A Funeral turned into a Family squabble, between the Royals no less!" he scoffed at them.


    The Black Tree Pact, the ruling class of the estranged kin of the Ethuilen Elves are run by a Council of twenty individuals known as the Midnight Camarilla due to their physical table that they hold there in-person meetings on was made from the same ebony tree that the Black Tree Pact was formed on. Each chairperson of the Camarilla controls a certain aspect of the Black Tree Pact''s nationhood ranging from the military, the navy, agriculture, industry, and etcetera. The Camarilla''s seats are descendants of the original twenty Elven Lords who broke away from the Ethuilen Entente many centuries ago.


    Officially, there is no ambassador for the Black Tree Pact due to the bad blood between the two conflicting Elven Nations. Raisar, was just only accepted into the Ethuilen society barely by the fact that he is the messenger between Ethuilen and the Black Tree Pact, hence is an unofficial title as the ''ambassador''. Although for Raisar''s own insistence, the term he prefers is the more frightening ''Mouth''.


    "Why are you here Raisar? How dare you come here at such a hurtful day especially as you are not Invited here!" Aslanidor said to the Black Tree ''ambassador''.


    "Why should I need an invitation" Raisar shrugged. "As the Mouth of the Midnight Camarilla, I am merely doing my duty as the Camarilla says to pay final respect to the Royal Princess whose life was oh so cut off prem.a.t.u.r.ely because of her not¡ªso-proper combat skills against the demon horde, unlike our very own daughter Vultara."


    "Do not compare my Daughter to that bloodthirsty whore." Queen Elisven curbed the messenger.


    "I am just saying the hard truth!" Raisar defended. "Don''t be so tense your highness! Our way is obviously the stronger way compared to your softness and so-called enlightenment! The humans were fools to not request our help! We are the conqueror of many lands so we know to exactly deal with these Barbarians. The human and other races like the Dwarves would suffer dearly against these so-called Otherworlders if they didn''t seek our help instead."


    The Nobles began to rumormonger at this slight crack in the Royal Family''s aura of prestige. This failure, brought to light by the Black Elf was now stain to Ethuilen''s honor. In their shared history, the Black Tree Pact was the more daring of the Elven demographics. Able to keel over many lands and peoples through intimidation, economic might of several world-breaking strategic resources such as the Majority of Alfel Nora''s Star Metal and Stynyfig Wood, there charismatic leadership that allows their core people''s loyal cohesion and their intimidation through economic charisma. If that wasn''t enough, they can always send their Armies of heavily armed and well versed in the arts of mass slaughter soldiers, assassins, archers and monstrous beasts to your lands to demonstrate their ''Superior Ways''. One can ask the Yeojegung and the Nagadhya for their first hand experiences with the Black Tree Pact.


    "What do you really want Raisar?" Valorion asked.


    "Sit back and watch as we, the Black Tree Pact wash you all away like the waves eroding the stone. We will prove to you that the humans and other younger Races needs to be grateful to us not to you." He boasted. "Your nurturing ways has only made the younger races fat and decadent, too kind-hearted for the burdens of ruling. Take a look at yourselves! Your princess fell to the demon because she was not strong enough. If she was every little bit of a warrior like Vultara and you King Aslanidor and Queen Elisven was as assertive as the Twenty she would never end up dead." Raisar smugly smiled.


    "What makes you think the Empire would listen to you of all people?" Queen Elisven asked.


    "As we speak, the Midnight Camarilla has already sent an expeditionary force of our armies with the help of Tavai Mercenaries to Ysanigrad right at this moment. We will offer our blade to the kin of Caldell Slaegiac just as the Pact''s forefathers that your grandfather had oh so denied their duly reward centuries ago. The Army will best the Demons so well in combat that the Empire will prostrate to us in our Superior Ways. They will choose as their new patrons and the Elves will finally claim their rightful place as Shepherds of this World unlike you soft-guts." He belittled them.


    "Get out!" Queen Elisven flailed her arms wanting to see this condescending messenger be banished from her sight. Her heart cannot take it.


    "Talk so proud all you want Blackened One! But tell your treasonous kin and their armies that based on the report of the Sefydliad, the Otherworlders must not be underestimated." King Aslanidor raised his fist.


    "Be yourself Ethuilen, at least I struck a nerve today and that is all that matters today. Do not come crying to me when the Empire and the rest of Gliesia comes to me for patronage and NOT you. I shall take my leave." Raisar disappeared.


    "Milord! We cannot allow the Black Tree Pact to humiliate us like this!" Valorion said.


    "Indeed, we should allow the give only our best might to the Empire in fighting against the Demons." Queen Elisven pleaded.


    "Aliathra maybe dead but I personally volunteer to lead the finest regiments of Rainbow Helms, Swordsingers, Gladehearth Knights, War Dancers and Rangers to assist the Empire and end this Demonic threat both to avenge her and our family''s honor." Valorion palmed his hand and saluted with a bow.


    "My son! You must not---" Elisven tried to stop her maverick child but her husband cut her off.


    "If we do not stop them in Ysanigrad first, then they will come for us next my dear. We must remind the world once again our might." Aslanidor said.


    "Indeed, we can stay here and continue to watch our traitorous kin to the West less they maybe opportunity to ignite old vengeance." Ithiel supported her father.


    "Please before you go!" one of the Nobles pushed his way through the Royal Family only to be stopped by their bodyguards.


    But the Lareththors weren''t alarmed for the man that haphazardly rushed towards them was someone familiar to them. The Lord of Siannodel and Aliathra''s would have been groom-to-be Ser Ylyndar. Siannodel Province where the city of Ayagroth, nicknamed ''Arsenal'' is situated in. Famed for their Arcane Smithy''s and Wood Works creating the Elves best weapons, armor and sh.i.p.s across the land. Additionally, Ser Ylyndar was a childhood friend of the Royal Scions of the Lareththor''s.


    "Milord, I feel like I still owe you something despite our arrangement together being unceremoniously broken due to extra-fortuitous calamity, I gift you this." Ylyndar presented. "It was meant to be my dowry for her."


    Presented to him was the Phial of Potential. Only very few of these items existed throughout the world and House Siannodel closely guards its secrets from even the Sefydliad and the Royal Family. It is said when induced with certain kinds of liquid, the Phial''s magical properties can transmute the liquid into something much more useful for the intrepid user. For example, water can become a stamina potion, wine can become a healing potion, the extract from a healing plant can become a cure-all antidote plus many more.


    "The Phial of Potential! I thought you Siannodel''s keep this for your best Warriors only." Valorion''s eyes widened.


    "I wanted to give this Aliathra myself at more sanguine of days as I believe she would use it for good when she comes to my side in ruling Siannodel. But now, I believe you need this more than she does. Do it for her, in memory of our friendship together." Ylyndar said.


    "I thank you." Valorion nodded.


    "You can also count on my support too." Shelara, the wife of the late Ambassador to Souviel, Thelanil stood up.


    She too was joined by the families of the deceased Elves who perished in Souviel. They were no warriors or soldiers but they would gladly give material support if it means vengeance as Valorion can attest.


    The Elven Prince turned to his family, now seeing the fire in his eyes, and with cold-determination gave their blessing to him as soon as their eyes locked. The young Prince, the only son of King Aslanidor and Elsiven, middle child of the three royal siblings is a young-blooded but accomplished in his own right General of the Elven Armies raised his sword to the ceiling to salute to the Conquest God Wuidall and to his twin sister the Defender Goddess Khana for their blessing. He specializes and drilling his troops to compact themselves into tight and impregnable formations ranging from Circles, Squares, Tortoise and Shield Wall formations for infantry. Wedges and Diamonds for Cavalry too in addition to the Arcane force multiplication of his Mages.


    "Rally the Houses!" Valorion roused. "The Ethuilen Elves march for war! To Ysanigrad we go!" he leads.


    ---------------------


    Tokyo, the Capital of Japan, was a city of contrasts as Clovich can testify. There were similar crystal spires that littered the metropolis streets, yet there were also these regional styles, in lo of the traditional Japanese style as his guide pointed out also inhabiting the city streets. According to Miss Isabel''s explanations, although the Japanese were a modern thinking people, there were still some remnants of their olden days that they keep around and maintained for centuries. This resilience of traditions yet still progressive thinking that these islanders display intrigue him. As he disembarked the Hanjin-Shibusawa Ultrajet that he had boarded with his entourage he was gifted with a flowery welcome by the locals with warm welcoming smiles. They waved a flag of pure white with an oversized crimson dot at its centerpiece and no more while banners that say ''Welcome, Otherworlder.'' From up above him. Some of the people who greeted him wore robes similar to the style of the Yeojegung or Foxfolk as he remembered dealing with a trader from the region but are of a more compact result to form fit their bodies as the difference shows. The Imperial Herald, Ser Mah-sa-ca-zoo Nah-kah-moo-rah guided the Prince to an awaiting vehicle that paraded him across Tokyo''s streets triumphantly. He had never seen such jubilation for the arrival of someone such as himself could see. All eyes were on him as he arrived to his destination. A great white castle, surrounded by a moat with black tiled roofs were before him with a bridge similarly designed by one other bridge in connects the main entrance between him and the actual castle. Upon crossing the bridge, he find himself at the castles entrance door, it was not grand nor functional in terms for defense but was merely for show instead.


    Does this Emperor not care for his own protection?


    As he stood there to think about what this meeting with this Island Emperor could entail for him and Tyr Rian''s future, the gate slide sideways opens revealing a man and a woman dressed in more opulent versions of the traditional robes apparently native to Japan. The male wore a bi-colored robe that flow down to his knees. The garment''s color is of orange and white made of shimmering silk with the betrayal of light had a few faint designs that tickled the Prince''s eyes. The male also wore a headdress that grew a slight bump on his short black hair with what looks like a needle or two nails hammered across opposite sides of a large tongue-like appendage reaching out a few inches upwards. For the female, she wore a much more sophisticated dress. One of a thick, baggy and longer length of garments compared to the male with the contrasting color of red and orange being her choice of wear for this occasion. She wore her hair back to accommodate a three-pronged golden tiara that reached out several inches adorned with smaller separate pieces of Gold too. Strangely enough, only the woman had jewelry on her person. Was the woman the ''Emperor'' and the male her consort? Was Japan a Matriarchal society?


    The Male walked forward, while his female counterpart stayed behind in reserve. The orange dressed man humbly bowed down to Clovich as he finally stood face to face with the Otherworldly Prince.


    "I am Emperor Shinharu. Welcome to Japan." The man said.


    He rose back up from his bow and briefly looked at the Tyr Rianni Prince with his own two eyes.


    "You have my Ancestor''s eyes." Emperor Shinahru complemented.

 Chapter 39 - Branching Out

    "Miss Cadohagan, a p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to have you here again." Colonel Polonsky welcomed the Vampire Witch to his office.


    It was a modest room with spaciousness and tranquility in mind for the Colonial Defense Forces'' Commander.


    "A p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e for summoning me." Iris smiled. "You brought me here for some new issue that requires my attention?" the Vampire Witch wasted no time getting to business.


    "Of course, let us focus on the present, shall we? Lieutenant Samantha Rose. Has her training reached satisfactory achievement?" the Colonel asked.


    "Indeed, Ladui Rose has proven to be a prodigious student, able to diligently practice her techniques with discipline and this is coming from someone like myself," Iris answered.


    "Unsurprising for a Westpoint Graduate. They have taught her well." The Colonel remarked. "You are no teacher though." Polonsky cross-referenced Iris. A slight chide from his tone reverberated on his frugal chamber.


    "I mean as a Sochairfuil." Iris corrected. "


    "So¡ª" Polonsky furloughed his eyebrow.


    "That is what we are called, at least by the Inquisitors. Our Vampirism and our extraordinary gift of Magic and all. It means ''They whose blood has been Gifted.''." Iris explained.


    "Oh, I get it. So that''s what you are called." Polonsky nodded.


    He remembers the details of King Martainne, Iris'' Lich of Grandfather''s efforts on attaining power for himself and his next of kindred. Artificially bestowing the power to be able to cast Magic. A fitting but marred name due to its malicious origins.


    "That does remind me. When is the happening with Ladui Rose''s special garments coming together?" she asked.


    "Right now, I have some men obtaining the materials for Samantha''s Hecate Suit as we speak by the Ostalrocs." He answered.


    "Hecate? What does Hecate mean?" Iris asked.


    "From our myths actually." Polonsky chuckled. "You know, you are about to say again, ''but you are like Gods! You Gods can have myths?''."


    "I would have said that." Iris chuckled back.


    "Hey, everyone is getting used to it now to you Iris. Me included." He clicked. "But anyways, about Hecate. She is the Ancient Goddess of our world or at least from a place called Greece whose domain would fall into magic, witchcraft, nighttime, moons, ghost, and necromancy. I mean, we barely have a box for appropriate names to label everything you know and ''Hecate'' has a¡­ kick to it." The Colonel explained.


    "How come I wasn''t called ''Hecate''? This mythological goddess of yours would be a more appropriate name for me than ''sack-a-jee-way-a''." she humored.


    "Well Hecate didn''t translate an entire language to some people who didn''t have a clue or context to the language. Your name ''Sacagawea'' was more than a match for your uses for us." He heartily answered.


    "Who is this Sacka-a-jee-way-a woman you speak of so much about me?" the Witch inquired.


    "A lady who in our history guided a group of adventurers through a foreign land which that she was a native of. You are like her because you are doing exactly the same thing she was with those adventurers." Polonsky laconically explained.


    "That is a most intriguing tale." Iris gave her remarks "But was Sack-a-jee-way-a a witch like me?" she asked.


    "Touch¨¦." the Colonel wiggled his finger blithely.


    "Two of what?" Iris asked.


    "It''s a word when we say that someone gave me a good argument over something. Basically, you have a point Iris but we can''t change it no more. Just stick to being called ''Sacagewea'' for now okay my dear?" Polonsky asked.


    "I can live with that as long as you can guarantee me and my grandfather''s protection." Iris reaffirmed.


    "Of course, your skills are most welcome to us which reminds me of the other reason why I have called you here." Polonsky removed his reading glasses.


    But just as he was about to divulge the subject, his office door was barged open as a frantic Communications Officer carrying with him a rugged military-grade laptop on his person.


    "Explain yourself, Officer!" Polonsky soured his voice to address the unexpected guest.


    "Apologies Colonel. But I got an urgent call from Captain Mendoza and Jaguar Group." The Officer explained his intrusion.


    "The Ostalroc team? Are they in trouble?" Polonsky asked, his face paled into concern.


    "No, they say that they have discovered something that requires immediate attention."


    The Officer then proceed to lay the laptop on Polonsky''s desk as he flickered with the glowing buttons to open up the computer''s windows. A flurry of images of rocky mountainous terrain lay b.a.r.e before the Colonel as he studied the recordings of various mediums, ranging from video, audio and visual yet strangely no live person to person talk with the Jaguar Group''s leader. Previously, the Captain was a Sergeant but after a few brief instances of exceptional leadership skills he was promoted to the current position he has held now today.


    "Jaguar Group discovered a caravan of Ghyranite and Actocolite being shipped down the Mountains heading West to where the Empire is." The Officer explained.


    "I see, what of Captain Mendoza and Jaguar Group?" Polonsky asked, questioning the lack of live communications.


    "He went dark but the Laser Designations are still live so its best we can presume they are still combat effective. They request a strike team deployed with Super Ospreys to take down and steal the merchandise." The Officer said.


    "Merchandise? Stealing Ghyranite and Actocolite from the Dwarves and the Empire? That is a declaration of war!" Iris exclaimed.


    The other two men in the room ignored the native woman''s consideration as the Elephant in the room was still yet to be fully addressed.


    "How was Mendoza able to find this?" Polonsky asked.


    "Mirrien''s old home Clan Hold¡­ or city, as we would call it of Nirnkarim, has many interconnected Mining Guilds across the Ostalrocs, as you know, the mountain range is a rich mineral deposit with Ghyranite and Actocolite being one of the most lucrative resources in the market throughout Gliesia. With some coercion, we were able to know the location of the caravan and have already taken a position following it. They even got how much of the stuff is being shipped out too." The Officer informed.


    "How much?" Polonsky asked.


    "About two-hundred ingots of each Sir." The Officer replied.


    Polonsky deliberated for a moment, he knew that this is an opportunity to secure the said resources that Doctor Mahelona needs for his experiments with Samantha but he also knew that going forth with this plan means no going back for any means of peaceful dialogue with the natives. But then again, as Polonsky can detest, 400 ingots of Ghyranite and Actocolite are a lot of materials and Mahelona only needs just a dozen kilograms worth of each of those two minerals to make the Hecate Suit. These ingots had no other uses for the common Gliesian outside of outfitting master-crafted weapons and armor. It was already an obvious choice the moment he had heard of the volume of cargo being shipped.


    "You heard the captain. Get me the next available Strike Team with a Super Osprey wings to fly off at Jaguar Group''s location. Orders are to secure the entirety of that shipment. Tell Captain Mendoza he will get the help that he needs. Revive live communications with him at the stat now." Polonsky ordered.


    "Affirmative sir." The Communication Officer saluted and made his exit.


    "Ser Polonsky, do you know of the consequences of what you just ordered your men to do?" Iris charmingly giggled.


    "It''s called ''Asset Denial'' back in the academy Iris. I know of the consequences and I will take it." He sighed. "Mis Cadohagan, you do know that the Slaegians and their allies are gearing up to come here and slaughter everyone in Tyr Rian for this stupid prophecy of theirs?"


    The Vampire Witch confirmed quietly.


    "Me and the rest of the High Table with the Governor, the Major and the Minister have decided that a good defense against them is a good offense to stop them. Permanently. Which is what I was about to ask you to help us do the opposite." Polonsky said.


    "I beg your pardon?" Iris couldn''t believe what the Colonel just said. The opposite of what she had just said: The Federation wants to march their troops to the Empire?


    "I did not stutter Iris. The Federation is planning a grand offensive against the Empire. Remember what Thomas Sight said about what they do to threats?" Polonsky reminded.


    "What they cannot control, they WILL destroy." Iris repeated the Minister''s words.


    "Exactly." Polonsky nodded. "Let me spare you the long story as you probably know by now that we can have men swarming the Empire''s heartlands in about a week with their Legion''s dead or scattered." the Colonel said.


    "In a matter of days? How? The empire is vast and has many soldiers in garrisoning many forts and settlements." Iris asked.


    "It''s called Blitzkrieg or ''Lightning War'' Miss Cadohagan. It is the military doctrine to describe a method of offensive warfare designed to strike a swift, focused blow at an enemy using mobile, maneuverable forces, including armored tanks and air support. Such an attack ideally leads to a quick victory, limiting the loss of soldiers and artillery. Believe me, the Party knows conflict is inevitable and they wish to start it and end it fast hence the name of our grand task is called Haymaker." Polonsky explained.


    "That is an odd title. A Haymaker is just a job a Serf does to cut Feed for farm animals. It lacks chalance, some charm to it." Iris furloughed.


    "In our world, Haymaker, named after the scything motion that those serfs do mean a punch that is struck so hard that it has the potential to knock someone out in one swift blow," Polonsky explained.


    "Interesting." Iris nodded with an amused smile. "I can imagine that motion. Many others tried to fight the Empire and failed miserably; the Daosne, the Suzerainities, the Southern Tribes, the Orcs, the Tavai and my grandfather included. But knowing you and the federation, well, I have no reason not to believe you for a people who can create miniature suns and cross the world in one day." She chided.


    "You''re getting the picture now? Good, you should have no love for the Empire are you not?" Polonsky asked.


    "They killed my father and forced me and my fellow Sochairfuil to hide for their lives. I have no love for them for I wish to see the Inquisition be destroyed in its entirety." Iris asked.


    "Can we also count on your kin too for help?" Polonsky asked.


    "When they see the Inquisitors, who had tried to hunt them into extinction disappear from the streets and when they hear my grandfather''s clarion call, they will know it is time. They may be scattered right now, hiding in the shadows or in plain sight but I know of the location of a Coven of them." Iris informed.


    "I will keep that in mind Miss Cadohagan. But let us discuss your role in during Operation Haymaker just so you know what is expected of you when the day arrives."


    The Colonel takes a deep breath to ready himself to divulge Haymaker''s designs.


    "I will need you, Samantha and Aliathra to conduct anti-Mage operations with the rest of Stryder Team for both theaters. Takedown Mages, destroy chats, maybe getting more of those rare Magical Artifacts that Doctor Mahelona wants to get his hands on, if its Arcane then you have to get it. My Recon Teams will be painting the targets for you and Stryder to eliminate as soon as they report so all you have to do is just search them out and destroy them all." Polonsky explained.


    "A Theater? I thought we are bringing down the Empire? Not putting on a show for them." Iris questioned.


    "We are putting on a show. A ''Show of Force'' Miss Cadohagan. All I just want to know that once this war kicks in I can count on you three to do your part and fight off whatever those Imperials would throw at us. By any chance do you know anything about the Empire''s battle tactics?" Polonsky replied before returning with another question for the Vampire Witch.


    "If I and the rest of the Sochairfuil no longer have to hide in fear no longer then I will gladly accept this great task. However, for your other question, I maybe a reclusive scholar but Army Strategies is something beyond me I am afraid. My Grandfather might have some experience but that was centuries ago. They likely have changed overtime." Iris answered.


    "That is disappointing to here, but I didn''t expect much from you on that, forgive me if I offended you." He apologized.


    "None taken." Iris smiled.


    "One last thing Iris, how is the new house that the Party provided you?" Polonsky asked.


    "Oh, around the same size as my old home. I just ordered somethings from Aparo Corporation to be delivered to my home to be much more homely. Speaking of that, Corporal Mudwin, Kayin has been oh so very helpful ''warming'' my new home with his help yesterday." Iris licked her lips daintly. She can still remember his taste.


    "Although," the Vampire Witch added. "I am still¡­ a bit wary of sharing it with another person." Iris commented about her housemate Aliathra Lareththor.


    "Rest assured that Miss Lareththor''s cooperation with you is in her and her country''s best interest, regardless of your historical grievances between your Vam--- I mean Sochairfuil and the Elves." He gave his word.


    "It''s not her ''cooperation'' for our endeavor with Ladui Rose that I am concerned about. It is her composure."


    -------------------------------


    Outside of the footsteps of her new enaliath, her new home, Aliathra Lareththor twiddled her hands as she made the flower seeds, she had found scattered wildly on its native Verden River Valley Biome. She wallows over the precious green earth that surrounded the plot of her new shared home with the ''Unholy Creature'' that is Iris Cadohagan. But alas, fate dictates that she must live together with the Vampire Witch less a fate worse than death befalls her loved ones. But even then, she can still imagine her funeral, likely happening miles away from her at her native Alfel-Nora where they mourned her damned doom. She used to be a beloved figure, the role-model Elven Maiden, quintessential to her rather peculiar sister who displayed a few tomboyish behaviors but even then, she was still the Lareththor, the most Arcanically gifted household in all of Alfel Nora due to the existing Elven culture of Magically-focused Eugenics. It is said that the first-born child of Elven Couples will inherit the best possible Arcane inheritance from the two parents. Ithiel was the most magically gifted of the Lareththor siblings, displaying a pantological affinity in all Schools and modes of teaching for Magic. As for her brother Valorion, he has an affinity for the application of Wind Magic to liquidate the maneuver and range of his troop''s movements, specifically a line infantry of hybrid spear and bowmen with cavalry on the wings. For her parents, her father Aslanidor was a famed Bladesinger of the Dragon style during his youth, fighting off savage monsters, pirates, tournament opponents, and the occasional Black Tree skirmish. As for her mother, she has got to say that she had inherited more from the most recent outsider of the Lareththor family to help maintain the Royal Lineage''s Arcane supremacy throughout the land. Queen Elisven''s affinity in the arts of healing and alteration was a trait passed down in its entirety to Aliathra as she can attest.


    "Oh Goddess, why am I still alive? Just to suffer?" Aliathra prayed as she made the flower seeds bloom on the n.a.k.e.d palm of her hands.


    The wind suddenly began to pick up as the fragile flora on her palm was blown off away by the wind''s titanic force, their lack of a foundation, unable to withstand the wind''s breath.


    Aliathra covered her eyes as leaves, loose dirt, and dust kicked around her as an encapsulating shadow hovered over her enaliath. Upon her investigation, by looking up there she saw the very thing that became the symbol of her journey. One of the Federation''s many Flying Boats. At least six dozen of them of varying colors and shapes flying past her as they made their approach to New Albany''s Spaceport.


    Her heart sank again, Governor White, Ladui Roses and Major Holyfield''s words are indeed true. The Federation is inevitable. More sh.i.p.s just like those will come and go, flooding in a tide that not even the strongest of dikes can withstand. Foreign people, alien materials, and eldritch technologies will arrive and be there to stay in a v.i.r.g.i.nal world for better or for worse.


    Yet for her own native sorrow, a great irony was realized for the Elven Princess. Every time her own acc.u.mulated background of knowledge, traditions and pre-conceived ideas were challenged, she saw a whole new world beyond the realms of Gliesia''s politics, mundane designs and squabbles. A world iridescent and plump with opportunity, liberty, individualism, collective harmony and prosperity. A world that people like Samantha, Diaz, and Obediah are able to live their lives without fear and with a golden purpose. Even Iris, a being of darkness was more than elated associating herself with these folks than anywhere else for her hated kind for they valued her as a person of talent and not for the blood beneath her skin. They even shared amongst each other, including Samantha a fondness for indulging into their curiosities and sense of wanting to build a better tomorrow.


    It had come to the realization, that as she and her people the villains in this tale? Were they in the wrong to cling to their old ways? Was the Prophecy of Gliesia''s destruction a self-fulfilling prophecy?


    "Yo!" Diaz voiced disrupted Aliathra''s reflection.


    The Dare Runner himself, in his signature, rose glittered jacket and ''horse'' stood before her at the houses'' front yard carrying with him a large box.


    "Ah, nice to see you here Alie? Could you just help open the door?" Vincente requested.


    "Ah¡­Ah¡­ Of course." Aliathra swallowed herself pity to regain her composure as she lets Diaz inside her home. "What is inside that box you have there?" she inquired.


    "Stuff for Iris to play with and a few papers she wants to read." Diaz answered. "She wants to earn some money on the side and muh boss, Don Aparo is letting her create¡­ certain¡­''specialized products''. You know, the stuff she does best yeah?"


    Aliathra remembered that the Vampire Witch''s career path of being a Runewright quite fairly. She would write down runic symbols on items she had created to bestow various effects on the object in question. Fairly lucrative with a high demand but very few practitioners outside of the Dwarven Clan holds where they hold a monopoly on. Somehow, Iris must have been able to learn Rune Writing from the Dwarves somehow.


    "I understand¡­" the Elf nodded dispassionately.


    "You seem pretty glum, Alie? Wassup? I hate it when your sad." Diaz asked.


    "What is up? The skk--- oh I¡­ yes¡­ I am feeling sad." She admitted.


    "Maybe I can help. Can''t stand it when pretty ladies like you are sad." Diaz enlisted. "So tell me, what''s on your mind?"


    All of the collared thoughts within was now allowed to be free of Aliathra''s inhibitions as she begins to confess.


    "You, what will all of the Federation do to us?" Aliathra asked.


    "Do to you?" Diaz pressed.


    "All of Gliesia." Aliathra asked.


    "Well it''s simple really. We move in, colonize this planet and it becomes a part of the Federation now." Diaz answered.


    "But what will you do after you make your mark on the land? Defeat the Empire and the Entente?" Aliathra asked. "This world is doomed. Humbled down by the tremors of your steps. Now, what will you do when the land lays b.a.r.e, n.a.k.e.d before you?"


    "Honestly, I don''t know where we would go from here." Diaz confessed.


    "You. Do. Not. Know?" Aliathra recoiled in confusion.


    "Yeah, I mean right now the wigs upstairs, the Governor and all of his friends are just focus on making sure nobody attacks New Albany. After that, it''s pretty much just going out, explore the world, make new friends, meet new creatures, all that shit." Diaz shrugged.


    "I worry for the future Ser Diaz." Aliathra forewarned.


    "Again, with that! Why worry over something you cannot control? Do these people owe you anything? From all intent and purposes, you do not owe the jack shit. Nothing!" Diaz exlclaimed.


    "I owe them¡­ nothing?" the Elf asked.


    "I mean why owe yourself to a society who can''t seem to figure out that you are still you Alie? As soon as you become ''corrupted'' they call you what? A monster? An abomination? A freak? What of those Sefydliad who likes to puppet people and make them dance to their tunes to do things that will lead them to their deaths or worse? That is no society I want to be a part of. And are you not a princess?" Diaz lectured.


    "I am. And I was... I was¡­ for most of my life¡­ my parents had decided everything for me from the moment I could walk." Aliathra said.


    "Decided what for you? Where to go? Who you meet? Who will you marry?" Diaz inquired.


    Aliathra nodded confirming Diaz''s assumptions.


    "Shit, Damn! Again, do you want to be pushed around like that for all of your life? Where your will and d.e.s.i.r.es are controlled by someone else?" Diaz asked.


    "No, I do not." The Elf came to the realization. "I¡­ never thought of it that way." Aliathra stood at a loss for words.


    She remembered how her family had arranged all of the decades of training, grooming and social visits for her. Being the youngest child of the Royal Family her fate, unlike her brother, she was to be married off to some far-off nobleman to strengthen the alliances between themselves. Her Scholarship into the Academy was guaranteed on the essence of she being a Lareththor. Although she had enjoyed her overall education, she never truly felt like she belonged with any of the social cliques at the school of fear of reprisal or just being her ''friend'' for the sake of being associated with a member of the Royal Family. Lastly, the strict vows, sacraments and rules for her is what had caused her to flee in fear of her inner self being modified to something unnatural.


    Compared to being with the UFE, she maybe indentured to their servitude, other than fulfilling her duties and not actively hindering the Federation in any way, she was allowed or at least do not feel like she was being observed closely, to indulge in a few decadent activities such as her romanticization of diary writings for all of the times she would have loved to be handled with the fictional bardic hero Bandall Thunderhand. It was Iris and Kayin''s fault for making her transgress back to those smutty pieces of literature that she and her sister Ithiel would read behind their guardian''s backs.


    Which did remind her something, Ithiel would have loved to meet Agent De Sardet. Despite their differing genders, Lunafreia might catch a refreshing breath of fresh air upon an introductory conversation between them if she could only just reach out her hand to her groomed Elder Sister.


    But still, all of these thoughts she was allowed to indulge upon felt all so wrong to talk about.


    "You are freer here then you could have ever been back there Alie." Diaz concluded.


    "Free? I don''t know¡­ I ¡­ still don''t know how to go about this¡­" Aliathra said, trying to deny herself.


    "Well let me loosen up your buttons babe." Diaz clicked his mouth with a charming smile.


    "For a start, look at you." Diaz pointed to her. "What do you want?"


    "What do I want?" Aliathra asked.


    "What do you want in life? Like do you wanna do something? Be someone? Get somethings to sit your a.s.s on forever? You can tell me. I will tell mine back." Diaz said.


    "Well, I always enjoyed helping people especially when its healing them of their wounds and maladies." The Elf answered. "To see them smile and return to health again. That is the greatest happiness one can live through when you are Cleric of Neneth."


    "How Noble! You wanna be a Doctor! I can easily agree with that." Diaz smiled. "As for me? I want to retire rich early." Diaz said.


    "Is that is why you are so roguish?" Aliathra tittered.


    "You don''t stay in my position being chivalric, although then again, you don''t stay very long being wholly roguish too. It''s a balancing act really, you have to know when to lie and when to honor." Diaz comments about his Corpo-Agent career.


    "Like Bandall Thunderhand? Oh! You remind me of him." She smiled.


    "That Bard character you like to talk about with Sammy and Iris? Must be one cool son of a bee." Diaz laughed back.


    "A bee? He isn''t a¡­ that''s one of those¡­ uh¡­ metaphors, right?" Aliathra raised.


    "Slang, Shortened language, but yeah let''s go with that." Diaz scratched the back of his hair. "Anyways, so if I am like Bandall Thunderhand I must be good at music? No, I am afraid not. But I do like good music." Diaz says.


    "You mean those drumming beats that your horse ''Mustang'' can play?" Aliathra asked.


    "Hey, Champion racing ''Horse''!" Diaz loftily corrected. "But I also like to listen to some s.e.xy music too." Diaz smiled.


    "S.e.xy Music?" Aliathra asked.


    "Music to sit around and smell the flowers with. Like relaxing music really, that gets your heart beating¡­ in a healthy way." Diaz smiled.


    "How so?" Aliathra asked.


    "Well for a start, when I am tired or just need something to blow some steam then I listen to some of Ibiza." He pulled out his smartphone, turned up its volume to the maximum range and hit play.


    A most peculiar melody erupted from Diaz''s gizmo for Aliathra''s leaf-shaped ears hearkened. It had an accelerated tempo for its rhythmic beats whose reverberations were like an expediated version of merry-making tavern singing with the aid of drums, chimes and an occasional string plucking. Diaz himself was working his body left and right as he listened to the music enthusiastically.


    "Show me your moves Alie. How do Elves dance?" he invited.


    "Dance with you?" Aliathra questioned. Her cheeks blushed with both apprehension and excitement. Apprehension of the fact that she was being taken for a wild ride with her equally ''corrupted'' peer and excited in the fact that she was unbound to have this decision right now be laid b.a.r.e before her without any external sway or governance.


    She pushed her limbs forward, and began to follow as well as she can discern and her two bladed limbs can keep up with the music''s rhythm to the vulpine smile of Diaz. Her dance was essentially a more rigid form of the Quar-Alfel Vandor, what she practiced for April Root''s Fairy-tale themed birthday. Unlike the luxury of having an open field to skip her feet upon, Aliathra struggled to maintain the traditional rhumba''s aesthetic integrity as she took more care trying to avoid the newly moved furniture that Kayin and Iris had earlier worked so hard to move in. Her dance degraded to horrid display of ungraceful articulation of the body much to Vinny''s disgust.


    "What are you doing? What are you doing?" Diaz complained as he stepped forward and halted Aliathra''s embarrassing form.


    "I was trying to¡­ trying to do the Quar-Alfel Vandor, the Dance of my people from my memory¡­" Aliathra stuttered to explain.


    "That''s not the point of House Music Alie. You''re free here. Dance what you want to dance." Diaz explained.


    "What I¡­ want?" Aliathra asked.


    "Shake it all off! A pretty girl like you has some baggage that needs to go out. Loosen does buttons of yours, shake that hip, take off that cape. Let go and enjoy it." Diaz encouraged her.


    "I¡­ will try¡­" Aliathra nodded.


    She worked her head back into the rhythm of the music from Diaz''s phone. Her body began to beat up and down to match the drum beats, her hands gracefully flow sideways like waves of the ocean tide when the strings were heard and to complement both, her pacing quickened as the tempo stimulates. And an arousing stimulation is what Aliathra felt, a new form of arousal as if something hidden, locked, abandoned inside her arose from its obscurity and had hijacked her mind as pleasuring hormones dulled her mind and made all of those years of strict adherence to the Ethuilen rules of being a ''Proper Lady'' fade into irrelevancy. Latent mental restraints had their chains broken as the Elf''s body flow sensual with the music.


    "You''re getting it." Diaz smiled at Aliathra''s form.


    Still despite the mental restraints being broken, Elf''s body was still held prisoner by the cloth of her old Ranger wear. Adrenaline and dopamine flooded her body, heating up her skin that sweat uncomfortably reeked around her skin as s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e nerves alarmed her mind that her current choice of apparel was over-enc.u.mbering for her royally soft body for such a steamy act. She first took off her green cape and playfully tossed it aside to a nearby sofa, unfurling like a revolutionary flag atop of a triumphant conquest. Diaz''s heart skipped a bit when Aliathra''s lithe hand seductively began to unfasten the clasps of her leather bodice, venting out her buxom built that was hidden away from the prying eyes of ''sinful'' folks.


    "Cheek! Cheeky!" Diaz wooed her further.


    The euphoria was intoxicating to Aliathra that all other senses of self was sidelined, most especially her sense of direction and the shivering sensations of balance based around her fomented footwork.


    The Elf tripped over the coffee table just as she was about to sublimely release its confines at the fullest, making Aliathra fall over to the living room''s carpeted floor and tossing over a vase.


    "Oh shit! Alie!" Diaz rushed over to the Elf.


    "I¡­ I am okay." Aliathra snapped herself back to her senses.


    She then proceeds to notice her risqu¨¦ tone and she was shocked by how much of herself losing control. Or perhaps how much her previous fa?ade had been absconded to branch out what lay dormant beneath her. From a prim and proper Elven Princess to a lively blonde lass, Aliathra blushed when Diaz''s male gaze pinpointed to her exposed cleavage. Her mounds were quite a sight to behold.


    "The vase," Aliathra shouted in alarm to break the amorous scene.


    She pointed at the shattered pieces of home d¨¦cor that lay on the floor and it was as unsightly as it was dangerous to lay your feet atop on. Using Magehand, she swept the broken vase aside safely away from any likely footpaths within her enalaith.


    "You know Alie, that was hot¡­ I mean, that was s.e.xy¡­ I mean¡­ that was fun to watch." Diaz praised. "Wish it had gone further¡­" he smiled dotingly.


    "Yes, I wish it did too¡­" the elf blushed.


    She had got to say to herself, in that one moment, for the first time in her life, she wasn''t alive to survive in Gliesia, but instead, she was alive to live not of her parents or societies'' dictation but her own accord. Like a prisoner allowed jubilation from his internment, Aliathra truly lived that day and it ironically, she had to ''die'' to achieve this. All of her teacher''s guidance tutored corrections, maternal indoctrinations she had known beforehand eroded the chains that incarcerated her metal heart (metaphorically). Seeing Diaz in the eye, reminded her of the salacious prose of Bandall Thunderhand of how he charmed all the ladies with his wit, prowess, and physique. Her heart raced faster than her own volition as her thoughts were besieged by the repressed feelings left imprisoned by her own unknown volition. One of high-flying Electro-Chemistry and of the whimsical Inland Empire.


    "So, do you¡­ want to take this¡­ somewhere else?" Aliathra proposed, her voice percolating her covetous urge that took over her now indigent notions. Her eyes widened in excitement for Vinny''s answer as she teasingly began to unclasp the rest of the fasteners of her leather bodice.


    An approval to be taken would mean the world for her at this moment.


    "Neh¡­" Diaz rejected.


    The Corpo lightly grasped Aliathra''s chin to articulate her face towards his direction and he smiled out of his tongue:


    "I like to take you slow first." He said.


    He then looks down and lightly c.a.r.e.s.sed Aliathra''s form with the back of his finger, passing by her neck down to her b.r.e.a.s.ts, abdomen, and t.h.i.g.h.


    "Let''s get you something nicer to wear Alie? I know a nice Streetwear shop that just opened that got some nice bling. My treat and you can choose whatever you like."


    "Anything I like?" Aliathra asked. She is starting to be reeled into Diaz''s exciting lifestyle now.


    He nodded as the Aparo Runner whisked off her feet and with his hand clasped to hers, opened a new door for Aliathra that she could have never had fathomed as they made their tryst to Downtown New Albany for a day of reimagination, relaxation, and rediscovery.


    --------------


    Samantha Rose was elated today. She was given nothing but good news according to Doctor Mahelona''s optimistic reports.


    Firstly, her training program has shown insightful, promising, and optimistic results according to how her Mana Readings were observed by the Science Team''s monitors. Doctor Mahelona has all the pre-requisite data he needs to fully optimize the intrinsic builds for the Lieutenant''s Hecate Suit. It was going to be a weaved bodysuit with a nano-carbon thread that is amplified for her power''s needs by several strong points located on the suit''s hand areas with the help of Actocolite. Ghyranite would be also used to help her store the Mana that she collects and stores within her. However, these brand-new substances would require surgery for Samantha to undertake, attaching the Gliesian minerals at key meridians around her body so that she can best wear the suit to its maximum effect. Such a prospect was initially terrifying since she had never gone under the knife throughout her life up until this point. But Samantha knows she has no control over this and the latter option was the cold bullet from a justifiably afraid Political Officer.


    Besides, she couldn''t back out now after all the new discoveries she and Dr. Mahelona had found together.


    First was that with the application of modern chemistry and the teachings of her instructors Iris and Aliathra, Samantha was able to enhance her Magical powers to new effects. For a start she, to everyone and her own amazement had as Iris and Aliathra can testify, ''invented'' several new Magical Spells. One such spell that she can cast is the ''Plasma Bolt''. In the description, she with some difficulty would conjure on her hands a blue-colored fire which is much hotter and more potent than your average tangerine tinted version. With enough, albeit risky charging of her inner cores, the Lieutenant can cast magic able to penetrate some of the UFE''s own armor much like the experimental Plasma Cannons that the UFE had demonstrated once in a recent military exercise. Still, the red fire was easier and less c.u.mbersome to cast so each has its own pro''s and con''s. Outside of combat, the most amusing thing Samantha discovered what she can do was when she, taking inspiration from an old classic show called ''Avatar'' was to cast a constantly rotating ball of gallic wind and ''riding'' atop of the ball to create a sort of Air Scooter. It allows unimpeded running speed through all but the toughest of terrain that got the Aparo Engineers inside the Science Complex jealous by how up to par she can move to their own Rapid Movement Boosters. It wasn''t meant to be initially tested during the tests but Sam and the rest of the science team wanted to do it for the fun of it. Still, she had to get a few stitches and bandages on her body after crashing headfirst due to the nostalgic fact that the Air Scooter spell is like riding a bicycle and the last time Samantha rode a bicycle was when she was twelve. Perhaps a refresher course is in order before she attempts the spell again.


    Speaking of Avatar, Samantha couldn''t help but indulge in fanon of the similarities in the situation she finds herself in with the cartoon''s characters. She is like the fiery warrior of a lady Korra who is proud of her powers but is ultimately on the grand scheme of things just a symbolism of peace and prosperity to Republic City. Aliathra, with her gentle nature, is like Katara the Waterbender being able to nurture and slowly grow Samantha''s proficiency whilst in stark contrast, there is Iris who is a mix between Zuko''s seriousness with a few snarks and rough but effective mindset of Toph''s innate affinity for the elements. Hell, speaking of fictional influences, Samantha realizes she is just like the old classical heroines who have powers that they use to heroically protect their loved ones from danger like Wonder Woman, Zatanna, Scarlett Witch, and Alita.


    For all of this power, however, Samantha had to hit herself when its ugly head reared in her mind that she is ultimate to the eyes of everyone in New Albany, the Party and the Federation a tool that can be disposed of at a whim when its use is deemed obsolete or against their collective interests. At the very least, the ''obsolete'' part is at worst an honorable discharge with her exploits classified in some government vault to be declassified after several decades has passed. But to go against her nation''s interests, well Mr. Rose would perhaps be the most disappointed to see such a promising individual of unique talent use her abilities to such counter-productive effect. Ultimately, as the Lieutenant concluded that her great power comes great responsibility, using her powers for the utilitarian good of all. As the saying goes, people are judged not of what they have, but what they do with what they have. For heroes, villains, and all sorts of influential folks, historical or otherwise are not born, they are made.


    If that wasn''t a burden enough, Samantha can now fully understand why her superiors are so concerned and fearful for her as her powers could if she either gets too greedy in absorbing too much Mana or exhaust herself too quickly she could risk dying in violently spectacular fashion or at an inopportune moment respectively. Hopefully, the Hecate Suit and the big plans that Doctor Mahelona and Bobby Bianchin have in store for her should help alleviate these burdens for although her mind is willing to take the powers of the Rhannu-Prietar to the next levels, her flesh was weak. The backing of years of the UFE''s scientific industrial might rest by those two men. If those weren''t troublesome enough, her commanding superiors are now intending to use her talents to pacify the rambunctious natives of Gliesia to the submission due to hearing the possible rumor-mongering of war happening across the horizon. It disgusts her of these natives'' insistent talks of accusing the Federation of being the ''Demons'' of their old legends when they had been nothing but angels that descended upon a barely functioning world where they brought peace, prosperity and hope from the ashes of famine, want and poverty. Her powers are likely going to be used to shock the natives into surrender judging by how Colonel Polonsky mentions that she will be taking several ''special'' operations planned out by him and what intelligences he can gather. She may be a figurative tool for the Common State Party''s propaganda pieces much like Avatar Korra being a symbolic personification of harmony and prosperity in her animated world. But even then, deep down Samantha wishes to not only be a hero for the Federation but a hero to the people of Gliesia. This branding of hers was of the planet''s making after all.


    She looks back at her late father, of how he won the Medal of Honor for his bravery of evacuating his entire platoon from a doomed assault that although violently and ungracefully ended an insurrection, managed by going out of his way mitigate the horrendous damage, friend and foe alike. When she had heard of what her father had done, oh how she wished she can be like him, valiant and true to himself. That is why she had enlisted as soon as she had reached the minimum age of entry much to her mother''s protests. Maybe one day, she can escape the shadow of her father and exceed him in a way worthy of her lineage extending to all the way to her ancestor L¨¦o Major


    But enough of those worries, for the last good news is why Samantha was so eager to leave her containment cell. She was about to be given the go-ahead by the wigs at the Common State Party to be discharged from her internment and it could have been a better time. The day she leaves her cell is also the day Obediah''s daughter, April will be celebrating her birthday at the Drunken Bastard Inn. She had heard nothing but praises from everyone but her about how exquisite Leah Root''s home cooking is. She had also heard about Iris and Aliathra providing entertainment to April and the rest of her pre-school classmates.


    The Lieutenant yawned after reflecting upon the happenings of the present as she lay down on her cell''s cot. She couldn''t wait to finally see the sun¡­ or Lehsol again.


    ---------------


    Clovich enjoyed the hospitality of the Japanese greatly. In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo metropolis surrounding the Imperial Palace, Emperor Shinharu''s home was a tranquil retreat. So familiar yet so foreign for the Feudal Lord of Tyr Rian, he enjoyed pleasurable activities such as a Tea Ceremony that sampled some the Island Nation''s finest hot beverages, feeding the pet Koi Fish and even a demonstration of the Imperial Family''s Android butler. In addition to all of the photographed social formalities that Clovich and his entourage enjoyed, whenever he finds the time that he can, he would inquire to Emperor Shinharu about his famous ancestor, the former Emperor Meiji.


    Smiling happily at the Prince''s curiosity, the Emperor of Japan was simply amazed and scared by how much passion the Otherworlder had. Amazed by how similar he had according to the history books every Imperial Scion reads about his lineage, but also equally fearful of what Clovich''s reaction will be like when he finds out about the tumultuous obstacles that Meiji had to face in order turn japan into the modern powerhouse that it is today. Most especially the radical reforms he had to enact and/or abolish.


    "This Tea, milord is absolutely astounding." Clovich complemented the emerald beverage, called ''Matcha'' as he sipped the local drink. His tongue reverberating the sensations of a pleasant tasting, smooth drink with a few vegetal notes in between. It was like drinking the sweet nectar from the b.r.e.a.s.tmilk of a Nymph.


    "Indeed it is Prince Clovich." Emperor Shinharu nodded happily.


    "How did your ancestors achieve so much in such little time? They say you took only a few decades in what took your peers centuries to achieve!" Clovich asked.


    "Ahh¡­ my least favorite subject to be honest." The Emperor uncomfortably gulped.


    "Least favorite?" the Prince asked.


    "I assume that the Prime Minister himself had told you some¡­ unsavory truths that for someone like you may sound, radical, revolutionary even." The Emperor inquired.


    "I do¡­" Clovich sunk his head.


    He recalled Bousqet''s harsh words about the flaws of the current system of governance and the technological background of his people back home in Gliesia. Most especially the concepts of Feudalism, Chivalry, Slavery, and the Adventurer Guild''s uneven policing power upon the populace. To tear down what the Gliesians had valued for centuries uncounting to a new road forward of an unknown future ahead was terrifying to behold for a Vassal Lord, let alone someone who is at the lower midpoint of the Empire''s ruling class. It was essentially destroying the only world that they know of.


    At first, the Prince couldn''t believe the Prime Minister''s words but Bousqet wisely believed that the words of Emperor Shinharu, the current scion of the Imperial Japanese line, much idolized by many intellectual of native folks who have made positive contact with the UFE, would have more sway in persuading Prince Clovich to take the road less traveled compared to his stagnating countrymen.


    "Look here at this one." Emperor Shinharu guided Clovich''s attention.


    They darted over a miniature tree that sat at a grandiose pedestal in the Emperor''s Parlor room. Despite its size, the pygmy wood stood opulent and imperial as Emperor Shinharu himself. It''s leaves were like olive needles that pointed upwards from its branches. The wood itself showed signs of veneration from darkened spots and a few lumpy pushes of bark flesh that gave the miniature tree a venerable feel.


    "This is one of my family''s greatest treasures, passed down from generations whom I, is its latest caretaker.


    "How long did your family have this?" Clovich asked.


    "The Sandai Shogun no Matsu Over seven hundred years." Emperor Shinharu wiggled his fingers to count. "It is said that that this little tree grows a new branch whenever a great crossroads ever happens for Japan. If this tree were to ever die, there is a saying that the land of Japan will die with it." He recalled.


    "All living things like trees die eventually. But tell me, how did you keep this tree alive for over centuries?" Clovich asked.


    "Basic botany and the law of conservation of energy." The Emperor answered. "Such lessons that you can learn something about your country yourself. It is what my great-great-grandfather Meiji learned to when he branched himself out to the Western Powers." The Emperor said.


    He walked towards the ancient bonsai tree and, opening a cupboard nearby. A steel box he pulled out of the compartment and from the box he pulled out again a pair of small secateurs. Grasping the shears, Emperor Shinharu began to Clovich''s astoundment, cutting up the ancient bonsai tree, taking out several branch systems, defoliating several leaves and thinning out the overall size of the bonsai tree''s crown.


    "What are you doing?!" Clovich exclaimed. "That is hundreds of years of history you are cutting." He said with alarming disposition.


    "It is called ''Pruning the Tree'' Prince Clovich." Emperor Shinharu explained.


    Whilst multi-tasking the maintenance of the famous Sandai Shogun no Matsu Bonsai tree, the Emperor paternalistically demonstrated every cut and rationale of actions upon Clovich.


    "Your society, a Medieval Feudal society of Gliesia is no different than the society my great grandfather Meiji came from before the arrival of the West."


    Shinharu grasped a section of the Bonsai tree whose branches were rubbed against each other which unfortunately allows open wounds, unsightly gashes, and broken branches.


    "Bousquet told me a lot about your society. So many troublesome problems and pests that plague your homeland and you deep down wish to end it all not for your sake, your sister or but for your people. You may not hear it, but deep down, if this Bonsai tree could talk, it is in deep anguish. Pain basically and I am helping alleviate its pain."


    The emperor cut the parasitic branches and scr.a.p.ed off the troublesome wood away from the tree as a whole. He then proceeds to fall down upon the leaves shaving off much of its verdigris mane from its wavy crown.


    "There are many people that will hold you back, of the ''good old ways'' but they are ultimately like parasites that seek to stifle your potential to see a better future. Such as those Adventurer''s and some chivalric Samurai of yours. Don''t you see that they are holding you back when it comes to protecting your people from the terrors of the world and for what? Money? What is money compared to the value of an innocent person''s life?"


    "Samurai?" Clovich asked.


    "Knights, that is what we call Knights in Japan Prince Clovich." Shinharu explained.


    "When Meiji returned from his travels to the Western Powers he had to fight for his reforms. Many people thought he had become ''corrupted'' by the otherworldly barbarians overseas but deep down, Meiji knew that if Japan were to survive the next turn of his time, the reforms must happen whether they want it or not." He said.


    "I see, but him fighting his own countrymen must have been very terrifying to muster the will to persevere." Clovich nodded.


    "Indeed it does." The Japanese Emperor said. "But by the time he had triumphed, Japan had successfully transitioned itself from a medieval society isolated from the world to a technological powerhouse in Asia. The key here is that sometimes, to grow you need to let go." The Emperor rhymed.


    He then proceeded to apply a healing balm onto the wound areas where the troublesome parts had been sheared over whilst he also applied water and add a light sprinkling of fertilizer to the Bonsai tree''s roots.


    "My pruning of this Bonsai tree should be like how you will enact those reforms Prince Clovich. Closing certain paths forever to allow the opening of new growth is like what you have seen me done today. My country, my Japan had gone through so much ever since Meiji reformed every corner of the country but we all didn''t regret it soon after now that we enjoy so many new things that we didn''t know we would or could have if we had stayed like before." Shinharu concluded his lecture.


    "Tell me one more thing. Tell me one more thing Emperor Shinharu." Clovich raised his hand. "How will I know what path I should lead my people to take?" He asked.


    "The one where the most amount of people benefits the most. Listen to them but don''t be afraid to intervene yourself less the stray to a path that will lead to their self-destruction. When you do have to inevitably tear down a ''tradition'' to build a new one in its place, make sure you replace it with a tradition that all peoples can progress with."


    "I do not understand." Clovich pleaded.


    "Never stop learning Clovich. Never ever stop learning. To know the price for the progress you need to be able to stomach a few mistakes, hiccups and bumps along the road." The Emperor said.


    "Must I be the only one alone to build this future?" he asked.


    "Not really, there are likely as many people who when they hear of this, will gladly reach out for your hand to build the future that you envision to seek. UFE? Gliesian? It matters not where they come from, just that they share the same vision. Now tell me Prince, what kind of future you wish to build in Tyr Rian?"


    "I dream of a future where the People of Tyr Rian are free from the plagues from want and fear." Clovich answered.


    "That is noble but quite broad. Tell me what you mean of these ''plagues'' you wish to eradicate so badly?" the Emperor asked.


    "Raiders, Famine, Banditry and Fire. That is what plagues Tyr Rian before the arrival of the Federation." He explained.


    "You are a smart one, how would you fight about it if you had no limits to what you can dispose of to defeat these ''plagues''?" the Emperor asked.


    "My Army, they could use the weapons that your Federation possess, with those weapons they can be able to protect all from the raiders and banditry. For famine and fire, your people''s possess a mag--- I mean technology where infernos and droughts are trivial to you." He said.


    "That is something my great grandfather had seeked the Western Powers for." The Emperor gave off an amused laugh. "I believe I know several people that can help you with that." The Emperor nodded.


    "Oh? I am willing to learn everything I can from them." Clovich asked.


    "Of course, you would." He smiled. "Their names are Osei and Hanjin-Shibusawa." The Emperor nodded. "But I fear that you are not ready¡­" he muttered.


    "Not ready?" Clovich asked. He had come so far that he could not fail now.


    "Are you ready to pay for the price of progress Prince Clovich? Are you ready to ''Prune your Tree'' to see it grow?" the Emperor asked.


    "Yes. Yes, I am ready." Prince Clovich decisively vowed.


    "So, you are ready now. Just like my great grandfather Meiji." The Emperor smiled.


    The door to an unknown future lay ahead for not only Clovich nor Tyr Rian but for Gliesia now. On this day, as Clovich had inwardly decreed, the beginning of the Clovician Amelioration. The advancement of Tyr Rian has begun!

 Chapter 40 - 130 Minutes in Tyr Rian

    All is quiet in Tyr Rian just as Lehsol''s had finished passing over this side of Gliesia so she rests herself for another day as her younger sister Mayari arose upwards. However, she was feeling shy that night so her n.a.k.e.d self of l.u.s.trous glowing snow-white of skin was clothed in shadows. The city was about to call itself night and the only people who would be out in the streets at this hour were the local drunks drowning in the various watering holes, Citadel Guards assigned on Night Duty, and the Streetwalkers who cater to the formers. This night, however, was more perfect for about over one thousand individuals of ''diverse backgrounds'' converged in Tyr Rian today as Radred had hoped from his networking of associates can muster. All of these Grey Order Adventurers, sellswords, and mercenaries had risked themselves for this journey into the Crossroad Citadel of Tyr Rian for one common purpose, the promise of extravagant pay and fame as Radred had charismatically proposed. Many of the nearby regions heeded his call either by admiration, desperation or a sense of adventure. The citadel''s gates are still theoretically opened to late-night arriving mercantile caravans whom some Adventurer''s used the cover of being ''Merchant Guards'' to insert themselves within Tyr Rian''s walls little by little. It takes an early announcement and a considerable tariff to be allowed entry. For the rest, they inserted themselves either within the outskirts of the city by various hamlets that surrounded the Verden River Valley or had snuck inside on their own.


    Many emotions of the Radred''s Followers or by their street name as ''the Flagrant'' used on the gr.a.p.evine to attract the more devout of followers into this expedition, ''the Salvation Crusade'', were mixed as the leaders were called forth in a delegation within a safe house inside Tyr Rian that the semi-crooked adventurer had sent an invite to. Each leader represented a particular interest of collectivized individuals who are participating in this auspicious Quest that ''the Flagrant'' is at the helm at. Some were confident, brandishing themselves with a smug distinction as they psyched themselves for a good fight, others were nervous as they grasped their weapons to comfort their mental stability whilst the rest are agitated as the time stretched further jittering their hands as they wait for the fateful hour.


    Speaking about Arms, Radred was glad that his contact from earlier, one named ''Madame Gwathren'' came through with the arms he needs to stand a chance against these Otherworlders. A cache of Holy weaponry ranging from Holy Water-dipped conventional weapons of steel and iron, silver Elven swords in all of its graciousness, a crate of Demonsbane poison coating and a handful of master-crafted Actocolite-forged arms that the more senior of his retinue helped themselves with.


    As Radred sharpened his new blade, he looks over the companions he had brought over from across the realm. In terms of groups he noticed several Orc, feline Mstari (or Leonidkin) and even some Eastern Desert warriors amongst those gathered alongside several familiar faces from the Adventurer''s Guild. Such as Ser Elmo Arfwisg, the adopted bastard son of a blacksmith specializing in crafting some of the best cuirasses in all of the land. He carries on his c.h.e.s.t quite literally his family''s honor, a Scandanite cuirass said to stop even the heaviest of blows. The next one, who at the moment is quite literally playing with fire his the notorious Pyromancer, Sioned Tanllyd, an individual known for her excessive use of her specialization and association with Rogue Mages. She was actually a former College of Magi student who was kicked out for torching a professor who gave her a failing mark in a class that did not involve the material deletion of said target of spells. To mirror her was the calm fencer of reputable tournament renown Steffan Arhyrdded, who''s dueling capabilities was a match for his provocative tongue. Another familiar site was the holy symbol of Neneth with the v.i.r.g.i.nal white robes of her Hippocratic domain. Radred saw a Paladin and a Cleric who are both girls, by their young faces they were likely newly ordained, perhaps at the same time as the Sacrament is often done in groups across all domains. It was also not uncommon for Clerics and Paladins to become adventurer''s too as they believe that they can best fulfill their holy orders of protecting the Gods'' creation by venturing around the realms as wandering heroes like the stories told. And what better way to fulfill their Ordainments than a Crusade? They all know why they gathered here tonight with ''the Flagrant''. Whether for Gold, revenge or just the desperation of Radred''s good words, they gathered around the influential individual incessantly.


    "Is it true then? Are these ''Otherworlders'' you speak of are the Demons of old?" Elmo inquired.


    "Indeed, based on what the local Guildsmen said, they were practically kicked out with the Demons doing all of the work for free." Radred answered.


    "For free? That is outrageous they surely must have asked for some price. Maybe their souls?" Elmo blinked.


    "Indeed, it has gotten worse than I thought. Already their invasion is creeping upon the streets of Tyr Rian itself. I am glad and I cannot also believe we managed to gather here at this moment." The gold-starred Adventurer confirmed.


    "My worst fears¡­" the Blacksmith''s son humbly lowered his visor. "Everyone should get behind me when I lay up my shield. These Demon Attacks should be no match to my Armor." Elmo c.h.e.s.t pumped causing his Scandanite cuirass to bang heartily. Its robust nature providing a sense of reassurance to the rest of the Raid''s leaders.


    "Demons feed off of them, right?" Sioned raised her hand. She was a bit absent minded due to her rural nature but when set with an objective she becomes focused on its completion, no matter the cost.


    "The larger the Dragons the more it must feed. They feed on the Tyr Rianni no? I burn them, right? Like burning farm field!" Sioned exclaimed.


    "Yes, that is the plan. You all remember what is the plan I have discussed right?" Radred reminded.


    Steffan raised his hands gayly. He was surprisingly laid back for someone who is about to commence a daring endeavor.


    "We divide our thousand forces into two, one to the Demon Stronghold and the rest stay here in Tyr Rian." Steffan said. "We fight, kill off as many Demons as we can before daybreak and then leave before the entire city realizes what is happening." He said.


    Steffan nonchalantly dismissed him, his interest being here was bragging right overtaking the head off of a Demon and nothing more. He will charge to the most intimidating foe his foe-chasing eye can lock on to and challenge him in pitch combat. With the help of his magical sword he should be able to stand a good chance against the Demon he will challenge for the honor of his dueling prowess dictates.


    "Make off with as many of them and their Otherworldly arms as you can carry. Under the cover of night surely we can catch these Demons off guard especially with the reports I have gotten." Radred smiled wickedly. "I will personally lead the men going to the Demon Forces and you Elmo will lead the ones attacking Tyr Rian. Burn as much as you can for the Demons and deny them their food."


    "How sure are you of your informant''s words?" Elmo asked.


    "She is with the Crows. She showed me her ring and was with Mita when they first spied here. The Demons may be strong but they have their weaknesses and we just have enough to land a serious blow onto them." Radred answered.


    "Where is this ''Outpost'' you say the Demons have inside the Citadel? Surely that there is a Captain of sorts who lives there." Steffan inquired.


    "The Tyr Rianni adventurers¡­ or the sole survivors of them I am afraid, had said that it is at Arhaf Square. It''s very easy to discern it from the rest because of their flag. Look for a tall house that has a blue flag with many rings locking themselves together on it." Radred said.


    "What happened to them? They are supposed to be our guides into the city." Elmo questioned.


    "They were discovered but they managed to destroy any connections before the Demons could get their hands on them. The sole survivor, coincidentally the man I had entrusted to recruit the Tyr Rianni adventurers will do." the Senior Adventurer reassured.


    "I burn them all! I will raze them to the ground!" Sioned laughs maniacally. She needed to warm herself up before she released the innate inferno within her.


    "No, focus first on the houses. The Demons may rush to tap to their power sources when they realise what is happening. Once they are weakened, we reap as many as we can before we make our escape. Mayari''s cloak should give us the best element of surprise." Radred corrected the mad Pyromancer.


    "Burning houses? When did we become ravagers Radred?" Steffan asked.


    "These aren''t people anymore. They have sunk deep into the hearts of the Otherworlders and they cannot escape. They are all eternally damned." Radred reminded.


    The room felt silent upon the Gold Adventurer''s dehumanizing words. There was a hesitancy that emitted in the air upon the prospects of burning a home down in no different to the terrorist acts inflicted on bandits and steppe raiders. Most people were content with fighting a few ne''er-do-wells and exploring a long-forgotten tomb but arson was such a tall order.


    "Look, everyone. Listen." Radred raised his voice. "What we accomplish here tonight will echo down the ages. People will sing of our daring heroics, shower us with gold, and we will be all remembered as the people who stemmed the Demon Tide! Tonight, the Demons shall know that they will never again breach our homes and take our souls ever again!" Radred boasted.


    "Well then, its Death or Glory now? Shall we all?" Elmo stood up and rallied the rest of the gathering.


    Everyone nodded, stood up from their seats, and with their marching orders in hand, they dispersed quietly. Radred and a few of the non-human mercenaries quietly exited Tyr Rian under their guise as mercantile caravans, their cargo being other warriors smuggled in with their weapons at the ready to avoid suspicion. Elmo, Steffan, and Sioned led the other half of their cobbled-together army and led them to Arhaf Square where the Demon Outpost is. They quietly ran around the citadel, activating and mobilizing the various hidden cells of those disenfranchised, desperate, or feverous who held a mutual animosity against the Federation who had as they claimed ''wronged'' them. Armed to the teeth with conventional and exotic weapons they quietly slaughtered any of the Citadel Night Guards who they encounter to prevent discovery of their hostile plan. At a certain point, Sioned and several Mages broke off with a contingent of a hundred plus men-at-arms to head towards the residential areas of Tyr Rian to ready themselves for their own designs whilst Elmo and Steffan continued on towards the rest of the dormant Cells. They awaited the signal to commence the assault when the insurgent force reached critical mass and then arriving at their final destination of the ''Demon Stronghold'', the Federation''s Embassy, formerly the Bandit Lord Devicco''s Manse.


    Little did they all know, that their element of surprise was all for naught as an invisible Raven read their every move.


    "Sentinel, you have over five-hundred unknowns moving towards your position." ISAC''s monotone voice informed.


    The chief of the UFE Embassy''s Security Detail codenamed, ''Sentinel'', dosed off from his half sleep to grab his radio. Tonight was a quiet night inside for him and his men, most of the Embassy''s lights have been turned off to conserve power to the generator until their next shipment of goods that will be used for the final push to retrofit the UFE Embassy into a Diplomatic Compound much to their suited standards. This leaves the former Devicco Mansion to be no different in outward appearance than the many padlocked establishments and residentials across Tyr Rian tonight.


    "Say again?" Sentinel asked the Combat AI ISAC known as the Intelligent System Analytic Computer to repeat himself.


    "You have approximately three hundred unknowns approaching your position fifty meters at Herald Door''s nine-o-clock," ISAC added as he displayed a live feed of ISAC''s UAV spying on the approaching mob in front of Sentinel''s computer screen.


    It was dark tonight and the UAV had to tint the screen emerald in Night Vision mode to allow the voluminous view of the large group of unknowns menacingly approaching the Federation''s Embassy. The Mob was highlighted in red by the AI''s smart design as Sentinel looked on with horror. He saw the natives walking stealthily as they could through the streets in an asymmetrical fashion, no heraldry or tags to identify who their attackers are, and worse of all, their primitive iron weapons openly drawn out to taste the cold night air.


    Sentinel had heard of the possibility of an attack on the Federation but the intel wasn''t sure of the location or who is their target. To his dread, whomever these conspirators were, they are going to attack the very domain of the Federation''s power in Tyr Rian, the Embassy, or ''the Mansion'' as joked by himself when he had first arrived on his contractual assignment here in Gliesia. They did outfit the Embassy with several security features such as a reinforced perimeter wall, a new Security Gate with magnetic locks that is (theoretically) impossible for any of what the Gliesians have to breach through conventionally, double layered security glass that''s resistant to impactful penetrations and some elemental intrusion, and lastly to put the cherry on top a .50 Caliber Auto-Turret fondly called ''the Teacher''. However, not all of the Embassy''s security features are at full operational capacity. The security glass only partially protects all the windows in the Mansion and the full shipment of ammunition for the Auto-Turret wasn''t scheduled to arrive until tomorrow morning. There at least twenty-one guards, Sentinel included, plus a few overnight staff members of the diplomatic detail inside the embassy tonight.


    "Everyone! Defensive positions! Front now!" He ordered his men.


    The armory lit abuzz with activity as the Embassy''s Security guards armed themselves with Rifles, LMG''s and Shotguns as they from the first to the third floor manned their positions as the menacing mob of warriors approached Arhaf Square.


    "Shit just got real." Sentinel cursed.


    "Ehya¡­Ehya¡­ this is¡­ this is¡­" the lethargic voice of Colonel Jan Polonsky echoed on the Security Chief''s earpiece. "This is Shield Father. I was just told¡­ of the sitch¡­ eh¡­" he spoke, his loose lips betraying his still half-awake state.


    "That raid is for real Colonel. I got hostiles approaching our position as I speak." Sentinel briefly explained.


    "Can they see you?" the Colonel asked.


    "No, sir we got Night Vision on." Sentinel said. "Rules of engagement sir?" he asked.


    "Sentinel, they are at Mirrien''s Tavern now." One of the Security Chief''s men added.


    The mob, crouching down or going prone, slithered their way passed the abandoned market stalls of Arhaf Square as they continued their sub-rosa approach of the Embassy.


    "Shield Father, do we engage sir?" Sentinel asked.


    "Hit them with the Flood Lights when just about they are to attack. Draw them in. Let''s see if we can just scare them." Polonsky ordered.


    In war, it is not enough to just slaughter more opponents than your enemy based on the Colonel''s experience but it is to sap their will to fight any longer is how one can win the fight. If one put''s themselves at an advantage to raise himself above his adversary or the opposite of removing the advantage that tipped the scales back into your favor is enough for the opposing forces to fold then he has one not only the war but also the socio-political intrigues behind the scenes who scour with merciless subjectivity on one Commander''s choices. Getting these conspiring Adventurer''s to realize they lost their element of surprise can possibly cut the head off of this conspiracy once and for all.


    "Rodger that." Sentinel said. "Nathaniel, get the lights now." He ordered one of his men.


    The Soldier named ''Nathaniel'' quickly dashed towards the Power Generator at the back where the switches for the Flood Lights, were kept.


    "Don''t shoot unless fired upon." Polonsky said.


    "Hit it!" Sentinel ordered.


    Nathaniel pulled down the switch as the floodlights drowned the night''s blanket away, exposing the Adventurers who staggeringly covered their eyes from the sudden illumination.


    "This is the United Federation! Drop your weapons and raise them up!" One of the Embassy''s Security guards shouted.


    Their element of surprise and their hearty excitement for blood was instantly liquidated in a span of a few seconds as the Grey Order Guildsmen either froze in fear or tried to hide from the Federation''s gaze. At that moment none of them know what to do except for one man, dressed in an ostentatious silvery-blue armor etched with glowing runic sigils along its contours. The Armored Individual raised his shield up to the air, his fist defiantly towering above the Otherworldly challengers.


    "You will not take our lands or our freedom!" the imposing man yelled. "Shield Wall!" he rallied.


    Those adventurers, over thirty of them, who armed themselves with the sword and the board gathered around him and locking themselves together on each adjacent side formed a shield wall bent backward to accommodate whatever skirmishing fire these ''Demons'' wished to spit out at this brazen act of rebellion. Several of the more fragile of his companions, ranging from roguish archers, feisty mages, and just about anyone who can throw a rock really far upwards, began to pepper the Embassy''s fa?ade with a mixed barrage of magic, handcrafted and improvised projectiles. Sentinel''s men lay off a cold sweat as they hugged themselves to their fortified positions.


    "Big mistake," Sentinel smirked. "Nat, turn on the Auto-Turret now." He radioed in his subordinate once again.


    He reached into his pocket and grabbed his tablet. Turning it on, he assumed control of the now online ''Teacher''. He needs a few precious seconds before the new Turret is fully boots itself up.


    "Face us if you dare! My Armor and the shields of these brave souls draw our line in the sand." The Armored Individual challenged.


    "Lay down your arms now!" Sentinel gave his final warning just as he managed to attain full control of the Turret.


    "Come and take them!" the Armored Individual taunted.


    The rest of his protected accomplices continue their childish assailment on the Embassy.


    "Your choice." Sentinel cursed.


    With a flick of his fingers, Sentinel roared the Turret to life as its Gatling barrels whirled away unleashing a millennial-counted lash of .50 Caliber rounds upon the insurgents. Upon impact, the bullets easily pierced the primitive shields and armors of those insurrectionists, sometimes piercing through their bodies to their more fragile but ultimately insignificantly protected compatriots. For the Armored Man himself, his special armor of Scandanite only partially absorbed all the blows at the first barrage.


    As he looked on this fellow shield brethren, they lay dying aside him much to his shock. But he still refuses to relent. Coughing up the dust, the Armored Individual leading the assault continued to issue his challenge from his exasperated state. To his bewildered dismay, he peeked over the handguard behind the protected-from side of his shield to see that there was blood, the crimson red blood blemishing his silvery-blue gauntlets and a hole from his exotic scale shield that was designed to stop nearly anything that Gliesia had to offer for it to be sanctioned with, magic or not. The Otherworldly magic of these Demons had pierced through his shield and his armor, striking a mortal blow at Elmo''s heart. A capacious rupture on his b.r.e.a.s.tplate mixed with chunks scrapped metal, flesh and his own blood grisly clarified the arrogant armorsmith his own mortality.


    "I¡ªIm¡­ possible¡­" Elmo collapsed as he drowned dryly on a pool of his own blood.


    What kind of magic was capable of piercing through Scandanite Armor so effortlessly?


    The rest of his surviving retinue scattered away from the Embassy''s lamination, retreating back to the darkness of Tyr Rian''s shadows. Much to the relief of the Embassy''s security detail.


    "I think they got the message. Report this mess. F.u.c.k¡­" the Security chief sighed.


    Was that the whole Conspiracy already? It''s best shot? Cut down into ribbons so effortlessly by the Auto Turret''s breath? He doesn''t expect much from these dissidents due to how primitive their communication lines were with each other in conjunction to their crude means of defiance as displayed earlier.


    "What the hell?" Sentinel commented when he caught a faint glimmer that tore him away from relief''s sweet embrace.


    Looking over the far side, atop the rooftops of Arhaf Square''s architecture, a faint orange glow arose above them. It was warm yet ominous, appearing at several differing instances from his half-circle view of the Tyr Rianni City Centre.


    Having his own suspicions, Sentinel quickly turned back to climb the stairs leading out to the rooftops of the UFE Embassy where the .50 Caliber Auto Turret rested, its heated barrels, fresh from slaughter.


    To Sentinel''s horror, the orange glows weren''t just some luminous phenomena he had never seen before that the natives say can occur spontaneously at nights, but something much more sinister. He saw, from the reflection of his googles tongues of fire that arose volcanically above Tyr Rian''s skyline. The scent of burning ash and the distant screams of terror besieged his senses as more of these blazing eruptions sprouted forth at even more distant areas covering the Citadel of Tyr Rian.


    "Shield Father, This is Sentinel¡­" the Security Chief gulped.


    "This is Shield Father. I know." the Colonel bluntly confirmed. "I can see it from here and they are here too!" he answered.


    A dissonant background static of firefighting and loud crashes of shockwaves echoed on the radio''s speaker.


    --------------------------


    "Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" a booming voice dragged Lieutenant Samantha Rose from her sleep.


    "Ahh! Wha---?" Samantha kicked and screamed as she was violently awoken. Normally there would be a gentle bell ringing that signified 8 am which she would start the day with a quick morning exercise routine before breakfast. That followed by her usual day in the Science Lab doing tests or magic lessons with Aliathra and Iris.


    "Lieutenant Wake up!" Major Holyfield opened the door to her quarters, quite unusually amusing enough wearing in a pair of purple pajamas with white stripes whilst carrying with him two pieces of luggage: an elongated briefcase with the Arsenal Fabriqu¨¦ insignia proudly being displayed and Samantha''s own Tactical Backpack complete with her own personalizations intact.


    If Samantha can historically recall, that company is one of the controversial CSP-owned Weapons Manufacturer''s. Owned by the ''Military Industrialist'' faction of the Party who are disenfranchised by the Megacorpo''s incessant price gauging.


    He placed the briefcase over a nearby table and opened it quietly.


    To the lieutenant''s non-surprise, a Rifle come out of the briefcase. It had no speck to its aspect and gave off a sort of factory-fresh scent. Based on the straight forward magazine, its slightly heaving feint from the Major''s old arms and its elongated barrel, this knightly rifle hit Sam''s stock trivia in her head on the courses of the UFEAF''s arsenal.


    "The FBR-97?" The Lieutenant guessed.


    "Close Lieutenant. But not quite." The Major rebuffed. "The Fabricated Battle Rifle twenty." He excitedly smiled.


    He held out the gun in front of her with his two hands showcasing the rifle to the young Lieutenant.


    "Arsenal made a new model?" Samantha asked.


    Holyfield quietly nodded.


    "Indeed. The specs are that this FBR is the ''Heavy'' variant, capable of shooting 7.62 millimeters of from the STANAGS." he pointed to the magazine receiver. "Following that is a next-gen recoil mitigation firing system making it shoot accurately at a range of nine-hundred meters at a firing rate of seven-hun-fiddy rounds-a-minute. Shooting wise, its capable of pushing the limits of the 7.62 to be able to punch through 20 millimeters of anything solid." He playfully c.o.c.ks the rifle "Lastly, all the plug and play all the Army Boys know and love from the SEAL''s to the Colonial Guards." He c.a.r.e.s.sed the upper rail sides of the Battle Rifle as if his hands were cradling a delicate babe.


    "That is all nice Major." Samantha nodded with an embarrassed smile, not for the seemingly humiliating occasion she is in but more of the fact that both of them are wearing their pajamas together and the Lieutenant has got to say, the intimidating ''Spearhead'' looked cartoonishly goofy in his purple with white striped pajamas. "But why disturb me at this hour? Its like? I don''t know¡­ 1 AM?" she asked.


    "In the vein of this new world and its culture. I am essentially ''Knighting'' you. For in ancient times, kings would often knight brave squires if they have shown exceptional skill or shown to be ready for battle rather than all of the frilly-ass formalities¡­ that I could kill for damn Pork Rib right now¡­" he muttered. "But that''s beside the point! I am Knighting you know with the sharpest spear in the United Federation''s grand arsenal to you Lieutenant Samantha Rose or ''Asset: Meitner'' as the wigs call you to take up the banner of the Federation and lead us forward in this time of war. This FBR-20? Shall become your sword." Holyfield said with a hint of prose.


    "So, it is really happening? Operation Haymaker? Now?" Samantha asked.


    "Not yet, but the natives are tenacious¡­ much more tenacious than we thought." Holyfield said.


    Just as he had said those words, the emergency siren blared outside of Samantha''s room as the blinking and wailing red had turned the serene underground facility into a perturbed rupture as the sleeping scientists and their support staff scrambled out of their beds in the wake of this unexpected emergency.


    "Are we being invaded?!?" Samantha exclaimed.


    "Indeed. Sergeant Crocker is awaiting you outside of the facility with your Land Cruiser. He will fill you in the details but to spare you some thoughts, your off to Tyr Rian now. Lock and Load, Gear up and do whatever Magic stuff you did and beat them back." Holyfield stood up and passed Samantha several clips of 7.62 magazines onto her. "You are now Stryder-Lead again Lieutenant."


    "What about you Major?" Samantha asked.


    "I will head to the Command Center and coordinate the defenses of New Albany by rousing the masses," Holyfield said.


    "The attack is two-pronged?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes. Me and your C.O. Polonsky will radio in soon once we get our bearings right. My Callsign is ''Spearhead'', Jan''s is ''Den Father''. Get out there and teach these barbarians a lesson." Holyfield said.


    "Rodger that." Samantha saluted.


    "And Lieutenant?" Holyfield paused her. "Do take care that Polonsky had to pull some strings to get you back to where you were before and the Rifle you have now. Do not make us regret this choice." He said with stern tone.


    Holyfield then dropped the backpack atop of Samantha''s bed and leaved her to get herself dressed. Inside the bag was her old combat gear from her c.h.e.s.t rig, beret, fatigues and boots. She quickly geared up in only a short span of a minute as she dashed towards the elevator with her new Battle Rifle and her Magic powers in hand.


    "On schedule Lieutenant." Crocker tapped his wrists as he greeted her upon reaching the entrance. Inside Stryder''s Land Cruiser was everyone else of the squad: Diaz, Kayin, Clay, Iris, Obed, and even Aliathra.


    "It''s good to be back." The Lieutenant said. "Clay! Sitrep!" she gave her first orders.


    "Gladly." The Radioman nodded. "Tyr Rian is on fire right now and we need coordinate rescue efforts."


    "We will be the front vehicle on a convoy to relieve the defenders of the Embassy. Remember Devicco''s mansion?" Crocker asked.


    "Yes, I have some fond memories," Iris smirked sarcastically.


    "Anyways, the Security Detail dug in and we need to relieve them and hold the place since the road around it is vital for the evacuation strategy of the Native civvies in Tyr Rian. We are already coordinating with the town guard in evacuating everyone out of there whilst also taking out the fire with some of our Helitack crews." Crocker said.


    "How big is the fire?" Samantha asked.


    "Multiple fires, several dozens of them sprouting out all over the City, caused by Adventurers by the reports coming from the Embassy''s Chief of Security." Clay said. "We are on


    "Adventurers? Why would the Gray Order do this? They are burning¡­ people!" Aliathra jumped out of her seat to express her dismay.


    "I don''t know Alie." Samantha differed. "But we might find out today. Iris! When an opportunity presents itself, I need you to take a bite out of them. Eat up their memories and find out what they know." The Lieutenant ordered.


    "Oooh¡­ I will find the most delicious of them to sink my teeth in." the Vampire Witch sensuously acceded.


    "Hey look over there." Crocker pointed out.


    Across the night sky distance, Samantha peeked over the Land Cruiser''s windows to see the protective wall that made up New Albany''s perimeter lit alight with activity. Gunfire and black powder bombardment from the combined arms of the Colonial Militia and the Marine Corps. Decimated an infiltrating force of these mysterious attackers who despite their bravery were simply no match for the Federation''s superior firepower. Their bodies dropped by the dozens upon the impregnable bastion of Colonel Polonsky''s defensive formations.


    "Damnit! This needs to stop fast." The lieutenant cursed.


    "No time to waste! We have to hurry to Tyr Rian now!" Kayin informed her.


    "What''s our opposition Sarge? How many of these people are we dealing with."


    "ISAC came through." The Sarge dropped Clay''s radio that he had held onto during the start of the trip. "Approximately one-thousand of them split into two groups of five-hundred. One here in New Albany and the other at Tyr Rian. ISAC says that the former is already being routed as we speak but the Tyr Rianni Opfor is the most problematic." Crocker said.


    "What is up with their madness? They just keep coming but our guns simply tearing them apart." Obediah sulked. He kind of felt sorry for all of these marauders. But then, he remembered how he protected his family upon hearing the sirens blaring on his neighborhood as he hid his wife and daughter on their underground shelter before he grabbed his guns and reported to Crocker back at the Militia Headquarters. He cannot feel sorry for people who would try to slaughter his family, his community and his nation even if they are unknowingly involving themselves in a lopsided affair.


    Samantha felt sick in the stomach upon gaining her bearings upon the situation. These attackers must be very daring and very malicious if they are to attack the New Albany and Tyr Rian. Especially to also cut down the good people of that Citadel too? Burn their homes, slaughter entire families who were only living peacefully with the Colony astounded her. Whoever dare done this has no idea who they just awoke from its complacent slumber.


    "So, keep the Corridor open and stop the fires," Samantha confirmed with her second-in-command.


    "Yes, we will need to take out the fires and prevent more from sprouting up. You and Iris can easily use some of your magic to put them out quickly, Aliathra can heal any injured that comes our way and the rest of us boys will kill anything that ain''t one of ours." Crocker said.


    "Affirmative. Stryder Group, lock and load we are going in hot." Samantha bestirred.


    "Literally." Diaz chuckled to himself as he c.o.c.ks Ruiner.


    The Land Cruiser entered the Tyr Rian gates not a moment later as the Quick Response Force sped through the streets upon the weary evacuation of the local Tyr Rianni. From bewildered nobles, overwhelmed guards and confused peasants, these people kept to the sides as emergency workers and lawful enforcers converged to bring order from chaos. There were several buildings who were either still on fire or who''s inferno was quenched thanks in part to the valorous townsfolks or the innovative industrial might of Federation Firefighters. The many folks were grateful for these ''Golden Knights'' who braved the infernos to rescue their loved ones and prevent more material damage to descend upon the hapless Citadel. But even then, these infernos were like a hydra, extinguish one and two more will take its place somewhere else in the city.


    As Stryder arrived at Arhaf Square, they disembarked from their land cruiser as the Embassy Security teams were fighting off another wave of their assailants. Their dynamic entry sent several of the abandoned market stalls and even a few of the attackers flying as their forms disintegrate upon the timely arrival of their mounted reinforcements.


    "Slop these bastards quick!" Crocker roared as he unleashed suppressive fire from his machine gun.


    The timely arrival of their cavalry relieved the beleaguered Embassy Security as fresh supplies, men and solace enveloped their position from their fellow countrymen.


    "Great timing! I was told I was given Special Forces!" Sentinel cheered.


    "Special? Oh¡­ yeah I am¡­ we are." Samantha humbly smiled. She kind of like the lilt on that title for Stryder Group.


    "Anyways you must be Crocker? The British accent, right?" Sentinel turned to the Sargeant.


    "Yeah, tell me what did you and your men see?" Crocker asked.


    "These people with their swords and magicks just came up to the Embassy and started trying to scale us. Thankfully we fought them all back. But then I noticed that there was more to this attack than just the Mansion."


    "Yeah the fires. Who are these people and what are they hoping to achieve from this?" Sentinel asked.


    "Grey Order." Iris said upon a considerable distance.


    They turned to the Vampire Witch who was rather greedily and sloppily licked the fresh blood off of the dead invaders.


    "Iris, don''t eat blood like that. It''s dirty¡­ and¡­ Adventurers? From the Grey Order?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes, this ring here?" Iris pulled out a blood-stained ring from the corpse of a blue-armored man that Sentinel had killed earlier. "This ring is only given to Grey Order who have reached the Gold Rank." She informed.


    "That''s intriguing but more troubling. Why would they invade New Albany and Tyr Rian? Let alone burn it to the ground?" Samantha wondered.


    "Is it because we drove them out of business with your Mercs?" Crocker nudged to Diaz, pulling his serene red jacket to provoke an immediate response.


    "Maybe¡­ I ¡­ but to be so pissed off that they would literally kill their potential employers just because we drove them out of business." Diaz defended.


    "I agree. That doesn''t make sense. Something else is going on here." Clay nodded.


    "Well whatever the hell is going on we need to stop those fires. I can handle the evacuation from here but we cannot allow these burnings to continue any longer." Sentinel passed along his commentary.


    The city continued to be set ablaze as eruptions upon flarings upon outbreaks of inferno''s continue to bring hell upon earth on Tyr Rian. Aliathra, dismay with disgust couldn''t believe that the Gray Order, a Guild of prestigious Adventurers who took up the sellsword to be the intrepid enterprise it was today be capable of causing such a brazen display of nihilistic cruelty. To think she had considered them a dignified institution.


    "They cannot just be using torches to cause this much damage so fast. They must have a dozen or so Pyromancers at their side¡­ likely Rogue Mages." Iris pointed out.


    "That explains how they can cover so much ground so quickly." Sentinel nodded.


    "People like them tend to not draw attention to themselves and only sell themselves for tasks that require a¡­ minimal to ''just don''t destroy everything too much'' use of their Magicks. Whoever these Pyromancers are must be uncharacteristically unhinged." Iris said.


    "I can see, so they are just mages like you who don''t fall under the College right? Or practice forbidden Magic such as your Necromancy?" Samantha asked.


    "Not exactly," Aliathra interjected. "It''s a broad term to describe not only those who are not part of it but also those who were kicked out of the Colleges too." Aliathra explained.


    "Oh? How can one be kicked out?" Kayin asked.


    "Well, the College, outside of being one of only two legal institutions to house, train and control the powers of Mages, they are also quite competitive... as in cut-throat competitive." the Elf explained. "You could also get kicked out for violating their rules or simply failing at your lessons. Many of students can avail¡­ certain¡­''services'' if it keeps them from being allowed to practice their Magics legally¡­ that and joining the Grey Order, but most prefer if they can help it to stay with the College than the dangerous life of an Adventurer. There is a sort of Elitist inclination the higher you go up the hierarchy of the College." Aliathra expounded.


    "Let me guess, its pretty Corrupt outside of the sparkly stuff, right?" Samantha confirmed.


    She and the rest of Stryder walked up to Samantha''s side readying their weapons. Most of them stoically awaiting their next orders but listening intently nonetheless.


    "Indeed, I have seen first hand back at even my own College back home what some students are willing to do¡­ I¡­ rather save it for another day¡­" Aliathra stuttered. "B-but what you need to know is that some of these Mages go Rogue so that they can practice their Magicks unimpeded. They tend to be ''wild'' than the more refined colleagues." She added.


    "Well that just means we need to stop them right now rather than later." Samantha psyched herself up she held her new FBR-20 and conjured some ice magic on each of her hands.


    "Neutralize these flames by any means necessary," Samantha said. "Iris help me with your Ice Powers kill out those fires subdue any of these Pyromancers that we can find. Clay be ready to coordinate the Helitacks on the fires me and Iris cannot reach. Aliathra if anyone you see gets injured; I want you to heal them. The rest of you boys, support all of what we are doing and takeout anyone that tries to stop us." She ordered.


    "Remember your training Ladui Rose." Iris reminded.


    "Yes, the Party is watching," Crocker added.


    Stryder group moved out upon the heel of their leader as they braved the Streets of Tyr Rian once again. Their heroics amongst the populace escalating to new heights as they encountered more of the ravaging Grey Order Adventurers who cruelly put many of Tyr Rian''s homes, property and establishments to the torch before disturbingly cut down any inhabitants that managed to escape in time upon being flushed out of their shelters. There was a mix of both humans, physically imposing feline folks, Orcs and even a few dwarves that are participating in this contumelious carnage with a side of infernal incitements. With their hearts beating with anger, their rifles emitting their castigation and their aura upon the winds of disgust, Stryder group cut down the Marauders mercilessly to the point that they almost forgot that they were encouraged to capture some of these Adventurers alive.


    As Samantha had said, she and Iris went to work blasting cooling ice upon the raging fires that were left in the attacks wake, a reinvigorating steam brushed along their faces upon the fire''s quenching. Meanwhile those other fires that the more magically inclined members of the squad couldn''t cover was dealt with the coordination of Kayin and Clay as they radioed in the Helitacks to spray their fire extinguishing sprays on those bonfires. Meanwhile, Diaz, Obediah and Crocker rescued as many Civilians as they could, even personally getting their hands dirty with the Grey Order which was a very cathartic release for those three. As for those injured or maladies with burns, Aliathra, when not assisting Lieutenant Rose and Iris would heal upon her own two hands, take away their pain and urged them to flee to Arhaf Square where they can be much safer.


    For the Elven Maiden, seeing the Grey Order mercilessly kill, maim and burn the innocent people of Tyr Rian upset her to highest degree. There were just too many injured that she was overwhelmed by their anguished cries. She saw burns, blood and bruises from the youngest to the eldest, the poorest to the eldest, human and dwarfen alike die in front of her in droves. There was just so many she could tend with her healing magics that she froze upon the sight of the corpse of a young girl''s charred remains who was held closely by her equally smoldered father who tried to protect her from the raging blazes of their now ashen home.


    "Kill all of them! Praise to Neneth''s name that we gave these infidels her mercy!" one triumphant Grey Order Guildsman blasphemously cheered as he proudly brandishes the decapitated top of a defenseless boy before Aliathra''s distraught eyes. His face frozen limp in the mien of horror life force sapped away in from the guilty swipe of a blood-dripping blade, drenched in the essences of the innocents.


    "You!" She gave an accusing finger to the blasphemous Adventurer and his posse of apostles. "You have no right to say her name!"


    The Elf unsheathed her bow and with her superior reflexes and Ranger Training, humming a magic word to her bow, six magical arrows appeared above across the curve of her bow enchanted and now magically locking on to the six malicious men before her. Upon the release of her string, six arrows found their marks upon the hearts of the same six men who were hastily shot down before they could even take the initiative. There was fury, a righteous fury burning in Aliathra as she wasted no hesitation taking down the marauders with her Bow. Her eyes maddened with grief, anger as she wishes to clear this sacred temple off of the filth and make way for all that is wholesome and good to be able to live another day, through this nightmare where the Cleric of Neneth swore to herself that night she will be their shield from.


    Upturning every corner whilst still keeping up with Samantha and the rest of Stryder group, Aliathra would passionately rescue as many innocent civilians as she can whilst cutting down those Grey Order who dare a finger on them. Like a Guardian Angel, her holy fury knew no bounds to those who fell by her hand that day and those few insurgents who had the fortune to witness but not be caught by her saintly gaze.


    Meanwhile, it was a shooting Gallery for Diaz, Obediah, and Crocker who with their own respectable marksmanship skills kept their tallies of kills going as they suppressed the Insurgents through the thunder of their guns.


    "Foul Demons!" an assertive voice reverberated on Obediah''s ears. "You there! The one with the long beard who cuts down many of these brave souls by the mere sight of your gaze! I challenge you!"


    Obediah turned around to see a short-haired man with a pointed beard challenged the Marksman with his sword tip pointing towards him. To his disgust before his feet were the sliced corpses of even more innocent civilians of Tyr Rian.


    "My blade hungers for the blood of you Demon folks! I grow tired of cutting down your sycophants and now I wish to test my mettle against you for I am Steffan Arhyrdded! The greatest Swordsman in all of Ysanigrad shall be your vanquisher and the one of the many Salvation Crusaders of the Grey Order of Gliesia." the Swordsman introduced himself.


    "Salvation? You call all of this Salvation? Is this some sick joke?" Obediah questioned.


    "Be Silenced! I will kill you, then find the rest of your kinsmen and slaughter your entire bloodline forever!" Steffan galvanized.


    "You wouldn''t dare hurt my family!" Obediah growled as he readied to draw ''April'' from his pocket as he tensed his knees to ready to accept the trial of combat of this worthless excuse of a ''man'' to his challenge.


    "I will when I mount your head on my estates wall Engarde!" Steffan decreed as he charged towards Obediah.


    But it was a fatal mistake, for the Swordsman brought a blade to a gunfight. With dead-eye accuracy, Obediah shot Steffan''s sword hand off causing a torrent of blood a fracturing of bone to detonate from its furrow.


    Steffan collapsed to the ground as he grasped in vein his other hand to stop the bleeding of his severed arm. Obediah walked closer to him as dreadful tears and an angered frown paint itself on Steffan''s visage. The ironically disarmed Swordsman who was dishonorably bested by an equally dishonorable armament, the humble revolver, spat on Obediah''s boot as the ground quake as his adrenaline-addled senses reverberate on his slowly dying self.


    "Well¡­ what are you going to do Demon?" Steffan asked.


    "This¡­" Obediah c.o.c.ked his revolver.


    He may not be a soldier or would be a willing participant for a war but if anyone were to come after him and his family. He will show them a whole new meaning to the phrase ''bite of more than you can chew''.


    But just as the bearded huntsman was about to squeeze the trigger, Crocker intervened.


    "Obed! We need him!" Crocker intruded.


    "We need this sonuvabitch to die Sarge." Obediah protested.


    "He will after he tells us." Crocker implored. "Iris! Come over here!" the Sargeant called out to the Vampire Witch who was busy extinguishing the last embers off of a once-proud tailor shop.


    "You call for me?" Iris asked.


    "Yeah, do your thing with your teeth with this f.u.c.k. I want to know everything he knows." Crocker ordered.


    "Oh, with p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e." Iris happily obliged. She teased her fangs to the dread of the injured Swordsman.


    Steffan noticed those fangs. A cold death by the hands of a blade was preferable to the deathly fangs of the Vampire kind, whose birthplace was where Tyr Rian''s lands lay upon on. He tried terrifyingly tried to wiggle away to keep his living blood away from the Vampire Witch. It is said that Vampires grow more esoterically powerful the more blood they consume.


    "No! Stay back foul creature! You truly are monsters just as they say! You and your Sochairfuil are all monsters!" he cried.


    "Hold him down Diaz!" Crocker ordered Vincent.


    With both of their weight pinning the desperate and defeated man to the ground giving the Vampire Witch ample room to enact her profane ritual. She l.u.s.tfully c.a.r.e.s.sed Steffan''s nape with her snow-white fangs and upon savoring the scent of his blood from beneath the thin layer of skin, Iris unleashed her fangs upon the Swordsman''s neck, gouging his arteries and sating her sanguine thirsts avariciously. For one agonizingly long minute, Iris helped herself to the healthy blood of the fine specimen before her. Steffan''s blood, as vigorous as a prized stallion was delectable to her. Vampires of her kind had their tastes on what blood they prefer to consume but the general consensus is no different to how one would select which cattle is best consumed for slaughter. Not too fat, not too lean and healthy without any ailments or maladies that can disrupt the taste of the blood upon a Sochairfuil''s macabre appetites.


    "Ah!" Iris released her straddle upon the now dried prune that was Steffan. The accelerated bloodloss causing him to expire as his body rails as rigor mortis and the warmth passion of enjoying the heat of battle has turned frigid.


    She convulsed with an electrifying jolt of her body as the memories of the man flooded her mind for her to see. She sees visions of the Truth of the matter. To her utter animosity, the people that swayed Steffan and the rest of these marauding horde into Tyr Rian was none other than the Slaegian Empire. Under the guidance of the Prophecy of Geltagar''s Comet, they wished to pre-emptively attack, scout and despoil the Federation''s boons off of the Tyr Rianni out of envious fear. The Empire, wanting to hamstring the Federation or ''Demons'' as they insist, they call the Otherworlders by famishing them off of their ''Soul Feed'' who are the very denizens of Tyr Rian itself! Under the orders of a ''Madame Gwarthen'' which means to an omniglot such as herself, in much more refined Vaikuri for the word ''Shadow'' a codename disguised for an anonymous mastermind. This ''Salvation Crusade'' led by the Gold-ranked Adventurer Radred ''the Flagrant'' are the perpetrators of this heinous act, that in all official terms, such a ravishing attack on an Empire City would have been an ''Illegal'' Quest in all sense of the words. The Vampire Witch was disgusted and aching beyond any sensation as she wobbled clumsily, barely able to stand upright as she her back by a nearby lamp post.


    "Iris? What did you see?" Crocker asked.


    "So much¡­ so much I know¡­." Iris muttered.


    "What do you mean by that?" Diaz asked.


    "It is Souviel all over again." Iris summarized. "The Empire, the College, the Grey Order and the Elves too. They wish to be rid of you because the stupid Prophecy they believe that you are the ''Demons'' returning."


    "Them? Bollocks!" the Sergeant recoiled and cursed. "Why, I outta show them what REAL ''Demons'' can do." He cracked his fists.


    Hearing upon Iris'' revelations made the blood of the other men of Stryder Group boil furiously. All they ever done to Tyr Rian was help and aid them in their day to day struggles and this is how the Empire responds? To their own subjects even?


    "You know what this means right?" the Sergeant implicated. What else do you know?" Crocker pressed forward for more answers.


    "Stop." Iris placed her hand to buffer distance between her and the Sargeant. "I need a moment¡­"


    The Vampire Witch massaged her temples to soothe the achings on her still dizzied brain. All of the stress of putting out the fires and sudden running over of her cerebellum has taken Iris to her mental limits. She was not so used to inhaling the fumes of burning buildings, nor was she prepared to see the panging anguish of the people of Tyr Rian''s terror over this catastrophe blazing around them literatim. In all of her dual centuries of only reading such events in her encyclopedic collection, it had not prepared her for any of this. A sympathy, something she never thought she could empathize was how she felt for the mutilated people of Tyr Rian that day and a newfound respect for the valiant local Volunteer Fire Brigades who shoves buckets of water from the well to quench the fires in support of the Federation''s efforts to contain the inferno.


    With a new paradigm innately recognize within herself. Iris Cadohagan looked onto her companions, who gathered around to make sure she was okay. A familial warmth she had lacked all of her life finally being experienced genuinely from firsthand of the first true people she can call her friends. The Vampire Witch began to lighten up as she took a moment to take a breath.


    "Damn, remind me never to take you out on an All you Can Eat Buffet for a date." Kayin who sprinted to Iris upon seeing her stammered condition commented. He did saw a glimpse of Iris'' interrogation of the Swordsman on orders from Crocker and how she savored the man''s blood every moment as she took her sweet time-draining him.


    "Not, as well as I regaled on you." She smiled with a flirty lilt, Steffan''s blood dripping out of her beam much to Kayin''s embarrassment and chaff.


    "Date? You a thing now Kayin? You and Iris?" Obediah asked, gesturing his fingers pointing to both him and rapidly back to Iris.


    "Yeah, you can say that." The Nigerian scratched his head.


    "I am happy for you too. Don''t be embarrassed." Diaz smiled.


    "Where''s Samantha now though? The El-tee?" Crocker asked.


    "Last I check she was with Clay who told her that the drones found some Tangoes that are causing most of the fires," Kayin said.


    "We gotta hustle up now." Crocker rallied.


    All of Stryder nodded as they followed the Sargeant to Samantha''s last position, though Obediah, before he sped off with the rest of his Squad, unloaded a round of his Pistol at Steffan''s corpse before spitting at him just to satisfy his familial honor and his own manhood.


    Meanwhile for the Lieutenant, Samantha was sprinted pass more of the charred remains of Tyr Rian''s streets gunning down all that she saw participating on this bonfire. The fires around her soon broiled Samantha''s skin that instinctively the Lieutenant casted a ward that was taught by her from Aliathra that helps her body withstand being near scalding temperatures and allow her to press on through with less difficulty. As soon as she did cast that ward, Samantha soon realizes she is now turning over the very sources of all of the fire being invoked upon the Citadel. Lo and behold, Samantha saw a dozen or so Pyromancers setting fire to all of the buildings until all are ash, the screams of the trapped inhabitants crying in anguish to the skies which made the Lieutenant''s fist clench indignantly.


    "You! Stop this!" Samantha pointed to one of the Pyromancers she assumes as the leader.


    A literally fiery-headed woman turned around her, her dual-wielded Magic staffs burning brightly with her Azure Mana Crystals to contrast her cardinal blush. An Aura similar to the Flame Golem Samantha had fought so many months ago was what this woman presented herself to the Lieutenant.


    "Look at all of this? Can you see them all scream? Hear the fire crack as all is made pure once again by Fire?" one of the Pyromancers said.


    "Silence neophyte!" the leading woman ordered.


    She stepped forward and showboated her blazing visage to Samantha showing how the flames harmlessly decorate her dress. It disgusted the Lieutenant that she is seeing a dark parody of herself within that Head Pyromancer. Holyfield and the party were right, if she were to lose control, she might as well end up like her.


    "You must be one of the ''Demons'' Radred speaks about. To be honest you don''t look too much. But then again, you I have never seen a Demon before so who am I to judge?" she said.


    "Whoever you are, what you did is unforgivable!" Samantha raised her fist.


    "Sioned Tanylld, Pyromancer extraordinaire." The lady introduced herself with a playful bow. "I have been waiting for one of you Demon lots to show up. Grilling all these damned souls have been such a bore after a while. It is like burning insects. It''s satisfying at first but gets boring soon after.


    "Your insane!" Samantha accused Sioned.


    The Pyromancers collectively laughed in response to the Lieutenant''s denouncement.


    "Insane? Yes I am! But even I know that destroying Tyr Rian will also Destroy you with it!" Sioned laughed along.


    The Pyromancers soon began to charge themselves up with their Magical Implements to ready for their next spell.


    "Now then, Burn in cleansing fire like the rest of your cattle!" Sioned declared.


    Upon a quick reaction, Samantha conjured with her newfound powers an Ice Wall knowing ice beats fire, a direct counter to what she anticipates an infernal barrage from these hot-headed Pyromaniacs. Her training with Iris and the years studying in West Point dictates how she can easily predict an opponent. For such an empathetic set of individuals such as the Pyromancers, they were fairly not that hard to discern that all they could do was attack, attack and attack with Fire-based Magicks.


    The Ice Wall arose from the ground about a few inches short tall of Samantha''s C.h.e.s.t when the barrage of Fire Magicks converged on her position. Samantha doved down and hugged herself upon the safety of the Ice Wall. Steam and melting snow were all that was created from the Pyromancer''s spells as they impact the wall. Upon, discovering their attacks were negated. The Pyromancers looked on dumbfounded upon the sight of the Demon Warrior that came to confront them was also proficient with Magicks too. Instinctively seeing an opening, Samantha took a page from the old classical show of Avatar, specifically the Earthbenders on how they would manipulate the very structural bending attacks to give off rock solid offense and defense. With her defense secured, it was time to fight back. Rallying up her powers again, Samantha willed herself to shatter the Ice Wall with her Mana-enhanced fists, shattering the barrier to glass-shard pieces before sending them flying like a buckshot of razors towards the Pyromancers. Several of them were killed instantly upon their bodies being punctured by the ice spikes that the Lieutenant produced. The rest took cover.


    "Take this!" Samantha cheered as she aimed her FBR-20 at the hunkered down Pyromancers.


    She managed to shoot down all of them except for the leader Sioned, for she casted an auric Fire Cloak on her person that negated Samantha''s non-magical projectiles.


    "Impressive. But playtime is over now." Sioned shimmied her ignited hand. "Flaming Bull!" the Pyromancer shouted.


    Sprouting forth from the mad firebug''s hands, conjured an atronach. As its name suggests, a life-sized bull articulated by magic and constructed through fire charged straight for the Lieutenant. Samantha tried to shoot at the infernal construct but at the worst possible time, her FBR-20 clicked out, indicating that their was no more 7.62 millimeters in the magazine left. Alarmed, the Lieutenant strafed right with a well-time dodge roll just at the bull was about to gorge her with its magma-glowing horns. Using her Magic to feed more Mana to her Flaming Bull and controlling its movements, the Construct grew further in size until the heat it gives off near sun-like temperatures. The artificial animal turned around back upon missing its target to attempt for the kill again on the Lieutenant as Samantha stood back up.


    Lieutenant Rose realizes she needs to think fast otherwise the Bull or the Pyromancer can get a drop on her. As she dodged the Bull''s charges, Samantha begins to think fast.The Lieutenant knows that she will need to kill Sioned quickly less she continues her mad arson spree and destroy more properties and lives too. Seeing all of the bittersweet flames engorge itself on her surroundings and her own exhaustion due to still being left ''n.a.k.e.d'' without her proposed Hecate Suit, made the Lieutenant sense that she was slowly losing out on her mana. The corpses of Sioned''s fellow Pyromancers whose frames were ruptured to allow once-stocked mana reserves to leak out made were starting to become appetizing for Samantha to siphon.


    An idea popped into her head as she decided to lead the bull towards the corpses of Sioned''s dead accomplices knowing she will need a considerable sum of Mana to pull this gamble off. The Lieutenant quickly raised her hand on each of the Pyromancer corpses and ripped out all the spilled Mana their corpses could take. Having siphoning the mana she began to charge her hands readying herself for a great release of energy. Electrical bolts and crimson heat gathered around her hands that made the Lieutenant''s hands carom with excitement, not just for the excitement of her high-risk but high-reward plan but literally she is making the Mana energy particles she discharges from her hands. Carbon began to fully burn out amongst the superheated energies as the crimson fire she conjured turned to a brilliant blue ball of light with electromagnetic energies sparkling slightly around.


    "By the Gods¡­" Sioned commented as she observes the Demon Witch she faced.


    The Pyromancer saw how Samantha desecrated the Mana Energies off of her dead comrades, a disgusting but pragmatic act that only the most skilled of Sorcerer''s can do since Mana dissipates rather quickly without a suitable means of containment, for example, a crystal or a person. At first, Sioned thought the Demon Witch was like those Sorcerers, however upon an observation off her right hand, she noticed the symbols on Samantha''s hand. It was written in Ancient Vaikuri, a language she had studied during her collegiate days, it was ''Rhannu-Prietar'' or ''the Share Holder''. One of the Chosen One Brands the Sacred Crystal Heart bestows upon people to bless them with great power.


    "Y-Y-you!" she pointed a libelous finger on the Lieutenant. "Rhannu-Prietar!"


    Ad interim, Samantha careful footwork managed to lure the Bull to align itself unknowingly with its controller, it was aimed just right that the Bull was trying to charge straight at her while the still flabbergasted Pyromancer was directly at her construct''s six o''clock. With the ball of siphoned mana at her hand reaching to supercritical point that if it stayed any longer in her hand, she would implode. One-shot was all Samantha needed as she went all in.


    "Have a taste of your medicine you bitch!" Samantha yelled as she unleashed the superheated Mana energies from her hand.


    In one brilliant cerulean ball of azure fire, the enthusiastic mana energies blasted through the Flaming Bull, obliterating it from existence from sheer demoniac power. Nonetheless, the Bull was virtually nothing upon contact as its power soon became one with Samantha''s as the sphere pushed across the battlefield and onto Sioned the Pyromancer herself.


    "I-I-mpossible!" Sioned screamed as her frame disintegrates upon contact of the Blue Fire Samantha struck her with. In life, she always lived like passionately flame and ironically, the way she goes is through the fires and flames of another.


    As the battle concluded, Samantha collapsed to the ground as the rest of Stryder Group rallied towards her.


    "El-Tee!" Crocker fretted as he c.a.r.e.s.sed Samantha''s head and lay it atop of his collapsing knees.


    "Sarge¡­ He-He-He¡­" Samantha chuckled lightly. "Guys¡­ I did it." She turned to all of her squad who attended her.


    "You did what?" Clay asked. "Wait--- Hang on¡­ Yes, Medevac at my coordinates. It''s Asset Le Fay. She has been injured. Yes now!" he radioed Command.


    Samantha turned her eyes to Iris and Aliathra lay on her side. The former wiping of the blood she had siphoned off of that Swordsman from earlier and the latter applying soothing energy of her Restoration Magicks upon the Lieutenant.


    "Iris¡­ Alie¡­ I did it¡­" She smiled.


    "I know you did, and I am proud of you. You have to tell me how you did it soon." Iris acknowledged.


    "Save it for later... I need a damn nap¡­ and maybe a Banana Milk Smoothie¡­" Samantha smiled.


    The thunderous vibrations of Super Osprey became the only thing that the Lieutenant heard as Stryder Group taken her inside the Medevac and extracted away. With the Pyromancers, the main driving force of Tyr Rian''s incineration eliminated the infernal contagion was stopped dead in its tracks, the Firemen able to completely extinguish the rest of the fires that still burned through the night without worry of new ones sprouting their destructive aspects somewhere else in the Citadel.


    The Helitack Choppers sprouting out their innovative weapons against the flame, a cooling foam and most peculiar to the natives a strange gun-like device that gives a sonic wave that although harmless to any humanoid folks, was fatal upon the flames making contact with the invisibile energy.


    As metal dragons hovered above onto Tyr Rian''s smoldered remains a lone figure watched above the skyline.


    "They are stronger than I have thought." Lyndis, the Sefydliad Spymaster muttered to herself.


    She had observed the ''battle'' in all of its details and to see how quickly and easily these Otherworlder''s disposed of several Adventurer''s, Mercenary Warriors, and Sellswords of respectable renown. Normally the Empire would have trouble dealing with them or often to complement their role weaknesses in the Legion''s to hire several of them as Auxiliaries or Ategoliannei. But all were irrelevant to the might of these Otherworlders. It was little wonder how even the Elite Elven Warriors back in Souviel were so handily defeated by these Otherworlders that she was almost impressed by their prowess. But as Lyndis can conclude within the context of this upcoming war, a direct attack from Little Hill would be suicide for the Alliance of the Light, the Alliance between her people the Ethuilen Elves, the Slaegian Empire and Dwarves of the Ostalrocs, as Lyndis concluded. They will have to draw the Otherworlders out from the Empire''s Strongpoints and protract the conflict under home territory if they are to stand a chance.


    However, this doesn''t yet explain how to actually defeat the Demons. They possess both superior physicalities under their humanoid guises whilst wielding mighty arms and beasts that thunder upon every strike or step those machineries make. If Lyndis can somehow gather her hands on some form of research material than perhaps the Alliance of the Light might be able to reverse the means of being able to genuinely fight back when they had so far failed to. There was still no events of the Demon''s devouring the Souls of the humans they held in bondage over here in Tyr Rian, but it is likely they are saving them for the big assault against the Alliance once they make the trek over the mountains and into the Empire proper.


    Upon her own reasoning, the Otherworlder''s might think that this raid conducted by Radred ''the Flagrant'' might have been just their one and only time opportunity to attack them before they could fully mobilize so Security should lax just enough for Lyndis to finally move inside the belly of the beast and extract some useful bits of information to salvage her little failed experiment. Those little Demon ''Imps'' that some of the larger ones often escort around might work best for an ''acquisition'' of as Lyndis had initially observed on her few scouting missions. The Demon''s must have their own growth cycles to further saturate their numbers and they start with these tyke-sized Imps. Additionally, it was much easier to bring home a live subject that she can easily carry on horseback without too much of a fight if she were to capture one of these whelps off of Tyr Rian than one of their fully grown warriors. She and likely the rest of the College of Magi will have many plans for experimentation and dissection upon acquisition of a live test subject. It wasn''t much but it is a good start to base their plan of fighting this invasion upon. For one of their Demonic arms however, that can be a bit of a challenge but the Sefydliad Spymaster is ready to improvise or abandon the prospect of acquiring as she believes know how to hurt the enemy might be more important than how the enemy can hurt them.


    She stood up and then turned around, still blanketed by her invisibility cloak but just as she was about to leave, Lyndis caught someone familiar with her owl-sharp eyes. A familiar blonde maiden with leaf pointed ears traveling in concert with the Otherworldly Demonic Warriors and a Sochairfuil.


    "Princess? You are truly one of them now. I will have no choice but to see to end your life as your family¡­ your former family''s honor dictates. Who knew you were such a weakling after all? You treat the Demons and that vile Vampire like they are your friends much like how much of a pampered little puppy you were and really are. To sell your soul for worldly companionship?" Lyndis mocked and one final comedic laugh for the night.


    She then promptly disappeared, dashing back to her secret camp in the Verden River Valley Forest to acquire a certain stock of something she managed to smuggle into Tyr Rian''s borders that might be just what she needs to pull this mission off. She will also have to send one more Tweeter Bird message to tell to Emperor Uldin and Mita the Crow of her findings. Though due to some limitations to the spell, she will have to speak in code to relay the intelligence and her suggestions as the spell has a limited capacity to hold enough words in.


    "Soon, I will know every little secret of yours." Lyndis schemed.


    -------------------------


    Radred ''the Flagrant'' awoke sluggishly upon the combined sensations of what he can discern is a light pecking on his head and Lehsol''s gaze finally arising to greet her subjects in her n.a.k.e.d self once again as morning began. The jostling of a few scratches of his face plus the blinding radiance of Lehsol made him realize that he was very much still alive and also he was being pecked by a vulturine Murcrow, coming to peck a few pieces off of him for an easy meal. The dark green bird flew off of Radred as he slowly rose up from the soft pile of¡­


    "Ahh!" Radred gasped as he realizes that what he lay upon was a heap of corpses, corpses of those brave souls who followed him to the Gates of the Demon stronghold in Tyr Rian.


    Their faces were frozen in either peaceful calm or petrified terror that neither sight of which comforted the Gold-ranked Adventurer. The corpse pile was laid upon a dug hole as if they were about to be ready to be buried en masse to the soft earth that was Neneth''s flesh. Radred hurryingly climbed out of the pile of corpses but unknown to him he was greeted by a more macabre scene. There were more mass graves of his fellow Adventurer''s stacked high in their grisly remains of exploded body parts and shredded flesh as the scent of death and dried blood filled his lungs with terror. He saw Human, Orcs, Mstari, and Dwarf dead lay messily atop each other like bundles of hay as great iron machines that belch a disgusting smoke plowed them like dirty to the mass graves that awaits them.


    Radred''s ego was offended to no bounds, he had never failed a quest in his entire career ever and all of the reputation, the riches, and associates he had fought tooth and nail for would fall away from his fingers now that he comes home empty-handed. Earlier that night He would rather die in this godsforsaken ground than face the music of humiliation. Earlier that night was an absolute disaster. Upon chancing on the first patrol of Otherworlder''s he and his men encountered, they were absolutely torn to shred by their black colored staves and crystal towers that thundered flashes of fire that flickered their forms into the dark new moon last night. All of his Adventurer''s tried as they might to fight back but their combined arms were simply too overwhelming to bear like a flood that crashes down upon a village, they decimated ''the Salvation Crusade''. Last that Radred remember was the ground erupting before him before he fell into unconsciousness.


    But just as the Adventurer was about to commend his spirit, he had heard some footsteps that trembled the ground not too far away from him. Laying still to pretend he is one of the dead but not certainly among them. Radred looked on as a man in a blue clothed waddled his way up the mountains of corpses.


    "H-h-help me¡­" a feeble voice of another alive but much more injured Adventurer that had accompanied Radred in his ''Salvation Crusade'' grabbed the blue clothed man by his feet.


    The strange man didn''t respond any words, only picking up a small and unsually shaped sidearm holstered on his waist and aimed the gizmo like a wand of sorts to the injured Adventurer. In one loud thunderous crack of his strange wand, the injured Adventurer collapsed now finally amongst the dead. In the wand''s wake, the Murcrows flew away fearfully upon the sound of the blue clothed man''s wand.


    Radred wondered, that perhaps that wand of his is a powerful weapon of sorts as he have seen last night that his fellow Otherworlder''s like him wield to decimate his men.


    He quietly followed the man until the Otherworlder stopped to over look the desolate scene before him, his wand holstered at his side whilst the man covered his eyes from Lehsol''s glare with his two hands. Sneakily, Radred grabbed the wand from the man with the skill of his sleight of hand and dashed away.


    "Oi you!" the blue-clothed Otherworlder turned to yell, realizing he has been pickpocketed.


    The chase is on as Radred, with a dozen meter head start tumbled down the mountains of corpses of his fellow adventurers lay on. He skipped along with the bodies of his comrades whilst weaving pass more patrols of similarly blue-clothed men as he finally makes it to a green glade where he can easily hide amongst the trees.


    After getting some distance among the tree''s Radred observed the treasure he had obtained.


    It an L-shaped wand of sorts with very intricate steel engravings. Upon closer inspection, the Gold-ranked adventurer notices that the wand is actually composed of many separate components that are connected together by joints and some screws. The sort of craftsmanship only the most advanced of Blacksmith''s can replicate that perhaps if given to them, might be able to indeed reproduce these wands for Alliance of Light''s mages to use against the Demons.


    Radred felt smug upon realizing he can still salvage this mission by returning back home with this single loot. He can demand a significant premium to compensate him upon turning in the strange wand to the Mages College for research since he is likely the only fruitful survivor of this ill-fated attack that was more of Suicide Mission than anything else. If he ever encounters that ''Madame Gwarthen'' again he will show her a piece of his mind and the vengeful scorn of all of his fellow dead Adventurers.


    He fiddled with the wand a little but he unknowingly pulled down a thin strip of metal that activated a mechanism within the device''s intrinsics whilst the wand''s shooting tip faced him. A bright flash of light and a loud bang immediately followed as Radred limply crashes down to the glade''s grass filled floor as his spirit expires.


    He was never destined to ever complete his quest.


    -----------------------


    "Damages?" Governor White asked solemnly.


    "581 deaths, 600 or so injured and about half of the City burnt down." Thomas reported.


    "Lord Almighty..." he sunk down to absorb all of that information.


    The Governor with the Ministry of Education wig was with Major Holyfield and Lutheor Mirrien observing the post-disaster disposal of all the debris and waste throughout the Citadel, both material and human. There was the wails of widows, mourning orphans and distraught other folks throughout the citadel as the local temples declared just this morning a full week of lamentation for all that was lost.


    "Any... Significant damage?" the Governor asked.


    "I am afraid we do." Lutheor raised his child''s length hand. "I was told that Princess Aria, Clovich''s sister has been knocked out when she was attacked by an Ogre that one of those raiders brought with them. Tried to protect a family herself but she and her bodyguards got more what they bargained for. Thankfully some of your men came in and managed to save her and her retinue before something horrible happens. She is alive but needs to ''sleep a lot according to your apothecaries. I think they call it a ''Koh-ma''." the Dwarf Merchant said.


    "Damnation... That is still bad either way for the Prince''s Sister." Thomas tightened his fist in frustration. "Clovich''s reaction upon hearing of all of this can go either way for us to all of this, he will not be happy no matter what we say. What are our options?" he said to Jeremy.


    "I can put a good word for all of you that you managed to help out many of the folks here when the fires happened when the Prince does return back from his ''long journey''." Mirrien butted in.


    "That is welcome." the Governor gave his gratitude.


    At this moment, all of their previous engagements in diplomacy to the contacts they have made are now put to the test. A friendly gesture of commitment and acknowledgment to a few influential token pieces on the Grand Strategic board is priceless right now.


    "Well Holyfield, looking at all of this... I say we have our Cassus Belli now are we correct?" the Governor turned to Holyfield.


    "Major? You are quiet right now." Thomas Sight turned to Holyfield.


    For Major Benjamin Holyfield, he only stared blankly at all the destruction that Tyr Rian had endured last night. From the safety of his Command Bunker, he still had night terrors of all the barbarous and cruel acts that were happening during those 130 minutes of sheer anxiety which was the duration of the entire attack on both the Principality and the Colony. He could only imagine not just the screams of terrors but the marauding laughter of power the savages had done to all of the good folks of Tyr Rian. It made his blood boil that these people would be so daring and so cruel enough to do such a misguided thing. From the reports of Iris Cadohagan''s findings, these savages wanted to deny the Federation their ''Soul Food'' before they could commence their ''Second Demonic Invasion'' upon the Empire. But for all intends and purposes, they have just guaranteed it.


    Preferably, if it were up to the Governor and his inner circle, he would create a false flag operation to generate a much more controlled incident with a few manipulations and calculated gambits at the right place and time to gain the green light they need to push for the Holyfield''s ''Grand Pacification Campaign'' of Gliesia, they never wanted the Cassus Belli to be from the results of what they see before them. However, knowing the Federation''s public, an attack on innocent civilians that are considered friendly to the Federation with a simultaneous assault on one of their colonies does curry more political favor to be seen at the frontier of the Federation''s Territories. This time, there will be no shortage of volunteers, no shortage of patriots, and no shortage of vengeance engraved deeply into the hearts of them all. For today, the real Demons have shown themselves, and it is this so-called ''Alliance of the Light''.


    "Yes, a horrific scene here at the Frontier today as the Citadel of Tyr Rian, a native settlement friendly to the Federation was barbarically razed to the ground last night. Witnesses report that a group of hostile locals killed and torch many dozen of establishments and peoples that were amiable to the Colony of New Albany. Let''s see if we can get a statement from the Governor. Governor White!" a Newscaster and his Camera Drone reported before the journalist spotted Governor White amongst the attending crowd of Federation personnel coordinating the rebuilding efforts.


    He walked eagerly towards the Governor and placed his microphone next to the Governor but Major Holyfield shielded the Governor away from the mic and stole it himself.


    "It''s those god damn Slaegians and their Dungeons and Dragon''s lackeys! Every last one of them should be rounded up and shot!" Holyfield fumed out.


    "That is quite a statement!" the Newscaster recoiled upon the Major''s controversial quote. And his Camera Drone was doing a live broadcast in front of many of the Federation''s attentive gaze right now.


    "You need to have you and every one of you couch potatoes at home wipe the shit''stain outta your eyes and look at all of this!" Holyfield flailed his arms back at the devastation in the background. "If these Savages want to have a war then let''s give it to''em!" Holyfield lambasted unto the camera before speeding off.


    Major has several preparations he will need to finalize with Polonsky and the rest of all the able-bodied men of the UFEAF in this new theater of war. Soon, the Federation will respond in kind, for unknowingly to the Alliance of the Light they have just awoken a Sleeping Giant, and gave him a thirst for the sweet wine that is Vengeance.

 Chapter 41 - a Demon in Plain Sight

    A carroty Sun or Lehsol as the locals call that star, ascended above the amaranthine sky over New Albany today. But the usual peaceful bird chirps, howling livestock, and the yawn of awoken peoples did not greet that day. Instead, the day''s first melodies were the thunderous whirl of six Super Osprey''s that made their final approach to the New Albany Airfield where Colonel Polonsky, Thomas Sight, Lutheor Mirrien and Dr. Mahelona waited idly by at the tarmac. They had heard the news of this Wing''s arrival and they were very eager to see its cargo with their own eyes.


    Earlier a few days ago, Colonel Polonsky had authorized Jaguar Group, with additional elements from some UFEAF Marine Corps to intercept a shipment of Exotic Minerals that was destined to go to the Empire whom War has been formally declared upon by the Federation who are now roused and preparing for a fight. If word of these Actocolite, Scandanite, and Ghyranite were to be believed by Iris, Martainne, Lutheor, Aliathra and every other folk they talk of this subject about, these minerals promised vast amounts of possibilities ranging from fully harnessing the power of the Mana Crystals and in contrast negating any harmful effects caused by it. According to Captain Mendoza, the raid was an astounding success with no casualties and maximum damage for the Caravan ''who didn''t know what hit''em.'' Absolutely know survivors and all of the precious cargo that they transported is now the Federation''s. There was a bit concern from the Colonel''s part about if all of the Osprey''s can fit all of the minerals in their holds as Mendoza had stated that they can barely all fit inside, but the rest of the journey back home was only met by minor turbulence caused by rogue gale winds. Additionally, Jaguar Group was authorized to confiscate any other unidentified materials for study.


    As the Strike Teams safely disembarked from the Ospreys with their precious cargo, Dr. Mahelona excitedly bolted to the containers carrying the minerals with the Dwarven Merchant Lutheor following suit with his stubby legs to help authenticate the haul. David marveled at their curious brilliance and smiled amusingly on how convenient they were all molded into ingot bars too.


    Actocolite were the warm reddish-bronze ingots that is reported that when forged into bladed weapons or bows. Their mystical properties can be much more easily bestow Magical Enchantments into the object it will be formed upon to last longer and become more potent in output. Additionally, weapons forged in Actocolite significantly dull less often than more conventional materials.


    Scandanite in contrast with its cooler purplish-blue ingots that is incredibly dense and heavier than the other two minerals hauled in. It is also quite flexible upon cutting down the size of it to form more acute shapes. It shares the similar ease of Magical Enchantments that its sister Actocolite possess but due to its heavier nature, the mineral is best used to forge adamant armors, blunt weapons and even sometimes weapon components. In Dr. Mahelona''s experience, Scandanite is similar to the Federation''s synthetic Plasteel compounds.


    Lastly, there is the dark-jade ingot known as Ghyranite, also known as the ''Anti-Magic Mineral''. Its application is much more niche but is very much just what the War Effort is looking for. An effective Magic Countermeasure. It is used to multi-compound armor to make very magic resistive protection much as a bullet-proof vest. Additionally, if you can form the Ingot into something that is enclosed such as handcuffs for the magically adept or a containment room to hide off one''s Mana signature from magical detection then in conclusion, Ghyranite is the most purposive haul among them.


    "Ah¡­ the little voice in my head is telling me to do so many great things with it!" Dr. Mahelona joyously hugged each an ingot of Actocolite, Scandanite and Ghyranite like a little girl would cuddle her dolls ecstatically.


    "What kind of stuff?" Polonsky inquired.


    "Well, the quad-weave Hecate Suit for Samantha for a start. But I only need like a few ingots to make''em. For the rest, I am seeing new Armor Plates for our personnel and vehicles, some new blades, and finally, I can experiment with that Trophy System..." The Doctor rambled. His excitement was like the mountains rising upwards as he couldn''t contain his cavalier mood on being the Vanguard of Progress, likely a side-effect of his Chosen One brand, Estsygol, ''the Scholar''.


    Meanwhile, Lutheor Mirrien''s eyes widened at the extensive haul that the Otherworldy Warriors had brought back and he was left aghast.


    "Do you know what and how much of this did you steal?" Lutheor turned to Polonsky.


    "Not really, but if it was meant for an army of one thousand then I say we put an effective stop to whatever their plans were." Thomas Sight shrugged.


    "You don''t understand this. How us Dwarves live¡­" Lutheor muttered.


    "You barely talk about your homeland?" Polonsky turned. "Is there something you want to say?"


    "Nirnkarim, the southernmost Dwarven Hold of the Ostalrocs was my home. It was the closest to the south and its unlike most Holds." The Dwarf said.


    "How so?" Thomas inquired.


    "The Four Great Holds: Kur-Falduhr, Tilelyuhr, Darbaddihr, Mirlarum, they are the cities you think off when you think of the Dwarves of the Ostalrocs. Great Mines, bejeweled roads, and sophisticated tunnels are how the Hold Dynasts through the strength of their bloodline continued to rule until this day." Lutheor explained.


    "Bloodline? Are they mages?" Thomas asked.


    "Indeed, they produce many exceptional Geomancers of great power, one who''s job is to dig the mines for more great minerals that the Dynasts control. However, Nirnkarim, my Home Hold is unlike those Great Holds." Lutheor voice dropped melancholically. "Dwarven Society is split into two parts, the Noble Hold Dwarves who sit opulent upon themselves at their thrones within the Mountain Holds whilst the Terrace Dwarves are the commoners, farmers, laborers, shepherds and all that. Nirnkarim is ruled mostly by these Terrace Dwarves and me and my family descended upon them. The Mountain I had once called home is more suited to grazing livestock, a watermill, a stone quarry, and nothing else. It''s poorest of the Holds due to not having as rich mine as all the rest." Lutheor stared wholeheartedly to the UFE. "There was not much opportunity to do much of anything there so that is why I and several of my kin moved to Tyr Rian and became merchants, forwarding trade between the Dwarves and the Citadel for decades. If I recall, I had an old friend that once taught a young lady by the name of Iris Cadohagan Sygillry for her budding talent in Enchantments."


    "I see¡­ but how does this explain that look on your eye?" Thomas asked.


    "Hold and Terrace Dwarves don''t really see eye-to-eye often, and even if they do, it is not quite amiable. Most often or not, Dwarven Society is that the Terrace serve to the magically empowered Hold Dwarves, specifically at the Mines." Lutheor said.


    "Oh, I see where this is going¡­" Thomas tickled his chin as he began to piece together Lutheor''s story in cross-reference to the fabulous loot they had acquired. "But go on."


    "The Actocolite, Scandanite and Ghyranite ingots you stole is, in my experience over two-decades worth of toilsome Deep Mining unto the earth! And the fact that you had stolen all of this is not going to sit well¡­ not going to sit very well for the Dwarves and the Empire when the latter finds out." Lutheor said.


    "How hard is it to harvest these minerals anyway?" Doctor Mahelona butted in.


    "It is no secret that some miners die just to obtain them." The Dwarf bluntly answered. "Cave-ins, appalling conditions, low-wages, being separated from their families¡­ the Mining Guilds will be very unpleased about this." The Dwarf said.


    "Why are you divulging this information?" Thomas asked.


    "Because I am one such Terrace Dwarf and from what I have seen with you, you might actually be able to help my kin up at the mountains with all of what you have done here in Tyr Rian. Some of my kin tried to make things better for us Terrace Dwarves but the Hold ones always put a stop to it." Luthor said.


    "Let me guess? These ''Steam Engines'' you speak off once?" Doctor Mahelona referred.


    "Yes, I am not the inventor but I was a¡­ silent supporter of the inventor¡­ I ¡­ honestly don''t know much about how they work but the Inventor told me that he was trying to harness the ''power within the Earth''. I think its best I just show it to you when the time is right." Luthor said.


    "We will see to this¡­ but no promises at least until after we deal with this Empire." Thomas brushed his chin.


    In Thomas'' experience, such an exploitative existence breeds impending revolt amongst the un-empowered working class. Magic and the genetics resulting from a Magictocratic Social Hierarchy unique to Gliesia can be a vicious cycle as the Minister studied. Most often than not, the Magistocracy of Gliesia literally have the power over those who aren''t blessed, it is a self-feeding system that also breeds decadence and stagnation. Back in UFE, many of the labor-related to traditional terrestrial mining from extraction to refinement is all automated with as little human risk as possible. Even then, there were still many innovations in recent history that made mining less risky without sacrificing output. These Terrace Dwarves will indeed be scolded back into the mines once the transaction has been found to have an unexpected complication. Perhaps an exploitable angle to cut off vital resources for the Empire post-Operation Haymaker? A few well-placed words and perhaps a shipment of contraband could plunge the old order into anarchy that the Federation can move in and take in for themselves once the time is right. Thomas would rather have he and the Party-owned corporations managing the Ostalrocs than Aparo or even the likes of Martian Maximov Heavy Industries. A potential crisis should not be put to waste.


    "This is all indeed sad." Thomas nodded, hiding his impartiality behind the cold LED Irises of his Artificial Eyes.


    Life was trying to revert back to normal in Tyr Rian in spite of the recent damages on over half of the Citadel. UFE Mechanized Construction Workers, armed literally with their Constructor Mechs muscled through the heavy debris whilst working in tandem with local laborers in rebuilding efforts of the homes, business, and establishments that were once stood proudly by at the titular ''Crossroads'' that is the Citadel. Most of the vulgar paraphernalia (corpses, ashen debris and lay about weapons) had been discarded to be either buried or recycled to rebuild from what was once been torn down. Some of the outwardly charitable volunteers from the Federation''s Colonists passed off candy, healing gels and other various emergency goods to help alleviate Tyr Rian''s collective suffering for those who had lost the most. As for Governor White, he and his inner circle were already working with the rest of the Principality''s Administrators in coordinating the rebuilding efforts and the sweat-dropping task of informing the Prince, the news of the attack by the Grey Order and the connection that traces back to the Empire, Tyr Rian''s Liege Lord herself. They are already bracing for the Prince to Implode on their faces. Jeremy was already stirring his composure of what he will have to do. At least, Prime Minister Bousquet will be at his side to help mediate the Prince on the situation but it was insisted that he, as the Governor of New Albany plus the Principality''s Administrators personally say the grave news to Prince Clovich.


    But outside of Politics, the people of the UFE and of Tyr Rian could never have been more in solidarity than ever trying to smile through and endure through this trying time in spite of this setback warmed Aliathra''s heart upon looking out of the window of the Drunken Bastard Tavern and Inn where April''s 8th Birthday was being held and she had just finished her enchanting Quar-Alfel Vandor dance in front of April Root and her Kindergarten classmates. Lutheor''s establishment had to be temporarily renamed for the duration of the party to avoid offending the s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e minds of the children that the Tavern and Inn were to be called ''the Dancing Bogie'' to fit the party''s of a ''Fairy-Tale Princess Ball'' theme as hosted by Mister and Misses Root. It was quite endearing for the Elf to be participating in such a very Fey-inspired gathering. At first, she thought such an idea for a party would have been parodical, a mockery of True Elven culture but just seeing the smiles of the children enjoying the festivities dashed her doubts away, you couldn''t fake such jubilation if you could. In description to her Dance that was passed down upon her through generations, the Elf wore a flowing light blue toga that exposed b.a.r.e legs while adorned with glittering sparkles giving the one who wore it a very Fey-like appearance. Aliathra''s graceful twirls, breathtaking leaps, rhythmic sound and the aid of some visually eye-catching Illusionary magic on her part gave her a standing ovation among not only the children but also the a.d.u.l.ts and a few of the bar patrons who have never seen the sight of a beautiful Elven Maiden dance such enchantingly (they did question Aliathra''s prosthetic legs but were brushed off). That is also in addition to Iris'' Magic show where she dressed in a feminized version of a Magician???s clothes that was quite frankly not as colorful as most show magicians but did give quite a look on Iris'' creamy white legs imprisoned in netted stockings. The Vampire Witch''s performance too was just as equally well-received, performing relatively safe spells from Destruction and Conjuration school meant to visually captivate onlookers in a vein-like an Illusion based spell. Seeing such smiles lightened up for the former Elven Princess and the Vampire Witch as they exited off of their stage costumes. They soon caught their eyes a familiar redheaded maiden that has just arrived from the ornate oak door the Drunken Bastard greeted all patrons to.


    "Ladui Rose! You have come." The Elf hugged the redheaded Lieutenant as she stepped foot inside the Tavern.


    "Alie!" She returned her embrace. "How is the party? I am so sorry I am late, I had to take a detour heading here." Samantha informed.


    "Oh, this party is great. Actually, the first party I have actually enjoyed being in. Knowing me and all." She tittered.


    "Come ffrindiau!" Iris urged Samantha through the occupied table of merrymakers.


    The rest of Stryder Group, drinks, and party snacks at hand approached Samantha as the Lieutenant gets herself into the Rhythm of the party. The men were concentrated with Obediah testing a mix on their ironed stomachs all the ales, beers, and liquors the Drunken Bastard had from top to bottom. The women were closer to their children near the stage that is rented out for a few instances of entertainment such as the earlier performances of Iris'' Magic Show and Aliathra enchanting dance. Crocker and Obediah were having a drinking contest on who can down the most rounds of a certain very fiery brew straight from the Ostalrocs. There was also a scent of a few herbal blunts being ignited by no part by a cigar-chomping Diaz who lit himself with the fumes by the smoking corner of the Tavern away from any tyke''s prying eyes. Clay was busy helping himself with the food, specifically the berries and meats served as local delicacies rather than some of Leah''s own home cooking.


    "Ah¡­ El-tee!" Crocker smiled haphazardly with the goofiest grin from an otherwise mostly-austere Sargeant. He was really letting himself go after all of what had happened yesterday.


    "Hello Sarge, you boys are all enjoying themselves." The Lieutenant smiled.


    She, Iris, and Aliathra were greeted with babbling coo''s and gazes of the other men on the table, Federation and Native alike. Samantha was a fairly attractive individual at her ripe old early half of the 20''s age with her short ponytail red hair and petite face but not as eye-catching as the snow-white skinned and raven-haired Iris or the exotic eared and golden mane Aliathra. They do make a cute trio nonetheless.


    "Crocker! These are the girls you are with all the time in your squad with Obby there?" One of Obediah''s neighbors who was invited to the party asked. He was mostly there for the wanton abandon of free drinks being served that day and was loving the samplings of the native craft beers and spirits the Tavern has in stock.


    "Yep." Crocker drunkenly confirmed, his breath reeking of spiced spirits.


    "You lucky Es-Oh-Bee you and Obby!" he playfully slapped the Sergeant in the back in congratulations.


    "I see y''all enjoying yourselves everyone?" Leah Root, wife of Obediah approached the men smiling like the sun.


    "Indeed, we all are Miss Root." Samantha nodded.


    "Oh, you must be my hubby''s Commanding Officer, right? Young lass of the crimson top? Fresh from West Point?" Leah asked the Lieutenant.


    "Yes." She confirmed.


    "I have to say that Obby told me nothing but praises about you!! You are doing a damn fine job and the Lord''s work out''here Miss Rose." Leah smiled.


    "Thank you that I am doing so well for my first post on my military service." She smiled back.


    "Post¡­ Post¡­" that word struck Leah like she had seen a ghost. "Oh my! The Post!" Leah stiffened.


    "Did you forget something for the party?" Iris asked.


    "Yes, April''s present! We have been saving up for it for weeks to get it in and it was a godamn miracle that it made it to the Post Office by the Embassy across the street." Leah said. "Thank you for reminding me! Obby! Can you go across the street to get April''s present?" she winked to her husband.


    "Ahh¡­ shit¡­ ahh¡­ I can''t¡­ sorry¡­" Obediah, wasted in alcohol nayyed.


    "Well can you at least wash up before we personally give April''s present outside? Remember it was your money for this." Leah requested.


    "But it was YOUR idea," Obediah argued back, but his wife didn''t budge. "Ahh¡­ fine¡­ gimme a second. You go get the kids outta there¡­" Obediah conceded. He muddily stood up from his chair and walked towards the Tavern''s comfort room to expel the drunkenness from him.


    As she sees her husband makes his leave, Leah Root made her way to the stage and called for everyone''s attention.


    "Everyone, friends, and fellow well-wishers. I would like to guide you outside of the Tavern for an extra-special gift from mommy and daddy for our sweet little princess April." Leah smiled.


    April, wearing a pink and sparkling princess dress appropriate for her size leaped into excitement. There wasn''t much she could expect to receive on her birthday this year unlike before due to how stretched the logistics it was for many Federation Trade to happen but she knew that her parents were very resourceful of folks'' worthy of the name ''the Roots''. If she were to believe in her wildest fantasies then it was likely that her wish that she wanted from her parents to get her was coming true and she couldn''t contain her excitement as she, her classmates, and all of the party attendants exited the Tavern onto Arhaf Square. Forming a semi-circle in between the fa?ade walls of the Drunken Bastard to a nearby cart carrying several barrels of dried fruit that shaded some of the sun-s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e of folks. April stood in front of the congregation eagerly smiling for what great gift she will receive on her very special day.


    "Close your eyes sweetie." Leah lulled her daughter as she scampered off to the Embassy.


    The rest of the party attendants were behind her, surrounding the Root Family''s only child ready to sprout a great yell of ''Happy Birthday'' upon Leah''s signal.


    "Are you sure bringing some of them in is a good idea?" Samantha asked.


    She pointed to a particular group of children who were, at the last minute, allowed into April''s Party on the insistence of Leah. They wore rags or hastily donated clothing that covered with ash and dirt, their demeanor happy but deep down in their eyes, they had seen horrors. The horrors of the past days of where their previous carefree world was burnt down, their loved ones killed, and their lives forever changed. Native Children now turned orphans.


    "Leah wanted to do her part in helping them, she grabbed as many of these poor kiddo''s as she could and gave them food, new clothing, and of course you girls," Crocker explained before cl.i.c.k.i.n.g back to Aliathra and Iris.


    "Wait, hang on a sec? What was April''s say on this? It''s her party after all?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh, she was such a sweet little thing. When Little April heard about what had happened to those poor folks she wanted to help out too. It was her idea to bring in as many children to her party as she could get and have them play with her, she wanted to make ''New Alien Friends''." Iris explained.


    "That''s very¡­ charitable of her and Leah." Samantha blushed, her heart warmed by April''s act of spontaneous kindness. "But why here? In New Albany? You could have moved it back to New Albany where its safer." Samantha said.


    "In my experience, and this is coming from a guy who had his fair share of Humanitarian Aid, real charity begins on the ground rather than an internet click with bank transaction from the comfort of your home." Crocker quoted.


    "Neneth preaches Charity to those who are in pain. I see all of your kind doing just that. Helping these poor folks rebuild their city and healing these children. Even after all of this devastation, now is the time that Tyr Rian heals, especially those children. I have seen their smiles and laughter when they played with April and her friends. In her teachings, children learn to give thanks to the Goddess of Life for they thank their birth due to her hand. Neneth has strong regard for those who are weakest and most vulnerable in life who are like these children. She spoke once ''Let the Children come to me, for my creation belongs to those like them for All those that I give unto you will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away''. Those who wish to serve the Goddess must have a childlike humility, faith, and simplicity when it comes to praying and acting for her." Aliathra exhorted softly. She dangled her Cleric''s Rosary Necklace showcasing the symbolic base of her faith to Stryder Group.


    "That makes a lot of sense now that I think of it." Samantha acknowledged.


    The symbol at the center of the Elf''s b.r.e.a.s.ts was an intricate treelike carving that optically speaking, seems to keep continuously sprouting out like the pathfinding way how nature and life always finds a way to thrive even at the most desolate of places. There was also a faint jade glow of Restoration Magicks that beat like a heart faintly.


    "I can say Amen to that." Diaz smile. "Hey, after this Alie you wanna have some fun?" Diaz asked.


    "Eh¡­ sure. You do wish to show me more of New Albany soon." Aliathra accepted.


    Leah came rolling in with April''s present, a loud cl.i.c.k.i.n.g noise tickling the young girl''s ears like the light gallops of a healthy pony made its approach to her. It was another such of the Federation''s Contraptions, a ''Wheeled Steed'' as most Natives would describe a bicycle or a motorcycle, all of the utility of a horse, less of the majesty and none of the unsanitary trouble of maintenance.


    "Happy Birthday Sweetie! Ope---" Leah greeted but just as she was about to tell her daughter to open her eyes.


    But a great thunderous crack exploded from the cart next to Leah where several other civilians, UFE and Native alike were caught in its wake. Smoke from the resulting fireball fogged everyone in Arhaf square disorienting and knocking down everyone.


    "Shit!? Another attack?" Samantha coughed.


    Aliathra stood back up to recombobulate herself, her five senses reeling to realign themselves that she could barely take note of her immediate surroundings. Her now artificial eyes were much easier to resist the irritant effects of the explosion''s smoke cloud compared to everyone else. Just as the Former Elf Princess got back up on her two feet, a great force pushed her down. Someone, a hooded figure, had rushed pass Aliathra, knocking her back to the floor. Likely a panicking person¡­ but why was she running towards the explosion''s origin than away?


    "Mama!? Ahh! Let me go!" a girl''s scream echoed in fright as the hooded figure grabbed the little girl and carried her away kicking and screaming before dragging the impudent little imp onto a sack. She was being kidnapped and the Elf, recognizing the little girl''s voice knew who was being taken away.


    "April!" Aliathra cried, reaching out her hand she gave chase to the Kidnapper.


    But in her haste, the Elf tripped over a charred obstruction underneath the camouflage that was the clouds. To her horror upon recognizing what she stumbled upon made her recoil oh so vehemently.


    "Neneth''s Grace!" Aliathra shrieked when she looked on face to face with the melted corpse of a person in front of her. Its eyes blanketed in white horror, its skin charcoaled with a few specks of medium-rare flesh that melts off of its frame from the slightest of touch and its limbs forever frozen to depict him trying to shield himself away from explosion''s blast.


    She clambered away, not wanting to lose her focus in April but she too found her hands grasping the charred flesh of even more victims of this great catastrophe. Dozens upon dozens of people littered where she plodded to her abhorrence. The Elf almost froze catatonically if it were not for continued cries of April off in the distance.


    "Let me go!" April shouted as the stranger stuffed the petulant brat on his hands onto the sack behind him before continuing to dash off.


    Aliathra''s maternal instincts surged within her mind as she re-steeled herself and regained her footing. Swearing Widall, the Conquest God''s vengeance upon the villain who would dare commit such a heinous act, the Elf, with added fatigue-lessness of her bladed legs traipse her way across the field of corpses and laying injured in hot pursuit.


    "Alie! I am coming with you!" Samantha, regaining her own footing shouted.


    Using her gifted powers, the Lieutenant conjured up a ball of gallic winds upon her legs. With her self-patented spell Air Scooter (an osmosis influence from certain cartoon shows that the Lieutenant watched as a child), Samantha mercurially dashed forth but not before taking a good look on the many corpses left in the explosion''s wake. Scattered around Arhaf Square, she could discern about fifteen or so corpses at first glance at such varying states of amorphization to the explosion''s recent wake that is hard if some of the dead were actually melded together like the wax of two candles flickering alongside each other until they became one. To see such visceral death before she made Samantha''s stomach churn restlessly. Seeing corpses on photos back at West Point was one thing, but to see them with her own two eyes and to be near the place that had killed them was a forever-changing experience that darkened the bright green face of the young Lieutenant. These Slaegians were really not going to stop until all of them were laying on the ground broken, defeated, and scalded. Not on her watch, she will allow such a caitiff to get away with this waylay.


    The two girls tailed the evildoer through Tyr Rian''s semi-seared streets fighting their way past confused rescue workers, beleaguered townsfolks, and loose wreckage yet to be disposed of.


    Seeing one of their own, the famous Lieutenant Samantha Rose giving chase to a cretin carrying a sack that kicked and screamed frivolously, a few dozen of the UFEAF soldiers sprung up to their feet and aimed their rifles on the malefactor.


    "Stop right there!" one of them shouted.


    But instead of stopping heed, the hooded transgressor tossed on his person a fused bomb set alight and broke upon impact off of the UFEAF Soldier''s feet. A purplish gas that airburst a song of squeaking cacophony that fell upon the soldiers as all of them release a salvo from each of their lungs a maniacally jovial guffaw. They lay down their weapons and allowed the panting run-away to pace through unimpeded.


    "What happened to¡­ ha...ha¡­ them?" Samantha covered her mouth but she too fell victim to the gas the smoke bomb''s furrow.


    "An Alchemist Bomb¡­ of the¡­ Hideous Laughter spell." Aliathra said. "They will get over it unscathed in a while." She reassured.


    "Hurry now! That man is going to reach the gate!" Samantha pointed out.


    They scampered off past their joshing comrades as the walls of the Tyr Rian citadel loomed over the horizon. Nearby the walls were one of the Citadel''s famous iron gates that lay open widely as people and material passed by in and out of the city. Additionally, there was also a Stable where mounts were parked, fed, and allowed to discharge themselves upon. One such mount was perhaps the most out of place, a magnificently grey ghost of a stallion that caught many equestrian and riding aficionados to pause from their walk and marvel at. His saddle was adorned in an Ethuilen-silk laced leather and its tall majesty gave an air of prestigious royalty that those who looked upon it would question who could afford to travel in such style?


    "Out of my way!" the sack-carrying villain yelled at the crowd gathered at that horse, by Samantha''s notarization, the voice was distinctly female.


    She climbed atop of the mount and with a great kick of her feed the stallion sauntered off at due haste past the guards.


    "Lay--- Sam! You cannot let her getaway!" Aliathra cried.


    "Oh no she won''t." Samantha seared.


    Shifting herself into high gear, the Chosen One dug her heels onto the Gliesian Earth and with the training, she was given by her teachers, the Lieutenant burst off with Air Scooter in a blazing sprint, expeditiously hightailing the fleeing kidnapper with all of her arcane might. Yet still, despite her effort, the horse was simply outpacing her for every knot she covered, two more would the steed gallop. To make matters worse, Mana Exhaustion was about to wear Samantha upon every flashing second in this pursuit. It was only a matter of time before the Lieutenant quite figuratively loses steam and the Villain escapes with a young child at her hand.


    Now was the time at that moment that fortune favors the bold.


    With no other way to stop the perpetrator, Sam unholstered her Pistol that she keeps on her right t.h.i.g.hs and took aim. Her target was the mount''s center mass. Her trusty Militech Gladius Pistol, named after Ancient Rome''s famous Legionary Short sword, it is the standard sidearm of the Federation''s Armed Forces, firing .45 Auto rounds with great reliability, accuracy and generous ammo capacity, often treasured by Criminal Gangs and Mercenaries for such features since the gun is meant for the hands of the Armed Forces only (but even that is debated as it might give Militech an air of exclusivity when they wish to sell them within the Black Market but any time this was exposed they said it ''was stolen shipments''.). The spiritual successor to the Glock and Sig Sauer series, the pistol almost never, if at all jams and can fire accurately with 90% reduction in recoil at an effective range of 70 Meters and at a muzzle velocity of 400 m/s


    "Halt by the name of the Federation!" Sam yelled as she squeezes her Gladius'' trigger with a dead eye glared at the villain as she loosened twelve servings of .45 ACP unto the speeding horse''s torso.


    Pierced by these otherworldly arrows that struck its frame like lightning, the horse fell limp to the earth mutilated with apertures of entrance and exits littering its grey skin and being tainted erubescent with its blood. The Runner fled fell on sideways and luckily not atop of the sack that April was kept captive in. Furthermore, her hood fell off, releasing a streamer of auburn hair and emerald eyes that met with Samantha''s turquoise. Upon closer examination, Samantha can discern that she wore a very light leather armor beneath her cape that held a utility belt''s worth of tool and she saw that her ears protruded out of the bushes that were her ears with a pointed end. The perpetrator was an Elf, likely from those vexatious Sefydliad.


    Both women''s legs were weary from their pursuits as each of them straggled gawkily yet stubbornly with the former still trying to get away whilst later tries to apprehend. A slow-paced chase but a tense one when one carries with them a hostage, a child hostage.


    "Release the hostage immediately!" Samantha demanded. She shoved her pistol forward assertively as she maintained here pressed conviction for Justice.


    "You think¡­ I¡­ will listen to you!" the c.h.e.s.tnut-haired elven woman bedamned.


    "We will go easier on you if you let the Hostage go right now." Samantha gave out her terms.


    "Enough of your lies Demonspawn!" the Elf Spy screamed as she pulled out from her right hand a pistol-shaped object. It had to small but elongated limbs that stretched backward like crossbow but made into a miniature sized, it was a Handbow.


    "Damnit!" Samantha cursed as she weaved out of the way of the Elven Spy''s handbow shot. She reflexively returned fire but, in an effort, to further intimidate the damaged individual to consider yielding than trying to fight any longer.


    They go about this for several tenses and oh so agonizingly lengthy five minutes as Samantha continuously weaved and apply pressure on the Sefydliad Spy.


    Soon enough, they made their doddering steps towards a great cliffed hill called Iuisur Hill or the Hill of Oathtaking that is also where the nearby the Tyr Rian Citadel connects itself to the mountain passes leading to the Slaegian Empire''s just a few statutes away lead to. The Elf Woman''s feet reached its base first and with a cunning idea on her mind, she hurriedly scaled the rocky hill taking advantage of the elevated height to pin down Samantha on the ground level rocks.


    "How long can you think you can hold out?" Samantha taunted only to be shot at again by another Hand Bow bolt. She cursed herself as she tactically reloaded her Gladius


    "Samantha." Aliathra panted. "I followed as best as I could." She said.


    "Did she see you?" Samantha asked of her.


    "I uhm¡­" Aliathra stuttered not understanding Samantha''s question.


    "Did the bomber we are chasing saw you?" Samantha clarified.


    "I don''t think so." The Elf denied.


    "Good, I need you to do something. I got our Bomber trying to climb up the hill and I need you to run around the hill and corner her. Can you do that?" Samantha asked of the Elf.


    "Yes, we must rescue April." Aliathra nodded.


    "Good, I will keep her distracted. Now move." The Lieutenant sent her off.


    Samantha emerged from her rock and opened fire at the Suspect as Aliathra snuck around to the other side of Iuisur Hill.


    "You growing weak now! Let the hostage go and I will let you run away." Samantha teased.


    "Never! With this Specimen I have taken from your Demon Fortress we will finally be able to know how to defeat you once and for all." The Kidnapper shot back.


    "Well, that ''Specimen'' of yours is slowing you down. It is only a matter of time until we surround you." Samantha appealed.


    "By the Gods of the World, I will not fail in my task while I still live." The Suspect stubbornly refused again as she loose another shot of her Hand Bow at Samantha that she easily vanished into the safety of the Hill''s rocks, its piercing bolt strongly kicking tiny stone and dust into the wind like an all-powerful bullet.


    They continued their stalemate of the distance between each other now that the tired Elf Spy was exhaustively scaled the Hill at the same rate of advancement as the Lieutenant. Little did the former noticed Aliathra circle behind then scale the Hill from the other side. Her prosthetic legs built for raw athleticism plus the enhanced stamina thanks to her Bio-Augmented new heart allowed her to reach the summit of the hill just as her Quarry, with her hostage, also reached the top too.


    "Let her go---" Aliathra conjured a phantasmal bow from her magical hands.


    But as she drew its semi-ethereal string, her eyes took aim at a closer look at the Villain and the Elf''s new Eye-see Vision Enhancement Package or as she would call them ''Super Eyes'', and was shocked to see who the unhooded individual was.


    "Lyndis?" Aliathra muttered.


    The Sefydliad Spy''s heart skipped a beat as she turned around and saw Aliathra standing in front of her. If this was under normal circ.u.mstances, the Auburn-haired Elf would have been relieved to see one of the Royal Scions of the Lareththor Line grace their appearance before her, especially at such a dire time as this. But oh, how strange circ.u.mstances have brought them together at very disconsonant matters. She remembered how she saw the Elven Princess be found without a heart, replaced instead with one of the stone when they performed one of Neneth''s most sacred of Healing Rites. How she ran like a doe being preyed upon when the other Clerics uncovered her deception.


    "You!" Lyndis scowled and took aim with her Hand Bow, but it clicked harmlessly signifying that ammunition for its feed has been found wanting.


    "Widall''s Balls!" the Sefydliad Agent cursed as she pulled out her dagger from her pocket and unveiled a confused and weeping-eyed April from her kidnapper''s sack and held the child at knife-point.


    "Let the little one go Lyndis!" Aliathra demanded.


    "Princess? Why?" Lyndis asked.


    "What do you mean why? I am not jesting you like we used to back in the Academy Lyndis. Let her go!" the Cleric-Ranger pressed.


    "Why do you fight with these Demons? Is it because you wanted to change your destiny? You no longer wanted to be the Perfect Princess that your parents wanted you to be? Was that it?" Lyndis accused.


    "That is none of your concern right now." Aliathra dodged.


    "Waaggh! I want to go home!" April Root wailed as she wiggled to loosen Lyndis'' constricting grip on her little body but to no avail.


    "April everything will be alright I promise," Aliathra reassured the birthday girl who was being like actual Fairy Tale Princesses as a guaranty for whatever plots and schemes the story entailed for her.


    "Then tell me this? Why do you care so much of this irritating Imp? Look at her dressed in this mockery of a proper Elven Gala Gown." Lyndis belittled April.


    "But I am a Princess!" April defended herself.


    "Oh, you speak like your lying, conspiring and treacherous Princess Aliathra." The Sefydliad said.


    "No! She is nothing like you said. She loves me because she is a true-hearted Princess! You are the one who is evil not her!" April kicked back.


    "Enough of your lies Imp!" Lyndis pommeled the girl with her dagger''s blunt end producing a plum bruise that was slowly converting to crimson.


    "What are you hoping to achieve by kidnapping that girl?" Aliathra asked.


    "What else? I thought it was so obvious for you now that you turned into the dark side that is Alboen and his corrupted ilk." Lyndis sneered. "This Imp is the key, the basis, the foundation that the Alliance of the Light will triumph once again from the Demonic Invasion! Once we learn about your weaknesses from dissecting this Imp. The result of that little Raid on Tyr Rian and the Demon Fortress I had formulated will never result in the massacre ever again with for the forces of the Alliance."


    "You are behind the Raid?" Aliathra questioned.


    "Indeed, and I thank all of those useful idiots in the Grey Order to volunteer for my ''experiment'' that I came to the realization of how overwhelmingly powerful you Demons. You are just as what they say in the old legends. So, I planned to kidnap this Imp by discharging an Uzeagon Bomb then kidnapping this easy prey. When I return to College of Magi in Haringpoint, we will use her to learn about what weaknesses the Demons hold by dissecting this little monster then parading the cadaver all over the Empire to show that Demons are not invincible and they can be killed." Lyndis explained with a wicked smile attached to her face as she playfully tickled the tip of her dagger at April''s vulnerable self.


    "You want to dissect then parade her?" Samantha rose up from the summit and aimed her Gladius Pistol at Lyndis. "You are a Goddamn Psycho!" the Lieutenant denounced.


    "Let my daughter go you bitch!" Obediah appeared by Samantha''s side followed by the rest of Stryder Group.


    "You! So, you are this Madame Gwarthen I found by biting off of that Grey Order Adventurer?" Iris accused.


    "Correct! You are smart for such a feral little monster Vampire." Lyndis confirmed.


    "I am afraid you will learn nothing by taking her away, from her Parents no less." The Vampire Witch rectified with a chastising tone.


    "Oh if only wars were won by witty words or Fibs! You think you can lie to me Vampire? So, you are in the league too with these Demons? Hmph¡­ I would like to let you know that we will redouble our efforts to wipe your kind off of the face of the Earth!" Lyndis derided.


    "Lyndis stop this now!" Aliathra interrupted alarmingly. "My old friend, what happened to you all of these decades? You are not the same roommate I had back in the Academy. You were the only person who treated me like a friend! You were intelligent, well-spoken, and tranquil! Not¡­ THIS!" Aliathra pleaded to her.


    "Aliathra, dear Aliathra¡­" Lyndis chuckled. "Even after all of what I had gone through with you, you are still a na?ve little Princess. Don''t you know who you are?" the Sefydliad agent asked.


    "Who I am?" Aliathra startled.


    "You are a Lareththor, the Royal Elven Line that produces the Strongest of Mages in all of Elvenkind. The one true ruler of all of Elvendom with your father is the greatest amongst us. Yet you are just the youngest, the last in the line of succession and you know how they said it in class, the strength of the parent''s Arcane might dwindles on each new seed. Your Sister and Brother, Ithiel and Valorion was nigh-peerless in their Prowess but for you? You allowed your exalted bloodline to be humbled in a Convent?" Lyndis decried.


    "I serve the Goddess of Life because I wish to give back as much as I can to our People Lyndis." Aliathra contended with her life choice.


    But the Sefydliad Agent only laughed maniacally at the answer.


    "You are still not getting it do you Aliathra?" Lyndis guffawed. "Despite your Line, you are just an adjunction, a sideshow to the real prize. Oh if all of Alfel-Nora could see you and what you have become now, their fracas could shake the heavens. If your Family saw what Sins you have done, their tears would fill the oceans. Look at what they have made of you." Lyndis scanned her finger over Aliathra''s corrupted form. "Your hand and your favor? They are just a stepping stone, a pawn, a doorway to ascend in Elven Society. Yet somehow, these... Pests crowned you as their Queen. You are only good for two things Princess Aliathra! To get close to your family and to plant the seed of the next line of Mages through your w.o.m.b."


    "Lyndis please¡­ stop this." Aliathra began to weep, her emotions of herself starting to pound her sordidly. Yet her Super Eyes could not truly weep.


    She knew deep down that her old friend was correct. She was ultimately just a play piece in the grand game of Politics but she also refuses to be a willing participant in it. It brought simply the worst of people out beneath those convivial balls and flattering diplomatic conventions. All wish to ascend when the Goddess preaches that all of this is but trivial worldly matters that mean nothing ultimately in her eyes.


    "Don''t listen to her Alie!" Diaz inspirited the Elf Cleric.


    "Perhaps now I understand why you so easily were seduced by these Pests." Lyndis pompously smirked. "You tire of your duty to your country, your family, your people because you see that you are nothing which you are indeed NOTHING." She proudly declared her answer.


    "You may boast of your great Restoration Magicks while I and the rest of you classmates sat by while being outshined by someone who would ultimately become just a baby-maker to produce another kinsman branch of the Lareththor Bloodline. To see you have that future while you outshined the likes of Future Loremasters, Sefydliad and Magi like the rest of your classmates was absolutely unacceptable. Your hubris knows no bounds!" Lyndis said.


    "But I was an excellent student! I was cultivating my talents to my supreme limit." Aliathra tearfully (and hyperbolically) defended herself again.


    "As I said your Hubris and defiance over where you are in Elven Society must be put into place which is why I and many others had to do." Lyndis boasted.


    "No¡­ you can''t be saying¡­" Aliathra beckoned her head in denial.


    "Do you ever ask why you were so lonely back in the Academy with only me, your Sister and your Brother being your only companions? That is because every one of us absolutely cannot swallow the sight of you Aliathra. You always to excel in all of your assignments despite how many times we tried to level the favor. I spread rumors about you that made many of our classmates leave you away so that I may be your only friend. Second, with you all alone I leave you to do my own homework secretly whilst I mingled with your much more impressive siblings." Lyndis said.


    "You¡­ were using me?" Aliathra faltered, her legs barely maintaining verticality.


    "All to have me ascend to your ranks as your ''Closest Friend'' as I said to your Older Sister. When you had that rare Ddragcath on our quarters I couldn''t bear to see you avert your favor to that¡­ that thing! So I had to cut your friendship short..." Lyndis seethed with spite.


    "Zena? My pet? She didn''t eat those berries by accident?" the Cleric''s sorrow soon then turned to rambled ire. "Did you know how long I cried when I held his body as he slowly faded away from my Arms¡­ you-you-you tart!" Aliathra cursed.


    "With ''friends'' like her, who needs enemies?" Clay commented.


    "To think Elves had it all! I thought Alfel-Nora was a Paradise. Who knew the Elves are no different like those stooges from the Empire?" Iris added.


    The Elven Cleric collapsed to the floor now emotionally destroyed once again but greater was the damage of a betrayal of someone that was once thought to be your friend than finding out what you have become.


    "So it is done, I have done it." Lyndis smiled smugly as she saw the broken Aliathra fall down before her feet.


    It was not enough for a Sefydliad to break someone physically as their philosophy in interacting with adversaries go, but to break them mentally and spiritually so they may be permanently disabled from becoming an Enemy of the Entente was its highest purpose. To see a Demon, break down upon Lyndis'' breaking speech was the most sublime of satisfactions.


    "I have to say, Princess, I have yet to tell you one more thing that I know would finally break you," Lyndis said. "I know Ithiel''s Secret and oh how she will be torn down if everyone knows of it."


    "My¡­ sister? No¡­" Aliathra responded catatonically.


    "Don''t listen to her Alie!" Samantha attempted to elate the Elf Cleric-Ranger.


    "Tell me again, why are you continuing to disguise yourselves as Humans Demons? You are all the same inside! Watch¡­ Look!" Lyndis questioned Samantha before she hinged her hand to plunge her knife on April''s bowels so she may skirt the blade and expose the inner nothingness which are the true selves of the Demons. Nothingness personified into a form of something of eminence. Her Dagger, blessed with Holy Water was meant to


    In that split second, Aliathra was confronted with a hard but newfound Truth. She was not a Demon nor she was a monster anymore. Hearing all of Lyndis'' words of how she used her all those years so she could selfishly ascend with her unwitting assistance made her blood boil, but what had made her truly snapped was how unrighteously impassioned Lyndis truly was when she set off that bomb near those children, kidnapped a child thinking she was a ''Demonic Tyke'' and wanting to despoil her in front of her father no less.


    "Get your claws off of her you DEMON!" Aliathra launched herself from the ground and in a split second as she grabbed hold of Lyndis'' hand as it sunk its blade''s kiss on April''s tyke-abdomen. Pulling the knife out from the child and then forcefully pushing April away so that the Elf can take her place.


    But the sudden force that disrupted the already uneasy equilibrium that Lyndis stood upon had now been broken. Gravity did its work as the two Elven women, locked together in a desperate struggle fell over the hill leaving April to be immediately attended by the rest of Stryder Group.


    Lyndis and Aliathra soon fell down upon roughly on a patch of flat but slowly eroded rock by the slope of Iuisur Hill. Upon touchdown, the Sefydliad managed to get the first initiative.


    "Demon Sc.u.m!" Lyndis shouted as she raised her hand as white magicks flowed around her as she prepared a Magical Spell.


    Knowing through years of study, Aliathra new that her old friend turned enemy is about to use a Holy Spell on her. This amused and displeases the Elf at the same time.


    "You have no power over here Lyndis!" Aliathra ridiculed. She prepared to shield her artificial blue eyes to brace herself for the impending blinding light that will follow. She knew full well that Lyndis fully bought into the delusion that the Elven Princess was corrupted into a Demon and will likely use harmless Holy Spells against her. Still it doesn''t help to prepare for anything more than that at the meantime. Aliathra carefully stepped forward readying her dagger and her spell hand for any other conniving tricks the Sefydliad are infamous for.


    "Take this" Lyndis shouted.


    She cast what Aliathra can discern as a simple Holy Firefly spell. A relatively newly conceptualized spell invented by the Holy Inquisition. Its means of application is that after being shot out of the Mages hand or Magical Focus, it locks itself onto a target before meant to immobilize severely and inflict stinging pain upon any creature of a Negative Mana Flow from Demons, Undead and Sochairfuil to name a few of effective targets, that fortunately, Aliathra was not. The Firefly-like conjuration, silvery in its eminence touched Aliathra''s skin harmlessly before moving away and dissipating.


    "How?!" Lyndis challenged as she saw that her spell had no effect.


    "Stop this madness now!" Aliathra pleaded.


    "Never! I will just have to try harder!" Lyndis revoked. She then tensed her legs to ready for another spell.


    "Aer Daoin!" Lyndis cried. A more powerful variant of the Aer Galad spell. It conjures a Bright sun-like object glow before the area of effect, shinning everything in a brilliant light. The spell is designed for banishing multiple demons or one powerful one at once.


    Yet again, Aliathra was again disappointed by Lyndis obstinate live-in-denial attitude. Its magical sun rays causing no effect on the Elven Cleric.


    "WHAT ARE YOU!" Lyndis cried to Aliathra in a combined fervor of confusion and desperation as she began to switch tactics.


    "You still think I am a Demon Lyndis?" Aliathra asked her, a single tear now being able to fall from her eye.


    "Do not lie again to me Demon! I have to say, you have all gotten much stronger than the last time you came upon our lands. But playtime is over now. I purge you with the Flames of the Phoenix!"


    This time the Sefydliad''s arms glow from silver to orange as a dangerous sweat fell off of Aliathra''s lithely brow. This time she can feel it, a spell that could actually hurt her. In a split instant, Lyndis erupted forth two twin jet streams of searing fire in one last anguished discharge of her Mana reserves on Aliathra. They coiled together like a duo of snakes that move as fluidly like water charging forth towards the Elf Cleric.


    Any lesser mage would have been good as a well-done roast but Aliathra had a trick off her sleeve. Thanks to Samantha and David''s application of ''High Science'' as she would call their methodologies plus copious amounts of watching upon the Lieutenant''s Magic Mirror the ''play'' called Avatar the Last Airbender, Aliathra knew that Fire requires air, specifically oxygen that is the very substance she and many other life forms of Neneth''s creations to be able to breathe, to remain to be alight. An earlier experiment with a Spell called ''Air Bubble'', a cheaper but more serviceable versatile than the posher ''Waterbreathing'' spell as it can be used to not only create a breathable area for deep-sea divers to inhale precious air for but was also used by miners and artisans whose trades involves being within proximity of noxious aromas. It was also, quite sadistically for those who are skilled in its application can do the opposite and remove the oxygen out of the bubble creating a vacuum of space. It was theoretically possible as the Otherworlders had suggested but they had yet to put that theory to the test yet as all experimentations with Samantha was halted


    Gritting her teeth, Aliathra hastily cast with her readied hand an Air Bubble spell in front of her, inflating the bubble-like structure until it was just as tall as herself just as the Dual Firestreams collided onto her position. Thanks to her makeshift shield, Aliathra''s Air Bubble, negating itself of oxygen from the fire had perfectly countered spell Lyndis'' attack as the fire was safely extinguished causing a misty smoke to permeate where the two dueling elves stood.


    Lyndis coughed profusely as the smoke blinded her senses, her body was exhausted but she still had her own two feet with her. Perhaps this smoke cloud could be her cover to escape now that all of her best-laid plans were all for naught or its intended damages had been done as best as she could. But just as Lyndis was about to cut her losses and flee, she felt a great right hook pommel her at the c.h.e.s.t.


    "This is for everything you had done to me!" Aliathra struck with her left hand. "This is for Zena and my Sister!" her third strike, another Right Hook but to Lyndis'' head. "And this is for every innocent whom you shed their blood today!" the Elf proceeded to pelt a flurry of jabs on a bewildered Lyndis who now exhausted of all means of offense or defense took every blow at full force, barely able to raise her hands in a vain attempt to shield her severely battered face now bleeding, bruised, pus-filled, cut and swollen.


    "Ali¡ªya---fra--- I¡­ dost---wa---die¡­" Lyndis yielded; she reached out to Aliathra beseechingly by c.a.r.e.s.sing her cheek equally wetted cheeks, made flushed by the Cleric''s mournful sorrows.


    Aliathra could see her old friend in the eye and that in that moment, she hesitated to bring down the final crushing blow to end this tragic chapter. She was left in a stupor of thoughts that encircled her mind thinking about how she like many others of her people were so led to misbelief to the lie about the Otherworlders. Blinded by her heart rended tears it was hard to keep track of all the emotions that encircled her head. Elves are known to be, despite their outward appearances of being very aloof beings of being very emotionally s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e. It is said that what any other race could feel, an Elf would feel five times as much. It was also easy for them to be quite dizzying when it comes to thought patterns from the point of view of a non-Elf as their extended lifetimes gave them plenty of time to learn many hobbies, skills, and habits over the decades. But going back, Aliathra hesitated to kill Lyndis as it was the first time, she willingly attempted to take another Elf''s life. In her teachings by the Goddess of Neneth, there were two tenets in her word about the just time one devoted to the Goddess of Life can take the life away from her creation is when it is the animals you hunt (with a thanksgiving prayer upon chancing on the corpse of hunts successes) and in self-defense. But in this terrible chapter, she was just about to commit murder.


    "Aliathra! Watch out!" Iris voice echoed behind her.


    She snapped back from her haze as she saw Lyndis slyly grab a knife hidden on her pocket and was prepared to throw it. It was a Feigned Surrender! One final spiteful strike for the Sefydliad that if she were to go down this day, she will take one of Forces of Darkness with her.


    Aliathra weaved out of the way from Lyndis Knife throw but little did the Elven Cleric knew that Iris was directly behind her.


    "Agghhh!" Iris quailed as the knife pierced her shoulder. It was a backup dagger of Lyndis'' many Thrice-Blessed Elven Daggers that managed to hit its mark on a truly effective target, the quasi-undead Iris Cadohagan.


    "Iris!" Aliathra rushed to the Vampire Witch. In all of her disdain for the Sochairfuil, to have her saved her life from her once friend''s wrath had truly shocked her.


    "It''s¡­. okay¡­ It is not at my heart¡­ aaahh¡­" Iris smiled as she leaned herself to a rock to rest upon.


    "Die all of you! Die!" Lyndis shouted


    Meanwhile, Aliathra saw that Lieutenant Rose had also followed the Vampire Witch with her, and with a renewed vigor of some recharged Mana reserves thanks to feeding upon Iris'' necklace, Samantha conjured from the earth, a giant stone slab that wrapped itself on Lyndis cabalistic hands shackling her.


    "You may have bested me and corrupted the Royal Princess Demon, but harken my words, ALL of Gliesia now knows you are here. The Alliance of the Light has prevailed against your kind once and we will again." Lyndis sneered.


    "Well then, when they come, we will be ready." Samantha grimly accepted the challenge


    "Kill me now then, though my last wish shall be when I see your priggish selves fall nto oblivion upon the sight of our Armies. Oh! How you shall wait to see when our Chosen Ones come upon you all and annihilate you back to whence you came for this Dark Time, the Sacred Crystal Heart had chosen not one but three!" Lyndis louted with one final nefarious laugh. She was ready to die now by the Demon''s hands but it would make embracing Tivna as she guided her soul to her Garden or be damned forever into oblivion feel partially consoling.


    "You''re wrong. Bitch. Take a look at this." Samantha coyly responded as she removed her right glove and showed her stigmata, the Brand she had received to the jestering Elven Terrorist that is Lyndis.


    "I-Impossible! The Shareholder! But¡­ how can you be the Chosen One?" Lyndis'' eyes widened in a fl.u.s.ter, was her eyes deceiving her or was there more to this sight than first glance?


    "Unless¡­ Chosen One! You have been deceived!" the Elven Spy cried out to Samantha.


    "Deceived?" Samantha returned the favor of expressing her confusion too.


    "These Demons¡­ just like the Royal Princess Aliathra! They are making you fight for them. Making you fight against your people and destroy all of Gliesia for them!" Lyndis said.


    "Oh, come on are you that stupid?" Samantha berated Lyndis. "Your people? My people had always been with the Federation for all of my life! Born in raised in Sacra Terra''s green earth. I am with the Federation always and will always be. I will never fight for barbarians like you." The lieutenant scolded the captive Elf''s hubristic accusation.


    "Then you are a Demon who killed the real Shareholder Chosen One and stolen his power!" Lyndis continued her lunacy which has begun to tire on Samantha.


    "Bullshit!" Samantha protested.


    "I¡­I¡­YOU!" Lyndis growled. Her fanaticism expending beyond any mortal limit conjured her hands to ready a spell to smite this ''False Chosen One''. Using the last bit of her magical reserves, the Sefydliad member cracks out of the stone bounds that Samantha had disconcertingly placed upon her prideful self before aiming her evil eyes on the Lieutenant.


    "No!" Aliathra dashed towards her former-friend-turned-enemy and grabbed her from the back like cattle wrangling a rampaging ox, her two arms c.a.r.e.s.sing heavily its weight on Lyndis'' throat. She now see Lyndis for what she truly is now, a Demon in Plain Sight and by her dying breath, she will not let them harm her friends.


    Lyndis struggled to heave away Aliathra''s grip, with her hands bound, losing her breath slowly and unable to concentrate to conjure her next spell, desperate tears fell down upon the Sefydliad''s eyes as her breath was being stolen away from her by the person she swore to avenge for her nation''s honors sake.


    "I---I---wwaa---er---fend¡­" Lyndis gasped.


    But Aliathra tightened her viper''s grip on Lyndis further.


    "I----dos---wan---die-----" the Sefydliad wheezed.


    Lyndis'' scrapping of feet and arms slowly dulled the longer Aliathra''s grip stayed its weight between her throat. The Cleric could feel the warmth of Neneth''s Gift fade away from her former friend until finally she lay limp upon Aliathra''s Elvenwood vambraces, dead, face frozen in despair.


    "Ironic, for all of your grandiosity, you did not have the stomach to face death much like a craven little rat you truly are!" Aliathra mocked taunted Lyndis corpse allowing her emotions to possess her voice.


    She then turned to Iris who was being tended by Samantha, she could see the Vampire Witch, a ''Creature of Darkness'' who had just saved her life now lay before her wound, her hand feebly grasping the knife thrown to her and her teeth gnashed out of her snow white and tattooed face.


    "Iris!" Aliathra readied her Healing Hands onto the Sochairfuil.


    "Don''t worry about me. I have taken worse¡­" Iris reassured her. "But you need to get back up there now. It is April she needs you." She behest.


    Hearing those words, Aliathra quickly rescaled Iuisur Hill again until she had reached the summit where a more desperate scene was displayed to her.


    Obediah, laying his slowly dying daughter in his l.a.p whilst Crocker, out of the weighted arms of his Exo-suit armor applied pressure to the child''s stab wound where Lyndis'' Knife had been embedded onto her. The rest of Stryder group meanwhile stared on anxiously as the more venerable members of the Squad tenaciously cling on to April''s life in a bid to deny the Terrorist one more life to take.


    "Alie! Get your knife-eared a.s.s over here and do something!" Crocker shouted.


    "The thing you are good at! Please!" Obediah pleaded. "Baby, keep your eyes open! Please! Please!" he held his daughter''s bloodied hand.


    Quickly switching themselves over, Aliathra took over Crocker''s role of holding the leak from April''s blood wound, from her sense of touch, Aliathra could easily feel the young child''s intestines hanging out loosely along with the dangerous amount of blood being seeped out of April dangerously. In her knowledge of Anatomy, scale of the creature is inversely proportional to how much blood one can afford to lose. Children are the most vulnerable to being killed forcefully through bloodshed due to their size and juvenile state hence why Neneth''s teachings always put a fond emphasis onto their character and protection. Seeing the blood leak out of April, made Aliathra distress over the grave situation. Even if she seals her wound and corrects the way April''s intestines should be arranged, she has lost too much of her precious essence for such a small child.


    "She is losing so much blood." The Elf wailed. "April please do not give up on me." she pleaded.


    April''s eyes turned upside down as her body begins to jolt furiously as she began to rattle causing Obediah and Aliathra''s hands to shake in forlorn anguish.


    "Damnit! She is going through Hyopvolemic Shock!" Crocker shouted.


    "Pardon?" Aliathra asked.


    "CAN YOU MAKE HER PRODUCE MORE BLOOD!" Crocker asked of her, not wanting to waste more seconds in explaining scientific terminologies with the Elf.


    Hearing the Sargeant''s words, Aliathra knew what to do albeit a very risky and invasive procedure. She will have to target April''s bone marrow where she will have to accelerate the production of blood whilst at the same time, she will have to seal up the little girl''s room so that she can jumpstart her body once again and bring her out of Death''s cold grasp. She has only one shot at this but, with a renewed faith in her heart, the Elf, like Diaz would have done, took a risk, and cast the dice.


    "April, Im Aliathra telin le thaed." Aliathra prayed as her hands glowed in Restoration Magicks. "Lasto beth nin tolo dan na Neneth-sya laug."


    It was a mind wracking effort as her bloodied palms dried and her hands sweated off of expenditure as slowly April''s vitality mounted upwards as dolorous throes blithely reversed to calm breathing as April opened her starry eyes at her savior Aliathra Lareththor.


    "Princess¡­ are you¡­ my¡­ knight in shining armor?" April asked her with a child''s sunny beam of glee.


    "Yes. Yes, da''len. Yes, I¡­ I am." The Elf smiled back, panting and sweating just like a triumphant gallant returning to the damsel in distress to show that all is well and that the Knight shall take the damsel safely home.


    April tried to raise herself back up, but her recent wound crippled her upper body strength.


    "No don''t sweetie you need to rest," Obediah said.


    "It was so¡­ dark and scary when that bad lady stole me, daddy. Princess¡­ Daddy, can you hold me please?" April asked.


    "Of course, you can." Aliathra nodded.


    Together, bracing April between each other, Aliathra and Obediah warmly hugged April as she nestled herself between their embrace.


    "Aliathra, thank you, again." Obediah blessed the Elf, his beard brushing her shoulder quite ticklishly.


    Due to how exhausted both April and Aliathra were, they had to be carried back to the Land Cruiser by Obediah and Diaz respectively. Despite all of the wounds being easily healed they still have to get a proper go-ahead from the New Albany Military Hospital which was a ten-minute drive from Iuisur Hill. It was quiet in contrast to the contempt everyone had to go through (except for April whom her father shielded her eyes away) have to transport Lyndis'' corpse with them to be disposed of for autopsy at the Hospital. Aliathra was by far the most irred, grasping her fist tightly as she glared at Lyndis'' body. Upon arrival at the Hospital, at the same time, a sizable quantity of Ambulances and Red Crossed trucks gathered around the vicinity of the Military Hospital as their red and blue lights glowed into the background.


    To Samantha''s unnerving, she saw dozens upon dozens of hospital stretchers being dispatched to receive the human cargo, some bandaged with rouge tints over their mummy-like bodies while others were veiled completely in black bags, some of whom were meant to be designed meant for medium-sized animal cadavers. She and Stryder even saw a very emotionally overwhelmed Doctor Lee Haneul squatting coldly on the pavement of the Hospital''s emergency receiving lobby.


    Obediah quickly let April go, giving her to her newly dubbed ''Auntie'' Aliathra and dashed off. Kayin, Clay, and Diaz meanwhile brought out Lyndis'' despicable corpse to be disposed off so that the dishonorable bitch of an Elf would not leave her taint on their vehicle leaving Samantha and Crocker inside the Land Cruiser with the Elf and the little girl.


    "Mark my words; this Alliance of the Light? They will pay." Samantha vowed.


    "Patience you, we must build our strength." Crocker stayed the fiery redhead''s hand.


    "We cannot let them get away like this Sergeant, this time they directly attacked us! Look at those bags!" Samantha pointed to the much smaller body bags.


    "I assure Lieutenant, Patience for when the time is right. They will know of the Federation''s might. High Command needs more time." Crocker rebuked her enthusiasm.


    Samantha reluctantly sulked down in admission upon her veteran second-in-command''s words. He was ultimately correct.


    "Princess Aliathra?" April asked the Elf. "Can you sing me a lullaby?"


    "Elgara vallas, da''len, Melava somniar, Mala tara aravas, Ara ma''desen melar¡­" Aliathra soothed the little one as all the horrible terror of that day melted away from April''s mind.


    Just then, a knock on the MRAP''s back door was heard, it was Obediah now returned. His eyes were catatonic and his posture jittered in micro-vibrations. He reached out to his now sleeping daughter and personally enveloped her in his embrace quietly.


    "Daddy? Where is mommy?" April asked of him.


    "Shh¡­sleep now¡­" Obediah hushed April to sleep.


    "Papa? Where''s Mommy? Where are my friends?" April continued ask.


    But Obediah continued to seal his lips, unwilling to stomach to tell the horrible, painful truth of their fates. Patting her back he slowly swayed the young child like a cradle as April faded to rest her tired body. Samantha and Aliathra looked on at first confused about why Obediah, typically the most honest and down-to-earth man in the team dodge April''s question. Until, to their alarm, Obediah began to sob very profusely as he continued to lull April with his tearful aegis. Their realizations were later confirmed when Kayin, Diaz, and Clay returned to the MRAP with similarly morose visages, Clay holding onto Obediah''s shoulders as Obediah held onto his daughter tightly not wanting to let her go. Iris too now realizing last what had happened, roll her hair to like a mourning veil as she hidden her face to show her condolences in the Squad Marksman''s plight.


    Lieutenant could only back away to give Obediah the space he needs as she held back her co-lamentation by cupping her mouth with her two hands to shadow her emotion. This was the first time in her squad where one of their own was seriously wounded.


    "They...they... they are... I am so sorry..." Obediah stammered.


    "I... I... don''t understand?" April asked her father.


    "She... she is dead. Your mother... is dead." Obediah told his daughter.


    "What is dead?" April asked. "I want to see Mommy and my friends again." she rattled with a few tears streaming down her cheek.


    Obediah had honestly no idea how to respond to April''s naivete. He was more of the family breadwinner whilst his wife was the caretaker of the household. His skills being of weapons, the tracking, and taking of life, never its nurture. Deep down for the old hunter, he now regrets those times he chose to pursue upwards his career over attending to his family. But now, those rare moments he had together with Leah and April became more so precious for its scarcity. As for April''s friends? Oh how would he also explain several of their fates to his daughter? How would her school teachers too in dealing with such trauma?


    But for all intents of purposes, now it has become more than just a tour of service to his country in exchange for the material privileges his family enjoys compared to the average citizen, now it has become personal.


    "I will explain one day sweetie... not now." Obediah said.


    By God, he will Journey to the very depths of Hell to protect the one last person he loves.


    Obediah looked on to his daughter and further embraced April, perhaps arguably the least physically damaged but in contrast the most psychologically scarred of her Kindergarten, covering her eyes and ears from the mourning parents and orphaned children that echoed down the Halls of New Albany Military Hospital. The surviving Root Family then stood up and passed by the sad scene that lay b.a.r.e with Obediah doing his best with his faltering two hands to shield April from this sight, but his hands were so weak that the overtly curious little girls managed to peek out from the crevices of her father''s fingers to witness what he had meant.


    It only took one look to see one little Jimmy Baxton, one such friend of hers from her school who now lay cold and still in front of his parents as they cried over his body just as the paramedics zipped up his black body bag to realize what had happened. April soon began to wail loudly as Obediah, Iris, and Aliathra checked into the hospital for debriefing medical examination on their injuries. For several hours till she fainted on her Father''s arms, she unleashed a flood of tears, questioning the mortality of man being thrust upon such an innocent little girl at such a ripe young age for her to barely understand.


    None of Stryder group can ever forget April''s cries all throughout that long night.


    -------------------


    One of Governor White''s attendants quietly entered the conference where he held a Video Conference with between himself and his excellency Prime Minister Bousquet. They were discussing about the conclusion of Clovich''s Tour of Earth the damages of the recent Grey Order Raid upon the Principality and how best tactfully say the grave news.


    "There has been a second attack Governor," the Attendant whispered to Jeremy.


    "What of the damages?" the Governor asked.


    "Mr. Sight is seeing to it now." the Attendant nodded.


    The Governor White''s head swayed back as he absorbed the bureaucrat''s affilctive words as his attendant just as quietly as he entered took his leave. Jeremy lay there out in the open distraught on his words as he mindlessly recomposed himself as he turned to Prme Minister Bousquet''s holographic image from the Video Call standing in front of him.


    "Is there something you want to tell of me?" the Prime Minister asked.


    Bousquet swallowed nervously as he prepared to make his opening word to a very indignant Prime Minister who had high hopes for New Albany''s and Tyr Rian''s continued partnership.

 Chapter 42 - Exordia Bellum

    "Ghana have mercy! This is Preposterous!" Clovich wailed upon hearing first the news of the Grey Order attack on his realm.


    Walking around his Hotel Suite in the Imperial Hotel of Tokyo, he screamed at his closest confidants in attendance including Prime Minister Bousquet himself who came rushing out of Switzerland to personally deliver and console the Otherworlder Prince of the incident. Clovich turned to the Holographic images of his Council of Administrators who were left at home to see through the day to day operations of the Principality in his absence. They were also Governor White who helped arrange this emergency meeting on the Metanet Video Conference had brought them all on the line.


    The Prince kicked and screamed as he tossed every valuable piece of d¨¦cor and furniture in his luxurious suite until his room became vandalized by the act of barbarism the Otherworlder brought forth. He couldn''t believe at first that such a brazen display of ''Reassertion of Authority'' by his Liege Masters would do such a heinous act. But with the veracity of the shocking news now unquestioningly factual thanks in part to several prominent citizens of his Principality speaking up of their plight that brought a wave of distraught amongst the people in the suite over the sheer amount of damages done. Initially, after personally seeing with his own two eyes the Federation of Earth''s marvels, Clovich wanted to gather a few gifts from Earth to be sent to Emperor Uldin and his court of the imaginable prospects of a partnership between the Empire and the Earth and how both of them living together would be mutually beneficial. With all of those taken care of the Empire of Man will reach a new level of prestige the likes of which can humble venerable Elves and the splendorous civilization of the Yujegong Fox people in their prime! With Federation resources and the Empire''s Magicks a great new age can happen with them together in friendship. But oh, those plans are for naught by the news of his beloved Tyr Rian being devastated by an attack by said Master he had served faithfully as their easternmost enforcer.


    Governor White reported that over half of Tyr Rian had been burnt down no thanks in part to Rogue Mages specializing in Pyromantics being amongst the ranks of the Grey Order Adventurers. Over about 800 of the Prince''s subjects had perished alongside 31 UFE Colonists, half of them being young children. In terms of material damages, about 15 plots of land within the Principality, accounting of less than half of all property plots in Tyr Rian had been burnt down by the raid. Economically it is a mix between several artisanry houses, townhomes, and several administrational offices that answered to him or the Empire.


    And all for what?


    A Prophecy that talks about the Empire''s destruction by the hands of the Otherworlders? So, they preemptively struck first!?! Don''t they actually understand who they are messing with!! He knew that the Empire can be arrogant at times especially to those they deem uncivilized as them but for them to do something like this? This was unforgivable that he couldn''t believe that his Masters would stab him and the people of Tyr Rian in the back over something so unsure than the oracles of a comet that could mean so many things within the imagination of just ONE person''s interpretation.


    "Show me again¡­ show me her again¡­" Clovich fell down to his knees and shredded a torrent of tears.


    "You know already en---" Governor White tried to push to conversation forward as the Prince was stalling himself on the damages rather than finding out how he can move forward but he was interrupted.


    "I SAID SHOW IT TO ME!" the Prince demanded.


    Reluctantly, Jeremy conceded as he grabbed his tablet and played the traumatizing images of the damages, material and human back to the Prince. There were bodies, injured, the anguishes and the ebony color of burnt wood that flooded Clovich''s eyes once again as he and those of his entourage fell down into a despondent state. Yet worse of all is when Clovich saw his beloved sister, once the bright star of his life in this cold and grueling world be reduced to a comatose Sleeping Beauty on a Hospital Bed with bandages that covered her once fair face from the sinister blow she had received during the attack.


    The Prince of Tyr Rian screamed so loud that the glass window behind where Prime Minister Bousquet stood upon reverberated. Clovich tore his clothes and lashed out to everything he could grab to be made upset of in the room from furniture, d¨¦cor and even the Flat-Screen TV. Like a rampaging bull kicked, toss and punch every fragile and expensive piece of d¨¦cor and furniture in his expensive Tokyo suite. Glass shattered, wood splintered and fabrics violated as the prince melted down to a rabid dog, a far cry of his once regal self.


    "Prince Clovich!" Prime Minister Bousquet coughed for the Otherworlder''s attention.


    He had strafed to the side and took cover by the suite''s closet as the Prince vandalized his expensive hotel room. The prince, red-eyed with a seething broth filled with the stock of anger and despondency locked eyes with the Grand Leader of the Federation, a feeling of retreat could be detected when they faced each other as the Prince crawled towards the Prime Minister''s feet and knelt down looking for alms to the godly being before him.


    "Are you feeling any better your highness?" Frantses asked him.


    "I am fine, thank you Ser Prime Minister." The Prince huffed. "I apologize for this¡­ barbarism." He turned to the wreckage he created.


    "Nothing some Tax ''refunds'' can fix." The Prime Minister nodded with minuscule chide to break off some of the tension upon his smile. "However," he stopped himself and shifted the mood of the conversation to a more deliberative tone. "You do understand right now that your ''Masters'', the Slaegians have forced our hands and refuse all our talks of diplomacy, they made their bed with this misunderstanding so we have no other choice than war I am afraid." The Prime Minister went straight to the difficult words.


    "He is right my prince." Edmurl butted in with his sage words. "We served faithfully for the Slegians for centuries and this is how they treat us? Over what? Some stupid prophecy from those Quacks from the Academy! All pish-posh from those Quill-scrawlers. They slaughtered our people and burned half of the Tyr Rian on the words of that bastard Owynne? I cannot believe the College and the Emperor could be this foolish, reckless and inconsiderable like this!" he growled.


    "Seems like you have not much to say anything kindly to this ''Owynne''? Who is he to you?" Frantses asked.


    "He and his ilk are dumb old sack of bones beneath all those fancy robes I tell you! He and the High Council of Magi, the leaders of the College would steal other forms of magic or ban those studies they do not approve of." Edmurl curled his fist. "I used to be part of the College as one of their scribes and I get to know what the ''Grandmaster of Magicks'' really is. A tired old-tart who can''t take anything for a good answer outside of his own. His stubbornness of how ''right'' he is, makes even the Elves look humble!"


    "That sounds ghastly¡­" Bousquet commented.


    "Oh, it does not stop there! He and the High Council is just another Senate I tell you where there more concerned of keeping their positions rather than doing anything to help their own kind like us Hedge Mages." Edmurl explained further. "He likely had mistaken our workings with you for us dabbling in the arts of Demon Sorcery! Surely, they will send out their Wizards and Sorceresses to blast all of Tyr Rian to rubble as we speak. I know this is hard of me to say to you my Prince but the Federation is our only safe haven."


    Even if survival is at stake, such a radical idea from Edmurl was a concept that is initially hard to graps. It was essentially changing masters from the one you know than the one you just met. But even then, by the way the former lashed out towards the other and himself the answer was perhaps the most uneasiest of transitions.


    "Your advisor is right. We all want to live in peace with my people wanting to make a new life on your world and your people wanting bring something to their current ones. If the problem is caused by us simply being together than we must solve this together." Frantses Bousquet nodded in agreement.


    "What are you proposing to us?" Clovich asked the Prime Minister.


    "Your Cooperation." Bousquet swayed. "In exchange for our aid and our protection you must now fall under our sphere. Your masters, the Slaegians no longer have your best interests at heart no more. But we do." The Prime Minister said.


    "From the way you are speak your words milord, but you ask for our ''Cooperation'' rather than for our servitude. They are the same thing." Clovich gave a passing mention.


    "I can assure you that what I am saying is that I am speaking to you as a Partner, not as a Master to your servant Prince Clovich." Bousquet explained. "In exchange for your¡­ ''Native Expertise'' in the land and your blessing in exchange for the ability to access your countries national resources, protect you from the Emperor''s Wrath, and then help develop Tyr Rian. You know just like Emperor Meiji." Bousquet said. "But I digress, for now what is best for your people is order them to stay within their Principality and not leave their homes until after this Crisis with the Empire is over."


    "What will you plan to do with the Empire when you meet them in battle?" Clovich asked.


    "Pacification. We will make them calm down, by the force of our arms." Bousquet said.


    The Tyr Rianni Prince sunk down to the ground as he heard those grim words from him. It was going to be a war with Imperial Bloodshed once again.


    "Do not act like that now Prince Clovich, you would have done the same if you were me. This is the best option for ALL of us." The Prime Minister reminded him. "We are to decisively stop this war that we all agree shouldn''t have been made in the first place. With my speed and your subject''s familiarity we can turn all of this around for the better of our mutual future." Frantses spoke to all the Otherworlders in the room.


    "The way you speak of your Terms milord, being under the wings of you You-Eff-eee is much more profitable than the Empire, we and the rest of Tyr Rian will enjoy prosperity with you now." a Tyr Rianni official nodded of the radical idea for Clovich by the Holo-Conference.


    "I do have to warn you that the people of the Empire will never kneel to the likes of an Estroni like the Federation but for me? I share their blood so it is only right that when you do fight the Empire on this campaign of ours that I take the lead." He said.


    "I can understand that Prince Clovich" Bousquet nodded. "But we can deal with the more pressing concerns of yours of modernizing Tyr Rian after we deal with the Empire." He reminded the Prince of the task at hand.


    If this were much simpler times, a few back-ended deals and subterfuge would have disposed or lobbied the Prince to dance to their tune, but alas, the Common State Party''s opponents would eviscerate him five times over for breaking the so-called ''Prime Directive'' that some sages specializing in Ethics would argue for. The Prime Minister do have to say, the Prince, being of a militarist himself, his knowledge working alongside the Slaegian Legions should be invaluable on how their adversary would organize. Intelligence that Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky would appreciate happily upon his cooperation with Operation Haymaker.


    "I am not yet done," Clovich interrupted. "I wish to at first, just one chance to write a letter... an Ultimatum! To Emperor Uldin before you descend upon them to reconsider his actions. If he doesn''t then you may raze him down to the ground like he did to my fair city." He vengefully requested.


    "That can be arranged." Frantses smiled. "Anything else?"


    "Yes, one more." The Prince depressed his tone. "The last thing I ask of you is that--- I--- beg of you for more one thing before we go through with this, that you promise not to unleash your ''Mushroom Clouds'' on the Empire. As much I want to see Uldin and my former masters be punished for this hubris, I cannot live with myself to see Gliesia become like of Naga-sack-kee and Hero-she-mah. I am still not able to get rid of those horrific images from my head!" Clovich expresses his dreadfulness upon referencing the various means the UFE could a destructive hell upon their foes.


    The visit in the Japanese History museum in Tokyo was an eye-opening experience for Clovich and his entourage. He saw how his patronized paragon; Emperor Meiji brought his country to the peak of civilization despite the severe disadvantage and amount of barbarian influence he had to fight off with during his time. He could understand that hint of reluctance when he asserted himself infront of him so brazenly when they were talking about the terms of their very tendentious alliance. The visit was an insightful way to understand more about Japan but it was that trip, Clovich and his officials understand why they should see the UFE in a more "godly" manner as for the first time, they see wars the Earthlings had endured throughout their entire history, especially the three World Wars that made the Demon Wars and some of the other dystopic conflicts in Gliesia compare to of drunken bar brawls and street riots. The destruction and greater amount of d.e.s.i.r.e to cause it throughout the ages, these Earthlings were of a strange capability behind all of their opulence and senses of order and peace to be more than capable of being possessed with Widall the War God''s Madness.


    "I know and I understand." Frantses reassured him. "We only use it when for the last resort and we have strict rules of using the Nukes."


    "Thidar be praised and may Uaris bless you Ser Bousquet¡­ now that is settled, I would declare that in light of these new events, the Slaegians are lost cause now! After seeing what they had done and how overwhelmingly powerful and advanced you You-Eff-eee really are, I see that the only way forward is with you." The Prince agreed to his terms.


    "Agir bien." Frantses shook the Princes hand. "We shall stand together, arms banded together."


    "Then it is settled. I Prince Clovich, is declaring secession of Tyr Rian from the Slaegian Empire and joining the You-Eff-eee! For the betterment of my people and the entire Glisiea I declare from this moment onward a new age for not only the People of Tyr Rian but of all of the Empire and the Gliesia, the Tyr Rianni Amelioration! We will bring forth a new sun to rise on the Verden Valley and throughout all of my World." Clovich decreed.


    Bousquet smiles as he turned to the Holographic Projector to see the optimistic cheers of Clovich''s cheering subjects.


    "Unit¨¦, Harmonie, Prosp¨¦rit¨¦!" he said the Common State Party''s banner to the patriotic fervor of the attending Governor White, Major Holyfield, and Colonel Polonsky.


    ----------------------------------------


    Faithleann huffed and puff in relief as his sword split in half the final obstacle in the Dungeon, a Frankenstein of a golem made of assorted muscles and bones of what appears to be a bear, a moose and appallingly several human parts. The abominable construct fell before him as the cowering Sochairfuil Necromancer cowered behind his phylactery of evil-make.


    For his first ever quest he and his party consisting of Marchog Faughn, Petur and Karliah came to the small village of Egni to investigate a strange happening according to the local sheriff. There is a plague happening in the village that has claimed the lives of several people and the once lively town had devolved into a dreary hamlet that is shadow of its once vigorous self of an animal-husbandry focused town. According to the Quest board, a mysterious stranger entered the village months ago and had been making numerous strange requests to the mayor regarding about the deceased victims of the plague. It is said that the stranger requested for the bodies of the deceased at first that at initial glance, the mayor assumed he was just going to dispose of the bodies properly but then he started asking for livestock viscera, escalating to live animals before finally hiring out one of the village maidens to go work for him at his abode a walk away from Egni. In exchange for the Chosen One''s help, the local duke in charge of Egni will supply additional men and resources for Faithleann''s army against the Demonic invasion. It was also an opportunity for the Chosen One to also test his mettle in a real quest as he feels very confident and self-assured with two of the Grey Order''s greatest champions by his side.


    Upon entering the shady individual''s abode, Faithleann in a rather dense display of his naivete shouted on the door like the tales in the book of how the hero would declare that his challenge upon the villain.


    "Please wait for a moment while my master picks up the door." Said a magical voice that resonated by the door.


    "I Faithleann Garmhaic! Knight of the Empire have come to strike you down you vile Vampire!" he said as he unsheathes his broadsword.


    The Chosen One, with his blessed might kicked down the enchanted door with a forceful incantation that blessed him with titanic strength, tearing the barrier down with a mighty wail upon its collapse.


    He hurriedly rushes down into the bowels of the home screaming a battle cry demanding for the Necromancer''s head. He had unwittingly while causing a ruckus to all of the furniture of the place, set off several traps that while his enhanced agility made him easily dodge pass them to the point he never noticed he actually triggered them unwittingly left his teammates at the mercy of the traps payload from explosive runes, poison darts and even a spike trap. Thankfully his more experienced teammates knew of such traps and were already anticipating something like this but much to their chagrin, especially the more tomb-raiding experienced Gold-ranked Adventurers at his side, he would rather disarm the traps than having to weave around them post-triggering. Even when encountering the Vampire''s bone constructs that the young Chosen One displayed his fighting prowess, but without much plan to the concepts of teamwork as he would for a brief moment find himself fighting against three or four skeletal-guards alone. If it weren''t for Petur Reikdorf hasting to his side, a skeletal-warrior with his rusted blade would have struck an easy blow on the Chosen One''s overwhelmed defenses. The ''Faithful'' Spellblade has to admit to his colleague Karliah, the boy was starting to get into his nerves.


    After making short work of the guards, and a quick scolding by Petur and Marchog Faughn, the party breached the Necromancer''s Inner Sanctum where they were greeted by frail-looking Vampire with his contrastingly imposing Flesh Golem. Inside the Sanctum, the party to their horror saw a very macabre sight of pickled body parts in jars, vials of blood stocked to such a height that it could feed a whole coven of Sochaifuil, blasphemous notes that ill.u.s.trated on detail the vast amount of effects the Egni Plague had brought forth in vivid detail. It was all that obvious that the Vampire is turning the hamlet into the subject of his sick experiments!


    "You Villain! How dare you place this plague upon the Village of Egni!" Faithleann pointed his sword at the cowering Vampire. His feet standing atop of the crumbled corpse of the Necromancer''s bodyguard.


    "No! You do not understand what you are doing you brats!" the Vampire hissed. "I am trying to save people not kill them! If you just let me explain and wait for my assistant¡­" he pleaded for his life.


    "Oh? Care to defend yourself then?" Marchog Faughn asked.


    "Yes! Let me explain to you what I am doing!" the Vampire said. "I grab some of the known holders of the Plague and with some Restoration Magicks I created a¡­ weakened version of the tainted blood too¡­"


    He reached into his desk and to the skipped beat of the hearts of the entire party. The Vampire wielded with him a crooked knife, freshly tasting of blood.


    "Hiya!" Faithleann shouted, he didn''t hesitate and cut down the Vampire with his sword.


    "Wait--- No---" the Vampire''s unnatural life faded as he collapsed to the ground. It was a Fatal Blow.


    "Faithleann! What did you do!" Karliah scolded him.


    "He tried to reach for a knife!" he justified.


    "I have to say, yes that Vampire just did try to grab that blade¡­" Marchog Faugn backed up the Chosen One as he investigated the knife from the dead hands of the vampire. "And look its indeed tainted with blood."


    "We were supposed to capture him however so that he maybe tried for his crimes." Petur mentioned the details of the bounty.


    "But still Ser Petur, this evidence is damning enough." Faithleann added, gesturing his arms across all the sickening sights within the Necromancer''s Sanctum.


    He and Karliah could barely keep their fragile stomachs together the longer they stayed inside the room.


    "Gaahh Just take whatever evidence that proves this one''s guilt and toss away the rest." Karliah gagged.


    Marchog Faughn, Faithleann, and Petur nodded and began to carry off as many of the disgusting paraphernalia away. Research notes, the Necromancer''s Knife, a few samples of the preserved body parts were saved to be presented to the local Lord and his sheriff to prove of the Vampire''s guilt whilst the rest of the contraband were tossed away to rot and be washed away nearby a creek.


    "May Neneth and Tivna welcome you to their Garden." Faithleann prayed to the poor souls whose body parts were trapped inside the preservative fluids within the Jar.


    It was a rite to give peace to do those that had passed on ''of incomplete form'' a special prayer. If one perished in a very unrecognizable form, the soul cannot pass on to the Afterlife normally and remain still bound inside the mortal world. The funerary rite to correct this is to have whatever remains of their body to be sanctified in holy water before expediating the remains to a nearby body of running water such as a river, a creek or the seas. The legend says that all life used to come from water and that the Life and Death Goddess with the help of the Water God Tolios reform the body part from within the earth through the waters that rooted and breathe life to what was once alive. It was a harmonious prayer that also signifies the Cycle of Life that all beings must one day go through (despite some people''s attempts to defy said Cycle). Through this prayer, the Goddess will return the body to its rightful owner''s soul before it can be passed off peacefully into the afterlife less they suffer in a Limbo between life and death as eternally sorrowful spirits who wail loudly for the justice of crossing to the other side but unable to for their mortal forms were not complete upon their demise.


    "What--- By the Gods what happened!" a woman approached the Vampire''s hideout, dropping a basket of meager groceries to the earthen floor and cupped her hands as her eyes teared in confusion.


    She leaped herself towards the ransacked hideout but she was caught by Karliah and Marchog Faughn.


    "What are you doing here lady? This is official Imperial Business you are intruding upon." Faughn informed the stranger.


    "What are you doing at my Masters abode?" she questioned.


    "Your master has been caught dealing with the arts of Necromancy and causing a plague throughout the region." Faithleann explained to her.


    "Y¡ªyou! You are the Chosen One?" the lady asked of him.


    Faithleann nodded, confirming the woman''s hopes that the Hero could listen to her reason.


    "You have this all wrong hero! My master would never hurt anyone. He is kind, benevolent and too reclusive to go out and curse the land¡­ AND for what?!?" the woman made her case.


    "Lies you wench! You are a Thrall to the Vampire Master of yours just like the rest!" Faithleann dejected her.


    It was uncommon for Vampires to acquire outside help due to their nature of keeping within the shadows of contemporary society. But when they do, they would often use a spell that would mesmerize any non-Vampiric servant of theirs to do their unquestioned bidding called ''Enthrall''. According to Magic.u.m Codex, a written law detailing about the extent magic can be used in society. That Illusion spell was deemed Illegal to cast and the punishment is a hefty fine for damages and/or a period within a jail cell.


    "Please Hero! I can prove it to you please!" the woman struggled to break the combined bindings of Marchog Faughn and Karliah.


    "Calm down Peasant!" Faughn coughed.


    "She is still under the Vampire''s Thrall spell! Take her away and have her watched by the Guards until she returns to normal." Faithleann said.


    "Allow me." Karliah volunteered.


    She knows her way around such spells that revolves around duration and constant intoxication. With a flick of her hands she attempts to use her Magicks to reverse the woman''s senses.


    "What are you doing to me? Stop!" the woman struggled from Karliah''s grip.


    If it was like lockpicking a very high-quality lock, which said lock tries at it might to remain unlock, that is what Karliah could say when she tried and fail to reverse the woman''s mesmerized condition. Whatever and however this Vampire had Enthralled her with, it must have been a very potent spell to keep her in line to his whims. The woman''s frantic shuffles brought Marchog Faugn to the brink of losing his grip and bringing Faithleann and Petur on edge.


    "NO! You are making a big mistake here Chosen One! YOU HAVE DOOMED US ALL!" the Woman tried to reach out her hands. But Faithleann, grabbing his rope by his pocket, lassoed the woman into a hogtie and boarded her atop of his horse with a gag on her mouth for good measure. Throughout all the time during the transition of his brutal act, he rough-housed the crazed woman with a few blunt strikes from the pommel of his sword whenever she attempted to scrap herself free.


    "That was a bit too much force of you Child." Karliah rebuked Faithleann over his heavy-handedness.


    "Indeed, she''s not like those Golems and Skeletons we fought back there. She is just less of your height." Petur added. Even he has limits when it comes to forms of Bystander Control, a simple yell and a mention of his name would have got many bystanders to back off from his way when it comes to any Grey Order-related business.


    "I thought you were Adventurers you two?" Faithleann turned around to his seniors. "We must not delay for every waking moment; Evil continues to fester like an ulcer in the land. We cannot be dillydallying with this frivolous shite!" he justified himself.


    "I am not saying we are dillydallying Chosen One, what I am saying is that you need to learn how to think before you act. There is a difference that separates the lower-ranked Adventurers from the higher ones. What you did was reckless of you, rushing in and triggering all of the Necromancer''s traps. You were lucky it was a delayed but still! You and all of us here could have died." Petur said.


    "By all accounts so far, that woman you handled was by law to be innocent due to her unsound state of being Enthralled." Karliah added.


    "Piffle! You two say that because you are jealous because the Crystal had chosen me to be its champion. I am blessed with Divine Protection by all of Impyrion!" he boasted to the Gliesian Pantheon.


    "Watch your mouth boy! Being a Chosen One does not meant you are invincible. We are a team, blessed by the Emperor to protect the realm from Darkness. Remember what that Shaman did to you?" Marchog Faugn added.


    "May I remind you that I, Faithleann Garmhaic, did all the work clearing the Vampire Hideout? Why are we having this argument when we must continue in due haste to Mountassone now?" Faithleann turned around and mounted on his horse as the three seniors of his were left low before him shaking their heads disapprovingly by his attitude.


    "Sometimes, I think that the Emperor knighting him at such a callow age was a mistake." Karliah grumbled.


    "Give the boy some more time. I know many of Knights who were like him, even you were guilty of that Petur." Faughn said.


    "I wish I could take that all back¡­" Petur regretted his youthful days of hot-headed rebelliousness.


    "It is best we give him some more patience." The venerable knight gave his sage wisdom.


    "Very well, just keep the boy intact enough until we reach Mountassone." Karliah conceded.


    They mounted their horses and quickly galloped to the quarantined town of Egni where after an explanation of what had transpired, the submission of their evidence and one crazed ''Vampire Thrall''. The Village Mayor happily declared the end of the outbreak now that the source of the plague had been eradicated to the wind. Faithleann''s party was handsomely rewarded with a generous stock (at least by a small animal-husbandry focused village could thankfully donate) of preserved meats and poultry eggs for their travels. There was still quite a long road ahead for Faithleann and his Army men to cover before reaching their Destination of Mountassone, where they would meet up with diplomats from the Dwarven Hold of Kur Faldhur to facilitate the extensive purchase of Dwarven Ingots.


    On their way, there were more activities for Faithleann''s Followers that they undertake from requisition quests to helping out the local Lords that he and his army passed by in their lands. However, try as he might, whenever he put himself into the fray to display his Heroic status amongst the populace, for a reason or another, he always seems to get under one''s skin, the nerves of those parties involved.


    During one time, during a hunting expedition to gather some game meat for the camp, he spotted a lone Stag whose leg was stuck upon a suffocating leg trap meant for a much larger beast. Faithleann had though that if he had freed the Stag, he would have either its eternal gratitude or perhaps transform into a Fey and bless him with some Gods given boon that would boost his power tenfold but instead, all he received the Stag''s two hind legs kicking him in the face before it limply scampered off before succ.u.mbing to its injuries. They still brought the corpse back to camp for some Venison stew but the Chosen One himself couldn''t bear the insult of it.


    Another time, when passing by for his tour of the Eastern Provinces of the Empire, he undertook a quest to help exterminate a Giant Spider who had managed to burrow itself inside a burial mound that frequented a particularly Tivna-devoted township. Employing the same tactics, he did back in Egni, Faithleann rushed inside the mound to slay the Mother Spider. He had gotten a mouthful of spider webbings for his haphazard approach and have unintentionally awoken the rest of the hive to scamper-scurry off from the burial mound now that their home has been compromised. A total of 9 of Faithleann''s followers plus 10 of the Local Lord''s people were killed with dozens more incapacitated via Spider Venom due to the resulting Stampede before it was burnt off by a few streams of Fire Blasts from the College of Magi demographic of Faithleann''s army. But even then, after that mishap, Faithleann still had the gall to demand for the promised supplies the Lord pledge to donate to him without him considering about the loses he had taken which had infuriated several of his followers upon his insensitivity. The Lord short-changed his pledge by denying half of the promised goods and it took Petur and Findrum to drag Faithleann away when he tried to impose ''Imperial Mandate'' upon that Lord before quietly galloping off at the first opportunity.


    The next similar incident was when Faithleann chanced upon a Barony after the previous Arachnid incident where he was told that the land was plagued by a group of Centaur Bandits who have been stealing food stocks from the farmers in the area. Upon tracking them down, the Centaur Bandits were soon discovered to be a nomadic group of rogue Daosne tribesmen that migrated south clandestinely for better grazing grounds but due to the Slaegian''s inherent racism against Beastkin they were denied any such services or abilities to trade as if it were illegal to even give them a passing glance, thus they were forced into banditry in order to acquire supplies and items that they need to scr.a.p.e by. The Beastkin begged Faithleann''s party to take pity at them for there were only trying to live peacefully but circ.u.mstances forced them into the dishonorable state they are in now. At first, Marchog Faughn suggested that the most diplomatic choice was to hand over several of their supplies to the Centaurs and then tell them to run away from them with a headstart since he they were only hired to be rid of the bandits in the local region, but it doesn''t say to kill them or arrest them. The Old Knight also fears that fully confronting this roving clan of Centaurs would cause too much trouble than it is worth as Daosne fighters can be deceptively tenacious. But Faithleann immediately shot him down, saying that ''the Law is Law'' and with his empowered Magicks tried to force them to give up their ill-gotten gains or else. A fight broke out where Faithleann savagely murdered several ''filthy beastmen'' whilst the rest of the Clan fled away easily due to their superior speed. This escalation and failure of dialogue however left a very bad taste in the mouth for many of Faithleann''s followers upon the news of what had transpired. Mita warned Faithleann that the Daosne, are not the type who would forgive nor forget about such a crime against them.


    Yet the last encounter they had undertaken before reaching their destination was perhaps the most infuriating of Faithleann''s impetuous youthfulness. The son of a local prominent citizen of the adjacent region had begged for Faithleann''s help in searching for his missing son who was spelunking at a nearby river and had never returned. Wanting to become a knight in shining armor like the stories he read of them rescuing the weak and helpless, Faithleann tracked the boy''s whereabouts. With the help of Mita the Crow''s superior tracking skills, Faithleann''s party deduced that the little boy shouldn''t have gone too far into the river. After a desperate search for the child, Faithleann''s party happened to chance upon a Goblin encampment deep within Slaegian Territory. Greenskins such as these pint-sized people would often roam around the Slaegian territories in look for work and would have enclaves of their kin living about in the Empire''s lands. They often find themselves as either household servants, hired muscle or descent into pickpocketing. This gave them a bad reputation as being bottom feeders that many of the Imperials would look down upon them, forcing them to remain and scrap by in their enclaves. Occasionally they do business or interact with their non-Goblin neighbors but due to the aforementioned discrimination, their options were severely limited. The Chosen One plus several other of his men were uneasy passing by the encampment but they kept their cool since the Goblins mean no harm to them, only fleeing to their teepee tents to hide from their more physically imposing hosts. But when Faithleann''s eyes caught the most unusual sight inside the Goblin Witch Doctor''s tent to see a small human boy being placed on the Altar-work table, Faithleann through a huge fit against the Witch Doctor and the Chieftain accusing them of kidnapping the boy. The two co-rulers of the Goblin encampment immediately denied those accusations and gave their sides of the story. They stated that the boy was found unconscious but alive by a nearby riverbank and one of their hunter-gatherers chanced upon him and brought him back to the camp to be nursed back to health by the Witch Doctor. The Chosen One however, did not want to hear another word from the Goblins no longer, he tells that ''Greenskins, Beastmen taint this Holy good Imperial earth with their filthy feet'' and charged his hands to cast a fireball upon the Goblin Chieftain incinerating him and several other Goblins. This forced the rest of the Goblins to attack Faithleann and his party in Self-Defense led by the Witch Doctor. Due to the unexpectation on the Chosen One''s part, Faithleann didn''t expect the Witch Doctor to be more than capable of disabling all of his Warrior Heroics to its potential during the melee. Using the Goblin''s terrifying shamanistic powers, he casted a Totem on Faithleann causing his feet to be weighed heavily as his footwork became kneecapped by the influence of Witch Doctor''s Magicks. He chanted to his heathen gods to aid him in this battle for his tribe by casting additional curses upon their Attackers from making them move uncomfortably slow, cancelling out their Magicks or blunting their attacks. Mita the Crow, still as stealthy as she is, managed to backstab the Witch Doctor, killing off his maledicted cursing once and for all freeing every one of the Imperial''s out of the Shamanistic Curses they were infected upon. Overall, after retrieving the Captive and scattering the Goblins away from their home, the group calculated that they may have killed off half of the encampment''s populace. Faithleann returned the young boy to his grateful father whom the child mentioned that in his dreams he saw ''a kind green forest spirit'' that healed him off of his water logged lungs. Marchog Faughn and Petur after attaining additional supplies and levies quietly dragged Faithleann away to the side and scolded him again for his impulsive behavior and refuse to let go of the Chosen One''s excuses of ''they were going to do something evil with the boy''. They told him that if they are to draw weapons, it would be in their more strategically planned terms from now on instead of Faithleann''s reckless zealotry. Much to his chagrin, Faithleann yielded his pride for once, if it meant that the approaching crowd of onlookers look at him being scolded by those technically at his senior in spite of his ''Chosen One'' status.


    Deep down behind all of Faithleann''s bravado of exemplifying the perfect romanticizations of folk tale Hero, he was raised by his parents to be a self-sufficient child capable of a high degree of versatility with one''s body. A true ''do-it-yourself'' kind of individual which is complemented by his reliance on the pure strength of will that his courage as a warrior also entails upon confronting any challenge. Additionally, there weren''t that much opportunities for him to experience the real world outside of his hometown of Clearvuite so his temperaments remained of a country simpleton, uneducated in the ways of any form that requires finesse. These factors resulted in Faithleann being the kind of person who wouldn''t work well with large teams, instead working with himself or a small group of people, let alone an army at his behest and call. This was ironic since in the stories of heroes that Faithleann had observed, the protagonists always had a myriad cast of supporters and followers that lifted the Hero up to venture forward despite all the odds. The young boy was too affixed on the superhuman achievements that the Heroes of each story to barely give a glance to the other characters in those stories. But even then, Faithleann has yet to meet a proper Challenge to his exponential abilities, he was just a beholding sight in the middle of the terror of the fight that most of his opponents, all lesser in strength cower below him as none could match his swordsmanship coupled with his magicks.


    After the embarrassing scene, the Chosen One kicked himself up and quietly marched forward with the rest of his now relieved comrades who were already getting put up with his youthful arrogance. They trod the road now undeterred as they made their way to Mountassone for their rendezvous. This time he will try to follow his Seniors suggestions from this point forward if it means they would stop holding him down from further realizing the extent of his power.


    Although officially a city within the jurisdiction of the far eastern lands of the Slaegian Empire, the city of Mountassone, situated right below the westernmost Slopes of the Ostalrocs has a very signficant Dwarven Influence both political and economic throughout the architecture, people, governance and culture. About a century ago, the human mining town was meet with an onset of immigration of Dwarves descending from the Ostalroc Mountains looking for new opportunities outside of their paddied slopes and treacherous undergrounds that was the Dwarven Mountain Clan lands. Most of them were of a skill trade ranging from craftsmen and tradesmen. Throughout that century, Mountassone grew into the Slaegian Empire''s Arsenal, boosted with the supply of ingots from the Dwarven Mountains, built by the best artisans the Empire could gather second to the blacksmiths of Haringpoint all to arm the Slaegian Empire with the best arms to boast throughout all of the land.


    Their people brought about a unique architectural design to Mountassone''s cityscape alongside the industrial district within the city famous for acquiring high quality metallurgical works across all the Ysanigrad continent, it was like Kur Faldhur minus the lucrative and conveniently embedded mines since the city relies on imports for more exotic ingots to keep their workshops belching smoke. The Deal between the Empire and the Great Dwarven Hold of Kur Faldhur was to meet halfway between this melting pot of two long-friended cultures in Mountassone since the City has the Blacksmithing aptitude and industrial might to re-equip an entire army so quickly. All that Faithleann needed to do was to entertain a few formalities before sealing off the trade deal that will allow him to build the Weapons and Armor of Ghyranite and Scandanite he needs to be able to take the fight against the Demonic threat.


    But upon his arrival, instead of the delectable fanfare of the populace cheering towards his arrival and dressing him in all greetings, he and his party saw a once prosperous and industrious city of Mountassone on the brink of anarchy. The streets were crowded with protesting Artisans from the cities Smithing Guilds as they marched down to the City Center to air their grievances to the local Duke. Upon the sight of Faithleann''s party, the protests calmed down slightly as several of the citizenry turned around and flocked to Faithleann Garmhaic so they could bid him and his blessed Imperial Mandated Army to the city. However, some of the greeters who unleashed a torrent of complaints and apologies to the Entourage as realizing what is wrong, Mita the Crow suggested that they investigate what had just happened by getting an audience with the Duke of Mountassone.


    With Findrum, Petur, Karliah, Faughn and Olayra by his side, Faithleann entered the City Hall and made his way up to the Assembly Hall where the Duke was mediating the squabbling powers that runs Mountassone.


    "The Chosen One!" the Duke''s eyes widened upon the unexpected arrival of Faithleann and his party.


    Everyone in the room, Human and Dwarf kneeled down on the blessed individual to show their respects which made Faithleann lighten himself after the humiliation he had received earlier.


    "Milord! I see that your city has been seeing a malady of unrest right now? Is not Mountassone famous for being one of the most peaceful cities in all of the Empire?" the Chosen One asked.


    "It was a few days ago but my apologies for having you witness such an insurrection upon your arrival. I hope the commoners did not trouble you too much on your way here?" the Duke asked for pardon.


    "What had just recently transpired to result such chaos?" Marchog Faughn asked of the Duke.


    The Duke gulped as he took a deep breath and a cold sweat fell down his brow as he and also the rest of his board of bureaucratic administrators fearfully turned their eyes at the Chosen One and his companions.


    "This¡­ revolt involves you in a way¡­" the Duke stuttered. "It is about the shipment of Ghyranite and Scandanite for your army milord¡­"


    "What happened?" Faithleann pressed to have the Duke come to the point of his dialogue.


    "The shipment had failed to make the journey in all of its entirety." The Duke confided.


    "My sword and armor have been what?" Faithleann bolted up, a nerve piercing his forehead as he was left shaken by the news.


    "The Demons¡­ we believe have attacked the Dwarven Mining Guild''s shipment of all of those Ingots your Emperor had paid so handsomely to obtain." The Duke said.


    "Curse yee all of them!" Faithleann shouted.


    "These Demons are very tenacious I have to say." Findrum commented.


    "Incredibly clever too." Olayra nodded. "They are denying us the means to fight them by making off of our army''s weapons that could defeat them."


    Scandanite and Ghyranite were incredibly expensive to not only harvest from the depths of the Ostalroc Mountain Mines but the skill required demands and equally expensive amount of effort to forge the Ingots into weapons worthy of an Army of Heroes that is capable of keeping the Darkness at bay. Mountassone and Kur Faldhur were perhaps the ideal places to process these powerful metals into such powerful arms and they lack no competency nor any high-quality industry to accomplish such a task. However, within the context of the situation, it was easier and cheaper to import the Ingots to Mountassone and have them be manufactured into weapons within the Empire territory than pass through a heftier tariff on the Dwarves end if the Weapons themselves were imported to Mountassone for Faithleann''s army to pick up.


    "That doesn''t explain the turmoil that is clamoring about outside of this Hall right now?" Petur questioned.


    "Those are the Artisans that were meant to help forge the Ingots into your weapons. Many of them traveled from all across the land to be able to take their opportunity of the great pay they receive upon undertaking this Imperial Contract of forging your mighty weapons and armor oh Chosen One of the Sacred Crystal. But alas, with no Ingots to forge with many are without work and without work they have no means of creating a livelihood." The Duke explained.


    "That is¡­ that is impossible! Surely these people must know if they don''t work then the Empire and soon all of Gliesia will be devoured by the Demonic Horde if they don''t get to work soon." Faithleann objected to this setback. "What of the Great Kur Faldhur? What had happened to them? Surely they also know of this tragedy?"


    "Mogul Dolmond of Kur Faldhur is saddened greatly by the loss of his porters and the shipment of Ingots from his Mines to Mountassone." A Dwarven emissary apologized.


    "Then what can we do? Without the Ingots we cannot have weapons, and without the weapons we cannot fight the Demonic Invasion!" Faithleann decried.


    "I apologize greatly again Chosen One but we do not have the capability, not with our current manpower working in the mines to harvest all of the same amount of Ghyranite and Scandanite in such a short period of time! That was ten years'' worth of regular Mining Work mind you." The Emissary explained.


    "Then why not make the Miner''s families help them out to work faster? Have the women and children support their husbands and fathers in the mines?" Faithleann impetuously suggested. "We cannot be deterred by this set back from these Demons."


    "Hold on boy¡­ you reminded me of something." Findrum waved off Faithleann as he scratched his long beard to recollect a memory from his aged mind. "This one is drastic but¡­ I do believe we have no choice in the matter¡­" Findrum stepped forward to the pedestal.


    "You are not saying?" the Dwarven Emissary''s recoiled upon realizing what Findrum is about to propose.


    "There is an edict within the Dwarven Holds that is often enacted during times of war or a great crisis happens upon them. We call it ''Vlokon Tira''. It involves the Forced Labor of a mandated amount of Terrace Dwarves to work for some great construction project, conscription¡­ or to harvest more Minerals. This applies to all of the Terrace Dwarves, male or female, young and old¡­ essentially put most of them to work in the Mines to get the Ingots we need." Findrum said.


    "The last time we did that, Mogul Dolmond was nearly overthrown if we had not cut the head of those snakes from the Mining Guilds." The Emissary protested.


    "It was all for fighting off the Beastkin out of the Mountains and repairing what was destroyed in their wake!" Findrum argued.


    "I support my Dwarven follower, Emissary. If we do not get our hands on these Weapons then we might not have a tomorrow!" Faithleann argued.


    "Aralaya forgive me! Fine!" the Emissary recognizing the importance of this project conceded. "But I will need you and your army to help keep the peace above the Mountains whilst we regather the Ingots you need for the Demon Invasion." He said.


    "Gods be praised! Tell this Mogul Dolmond that he should have every healthy Dwarven man, woman and child working around the clock with the Geomancers to crack open those Veins immediately!" Findrum ordered.


    "Wait! May I question one thing?" Karliah asked. "Isn''t Ghyranite and Scandanite requires one to venture very deep below ground to obtain?"


    Findrum and the Dwarven Emissary nodded.


    "There is absolutely no way we can make Women and Children do something so dangerous like that!" Karliah protested.


    "You rather let the demons win in the end Karliah?" Faithleann asked of her. "Do you know any other way we can defeat the Demons?"


    "Do you Master?" Olayra asked Karliah.


    "I¡­ No¡­" the Mage humbled her head.


    "Look Karliah, we just need to scale the Ostalrocs and make sure the work goes smoothly. If anything happens to those miners you can protect them." Marchog Faughn placed his hand on her b.a.r.e shoulder.


    "I understand." Karliah softly acknowledged.


    A single lonesome tear filled with guilt fell upon her cheek as her heart sank over what she will be an accessory of doing for the trying time ahead. Times like these bring about the worst of some people. Even Olayra too was heartbroken that she will have to witness such a very heavy-handed sight all for the sake of Survival.


    It was a hard choice that is made by hard men. But it was ultimately the right choice.


    Within the span of one day and through the Tweeter Bird Messaging spell, Kur Faldhur immediately enacted the draconic Vlokon Tira Edict. Across its lands and even several nearby ones, many unwilling Terrace Dwarves were corralled and press-ganged into the dark Deep Mines where they were put to work in slave-like conditions, young, old, male and female all in the name of ''a greater good''. Those who tried to resist were either arrested, cowed into silence or be made a brutal example of. However, there were still a few that managed to flee away to warn their fellow commoner of what Tyranny had just sprouted its ugly head once again throughout the Dwarven Mountains that is the Ostalrocs.


    One such Dwarf soon began to write an urgent letter upon his Messenger Hawk to be sent off to inform his brother who is a merchant in the Citadel of Tyr Rian¡­


    ------------------------------------------------------------------------


    "Either way of these ''Old School'' methods, we still need to protect our rear before we can push forward with Haymaker," Polonsky said.


    "We can no longer rest in our asses and underestimate the Empire no longer," Holyfield grumbled.


    "Again, a thousand more apologies from me Colonel¡­ and Major." Agent De Sardet bowed. "I will."


    The recent attacks have staggered the Federation''s presence in Gliesia, forcing them to fall back into a defensive posture, much to Major Holyfield''s disappointment. If it were not for these attacks, the tanks and planes that are being armed for his grand Operation Haymaker would have started tomorrow upon the dawn''s first glint light. But alas, if the Federation cannot secure their homefront then the enemy has already won.


    So now, the UFE is forced to play pest exterminator. Operation Clear Water it is dubbed by Colonel Polonsky. This Counter-Terror campaign is in response after the investigation of Inspector Reid and his people on how the Elf Sefydliad member, known as Lyndis by the identification of Aliathra Lareththor managed to conduct the second attack on Tyr Rian. According to the recent Police Detective''s publicly reported findings, Lyndis used barrels of odorous preserved fish to smuggle inside a few smaller bags of Uzeagon with fragmentation, a gunpowder-like substance originating from the Dwarven Ostalrocs. She safely triggered the gas with a form of Rune Magics which allows her to safely detonate the hidden bomb much like a remote detonator. The Elf would have gotten away with this heinous crime of killing those innocent people if it weren''t for the valiant efforts of Stryder Group cornering her and slaying her when she decided to resist arrest. It was disappointing however that she wasn''t captured alive, but for some people, it was a deserving end for a monster such as her. As Holyfield has said, it is time for the Gloves are off for the Federation and to show this ''Alliance of the Light'' to see who are the ''real monsters'' here.


    Whilst Haymaker is all about speed and power, Calm Waters revolves around staying one step ahead of an enemy that hides unseen until the moment it strikes, a shield to the former''s sword, an Internal Intelligence campaign focused on strong governance and staying power. The Operation follows a step-by-step process upon securing newly acquired territory for the Federation with Tyr Rian being the first stepping stone upon a long road ahead for the Gliesian Pacification Campaign. First upon making landfall in a new territory is to create blockages from the external borders leading out of the territory through restrictive checkpoints that are constantly monitored for any insurgency activity. The second step involves a Propaganda campaign to discourage rebellion and encourage cooperation with the occupiers such as delivering Clovich''s ''Amelioration Speech'' that the Prince is working on to be spread out through the land and with plans to blare out such propaganda at common areas from towns, villages and city centers. The third step is to be purging all Grey Order Adventurers that does not surrender or yielded to any accepted Federation armed forces who are considered ''Irregular Fighting Units'' due to being not being part of a uniformed armed force but having the skills that have an innate value in a guerrilla force that they and any remnant of the Slaegian Legion would inevitably devolve into. Speaking about this plan, Polonsky, with the help of Clovich''s Administrators and the Guard Captain have declared Martial Law within Tyr Rian as search teams scoured the Citadel for any more insidious plots or suspicious items. In regards to the Natives primitive technology, it should not last long but when it comes to mages, that could become a problem as there are still too many unknown factors to take into account when it comes to them. At least Dr. Mahelona is currently making a Magic Countermeasure in which he asks for the acceleration of that project upon completion of Project Hecate.


    "One more thing Jan, but are you sure about training these Natives Colonel? With our training and guns?" Major Holyfield added in one more question.


    "Prince Clovich wants to modernize so he wants his men to be given our weapons and training to defend themselves," Polonsky explained. "Besides it was straight from the Top coming down so we can''t question this one." The Colonel added.


    There was a radical announcement that is being put into the discussion by the Inner Circle as of the early morning, from straight-up by Prime Minister Bousquet, the Chairman said that the Principality of Tyr Rian ''in all of its extent is now a core territory and is under the protection of the United Federation of Earth.'' A bold move in itself that many of the personnel on the ground have mixed opinions of the matter. But the second part of the announcement of Tyr Rian''s annexation was the concept, from Prince Clovich''s own words himself the modernization of the Principality''s Guards and Knights. Arming and training the primitive soldiers of Tyr Rian into an equal-footed modern army on par to the degree of aptitude with a regular UFEAF soldier. The Inner Circle had their personal opinions of the matter from the Major, Agent De Sardet and Thomas being against the Idea, stating that this was essentially giving their one only leverage against the natives preferring the status quo of the power difference between them whilst Governor White, Inspector Reid, and the Colonel were supporting the notion as it would ease their military and administrative reach throughout the local region. The decision that overrides and decided upon the deadlock was straight from the unanimous decision of the Chairmen of the High Command Commission, that Clovich will reform his army of Knights, Men-at-Arms, and Yeomen into a modern fighting force worthy to stand side by side with the UFEAF. The rationale being of the political legitimacy of their mandated rule in their own land being more accepted compared to a UFEAF outright occupying the entirety of the country. If this planet were to be annexed by the Federation in shall be through a native son aligned to their designs. Word was shared that Prince Clovich has received a generous sum of UFEAF Weaponry and Equipment ranging from helmets, body armor, radios, and rifles to be retrofitted the medieval soldiers into the 23rd century.


    "I shall keep tabs when I start seeing Knights holding guns now, just as I will for any of those bleeders." Agent De Sardet sighed. ''Bleeders'' being the nickname he calls the thuggish Grey Order Adventurer''s he and Inspector Reid are tasked to hunt down.


    "So, if that is all that everyone has to say then I can say that this meeting is ad----" Major Holyfield was about to conclude the meeting but suddenly the room was rudely interrupted when the conference room''s door slammed open.


    "Calamity! Atrocity! Tyranny milords!" Lutheor Mirrien stumbled upon the scene, screaming loudly to the air that all of the other nearby people of the Governor''s Palace could hear. The Dwarf held with him a letter by his hands.


    "Mirrien? What are you doing here? Shouldn''t you be back in the Citadel helping the rebuilding process?" Reid asked the Dwarf.


    Mirrien''s role post-incident was to facilitate the supply of much-needed building materials imported from the Dwarven-dominated Ostalroc Mountains. Whatever is distressing him enough to brazenly crash into the Federation''s inner heart of power in Gliesia must have been truly colossal in its direness.


    "My brother! He has sent a letter to me about what has happened from my northern homeland! He says that the soldiers of the Local Moguls have been press-ganging the Mining''s Guilds and other Terrace Dwarves to redouble their mining efforts at an expeditious pace." The Dwarf said.


    "Sounds pretty normal since we just raided a ton of their most valuable trade goods." Holyfield commented.


    "That is not the worst of it! But they have been also forcing the Miner''s families to venture into the Mines with them!" Mirrien said.


    "That is disturbing." Polonsky gulped.


    "Still, they are trying to make up for the lost time in production by speeding up the work processing. Essentially a form of Forced Labor." Holyfield spat in disgust.


    "That is not even the worst of the worst of the news! You see, now this.... this is a secret between me and the Mining Guilds." Lutheor confessed. "According to the Geological surveys, the extensive mining that the Moguls and their families have pushed throughout the centuries have depleted nearly all the ore veins worth of value within the Ostalrocs. The Mining Guilds tried to make this case to ease the collection but the Geomancer is enslaved to their greeds. If they continue, a catastrophic collapse could happen in which many people from the Ostalrocs and even the Empire could die from! Tyr Rian could be buried if the Ostalrocs collapse if the Moguls continue on their way."


    "Essentially... a Yellowstone-like situation? Damnation!" Holyfield cursed.


    "My God that''s horrible!" Polonsky recoiled. "So you are here to ask us to help you save your kin from themselves?"


    The Dwarf nodded.


    "We can strike two birds with one stone Jan, save some lives and gain the gratitude of a new section of people whilst also cutting off the Empire from their much-needed Mineral Stock once and for all." Holyfield smiled.


    "But sending the troops out to the Ostalrocs could be troublesome, we are stretched thin right now with the Haymaker preparations and the bleeding within the Principality." De Sardet melancholically informed Lutheor.


    "Please! You can trust my brother and the Mining Guilds to help you save our chained brothers and sisters. We need to stop them before it is too late!" Lutheor begged.


    "Tell me Mister Mirrien," the Intelligence Agent asked. "How much influence does the Mining Guild has within Dwarven society?"


    "They ensure that the Mines continue to run without trouble but even then, most miners cannot stand seeing eye to eye with the Geomancers for their intolerance to shortcomings. My brother and the Mining Guild is what is keeping them from killing each other." The Dwarf answered.


    "I see¡­ what is the general opinion of the Mining Guilds over these new measures happening over there?" De Sardet pressed.


    "Knowing them, they personally disagree with this measure but they simply cannot just quit because that is their only means of income and that the Mogul''s men are keeping them in line against their wills. The Ostalrocs isn''t particularly a very open place to find many other new forms of opportunities. If you were born in one station you will stay in that station of life forever and your children too. That is why so many Dwarves back then migrated out of the Mountains into the Human lands such as the Empire and the Eastern Suzerainities." Lutheor replied.


    "I get the picture now Lutheor¡­" De Sardet smiled. "Women and Children plus Deep Mining equal a horrible outcome."


    Lutheor''s hope leaped for joy as he cheerfully shook the Intelligence agent''s hand.


    "Colonel, Major with your permission I would like to lead a Black Op into the Ostalrocs to ensure that the Empire never recover themselves s''il vous plait. If we play our cards right, we might even gain ourselves a brand-new friend." De Sardet said.


    "Interesting¡­ what kind of resources will you need for this operation?" Holyfield asked.


    "I will need to have my own Super Osprey to ship some items on demand such as a few C4''s guns and maybe even an Exo Suit when I make contact with these Mining Guild leaders. Plus I''ll need a team to be my hand in the region as we dismantle this operation from the down up." De Sardet request.


    "Granted." Holyfield acknowledged. "Anyone you have in mind? I can send out a team of my best Seals to accompany you." The Major offered.


    "No, we need a team with a unique set of skills." De Sardet requested. "Specifically, Asset: Meitner, but only after her surgery is done."


    "Lieutenant Rose? Rose¡­ ROSE!" Holyfield raised his voice, his eyes widened as he just remembered something related to one of their most valuable assets in Gliesia. "Her surgery is today and she is going to get herself inside the Hecate Suit! We cannot miss this!"


    Holyfield, Polonsky and De Sardet had nearly forgotten that today was the day Lieutenant Samantha Rose was to undergo surgery by the combined minds of Aparo Engineer''s and Dr. Mahelona in implanting several Arcane Meridian implants across specific vital areas of her body so that she can effectively wear the newly forger Hecate Suit made from Ghyranite, Actocolite and Scandanite weaved together with a Titanium Mesh to create the perfect conduit to vessel Samantha''s magical powers. They, bringing Lutheor along for the trip, rushed across from the New Albany Governor''s Palace to the secret laboratory underneath the Starport where Lieutenant Rose is completing her metamorphosis into the ultimate Mage.


    After hurriedly descending down the elevator, the Inner Circle members met up with a very sweating but heavily pleased with himself Doctor Mahelona.


    "Your late, but if you are going to ask. The Surgery was a resounding success and the Lieutenant is at the Embedding Chamber getting inside the Hecate Suit for the first time. Come I will show you." David said.


    Following their second greatest asset, the Inner Circle made its way past the other scientific experiments going about inside the Laboratory''s in-house foundries until they came upon a room where a large pod-like object lay before them. Polonsky smiled when his eyes caught Sergeant Crocker and the rest of Stryder group including a very excited Iris ''Asset: Sacagewea'' Cadohagan and Aliathra ''Asset: Agatha'' Lareththor. Humming on his ears, the Colonel could also discern the machinery being put to work attaching the Arcane Meridian implants across Samantha''s bodies and aligning them to their allotted sockets within the Hecate Suit that which the Lieutenant was deathly quiet despite the harrowing circ.u.mstances of being experimented on for the first attempt ever of the UFE to have one of their own becoming a Mage.


    But just as the Scientists, Stryder group and the Inner Circle held their breath. The Machine stopped as cooling steam emitted off of Samantha''s Embedding Chamber.


    "Surgery Complete, Hecate Suit successfully neuro-linked with Asset Le Fay. Subject Vitals: Stable." ISAC informed everyone into the room.


    Lieutenant Samantha Rose emerged from the pod now wearing the amethyst colored and skin sight Hecate Suit that formed around her womanly features. Upon her first step out of the pod, she collapsed on one knee to the ground, gaining her bearings as she tries to get used to walking again post her metamorphosis into the UFE''s greatest Magical Asset.


    Barely containing the accomplishment of his work, Doctor Mahelona spoke from the placidity of the onlookers of this next step in human evolution unfold before them.


    "Ever since Mankind had first looked up to the stars, we have wondered¡­ What lies beyond? Yet very few even today dared to look¡­ inward¡­" Mahelona said.


    Samantha wobbles upwards now that she has gotten used to the way her suit now feels being worn around her. Within her head, she was besieged by many new sensations as she could feel the very planet and the Mana Crystals throughout all of the world sing to her tune.


    "You know what is also funny Doc? Just how ironic it is when you say that¡­" Bobby Bianchin commented.


    "How so?" Mahelona asked.


    "That the means to defeat the Empire isn''t through our machines or weapons of war, but within. By using their own power against them." Bobby said.


    "Do you know Mister Bianchin, try as you corpos might, there are still somethings within the human body, mind, and soul that we still do not understand, possibly beyond what we could have imagined else," Mahelona said. "When we first started Project Hecate, I had hoped that if we had succeeded in this project Bobby, we might just see a glimpse of what we might become..."


    Samantha meanwhile tries to channel her newly enhanced powers by sparking her hand to conjure a ball of Unbinillium energies for the first time with the Hecate Suit.


    "Oh? What is it exactly?" the Corpo twitched his eyebrows egging for the Scientist to tell him his answer.


    About last, a ball of brilliant and unfettered Magical energies conjured upon Samantha''s hands, its radiance filling the room with light and its beaming song emboldening the more magically s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e Aliathra to perk up her large leaf-shaped ears. Lieutenant Samantha Rose, now fully synchronized the Hecate Suit V1 roared in triumph as her eyes and veins grow in bright blue light-filled with pure Unbinilium energies.


    "Something extraordinary," Mahelona said.

 Chapter 43 - Blood Ingots

    A gathering of some of the Federation''s best personnel in Gliesia was formed by the briefing room of the New Albany Spaceport meant for Pirates pre-deployment. Ironically the only Pilot inside the room being briefed was Captain Kaprelian, known as Pegasus 3-5 whose aeronautical proficiency with her Super Osprey will be needed. There is also Stryder Group, a SEAL Team called ''Scalpel Team'', a smaller squad of Aparo-payroll PMC''s from the Silverback Securities, half-a-dozen of Scientists, Doctor Mahelona, Lutheor Mirrien and lastly the director of this operation, Bureau of Intelligence Agent Gary De Sardet.


    This upcoming operation, launching the day after would, for some of the people the room, be the most politically s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e mission of their lives. Lutheor Mirrien knew that the Moguls have gone too far with the enactment of conscripting the feeble families of Miners and any able-bodied Dwarf to work in the hot and dark conditions of the Dwarves infamous Deep Mines. For the Mines lay host to a variety of hazards such as Geomantic Accidents, underground Fiends and the accidental flooding of unearthing some long forgotten buried curses hidden beneath the Ostalrocs. He and several of his kind tried to put a stop to such destructive practices with limited success but now, it''s either the collapse of Dwarfen society, culture and livelihood as they know it or the beginning of a new era for the Ostalrocii. For Agent Gary De Sardet, his reasons are of a noble but intrinsically selfish reason, he is loyal to the UFE State by default and he will see to it that the Federation fully encircle all of Gliesia with its many appendages attached to every facet of this ''Fantasy'' world''s being if it further pushes what the potential of Gliesia can bestow upon all of the rest of Earthling-kind. This venture was risky as it could mean the loss of not only him but several of the UFE''s best assets and some political capital for the Party if this clandestine operation of subverting this brewing unrest in the Dwarven Mountains into the Federation''s¡­ and ultimately the Party''s ends too, failed. Yet the payoff if operation succeeds would give the Federation in Gliesia a significant strategic advantage. For Stryder Group, the mission was just following orders albeit with reservations from the more greened individuals like Samantha, Aliathra, Kayin and Clay who were given their first Black Operations quite early in their careers. It was the most abnormal of circ.u.mstances for the younger ones as they focused, they''re at Agent De Sardet and Lutheor Mirrien as they speak.


    "In order to flip the Ostalrocs blue, we need to target not only give this revolution of theirs more momentum and support but also elminate key infrastructure and personnel." De Sardet demonstrated. "First business is to gain momentum for the revolt and a revolt is nothing without people getting angry."


    "Mogul Dolmond, ruler of Kur Faldhur has been forcefully recruiting and enslaving many Terrace Dwarves to toil tirelessly at the Mines. If we can intercept the Slave Caravans we can turn those people against him by rallying their support and denying them their labor." Lutheor said.


    "What kind of people works for Dolmond?" asked Kayin.


    "The Hold Dwarves lords over my Terrace living kin with the power of their Geomancers, Enchanted Weapon vaults, and well-trained Army of twenty thousand warriors in each Hold plus the aforementioned wealth they earn from the mines." Mirrien gave his insight. "Within the Hold Army, there are the elite Ever-Beards and the Sting Eyes. Ever Beards are elite front-line soldiers who personally protect the Hold Mogul''s with their lives. They have reputations of fighting untill the last man without retreat. The Sting Eyes in the other hand are venerable skirmishers whose crossbows are famous for piercing the toughest armor and shooting the furthest away in all of Ysanigrad. For our revolution to have a chance we need to thin them out before we can assault Mogul Dolmond directly."


    "Speaking about our opposition, another probl¨¨me is the warbeasts that the Hold Dwarves also happen to domesticate and breed such as Pegasi, Griffins and War Rams. They are native to the local mountainous regions and the former two are often bred and sold enmasse to the Empire. As for these War Rams¡­ they are the ''Cavalry'' of the Dwavers, small but very stubborn and¡­ well¡­ rammy." De Sardet added.


    "What of the people were supposed to be helping? Who are they exactly?" Crocker raised his hands.


    "Shepherds, Miners and members of the regular army as Bondsmen who devote their time to serve as Guards to fight off against wild monsters and beasts." Mirrien said.


    "Yeah this is a tall order." Crocker sneered his teeth. The odds were not stacked in favor of this rebellion.


    "What of the Weapons Vaults? You say they got weapons that are special how? Would they be enough?" Diaz asked.


    "I believe so. The weapons were made by the Blacksmiths to be used for the Mogul''s Army, specifically the Ever-Beards and Sting Eyes." Mirrien c.a.r.e.s.sed his chin on the thought. "They are however locked with a special Rune Key that only three people can place a top three special locks to open. And even then, each Rune has to be inserted to its slot simultaneously."


    "Ha! Challenge accepted. Tell me who to rob and I get them open for ya." Diaz kicked his feet up on a pile of boxes and breezily leaned back with confidence.


    "C''est l''id¨¦e!" De Sardet smiled.


    "The rebellion itself has to be given momentum too and the people, the Terrace Dwarves will flock to our banner." Mirrien heart skipped a beat. "We will have to stop the press-ganging then halt the Mining Operations further in order to get my kin to rise up against their overlords."


    "Well as soon as we touchdown on Nirnkarim you can consider it done. You just coordinate your people in your end to do the actual work." De Sardet swore.


    "The Mining Guilds will do everything they can to see the Ostalrocs dawn a new future Earthling. Just you wait." Mirrien cheered.


    "One final note before we go, this Operation will see the field testing of Asset: Le Fay, that is Lieutenant Samantha Rose''s Hecate Suit. I believe the good Doctor already gave you a list of all the things he wants to see be done with your powers now being enhanced by the suit n''est-ce pas?" De Sardet turned his head to the left and asked Samantha."


    "Yes, the Hecate Suit." Samantha nodded upon the reminder.


    Doctor Mahelona had given her a to-do list attached to her Smartphone of a series of tasks she has to test out whilst wearing her new suit. These actions ranged from performing a wide arrange of different spells under Iris and Aliathra''s tutelage, test out the Suit''s combat capabilities by engaging an Opfor within the Mission Area and trying to cast a variety of new kinds of magical spells if possible.


    Based on what she could understand underneath all the scientific malarkey by Doctor Mahelona. The Suit allows her to controllably collect, store and discharge Unbinilium energies thanks to some Neurological links surgically attached onto her body that is tailored made for the Hecate Suit called ''Arcane Meridian Implants'' attached across Sam''s palms, legs, back and abdomen. A significant amount of the research involved to make this new technology possible was contributed by Iris and Aliathra''s help when it comes to the application of the Arcane Meridian Implants. Additional features included a built-in computer connected to ISAC that not only monitors all that Mana energy stored and being dispersed out of the suit but allows Samantha to scan the Mana energies of sources and vessels such as Crystal Ores and other Mages. She can also tap into High Command''s communication feeds and ISAC to relay vital intelligence such as maps, vocal instruction and etcetera. ISAC can also assist in battle or any other dangerous situations, especially against other Mages, by suggesting the most advantageous course of action for the situation. The Spell Database however, are still in the works at the moment as it needed more expansion in which it is Stryder and other SOG Recon Teams job is to locate, secure and research such paraphernalia.


    "May I ask El-tee? How can you not explode by the way? Do you just fart out all that extra gas?" Diaz crudely asked his question.


    There were a few childish laughs followed by a few beleaguered m.o.a.ns over the question.


    "Oh, you again¡­" Samantha facepalmed.


    "I can explain this one Lieutenant." David intervened. "The way I did it for the suit¡­ in Layman''s terms: is called simply ''the Cool-Down Protocol''. The Ghyranite within the suit will dilute the excessive mana energy to be safely disperse out of her body upon reaching a critical point with a static discharge of Unbinilium Energies." The Chief scientist explained.


    "Anything more?" Crocker asked further.


    "Oh yes! I do." David smiled. "It''s still experimental but based on what me and that little voice thing in my head says¡­ I mean based on our understanding of Alteration Magicks, the Hecate suit can to a degree adapt--- self-transmute to any new meta-physical conditions I have when I cast spells. Cast a Fire-ball the suit switches polarities to better suit the fire. Or maybe you need to stop the fire from burning you? The suit would burst out some ice water to extinguish the flames as a countermeasure." The Doctor answered.


    "Explain Doctor?" One of the SEALS asked.


    "It is supposed to make shooting out multiple spells and resisting certain spell of differing Magicks kind safer and easier to do. According to my research, most mages powers end the Schools of Magicks they can learn depends on their personality. For example, mages with a penchant for Destruction are passionate and love to take direct control whilst Illusionists are cunning people who would love to manipulate people. I also found out that when they do a spell from a form of Magic they are not proficient in, they exhaust their mana reserves more and may even hurt their bodies if not careful, that''s why most mages stick to one or two categories of Magicks, three in the case for Elves." David pointed to Aliathra who sat quietly observing with her legs crossed poshly.


    "You are on-par with the Archmages of Parvia La¡ªSam¡­Samantha. My Father is one of them. Do not take this comparison lightly." Aliathra commented. She stopped herself to speak that social distance between an Elf and a human now that she is considered an Ebrath, a friend.


    "Essentially adaptation through mimicry. Smart" De Sardet smiled.


    "Of course, but again, ''experimental''. The feature is a drain in the Suit''s power so I equipped the suit to manually turn the feature on-or-off depending on the situation. There''s also a bunch of other stuff here I am only authorized to explain to Lieutenant Rose and the other Scientists about the Hecate Suit." David cautioned.


    "Anyways most of Samantha''s suits are still experimental but it is the hope that Samantha can when she is deployed to the Ostalrocs can perform some field tests so that me and the rest of the Science Division back here would monitor the results then improve upon the Hecate Suit with numerous updates and improvements." Dr. Mahelona nodded.


    "More improvements¡­ I like that a lot." Samantha smiled.


    "Remember, we have to pull a lot of favors and deposits from the Party just so you can get this suit. Do not disappoint them, they are plans for additional projects with the Gliesian Minerals if the Hecate Suit shows the signs of ''promising success''." De Sardet reminded.


    "I am sending you a list of stuff you will need to do to test out every limit the Hecate Suit you need to perform. The Data will be sent off back to us and then I will tell you what kind of goodies the engineers can do. Be also on the lookout for any additional research materials while you are there in the Ostalrocs, such as Magic Scrolls, ruins or any more Unbinillium crystals you name it." David further added.


    "If that is all well in done then Meeting Dismissed. We all meet up at Captain Kaprelian''s Super Osprey in as soon as Dawn breaks tomorrow." Agent De Sardet concluded the meeting.


    Every one of the people involved in the operation stood up and left, except for one Obediah Root who remained quietly sitting at his chair holding his Sniper Rifle, named after his late wife whilst grasping its hybrid wood and metal frame firmly with a vengeful intent that quaked the Hunting Rifle obsessively.


    The Elf, concerningly tapped Samantha as she guided her to the squad''s now darkened and brooding Sharpshooter whose warm bearded smile faded into a shadowy grimace of obsessive inhalation.


    Turning around just as she was about to leave, Samantha tactfully walked back inside the briefing room so she can sit down by Obediah''s side.


    "Obed, if you''re not up to it I can tell Polonsky right no---" Samantha attempted to offer Obediah a way out, sensing that he may not be right in the head.


    "No! N-No¡­ I am okay¡­ I am just focused¡­ in thought¡­ yeah." Obediah answered.


    "Look Obed, we know what happened to Leah and April and we are here for you. If you want you can sit this out and spend some time with your daughter at the hospital if you want." Samantha proposed.


    "Th-there is no need Lieutenant, I am fine. I already went to the Hospital¡­" Obediah said.


    "I was there too but you barely spent any time with April. You went straight to the cemetery." Aliathra said.


    "Cemetery? You mean ''the Morgue'' Alie." Obediah corrected.


    "What were you doing there?" Samantha asked.


    "I saw¡­ and¡­ I participated in the¡­ dissection of that bitch who killed Leah." Obediah said.


    "You dissected that bitch Lyndis? Wh-why?" Samantha recoiled on the hearing of his testimony.


    "For release, I wanted to see it all with her dead eyes looking at all what is being taken away from her that she holds dear¡­" Obediah swore as his hands reverberated angrily upon reminiscing the incision, he made to remove the Elven Spy''s body organs out. He raised his hand and curled his fingers closed in a crushing motion to the unnerving of the Lieutenant.


    "The Doctors showed to me what was left of my old classmate before Obediah could get his hands on them. He was angry as I am, I admit. Like a rabid wolf." Aliathra said. "We must end this pointless war before all truly becomes lost by any means necessary." The Elf reminded.


    "When we get to Haringpoint El-tee I will tear every brick of that disgusting city to the ground and make them see what it all feels like to lose something they love. Justice I tell you, for Great Justice I will¡­" Obed lashed his teeth to a grind.


    Samantha could sense now that the two kindest souls in her squad have started to become hardened as time passes on their service to the UFEAF. No longer were Obediah and Aliathra the na?ve and green recruits of before. Looking into their eyes, each of them bore down two distinct but ultimately aligned focuses that mirror of what had happened to them. Obediah''s personal stake now in this war will be seen through no matter what. He will follow Samantha to the ends of the world just to see his vengeance for his wife and child be fulfilled. Aliathra''s duty of self-sacrifice even in the face of such monumental odds that she is virtually alone against while noble, the reality of what depths of barbarity her people would do to fight the ''demons'' only made them no better than the ones they are fighting, in which the Elf Princess has started to amalgamate into a creature of indefatigable efficiency akin to the unscrupulousness of Corpo Warriors such as Diaz.


    "But what about your daughter, April?" Samantha asked. "Don''t you should spend just one more time for her before you leave? She needs you just as much as you need to give ''Justice'' to those who have died?" Samantha relayed her concern to Obed.


    "I-I¡ªyou''re right¡­" Obediah leaned down and covered his face.


    "What can I do? What could I do? What-What?" he asked.


    "What has happened to April after we dropped her at the Hospital?" Samantha asked.


    "Catching up with her school while inside. She is sad she can''t freely run around like she always does, or meet up with her friends¡­ whats left of them... I would say¡­" Obediah said.


    "You think she needs some cheering up?" Samantha asked.


    "Yes indeed, we can do something to lighten her spirits just before we leave for the Dwarven Mountains." Aliathra agreed.


    "But¡­ April¡­ she¡­ its just¡­ too painful to see her¡­ like that¡­." Obediah hesitated.


    "April is your daughter Obediah. Your child. Should you not attend to her just for one more fleeting moment?" the Elf argued.


    "I-It''s not that¡­ she¡­ it¡­ its about Leah¡­ I¡­ just seeing her reminds me of what I saw what had happened to Leah." Obed explained.


    It hit the Lieutenant and the Sharpshooter''s reluctance to see his daughter again. April shared, based on the visages of the Root parents that she shares more similarities with her mother''s hair, smile and eyes. Like a mirror to Obediah''s late-wife it was hard for him to see April again as it reminded him of the recent tragedy that befell on them. He was broken, vengeful and widowed before her upon piecing the final puzzle piece of his uncharacteristic disconnectedness.


    "Obed, you know as your Commanding Officer I am always with you." Samantha placed her hand over his shoulder tenderly. "Leah would have wanted you to take care of your little girl in her stead. She doesn''t want to see her husband not be there for her, especially if you are doing this job now to keep food on the table." She appealed to his familial interests.


    "I-I was never¡­ the best parent¡­ all my life I was out of the house brining home food or hunting off savage beasts. Even then my Daughter called me a ''Hero'' for fighting all of those ''monsters in the dark''." Obediah confessed. "I¡­ I need to be here for her please Lieutenant. I need to get ready for the mission, Leah must not go unavenged. Just if you want to¡­ please visit her for me?" he requested.


    Obed began to start disassembling his Sniper Rifle onto the ground floor of the briefing room to perform routine cleaning as was his locked obsession with avenging his wife.


    "If it means you can come with us tomorrow with a sound mind then fine, I will visit her." Samantha nodded.


    "I love da''len; little ones. April always love to see me every time." Aliathra lightly smiled as she agreed to accompany Samantha.


    "Thank you. You have my Rifle." Obediah smiled lightly as he continued to clean his weapons as the two girls left.


    As the girls left, they passed by Iris who had just finished a rather intimate moment with Kayin.


    "Samantha where are you going?" the Vampire Witch asked.


    "Obed asked me and Alie to check on April tonight. You want to come?" Samantha answered.


    "Hmm¡­ well April does remind me a little bit of me to be honest." Iris said.


    "Pardon?" Aliathra asked.


    "She lost her mother just as I lost my father to people who think we are all Monsters here." Iris explained. "Unlike her, I had to face it alone. But now, she deserves some help even for just this night."


    "Welcome Aboard then." Samantha smiled.


    Aliathra has to admit, the more time she spends with Iris, the less of her monstrous side was set aside to be replaced with a much kinder soul. All she had done within and despite her presence was being helpful and amiable to everyone she meets. Were her prejudices making the Elf blind to what is truly behind the myths of bloodthirsting Sochairfuil? In a way, she was the ideal friend that Alie always wanted to have when she was still in the Academy in Parvia. Perhaps this Cadohagan wasn''t as maliciously intended in her alliance with these Otherworlders at all, but then again, wasn''t her reasons to redeem herself in front of her people somewhat or more selfish than Iris'' d.e.s.i.r.e to find a place she could truly belong too?


    Leaving the Spaceport, the three young women journeyed to the New Albany Military Hospital where they passed by the many victims of the New Albany Bombings and Grey Order Raid. It had not prepared Samantha for the voluminous sight of injured men and women, Gliesian and Earthling laying side by side as their wounds were slowly yet painfully being alleviated by the UFE''s best Healthcare. In terms of manpower they were stretched thin by the sudden influx of in-patients that they have to tend to. It was a significant relief that Samantha Iris and Aliathra came today and agreed to help volunteer for a few hours at the Children''s Wards just to bypass the Visiting Hours rules being exempted for volunteers.


    A good number of the kids appreciated Aliathra''s motherly presence within the Ward as she sang a few songs and used her Illusion Magicks to make dancing animals play around the room to their delight. Iris and Sam meanwhile assisted the nurses distribute Supper and the medicines for the children and assisted those that have a hard time taking the foul-tasting consumptive pills. However, not all of the children warmly greeted the two young women. Some remained locked by their heads, non-responsive to the happening of the outside world. One such young child sat atop of her bed curled into a ball not daring exposing herself to the happenings around her. It was April Root, her state a far cry to the curiosity-driven tyke that April was known for before checking in to the Hospital.


    "Hello little one, it''s me your ''Princess''." Aliathra sat by the side edges of April''s bed as he approached his daughter for the first time after her hospitalization.


    The little girl remained non-responsive to her father''s words as she continued to silently lay still on her bed, not showing her eyes despite the Elf''s prompts to pique her attention.


    Aliathra noticed, to her amus.e.m.e.nt of how very record-heavy the Earthling''s Healthcare system was. Dozens upon dozens of bureaucratic work and sophisticated understanding of disease and efficiency impressed the Healing Cleric greatly. Each bed had a written piece of paper nailed to it with a sheet of plastic where it contains the patient''s name and the type of malady/-ies that got them into the hospital in the first place. Yet what was curious about April''s case was not, from her limited understanding of the Earthling Alphabet called ''Latin'' but that she wasn''t as strikingly injured as compared to one child who had suffered severe 3rd degree burns, or a child who lost her leg. Instead, April suffered two disease, a ''fractured arm'' likely from Lyndis'' rough handling of her and the second one however was the most alien sounding of ailments called ''PTSD''.


    "Samantha, if I may what does this word mean?" Aliathra asked the Lieutenant.


    Pointing to the Medical Chart with the word''s ''PTSD'' attached to April''s bed, Sam looked onto the chart in horror which left the Elf flabbergasted with grave concern.


    "Is¡­ April going to recover?" Iris asked.


    "Not¡­ truly¡­" Samantha sighed.


    "What do you mean?" Aliathra asked.


    "Think about what had happened earlier? Her kidnapping? The Attack? She''s barely half a decade old and she is experiencing all kinds of stuff that no child should experience." Sam explained briefly.


    "You think maybe I can heal her faster with some of my Restoration Magicks?" Aliathra proposed.


    "I am afraid this time, April''s wound cannot be healed with Magicks Elf." Samantha sadly replied.


    "A wound that cannot be healed? That is impossible." The Elf protested.


    Just as they discussed down to aspects of PTSD, a nurse, being overwhelmed by the pestering children asking for her attention dropped her tray of foodstuffs meant for the children to the ground causing a loud pulsating crash that echoed the hallway of the Children''s Ward. Instantly, April recoiled with a jump from her spine upon the hearing of the crash.


    April''s body balked reflexively upon her little ears hearing the loud crash before proceeding to reduce herself into a torrent of sobs just as followed by several other of those bed-locked children reel in to tears too. It was a storm of sorrows that the Children''s Ward Nurses scrambled to allay. Aliathra attempted to help by conjuring her Restoration Magicks from her hands and proceeded to attempt to pinpoint the root cause of this malady that was inflicted upon these innocent children. But as her hands graced upon each child, to Aliathra''s disorientation, her Healing Senses could not detect any form of disrepair within the children''s bodies outside of their wounds being properly healed and attended by the earlier treatments from the Ward Nurses. They were by a Cleric''s perspective, ''Fully Healthy''. Yet they still continue to cry in an orc.h.e.s.tra of torment leaving the Elf unsure what she could do more for them all.


    "I-I-I¡­" Aliathra stuttered. "Little Ones, stop your tears, Neneth''s¡­ grace? I¡­"


    The Elf''s composure crumbled as her large ears echoed the anguishes of dozens of children across the room. All of them lost something different but all equally valuable during the attacks. A home, a family member or even a part of their bodies. Such pains were miniscule now to what she had felt before. Such a pain, wound, malady or whatever this ''PTSD'' was could not be cured by even the best of Restoration Magicks she could muster or even attempt to study to be able to cast. She was helpless yet powerful at the same time.


    "Alie! This is not a normal wound." Samantha squawked at the Elf.


    "Then what can I do?! There is too much agony here?" Aliathra asked.


    As they spoke, a familiar cry rung around Aliathra''s leaf-shaped ears, turning around she saw April Root crying ever the more passionately as he hands and legs flailed in torture to this strange disease.


    "Little one!" Aliathra''s motherly instincts kicked in as she dashed back to April''s bed and tenderly embraced her. Wet tears stained Aliathra''s green dress as her arms cradled the child.


    The Lieutenant approaches by the edges of her bed and added herself to April''s hug.


    "We are here for you April." Iris joined in.


    "I know you are sad after all what happened." Aliathra poured her heart out. "You are a sweet little bird that should be frol.i.c.k.i.n.g amongst the grass. Not sitting around here."


    "If your wings are broken, you can borrow mine. For we will be stand by you even if we are far away." Samantha cooed.


    "With all I am." Samantha acknowledged. "And all that we are."


    For the first time after the tragedy, to the uplifted spirits of Samantha, Iris and Aliathra, April Root beamed a soft smile upon their comforting words. There was no need of any additional words as the three girls proceeded to assuage all the other children in Ward with their easing warmth. For the greatest cure that is discovered by the Healing Cleric Aliathra had just discovered, was the gift of a hand to hold them through the darkness.


    ---------------------------------------------------------


    The Ostalrocs had many sights and opportunities for verticality. Its steep slows were excellent observation nests for Samantha''s team to observe all the alpine terrain that the Dwarven Realms had to offer. If this were a simple playful tour, she would have basked upon the mountain''s fresh air. Unfortunately, this was for business and not for p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e as lives and the fate of an entire people is in the balance. Stryder Group and the other accompanying teams went to work dismantling, disrupting and destroying all the Hold Dwarves Strategic Production throughout the region. Kur Faldhur''s Mining Guild was very generous disclosing the important information that the Earthlings need to flip the tables against the Empire and their Dwarven Allies who sat decadently atop of their fortified Holds across the Mountain Range. To say there was a divide as described by Lutheor Mirrien would have revealed the limitations of spoken tongue when the Earthling looked on first-hand the disparity between Hold and Terrace Dwarves that is, to put frankly, literally divided by the Hold''s Walls. Whilst the City-livers consumed a very decadent, consumerist and manufacturing industry, the Terrace Dwarves toil the Mountain slopes to produce grains, livestock and other products that is sold to maintain their livelihoods.


    In terms of Politics, the Dwarven Mountain Clans are not a united entity due to the mountains nearly obstructing roads and pathways in between the livable space in the Ostalrocs. Instead the Dwarves are divided into five Clans listed as Kur Falduhr, Tilelyuhr, Darbaddihr, Mirlarum, and Nirnkarim.


    Each Hold has a localized set of laws and a leader called a Mogul that run''s the respective land by maintaining the legal courts and armed soldiers in exchange for taxes which can come in a variety of means of trade such as food, a rather complicated form of indentured servitude and most lucrative, Minerals. Theoretically, as Lutheor Mirrien explained, all the Dwarven Clan Holds are of equal political strength in the grand scheme of things within the Ostalrocs but due to how the Mineral-centric economy of Dwarven society works, Kur Faldhur, said to boast the greatest Mine in all of Gliesia was atop of the socio-political food chain able to influence and dictate the rules within and out of the Mountains. Some Holds unfortunately aren''t as blessed as the Kur Faldhur Hold and thus in practice, Mogul Dolmond is the de-facto ''King of the Dwarves'' as treated by many Foreign Diplomats whom he had entertained by owning an oligarchic hold on the riches underneath the Ostalrocs. His power is such to an extent that he can even influence how other Holds would set their own laws and economic structure to suit his interests. He even has plans to unite the Clans into one huge Kingdom with Kur Faldhur as its epicenter. To do that however, he will need to gain legitimacy for his right to rule all of the Mountains and the Slaegian Empire are perhaps his staunc.h.e.s.t ally into seeing his ambitions come true and he is not afraid to perform underhanded tactics to achieve it. He has been going above and beyond to curry favor with the Imperial House for the past century performing very great many business deals at the cost of many upsetting the interests of the Terrace Dwarves who seek better living conditions and social-upliftment to match the lofty lives of the Hold-living Dwarves. It was in Dolmond and the Empire''s mutual interest that they get the riches of the Ostalrocs for cheap in exchange for imports and political favors from the Empire such as how the Empire so ''amiably'' assisted in subjugating his incessant Terrace Dwarves from making up lost time after a lucrative Mineral Trade had unexpectedly gone awry.


    Ever since he had decreed the ''Vlokon Tira'' or as what the Federation calls it ''Forced Labor Law''. The Terrace Dwarves scattered around the Ostalrocs were put into a tyrannical state of fear as Dwarven Soldiers ran across the Mountains to scr.a.p.e down to the bottom the manpower needed to harvest the precious minerals that the Empire needs for their war against ''the Second Demon Invasion''. But all the propaganda by the shouts of fear-hawking heralds could not shake off the fact that the Dwarven Mines that became the source of all the Ostalroc''s glory. For it was also equally treacherous to enter with cases of Cave-Ins, Monster Attacks and Worker Negligence being a case-by-case normal that the Mining Guilds have to contend with. Those who resisted were made an example off via pain of death as none were spared in order to ''persuade'' those reluctant to ''toil for their country''. This ranges from roadside displays of crucifixions, public beatings. None were spared as all ages, genders and beard colors were deemed equal in the eyes of Dwarven Law. This didn''t help due to the Decree extended to the Families of the Miners to be press-ganged to work in the mines, regardless of s.e.x, health, age and sometimes even race just to meet the required Manpower needed to re-harvest all that Minerals that the Dwarves had lost in their trading deal with the Empire.


    The disgust from Aliathra, upon one such sight of a brutalized family with children nearly stoked her into a vengeful frenzy if it were not the rational leashes of the rest of Stryder Group to focus on the mission so that they could all avenge this and all the more of the many sad tragedies that littered the blood stained Ostalrocs.


    "I got my sights on the Caravan." Clay relayed from his Drone Feed.


    It was just before sunrise as the twilight passes of the Dwarven Mountains gave way to the morning sun. It was the ideal time for many logistics related caravans to move forward on their journeys without the worry of traffic and the inconvenience of darkness hindering their way. Especially for such valuable materials that is in high demand: Actocolite, Ghyranite and Scandanite.


    "Okay, hit it!" Samantha gave the signal.


    One of the Freedom Fighters that allied himself from one of Mirrien''s Clansmen from Nirnkarim activated a trap that let loose a trap that stream of fire that caused the yoked Oxen of the Slave Caravan carrying with them newly captured warm bodies to be delivered into the Dwarven Mines for their labor. Collaborating with the Nirnkarim Mining Guild''s and a few local sympathizers in the form of Shepherds and Herdsmen, the Federation''s Forces made quick work of the Caravan Guards before promptly releasing the slaves from their caged carriages. To Stryder Groups surprise, half of the Prisoners weren''t Dwarves from the local villages surrounding Kur Faldhur at all but instead there were what she can describe to be Beastfolk known as Daosne and Goblins in the mix too.


    "We are saved!" one of the Dwarven prisoners shouted in Glee as Samantha broke of every chain on their bodies.


    "Who are you people? You have their faces but you fight them!" one of the Centaur slaves, one who''s human self of the body was of a physically fit yet conventional enchanting female asked the strangers.


    "A Friend." Samantha bluntly said as she led out the Prisoners from the carriage.


    One of their friendly Dwarven Allies began to unlock each of the Cages atop of the Caravans with his pick axe to free those inside. But as his eyes locked on to the Goblins and Centaur prisoners, he tapped the Lieutenant''s attention, reaching up to her hip by his squat little height about the abnormality of their appearance in the Ostalrocs.


    "Those folks are not from around here." He said.


    Normally, the ''Vlokon Tira'' Decree only applied to Dwarves yet the way how vaguely worded the law is stating ''Able-bodied one'' rather than ''Dwarf'' was a loophole to allow non-Dwarves to work without the expense of another Dwarven life.


    "Who are you?" Samantha asked.


    "You have never heard of what a Daosne is before? Typical of you Imperial folks. Our People, the Yoshadinyudi or Centaurs as you call us, are a strong and proud people who have been fighting against the you, the Slaegians for centuries. Me and many of my kin fled after one bearing the Brand of the Bane, a Chosen One, forced us to flee to the Mountains where many of them captured my kin and forced them to work in the mines." One of the Centaurs of Amazonian physique said as she stood there on all fours with her b.a.r.e c.h.e.s.t exposed to confess her story to her rescuers as tears trickled her eyes.


    "Spirits be! That also happened to Ho''don''s people too!" a Goblin raised his hand after he was set free by Crocker on a pair of meticulously crafted cuffs made of Ghyranite reserved for imprisoning Mages. By the tattoos that marked around the little humanoid''s body, Iris whispered that the Goblin must be a Shaman.


    "Can you tell me who is this Chosen One?" asked Samantha as this piqued her interests and so would the Dr. Mahelona and his scientists.


    "Aren''t you an Imperial? Many of the Empire speak of this ''Crystal Heart'' choosing three Chosen Ones to fight against the coming Demonic Invasion. One of them who bares the Mark of the Bane is the evil one who killed Tribe Chieftain and massacred half of Ho''don''s village because we touch a little boy that we save from Drowning on nearby river." The Goblin brokenly that Samantha''s translator could only define as broken grammar.


    "That vile human also killed scores of my people including my little sister even after we said that we are no choice but to steal food from the Imperials as they refuse to even look at us in the eyes. Their Three Chosen Ones are no better than murderers and slavers." The female centaur tearfully stated.


    "Actually¡­" Samantha coughed. "Not all of them are murderers and slavers. The other two are fighting for the right cause." The Lieutenant asserted.


    "Why do you say that?" the Goblin Shaman inquires


    "Because I am too a Chosen One." Sam unveils her Mark by removing the glove of her right hand to present it to the prisoners whose eyes locked on with awe at the holy markings that authenticated Samantha''s status.


    "The Mark of the Share-Holder! That is one of the other two Chosen One Brands that brat and his folks were talking about. I think they are looking for you¡­quite frantically I say." The Goblin Shaman referred.


    "But If you are one of the Chosen One''s, why do you fight to free us? What you are doing is against your Emperor''s will?" One of the Dwarves asked, his confusion being emitted across all the other freed prisoners.


    "We are not Slaegians. Never have been, never will be." Crocker said.


    "Then are you from the Southern Tribes? If your humans but not from the Empire you are from the Southern Tribes. You are all too pale-skinned to be from the Suzerainities." The Dwarf Prisoner asked.


    "Again no. Not from there either." Samantha answered.


    "Then where are you from?" the Dwarf asked.


    "How do I explain this¡­ we¡­ come from the Sky." Samantha bluntly answered.


    "From where exactly? The Skies are vast as many can see." the Goblin Shaman pressed.


    "Tyr Rian." The Lieutenant replied.


    "Tyr Rian? But that is where the ''Demon Invasion'' came from!" the Dwarf twitched his nerves.


    "You got that all wrong. The Empire thinks WE are the ''Demons''." Samantha said. "Those Empire People attacked Tyr Rian and us because they think we are trying to ''corrupt the world''." The Lieutenant cursed.


    "You don''t look or act like the ''Demons'' of yore." The Centaur Warmaiden said.


    "I do not see you as ''Demons'' at all." The Shaman informed the group. "How can the Empire say that you are ''Demons''? You do not have their scent nor do I hear the Spirits cry from your presence." The Shaman questions.


    "That I have no idea." Samantha shrugged as she corralled the freed prisoners together as the rest of the Dwarven Resistance Cell final checked for any more chains that will impede their journey back to Nirnkarim.


    "Pah! More arrogance from the Empire once again!" the Shaman cursed. "What power did the Crystal Heart gave you Chosen One if Ho''don may ask? The Mark of the Share-Holder?" the Goblin questioned.


    "I was given the power to cast Magic even if I am not of this world." Samantha said.


    "That is odd but the way the word ''Share-Holder'' is so loosely-defined by words could mean something¡­more¡­ much more. Human makes Ho''don curious about Human." The Goblin Shaman curled his chin.


    "Thank you for rescuing me. No human has ever showed kindness to our kind. By the honor of the Kvud I am forever in your debt. You have my body, heart and spear¡­ if I had one¡­" the Centaur kneeled down and opened her hands in a servile gesture of reverence to her rescuers.


    "Who might you two be then?" Samantha asked.


    "Ho''don is the name mother bestow upon Ho''don. Ho''don is¡­ was¡­ Apprentice Shaman to Kal''dhirn." The Goblin Shaman introduced himself.


    "I am Kimora of the Blue Grasses. I am a Yoshadinyudi Warmaiden." The Centaur bowed.


    "You must hurry now, follow my Dwarven friends for they will take you to safety where you will be safe." Samantha instructed.


    "But I must find my tribe! They were captured too and I am separated from them." Kimora pleaded.


    "Mine too!" Ho''don added.


    "You can find them later when you get to safety. It''s not safe here right now. Adgarn we move now." Crocker ordered one of their Dwarven Allies to move out of the scene.


    A rudimentary system akin to an Underground Railway for escaped slaves was organized by the Mining Guilds to guide chain-ganged workers to Nirnkarim through a network of sympathizers and trusted peoples. It was established through several underworld ties to several smuggling businesses to accommodate fleeing Terrace Dwarves from forced recruitment from Mogul Dolmond which have been further accelerated and better organized with the usage of UFE expertise led by Agent Gary De Sardet who was no stranger to smuggling tactics used by Human Traffickers whom he had experience combating against. So far for the Blufor that is the UFE and Terrace Dwarves, they are performing Guerrilla Raids against the Mogul''s men and his Slaegian Allies taking down Slave Caravans and minor operations in support of their endeavors. The Guerrilla strategy as directed by De Sardet is to put the Opfor on edge so they can start making mistakes such as spreading out their forces thinly leaving the more valuable areas such as larger mines and Fortresses less defended as usual so that a strike upon them would be far less of risk without sacrificing the reward. The other objective was to instigate more unrest by organizing newly freed slaves and other sympathizers to the cause in order to ''flip the Ostalrocs blue'' so that the Grand Strategic layer of cutting off the Slaegians from their Mineral Supply would be achieved. However, there was the double-sided blade effect of the more attacks they make the harsher the Forced Labor will be pushed to the limits. This could either create more popular support for the Pro-UFE Dwarves or perhaps turn it against them as they could pinpoint the reasons why their lives were increasingly unbearable was through their actions with the right words inputted to their ears as De Sardet reasoned. The Revolution must overthrow the current regime whilst the wind is at their backs. But right now, for Stryder Group, they are in enemy territory and they must collect more intelligence about the operations of the Hold Dwarves in the area and how they may use it to their advantage in addition to buying some extra supplies for the Resistance.


    Nirnkarim upon their exfiltration was seeing a surge of activity as other Resistance Groups had also safely or somewhat safely returned from their various missions on weakening Mogul Dolmond''s assets across the Ostalrocs. The Aparo Mercs had just returned showing proof of bounty to Lutheor Mirrien on their mission to assassinate several prominent Geomancers whilst the SEAL Team from Major Holyfield''s Contribution delivered much-needed weapons and supplies for the growing resistance fighters. To Ho''don and Kimora''s astonishment, these Humans, although look, like they are of the same shape of the Empire, were not acting like the Empire. These foreign warriors with their hulking shell armor and their black staves lend their hands, sweat, and blood to those weaker than them equally regardless of color, race, and foot shape. They were the Slaegians they would have spat around, looked in the eye with fear before ultimately being booted off of their lands before any word could be said.


    In addition to this buoyant scene, Kimora and Ho''don were able to reunite with several of their separated Kin. Exchanging heartful greetings that they didn''t know that the day would come they would do they told the stories of how these ''Men in Green'' appeared like Knights in Shining armor to rescue them from their oppressors and how they aided them back up to their feet and escorted them all to safety.


    With the good character of these strange foreigners assured. The Goblin Shaman and the Centaur Warmaiden turned to Stryder Group and Agent De Sardet.


    "What you have shown to my people is that you are of Noble Heart that is rare in this cruel-cruel world." The Centaur bowed. "For saving my life I wish to aid you in avenging this unforgivable transgression against my people." She vowed.


    "And to you, you have Ho''don''s Magicks are yours for it is by Ho''don''s tribe''s honor to avenge my fallen master." the Goblin Shaman also joined in.


    "Making new friends aren''t we Lieutenant?" De Sardet smiled to Samantha.


    "Yeah, pretty much." She nodded.


    "Welp, the more help the merrier oui?~ Okay so you two come with me, I could use your help in somethings." The Intelligence Agent grinned as he told the two newcomers.


    After exchanging pleasantries, Agent De Sardet discern that these two newcomers additionally come with two new unique capabilities that he can exploit. Ho''don the Goblin Shaman has the expertise, outside of his obvious affinity to Shamanistic powers of the primal forces of nature, he also has the ability of Divination where he can ''let go of his mortal shell to soar above the clouds like a great bird''. By that translation, De Sardet correctly guessed that underneath all of that mystical talk he speaks so avidly about is that his ''Divination'' was essentially the ability to scout out hard to reach areas that not even Drones could penetrate as advanced as they were. As for the Kimora the Centaur Warmaiden, she was proficient with a bow and a spear and her ability to maneuver herself with her superior stamina and footwork allow her to cover more extensive distances due to the limited use of vehicles for his Operation. Additionally, the Centaur humbly chronicled her unique Yoshandinyudi characteristic being of having a strong back that can carry much heavy equipment and gear without impeding the Warmaiden the slightest. She did, however, insist on searching and rescuing the rest of her enslaved kin whom she boasted are just as strong as her. This promising development pleased De Sardet as more of these Centaurs would have a multiplicative effect on the Blufor side of the Ostalrocs.


    "Get some le casse-cro?te and comeback to me I have some more work for you today."


    -------------------------------------


    A few hours later after escorting the Prisoners to relative safety near Nirnkarim''s territories, Stryder Group was ordered by Agent De Sardet to deploy to a nearby fortified Dwarven hamlet of Gwezsa that by an important watering hole run by a mostly Hold Dwarven populace.


    The mission objective: Intelligence Gathering.


    Upon their arrival, Samantha discreetly photographed the Dwarven Town for this was her first time arriving at such a settlement. In terms of Architecture, the Dwarven Settlements were of the designs similar to 1930''s Art Deco with its geometric symmetry cladding the homes in l.u.s.trous colors with angular and streamlined patterns made of decorative lacquer and metals. The only difference was that the Art Deco has to be scaled down to the size appropriate for those humanoids of five feet or less. Samantha, Iris, Diaz and Obediah were the only people who could comfortably enter Dwarven buildings whilst Kayin, Clay, Crocker, and Aliathra have to refrain for now due to the excessive heights that would have otherwise made them awkwardly bend forward to accommodate themselves inside. It was perhaps why Humans and other races sparingly venture to the Dwarven Mountains for all of the facilities of civilization taken for granted were physically downsized to fit the scale of the Local Dwarves.


    Before entering the town, Stryder Group dressed in their ''Medieval'' disguises of a heavy cloak used by local mountaineers and shepherds to keep warm. Splitting up to cover as much ground quickly, Samantha ventured to the local Tavern whilst Clay scanned the outer perimeter for anything on the Bulletin board posted by the front door. Meanwhile, Diaz and Crocker cover the local Blacksmith whilst Kayin, Obediah, Iris, and Aliathra browse market goods by the Square whilst eavesdropping on the local herald''s reports of any significant development.


    "Welcome to the Wet Tankard Tavern, I am Jenris but you can call me Lady Tankard. You must be a traveler may I guess¡­ guest?" a bubbly Dwarfen female greeted the Lieutenant upon entrance.


    "Greetings Jenris, I mean¡­ Lady Tankard may I have a table by the bar side?" Samantha asked.


    "Follow me.~" the Dwarf Lady guided Samantha pass the fairly small crowd of patrons, mostly dwarves eating, drinking, or gambling away themselves to pay notice to the human stranger.


    Getting a bar side seat, Samantha sat down at a stool as Jenris turned over the Counter to arrive at the Bartender''s side of the table.


    "What may I get for you?" the Dwarf asked.


    "I am just sightseeing¡­" Samantha answered.


    "Sightseeing? What is that?" the Dwarf questioned, not understanding the concept from the Lieutenant who was trying to maintain her cover.


    "I mean, I am just a scout for the Imperials. I am returning to my camp to report my findings." Samantha said.


    "Ah, so that''s what they are calling it now at the Empire? ''Sightseeing'' for scouting? Pretty fun play on words if I do say so myself. But you didn''t answer my question dearie. What can I get for ya?~" she leaned over, her cleavage exposed down by the undercut of her blouse to Samantha pressing for an answer.


    "I''m pretty bored¡­ of my Job lately." She faked a sigh. "I just want someone to talk to¡­" she said.


    "Ah! I see. It''s been a while since a stranger came into these parts; the last folks were a band of Adventurer''s from the Grey Order coming in for some free drinks after a quest. I know just what might get yee in the mood." Jenris winked as she shifted her child-sized body to prepare a mug of Dwarven Ale.


    "You know dearie, that''s a pretty strange Tattoo you got on your hand there." Jenris pointed to Samantha''s Brand on her Right hand.


    Reflexively, the Lieutenant retreated her hand away from sight, covering her right hand with her left. She cursed herself as she forgot to reattach her glove back to her right hand from the Slave Raid earlier that day.


    "I-It''s just an embarrassing tattoo I got when I was drunk. You know have you ever done something stupid when you were drunk Miss¡­ I mean Lady Tankard?" Samantha shielded her identity to the Dwarf.


    "Oh, I understand. One time, I had to entertain for this one Dwarf''s birthday party and I got so drunk that I ''outshined'' the entertainment¡­ he was very handsome though." Jenris blushed while c.a.r.e.s.sing her heart throbbing c.h.e.s.t.


    With the conversation saved, Samantha sighed in relief before continuing on with her mission.


    "So, what''s the news lately?" the Lieutenant asked.


    "Well outside of a whole army of Grey Order Adventurers coming in to help keep the peace for Mogul Dolmond and a few bandit attacks. The biggest news so far is the Chosen One being in Kur Faldhur exchanging handshakes with the Noble folks there." Jenris said. "You know, my Uncle is one of the Adventurer''s too. A Monster Hunter of great fame I tell yee. Goes around the world killing all sorts of beasts. Almost everyone knows his name." She proudly tells her.


    "By the Fire, I almost forgot he is also part of the Chosen One''s personal retinue too." The Dwarf added.


    "Oh? Did he tell you anything more about the Chosen One? I¡ªI only just follow orders." Samantha feigned familiarity by keeping questions in a fa?ade of curiosity.


    "Faithleann, that??s his name if I remember, he is a handsome lad who is said to be an excellent Mage who the Crystal Heart blessed with lottsa power or that''s how my Uncle described it to me." Jenris said.


    "Where is he now if I presume?" Samantha asked.


    "Well he is at Kur Faldhur where he is talking with the Mogul Dolmond and his court about some stuff. I ain''t into to the talks on Politics sweetie but I love to get my hands¡­ or ears at the results." The Dwarf replied.


    "About the Chosen One, so who else is in his party outside of your Uncle?" Samantha interrogated.


    "Most of them are from the Adventurer''s Guild. If I can remember their names, there is Petur Reikdorf the Bladesinger, Karliah Silverdane the College Mage, Marchog Faughn the Ageless Knight and my uncle who in my humble opinion is the greatest of the Chosen One''s followers¡­" Jenris was about to talk about her famous uncle when the front door of her Tavern crashed open.


    "I AM HOME AGAIN!" shouted a bearded dwarf on a red mohawk. He was followed by a company of one young-looking Human Knight, an equally young but m.a.t.u.r.ed looking Human Mage, a fresher faced girl carrying with her several scholarly implements and one hooded figure of an indiscernible race yet feminine build.


    "Uncle Findrum!" Jenris squealed as she leaped out of her counter to greet her Monster Slaying Uncle.


    "Aye! Welcome home tjunu!" one of the Dwarven patrons of the Tavern raised his mug at the new arrival.


    "It''s good to be back and see you again my Niece." Findrum smiled at Jenris.


    "You have to tell me all of your stories!" Jenris requested.


    "Uhm¡­ Lady Tankard? Service?" Samantha raised her hand. It was rather unprofessional for her to be interrupted by the new arrivals when she was about to sate her thirst.


    "My Apologies. Uncle grab some seats." the Dwarf lady instructed.


    The Dwarf Monster Slayer and his companions decided that they too will have a bar side seat for this visit so they took the stools adjacent to Samantha''s right side filling the sitting room to the rightmost edges of the tabletop counter.


    "The usual like always." The Dwarf ordered.


    "Coming right up." Jenris winked to her uncle as she went to work pouring mugs of ale tapped from the kegs behind the counter.


    Carrying stoutly a payload of a grand total of six heaving mugs of Dwarven Ale she passed the drinks along to Samantha, Findrum, and the rest of the countertop visitors.


    "Drink up!" Jenris cheerfully smiled.


    In unison (and in order to maintain her infiltration) Samantha coordinated her gulp down of her Ale alongside Findrum and his companions. But as the alcoholic beverage entered Samantha''s throat, Samantha''s tasting senses alerted her mind as the Ale she drank was surprisingly strong, its overpowering flavor and alcoholic content causing her gag reflexes to kick in. The Lieutenant spat the Ale out of her gullet. Throwing up the reconstituted liquid unto the countertop, her suit and to the tavern''s floor.


    "Oh my!" Jenris jolted, her hands cupping her rosy cheeks in surprise.


    "Ha! Milkdrinker!" Findrum made fun of Samantha as Jenris kindly grabbed a rag and immediately mopped the violently expelled Ale from the ground.


    "Your first time drinking Dwarven Ale dearie?" Jenris asked.


    "Yeah¡­" Samantha coughed.


    "So, Uncle! Tell me now about your adventures. What did you see?" Jenris asked Findrum.


    "Nothing much outside of an escort job but it the Quest had the Imperial Seal so I couldn''t pass it up," Findrum said.


    "Oh Uncle, you don''t have to push yourself so hard for me. I already have the Wet Tankard now after you helped me build it." Jenris smiled.


    "It is not just about you and your dreams Jenris. It is about our future. Do you know why there are Chosen Ones again? Because we are in danger. Rumor says the Demons have returned for revenge." Findrum said.


    "Oh, my how frightening!" Jenris recoiled. "But what does this mean for you Uncle?"


    "I have to fight for you and for the Mogul again. We need to prepare for war if we have any hope of surviving the dark times ahead. Have you heard of the new Decree by the Mogul?" Findrum asked his niece.


    "I noticed that the streets are quieter as of late because the Miners are working double-time to make some end right now. Some of them were in such a rush." Jenris said.


    "Exactly! We need to arm ourselves with the best weapons and armor for this fight against the Demon." The Young Knight stomped the table with the hoof of his hand.


    "And find the other two Chosen Ones too Petur do not forget that." The Female Human mage in the white cloak said.


    "What were they called again Karliah?" the Knight identified as ''Petur'' asked the mage.


    "Oh, I remember! Rhannu-Prietar, ''the Share-Holder'' and Estsygol, ''the Scholar''." The pedantic one raised her voice.


    "Thank you Olayra." Petur smiled.


    Samantha''s hearts beat rapidly as sweat poured down from her forehead as these strangers, likely Grey Order Adventurers at that we''re looking for her and Doctor Mahelona. Fingers twitched, as her left hand instinctively glide to her hidden pistol holstered by her h.i.p.s as she discreetly scooted to the farside of the Tavern''s bar counter for distance.


    "Uncle, how exactly did the Crystal Heart chooses a ''Chosen One''?" Jenris asked.


    "Oh, it''s simple really Dwarf, the Heart would send out these special Brands and they would fly off across all of Gliesia to search for the ones who it chose." the nerdy looking girl identified as Olayra said.


    She unfurled a parchment of paper onto the table filled with drawings.


    "Brandings can be found anywhere on the Chosen One''s body. This is the Brand of the Bane which is Faithleann''s and the other two are the Brands of the Share-Holder and the Scholar whom we are missing. We are going to post a notice across all of Ysanigrad in every town center and every tavern of these." Olayra said.


    The Lieutenant''s fight-or-flight response activated within her as Samantha quietly stood up from her chair and began to casually walk away whilst those natives talk themselves over her Brand that she hid underneath her hand.


    "Hey let me see that." Jenris grabbed the parchment. "By Cipag! I have seen that brand just now." The Dwarf jumped enthusiastically.


    "Where?" Karliah asked. The rest of her party stood up excitably as Jenris upon their investigation reaching a breakthrough.


    "Red-headed one over there by her right hand!" Jenris pointed to Samantha.


    The Lieutenant''s heart sank upon hearing the Dwarf''s excited squeals. She was too careless with hiding her brand and now all of the Tavern''s patrons and hostile natives in search of her turned their eyes to her.


    She has been exposed!


    "By the Empire''s Will milady, may we have a moment with you." Petur grabbed Samantha''s cloak accidentally yanking the garment off of Samantha''s body uncovering her amethyst Hecate Suit.


    "My-My! Praise be to Yher, I never would have foresaw that the Share-Holder would be such a fair maiden." Petur lightly bantered to Samantha, most especially eyeing her figure up towards her emerald eyes and cerise ponytail.


    "You¡­ you''re the Chosen One here to save us!" the Dwarf girl squealed.


    "That is¡­ some strange armor you have their vrora. Of the most superb of makings coming from a Dwarf such as I do say so myself. Actocolite with Ghyranite? Who is your Blacksmith may I ask?" Findrum commented on the unconventional design of two radically opposite minerals that somehow coalesce together harmoniously on Samantha''s suit. Whomever was the Smith who created this marvel of engineering must have remarkable skill that somehow evaded even the senior echelons of the Grey Order, the Empire and the Moguls.


    "Thank Nenya that we have found you Chosen One! We never thought we would find you here." Olayra cheered. "Please come with us! We are part of the Imperial Entourage to one other Chosen One by the name of Marchog Faithleann Garmhaic of the Brand of the Anathema. We are on a valiant Quest to vanquish a coming evil that will soon descend upon our lands." She gave out the group''s collective proposal.


    "Never! I will not join you." Samantha spat; her head ready to ineluctably reject any attempt of solicited enlistment from these Natives. She needs to leave whilst the scenario is still of a sober state.


    "Please! You need to save the world. Do you want to protect your friends, family and countrymen from the Demon Hordes coming from the fallen Tyr Rian Citadel? The Light of Civilization is in need of Heroes like you." Olayra implored the Lieutenant.


    "You can have glory, wealth and the honor of the Emperor''s Favor if you follow us." Findrum attempts to appeal to Samantha''s self-interest. "You can become a Heroine. Forever your name will be etched on the annals of history and sung ill.u.s.triously by Bards all over."


    "Why deny the calling of your gift Chosen One?" Karliah asked Samantha.


    "How can you all say that?" Samantha rebuked her confronters. "Saving ''Civilization''? You''re doing a superb job destroying it already."


    "I beg your pardon?" Petur asked.


    "Look at what you are doing to your own people for a start!" Samantha shouted, her voice echoing across the room to the scare of everyone. "Public beatings, Enslavement, Crucifixions, Impalements?! Everyday all I see you is tearing families apart sending them out the mines where they will surely die? You people have the gall to tell me that I as the Share-Holder should fight for ''the Light of Civilization''? Why should I join you? A band of thugs you all are!" Samantha called them out on this hypocrisy.


    The Lieutenant''s words shocked the Adventurers but not in the negative sense. They do have to admit, that the various harsh methods they used in order to secure their supply line were draconian at best yet a necessary measure if they were to stand a chance against the Demonic Invasion from the South East of the Empire. This Share-Holder''s character, as Karliah can evaluate is direct in contrast to Faithleann''s. This impassionate redheaded maiden was of a better moral standing to the latter''s naivete driven brashness albeit very confrontational by the tone of her voice when she mouthed off their offering attempts. In the old books, as she has read with young Olayra when they passed the time together during their travels together when the Crystal Heart chose multiple Chosen Ones to act on its stead, the individuals had differing and contrasting personalities that balanced each other out. One hero was a fervent idealist whilst his companion and eventual wife-to-be was of a serene mind. A trio of heroes showed differing patterns of thought, one of instinct, another of morality, and the last grounded towards reality. The most extensive case, ''the Vinholde Four'', may have come from the same town but are of differing temperaments.


    "Chosen One, Share-Holder." Karliah inhaled to ready her appeals. "You have every right to be angry by the Empire''s actions but we have no other choice in the matter. If we have no ingots then we can have no weapons to fight the Demons." She explained.


    "Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the Greater Good," Findrum added.


    "What kind of ''Greater Good''? The mumblings of some old coot you call a Grandmaster for some spell he has no mastery of? What was it? ''Seeing through the future'' is it not?" Samantha returned fire.


    "Chosen One!" Karliah''s nerves snapped. "Do not speak ill of the Grandmaster like that. His infinite wisdom foretold the prophecy so that we may be able to prevent the Demons from coming here to our world in the first place.


    "And yet you continue to fail!" Samantha yelled louder for emphasis. "That ''Grandmaster'' of yours is just an old fool who is dabbling in something he WILL not understand. You and your Chosen One Faithleann are not trying to prevent the End Times but hastening it! You are destroying yourselves."


    Samantha recalled how Aliathra''s words and Iris'' interrogation painted a sort of Oracle like a ceremony that had taken place before the Eodem''s arrival in Gliesia. How their arrival will bring about the end of all time, a new change to the era as foretold by Geltagar''s Comet. In their haste to fight the inevitable, they only insured of its happening.


    "I am sorry, but no amount of your flowery words and promises of wealth will make me join all you¡ªyou¡ªBarbarians!" Samantha rested her case with one final insult to those so-called ''Alliance of the Light''.


    The Grey Order Adventurers were lifted in a storm of emotions, none of them positive upon the tempestuous rejection from the Share-Holder Chosen One. Petur and Findrum were left gasping for air upon the sight whilst Mita''s eyes widened in surprise. Olayra''s face cracked, ready to flood a few tears as hope drained from her soul at the Chosen One''s rejection to save the world. For Karliah, she had frustration taking over her temperament. The College Mage had enough troubles boggling her mind that, all the weight taken from dealing with Faithleann''s antics, the Journeying and hearing from Samantha''s words took her to the boiling point.


    "I am sorry Chosen One, but you leave us no choice." Karliah apologized to her. "We need you and we needed you yesterday. We may talk again when you finally calm down. Seize her!" she ordered her companions.


    The College Mage gestured her hands as acidic green energy formed on her hands. By the recognition of how the Mage twirled her fingers, Samantha knows that she is about to unleash a Paralysis spell!


    "Not today," Samantha smirked as she reached out her hand and conjured her Magicks to Counterspell, instantly snuffing out Karliah''s attempts for her capture, much to the Mage''s bewilderment.


    Counterspelling can be described as an art on its own according to Aliathra''s teachings which the Lieutenant has recently begun to learn. It requires an encyclopedic knowledge of many spells as each Spell''s category requires a unique means to effectively answer. Thankfully, her Share-Holder abilities complemented by her Hecate Suit gave her an extensive affinity on sensing Magicks which ergo allows her to detect Karliah''s spell, identify it, and then neutralize it. This was her first time Counterspelling someone outside of the training environment back in the Laboratory. Now the College Mage''s power flows within her now.


    "Get over here!" Mita shouted as her hooded figure charged towards the Lieutenant for a good-old-fashioned tackle to take her down.


    But as her form collided with Samantha''s, instead of hitting a solid object instead, the Crow Master only caught air. She can notice that the Share-Holder Chosen One''s body was in a state of fluctuating Blur.


    "Impossible! That is a Magic Spell used by only the Dark Elves by the Sisters of the Blade." Olayra pointed out.


    "Ha! Let''s say I know someone." Samantha smirked. The answer to that question was from Aliathra again.


    "Get her!" Findrum rallied the Tavern Patrons.


    The Dwarves in the Wet Tankerd rose from their chairs and eager to help a native son such as Findrum was more than an incentive to follow his command.


    "Come get some." Samantha taunted.


    The entire patrons of the bar, along with Findrum and Petur jumps on Sam to pin her down. However, as they made the landing, they felt a sharp pain on their bodies in which they reflexively winced in pain from an explosion of wooden splinters piercing their bodies like quills. For instead of pinning down Samantha managed to temporally displace one of the tables in the Tavern by the front door with herself at the last second.


    "Suckers!" Samantha teased as she was seen running across the Marketplace outside of the Tavern.


    "Oh no you don''t!" Mita growled. She was the faster runner in the groups so she gave chase to the runaway Chosen One.


    Dashing expeditiously, the Crow Master caught up with her, grabbing her by the hand and pinning her to the floor.


    "Stand down Chosen One! Don''t make me do this the hard way. You cannot escape me since I am Mita the Crow and I never let any of my prey escape." She said whilst brandishing her knife.


    "Mita the Crow? You''re the bitch that Attacked Arhaf Plaza with the Demonbane?" Samantha curses, recognizing that name.


    "How did you know that?" Mita asked, dumbfounded by being exposed herself.


    "Nevermind. Get off of me!" Samantha shouted.


    Thanks to her CQC training back in Westpoint ranging from Krav Maga and Judo, the Lieutenant was able to seize the moment and release herself from Mita''s grip causing the Crowmaster to be given a good number of bruises on her pale white skin with a discombobulated noggin to boot (literally). None of Mita''s previous Prey shared such superb talent in evading her grasp which both infuriated and impressed the Crowmaster.


    "Remarkable skill Chosen One! Perhaps we can make you into not only a fine mage but a member of the Crows too." She complimented.


    "Not interested!" Samantha rejected the offer as she ran away.


    Mita held back as she could not pursue such a slippery individual at her current state so she has to rely on her final card to play. She whistled loudly for a friend as the feisty redhead ran away.


    "El-tee why are you running?" asked Clay.


    "We have been exposed! Get evac now." Samantha warned.


    "Damnit!" Clay execrated as he radioed the rest of the Squad.


    "Code Red get out of there and meet up at the rendezvous. We return to Nirnkarim." He ordered.


    The rest of Stryder Group made it out of Gwesza unharmed with partial amounts of useful items in tow. Diaz was able to rob of a handful of weapons from a Blacksmith whilst Iris and Obediah learned more intelligence of Slave Caravan routes.


    However, unbeknownst to them as they returned safely to the Rebel Headquarters of Nirnkarim. An avian creature, known as the Brarus, a domesticated bird that the Crows are known to breed and use for their missions. The creature is famous for its adaptability, intelligence, loyalty, sense of smell, and incredible eyesight as they were trained as a more maneuverable option to your standard Hunting Dogs. It vultures over Stryder Group as it made its way back to Nirnkarim.


    Mita ran ahead to pursue the Chosen One with her Brarus as an act of penance for underestimating the Share-Holder to her fellow Adventurers. Upon reuniting with her bet, the Crowmaster looked over the southernmost Hold of the Ostalrocs and smiled confidently for not only she found where the Chosen One is, but also where all the escaped Slaves were running away to.


    This will be reported to Faithleann and Mogul Dolmond, this rebellion shall be crushed and the Share-Holder will be captured in one stroke of her quill as she sent a message out to inform her allies of this discovery.

 Chapter 44 - a Baleful Turn

    Gary De Sardet huffed a cloud out of effervescent cigarette smoke from his lungs as he dismissed the Team that gave their reports after safely returning back to Nirnkarim Headquarters. He let out a heavy sigh as he swallowed what he just heard. He grows wearier the more this rebellion continues to stretch its duration the riskier things could get for everyone thanks in no part of the Hold Dwarves'' homefield advantage.


    Not only that, but the more he continues the fight, this proxy war the UFE is conducting, the more of the chilling story behind the seemingly serene Dwarven Mountains revealed its ugly-self to the UFE. In the Ostalrocs, Mining is its claim to fame and thus the most valued form of labor one can find in the region. The mines are all controlled by the Hold''s via the Mogul Dynasties who are descendants of great Wizards who specialize in Geomancy. Not only were the profits of rare earth minerals such as Actocolite, Scandanite and Ghyranite were of common place but also Mana Crystals themselves that grows beneath the ground the moutains sat upon. However, despite its lucrative values it holds around Gliesia, the Mogul''s maintain a systematic and draconic control of the Mining Industries only remotely on paper in check by the Mining Guilds who acts like a primitive Labor Union between the servile Terrace Dwarves and their opulent lavish Hold Dwarven masters. The Mogul''s one and only interests above all else was to maintain their sole control and mastery of the prices and supply of Mana Crystals, Actocolite, Scandanite and Ghyranite within the Continent. There was stiff competition between the Dwarves, the Elves and the Yujegong Empire for the sale of such minerals to the rest of the world as in the case of their hastily panicked emergency conscription of Terrace Dwarves from an earlier Trade Deal between them and the Empire involving a lucrative Order to supply enough of wonder-minerals to equip an army ''worthy of a Chosen One of Legend''. It would have gone smoothly like any other deal as before was it not for the actions of one Captain Mendoza and a caravan of said wonder-minerals being liberated off of its contents. Now the Dwarves were hastily strip-mining the Ostalrocs to make up for the lost shipment.


    In their haste, they enacted the tyrannical Forced Labor laws to get the manpower they needed to mine the minerals to fulfill the contract made by the Empire. Many Miners would be subjected to treacherous conditions such as cave-ins, exhaustion and monster attacks in which a dozen casualties would be a normal occurrence every month. Even with the terrifying conditions within the mines that the Dwarves had utilized in the past, several cunning strategies to recruit more workers as it was cheaper for the Mogul Geomancers to recruit more workers, than to improve working conditions in the mines to maintain a competitive edge within the continent. This exploitative system was especially appealing for the Geomancers of the Mogul Dynasties as their Magicks of Geomancy required a significant amount of Mana Energies to dig further in the ground which said Mana Crystals was more suited for sale to the Mages who demand such goods. But such a large dragon that feeds on the decadent Hold Dwarves requires more food to feed it less it leaves and brings with it the good fortune said dragon brought to the Ostalrocs. In their first attempt to feed said metaphorical dragon it was the establishment of a rudimentary Feudal system of castes between the lordly Hold Dwarves and the commoner Terrace Dwarves that is still being lived by today in the Ostalrocs. When the demand only grew higher, the second attempt was incentivizing Penal and Debt forgiveness to Offenders. The third time, it was attempted through half-promising from silver-tongued Judges to make pursuing a career in the mines appealing before slowly pullin out said statements in the interest of ''shortcomings''. Ultimately, it was the fourth attempt the present-day Forced Labor laws normally reserved for times of War was when the Hold Dwarves had the greatest possible amount of manpower available at their disposal. Such a system was like a bubble, doomed to pop anytime soon and De Sardet will see it that it does pop.


    For the past few days after assuming control of the situation and organizing an insurgency for the Terrace Dwarves to be freed of their centuries-old bondage to their opulently decadent Hold masters has seen promising success. His strategy was to snowball the resistance against the Hold Dwarves by rescuing slaves, the assassination of key political figures, and acquiring supplies stolen from enemy armories. Based on the statistics he recorded he initially started with about 1000 Insurgent Dwarves based on the existing amount of supporters that Lutheor Mirrien''s kinsmen had collected throughout their time before which had grown to a healthy after some fruitful Slave Raids acquired an additional 1,200 ex-slaves joining their cause ranging from Humans, Dwarves, some of Kimora and Ho''don''s kinsmen too. As for assassinations, they have eliminated about 10 Geomancers, 25 Officials working for Mogul Dolmond in Military or Civilian aspects and approximately 200 combined numbers of the elite Ever-Beards and Sting Eye infantry via Ambushes. Lastly, in terms of Supplies, the Resistance managed to secure about 500 pieces of high-quality weapons from Forges that were either raided or destroyed depending on what would be the best-d.e.s.i.r.ed outcome before the attack.


    In response to their attacks, the Hold Dwarves and their Slaegian allies are employing several tactics to mitigate the damages they made. Body Doubles, doubling their guards, spreading out their supply chains or simply putting themselves into hiding which is what the Intelligence Agent wants them to do. To stretch them thin until they reach a breaking point. But now the challenge is looking for that breaking point. A lot of their most valuable assets such as Mogul Dolmond and his lucrative mines are guarded tightly and they had recently lost contact with the Kur Faldhur Mining Guilds when he attempted to have his agents acquire maps of the more lucratively blessed of Dwarven Mines to plan a raid on. There are still however several more outposts across the Ostalrocs that De Sardet can go for the tiresome ''Death-by-a-thousand-cuts'' strategy but it will involve establishing more extensive networks and time was not on his side. The Army that Mogul Dolmond Commands, however, is the most troublesome factor to the freedom of movement for the Resistance so perhaps he should focus the next attacks in whittling the Ever-Beards and Sting Eyes plus their foot-and-core Bondsmen to even the odds.


    Strategically speaking, De Sardet knows that he will have to do something to send the Dwarves into a state of disarray if he were to regain the advantage. He needed some sort of opportunity that is explosive, demobilizing, and upsetting. He sent out scouts to grab as much intelligence for any large projects, major troop movements, or public appearances that he could use to bewilder his opponent and take the fight to the very gilded gates of Kur Faldur itself.


    "Lieutenant please tell me something useful if you''re here." He asked Samantha who walked inside his makeshift office inside the Dwarven Courthouse that each Hold has one to administrate the local region it respectively controls.


    "De Sardet, it is about my Brand¡­ I had a thought." Samantha said.


    "Make it quick." De Sardet induced Samantha to invest his time away from his maps, doc.u.ments, and plans for her.


    "There are three Chosen Ones, right? There''s me and Doctor Mahelona, right? Followed by this other one that the Slaegians have by the name of ''Faithleann''." Samantha said.


    "Oui, that''s was the hearsay everyone talks about. A lot of people right now are confused. You fighting on their side and the other way around? Ce''st le bordel I tell you lieutenante." De Sardet responded.


    "As you know, my Mark was exposed some days ago and now my Chosen One-ness is being known to the Natives. What are the latest rumors about me now De Sardet? What did everyone else found out?" Samantha sighed.


    "Par o¨´ je commence? I got so many from Mirrien''s folks that it honestly made my head hurt." the Intelligence Officer sighed. "I hear of one rumor that you are a faux-Chosen One. A fake. That you, stolen the branding from the ''real'' one or you''re just pretending to be the ''Share-Holder''. The other is that you are ''misguided''. That you are not seeing ''the True Evil'' or whatever."


    "That''s a mouthful." Samantha sulked. "What about Faithleann? The Chosen One that the Empire has?" Samantha asked.


    "From what I gathered, this petit gar?on is said to be a powerful warrior and mage said to be able to overwhelm any opponent with his attacks." He divulged. "High Command recommends that you avoid confrontation with him until we know for certain what kind of sorcier we are dealing with."


    "Anything else to go by other than that?" Samantha asked.


    "Actually, there are some words going about that is related to both you and this Faithleann¡­" De Sardet mentions.


    "What kind of words?" the Lieutenant leaned closed to listen.


    "They say that a certain group of Imperials are VERY interested and finding you. For you are more ''desirable'' than Faithleann." De Sardet explained.


    "More ''desirable''?" Samantha recoiled in disbelief.


    "According to what our informants said, whilst the so-called ''Bane'' Chosen One is a powerful individual, he equally has an ego to match and the Empire seeks to acquire you because they hope you are more ''manageable'' given your name." De Sardet explained.


    "He is still considered the enemy however Lieutenante Rose. We may not know much more about him as of late so we must proceed with caution." The Intelligence Officer warns.


    "Of course, if his ??Bane'' name is anything to go by. He could be more powerful than me." Samantha nods.


    "But I want to be sure of one thing. That if the time comes, you will not hesitate to eliminate him if you cross paths which I believe is simply inevitable." De Sardet told her.


    She had seen the amount of mysticism and play that many Fantastic Stories took place over her incessant consumptions of their media. There was always a twist to the tale and hearing about this ''Faithleann'' character, her fellow Chosen one had made her contemplate more about the Prophecy that promised ''great change'' to all of Gliesia. Already she is witnessing firsthand the Modernization of Tyr Rian being worked on as they spoke with the return of Prince Clovich expediating the process. Meanwhile, this mysterious ''Faithleann'' person has been said to be a person of heavy repute being of the ''Bane'' Brand that the mysterious artifact had bestowed upon him. There is a Clamor within Samantha that partly, she wanted to get some answers from anyone who knows more of this Sacred Crystal Heart and why did it choose her and Dr. Mahelona? Non-natives of Gliesia to be a Chosen One? Right now, her greatest d.e.s.i.r.e is to find out more about her powers, but yet her loyalty to the UFE State must be of equal priority.


    "I understand." Samantha softly accepted.


    "Good, I am glad you see it our way." De Sardet nodded before looking down at his map and sighed.


    "How goes the operations?" the Lieutenant asked.


    "The Good news is that we have the Hold Dwarves on the run. Our raids have been producing successful results. As of late, we have observed that their Armies are switching tactics, more dispersed guards for search and destroy operations to counteract us, body doubles for assassination targets and curfews to limit the Resistance''s movements." He explained. "There''s just a problem I am having¡­"


    "A Problem?" Samantha asked.


    "Nothing critical, just some personal frustrations¡­ Look at me here Lieutenante." De Sardet huffed. "The Dwarves are likely going to plan out for the long game while we want to cut off the Mining Supply as soon as possible. Right now, I am trying to dig in for something we can do to take the fight directly against the Hold Dwarves, you know? Take it to the next level. But right now everything is all hush-hush." The Agent confessed. "If you and your team can find something that could turn up the heat against these Dwarves then take it."


    "Yessir." Samantha saluted.


    Just as the Lieutenant was about to make her leave, De Sardet''s Office Door slammed open to a very alarmed Lutheor Mirrien.


    "We are being besieged!" the Dwarf said. "Hlavor Gate!"


    Hlavor Gate is the northernmost gate in Nirnkarim that faced the rest of the Ostalrocs behind it. It was also one of the most elevated areas of the Dwarven Hold and so an attack from such a vertically superior position would be devastating to the Resistance forces of Nirnkarim. Officially, the Hold remained untouched by the insurgencies that plagued the rest of the mountains but De Sardet reasoned that the Dwarves would know that Nirnkarim was the poorest and least developed Hold in all of the Ostalrocs as the targets worth a damn would have been the other richer Holds north of Nirnkarim. Unofficially, Nirnkarim, or the Mining Guild''s Office of Nirnkarim with the local Courthouse being an extension of the Insurgencies political base where they coordinate with other Terrace Dwarves and Mining Guild''s across the rest of the Ostalrocs. A successful attack on Nirnkarim would have decapitated this Insurgency before it could even begin.


    However, this could be the case of experience for the Hold Dwarves as Lutheor Mirrien can attest to. He had described that Dwarves from Nirnkarim were looked down upon by the other Hold Moguls for their ''turbulence'' against the status quo and how the Hold would have been called ''a Ghetto pretending to be a Hold'' as many Moguls would belittle. Despite the impoverished reputation, the Dwarves of Nirnkarim were no born-losers. Instead, they were fighters of the sense that they always try to endure in spite of their less than ideal surroundings compared to their richer kin. The Origins of the Dwarven Mining Guilds can be traced back to Nirnkarim where it was its cradle. They had always been a thorn on the side of the Geomancer Dynasties of the Hold Dwarves for centuries as they try to fight for better working conditions, higher wages, and other sorts of moves that would require the Hold Dwarves to compromise their power to those lower in the socio-economic food chain. Often times, the other Dwarven Holds would cast an irking eye of suspicion towards Nirnkarim whenever the Mining Guilds attempt another power play. Lutheor had several occasions talk about the various times that Nirnkarim was temporarily occupied by another Hold and it was only through the skin of the Mining Guilds were the foreign soldiers left them alone but after having their blades wetted with the blood of a few ''troublemakers'' before departure. Additionally, there was also a budding Tinkerer''s Workshop within Nirnkarim''s walls that have been trying to build new mining equipment within closed-doored Court Receptions in other Hold Courts for the Mining Guilds whom they are close partners of and together they produced with mixed results. Mirrien often speaks very highly of them despite their several failures at times due to how they would consistently improve upon themselves to learn from their previous mistakes and moved forward from them. So far, De Sardet hadn''t looked closely on the Tinkerers as of late due to the circ.u.mstances but he does, when the time or if his boredom gets the better of him would pay these inventors a visit.


    There were several of them taking part in the defenses of the Walls outside of northern Nirnkarim with their modified crossbows that had a rudimentary telescope attached atop of its flight groove.


    "What am I looking at?" Samantha asked one of the Dwarves.


    "It''s the Army! A¡­a Coalition of all the Dwarven Hold''s brought together here¡­ to kill us all!" the Dwarf stuttered in fright.


    "I see even the Armies of the Empire with them too brother Ragni!" Mirrien beamed over the great army lines.


    "Estimated Hostile Force size is approximately fifteen thousand enemy combatants," ISAC informed from behind her radio.


    They were out-numbered 1 to 15, and that''s if they account for the fact that most of their ragtag forces of Insurgent Dwarves were barely trained militiamen with several maladies ranging from injuries to malnourishment due to their supplies stretched to its logistical limits.


    "Bollocks! Man the Guns!" Crocker yelled at the UFE Soldiers and Mercenaries as they set up their rifles above the crevices of Nirnkarim''s walls. There Dwarven, Goblin and Centaur allies too scrambled to a defensive position as they steeled themselves steadfastly for they now entered as Sun Tzu would call it ''Death Ground''. Either the Rebellion lives to fight another day or they die together within these creaking walls.


    Across the battlefield, a proud young knight smiled eagerly for his first-ever battle.


    "Is it true that the Share-Holder lives within those walls?" Faithleann asked.


    "My Bird never fails me." Mita bowed."But in essence, we have also found the heart of these Rebels and it was unsurprising this ''Bastard City'' gives refuge to them."


    "Then we shall crush this Rebellion once and for all." Marchog Faughn cheered as he zealously unsheathed his sword from its scabbard.


    "Indeed! With my Magicks and my power, I can triumph over anything that is thrown against me. If this Share-Holder cowers behind those walls like the craven she is and not accept her fate then I shall squash her down like those Rebel Sc.u.m." Faithleann joined in the Older Knight''s zealotry. "Why do we need her anyway? She refuses to fight and we do not need cowards in MY Great Crusade for righteousness."


    "Child, do not speak ill of the Share-Holder!" Karliah scolded.


    "May you stay your hand for one moment Knights?" Olayra pleaded.


    "We also have no clue how powerful this Chosen One truly is and already you are rushing with Blasphemous Boasts. Do stay your confidence at least until after we triumph against these Dwarves." Karliah said. "And we need the Share-Holder and the Scholar to form the Trinity we need to defeat the Demons once more. We need her alive and end this bloody uprising quickly and now." She pressed.


    "If the Share-Holder is within those walls then we must exercise with the utmost discretion. We must not injure the other Chosen One." She reminded.


    "Yet the Rebels inside are free to slay." Faithleann smirked.


    "Why do you think the Chosen One is colluding with the Rebels Mage?" Faughn asked


    "I hypothesize that in a somewhat misguided attempt of virtue, this new Chosen One is aiding these Rebels if her good-aligned morals are what I had observed when we first encountered her." Karliah added. "This is based on what was our Conversation back in Gwesza had transpired. It is an art that no Magic can help master I tell you. The Art of the Tongue."


    Karliah, Petur, Findrum and Olayra could remember those scathing words that echoed from the Redheaded ones fiery and passionate heart. She was a fighter for a better future but by the judgment of her yet-wrinkled cheeks and the youth on her eyes, she still has yet to fully understand her place in Gliesia. This Share-Holder better hopes that she can contain Faithleann''s passions to a more refined extent that what she and the other of the first Chosen One''s mentors could ever do.


    "As much as I find her notions noble, she is rather na?ve of the world just like my Niece sometimes¡­" Findrum commented.


    "What I find odd about her is that she is a complete unknown, a ghost, a nobody from what I asked of everyon. None of them could tell of seeing a woman such as her before. Perhaps she is lone sellsword or of one of the Southern Barbarians from the Frontiers or a maybe a new member of the Adventurer''s Guild." Petur gave his piece.


    "I appreciated that you had tried Reikdorf." Karliah smiled softly. "But let bygones be bygones, now is the time that we finish this chapter and capture ourselves the next Chosen One."


    Marchog Faugn swaggered his steed in front of the rest of the Coalition''s army and presented himself at a good distance that his shouts can be heard.


    "Rebels of Nirnkarim heed the words of Marchog Gratianus Faughn, the Will of Emperor Uldin Slaegiac and Mogul Dolmond of Kur Faldhur! You are surrounded and outnumbered greatly! Resistance is futile but if you surrender to me immediately then I shall promise you mercy less you want us to descend upon you and be made an example of those who dare uproot the peace of the Realms!" Marchog Faughn called out and gave his proposition.


    But as the venerable Knight yelled, Faithleann galloped forward a plot of the field away from Gratianus'' position and called out the top of his lungs.


    "Chosen One that bears the Mark of Rhannu-Prietar, the Share-Holder! If you are so brave to be in league with those tough enough to challenge the Empire and the Dwarven Clans then why not you and your lackeys come out and fight us in the honorable and glorious field of battle!" Faithleann shouted gallantly, his head boiling red with battlel.u.s.t.


    The Garrison shuddered silence again as Faithleann''s ego see''s only that the enemy quivered behind the safety of those walls.


    "Come now! Bring your Champion out! Bring your Chosen One the ''Share-Holder'' out as your champion or maybe you are all craven peons." Faithleann pressed his verbal assault forward. "I know you are there ''Share-Holder'' and your reputation has not escaped my ears of your power, your fiery red hair, and also your slipperiness."


    Samantha''s resolve shook for one moment at the mentioning of her name, if she was no soldier, her knees would have cowered by this Otherworlder''s words but after recovering her volition she knew that it is just what this hostile native wanted her and her allies to do for they will lose their one advantage against the Coalition that is the Walls of Nirnkarim. However, their Native allies who had helped them so far shuddered at the gleaming armor that the Coalition had presented themselves in their march towards their stronghold. In comparison, it was an absolute mismatch between a professional army and a ragtag guerrilla rebels trapped in a corner.


    "Don''t.Even.Think.About.It" De Sardet ordered discipline amongst his ranks.


    "Boy, what are you doing?" Marchog Faughn questioned the insubordination of Faithleann.


    "What we all want, to end this Rebellion once and for all. I have an idea." Faithleann proposed.


    "What could possibly be a good idea right now?" the Knight ask.


    "Bring out the Gwystlon and hold them out in front of our front line." Faithleann shows his unexpected aptitude of tactics to the Knight.


    "Hmm¡­ that does indeed sound like a good idea. I hope this could work." Faugn nodded.


    He knows that in spite of Faithleann''s boldness they commonly agreed that this insurrection should end quickly one way or the other. Galloping back to the lines as Faithleann proceeded to draw the Rebel''s attention with arrogant taunts (which are finally being put to a somewhat beneficial use). The Old Knight made his play. He ordered his men to bring out the Gwystlon''s that they had kept and ordered them to be brought out in full view of the two armies. It was a common siege tactic with a subtle yet at times a very potent gambit if one played his cards and honeyed his tongue right.


    "What are they doing?" De Sardet looked.


    Grabbing his binoculars, the Intelligence Agent zoomed his sight across the horizon as the enemy Coalition parted themselves to reveal perhaps their greatest weapon.


    "Merde! You have got to be kidding me!" De Sardet''s eyes widened as his frame shuddered, his hands grip weakening upon realizing the sight before him.


    "Oh no! It is like the Riots all over again¡­" Mirrien shuddered alongside him seeing his people in chains and being readied to be put to the sword by cruel-eyed men.


    To the dismay of the UFE Soldiers, the Gwystlon''s were no Siege Engine nor was it some fantastic beast of monstrous potent, instead they were dozens upon dozens groups of ragged people, Dwarf, Human, Goblin and even Centaur chained-ganged together as they were corralled towards the front of the army in the pain of running themselves towards a line of fire of an archer or a front-lined spear. They were positioned at a forward Element where a contingent of Faithleann''s Slaegian Legionnaires was of a few dozen feet-meters away from the eloquent youth. The prisoners'' bodies showed the wounds of continuous abuse and neglect as their hopeless and terrified eyes looked on to the bastion that had represented their freedoms before them, it''s sweet embrace just out of reach and yet a life of chains tethering them from the haven-hood of Nirnkarim. The presentation of Gwystlon''s or Hostages is a common Siege Warfare tactic that can be employed by either side. Such a controversial tactic is used to Negotiate the other side''s cessation of hostilities, fulfilment of a specific yet precarious condition or a hefty ransom less the one being struck with the dangerous dilemma see the person/s of value held hostage, often a family member, close friend or in the worst cases entire populaces be thrown into the hungry wolves that is the one pulling for leverage in a very demoralizing fashion. But even then, its'' a double-edged sword with its own risks and rewards that throughout several records of the Empire''s steel-bloodied history cases of such an attempt of negotiations ended unfavorably for the enactor of such a gambit.


    "What you see before you are your kin whom we had gathered to help ''persuade'' you to seize your insolence. Come down from Nirnkarim now for I demand a challenge to a Duel! The winner shall have their way with the prisoners." Faithleann proposed, appealing to the rumored trait of the ''Share-Holder'' sense of commoner justice as the hostages whimpered behind him.


    Silence fell upon the Nirnkarim Garrison as they were struck with a sadistic choice, the death of their loved ones, or the continued dishonor of their own kin once again. Equally frightened were several of Faithleann''s own followers who were bewilderment by Faithleann''s surprising ruthlessness. Originally, these Hostages were going to go through diplomatic channels and a few underground ones via Ransom Brokers to safely ferry away these rebels back to their families in order to force a peace in concert to the interests of the defenders of such a rebellion of whilst pacifying the region off of any malcontents usually through the use of authoritative examples. Yet even then, to use such Hostages so suddenly in a rush of thought as formally to use Gwystlon''s requires a formal letter from the enactor to the targeted party before physical presentation of hostages. one must be willing to suffer penalizing wrath from the offended party or stomach the strongest of wills to be so shrewd of committing.


    "Marchog! What are you doing?" Karliah asked the Old Knight. "Some of these prisoners are just children."


    "This doesn''t seem to be the noblest act to do, using hostages." Olayra argued in support of her senior. "Are we not a Crusade for the Salvation of Gliesia?"


    "We are ending this dance today." The Knight bluntly answered with a stern grin to separate himself emotionally from the wailing m.o.a.ns of the Hostages that they present before the Rebels of Nirnkarim.


    "We need to have them Surrender immediately. It pains me to do this but we need to end this pointless war and go back to focusing on who the true enemy is." The Knight said.


    "This is not the right way! None of this is right. Why I should inform the Emperor and the Grandmaster of all of these happenings is not helping the War Effort at all." Karliah protested.


    "Shut your mouth woman! You know nothing of War." The Knight scolded her.


    He grabbed the Female Mage and her junior-aged Scholar colleague by their arms to silence the two''s incessant protests. He dragged the women''s prying eyes away from the tense scene back to their camp as the more War-wired of Faithleann''s Retinue readied themselves with their Dwarven Allies.


    "However!" Faithleann shouted. "I had traveled too far to be quelling rebellions when there is a Demon Invasion happening and it is within everyone''s likings that I propose an alternative solution for you to be chosen at your leisure. I demand you hand over the one called ''the Share-Holder'' to be within my Audience and I shall spare several of your kin." Faithleann proposed.


    "We are NOT risking Lieutenant Rose with that wanker!" Crocker protested.


    "He''ll just kill them all anyway and grab Samantha at the first opportunity." De Sardet added.


    "They have my people as Hostages!" Mirrien argued, despair creaking from his beard as he pleaded with the Otherworlders.


    "And so are ours!" Ho''don and Kimora joined the dialogue in unison.


    "I can''t bear to see more of my kin die. If they kill them all then the men of those families will surely break." Mirrien cried.


    "We cannot leave the Walls, that''s what they want us to do." Clay reasoned.


    "If we give Samantha to the Empire, we can kiss everything that Aparo and the Doc did in the Lab goodbye!" Diaz says his piece.


    "Knowing the Empire and their Magi College, they will use her and the Hecate Suit she wears against us." Iris nodded.


    "I hate all of our options! I know!" De Sardet shouted at everyone, flailing his hands uncontrollably.


    The Defenders fell quiet, cognitively confounded into a deadlock on how to proceed with their next move. The Hostages are quite frankly the hearts and minds of the whole rebellion in same vein that Nirnkarim is the historical icon of said rebellion too. Losing Samantha Rose would also be of a devastating lost too. For the first time in a long while after their arrival, the Federation has found themselves in a TRUE Disadvantage. Help was a call away but it will not matter when they needed the guardian-like and angelic wings of an A-25 Dragoon the most. All three choices were of equal and devastating compromises for the UFE to take that neither could ill-afford to suffer the loss of and now innocent blood will be shed before their eyes and there is almost not a thing, they can do about it. Several of the Natives began to cause a ruckus below the walls, demanding that the Federation give up Samantha to the Empire at the honorable chance that they may be able to reunite with their loved ones once again.


    "Please Ladui Rose! You have to rescue my people and if it means you having to entertain that brat then so be it. I know many of those people he is holding hostage before the Hold''s walls right this moment." Mirrien pleaded.


    Samantha knew the risks of presenting herself to the Empire before the other Chosen One, they may capture her or attempt to kill her and even then, it doesn''t guarantee the safety of the Hostages that Faithleann is holding by a thread before their Rebel allies. She has to say, this ''Bane'' Chosen One was really being such a poisonous individual by the way he is acting upon them. Yet her most human side of her mind urged her to do the right thing to rescue those innocent civilians from the clutches of the Empire. Pragmatically speaking if the rebelling Terrace Dwarves breaks as the people, they are fighting to make a future for die, then the whole Hearts and Minds campaign of flipping the Ostalrocs blue goes down the drain in one literal stroke of the blade.


    The Lieutenant needed to breathe for one moment, to meditate on her options. Remembering her teaching ins West Point a good commanding officer must share a basic principle of warfare: ''To know thyself''. She remembered the diverse prowess of her allies abilities on the field, how the Centaur''s awe-inspiring swiftness, Diaz''s Cyberpunked reflexes, Crocker''s strength, Kayin''s versatile serviceability of his drones, the Dwarven willpower, the Goblin''s craftiness, Aliathra and Iris'' Magicks and also her own reactive core that became both her blessing and her curse. She even forgot a little feature that Dr. Mahelona mentioned to her about the current incarnation of her suit''s abilities.


    ''the Hecate suit allows the user to discharge Mana energies more efficiently than any other living person can hope to do.''


    "Stryder, Ho''don, Kimora, I have a plan." Samantha rallied her friends. "Do what I say and we can save them all."

 Chapter 45 - Quaking Earth

    "Where is your Chosen One Nirnkarim? Is she a Coward? Your time is running out!" Faithleann challenged. He held at sword point a hostage, a youthful Dwarven male, before him as he awaited this so-called ''Share-Holder'' with her so-boasted nobility she excretes from her words.


    The northeastern winds from the Ostalroc''s peaks blew across the integument of the Dwarven Hold sending a chilling breath that unfurled the various authoritative flags that the Hold Dwarves and their Slaegian Allies brought forth to this field proudly in display in all of its flowing glory. All of the bannermen and their men-at-arms clutched their weapons restlessly, awaiting the call to begin the battle.


    The ''Bane'' Chosen One was starting to get impatient and uneased as the Walls of Nirnkarim grew silent before him. He was barely out of the range of any of the Nirnkarim''s ballista and range fire as he guesses by no sharpshooter daring to lay an arrowhead near him.


    Had the Rebels decided to cowardly further embed themselves within their walls and not mount a rescue of their kin?


    "Stubborn Cravens you are! Maybe this shall motivate you." Faithleann yelled out to the seemingly abandoned walls of Nirnkarim.


    He thrusted his sword back, ready to impale the Hostage before him


    "No! Please have mercy!" the Hostage begged for his live.


    "Stop it! I am here!" Samantha''s voice broke the silence of the no-man''s land.


    "Show yourself!" Faithleann yelled underneath Samantha''s intervening voice.


    On cue, the Lieutenant materializes out of invisibility in front of Faithleann, her fists curled with a cracking sound from her knuckles to show her intent to entertain this hot-headed young boy who claims himself to be a hero.


    "So, our guest of honor has arrived." Faithleann smiled as he halted his harming act on his Hostage. "Let us engage in parlay milady?" he politely bowed.


    "Let that man go first." Samantha ordered.


    "But of course, I am in a good mood today." Faithleann smiled.


    He honorably let go of his captive as the man ran safely to the walls of Nirnkarim where a team of Rebels came to his immediate aid.


    "So, you are the Share-Holder?" Faithleann asked of Samantha.


    "And you are the ''Bane''?" Samantha returned his gesture. "You¡­ you''re just a kid¡­" the Lieutenant grinned.


    "I maybe a child but the Crystal Heart blessed me to lead the Light against the Darkness." Faithleann gasconaded. "But where is my courtesy? I am Faithleann Garmhaic, Marchog of the Slaegian Empire and the Chosen One that is ''the Bane of all Demons''." He introduced himself.


    "Why are you here Chosen One in Nirnkarim?" Samantha asked.


    "I had heard you had encountered several of my comrades in Gwesza several days ago as we are all searching for you, the Share-Holder and also the other Chosen One who goes by the name of the Scholar. My associates had chanced upon you on a tavern one day and attempted to put you under my wings but you ran away? Why do you run away from your destiny? Do you cower because of the Demons Invasion?" Faithleann shared thoughts.


    "I am sorry but I do not associate with people like you." Samantha shot him down.


    "Then maybe you cower because you do not wish to fight against someone who is clearly your better if may guess? But pardon me, I never got your name Share-Holder." Faithleann continues to grandstand.


    "My name is not important but now you have me." she declined. "I know what I want, you know if I win, you release those hostages." Samantha tells him her terms.


    "But what is the point of this Duel?" Samantha asked.


    "To show all of the Empire and the Ostalrocii my prowess in battle, to rally the faithful to the Alliance and to also see what you are capable of Share-Holder. This a contest of who can make the other yield first, not a duel to the death may I let you know for I need of you alive for the Crystal Heart sayeth so." Faithleann reminded her. "Now, if I triumph against you woman, you must submit to me and the Alliance of the Light, your whole Rebellion will surrender and be punished for your ill-timed insolence. Best me, and I will let them go." Faithleann bashfully boasted.


    "Then it is a deal! And to add to the table, if you best me, I will tell you where the Scholar is too. He is a friend of mine." Samantha taunted.


    Faithleann and his followers behind him tingled in gossip upon hearing the Lieutenant''s passing mention of the third and final Chosen One, the Estysygol, the Scholar. Some wondered if what this exotically dressed warrior speaks the truth whilst others trembled that she is trying to provoke Faithleann into a mental state that the challenged Share-Holder can exploit upon their upcoming duel by appealing to Faithleann''s dreams of grandiosity.


    "Ha! That is delightful to hear." Faithleann gleamed as he hopped off of his horse.


    He approaches Samantha, his hands juggling above him in a rotary movement multiple magical balls of energy, each from the basic elements of Destruction that Samantha has learned, Fire, Lightning and Ice, conjured at the Faithleann''s other hand as the Bane Chosen One confidently strutted towards Samantha. The ground quaked in the powerful mage''s evocation of power as burning singes from the lightning and fire balls collided over the slowly frosting grounds from the Ice Ball that Faithleann had created.


    "How do you like my Magicks Share-Holder? It is more powerful than yours. Does the sight of my Magicks make you cower like before?" Faithleann bragged.


    "I am not impressed. I have seen better." Samantha dismissed.


    "Oh? Perhaps I may learn more Magicks with them too." The Bane Chosen One requested.


    "Pfft! I wouldn''t even allow you to be my training dummy." The Lieutenant jeered.


    "You rascal, I will make you pay for that insult." Faithleann''s countered, his nerves struck upon the Lieutenants casual shots of antagonism.


    He charged forth, Sword raised high like the Epics he had listened to as he charged forth like a blazing comet towards obstacle that he swore to overcome with all of his might and at all of his expense. He began to shower Samantha in Destructive Elemental Balls to overwhelm her defenses.


    Adrenaline pumping, the Lieutenant reacted quickly, Samantha strafed left dodging the magical projectiles by the skin of her teeth, jumping weaving and sidestepping every attack Faithleann shot at her.


    "Ha! Look at the Savage dance!" one of the Slaegian Legionnaires teased.


    "Are you here to fight me or are you here to dance Share-Holder?" Faithleann taunted.


    By the light heaving of the young boy''s body, Samantha knew that he was about to reach the phase where the Mages need to temporarily take heed on themselves as they overheat from Mana expenditure. This was her opportunity, with him tired and Samantha still at full reserves, the Lieutenant summoned her own Destructive Elemental Balls from her hands and returned fire.


    For the first time, Faithleann has met someone of his equal. He never could have anticipated that he would be forced into the defensive, in which said doctrine he forsook in his trainings with the College Magi as he had focused more in the more spectacular of Magicks rather than the more mundane and utilitious of spells. Samantha''s magical attacks cause to crack through Faithleann''s defenses with singing burns on his armor followed by several cuts on his arms and face as he turtled himself up with Magical Wards to shield himself from the assault.


    "Predictable!" the Lieutenant taunted.


    This Chosen One was more of a Glass Canon as Samantha can attest, all attack with abysmal defenses. Even then despite his heavy throws, Faithleann''s attacks when in the sight of an adversary capable of defending himself would have read him like a book on what his next move will be, allowing the Lieutenant to be ready to counter whatever he throws at her.


    "Gah! You are strong for a Coward, but I am stronger!" Faithleann spat out the saliva-mixed blood off of his now wounded mouth. It was however much more wounding the mental censure of now being forced to place himself on the defensives against an opponent that not only does not fight like any of the sword and/or sorcery using opponents he is used to confronting and dominate over.


    "Now it is my turn." Samantha smirked.


    With her Hecate Suit pushing itself into full gear, Samantha


    "Oh my, this Share-Holder sure knows how to fight!" Findrum grinned.


    "Faithleann! This one is dangerous!" Petur cautioned, his shouts echoing from behind Faithleann''s personal guards.


    "Quiet! I can do this!" Faithleann shot him down. "Take this Rebel sc.u.m!"


    The Bane swirled his fingers fluidly as a bright energy engulfed him turning the very scenery around him to quake in his resonance. Samantha could feel a cold sweat escape her brow as she readied herself for Faithleann''s next attack. A moment later unleashed from his fingers perhaps his greatest spell that he has managed to capture its affinity as of late. A High-Level spell called ''Lehsol''s Lance'' allows Faithleann to turn the air around intensely torrid that he can by command, magically immolate almost any opponent, magical defenses and all but the toughest of armors in white sun-hot lightning.


    Its super-heated rays dashed towards Samantha impacting with powerful force upon the Hecate Suit''s Arcane Meridians. Such an exhaustive spell awoke a primal hunger within Samantha''s ID, the power she had absorbed began to flow within her Suit nearly overheating the Suit''s capacitive limits. Luckily if she were not wearing the Suit she would have been vaporized. But with so much energies barely contained within her Suit her inner-reactor like self that is the Share-Holder''s curse stretched to its limits. Yet the Lieutenant refuse waver not one inch, she needed to buy more time, divert this Chosen One''s attention to center around her and only her.


    "Warning: Mana Energies are at Super-Critcal level." The Hecate Suit built-in ISAC gave its early warning to Samantha.


    "So¡­ much power¡­ in me¡­" the Lieutenant''s churned.


    A buzz of energies surged throughout her body like a growing heat that weakened the Lieutenant''s knees whilst burning Mana energies jolts every fiber within her being.


    Faithleann, seeing that he has finally turned the tables of this duel pressed his attack, further channeling his Lehsol''s Lance spell further. He did not care if he would seriously injure the Share-Holder, all that he can think of that instance is that he, Marchog Faithleann Garmhaic remains the greatest of the Chosen Ones in his avarice to become the greatest hero that Gliesia had ever seen.


    "El-tee!" Crocker cried on his radio. He could detect Samantha''s Unbinillium levels being contained within her suit reach dangerous levels and he feared for the worst as he couldn''t help but look on from the walls of Nirnkarim.


    Samantha''s body soon reached her limits the more the Hecate Suit absorbed Faithleann''s powerful spell, she needed to get rid of the energies whilst also stopping incoming in one move or her body will undergo ''Mana Meltdown''.


    All of her time back in the Laboratory has come down to this moment either she harnesses the power or she dies from this spike of energy surging within her. Remembering her training from Aliathra on how to best manage one''s Dui, a Mage''s Energy Flow, Samantha braced her abdomen and began to redirect the Mana Energies being absorbed through her Reactor-like core and with a heave she reflects Faithleann''s lightning bolt.


    When the redirected Arcane Energies turns itself on Faithleann, a thunderous clap quaked the earth around the field the two warring Chosen Ones duel on causing the ground to rupture in fissures as the sound echoed across all of Nirnkarim. Faithleann not expecting someone to manage to redirect his spell barely had enough time to conjure another shield to protect him as the backfired Lehsol''s Lance made contact with his defenses. A redirected spell isn''t as empowered as before due to energy loss yet the spell was still considerably powerful that Faithleann was left heavily reeling and heavily fl.u.s.tered by this humiliation. He was being setback upon every move he could make by this strange warrior in her exotic armor that he lost all cool within himself. His confidence, now replaced with a barbaric fury, the Bane Chosen One drew his sword impulsively charged forth towards Samantha, frothing for the moment to personally show his blessed strength to fulfill his prophecy.


    "Again, big mistake." Samantha gave a scornful remark as she winded her right arm back as she conjured another wave of energy from her enhanced Arcane Meridians.


    "Seismic Palm!" the Lieutenant called out her attacks. It was more of an original name she conjured based on her hidden nerdy self. Often, during her experimentations with her powers, Samantha was able to exhibit a creativity unforeseen by Iris and Aliathra. Being able to invent new spells based on Samantha''s own experiences consuming Fantasy and Sci-Fi culture with a dash of understanding of Physics and Chemistry.


    Seismic Palm, the spell she use as her Coup De Grace allows her to create a bare-handed strike with her palms whose shockwaves was with of vigorous energies that it is capable at full charge to break the sound barrier and crack the earth.


    Faithleann was sent flying across the battlefield landing disastrously near to his army as in the spell''s wake the ground in that which was the point of impact sprouted out of the rocky Ostalrocii soil like devilish spines straight from the voids of hell.


    All of the Hold Dwarven Bondsmen and all of the Slaegian Legionnaires stared, suspended in disbelief upon Faithleann''s broken body laying before them upon the equally broken Earth from the Samantha''s wake. Clerics rushed towards Faithleann''s aid and checked on the Chosen One''s vitals, a painful m.o.a.n escaping his lips confirmed that he is still alive, albeit half-dead. The Coalition Army of the Alliance of the Light were left agape by Samantha''s powers as the Share-Holder, amazed by what this mysterious warrior''s capabilities are.


    "Can you call me a Coward now boy?" the Lieutenant gloated triumphantly before turning to the rest of the Coalition Army.


    "Well done El-tee! That was great." Clay radioed ecstatically.


    "Out cold already?" Samantha scornfully mocked at Faithleann''s unconscious figure. "No surprise from a kid playing hero."


    "I have won! Release those hostages now." Samantha demanded the Human-Dwarf Coalition of the Alliance of the Light to honor their end of the terms.


    "I am afraid we will not do that. You must yield before us now and then we will release the prisoners." Marchog Faughn broke his words. His duty to the Empire overriding any senses of honoring the words of an accord created by Faithleann earlier that he had no say on the arrangement but went along with it if it means the Crusade of the Alliance of the Light can push forward with its goals of collecting the Chosen Ones together under their banner.


    "And you call yourselves Knights, Never!" Samantha declined once again.


    "Then I am afraid the Hostages'' lives are to forfeit," Faughn ordered.


    Samantha laughed, she laughed comedically upon hearing the Knights orders that left every one of the Coalition Army unnerved. Did this Share-Holder not care about the lives of the Hostages that she apathetically brushed off, breaking her so-called description of being concerned of the Welfare of the commoners.


    "W-why are you laughing? Were you not here to rescue the Hostages? You call yourself a Hero?" Faughn questioned Samantha''s guffaw.


    "No." the Lieutenant lulled her laughter to a chuckle. "I am laughing because that is exactly what I wanted you to say."


    "Pardon?!" Marchog Faughn''s heart skipped a beat as he turned his eyes to the forward contingent of Soldiers that he had brought forth to escort the hostages with.


    The group dissipated seamlessly as light refracted to show that what was supposed to be the hostages and their guards standing idly by was an illusion. The real happening before them was that the guards were killed under the cloak and dagger of suppressed gunfire from the Otherworldly weapons in a shape of black-colored staves. The hostages meanwhile, their manacles were broken, unshackled of right under their noses whilst an illusion was used to mimic an image of the inc.u.mbet guards deceptively continuing their watch on the prisoners. They were all well into the clear towards the Hlavlor Gates by the time the virtual images faded away, with one such warrior giving a playful salute towards Samantha as they retreated.


    "I have got to say, I normally would feel bad beating up kids but this one was asking for it. Fun thing he makes a great punching bag for my Magicks yeah?" Samantha chuckled as she loosens her limbs with a few curls from her ankles and wrists.


    "What trickery was this?!" Faughn questioned.


    "Illusion Magicks at work Ser Reikdorf." A serene voice whispered from the winds.


    Out of the refracting light of that bright day, two figures reveal themselves as they stood side-by-side with the Share-Holder. To the surprise of most folks from the Adventurer''s Guild, one of the new arrivals, a golden-braided Elven maiden with Ethuilen Ranger garbs was instantly recognize as none other than the officially declared diseased Elven Princess Aliathra of the House of Lareththor. The second figure was a pale-skinned young woman with an ebony mane, cabalistic tattoos and a dress as aphotic as night.


    "Bravo Lieutenante! Your plan of distracting that brat so that the Squad, the Centaurs and that Goblin Shaman could rescue the hostages worked!" Agent De Sardet radioed.


    "That was pathetic! For someone who claims to be Gweninjar, you are absolute atrocious of trying to become a nemesis of anyone by the way you wield your Magicks. I could beat you with my hands tied behind my back." Iris scoffed over Faithleann''s broken body.


    "His Magical ''prowess'' if that can even be said was absolutely repugnant. His skills make first-year students back at the Parvia look already like Masters already. I find this child wanting in so many aspects that if I still had my old eyes, I would cry." Aliathra dismissively snickered with the infamous Elven Superiority.


    "Do they just let anyone become Knights now in the Empire? Even Children? The title of ''Marchog'' must be very cheap now these days that even common rubbish join their ranks." Iris giggled.


    "Hey, I couldn''t beat him without the two of your mentorship. Thanks Alie. Thanks Iris." Samantha thanked them.


    "Princess Aliathra? The Fallen Princess of Ethuilen?" Faughn asked with a scoffing tone.


    Was this some sort of o.b.s.c.e.n.e means to mock them for their shortcomings or something much more sinister was being in play before them.


    "It all makes sense now. The reason why you fight against us from the beginning Chosen One!" Mita yells out. "It is because of that lowly Vampire and the now demonic Princess Aliathra have enthralled you to their bidding." Mita figures everything out.


    "That means that the Rebels too are under the banner of the Demonic Invasion too! The Gall of these Otherworlders." Faughn fumed.


    "They wish to destroy everything that makes Dwarven Society great." Findrum cursed.


    "I am not a lowly vampire! I am a Cadohagan just to let you know." Iris scolds


    "Chosen One! You are being deceived. That woman is a disgusting Vampire and that Elf is an Evil Demon bent on taking over all of the Realms." The Old Knight called out. "No wonder, you are so powerful Chosen One. Trained by Vampiric and Elven Noble Bloodline to the very epitome of your Arcane might! Yet you use your gift against your own people, against your fellow Heroes, against ALL of Gliesia. May Neneth banish you from her Garden forever along with all wicked Sochairfuil for turning Share-Holder away from us!" he exclaimed his condemnation towards the three women.


    "I do not sense any Demonic Corruption within the Chosen One Marchog Faughn, she must be only enthralled by those two Demons! It may not be too late to save the Chosen One!" Petur advocates.


    "Then we are left with no other choice." Marchog Faughn unsheathed his sword. "Knights! Kill those demons and rescue the Share-Holder. The rest of the Army hold back! Let my men deal with her." He ordered.


    The Knights drew their weapons at the three girls as they charged straight towards Samantha and her friends.


    "I am starting to get real sick of this Bee-Ess." Samantha g.r.o.a.n.e.d over more ''Demonic Accusations'' being sent her way.


    "They will try to surround us. Be careful." Aliathra warned.


    Remembering her training, Samantha recalled of the Imperial Army''s doctrine when it comes to defeating Battlemages. They would first close the distance via deceitful methods upon making their approach. When in range, in order to overwhelm a Battlemage''s defenses, the Soldiers would spread out their forces so that they can mitigate any large-handed spells by the Battlemage before peppering the Mage at all sides with a mix of arrow/bolt fire and magical spells while under the screen of a specialized shield made of Ghyranite that resists Magical Spells. Once surrounded at all sides in a circle-shaped formation fondly called ''the Null Circle formation'' named after, the Soldiers will have to properly wrangle the Mage within the circle kiting the individual and cutting off any avenues of escape. The next step is to throw in special Anti-Mage tools or use rare Anti-Magicks spells to subdue the mage for capture or to be killed.


    The Ethuilen Elves and the Slaegian Empires have specialized units dedicated to such a task and members of the latter were within Faithleann''s Crusade, most of whom were performing peace-keeping duties back near camp to make up the losses inflicted by the Rebel''s chaos rousing. The Chosen One''s entourage included 70 so combined men of Knights and Mages familiar with such a tactic. The rest of the Army sat back by the main battle lines to witness the attack unfold as they were ordered to maintain discipline of their battle lines less, they risk themselves being fired upon in the range of Nirnkarim''s defenses.


    As expected, the Knights led by Marchog Faughn circled around their wings under the cover of their shields whilst men armed with magically enchanted weapons and spells readied to taste blood.


    "Hit the dirt!" Samantha raised her arms up before she slammed her them down to the ground.


    ''Earthen Wall'' as the saying goes in the Spellbooks that Samantha casted, is an Alteration spell that manipulates the ground to form said titular wall. A spell taught by Iris when she wanted to manipulate the landscape of her garden but if pushed to its logical extreme, the spell can be used to create a warrantable barrier in any formation the spellcaster wilfully d.e.s.i.r.es. The spell lasts a brief period of time however unless channeled continuously to maintain the fissure.


    For this spell, Samantha created an even smaller spheroid shaped wall compared to the Imperial''s blocking off direct line of sight and line of fire for the Elite Knights.


    "The wall won''t last long." Aliathra reminded Samantha of Magic''s limits.


    "Wait for it¡­ Wait for it!" Samantha perspired.


    Believing that Samantha knows what she is doing now that their plan has exited the predictable parts of the sequence, Aliathra and Iris braced down as the Lieutenant bestirred her Mana energies. Meanwhile, several of the hostile Imperial Knights began to scale the Earthen Wall she had made earlier. It was just as the Doctrine of the Null Circle dictates on the most opportune time to attack the Mage when she is forced on the defensive and not trying to cast her spells.


    "Take her alive!" Faughn ordered.


    Conjuring a ball of magical energy until it irradiates with lightning sparks wildly, Samantha thrusted the ball up to the air releasing a torrent of magically induced lightning rods to rain smiting thunder unto the ground


    The Lightning Sphere a moderately challenging spell to cast but any intermediate mage could accomplish. The Spell gives a cloudburst of Lightning that thunderously echoes across a radial area of effect. For safety reasons, the spell is mostly used in open spaces rather than closed spaces, but Samantha was willing to take a risk. Taking advantage of the enclosed space of the Earthen Wall, the Lightning Sphere''s cloudburst shattered the surrounding wall, decimating the Imperial Knights, there Battlemages in a storm of sonic thunder, torrid lightning and jagged rock leaving them scattering the disciplined formations. It was only through good reflexes or just dumb luck that about less than half of the initial Elite Force walked out unscathed, Petur, Marchog Faughn and Findrum were among the lucky ones whilst Mita the Crow broke a few bones on her body during the chaos ultimately incapacitating her greatest asset that was her roguish dexterity.


    "It worked!" Samantha huffed; the spell left her fuming for Mana due to its great input needed earlier.


    "Of course, it did." Iris applauded.


    "They are dazed, hit them with all you got!" Samantha tells Aliathra and Iris as the Lieutenant''s hands glowed again with more Magicks.


    "I always wanted to kill some Imperials." Iris smiled wickedly. Those Inquisitors always had an escort of Knights whenever they attempt to hunt her and her fellow Sochairfuil down.


    Drawing her sorcerous bloodline through her Sochairfuil heritage, Iris'' hands mutated to a pair of deadly razor-sharp claws via a spell she had learned from her mutuall shared teaching lessons of watching an entertainment play called ''Fist of the North Star'' called ''Blade Hand''. Fulling giving into her Vampiric thirst for blood, Iris let herself loose against the bewildered Imperial Elites, eviscerating the lesser-skilled and grievously wounding the veterans alike, the Vampire Witch minced her way across the opposition.


    Aliathra channeled the gale winds around her bow and arms, wrapping them ethereally with the spell ''Hurricane Bow'' which allows her to shoot her Elven Arrows at bullet-speeds. and Samantha meanwhile, shot down the enemy skirmishers from range with her Magic Missiles spells. They managed to make a quick work of many of the remaining Knights in the confusion untill eventually, the Imperials regained their composure and regrouped albeit with only half of their legs in combat effectiveness.


    "I will not go down quietly¡­" Mita bares her fangs as she drew her shortsword when Iris the Vampire Witch approached her with her razor-sharp claws. Her leathers were torn revealing parts of her scratched pale skin. She was not much of a face-to-face fighter since her profession requires subterfuge but she had a contract with the Empire and she would be damned if she were to break it this day by cutting and running away.


    She swings the blade towards Iris, but her weakened state made it effortless for the Vampire Witch to dodge the attack and swipe away the sword before kicking Mita back to the ground while getting a slashing wound near left eye for the trouble. The Crow Master coughed dust and blood as she tried to reach for her last salvation, flailing about to find it somewhere on her personal inventory. But Iris managed to subdue her hand by pressing her foot down on her hand while raising her Vampiric Claws to finish her off.


    "End me swiftly Vampire!" Mita goaded Iris, unafraid of moving onto the other side.


    But as Iris raised the Claws upward, she took one last look at the Crow Master before she cuts her down and savor seeing such a tool of her kind''s destruction be brought down to the very dirt that they considered the Sochairfuil to be of worth off. But looking on Mita''s resupine figure, a small speck caught her eye. Beneath the Crow Master''s battletorn clothing she spotted a peculiar emblem engraved on her right shoulder barely hidden from the blood dripping down by its side. Mita''s tattoo was of a snake like figure that Iris was all too familiar but wanted to forget for a long time.


    "Chwaer?" Iris muttered. She couldn''t believe her eyes¡­


    But in the Vampire Witch''s hesitation, Mita took the gods-given opportunity to finally reach back into her pocket and acquire her ''last salvation'', a magical Smoke Bomb enchanted with the Magicks of a Minor Teleportation spell, saved for those situations that the worst case of scenario had happened. She ignited the trigger and slammed the Smoke Bomb to the ground, her form dissipating to an intangible form allowing Mita to escape and fight another day, leaving Iris literally grasping smoke.


    Iris didn''t had time to think about what had just happened after realizing her quarry had fled away from her. In her mind for a moment, she thought she saw a ghost. But now was not the time, they were in a battle and she needs to help her friends. Brushing off the dust from her elegant dress and re-sharpening her claws, Iris moves on with her Blade and Sorcery rampage against the Slaegian Empire''s Knights.


    "I do not want to hurt you Chosen One but I must free you from their trance!" Petur challenged Samantha.


    "Come get some!" the Lieutenant accepted the challenge.


    The Faithful Knight conjures six of his Magical Swords that he is its master of and tilted the pointed ends towards Samantha. Being a Blade Singer, he can in essence summon rods of energies into the shapes of swords or whatever weapon he is comfortable with and have them infused whatever kind of Magical effects required to the tasks at hand with his spells, whether instead of the normal magically imbued slashes that can cut through even the toughest of mundane armors, Blade Singers can also make their projections strike the opponent in far more subtle ways like instead of wounding as in the default case, maiming in order to weaken a target for easy capture as so was his intentions.


    "Dodge this!" Petur shouted as she unleashed his conjured projections towards Samantha.


    The Lieutenant barely had enough time to react with a Ward before she was bombarded by Petur''s weaponized invocations buzzing towards her at super fast speeds. It was like a great weight fell upon her that she was trapped with no way to escape without risking exposure. Samantha knelt down and squirmed as she struggles to keep Petur at bay. If she doesn''t find away out, her energy will deplete and her Ward will collapse making her easy prey for the Natives to capture her alive.


    "Stop resisting!" Petur urged her. "You will run out soon and tire yourself. You cannot block my attacks forever, unless your skin is as hard as steel. Ha!" Petur jovially asserted.


    "Nothing less¡­" Samantha grunted. "Of Steel?" she realized.


    She had almost forgotten one of the features of the Hecate Suit. Its ability to transmute itself. Originally this was meant to allow Samantha to bend magics much more efficiently yet there was still several other areas it could be tested out on. Coyly, Samantha redirected whatever is left of her now slowly expending Mana Energies into one more spell. Slowly her body began to undergo metamorphosis. To explain in abridgingly, a supple, micro-thin layer of highly fluidic, elastic and reactive Actocolite-Titanium microfiber lattice weave formed in a harmonic and wearable matrix just above the surface of the Hecate Suit''s epidermal layer is the foundation built-upon Samantha''s exclusive Self-Transmutation ability. After infusing with a sample size of the Magical Element she wants to transmute herself into, the energies become one with the Hecate Suit''s user. Theoretically as Dr. Mahelona had proposed, If one''s magic were the right elemental formation of energy that matches whether conjured by Samantha or otherwise from an outside source, the Mana Energy''s unique heat, electromagnetic and/or radioactive elements within the matrix serve to dissipate damage from magically energized trauma. A secondary function of the same operation is that Samantha can turn herself into a hard-like walking shell made of carbon-nanofiber tubes that are suspended in a dilatant, or shear-thickening, fluid. When kinetic energy from a physical blow or a weapon discharge strikes the plating, the fluid becomes rigid, mitigating the impact shock courtesy by Aparo Industry''s Experimental Technology Division named ''the Steel-Form''.


    To Petur''s astonishment and horror, he saw the previously suppressed Share-Holder''s body perform ''Self-Transmutation'' within her body. A nigh-suicidally dangerous Spell to cast on oneself as most forms of Alteration normally ends up killing the user rather than transfiguring the intended beneficiary to a more efficient form. The Faithful saw Samantha''s body cover herself in hexagonally-shaped cobalt colored fluid that looked neither solid nor was it liquid, before collapsing her protective ward.


    "Impossible! No mage could ever survive doing a spell such as that!" Petur''s eyes were suspended in disbelief.


    The Knight''s conjurations fell bluntly upon Samantha''s form as she darted, steadfast as an Imperial Fortress Knight, a juggernaut of battlefield valor, towards Petur. Her right fist raising overhead of her conjuring a tremendous amount of Mana siphoned towards her suit.


    The strike brokethrough Petur''s defenses inspite of his reactive attempt to block it with his Scandanite Shield as the shockwave reverberated its sonic echoes across his armored body, tearing his insides asunder incapacitating him as he clutched his ruined abdomen, while throwing up a bile mix of blood and saliva.


    As soon as his shield began to cave into the abuse brought forth by Samantha''s Steel-Form. Petur yielded, knowing that he lacks the strength to best her.


    "I must fall back Share-Holder, don''t think you have bested Petur ''the Faithful'' Reikdorf just yet." The Knight said before he, clutching his wounds disappeared back to the oncoming wave of Imperial Knights.


    Seeing as she is in the clear, Samantha deactivated her Suit''s Transmutation ability as she was rejoined by her two companions.


    "Are you okay?" Aliathra asked. Her eyes grew of worry as she saw earlier the Lieutenant struggling to overcome the Blade Singer''s attacks that she had to fight her way back to her friend to aid her but it had appeared she managed to triumph over after all.


    "Ahh¡­ just starting to sweat Alie." Samantha wiped off the perspiration from her brow in relief, but as she tried to stand, her feet began to wobble complemented by a pained wince from the Lieutenant. A minor bruise could be sensed by Aliathra''s Healing Sense by Sam''s right hand that the Elven Cleric easily healed.


    "Warning: Primary Mana Energies have been depleted." ISAC reported.


    "Damn, that was pretty quick." Samantha shook her hand in disappointment to her suit already tiring out. "Good thing I brought a back-up from the back after that ''bath'' before I went to work." The Lieutenant smiled as she picked up lone handful-sized crystal of Unbinillium on her pocket and placed it on her hand. The Hecate Suit''s sensors instantaneously absorbed greedily the Mana Energies that crystal could bestow.


    "Primary Mana Energies restored to Fifteen Percent." ISAC adjusted for the additional power.


    "Much better." The Share-Holder Smiled. "So did I do well on my Magicks Alie?" Samantha asked.


    "You have bested a Blade Singer which is no trivial feat. Of course, you have done well." The Elf gave her congratulations.


    "Awesome." The Lieutenant pumped her fist triumphantly. "Consider today my ''Final Exam''; ''Teacher''." She chuckled.


    "No time for frivolities everyone! Among our enemy is a Monster Hunter!" Iris pointed to a wild-haired Dwarf who unlike the armored Knights wore a flexible leather armor adorned with pockets, trinkets and most glaring that betray his dangerously venerated profession of a Monster Hunter, a glowing red amulet that beated to the harmonic rhythms of Magic that is found in all Monsterdom, Iris'' own Vampires included.


    "He is mine!" The Vampire Witch, now rapturously drunk with the blood of slain Knights, exclaims before charging towards a particularly wild-haired Dwarven Monster Hunter wielding a Great-Axe with his thick callous hands.


    "Die Vampire!" Findrum raised his axe in a war cry as the Monster Hunter charges towards Iris.


    "Ah! The Blood so¡­ EXHILARATING!" a frenzied Iris laughed ecstatically. The Bloodl.u.s.t infamous to all Vampires intoxicating her mind.


    She let loose her claws towards Findrum, imbuing them further with her magicks as she unleashed in tandem with her melee attacks a barrage of Magical Missiles at the Dwarf. Being a Veteran Monster Slayer with several Vampires under his belt, Findrum instinctively activated the special necklace he always wears on his person that allows him to cast a Shield that blocks most Magic Attacks whilst parrying Iris'' claws with his axe. Iris, thinking quickly, recalls her knowledge of Metallurgy and Enchantments and recalled a spell that she had known upon understanding the concept from Dr. Mahelona when in regards to her skills of Enchanting weapons and articles of clothing for everyday or combative use.


    Grabbing the long pole handle of the bearded axe, Iris infused her Magicks unto the axe, causing the blade to quickly rust, deteriorating the sharp blade into dullness incapable of cutting freshly churned butter.


    "Impressive, for an Enchanter such as yourself. It is a shame you use your talents for evil instead, not that you being a Vampire makes you any better." The Dwarf belittled her.


    "You know of me Monster Hunter?" Iris asked Findrum.


    "I know of you Iris Cadohagan! The fabled ''Witch of the Verden Forest''. Mita told me everything she knows of you after her close encounter at Tyr Rian." Findrum accused her. "I am going to hang your head atop of Kur Faldhur when I am done with you!" Findrum bullied.


    The Dwarven Monster Hunter drew from his pockets twin Actocolite hand-axes that he keeps as a backup and readied himself to continue the next phase of their fight.


    "Come and take it." Iris gutsily accepted his challenge.


    Findrum roared once again as he swung his axe ferociously at the Vampire Witch, his bearded axe much heavier on the focus of its weight compared to the nimbler of Iris'' Vampire Claws. However, Findrum was the much more experienced close-quarters fighter thanks to his many years of Monster Hunting compared to Iris who only uses her Vampire Claws as a last resort when cornered and she had only used these Claws in about two other occasions and that is against intruders at her old home in the Verden Valley Forest. The superior brute force of Findrum''s axe soon whittled down Iris'' defenses.


    "Iris!" Aliathra shouted.


    She rushed towards the Vampire Witch and reached into her quiver to shoot out an Arrow towards Findrum, hitting him at the right side of his torso causing the Dwarven Monster Hunter to lose his battle rhythm. Taking the opportunity, Iris thrusted her claws towards the weakpoint that is the Monster Hunter''s left shoulder and manage to slice in between Findrum''s tr.a.p.ezius and deltoid muscles causing him to drop his axes as he winced over the Vampire''s cunning strike. As Iris was about to dig her claws further to finish the Dwarf off, a sword blocked her claws way just an inch short of Findrum''s heart.


    "No Demon''s shall prevail while I still live!" Marchog Faughn rallied. "Findrum, take Mita and the Boy out of here! I will hold them off before catching up." The Knight said.


    "Aye...ah!" Findrum nodded before he retreated, barely holding his wounds to prevent bleed out as he flees for a Cleric. He had taken much worse cheap shots throughout his career yet even then; his august age made all the pain seem to tear him more than the scars he had collected through the years. But nothing a visit to a Cleric sitting back in the lines could mend.


    Aliathra attempted to loosen another arrow from her bow but a few near misses of bolts from several surviving Imperial Knights forced her to redirect her attention on the enemy skirmishers.


    "How dare you brainwash the Share-Holder to do your bidding Vampire! Is it for revenge once again for what we did to your people?" Marchog Faughn interrogated Iris as their blades locked in mortal combat.


    "She is not one of YOUR people Knight! She isn''t from here! She is one of the Otherworlders!" Iris responded.


    "Otherworlder? The Share-Holder is an Otherworlder?" Faughn questioned the Vampire Witch, not believing a word that this Sochairfuil, who''s people are infamous of having the motifs of conniving snakes tell of her.


    "You are lying! The Sacred Crystal Heart can never do such an Imposs---" Faughn repudiated the Vampire''s words but his words were cut short when he felt a sharp pain pierce his c.h.e.s.t.


    But in his train of thoughts, Gratianus'' left him a split second of weakness that Iris handily slashed her claws with an overarching swing from his upper right, cutting through his armor and instantly devitalizing the Old Knight''s form. Faughn choked on his own blood as his upper body slid down to the Ostalrocii earth like machine sliced cuts of Ham before Iris Cadohagan helped herself to the fountain of blood spurting out of his frozen body in a brazen display of Vampiric Brutality in front of his fellow Knights who are his junior.


    "Meistr!" Petur who had just fallen back a good distance away saw his old mentor taking the fatal blow.


    Even Faithleann, now awakening from the discombobulating attack of Samantha earlier took his eyes on the Vampire Witch, the Corrupted Elven Princess, and the enthralled Share-Holder Chosen One strike down the General of the Coalition Army to pieces. Even the Coalition''s regular forces were absolutely shocked that they had made mincemeat of some of their best soldiers in only a few minutes. Instead of fear, they only gathered anger over the sight of this embarrassing display. They would not be humbled by these three women.


    "No!" Faithleann reached out his hands in despair as he saw Marchog Faughn get torn apart by Iris like a wave eroding sand.


    His head decapitated clean off and his armor torn to ribbons by the Vampire, Share-Holders and Corrupted Princess'' brutal ravishment of his old body.


    He pushed the Clerics who were healing him away and looked towards the three girls and sneered his teeth.


    "I curse your names forever in my heart, Demon Sc.u.m!" Faithleann yelled at them. "Soldiers! Charge into Nirnkarim! Burn that corrupted City to the ground! Cut everything where they stand! KILL EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM!" he roared.


    The Human-Dwarven Coalition forces followed the Chosen-One without hesitation, knowing that if they do not stop the rebellion here, there homes will be next on the warpath against the Demon Tide. They unsheathed their weapons and blew their battle horns as they charged screaming with all of their fury towards the three female Mages.


    "They took the bait! Reel''em in kid!" Crocker radioed.


    "You gotcha." Samantha confirmed.


    "Cover Fire! Cover Fire! Cover Fire!" Crocker yelled the UFE and Dwarven Defenders


    "This is where the fun begins." One of the Silverback PMC''s smiled as he readied his Assault Rifle.


    "Activating Turret!" Kayin exclaimed as he flipped a switch on his smartpad that activated a duo of automated Sentry Guns that he had set up to multiply the firing force of the Hlavlor Gate''s walls.


    A new wall was erected, a wall of bullets from fully automatic rifle fire from the Otherworlder''s lay down suppressing fire down upon the Coalition Army as they made their charge towards the now lay open gates of Nirnkarim. Samantha, using the spell of Expeditious Retreat dashed back to the safety of Nirnkarim''s walls as a tidal of wave of warm bodies flooded the Dwarven Hold. The Native Medieval Fantasy soldiers were frightened by the gun fire but they steeled their courage and continue to charge toward Nirnkarim''s Open Gate in pursuit of the Lieutenant.


    "Raise shields!" a Legionnaire Sergeant ordered his men whom the disciplined troops obeyed in fruition.


    "Get the buggahs!" a Dwarf Bondsman roared his war cry.


    "They really want me!" Samantha made light of the moment.


    "Yeah, no time to take selfies and awttiee--graf''s sunshine, get back here!" Crocker commented from the radio.


    He turned to Corporal Clay and their Dwarven Allies who looked on to the incoming flooding before him with a sense of fear upon their feet as who wouldn''t be when such an army is so vast and so determined to crush every last one of them.


    The Sergeant pulled Clay closer to him and sternly looked him at the eyes.


    "Is she ready?" Crocker asked him.


    "Y-yes! Captain Kaprelian is ready." The Radioman nodded.


    "Laze the target!" Crocker ordered before he radioed in Samantha. "El-tee! El-tee! Danger Close!"


    "Aye!" Samantha affirmed.


    "Expeditious Retreat!" Aliathra declared as the three girls casted the spell and began to hastily dash back to the safety of Nirnkarim''s walls whilst the rest of the UFE covered their withdrawal.


    As the Soldiers desperately rushed across the Horizon, Kayin pulls out a small device from his pocket. At first the Dwarves gave a dismissive pass at him over seeing such a humble little pen sized item but little did he know that this item, a Laser Designator could summon Dragons.


    "This is Pegasus 3-5, my A-25 Dragoon with Strike Package Bronco approaching targeted area. Making my pass." Captain Kaprelian declares on her radio.


    "Bring the rain." Clay called forth.


    "Brace everyone! This is going to get loud!" Crocker ordered. "El-tee danger close!"


    The UFE Close Support Aircraft, cladded in Draconic heraldry with its drum-shaped wings beating like wings across Nirnkarim''s skylines that several of the Coalition soldiers looked up towards the sky. Its span was no larger than your average Griffon yet uncannily its wings cannot flap yet somehow managed to fly faster than the swiftest of Eagles. Its head descended towards the encroaching army as the soldiers realized too late that they are caught at the Dragon''s Killzone.


    Samantha redoubled her sprint as the safety of the Gates was just in her reach that she, Iris, and Aliathra dove down behind the walls at the skin of their teeth just as the A-25 made its pass.


    "Firing!" Kaprellian radioes.


    BBBRRRRTTTT!!!


    A great dispersion of fire, smoke, and sparks brought ruin outside of Nirnkarim''s gates. Men, Dwarves and Cavalry alike stood no chance against the bombs and heavy machine gun fire brought forth by Captain Kaprelian''s Air Support.


    "A Dragon Whisperer is by our side! Praise be Thidar!" a Dwarven Rebel cheered, pointing out to Clay''s Radio Set since his archaic mindset see''s that whenever the Radioman wielded his ''wand'' he could command the ''Dragon'' to bring down scorching fire down at their enemies below the walls.


    "They have a Dragon at their stead?" an Imperial Footman despaired. "We cannot fight like this!" he turned tail and began to retreat causing a chain reaction amongst his surviving compatriots to fold with him.


    "Such power!" Petur shuddered at the devastation. The ''Dragon'' that the Demonic Forces could summon annihilated half of their army in one move.


    He stared in horror at his fleeing men and their broken bodied casualties as he see''s the flying beast above them turn around pointing its nose menacingly at them as if readying another infernal imbuement of its destructive breath that which results only in ashen craters and charred remains of what was once the Empire''s Finest.


    "Call¡­ the Retreat!" he reluctantly ordered the Army as he blared the horn that signals to the surviving Coalition Army that the battle is lost and they must fall back to lick their wounds. It was very rare to see such a site of the Slaegian Army, finest in all of Ysanigrad must pull back in shameful defeat for its bitter taste was ever the sourer as the value of Victory after such a lengthy record of triumph after triumph became less taken for granted. They had underestimated their enemy and now they have been humbled, yet some of the men refused to give up.


    "What? No! We can still fight that monster! Let me back in! We can''t let them get away killing Marchog Fau---Ahh!!" Faithleann defiantly attempted to stand up from his stretcher but the injuries he had sustained from battle locked him in place.


    "We can still win this! I know we can." Vengeful Legionnaire supported the Chosen One.


    "We just need to have our Sting-Eyes shoot that Dragon down." A Dwarven Bondsman seconded.


    "I am sorry but there is nothing more we can do here today but retreat, we need to revise our strategies." Petur stared at Faithleann''s grief-stricken eyes whilst holding the hot-headed boy back. "The Old Man sacrificed his life for all of us, we must not let his sacrifice be in vain. We must retreat back to Kur Faldhur at once." He reasoned.


    Faithleann begrudgingly conceded whole-heartedly for the first time in his adventurous quest. The Army simply cannot take these casualties without any kind of gain. He swore to himself that the next time he meets this Share-Holder, he will avenge his master and all of those who have died in the botched battle of Nirnkarim.


    Meanwhile above the skies, the A-25 Dragoon looked on to the enemies pulling back their forces in the area.


    "Opfor is tailing it. I repeat Opfor is falling back. They are in full retreat!" The Pilot reported her sightings on the radio.


    "Checkmate!" Clay cheered. "Hey! We won! The day is ours!" Clay relayed the great news to everyone in the city.


    "Nirnkarim is free!" Lutheor skipped merrily.


    "We did it everyone! The Plan worked!" Samantha raised her fist and cheered.


    "I can''t believe your insane plan brought down the mighty Legions of the Empire. Those ''moo-vees'' and ''A-nee-may'' had taught you well Samantha." Aliathra congratulated.


    "Oh, I do hope to learn more from them dearie. Say, how about we examine that tablet of yours again for more." Iris added.


    "Yeah¡­ we¡­can¡­ give me a moment first¡­" Samantha smiled, her spirit was willing yet her body, weighed heavily by the exertion of the day forced her to retire her weary self onto the stony street. She was promptly carried off by the help of the Elf and Vampire who took her back to the Hold''s Courthouse.


    "Three cheers for the Lieutenant! The Share-Holder Chosen One! The Hero of Nirnkarim!" one of the freed Dwarven Slaves thanked their savior.


    Jubilation was heard in Nirnkarim''s streets that day as men, women, children, old, young, free, slave, Goblin, Dwarf, Centaur and Human celebrated their triumph against Tyranny. Eating, Drinking, Singing and Dancing was the warmth everyone felt that day as they played the night away.


    While on the way, many people honored the brave Otherworldly heroes with gifts and praises. Corporal Clay was fondly revered much to his aggravation ''Dragon Whisperer'' where he was showered with Gifts and even the offers of companionship of several of the women. Speaking of Women, Iris spirited off Kayin away somewhere private for a few intimate moments whilst Crocker after having a jolly round of Dwarven Ale had a few steamy moments with an equally tipsy Kimora. Diaz helped Aliathra and Obediah care for the wounded hostages feeding them salvation by Neneth''s Holy Words whilst Lutheor Mirrien began to discuss a few optimistic words in private of the plans for the future of the rebellion moving forward from today while sharing a meal and a round of ale together.


    As for the Lieutenant, when the words had spread throughout the celebrants of her status as a Chosen One, the Share-Holder they began to speculate. They know that these warriors were not of their world and the one named Samantha Rose was given the fabled Chosen One Brand of the ''Share-Holder''. Was she given the Brand to be able to wield Magicks like other Mages? Mages weren''t so fondly received well among the Terrace Dwarves to their turbulent history yet now lo and behold Samantha today became the exemption. They wanted to ask more questions about her Branding yet the Otherworlder guards who were stationed at the Courthouse where the Lieutenant retired for the day politely shooed them away.


    As for Faithleann the Bane Chosen One, he was as every vile as his poisonous sounding name and it was only through Samantha''s Actions that they were able to see their kin be safe under the haven of the Rebels. Again, they questioned why was he and the Lieutenant fighting amongst each other when often in the old stories, when multiple Chosen Ones were gathered, they had worked harmoniously together.


    One thing is for sure among all of those rumors:


    Lieutenant Samantha Rose, Chosen One of the brands Rhannu-Prietar, the Share-Holder now walks this earth for a grand design unknown to all players within the destiny of this world and they had just saw the first pages of the Saga be told before them and now they feel a compelling wind to tell forth of this news throughout all of Gliesia. For they had won not another day to survive, but namely, control of their future.


    Some wondered, after what had transpired earlier that day behind a veil of thanksgiving prayer, had the Slaegian Empire''s Legions and their Hold Dwarven Bondsmen, once thought to be invincible fell before the might of the Otherworlders. Was this all a sign of the God''s disfavor against the Empire and the Dwarven Moguls? There was always a belief that there were only two kinds of people in the Feudal Society of Gliesia, Those Born to Rule and everyone else. It was the old Divine Right of way as said by the fabled bloodlines that once protected the world from the clutches of Alboen''s Reign of Terror. That those lesser than the Nobility are destined as the Will of the Gods to toil and sweat in wretched conditions forever until the day they die and see their children do it again. Many tried to rebel but none had succeeded¡­ until now.


    Will these strange Otherworlder''s known as the ''You-Eff-eee'' change everything?


    -------------------------------


    The scene at Kur Faldhur was at a tumultuous plight. The news of the humiliating defeat at Nirnkarim symbolizes the worst thing the Geomancer Mogul Dynasties of the Ostalrocs feared, rebellion. News of the Terrace Dwarves taking up open defiance against their Mogul Overlords has cause the profitable Mining Industry and other economic sectors vital for basic civilization to a screeching halt as the casualties suffered had cost the Mogul''s Army to kneecap to a state where could barely manage to repress such dissent. His position within the circles of the Noble Hold Dwarves had also been weakened as several of their children were also killed in the battle of Nirnkarim leaving them orphaned or heirless. Hold''s Consumer-heavy lifestyle of opulent decadence had reverberated unthinkable changes to the city as many people became desperate to either rectify their conditions or maintain the centuries-old status quo.


    For their safety, Faithleann''s Crusade stayed within the Slaegian Empire''s diplomatic compound within the political heart of Kur Faldhur, near Mogul Dolmond''s private residence where the Human survivors of the ill-fated Battle of Nirnkarim licked their wounds whilst they sulk upon the broken illusion of ''Slaegian Invincibility''.


    "I cannot believe this. The Share-Holder, working with the Invaders and Ser Faughn killed by a Vampire working with the Invaders! This has all gone for the worst." Olayra cupped her reddened face as she despondently absorbs the horrible news from the survivors.


    "I am afraid we know nothing of how to break the Enthrallment Spell the Share-Holder suffers under the hands of that Vampire and that Demon¡­ we need to let the Emperor and the Grandmaster know of this¡­AAH!" Petur tried to rise up from his stretcher but his injured bones crippled his rise locking him in place.


    "You must rest Petur. If you had stayed fighting against the Share-Holder any longer then your rib cage would have pierced one of your lungs or heart and you would have surely died." Karliah addressed him.


    "We need to find a way to take down these Demons and crush this Rebellion that they had caused before my country becomes like Souviel all over again." Findrum warned.


    "Right I shall cast a Tweeter Bird Message of the news. Where has anyone seen our Chosen One Faithleann? He is our best fighter, minding not his character." Karliah nodded.


    "If I recalled, he was personally summoned to Mogul Dolmond''s audience at his Manse next door." Petur answered. "He was very upset however I warn you Karliah. Losing to the Share-Holder and losing Faughn has taken its toll on him, me included. I never seen anyone so upset before." He added.


    "Then I must take my leave." Karliah bowed. "Clerics take care of our soldiers here for now." She ordered.


    Karliah dashed pass the streets, passing through checkpoints and riotous crowds of the Dwarven Hold''s marble streets until she reaches Mogul Dolmond''s Manse. After confirming her identity as part of Faithleann''s personal circle, she walked inside the opulent residence front door and made herself inside Mogul Dolmond''s private Courtroom.


    "What do you mean you ''cannot spare more''?!?" Faithleann''s voice echoed. His exclamation echoing the hollow hall of the Courtroom.


    "I have lost over half of my Men and those who I can effectively levy from the other Hold''s Chosen One. I cannot risk sending more reinforcements for your idiotic plan! Besieging another Hold is difficult even if its Nirnkarim. Mobilizing troops takes time and the Rebels keep harassing us to no end. Many of my advisors are now saying I should make compromise with the Mining Guilds before it is too late." Mogul Dolmond explained himself.


    "Demons! They are not Rebels! Demons! Like him! Why is he here? He could be waiting to strike you down this moment!" Faithleann pointed to the Kur Faldhur Mining Guild Leader who was also present in the room.


    "Child, what is this ''Demon'' patois you speak of?" Dolmond ask of Faithleann''s insistent terminology that he speaks about the Rebellion.


    "My men had just witnessed the leaders of the Rebellion to be of the Demons of Old once again!" he shared his slander to the Courtroom causing many of the attendants to gasp in shock at the accusation.


    "Order! Order in the Court!" Dolmond hammered his Gavel, silencing the crowd.


    "What is this babble? This Revolt is about what we had always wanted for us Miners. Better Conditions and Better Pay! I know nothing about these Demons? You speak of. All I ask oh Great Mogul is to halt the Vlokon Tira of our Families once and for all." The Guild Leader said.


    "You know I cannot lose a deal with the Empire you know? I am no Oathbreaker." Dolmond leaned over the Terrace Dwarf with a powerful glare.


    "Then it is my greatest delight that if you permit me to show it to you, something that can help our situation. May we take your court temporarily outside, to the Grand Mine my associate''s invention?" the Guild Leader said.


    "Hmm¡­ Permission Granted!" Mogul Dolmond allowed him.


    The court promptly rose up to their feet and followed the Mining Guild Leader to the Grand Mine, the source of Kur Faldhur''s fabulous wealth which is a few kilometers march from the Manse. Upon their arrival. They can see many Terrace Dwarves hard at work stripping every possible vein the Geomancers, mostly Mogul Dolmond''s relatives could unveil from the rocky earth below. The Grand Mine is the largest Mine in all of the Ostalrocs with a prosperous mining vein of almost every valuable mineral worth its weights in gold in Gliesia in this continent. It employs the use of Geomancers to carve new pathways and veins whilst the normal-handed Terrace Dwarven Miners, supported by a blacksmith which is the Tinkerer''s Guild''s presence in the Hold providing forges for refining ores into ingots, forging mining pick axes and building support walls. The Guild was also had a talented albeit controversial batch of Terrace Dwarven Engineers who are known to create several controversial items that causes them conflict with the Geomancers. It had recently been suffering work related injuries and casualties ever since the enactment of the Vlokon Tira which forced more people, specifically families of Dwarven Miners to toil within the mine.


    "Follow me over there. My associate is preparing our demonstration for you." The Guild Leader pointed.


    There was also a second crowd of spectators who surrounded a clearing of the mine.


    "A demonstration? Of what?" Faithleann asked him.


    "¡­ Of The Future!" the Guild Leader cheerfully replied.


    Mogul Dolmond''s Ever-Beard bodyguards pushed aside so that he may see the curiosity. There he saw a curious contraption made of bits of refurbished Mining Tools and several custom-made iron parts. It had a mounted harness atop of several levers that acted as a sort of control seat for an operator to sit upon. There was also a burning furnace at the control seat''s back that permeated smoked wood and dung that made several of the onlooker''s gag on its choking fumes. As for the contraption''s means of transportation, there was a belt of finely toughened leather with bits of hardened iron to act as treads, leaving straight slithering trail with ridged footings behind its path. Meanwhile an oil-polluted yet hardworking Dwarf with circular goggles applied lubricant oil towards its jagged conical head of sorts, his dress giving him an aura of Technical know-how unlike how most Mages would wear their immaculate apparel to show their lofty statuses.


    "You thomaniki again! I hope you do not waste me and my court''s time again. I do not wish to see what had happened last time if you remembered how one of your¡­ inventions had done." Dolmond grumbled. He recognized that particular Dwarf.


    The man was persistent despite his repeated failures.


    "Ahh Mogul you are here to see again the fruits of the Tinkerer''s Guild''s progress." The Technician Dwarf greeted.


    "I remember this¡­ a ''Steam Drill'' as you call it?" Dolmond tickled his beard.


    "Indeed, after several setbacks I have believed that I have managed to successfully build my pride and second child." The Tinkerer chuckled before gulping his voice back to a demonstrative tone. "This is my Steam Drill, Vrorar oz Kvannr." The Tinkerer smiled as he climbed atop his artificial horse and began to work the lever sticks of his contraption.


    "What does it do?" Karliah asked. Her curiousity piqued by the Dwarf''s invention.


    "I am glad you asked Monleg. My Steam Drill allows me to dig and mine through the Earth with the strength of a hundred Miners." He boasted.


    The crowd was astonished whilst Mogul Dolmond and his Geomancer kin looked at them with a silent stare.


    "A hundred miners?" Faithleann''s heart skipped a beat.


    "Yes, my Drill can dig through the Earth faster of what I dare say can compare strengths of." The Tinkerer said.


    "That is wonderful!" Karliah smiled. "Who of the Geomancers helped you build this device?" she asked.


    "Geomancers? Oh no, this is made from my own blood, sweat and tears. It had to go through several¡­ re-imaginings through several decades but I managed to perfect my calculations." The Tinkerer said.


    "So how does it work?" Karliah asked.


    "I use this small black rock we used mostly for cooking called Coal wrapped in goat dung as it burns longer than wood to fuel my Drill as it digs through the Earth. It requires no magical spells or materials of any kind as I pride myself on creating this machine from being able to run on whatever anyone can get their b.a.r.e hands on." The Tinkerer bowed.


    The Onlookers of the demonstration of the strange device aroused them greatly with buoyant oogles and hopeful excitement.


    "That is incredible! Mogul Dolmond let us use this." Faithleann turned to the Dwarven Leader.


    The Two Adventurers were more than elated just as the Miners were too. The answers to their problems laid before them like a shining bride on its wedding day. With this ''Steam Drill'' not requiring magic but able to multiply the work of a hundred Miners would alleviate their Mineral problem. But Mogul, Dolmond''s fists crumpled. Seeing the machine and its promising future was an insult to him. With no need of Geomancers, his power would deflate in value as these upstarting entrepreneurs of this new invention were to be allowed to harness their inventions power.


    "No." Dolmond answered softly. "Guards! Arrest the Guild Leaders! E-e-execute them! Destroy t-this¡­ this¡­ THING!" the Mogul shouted.


    "Milord! Are you insane!?" the Tinkerer pleaded.


    "Please milord, many families would be grateful if this machine were to sweat in their stead! Please consider." The Mining Guild Leader begged.


    "I should have known you would try to go after me one day." Dolmond''s grim frown chilled the hearts of the two Dwarves.


    "You are trying to usurp me and my Dynasty? Was that why you were all so adamant to make your invention work?" Dolmond accused them. "When will you Terrace Dwarves learn your place that us Mages are above you as so divinely gifted by the Gods?"


    "By Cipag! Never! We were only trying to contribute to our Hold''s continued prosperity." The Mining Guild Leader said.


    "How can there be Prosperity if the people, us Terrace Dwarves sweat for meager takings? I built this Steam Drill so that my family can be spared from a cynical future mining rocks forever." the Tinkerer appealed.


    "Lies! All of you!" Mogul Dolmond deafened his ears to their pleas. "Thomaniki! You are all crazy all of you. Your ''pure craftsmanship'' can never match the Arcane greatness of Geomancy." Dolmond scoffed.


    "I never intend to usurp you milord! Reconsider now!" the Mining Guild Leader defended himself.


    "Machines break just like the last time your Drill killed my eldest when he tried to test out your drill last time. Magic does not break unlike your contraption." the Mogul rationalizes. "Now you dare to insult his memory by taking away the one thing he dreamed to do when he become Mogul by replacing Geomancers with your Machine!? This is blasphemy to the highest degree! I wish to have you no longer stain my eyes with your prescence no more!" he screamed.


    "I assure you my calculations can only be refined after every failure milord. Please, give me one more chance to please you." The Tinkerer cried.


    "No, you dared attempt to Outshine me and my family''s jewels with your disgusting invention. I should have known, you would try to usurp my seat on the High Table. I have tolerated you and your Guild''s troublesome existence for too long. From this moment forward all Mining Guild and Tinkerer''s Guild leaders shall be rounded up and executed."


    The two Dwarves'' heads were placed atop twin stone building block used as an improvised execution block as the Dwarven Guards sharpened their axes with a menacing grind. Meanwhile, another group of Ever-Beards grabbed their Warhammers and began to batter the Steam Drill to pieces with their mighty swings. The surrounding crowds of onlooking Miners began to riot around Dolmond''s prescence as the Ever-Beards divided themselves with one group forming protective formation around him as another group pacified the rioters with the pommel strikes of their weapons.


    "Mogul Dolmond! From all I am seeing during my visit to your realm, your Geomancers, your Kin, are treating their workers like Slaves! I, by the authority given to me by Grandmaster Owynne that you seize your actions at once!" Karliah intervenes.


    Yet her cries fell again on stubborn ears.


    "And now for a taste of things to come Kaznok, Ever-Beards!"


    With a flick of his finger, the Guards, in two feel swoops beheaded these upstart Dwarves leaving a bewildered Faithleann and a shrieking Karliah as they saw the Dwarven heads roll, their faces frozen with the same emotion that they were.


    "You idiot! Now how can we get the Minerals we need now?" Faithleann growled towards Dolmond.


    "With the Aid of my Geomancers of course!" Dolmond defended his actions. "All we need to do is increase working hours tenfold and we should be able to fulfill our contract."


    "They are too slow! I am going out there and digging the ingots myself!" the Chosen One growled before storming off.


    If the Mogul can''t help him because of his intransigence then as Faithleann concluded he simply cannot rely on him no longer. To become the Bane of Demons, the best course of action is to do the task of mining the Actocolite, Ghyranite and Scandanite ores himself.


    "You lot!" Dolmond pointed to three Geomancers and seven of his Ever-Beard Guards. "Help him dig what he needs out! You! Get every one of these Terrace Dwarves back to work! We needed those Minerals yesterday!" he rapidly ordered the Mine''s overseers.


    The men nodded enacted the Mogul''s words down the letter. Some followed the Chosen One into the mine, others conjured a ''Lashing Whip'' from their hands to whisk the rioting workers back to work who were now beginning to throw rocks at the Geomancers and Guards to display their disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e only to be struck down by the Ever-Beards repeatedly.


    "Your killing us all!" one of the miners raised a rebellious fist upwards to the air.


    His holler followed by his fellow Terrace Dwarves who in solidarity with him, the executed Guild Leader and Engineer shouted with one voice that echoed the underground Hold''s hollow halls. A cry for justice that was loud enough to wake their ancestors who were buried beneath the Ostalrocci Earth that made the very mountain''s tremble.


    "The College of Magi and the Emperor will here of your impudence!" Karliah called the Dolmond out.


    "Do not trouble yourself for that. You are dismissed!?? the Mogul indifferently expelled the distraught Mage away from his presence.


    Karliah jostled her way out of the Rioting crowds for her safety as the Mogul''s men rushed him away leaving the College Mage to fend alone. Yet, she simply couldn''t leave the boy Faithleann in such a tumultuous place like this. She could feel her instincts tell her that this Riot will only escalate further and that the Chosen One was in grave danger. Despite her reserved contempt for the him, he was still only just a young boy beneath all of his bravado and power. Climbing up a pile of discard rocks, Karliah scoured the chaotic scene in search for Faithleann and founded him, plus the escort of Dwarven Warriors and Geomancers making there way towards the mine.


    "Where can I find more of what is rightfully mine?" Faithleann asked one of the Geomancers.


    "There is a vein nearby that is said to be rich with Actocolite." The Geomancer answered.


    "Actocolite, that is the mineral used to make the best weapons am I right?" he asked.


    "The finest for only a Chosen One such as yourself." The Geomancer bowed.


    The group further journeyed underground making pass groups of miners who were oblivious to the rioting above them. Karliah sees to her horror the true extent of the draconic Vlokon Tira edict with her own two eyes. She saw workers, not fit and burly Dwarven Men but women and children working mechanically without rest at the Grand Mine''s veins chained gang together with heavy ball weights to prevent escape. When one of them became dead or useless, their corpses would be thrown to a rotting pile at the center of the room as a grim reminder of their fate if their bodies would fail them whilst inside, to be disposed of like rubbish scraps in the pursuit of the Hold''s profits giving a grim ambiance of hopelessness to the workers slaving away under the Dolomond''s stead. Even the atmosphere was intoxicatingly stygian with the only sources of light being the sparingly expanded out oil lamps whose illumination radius barely lights three meters of ground that even New Moon nights were brighter than what Karliah witnessed. It was also starting to get very steamy inside the Mine as several air pockets were bursting out causing heat to arise around the closed space of the mine which was answered rather begrudgingly by the Hold Dwarves to prevent worker attrition by installing large blocks of ice that marginally improved working conditions.


    When the overworked miners saw Faithleann and the Ever-Beard Guards walking pass them, several of them approached them like a swarm of beggars attracted like moths to the flame that is a well-dressed and financially secured man passing by a drudgery corner of the city.


    "Voth goth ekk lje bjuttagur! Voth cho''ponlarii, teruvchilgarii oz dehqonlarii!" one of the malnourished Miners grabbed Faithleann and wailed before he was swiftly cut down by one of the Ever-Beards.


    "Mot Karnr! Mot Karnr!" a woman begged but she was pummeled relentlessly by a Geomancer''s staff who was more annoyed by her pestering than anything else before pushing her and her children away from their path.


    Karliah knew, he didn''t expect Faithleann to understand the Dwarven tongue but she does. They were crying out that they were prisoners in this Mine and that they do not belong there for they were all mostly before being taken in by the Mogul''s men soft-bodied shepherds, tanners and farmers.


    "Work sets you free!" one of the Geomancer Overseers cracked her whip at the miners.


    "The Actocolite Vein is right here!" the Geomancer pointed towards a cobalt wall that shone with a brilliant crystalline reflection.


    Faithleann knew he now see''s his prize before him that he did not care the boiling heat that permeated the air so thoroughly, much more than any other corner of the Mine he had travelled to.


    But as he tried to approach the mineral vein a Miner stopped him.


    "Halt Ser! This vein is being condemned!" the Miner said.


    "Condemned? Why!?" Faithleann exclaimed.


    "We cannot begin excavation until we properly survey what is below here." He said.


    "Out of my way Dwarf, the Guards told me this is the best vein of Actocolite discovered." Faithleann bared his teeth.


    "They know nothing of mining I am afraid. Please step back and allow my--- GAACK!" the Miner Dwarf tried to usher him away only for Faithleann to forcefully uppercut the Dwarf knocking him away.


    "Nobody must stand in the way of my quest for Gliesia''s salvation!" Faithleann huffed.


    Using his magicks, the Chosen One picked off a fragment of Actocolite off of the vein. It was large enough that he can easily forge an Actocolite Sword out of it whilst small enough he can promptly pocket the ore at his pocket for safekeeping.


    "See? I told you its perfectly safe." He smiled before he amplified his magicks to further cut the vein down for the rest of his Army with one mighty blow from his hands, Faithleann sliced a large piece of Actocolite off of the wall.


    But as he did, the very Earth began to shake causing everyone to recoil and stumble upon the shock.


    "What happened?" Faithleann questioned.


    "You idiot! You struck a¡ª" the Dwarf Miner who had stopped him previously reprimanded him but before he could explain the Chosen One''s transgressions the wall behind him detonated as rock and a yellow-orange slime leaped out of the blast crater drowning the room.


    Several of the slower footed Miners, when they made contact with the orange ooze were immediately immolated, their screams haunting Faithleann as he drew his sword as he stared at horror of what he had just unwittingly unleashed.


    "It''s some--- sort of --- Slime Monster who can spit out fire!" he said as he attempts to slash the monster down with his sword only for it to melt off of its hilt upon contact.


    Karliah dashed towards the boy and grabbed his hands. Despite not truly understanding what had just happened, her instincts tell her that this endeavor cost far too much than it is worth when Faithleann brought forth this voracious creature.


    "That is not Slime chosen one!" Karliah upbraided.


    "Then what is this monster?" Faithleann asked.


    "Chosen One you cannot fight this ''Monster'' we need to leave now!" the Mage said.


    "But the Actocolite!" Faithleann stubbornly answered but when he turned to the large Actocolite ore he had just carved out of it was quickly buried by the fiery slime that grows larger the more solid matter it swallows.


    Cutting his losses, the boy allowed himself to be whisked away by Karliah as the mine collapsed before them. Like a tenacious predator, the slime devoured all in its path, person, rock or thing it did not discriminate. Most of the Terrace Dwarfen Force Laborers whose chains stifled their movement were quickly swallowed followed by the armored up Ever-Beards. Only the light clothed and those who were near the Grand Mine''s main entrance managed to escape the ''Fire Slime''s'' glutinous path through the mine. But even then, as they arose to the surface, ore of its tangerine form erupted from the ground all over Kur Faldhur''s cityscape. Grand architecture, aged for countless centuries and the pride of all Dwarfen kind disintegrated alongside any sense of civilized order as the Fire Slime flooded the underground city. To many of the Hold''s denizens, it has seemed like the very mountain d.e.s.i.r.es to eat them whole.


    Karliah and Faithleann made it back to the Imperial Embassy before hastily ordering an immediate evacuation of the Diplomatic Compound to the safety outside of the Dwarven Hold.


    ------------------


    Several days had passed after the Aftermath of the Battle of Nirnkarim. Yet in those several days, it had felt like weeks for brackish Dwarves of the Ostalroc Mountains. The Lieutenant had just recovered from her soring aches after the extensive usage of the Hecate Suit and was now awaiting new orders from Agent De Sardet.


    "I am getting Messenger birds saying that the defeat of the Coalition Army has severely weakened Dolmond''s grip around the Ostalrocs. As I speak, several of my people are rising up against what remains of the Mogul''s men. It won''t be long before the Mogul finally yield to our demands." Mirrien reported the good news after he dismissed the messenger bird by allowing it to fly off away to send out his hastily written response to the other Guilds.


    "The end of the Forced Labor and mining activity, Oui yes~?" De Sardet smiled.


    The Dwarf happily nodded, it was perhaps the widest smile he had ever stretched on his small c.o.c.kled cheeks.


    "Now my people can go back to their lives in peace." Mirrien cheered.


    "You sure you can make do without the mines?" De Sardet asked.


    "The Mogul''s Edict caused great damage to our people that they will need to recover from and I don''t believe you can feed people with rocks and gold can you not?" he replied. "But at the end of the day my people will no longer be forced to give up their future inside those deep dark mines no more and without workers, the Mogul''s cannot give anymore of those Minerals to the Empire for their impending but ultimately doomed war with your nation De Sardet."


    "Ah, yes of course. The Farmers should be able to get back to their fields now." The Agent affirmed.


    "Additionally, Command came through with the news that Prince Clovich has returned now from Earth and he is being greeted warmly back by his people. Just now, Colonel Polonsky showed him to his Sister who had just woken up from her coma." Clay added.


    "That is great to hear from him¡­ unlike me¡­" Obediah moped as he smoked a cigarette.


    "Soon the Mountain''s will flip blue just as you say Age---" Samantha smiled with a sense of accomplishment but her words were cut off when she could feel the ground they all stand begin to quake.


    Instinctively, the UFE Soldiers and their Native allies ducked under cover to shield themselves from the sudden disturbance as they waited for one grueling minute as Nirnkarim''s buildings shivered in a frightening display of tectonics at work. By the time the earthquake was over, the entirety of De Sardet''s temporary office in the Nirnkarin Courthouse.


    "Christ what was that?!" Clay shuddered as he struggled to get back off after suddenly the Earth began to shake, causing everyone at the victorious Nirnkarim to lose balance and fall, the liberal use of Dwarven Ale contributing to the embarrassing sight.


    "An earthquake?" Samantha asked.


    "Cipag must be working hard at his forge underground." Lutheor Mirrien attempts to explain while rubbing his bruised head off of striking a cabinet. From the Lieutenant''s Sociological intuition of the Dwarf''s answer, it was likely a folk-explaination for either minor small- magnitude earthquakes or geological disturbances such as landslides or sinkholes.


    "Well I go check if everyone is okay outside." De Sardet came forward.


    He walked outside of the Nirnkarim''s Court House to oversee the surroundings.


    To his relief, the Dwarven stone architecture of the Hold remained virtually intact outside of the dismantling of several weaker wooden structures. Most of the inhabitants waved towards him signaling their effective integrity. But as De Sardet sighed another breath for relief, his nose tingled. It was like a mix of peppers had invaded itself to his nose. At first, he thought it was just dust kicked from the earthquakes wake but soon he noticed that the once blue skies above Nirnkarim had turned a bleak gray and larger dust particles began to slowly shower down of Nirnkarim. The ground he walked became littered with a sand like texture as the Intelligence Agent wondered what was going on.


    "Cipag''s dirty arse! The mountain!" one of the Dwarves screamed.


    Turning around, De Sardet and the rest of Stryder Group looked towards North where the rest of the Ostalrocs continued from Nirnkarim.


    "Cipag is angry! The Mountains are erupting!" Mirrien panicked.


    To their horror, they saw several of the mountain began to spew forth an orange colored ooze as they dispersed rock and smoke from the openings that fractured out of the Mountain Range''s slopes. It was then that everyone realizes that the pepery air they breathe and walked around was ash, and what that orange ooze was erupted Magma, or Lava.


    His worst fears have been made into reality; the Ostalrocs were erupting.


    "What just happened?" Obediah asked.


    Agent De Sardet cringed his hands towards his face to see the utter volcanic disaster fall before him.


    "Get me a direct line to New Albany right now. The Worse is happening¡­" He orders Corporal Clay as the echoing screams of fear-stricken denizens of Nirnkarim emerged from their hovels and scattered frightfully as the ashen clouds above them sinisterly curtained Nirnkarim blotting out all light, both allegorical from the recent victory and physical rays of sunlight.

 Chapter 46 - an Angel Dr.a.p.ed in Crimson

    "Tell all of your people to stay in their homes and not come out until WE say it is got it!" Governor White ordered the Tyr Rianni local leader his orders.


    The Native bowed and took his immediate leave.


    New Albany Governor''s Palace was in chaos. The sight of ash clouds spewing forth and blackening the bright blue Gliesian skies from the north had caused a widespread panic in the region as the Natives and UFE Colonists alike scrambled for safety. In contrast of what was meant to happen today. Today was meant for celebrating the safe return of their dearly beloved son, Prince Clovich''s return from his trip to Earth. All the formal fanfare and the groundbreaking press conferences were thrown down to the drain upon the Ostalrocs eruption. The Aparo Corpo''s were busy locking down the streets of Tyr Rian whilst protecting their assets like any onward moving Capitalist would, the Tyr Rianni Guards worked in tandem with the Colonial Defense Forces in bringing order to the newly formed chaos across the Valley whilst Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky sheltered the Military Asset''s used for the build-up for the invasion of the Imperial Mainland. Prince Clovich and his entourage fled inside the safety of the Governor''s Palace during his tour of the UFE Settlement when the Mountains erupted.


    ISAC''s calculative predictions were apocalyptic if any of the Ostalroc''s Volcano were to strike down upon Nirnkarim, there is virtually nothing stopping it from flooding downward into Tyr Rian and New Albany themselves as there will be little to no time evacuating the Colony nor to even store much supplies to hunker down with. A tsunami of ash from the Ostalrocs would essentially wipe them all clean off the face of Gliesia if not stopped. Not only that, the ash would plunge the continent, perhaps even the whole of Gliesia in an enveloping eclipse that threatens to choke all life on the world, creating an Ice Age for centuries to come.


    The reports coming from Agent De Sardet at Nirnkarim were much bleaker due to their closer proximity to the Ostalrocs. All light coming down from Lehsol had been extinguished as a stygian blanket covered the town. It is said that in order to walk around safely through the ashen mist of the volcano was through the use of flood lights but even then, one is still visually impaired. The operation of ''turning the Ostalrocs blue'' evaporated, exploded on their faces quite literally.


    "Lord White! This has turned for the worst." Prince Clovich dolefully came apart. Anxious sweat dropping from his brow as he nervously skittered about around White''s office.


    "Do not say that Prince Clovich. My men are working with your men as we speak to get this all under control." Jeremy reassured him.


    "The Volcano could bury us all before we can truly begin our work in modernizing Gliesia." Clovich wailed.


    "Chush'' sobach''ya!" a smooth voice entered the room.


    A brown-haired man in a sharp pressed suit tramped haughtily inside the office.


    "With that kind of attitude, we would have never tamed Mars and Venus." He spoke in a princely Russian accent.


    He smiled at the two men as he politely bowed down on their honorable presence while keeping his suit in tip-top dapper order.


    "Ya Vadim Yahontov, but you can just call me ''Vlad''. Ya the Senior Executive of the Benha¡ªPardon, Gliesia office of Maximov Engineering." He introduced himself.


    "Ah, one of those people Emperor Shinharu speak so highly about¡­ the¡­ Me-ga-Corporations¡­ or Kore-Poes as you call them." Prince Clovich recalled.


    "Yes. Yes of course." Governor White nodded with a fake smile as he quietly stared adversely at the Corpo with Vadim returning the piercing beam of resentment back while the Russian maintained his diplomatic aura.


    "I see you have a Problem da?" he asked. "Fortunately for you, Maximov Engineering has a solution to this. We have solved problems like this many times before." Vadim assured him.


    "How? Some sort of massive Freezing Spell to stop the Volcano?" Clovich asked.


    "In actuality Prince Clovich, the most dangerous part of the Volcano is not the Lava, but the Ash Clouds. It causes more damage than the Lava thanks to the air being polluted¡­ Dirtied that almost no life can survive standing on it. The Plan in essence is to neutralize the Ash Cloud from polluting too much." Vadim explained.


    "I see. Then we might prove the doomsayers wrong. Tell me more of your plan wise one Undoeth." Clovich''s eyes glimmered with faith.


    "Under normal circ.u.mstance this would just been a rather slow and methodical process. But time is of the essence." Vadim explained slowly. "Our first priority is the need to evacuate the people out of there before it is too late. Once that is taken care of we we can begin deploying one of Maximov Inzehneriya''s greatest machine to stop the Volcano."


    "Are you sure that this machine of yours can help stop the Volcano from coming down on Tyr Rian?" the Prince asked.


    "Da! Yes! It can. Maximov Inzheneriya patented mechanical marvel, the Gaia Transformer." The Russian Corpo said.


    "Oh, I heard of that. You use it right for setting up your mining interests on those worlds with little to no breathable air right?" Jeremy commented.


    "Yes, but assembling it would take time. About a week." Vadim added.


    "A week? A week!? A week!" the Prince yelled, his stressed voice cracking out of his composure for the two Otherworlders to notice.


    "The Machines is not meant Rescue Operations sir. It was meant for Construction Projects on Low-Habitable Worlds during the Foundation and Habitability stages only." The Corpo explained.


    "By the Gods! They abandoned me!" Clovich despaired.


    "Don''t fret now Prince! We can still stop this but it will require well-thought action." Vadim said.


    "What kind of action?" Clovich asked.


    "This mission will require us to fight two problems at once. One for the Ash Cloud that is the biggest threat then lastly all of that Lava flooding everywhere. We can easily be rid ourselves of the Volcanic Ash by the usage of some Atmospheric Processors and Terraform Gasses to at the very least, manipulate the Ash fall to fall somewhere harmless Aye-Eee anywhere BUT here." Vadim explained.


    "And your Gaia Transformer?" White pressed.


    "When we deploy the Gaia Transformata into say a Volcano World such as the Ostalrocs, we would deploy a series of these special explosive device called ''Cryotic Coolant'' onto the Lava to allow the Machine to be constructed peacefully. Think of a smaller version of the Gaia Transformata and you get the Cryonic Coolant Da? We can fit these into one of your Bombers and drop them into the troublesome parts of the Mountain." he explained as simple as he could.


    "Flying one of Major Holyfield''s planes would be messy at best. Plus, those Bombs if I recall needs to be implanted precisely near their targets to have any effect otherwise the Lava can just swim around it. I think it would be best we embed the Cryonic Coolants on some Smart Bombs and have someone Laser Designate the area just to be sure." Governor White mentioned.


    "Laser Designation, right? The Magic Spell of sorts that allows you to reign fire from the sky with the help of you Flying Contraptions by using a small hand-held device that shoots an invisible bait of sorts for your Planes to attack it with.? That will require running around the Mountain that is erupting with Lava you know? Who or what could possibly survive standing against Cipag''s Wrath?" Clovich questioned.


    "Wait! I know someone that can help you on that." Governor White relayed as his mental light bulb illuminated.


    "Who? Hold on, you mean Ladui Rose? The Share-Holder as they call her?" Clovich asked.


    "The Share-Holder? That¡­ ''Anomaly'' right?" Vadim asked.


    "Yes..." The governor answered to the Russian. A nervous gulp followed silently as he confirmed the information to the Corpo. He knew that they will eventually know of Lieutenant Rose''s condition sooner than later.


    "If she can be rapidly deployed to the Volcano this instant then by all means I want to talk to her. I will relay her everything she needs to know." the Corpo nodded.


    "ISAC! Get me a direct line with Lieutenant Samantha Rose of Stryder Group right now." Governor White summoned the Military AI.


    "Anna, get me a Geo-Probe and some Cryo-Coolants out of the box right now! Begat!" Vadim radioed his Secretary.


    ----------------------


    The Dwarves and Humans alike were running for their lives as all of their civilization collapsed upon them at every turn. Cipag''s Wrath had ignited the Ostalroc''s in a fiery implosion of molten rock and trembling earth, destroying every architectural marvel the Dwarves had constructed over the centuries. Even its death-stocking rampage was indiscriminate to whether one was a decadent Hold Dwarf or a laboring Terrace Dwarf alike.


    Faithleann helped coordinated the Slaegian Embassy''s evacuation with the Ambassador as they followed closely with Mogul Dolmond''s entourage as they maneuvered the lava flooded Dwarven-Road Network of the Ostalrocs. The Mogul''s Geomancers tried to divert, block or delay the flooding lava on that blocked their paths yet it was a stubborn material as the Geomancers experienced great difficulty trying to get a grip on manipulating the molten rock but every attempt prem.a.t.u.r.ely exhausts them with only casting their spells in collective rituals that they could momentarily manipulate the lava long enough to allow most of the important personnel of Dolmond and Faithleann''s companions and courtiers. However, several of them were simply not fleet footed enough to escape Cipag''s Wrath, their agonizing screams drowned by the Volcanic Eruption''s thunderous antagonism.


    The group soon arrived at the Town of Gwesza where their end of the Evacuations were well under way with the residence hastily grabbing on to their valuables before boarding their Goat-drawn carts. In terms of the structural integrity of the Town, it wouldn''t be long before the very settlement sinks down upon the oncoming Lava.


    "We need more time to gather everything and everyone milord!" one of the Blacksmiths said.


    "Milord, another caravan of our people have been spotted down the road where we treaded earlier." A Sting-Eye reported.


    Dolmond looked over the horizon and noticed that the Scouts words rang true, there was a caravan of about 50 or so Dwarves fleeing away by a formation of Ravine Cliffs from the Eruption that trailed menacingly behind them. They were tired, their fleeing knee-capped by exhaustion and their wood-bone carts beaten halfway into splintering yet the sight of the town of Gwesza renewed their hope that they may survive the cataclysm of Dwarven Civilization.


    "When those folks make it pass the ravine, we might be able to collapse the rocks and hold the Lava long enough for us to gather everything of value in this town." Olayra analyzed intuitively basing her observations on the Geomancer''s Rock-based spellcasting.


    Dolmond observed closer the fleeing Dwarves with anxiousness but upon closer examination of their clothing and the belongings they brought, his face scowled disappointingly when he saw that all of those Dwarves he went out of his way to delay his retreat for were simple Miners.


    "No, they will not make it at that rate. Geomancers! Collapse the Ravine immediately." Dolmond ordered.


    "Milord? I beg your pardon?" Olayra asked the Dwarven Mogul.


    "I must protect my Blacksmiths, Warriors and the Hold Dwarves!" Dolmond shouted. "They are irreplaceable."


    "But what about the Farmers and the Teamsters milord?" one of the Mogul''s own Geomancers inquired.


    "Leave them! We cannot sit idly by here no longer." Dolmond answered.


    The Geomancers nodded and with the wave of their magical implements, the Dwarves collapsed the Earth on the Ravine creating a tall barrier that can withstand momentarily the oncoming lava flow yet trapping the runaway Dwarven Evacuee''s at the wrong side of the wall.


    "Mogul Dolmond this is most unwise! You cannot just leave your people like this!" Faithleann protested. "Who will help you with the work on rebuilding your realm? For the Alliance of the Light? You can''t do everything."


    "And what about the Arms and Armor you needed to build your army? The Demons are coming again and now is the day we must learn to make sacrifices. How much of the Actocolite, Ghyranite and Scandanite have you managed to collect right now?" the Mogul said.


    "Only a tithe of what was promised originally to Emperor Uldin milord." One of the Dwarves grimly informed him.


    "I did manage to grab this." Faithleann interjected. He pulls out from his pocket a palm-sized ore, whos l.u.s.ter was as brilliant as the setting sun. It was the Actocolite he took from the Grand Mine back in Kur Faldhur.


    "Cipag cursed this day!" Dolmond swore with a loud piercing well.


    "That looks no better to be used for one Sword in my experience." Findrum commented on Faithleann''s Ore.


    "We barely stand any chance against these Demons at this rate." Petur grimaced.


    "All of this destruction, to b.a.r.e fruit for this¡­" Karliah shamefully hid her face under her hood.


    "That is enough Mogul Dolmond! This is all YOUR fault." One Hold Dwarf stepped out and supported the Chosen One.


    "Judge Eloun, we must continue the retreat, leave them now. If not, the Lava will catch up to us in no time." Dolmond argued. "We can recreate the Land of the Dwarven Holds at the refuge of the Empire."


    "Your callous disregard of those you deemed lower than you are what brought this disaster in the first place!" Eloun argued back. "Land can be established but does land mean anything when there are no people to dwell on it? They are OUR people Dolmond can you see that?"


    "Eloun, now is not the time to debate about the principles of the Dverga. The Mountains are erupting and we need to run now or we will all perish." Dolmond sternly reminded him of their current predicament.


    "Dverga?" Faithleann asked. "What is that?"


    "It is a political treatise that made Dwarfen society what it is today. The Clan Holds, the Terrace and Hold split and the Courthouses that makes all the laws of the Ostalrocs." Olayra explained. "A Judge answers to nobody lesser than his Mogul."


    "Well the Dverga just doesn''t work anymore!" he protests openly. Leaving the gathered crowd to gasp in shock.


    "Say again?" Dolmond said. "You were always lending your ears too closely to those bumpkins, Eloun. Always saying ''the Workers demand better pay'' and ''More time to reach the quota''." He mocked in his raspy voice.


    "What part of the word ''Pause'' did you not understand Mogul Dolmond? This Vlokon Tira was your idea to make up for your deal with the Empire. The Miners told you that any further reckless digging into the mines would be disastrous but no! Your profits were more important than their lives!" Eloun shouted.


    "If you want to save them so bad, then fine! Go out there and save them yourself! I never liked your previous contentions anyways." Dolmond dismissed him.


    His Ever-Beard guards promptly dragged the insubordinate away from his presence. He then turned his gaze towards Faithleann''s youthful blue eyes.


    "He is mad! But he does remind me of one of the heroes of old. Selfless¡­ brave and not afraid to die." Faithleann lamented. Deep down, he feared the scorching kiss of the Lava that made his skin crawl with fearful sweat.


    "Chosen One, look me in the eye. Boy!" Dolmond asserted authorially with an imposing aura. "We Dwarves, as decreed by centuries living under the traditions of the Dverga, that The Terrance must always serves there for the Hold Dwarven Master to keep society in order. It was only through our honor that we continue on with dealing with the Empire in spite of the hardship it will cost us."


    "But are these not your people and is not a Mogul a King? A Just and Righteous King would protect his people." Faitheann argued.


    "Life is not a storybook with a happy ending boy." Mogul Dolmond called out.


    He paused for one moment to sigh. This Chosen One was truly as Na?ve as they come.


    "We have sacrificed so much to be able to give you the Minerals, even if it''s not the promised amount for our world to survive tomorrow. Those trapped peasants below sacrificed themselves to serve you, to protect you and Gliesia so that you maybe able to fulfill the Prophecy and fight back against the Darkness and bring about the New Age. Everything, especially in war requires Sacrifice! Do you understand? Do not make MY Sacrifices in vain." the Mogul''s rationalization was flavored with honey to soothe the Chosen One to his side of thinking.


    "I?? I guess you are right¡­" Faithleann bowed humbly. "At least those Terrace Dwarves aided on my Glorious Crusade. If there is nothing else, we can do for them then its only best that I, as the Bane of Demons avenge them when the upcoming war happens. Perhaps the Volcanic Eruption is the Gods way of helping me wipe out the Rebel Sc.u.m and their Share-Holder too." Faithleann said.


    "How can you say that Faithleann?" Karliah interjected. "Those ''Peasants'' are being enslaved into dangerous working conditions that could easily kill or maim them. Not to mention that some of these ''Miners'' are the elderly, the women and the children of the actual Terrace Dwarven Miners. They are being worked to death every day for you and the least you could do is give them your gratitude for their work. I hate to admit this but it is no wonder they desperately sought after the Otherworlders to liberate them from their plights.


    "We should also not abandon the Share-Holder too, Faithleann. She is still under their thrall and we need to rescue her." Olayra added.


    "Let us forget about the Shareholder! I am the Bane of the Demons remember and she is under the Otherworlder''s thumb. Don''t forget who are her overlords, the vampire that killed Marchhog Faughn and the Corrupted Elven Princess! We should not waste any time; she is lost now. Only I can save the Realms now." Faithleann said.


    His defeat against the Rhannu-Prietar was a humiliating experience, all of his special attacks that he had learned from the best of the best in the Mages College proved to no effect against the Share-Holder. He has to admit, that the red-headed woman sure knows her way around magicks. Faithleann swore to himself that he will need to train harder if he is able to triumph over her again when the time comes. Additionally, there is still the Scholar Chosen One too, but the way that the Share-Holder told him about the Estysygol being her ''friend'' made him fear that he too is just as under the Otherworlder''s thumb as the Rhannu-Prietar. He will have to tell the Emperor about this grim discovery and also see if he can get a private audience with the Sacred Crystal Heart when he returns to Haringpoint.


    "Don''t say that Chosen One! The Sacred Crystal Heart chose you, the Share-Holder and the Scholar to save Gliesia. You cannot give up on them now." Olayra pleaded.


    "We can attempt to Rescue the Share-Holder some other time. For now, as I see things around here, it is best we leave while we still have most of our army. Retreat back to the Eastern Provinces and recuperate from there before marching South to Little Hill to meet up with Grand Commander Huguet Carcer and the Legions stationed there." Petur suggested.


    He knew several contacts at the Eastern Provinces of the Empire that he can link up with to replenish their losses from the devastating failed Siege of Nirnkarim. About less than a third of their forces perished during the assault, most especially when the rebels summoned forth their Dragon to stop their advance. The Otherworlder''s may have won that battle but the war has only just begun.


    "Good plan Ser Reikdorf." Faithleann acknowledged. "With our combine might, we can stem the Demon Tide at the Legendary Fortress."


    "We should also link up with reinforcements from the Elves too. I heard that their Crown Prince, one Prince Valorion is being dispatched to aid us. He says we can combine our strengths upon his arrival at Harringpoint so we should head back there first before we start levying the peasantry." Mita the Crow added.


    "How about we split our forces for now instead?" Petur suggested. "You can have me and Findrum levy men around the Eastern Provinces while you, Karliah and Findrum split off with due haste to Harringpoint and meet up with the Elves."


    "This sound. Very sound Ser Reikdorf. I accept." The Chosen One nodded.


    "Companions! Help!" Findrum pushed himself towards his fellow Adventurer''s presence. He was distressed, in contradiction his stoic visage. All of the Imperials knew that something was terribly wrong.


    "My Niece, Janris! She ran off!" Findrum went straight to the point.


    "Ran off?" Karliah''s eyes widened. "Where?"


    "According to one of her wenches, she ran off to help rescue some of the Terrace Dwarves before the Ravine collapsed. She was supposed to make it back here earlier. By Thidar, I think she is in trouble." Findrum crumbled.


    "Where did the wench told you where she ran off?" Karliah asked.


    "North, where we had passed off earlier." Findrum recalled.


    "Right towards the Volcano itself? That is suicide!" Faithleann exclaimed. "I beg thee, we can''t risk losing you too like Marchog Gratianus." He urged.


    "I¡­I¡­ my niece!" Findrum cracked under the pressure. He was heavily conflicted between rescuing his beloved Niece and his oh so valued oath to the Adventurer''s Guild and Emperor Uldin to be the shield-brother of the Chosen One.


    Oath''s are sacred in Dwarfen society that an Oathbreaker would be a social pariah, even lower than the already dredged Terrace Dwarves. Yet there is a debate, brought up of such ethics about where does one draw the line between fulfilling your Oath''s purposes when it comes to equally important aspects of Dwarfen culture such as familial honor, individualistic integrity and external perception. Dwarfen Men were seen as the provider, the breadwinner in Dwarfen society and being in the last living male heir to his family, providing for them was one of the biggest motivators on why Findrum became an adventurer and pursued the career of a successful Monster Hunter. Yet equally important was the age-old tradition of Oath taking where he swore to both the Guild and the Emperor to never abandon the Chosen One''s side as his Dwarfen Honor dictates he must do.


    "Perhaps we can find that Judge fellow by the name of Eloun? I saw him rally several Dwarves some of whom included Geomancers. Maybe they can help." Olayra reasoned.


    "Have you seen how those Geomancers CANNOT bend the Lava? It won''t matter." The Monster Hunter said.


    "You are a Warrior, a Monster Hunter, a proud Dwarf of the Ostalrocs. We need men like you to fight the Demons!" Faithleann appealed.


    "But she is your family Findrum! I know her since she was still just a tyke. Wasn''t Janris the reason you became a Monster Hunter? You have to save her! I can come with you to help rescue her!" Karliah volunteered.


    "Me too, I maybe a Scholar but I cannot stand seeing so many people be burned alive by this Volcano." Olayra stepped forward just as bravely.


    "You good for nothing Scholar! Do not drag both Ladui Silverdane and Findrum to run off to their doom for one girl! What is the fate of the entire world be over her? We are supposed to be fighting the Demonic Invasion!" Faithleann stomped his foot as his nerves struck violently as he unleashed an unsettling outburst over the direness of the moment.


    "Little Fish!" Olayra screamed, addressing Faithleann by his longtime Childhood nickname. "I had thought you are just being haughty for a newly-dubbed Knight and that you would learn to know how to discipline yourself when you are with Ser Reikdorf, Ladui Karliah and Marchog Faughn, but ''running off to save one girl''? Who do you think you are to say that?"


    "But¡­ the Demons¡­" Faithleann muttered. But he was interrupted by the Non-Magical Scholar.


    "People want to rescue their families and friends but all you care about right now is how you can best the Demon Lord?" Olayra frowned, as her hands firmly held her h.i.p.s as he looked her in the eye.


    "We must continue our quest with due haste like the stories of¡­"


    Again, Olayra interrupts him.


    "Now is not the time to read again the old stories from Ivuk." Olayra reminded him.


    "The Town Bard? How do you know him and me being called ''Little Fish''? Who are you exactly?" Faithleann asked.


    "Oh, I don''t know¡­" Olayra playfully jested him. "I am just a girl who loved read by the Shyflowers every noon¡­"


    "I beg your pardon¡­" Faithleann recognizes those words. Only one person from his Childhood could "Big Ears?"


    "You were always trying to be like all the Heroes in Ivuk''s songs you know Little Fish." Olayra explained. "But I never knew you could be so¡­ selfish after all of these years." She scoffed him.


    "You know what? The Olayra is right! You do need to learn how to think about others Faithleann Garmhaic." Findrum curled his fist.


    "Yeah, we are all in danger because of this Demon Invasion. It is not just about you. But us!" Karliah said.


    "I will have a good word with you later boy. Petur! Keep the ''Bane''¡­. ''of my Nerves'' safely. Karliah, come with me." Findrum taken command.


    The Monster Hunter and the Master Sorceress departed from Faithleann''s prescence with Olayra following the former as they made their way upwards towards the eruption area of the Ostalroc Volcano.


    "Don''t forget about me." Olayra hollered.


    "Olayra, are you sure you want to come with us?" Karliah knelt down and held the young girl by her hand. "I know your heart is in the right place and I know we both have our differences with Faithleann, but I don''t think it is best you come with us. You are not as good at climbing as Findrum or have any Magic like me."


    "I want to help." Olayra pleaded.


    "Merch Fach." Karliah motherly gave her pause. "What can you do?"


    "I have this." Olayra pulled out from her long robes, a satchel with a Tree-shaped insignia on it, a symbol of the Healing Goddess Neneth. "It is my Lucky Satchel. I keep several Nenya-Leaf patches and Uplevon ointment with me."


    "Ah¡­ Clever. Alright, you can come with us." Findrum smiled softly with a warming gratitude.


    "You may follow, but stay close to me." Karliah said.


    "Where do you think we should start looking?" Karliah turned to FIndrum.


    "Perhaps we can talk to that Judge that Mogul Dolmond kicked out, Eloun wasn''t it?" Findrum proposed. "I saw him and some of my kin go that way."


    "That is towards the Volcano. Here take this in case you get burnt." Olayra warned the Dwarven Monster Hunter with a bottle Uplevon Herbal Ointment.


    "Neneth be praised." He caught the ointment and placed it in his pocket.


    "We should split up and meet up again by the Purple Broadglow patch by the crossing between Cipag''s Tears and the old Brewery south in about two hours." Karliah instructed. "I will bring Olayra with me, can you take care of yourself?" she asked Findrum.


    "Aye, I know these Mountains since I was a wee. Of course, I can." Findrum nodded.


    He looked over the looming horizon of the erupting Ostalrocs before him and gulped nervously. All of the Physicality that he trained his body over decades of adventuring will test him to the limit today for this monster, is a beast he cannot slay, only survive its onslaught to escape its infernal kiss and ravenous appetite for all thing''s material.


    -----------------------


    Samantha heaved her body forward as she mountain ran the rocky gauntlet of the lava flooded Ostalrocci Slopes. It helps that the Hecate Suit comes with a built-in Exosuit that allows her to burn less calories for the more strenuous of activities. She also wore Suit''s Helmet, given to her but not until now by Dr. Mahelona, that shielded her face from the volcano''s heat whilst also able to breathe through a modular slot that allows an oxygen tank to flow to her mouth. Under normal circ.u.mstances wouldn''t wear as he much prefers her beret or a standard issued cap with a headset attached to it, but she was on the clock from direct orders from Commander-in-Chief Governor Jeremy White to staunch the bleeding mountains flow before the lava and ash clouds devours Nirnkarim.


    The Southernmost Dwarven Hold is currently undergoing a massive evacuation but the UFE Airforce needed time and visibility for their Super Osprey''s to evacuate the entire town. That is where the newly arrived Megacorporation, Maximov Engineering, timely entered the fray and offered their assistance in Geographical Terraformation.


    The Main Plan is to construct two separate Maximov Engineering devices that will work in tandem together, the Gaia Transformer and a device called the Atmospheric Processor. This Operation would have multiple stages whose objectives revolves around neutralizing the harmful effects of the Volcano by turning the wasteland it had produced back into a fertile habitable land. The first step is to mitigate the harmful geo-effects of the Ash Clouds frigid fumes from suffocating the nearby life around the planet to the imploding Lava eruptions that threatens to bury all things civilized and constructed in the Ostalrocs by using the Atmospheric Processors. It they will be deployed on field within the vicinity of Nirnkarim. Their function is to purify the entire surrounding atmosphere off of the volcano''s choking Ash Clouds so that a breathable air can be maintained within the area of operation. It functions by siphoning off the Ash Clouds that intrude around its airspace, filter off any contaminant before releasing the now purified air back into the atmosphere. Normally, the Atmospheric Processors can cover an earth-sized planet and filter off any harmful contaminant in a 10 to 15-year process involving constant emptying off of the contaminant storage of the Satellites but thankfully, according to Mr. Yahontov''s estimates, the Tyr Rian Region and the Southern Ostalrocs, the only two region within CSP''s interests, should be in the clear well over in between a month, six months or until the eruption subsides. However, by about a week, the Atmospheric Pressure would have mitigated most of the worst effects of the Ash Cloud within a week. After the skies are cleared, it shall be the Gaia Transformer''s turn. The Heavy Terraforming Device will release a barrage of Habitability-enhancing Nanites that transforms any unlivable climates and hostile regions to become its antithesis and allow the habitation of life by transforming the air and soil at a molecular level. It promotes the accelerated photosynthesis of floral life and breathing air for fauna around the region. The Gaia''s transformative process would take about a year or more to completely revitalize the Southern Ostalrocs but Maximov is hoping by less than the half way point, they can begin cashing in on their investment in the region. The Mining Megacorporation as per agreement, would split a third off the found minerals harvested from the Ostalrocs to the Colonial Stockpile during the construction of the resource exploitation sites as what the UFE have all hoped to do after all of the time playing the Gliesian geo-political game.


    But at the end of the day, the Priority is to evacuate the civilians and UFEAF personnel in Nirnkarim.


    Samantha, with the help of Ho''don, Iris and Aliathra and volunteers from the combined UFEAF and Silverback PMC''s would laser designate key areas around Nirnkarim that is in danger of being flooded over with lava, sudden ground ruptures, Ash Cloud build-up and earthen landslides to protect the city long enough until the Hold is fully evacuated. Major Holyfield, through the insistence of Colonel Polonsky, half-heartedly had to re-divert his Naval Aircraft to assist the Evacuation which were meant to be for the aerial elements for Operation Haymaker. In addition to this tense moment, the moment he had heard of Maximov Engineering entering into the scene so suddenly had gotten the Corpo Vincent, from what the Lieutenant can read, mildly annoyed over the sight of his old Kesserheim competition now moving in. And moving in quite fast they are as Maximov entered into Gliesia dressed to impress with one of its claims to fame courting the attention of the prospective investors and customer bases that are the Natives.


    The immediate effect of the Atmospheric Processors can already be apparent for the rescue effort as the choking fumes of the Ash Cloud was significantly decreased allowing visibility and limited movement to push through the Evacuation. The Machines are still not yet at its fullest operation yet High Command wants the Evacuation to be good as done by the time the Atmospheric Processors have been fully deployed to full functionality. This allowed the Rescue and Disaster Mitigation teams to be able to efficiently pass through the troublesome areas with relative ease.


    In addition, the UFEAF and PMC Forces on the ground were instructed to gather as many survivors who so happen to be outside of Nirnkarim at the time and have them board the Airsh.i.p.s.


    Most especially for Lieutenant Samantha Rose who ventured off with one of Kayin''s drones.


    The Lieutenant, able to see more than at least 70 meters away from her, climbed over to the top of the mountaintop she heaved herself over and peered over the horizon where a tidal wave of lava threatens to spill its content down to the slope below that leads directly to Nirnkarim itself.


    "Lazing!" Samantha radioed as she clicked the activation button of her laser designator towards a most troublesome pile of lava that is threatening to spill over a deep slope that is directly above Nirnkarim''s Northwest.


    "Firing Coolant." Vadim radioed back.


    From a high orbit, an A-25 Dragoon retrofitted to fire the Cryo Coolant explosives rain a Nano Fluid rain to the erupting Ostalrocs. It''s fast action properties of fatty-acid-capped magnetite nanoparticles, Liquid Nitrogen and other undisclosed components held by Maximov Engineering''s Patents, can super-cool Lava at a molecular level.


    "Good effect on target." Kayin radioed. He was accompanying the Lieutenant through his UAV Drone from the safety of Nirnkarim.


    Outside of his robotic companionship, Samantha was alone as time was of the essence for this mission and it was best that every one of her friends split up to contain the Volcano''s wrath from flooding into the Dwarven Hold. Iris is with Aliathra, Diaz and Clay searching for Survivors whilst Crocker, Obediah and Kayin stayed behind in Nirnkarim to make sure the evacuation goes smoothly.


    "Good job El-tee. It looks like that''s the worst of it all." Crocker buoyantly cracked from the radio. "Hope you''re doin'' ar''right there. We had to Medevac some people and one of the squad but Doc''s says we are in the clear. Shits getting scary now." Crocker added.


    "Spare me the details later. At least everyone got out safe and sound." Samantha nodded.


    "Right, go haul your arse outta there and I will meet ya back at New Albany. Crocker out." Her sergeant promptly cut off his connection.


    "Stryder Lead, this is Shield-Father." Colonel Polonsky radioed. "Return back to Nirnkarim, you did all you can for now. Let''s have the Corpo take over for now. Your squad will evacuate immediately." Colonel Polonsky Ordered.


    "Rodger Shield-Father¡­ Wait a minute¡­"


    Her acknowledgement of the orders to return down the slope of the mountain was interrupted when she spotted a number of Dwarves, at least a dozen of them trying to escape off of the steep slopes from a rogue wave of Lava that creeped relentless towards them just a few inches away. They were barely trying to keep up the pace but the Ash Cloud fumes and their weary bodies dangerously slowed them down that they are likely to be taken away by the infernal flood in a few moments.


    Adrenaline pumping in, Samantha dashed towards the Dwarves as she charges her hands for the magic spell ''Earthen Wall'', conjuring the ground to rise up and shield the Dwarves from the rogue wave of lava just in time as they were about to get caught in its infernal embrace.


    "T-thank you." The Dwarf gave his gratitude. "Are you one of those Knights from the Empire?" he pointed to Samantha''s suit that gleamed upon the reflection of the Lava to the Hecate Suit''s nano-composite skin.


    "No." the Lieutenant nixed. "We need you all to get out of here. Follow me."


    Samantha gave her helping hand forward that the Dwarf grabbed onto as she guided them away from the dangerous slopes to the other side of the mountain where a large ridge was formed.


    "This is Stryder Lead, I have twelve civvies in tow requesting immediate extraction over." Samantha radioed.


    It was advised that if any of the Spotting Teams found any survivors, they are to contact a Super Osprey and have them land.


    "Stryder Lead this is Eagle-2, Affirmative, flying over now." A Pilot answered her signal.


    The gale winds excitedly danced around them as a large hovering figure descended upon the ridge, a jaw like appendage opened its maw down as it grounded itself on the Ostalrocii floor.


    "A Dragon! It''s coming to eat us." A Dwarven Lass panicked before she turned tail with her arms flailing.


    "Hey! Hey! Hey!" Samantha grabbed the woman firmly to calm her. "It is not a monster. Look." She pointed back to the Super Osprey.


    A figure emerged from the ''Dragon'', humanoid in shape but tender in demeanor.


    "This place isn''t safe anymore come on." Eagle-2''s Co Pilot urged.


    After a moment''s hesitation, the Dwarves one by one boarded the Super Osprey with the guidance of Lieutenant Rose took them to whatever empty seat was left. The Aircraft was half-full with other Civillians and several Silverback PMC''s in tow. There were enough seats to fit all of the rescued Dwarves plus Samantha in the Aircraft and the Pilot was already eager to get himself out of this Mountain. The Lieutenant carefully buckled down the seatbelts of every Dwarf and kindly reassured each and every one of them that everything will be alright and that their nightmare was over.


    "Your Lieutenant Rose, aren''t you? I heard of ya." The Co-Pilot pointed out. "You a Wizard, now right?" he asked her.


    "Yeah." Samantha nodded. "What''s the situation back in Nirnkarim?" she asked.


    "Were one of the lasts to get out of their now. Everything is all Maximov Drones now in Nirnkarim. Mr. Yahontov told us that the worst of it is far over and it''s should be all just the Corpo''s Drones left in Nirnkarim to do its job now. You sit tight El-tee." The Co-Pilot said.


    "Good, I will tell the rest of the Squad we will get exfiltrate separate. I am going with Captain Kaprelian and De Sardet so we can pick up the boys up before we meet back in New Albany." Kayin''s drone relayed.


    "The Last ones?" one of the Dwarves Samantha rescued raised her voice. "No! That''s not good. My Daughter and several more of my kin are still trapped inside the Tunnels."


    The woman began to panic as the Lieutenant attempted to calm her down just as the Super Osprey was about to take off.


    "My Daughter Janris is still inside the Underground Passages I think I lost her when we''re fleeing the Lava." She informed her.


    Based on Samantha''s experiences throughout the Black Operation, the Ostalrocs have a network of Underground Passages built by the Dwarven Clans that form shortcuts to allow easy logistical transportation to and from the various holds and beyond the Ostalrocs. Each Hold handles the daily maintenance and the toll fee''s during use. The one near Nirnkarim being one of the busiest of Underground Passages at its prime. They were carved diligently with extremely dense building materials that are meant to lass eons of time carrying the weight of mountains. She knew that they also have several interlocking Gate Systems to control the flow of traffic throughout several intersections which should theoretically stand for a decent amount of time against Lava as Lutheor Mirrien tells her. She still has plenty of Oxygen to explore the Underground Passage for about less than half an hour before she has to retreat out. In addition, her enhanced powers from the Hecate Suit should extend her life support and protections whilst inside the Volcano should keep her safe far longer than what most ordinary of men would do.


    "Your Daughter is there?" Samantha calmed her down. "What exactly happened to you? How did you get out of those tunnels?" she asked.


    "Me and my Kin were trapped on our way out when we got trapped by some collapsing rocks. We thought it was the end as there was nowhere out but thankfully a selfless Dwarf by the name of Eloun and his companions of several Geomancers and two Imperials set us free. But before we could celebrate the tunnel began to be flooded by Lava so we had to flee. My Daughter might still be in there!" The woman explained. "Please, I, Johru will bring shame to Neneth the Mother Goddess if she perishes alongside those people. Rescue her please oh brave Knight."


    "I¡­ I will try too¡­" Samantha attempts to reassure her fears but she was interrupted when her radio pinged.


    "Lieutenant are you safe?" Major Holyfield''s imposing voice asked from behind her radio.


    "I am but several of the Dwarves just told me that they are more of them trapped inside the Underground Passage." Samantha said. "We need to rescue them."


    "Absolutely not Lieutenant! We cannot risk your life any more than we should now." The Major advocated against her course of action.


    "But sir those people trapped!" Samantha implored him.


    "Please! Save my Daughter! Save my Kin!" Johru pleaded.


    Samantha looked directly into the eyes of the Dwarven Woman with a peering gaze. The Native''s tears fell down her little cheeks with a prayerful plea threatened to melt Samantha''s bleeding heart. She had seen so much in so little time. This Dwarfen Woman, this Johru, reminded her of all the widowers and orphans who lost someone they loved during the attacks, the forced laborings and the eruptions she saw during her Tour of Duty But the most grievous of pains of all are the parents who lost their children, for there is no word in the dictionary that gives subject to this definition for that is the greatest pains of them all. After all of that death and destruction of the terrorist attack by the Grey Order to the Kidnapping and subsequent trauma of April Root, and at the latest the entire heartbreaking sight of the Dwarven Chaste system, most soldiers like her would have hardened their hearts to the terrors around them.


    But not for Lieutenant Samantha Rose.


    She couldn''t care less if they were the enemy, an innocent civilian or a fellow UFE. She would come back for them, for nobody deserved to die like this. If she can just save one life, prevent one heart ache to happen to another person she would do it. Not later when the Volcano has subsided, not after Operation Haymaker has finished. RIGHT NOW! For there would have been no tomorrow for them otherwise.


    "You are to evacuate immediately from the Ostalrocs Lieutenant Rose that is an ----" Major Holyfield raised his voice but Samantha instantly cut him off from her Radio''s Communication Line.


    The Lieutenant turned over to the Super Osprey''s Ramp and pulled the Emergency opening lever as the Ashen Winds blew before her.


    "El-tee what are you doing?" Eagle-2''s Pilot asked her.


    "I am going back for them." Samantha informed them as she jumped off the Ramp.


    She softened her landing with a quick cast of the spell ''Feather Fall'' to soften her landing. She peered over the Super Osprey''s ramp closing its jaws before flying off. There was no turning back anymore. Her volition pushes her forward from here on out.


    She ascended over the Ostalrocii slopes until she finds the entrance to the Underground Passage leading out to Nirnkarim. A great cavern with an ash buried road laying before her and several small pools of lava oozing about around the vicinity.


    "El-Tee! Are you f.u.c.k.i.n.g insane? The Major just told me everything. We are moving into your position as we speak. Hold on we''ll get you out." Her second-in-command Sergeant Crocker radioed in.


    "Sargent Crocker. I am doing the right thing." Samantha explained. "When you do arrive at my coordinates. You will see a giant tunnel. I will be in there. Prep Iris and Alie for additional work. Lieutenant Rose over and out."


    She ended the call and took a deep breathe. Before her was the heart of darkness, or the gates of hell itself staring in front of her. When listened in carefully she could swear she heard the pleas of those left behind souls still trapped inside the Tunnel Passage.


    With a steeled heart, the Lieutenant flew inside the Tunnel with no other goal but to rescue whoever she could inside or die doing the right thing.


    Dashing pass the ashen piles and the lava wet floors of the Tunnel, Samantha shouted:


    "Achub!" a word used by Dwarven Alpine Hospice Rescuers when they attempt to call out to those who find themselves lost amongst the frigid tops of the Ostalrocs. Her voice amplified with the slight manipulation of Illusion Magicks.


    "Achub!" she shouts again within the hellish darkness of the Tunnels.


    "Neneth be praised! Over here!" a voice echoed beneath darkness.


    Samantha followed the noise carefully, using her flashlight to illuminate the darkness. Her light soon shone upon a small group of at least four very frightened dwarves, one laying down unresponsively whilst the rest shielded their eyes from the Lieutenant''s flashlight.


    "I am here to help." Samantha softly reassured them in a comforting voice before kneeling down on the knocked-out dwarf. "What happened to him?" Samantha asked.


    "My father collapsed when we tried to run away from the Lava that began to flood all over this tunnel. Me and my brother had to carry him over until our torches burnt out." One of the survivors explained.


    The Lieutenant examined the knocked down dwarf with her Suit''s built-in Scanner which is connected to ISAC. It only took one brief observation to conclude that the Dwarf was showing signs of body failure due to inhaling ash clouds which combined with the intense physical exertion as shown by his compatriot''s disheveled appearance and said victim''s venerable age that he was slowly starting to enter into the throes of death.


    Sam conjured with her Magicks a ball of immaculate air from her hand before prying the unconscious Dwarf''s mouth open to force itself entry into his body. This trick, a creative re-interpretation to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was a variant of the ''Air Bubble'' spell. Using a feel-and-touch approach, Samantha brushed off as much Ash particles that debilitated his breathing as much as he could.


    "Gah!" the once-unconscious Dwarf gagged to life as Samantha yanked out the Air Bubble, now tainted with sooty ashes.


    "Father!" the younger Dwarves rallied in delight.


    "Can you walk?" Samantha asked.


    "Ah¡­ no¡­ so¡­ tired¡­" he tepidly answered, his breathe dry with fatigue.


    The Lieutenant pulled from her pockets her canteen and made him take one sip of the rejuvenating water.


    "Were there more of you? I heard there was a ''Janris'' and an ''Eloun'' with you." Samantha asked them.


    "Eloun and Janris? I saw them holding off the Lava deeper into the mine." The Young Dwarf informed her.


    "I see." Samantha lowered her head. She grabbed the injured Dwarf''s arms over her shoulders before placing both his legs and arms around her neck and waist like a backpack. "We need to leave now. Follow my lead." She told the Dwarves.


    Using the Suit''s Sonar UI HUD, Samantha easily guided the Dwarves out of the Tunnels where just in time, Crocker''s Super Osprey had arrived in her position.


    "El-Tee!" Crocker shouted, he wanted to personally reprimand his Green Superior but upon the sight of the weary Dwarves being carried over by her, his protective instincts kicked him in to the task at hand.


    He grabbed the Dwarves and boarded the Super Osprey carefully. Sweet relief smiled upon Native''s faces as they safely sat down and finally rest under its winged safety. But as Crocker tried reach forward his hands for his Commanding Officer to grab, the Lieutenant only backed away.


    "El-Tee!? Get back here!" Crocker shouted.


    "I am sorry, but there''s more people inside." Samantha explained briefly before she returned back inside the Tunnel.


    Crocker couldn''t run out and try to grab her as he was low on oxygen to attempt a pursuit in addition that Stryder''s two other Mage users were out of commissioned too, one from injury the other from exhaustion. The Volcano''s fury becoming more apocalyptic by the hour and in the confusion, caused several of the UFEAF''s own men injuries too. Such as Obediah and Aliathra being the most damaged. Obediah, only through sheer will alone being able to still remain breathing before he reached the sanctuary of Captain Kaprelian''s Super Osprey. The old and week were truly the most vulnerable to the Volcano''s hellish advanced. But even those who risk their lives for there fellow others whether through compassion, their creed or both in the case of Aliathra Lareththor were not spared by Cipag''s wrath of whom the Blacksmith God temper smite the Elven Cleric. Fortunately, her spirit remains willing in spite of her flesh being made weak.


    The more time, Samantha burns to rescue just the last few vestiges of survivors, the smaller the window of escape for Captain Kaprelian''s Super Osprey becomes evident. Her airship, can only take so much punishment from the pelting of ashes and turbulent winds of the disaster zone. It was only a matter of time before the Volcano completely devours every living thing left inside of the Ostalrocs.


    "Lieutenant!" Doctor Mahelona called Samantha through the radio from his Laboratory in New Albany. "We cannot risk you much longer with you being out there. Get out now!" he warned her.


    "No¡­ just one more¡­" Samantha tells him off.


    The Lieutenant began to routinely cycle through more survivors, carrying them to the safety of Captain Kaprelian''s airship with every thrust of her body. Upon chancing a survivor, lured out of the darkness from the heralding of Samantha''s call of deliverance from their apocalyptic oblivion of their civilization''s collapse, Samantha would allay their wounds before escorting back to the surface. Like a Guardian Angel, she saved everyone that heeded her call young and old alike to reach the heavenly steed that was Captain Kaprelian''s Airship.


    Despite the pleas of her second-in-command to evacuate already from the now doomed Dwarven Mountains, Samantha declined despite exhaustion slowly creeping into her body and voice with one hauntingly feverous phrase:


    "One more¡­"


    Before turning around to go descend into the stygian inferno once again yelling: "Achub!"


    And then repeating the cycle once again until she is sure she had rescued everyone still worth rescuing inside that Tunnel. Caring no cares of whatever petulant reprimanding from her superiors for something she knows in her heart would have her Father, Captain Desmond Rose would do.


    Whilst she continued her selfless act, she continued to ask those same survivors if they had seen a young girl named ''Janris''. Again, the same answer was brought forth by every last one of them that she was ''deeper inside'' the Tunnel. Exhaustion began to grip her body every moment she ran through the gauntlet inside the Tunnels. Her legs grew sore, her hands and arms became weary, but her determination kept her pushing more to find and rescue more trapped peoples. She said to herself again and again as she navigated the darkness:


    "One more¡­ just One more¡­"


    Eventually, Samantha found herself of what was once a great underground chamber that functioned as a crossroad for the Underground Tunnel Network. The chamber was now nearly flooded with the lower tunnels deluging great amounts of ever slowly rising amounts of Lava. Additionally, the anomalous spike of Mana Energies had also pinpointed that its presence is inside the chamber. Peering her eyes to the vicinity, Samantha spotted in the middle of a sea of lava, laying by a large rock that barely manages to float by while being shielded by the radiant heat of the aforementioned lava, gathering of 12 people, ten dwarves and two humans from what she can discern. One of the humans was creating a small shield bubble around her to ward of the harmful radiant effects of the lava that surrounded them. To her surprised, she recognizes the two humans, one Karliah and the other Olayra, two women who so happened she cross souls with back in Gwesza several days ago.


    "Achub!" Samantha called out from the other side of the Chamber.


    "We are here!" the Dwarfen Judge Eloun cried out.


    "It is the Shareholder!" Olayra cried. She recognized that voice and the strange garments that the Lieutenant wore.


    The Lieutenant descended down to the lowest possible level that was above the lava to find a way to reach them.


    "Alright let''s get you all outta--- oh it''s you two again." Samantha greeted the Natives.


    "We have sacrificed ourselves to allow as many people the time they needed to escape. So, if it is one more consolation before I perish, I will free you from the Otherworlder''s grip." Karliah testified. "Relona Maxima!" she casted from her hands, targeting the Lieutenant.


    The Spell is a powerful dis-enchantment spell that is designed to breakthrough long term spells such as Enthrallment. The College Mage knew she, Janris, Olayra did as best as they could getting as many people trapped in these Tunnels out to safety but now their time is up as they and ten other dwarves were now hopelessly surrounded by the erupting lava. But at the very least inspite of the doom sight they held a deep satisfaction of knowing that the last act they had done was the right thing, maybe then Tivna would welcome all of them gladly into her garden when they pass.


    Unfortunately, this Share-Holder, known to be in association of the Otherworldly Invaders had came to them to intervene for her own master''s interests.


    This same spell was another form of Magicks that the Lieutenant knew courtesy of Iris and Aliathra. It is said that if one was indeed Enthralled via the Enthrallment spell then they would have a feeling of ''waking up from a dream'' and regaining control of themselves. If the spell wasn''t empowered enough to break the enchantment or there was no enchantment or begin with, the spell would have harmlessly passed through the Lieutenant unscathed. So, she decided to end this debate once and for all and readied her ''dis-enchantment''.


    The Magical Energies, as expected passed through her without so much as a light tickle, bewildering Karliah as one of her most powerful spells was casually brushed off.


    "H-how!?" Karliah questioned.


    "Enough of this ''Demon'' crap please? I come here to save you all especially you Janris! Your mother Johru is safe with us." Samantha tells them.


    "Mama? Mama made it out?" Janris shook away from her fears upon the hearing of her mother''s name.


    "I am going to rescue ALL of you no matter what." Samantha vowed.


    "What if you are deceiving us? You have been abducting people away with your dragons." Eloun accused her.


    "Look here!" Samantha''s nerves were struck violently by the Natives incessant accusations. "Whether I am not Corrupted or not does not matter now. We can talk more about this when we are safe now. I need to get you all out of here." She informed her of what is most important.


    "How can you rescue us from here?" Olayra asked the Lieuteannt


    But then Samantha fully realizes the dire situation at hand, there was virtually no way of reaching the trapped Natives without risking further the wrath of the voracious lava before her. It was too far for her Air Scooter to dash forward too in addition to her still relative inexperience in conjuring such an unstable spell without tripping and there were barely any rocks to work with that wouldn''t risk further vexation from the lava.


    But how can she rescue them? The Lava was not only dense but very voracious substance made of passionate fire.


    "Fire¡­" Samantha thought. She had the most thick-witted of gambles.


    Activating her transmutation ability, Samantha carefully placed her hand onto the boiling lava itself. A infernal energy began to seep through her body, engulfing her in an outer shell of flames. Her Suit began to drain its own energy trying to maintain her form as Sam realizes that she is still ultimately unharmed by having herself be engulfed in boiling hot lava.


    Without wasting a second, Samantha stepped her foot into the Lava Pool, its dense state and the aforementioned transmutation she had done allowed her to safely run through the coral sea of lava unharmed.


    "Warning: 150% Energy Consumption detected. Suggested Action: Mitigate all Mana-consumptive Activity." ISAC warned the Lieutenant.


    Her Energy Levels as Samantha monitored were being drastically depleted the longer, she fire-walked atop of the Lava. Alarmed by this, Samantha quickened the pace of her steps but the Lava was clammy as it was gelatinous, hampering the speed of movement and ergo increasing the time she spent walking dangerously above the infernal pool. She was determined despite the limitations of her Suit to reach the survivors.


    Upon stepping on the floating Rock Crater that housed the last 12 survivors, Samantha went to work with her plan.


    She calculated based on her suit''s Exo-Suit Capabilities that she has the capacity to safely carry over three people at a time to safety by having her slice off a piece of said rock crater before slowly pushing the boat like object with survivors in tow to safety. It was about fifty meters between her and the rock crater in terms of distance. It would take about thirty minutes at the soonest to accomplish the task.


    "Come on! Three at a time." Samantha ordered as she used her Magicks to create a boat like platform for by slicing of the Rock Island''s pieces off.


    At first, the survivors hesitated but after seeing the lava slowly starting to aggravate itself in the room. Three brave souls decided to board the makeshift boat.


    Samantha ferried off the boat across the Lava pool towards the safety of higher ground. It was grueling work but she can manage with deep breathing and meditative channeling of her Arcane Meridians she can reduce the amount of energy being fractioned off of her suit by about 30%.


    "One more¡­" Samantha muttered herself to enliven her spirit.


    She returned to the Rock Crater and repeated the process. Seeing that this stranger was clearly trying to rescue them from such an infernal fate, three more souls decided to board the rock platform.


    "One more¡­" Samantha again muttered to herself.


    Now halfway done, the Lieutenant made her third trip back to rescue the second half of the survivors.


    "Warning: Mana Energies are at 15%. Suggest Recharge immediately." ISAC informed her.


    The AI''s words did not dissuade her, nor the aching sores she began to develop on her muscles as she prompted the Dwarven Judge Eloun and his two sons onto her makeshift boat.


    "Come on we have no time!" Samantha yells at them.


    "Why are you doing this?" Eloun asked the Lieutenant.


    "What do you mean why?!" Samantha yelled. "I went down here just to rescue everyone."


    "I¡­" Eloun was at a loss of words. Tears of disbelief fell down his eyes.


    Even Karliah, Olayra and Janris too. They witness before them the very exhausted yet very tenacious Lieutenant moving heaven and earth and braving the darkness of the Volcano''s wrath to save people still trapped by the voracious lava. Were the rumors false or was this some sort of clever deceit? No demons or their servants would go out of their way to do all of this, to save the people they consider as their enemies.


    Was Samantha really enthralled by the Otherworlders after all?


    Eloun seeing that none of the rumors of the Otherworlder''s being bloodthirsty devourers of souls promptly urged his sons to board Samantha''s rock platform as the Lieutenant pushed them away back to the otherside of the chamber.


    "Warning: Mana Energies are at 7%! Depletion all Suit Functions are in danger of shutting down." ISAC warned her.


    "Just¡­ one... more¡­" Samantha cooed. Her body was starting to finally wear and tear her mentally as she expended thousands of calories on herself to continue on this rescue attempt.


    There was really one more left to save.


    As she made her return trip, the ceiling of the chamber began to collapse as rocks fell down like rain below them.


    "Cipag''s Mercy!" Eloun swore. "I¡ªI¡­ I know these Tunnels! The nearest exit is the Nirnkarim Opening." Eloun said.


    "Good¡­ go there¡­ there is a friend that will help you there¡­" Samantha nodded, a soft smile escaped her lips.


    "Are you sure?" Eloun asked of her.


    "You can trust me." Samantha reassured her. "Now go I will get the last survivors." The Lieutenant pushed off her rock platform and proceeded to move towards the last three survivors still trapped in the lava chamber.


    Samantha''s body began to grew heavy, her limbs losing its unity and her heartbeat pacening in vain effort to support her now drained body as she made it to Karliah''s group before her Hecate Suit finally gave out.


    "Get¡­in¡­Nnn---" Samantha huffed, the toll on her body draining not only her intrinsic Mana Levels but also her own body calories. Her hands flailed limply, her eyes phasing in and out of cognizance. She tried to take off her helmet in a vain attempt to regain her senses but there was no difference in the feeling.


    She fell on her knees and collapsed before Karliah.


    "Mana Energies are at 5%. Energy Saving Mode activated: All Unbinilium-related functions are disabled. Remaining energy diverted to Essential Functions only." ISAC informed in a lower bass voice.


    "Get up! Hurry! Please Chosen One! Get up!" Janris pleaded.


    Samantha''s weakened form was barely responsive, her world shrunk down to only her around her and the sounds in her immediate earshot as she neared the throes of death.


    "I¡­ I¡­ can''t¡­" Samantha muttered. "So¡­tired."


    "SAM!" Crocker radioed. He had just corrected the right frequency of his communications with Samantha. It took a special kind of tweaking from Clay to be able to penetrate radio signals to and from the Underground.


    "We need to dust off now! You got 420 seconds tops to get ouf there before the Tunnel collapses. The Airship won''t survive any longer here!" he warned her.


    Fear began to grip the Lieutenant as she weakly responded to her second-in-command:


    "Sergeant Crocker¡­ Stryder! Its l-looks like that t-there''s no way out¡­ Lava is coming up¡­ and I''m trapped. It was an honor to serve each and every one of you¡­ Obed, Alie, Iris, Kayin, Clay, you Crock and even Diaz¡­I tried to save all I could¡­ I did¡­ I am sorry¡­ I am so sorry." Samantha tearfully apologized on the radio.


    "What!?" Crocker recoiled winced. "NO! NO! NO! EL-TEE! EL-TEE! SAM!" he cried. He cannot believe he was hearing this from the Lieutenant after starting to warm-up amiably with the young West Point Graduate.


    "I knew you would say that Crock¡­" Sam smiled.


    The Ceiling Cracked above her as Lehsol''s gaze shone above the lava chamber allowing the partial escape of gasses and radiant heat to leave the room whilst still allowing to see the star.


    Samantha smiled as she readied to see the angels that If she was to die, she will die seeing the sky above her one last time.


    "This can''t be Samantha! The Crystal Heart blessed you for great things! You can''t perish today! The team cannot effort to lose you!'' " Aliathra tearfully shouts on the radio. "Neneth yewl va plik fae eath''she!" she prayed to her Goddess.


    "You were my best companion this Vampire ever had! You cannot die here now!" Iris joined.


    "There''s still so much more we can do together." Clay added.


    "You can''t die here! Not now! You have to think of something¡­ you do!" Crocker radioed.


    "I''m sorry guys, Mana ran dry a moment ago and the Lava trapped me¡­ Get out of here and live for me!" she urged them.


    "Sergeant! We need to get everyone in this ship out of here or we are toast! The ship can''t handle this much pressure." Captain Kaprelian yelled.


    Deep down, Crocker knew that was the right choice. The most Utilitarian Choice, they have not only the rest of Stryder Group on board but also more than a dozen of Civilians onboard fearfully trusting their lives and hopes on them for salvation.


    But just as Crocker grievously cut off the radio to leave the Lieutenant to her Faith. The Mic was instantly grabbed by Iris.


    "Samantha Rose! What would your father and great ancestor Desmond and Leo Major would say? Did they ever give up despite the odds being stacked against them? You would dishonor their legacy if you perish today. Do you want me, Aliathra, Stryder and your mother to cry on your empty grave because you gave up?!" Iris agitated the Lieutenant.


    "She is right! You are our Omah, the Leader of Stryder, we would all will fall apart without you!!You and Iris are my friends, the only true and real friends that I never thought this Princess would ever have! Don''t be selfish and die here today. You must live! Live to see tommorow, to see your home, to see your friends and family again!" Aliathra added.


    "You listen here Red! I will be f.u.c.k.e.d if April not only loses her mother but her ''Auntie Rose''!" Obediah screamed.


    "We are here for you! Don''t die on us and give up on yourself!"the whole Stryder team all replies in the radio


    "Guys¡­ you are by far the greatest people I had ever met... Thank you¡­ now wait for me damnit!" Samantha smiled; her courage regained much to the pleased Stryder group "You Three! You are all going to live! I promise! And to you Janris! I swear to God no matter what that your mother Johru doesn''t bury you on an empty grave too." She pointed to the shocked Karliah, Olayra and Janris.


    However, even with a new found will to live, they still need to find a way out. The Lieutenant raced herself in her mind to think of a plan to get out of this trap before it was too late.


    "But how can we escape? We are still trapped here and without any Magicks we cannot do anything?" Karliah reminded her.


    "Mana Energies detected. Fifteen meters, 80 degrees West." ISAC informed her.


    The Lieutenant turned her head and looked towards where the AI had pointed to her.


    From out of the inferno rose a geomantic node of the most brilliant of Mana Crystal as her Share-Holder brand intrinsic thirst for Mana can attest. It was a most unusual sight as the crystal was not the usual azure glow but gave a radiant crimson shine that sang to her. The Lieutenant could see that there may be hope yet as her new energy consumptive instincts tell her that the strange variant of Unbinilium can rejuvenate her fully upon consumption.


    She feebly stood up and using the last of her will and Mana reserves, she activated the Hecate Suit''s Transmutation functions as she walked across the Lava pool hazardously towards the Crystal using the very last bits of strength.


    "Mana Energies Level at 5%.... 4%....3%.... 2%..." ISAC warned her.


    "Come on Red¡­ push!" Samantha spurred herself.


    She knew that the moment her Suit finally gave in, she would lose her protection against the lava and be killed instantly by its vehement embrace. She tried to reach the Red Unbinillium but it was just out of reach.


    "This woman¡­" Karliah murmured. Hearing the Share-Holder speak with what she assumes were her friends on some sort of Magic Message spell coaxed her greatly.


    The Share-Holder, in spite of them being enemies truly was trying to rescue them. Giving up her mana and was about to sacrifice herself to save all she could. Virtually nothing of the characteristics from the naive and brash Faithleann. Where the Bane would cower, the Share-Holder would be steadfast. When the Bane would gloat, the Share-Holder would be meek. When the Bane fights for glory, the Share-Holder fights to protect those whom she loved and cares for.


    Olayra too was equally moved. The way she had talked with the voices of the people that echoed around her made the pedantic girl realize that she did not see her as a tool, weapon or a servant to their designs. But a friend, a follower, a companion. What shook her and Karliah''s pre-conceived beliefs is that the Otherworldly ''Demons'' all behaved just like them not as bloodthirsty and heartless demons and their words sound truly genuine with zero lies or deception. Maybe they had severely misjudged the Share-Holder and to the same extent the Vampire, Princess Aliathra and the Otherworlders.


    This Woman was more than the stories of the Heroes of Old could be and more. The Crystal Heart did not choose poorly after all!


    "Almost there¡­ you heroes ain''t dying on my watch!" Sam reassured them.


    "Waagh! I thought I was doing the right thing but we are all about to die! I thought I could be a Great Hero like you Chosen One. But all I did was get myself trapped withother people on this stupid rock." Olayra cried. "Don''t you see that you have to rescue me, Karliah and Janris?"


    "She is right!! You are the only hero here." Janris added.


    "You''re not useless¡­" Samantha turned to Janris and Olayra. "By trying to save the trapped people alone already makes you all heroes even if your risk all of you getting trapped too."


    "Pardon?" Olayra asked.


    "You think I wake up everyday so I can just be ''the Share-Holder'' because of what? Some big ''Crystal Heart'' thing tells me who I am?" Samantha asked them.


    The women responded with a denying nod.


    "I am not measured by what that¡­ whatever from some fancy cathedral. The title of ''Chosen One'' is just that, a title. Its what where your heart and your actions do in its name is what makes a hero." She explained. "Look at you! Despite this Volcano erupting you still came back to rescue more people. That makes you a better hero than that prick you call the ''Bane''."


    Olaya and Janris cry heavily at the beautiful words by Sam, especially Olaya as Faithlean never say that to her. Karliah too shed a single jubilant tear. This Share-Holder truly deserved to call herself a ''Hero''. Karliah humbly lowered her head as she stood up, her self-doubts restraining her now set free upon seeing the Lieutenant''s heroic actions.


    Samantha soon began to slowly sink into the lava as her legs start to uncontrollably twitch as her exhaustion has reached a lethal level as the very last of her Mana Energies depleted. However, even if she feels she about to die she has to reach the Crystal.


    "Mana Energies recharging to 5%... 10%..." ISAC informed her.


    Samantha''s heart skipped a beat, she wasn''t siphoning the Mana Energies of the Red Crystal just yet. She turned around to see that the College Mage Karliah was releasing her own reserves of Mana to transfer onto Samantha to regenerate the last bits of energy she needs to reach the Unbinilium Crystal.


    "Save us Chosen One¡­" Karliah whispered to Samantha.


    Thanks to Karliah''s exchange, Samantha finally reached the Crystal. The Hecate Suit''s Arcane Meridians then proceeded to hungrily consumed its energies as its battery reserves recharged almost instantaneously.


    A surge of Mana flowed through Samantha, reinvigorating as it was re-exciting her bones, muscles, mind, and spirit like a second awakening of a new dawn. This ''Red Unbinillium'' aroused her nothing close to what the standard Blue ones were. The rather unpredictable energies made the Magicks unstable but much more powerful in output. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes and like the timely intervention of a Guardian Angel.


    As if by the mere thought of flying away from the danger, Samantha unknowingly behind her sprouted wings from her back, conjured by Magicks as her eyes glowed in blazing white as she turned to the three girls who excitedly saw her transcendent transformation.


    "Hold on tight! It''s gonna be a bumpy ride." Samantha grabbed the girls by the hand.


    The three promptly held on to her warm soft grip as the Lieutenant soared above the ceiling, crashing through its barrier and making it out of the mountain with great big blast from its rooftop causing a sonic boom of dust and dirt to trail behind them.


    "Sam! NO!" Crocker radioed in on despair as he saw the Mountain exploded. Their Super Osprey Air Ship forced to fly out of the danger zone just as the mountain became overrun with shattering lava.


    "Look over there!" Clay pointed to the angelic red wings that sprouted from a bubble-like ward. Upon an enhancing zoom, they could see Samantha being the source of those magical wings and powering the protective Ward.


    "El-Tee!" All of Stryder cheered.


    Samantha made it out!


    "We''re¡­ FLYING!" Olayra squealed.


    "Yes, we are indeed un infanc." Karliah smiled at her junior.


    "Flying? I didn''t know I can fly!" Samantha confessed.


    But just as soon as she disbelieved, her wings suddenly dissipated and gravity, as cruel as the mistress she took over their bodies as they began to plummet below the ground.


    "Hold on!" Samantha cried as she frantically cast ''Feather Fall'' on all three of the survivors before placing the enchantment on herself.


    They landed haphazardly close to each other by a mountain stream a good and safe distance away from Nirnkarim, landing upon the still blooming mountain grass and flowers.


    "Is Everybody okay?" Samantha asked everyone.


    The calm breathing of Janris, Karliah and Olayra confirmed her optimism that they managed to survive their escape.


    "We are saved! By the Gods we are still alive!" Olayra cheered.


    "Well now I know what that bard meant by flying can be so...inspiring." Janris chuckled.


    "A bit sore¡­ but nothing a Cleric couldn''t fix¡­" Karliah nodded as she stood up and stretched her back. "Are you okay too Share-Holder?" she turned to the Chosen One.


    "She still looks as fine as newborn foal. Thats for sure." Janris commented. She and Olayra collectively hugging the Lieutenant in deep appreciative gratitude to her.


    "Samantha. Call me Samantha." The Lieutenant gently tells her. "Just a bit of Mana Exhaustion... but I''m alright... just need to rest my legs."


    "Who are you really Sam? I finally realize that the Campire and Aliathra never actually enthralled you to be a ''Demonic Servant'' But who are you exactly??" Karliah asked her.


    "That I am sure you are not from the Empire. You lack the Vaikurian Accent." Olayra nodded. "Are you from the Southern Frontier?"


    "I am not from here." Samantha said. "I am not from here¡­ this Planet I come from another world. I am what you described so much about ''an Otherworlder''. The very same ones you are trying to fight against." "Samantha explained. "And those Voices¡­ it''s called a Radio it allows me to talk to people from far distances¡­ think your Tweeter Bird Messages but without the Magic."


    "Planet? What is a Planet?" Olayra asked. This was wholly different terminology she never heard before.


    "A Planet... is well... to but it lightly... like a World. Your ''Planet'', your entire world is all of Gliesia, with all the places you live, places known and unknown." Samantha explained. "As I said earlier, I come from another world, so another ''Planet''."


    "Fascinating... tell me more." Olayra pressed her.


    Karliah''s eyes widened in alarm by the implications of what the Lieutenant said. This woman came from another World? Someone not born into Gliesia?


    "The Crystal Heart made you. its Chosen One? That''s¡­ impossible." Janris reeled in astonishment, letting go of her embrace.


    "Don''t be so callow Janris. The Sacred Crystal Heart works in mysterious ways." Karliah reprimanded her.


    "Yeah¡­ you sounded just like Aliathra and Iris too¡­" Samantha snickered.


    "So if you are indeed an Otherworlder, why did you come to Gliesia oh weary traveler?" Janris asked.


    "We thought this place was uninhabited. Safe for colonization¡­ but our scout was deceived. Somehow¡­ by some magicks made by the Slaegian Empire, we thought we landed on some uninhabited plains but instead we touched down on what is now Tyr Rian. Thankfully we quickly befriended the local Prince, a Prince Clovich, wrote a treaty with him that we would all peacefully co-exist with each other." Samantha explained.


    "Colonize? What is that word?" Janris asked.


    "It means to occupy an unclaimed land. The Empire had been doing such an endeavor at the Southern Frontier decades ago." Olayra explained.


    "At first we wanted to just live in peace but the Slaegian Empire along with their ''Alliance of the Light'' and their stupid prophecy made by some old fool branding us as ''Demons'' from the beginning without understanding who we really are and attacked us blindly out of irrational fear and ignorance. They forced our hands in Souviel and Tyr Rian and many other incidents! We have no choices but to go our ways to stop and dismantle the Slaegians permanently to defend ourselves and other innocent people who are caught in the crossfire and killed for no good reason." Samantha explained.


    "So that explains that Steel Cloud that came to Harringpoint weeks ago to issue that warning?" Karliah said.


    "That''s what you call it?" Sam was slightly amused by the primitive interpretations that the Natives came up for their Sh.i.p.s. "But yeah, the Aurora our Spa--- I mean ''Flying Ship'' was sent by us to warn you to stand down or face the wrath of our war machine," Samantha explained.


    As Karliah heard Sam''s words she started to have some level of doubt about the apocalyptic prophecy since thinking back about the first arrival of the Eye Demon, she actually didn''t actually detect any demonic signature from that entity. Further study by the College''s demonologist had been a fruitless endeavor as they themselves don''t even know if it is actually a demon or not since as they described it to be ''a peculiar block of strange metal with weird strings. They tried all the holy magic on it and had no effect on it. Furthermore, their endeavor to deceive the demons from coming to Gliesia was not worked at all since the Otherworlders didn''t actually behave like demons seeking souls to devour after all.


    But then she remembered about the previous attacks planned to relay the attempts to halt the Demonic''s expansion into Gliesia with the aforementioned attacks in Tyr Rian and Souviel. To her horror she reasoned that due to such an attack, the Otherworlders had the moral high ground to justify a full-blown invasion of the Empire!


    In their quest to stop the end of times, they had only ensured its fulfillment!


    "Are you okay?" Samantha asked Karliah.


    "I am fine¡­ I¡­ just need a moment to breathe¡­" Karliah sighed. She beat her c.h.e.s.t trying to release the regret filling herself on her body to feign coughing out any irritants that managed to penetrate to her lungs.


    "Aight." The Lieutenant nodded.


    "I have to return now to New Albany right now especially with you Janris. Your mother is waiting for you there." Samantha smiled. "Sarge, its Sam. We made it. I need extraction at my position now for four people." The Lieutenant radioed.


    "Rodger that El-Tee we got a lock on your position. Let''s get ya blokes outta there." Crocker smiled.


    She attempted to stand up but the moment her feet went upright they cramped, forcing her to collapse on the ground.


    "Subject Diagnosis: Extreme Muscle Fatigue detected. Recommend course of action: Immediate Extraction for Tissue Restoration Therapy." ISAC informed her.


    "Damn¡­" Samantha meekly cursed. The AI was indeed right however, she does need some time for respite.


    "Request if I can bring home some flowers yeah Crocker? I am gonna want to see something nice on my window when I get back to New Albany." She snickered.


    "Flowers?" Karliah ticked.


    The College Mage looked around you and noticed that there was a distinct flower bed filled with Purple Broad Glows. A distinct flower found at the climate conditions between the hinterlands and lower altitude slopes. In the Southern areas of the Ostalrocs, the only known area where such a flower exists would be right at the crossing between the stream Cipag''s Tears and the Old Brewery where she would have supposed to meet Findrum and the rest of her entourage right about now!


    "Praise be to the Gods! You two have captured the Shareholder and rescued my niece. I am grateful to you both." Findrum jovially laughed as he appeared before them an addressed Karliah and Olayra.


    The Dwarf Monster Hunter was followed suit by Petur and the rest of the Imperial Crusaders. Their hands, holding nets, cuffs and other forms of restraints readying to grasp on her for capture.


    Samantha quietly drew her pistol as her fight-or-flight senses surged through her body. She was surrounded by the natives and she was under no circ.u.mstances must be captured alive. She quietly turned on a small beacon on her c.h.e.s.t rig to alert her incoming squad mates that she was in grave danger.


    "Oh no Findrum, it is the Share-Holder who rescued us." Olayra corrected.


    "What? That can be right. She is in league with the Otherworlders after all. No matter, we have her now. Let us bring her back to Harringpoint now this instance." Petur recoiled before immediately regaining his composure.


    "No! I cannot let you have her! Especially the ones that abandoned the people in the first place." Janris stands in front of the Slaegians and spread her hands wide to protect Samantha.


    "My dear niece, step aside. We need her to fight the demons! This woman is the key to the Alliance''s Salvation." Findrum gently asked her. "For not the Honor of the Dwarves but for the safety of the Clan."


    "There are no Demons! We have been wronged all this time!" Janris pleaded.


    "No, they are! They have been herding our people into their Metal Dragons to be taken away for their Soul Eating rituals." Petur protested.


    "No, they did not! They were rescuing the people that straggled behind our flight away from the Volcano." The Dwarf defended her statement.


    "No¡­ Oh no! By the Gods!" Findrum stuttered. "You are enthralled by the Otherworlders too!" he cried.


    "Karliah! Restrain the Dwarf immediately. We need to break her free from the Share-Holder''s wiles." Petur ordered.


    "You do not understand. You will only hear the same from me and Olayra. Stand down you two, this had been all a big misunderstanding I tell you. I need to speak with the Grandmaster immediately. There is something I need to discuss with him." Karliah pleaded.


    "We will when we capture the Share-Holder," Petur swore.


    "Stand back! I am warning you!" Samantha aimed down her pistol and held a grenade at one hand. Her aim was rickety at best due to her exhaustion and not helping matters is that she also knew the price of what will happen if they retrieve not only her alive but the Hecate Suit intact.


    "Seize her." Findrum told the Crusaders.


    He stepped forward, gripping his lasso as he is ready to toss it towards the Lieutenant. Samantha took aim ready to fight to her very last breath and bullet.


    "Uncle please!" Janris strafed suddenly in front of her uncle. Shielding the Lieutenant from the Monster Hunter. "You will imprison her! She doesn''t deserve to be in chains after all that she had done."


    The young Dwarven Maiden grab hold of him, pleading him to not take another step forward.


    "Let go Janris!" Findrum struggle with her niece and suddently he threw her at great force at the nearby sharp rock causing her to fall on her head on the sharp rock, killing her instantly as the impact cracks snapped her neck.


    "Janris!" Findrum, Karliah, Olayra and Samantha shouted.


    Karliah rushed towards Janris side, using her Findrum rushes at his niece and tries to desperately to wake her up but her body remained lifeless and unresponsive. Karliah tries to use what left of her mana to heal her to no prevail. Her wound to instantaneously fatal for her to be repair. The Dwarven Maiden, once filled with life fell dead on her beloved uncle''s stout arms as the Monster Hunter lay there in shock. Seeing eye to eye, her emerald eyes slowly drain away, one of the few joys he had in his venerable life being snuffed away in an instant.


    "What have you done!?" Olayra screamed.


    "What have I done? No, What have you done to my niece you Demon sc.u.m!?" Findrum growled.


    With his temper boiling to a berserk, he grabbed his axe and with the vengeful drive he readied the blade upwards to the sky to cut down the Lieutenant in half.


    "You killed your own niece, you monster!" Sam calls her out, her weakened state diminishing the volume of her voice.


    "No, you enthralled her to do your bidding. To lure more souls to feed your Demonic Masters! I am gonna make you pay! I will avenge my Janris!" Findrum stubbornly refused to listen to reason as he rushes towards the Lieutenant with his Actocolite Axe. "Die Monster!" he battlecried.


    Karliah and Olaya rush into to stop only for him to swing the blunt side of his weapon at both of them knocking them out cold.


    "Findrum no! We need her alive!" Petur rushed at Findrum to stop him


    "Sam!" Obediah radioed as he fired his sniper rifle at the Dwarf.


    The .338 Lapua bullet struck the Dwarven Monster Hunter at his left eye causing him to reel back on the shock as he held on to his wound.


    The wind began to pick up as Captain Kaprelian''s Super Osprey hovered above the Imperial Crusaders.


    "Get Lieutenant out of there!" Crocker ordered.


    Kayin, Diaz and Iris jumped out of the Airship and under the cover fire of Crocker and Captain Kaprelian, converged quickly on Samantha''s position. Kayin quickly grabbed the Lieutenant in a fireman''s carry as he heaved her back to the safety of the Airship. Several Imperials were killed yet the Sargeant and the Pilot practiced restraint as they didn''t want to open fire more bullets than they had to for it was only to bewilder the Natives long enough until the Lieutenant was safely extracted to the Super Opsrey.


    Karliah, quickly regained consciousness from the blunt strike earlier looked on in awe-inspired horror as the Metal Dragon escaped the Legion''s arrow fire, flying away south to where the Otherworlder stronghold of Tyr Rian is.


    "Karliah Silverdane! You have failed!" Faithleann emerged from the crowd of shaken Legionnaires.


    "Faithleann, we must return to Harringpoint. I must speak with the Grandmaster at once." The College Mage explained herself.


    But she received a quick and rather impulsive left fist to her torso by the Bane Chosen One.


    "Faithleann! That is no way to address a Senior of the College of Magi!" Petur restrained the boy.


    "She failed again! Why are you still here! You are supposed to capture her! Now the Share-Holder with will continue to harass our armies for another day in the name of their Demonic Master! Gods Damn you Karliah!" he cursed.


    "Karliah, what is going on here?" Petur asked her. He wouldn''t believe that his very erudite friend would just be so easily bested nor deceived by anything in his experience working with her.


    "As I said Petur, we must gallop due haste to the Capital. There is something I need to discuss with the Grandmaster." Karliah said.


    "What so?" Mita asked.


    "There is more to this End Times Prophecy than it meets the eye." Karliah said.


    "I see, take a horse and hurry to the Capital. Someone, get a Cleric to attend to Findrum and his Niece at once. I will stay here with Faithleann." Petur ordered.


    Meanwhile back at Captain Kaprelian''s ship, Lieutenant Rose was now safely aboard the Super Osprey alongside a couple dozen of Ostalrocii survivors.


    "We did it! Today is a victory for the UFE. We rescued people and saved the Lieutenant." Clay cheered.


    Yet Samantha remained despondent, she stared into her two hands blankly, imagining the innocent blood of Janris laying wet before her hands. An innocent life, filled with everything coming along a head of her, just like her in a way. Snuffed out in one instant.


    "My Daughter! My sweet Daughter! Where is my Janris?" Johru asked of her, the woman whom she placed her prayers to finding her child.


    Samantha only looked dead straight on the Dwarf''s sagely eyes with the same blank stare. No words were needed to relay what was being said.


    "No!" Johru wailed. Her cries reverberating the inside of the Airship.


    "Johru my dear, calm down! Let me mourn with you¡­" Eloun, who happened to be able to board the Super Osprey with his sons and the other nine Lava Chamber Survivors.


    The kindly Judge led the woman away leaving Samantha to fully swallow her failure to save her.


    "No¡­ No it wasn''t¡­" Samantha told Clay before burying her face beneath her two hands as she sobbed herself all the way back to New Albany.

 Chapter 47 - the Grand Plan (UFE Perspective)

    "Subjects, Citizens, and fellow Nobles. I greet you all as your Sovereign Prince who now has safely returned from the other side of the Great Sky." Clovich formally greeted the great gathering of the public of the Principality of Tyr Rian at Arhaf Square.


    Today, after a few days of extra-fortuitous delays was the day as clear as crystal and as blue as the ocean, at this hour for Clovich''s formal return from his fruitful travels from Earth. The skies were bright albeit with shading of silver today thanks in part to the newly arrived Maximov Engineering Corporation shielding the Principality from the worst effects of the Ostalroc Volcano Eruption that is still going strong. In the meanwhile, today is a day of jubilation. Many people from all walks of life were encouraged to gather before him from the Noble Peers Clovich had known since he was a child, to the intrepid Merchants and Craftsmen and all the way down to the humble Peasantry, fresh from their crop harvests came to see their ruler''s face once again. All classes of men were lured into this great assembly for the same interest, ''a better tomorrow'' as the Heralds ballyhooed. Even several Dwarven Refugees, who had found the time after setting up their temporary housing outside of the Citadel Walls were even encouraged to attend too. Most of them had only seen great improvement with their continued friendship with the UFE, the Upper-Class having Security, Middle-Class the prospects of added Prosperity, the Lower-Class the Idea that of a better life beyond their squalid selves. All seemed too good to be true under normal circ.u.mstances, even straight-up impossible to dream after the previous events that had transpired but the ''Skypeople'' continued to surprise them every turn in various shows of charity, unmatched leadership and resilience.


    "Today on the 17th day of the Fruitful Moon. I declare the commencement of the first-ever New Ysanigrad Congress!" Prince Clovich answered.


    "A Congress? You mean like the Senedd in Haringpoint?" One of the attending Nobles questioned.


    "Indeed." The Prince nodded.


    "But let me say this right now so that I may show you that I am still one with those of my Kin. My fellow people! I share your pain through these tough times as I also share the burden of rebuilding the Realm back to its former glory. As you have seen many innocent lives were lost in both Tyr Rian and New Albany, many families were vanquished or torn apart, many parents have to bury their children and many children are forced to live a sad life without the warmth and embrace of their mothers and fathers." He continued, his voice sinking solemnly to share in his lamentations of those perished.


    "The culprit of all these tragedies was none other than our Liege Lord, whom we swore fealty to served for centuries, the Slaegians Empire and their Elven Allies the Ethuilen Entente! For as long as I live I will not stop until justice has been served to all who dared ordered the warrant of our attempted destruction. My dear friends, subjects and guests. I dare say that what I saw beyond made me realized that, and although I may be hung for treason, that the Slaegian Empire, has grown fat and mired in its decadence and indolence to what Heaven aspired Gliesia to be." Clovich raised his voice and denounced.


    The united uproar stirred among the crowds as they were still filled with confusion, shock, and deep rage over the previous events that seemed to cycle pass them like a raging storm. Many people questions that why the Emperor and the Elves could do such horrific things to the people of this (now-once) loyal vassal? And for what reason?


    "The purpose for them to commit such cowardly acts on our realm and to induce untold numbers of suffering on our people is because of the utter nonsense come from the stupid mouth of the so-called ''Grandmaster of the College'' when he casted a untested spell known as Clairvoyance that dictated that our great benefactor, the UFE were Demons who came to devour this world and corrupt and consume the souls of all living beings in it. However, does the UFE ever act like demons to us? Do they try to devour our souls or raze the Principality to ground like the demons of the old?" He urged the crowd to answer for him.


    "No!" the attendee''s cried.


    "Because of them, my family have never been safer! They rid of the bandits and monsters hounded us farmers, but now even I and my neighbors can farm without an ounce of fear... ever!" a farmer declared.


    "They built road that is smoother for our wagons and horses to move and they keep us safe for free, unlike the adventurers!" a commoner adds on.


    "What did the Empire give us other than their ''Protection''? Nothing!" a Knight joined his voice with the discordant crowd.


    "So I say, oh so I dare say, Emperor Uldin and all of the Slaegian Empire are nothing more but Tyrants masquerading as an Empire from their opulent towers they deceive, choke and destroy the realm. The Mandate of Heaven has abandoned them ¨C they must fall so a new Phoenix may rise from its ashes to guide the realm into the next age. And I do dare say once again that a new Mandate of to dictate the fate of Ysanigrad¡­ if not the whole of Gliesia has fallen to me, to the Rians, to all of the Subjects of Tyr Rian to carry the torch towards that new future."


    The crowd began to applaud in cheers over their Lord''s zealous words, sharing the same cheer as he speaks.


    "For I have seen a new world beyond, one of the Otherworlder''s designs free from the shackles of Fear and Want, that world being the nation of the You-Eff-Eeeh." Prince Clovich honored two of his most esteemed guests to stood by the Prince''s side, Governor White and Mr. Thomas Sight.


    A brief standing ovation set forth for them was given.


    "The so-called coming of the new age as foretold by the Geltagar''s Comet is a Divine Intervention! A new destiny for all of Gliesia starting here in Tyr Rian until all of the world bows down before the new Mandate of Heaven. The people of Ty Rian will be no more just another rock on the river, why be the rock if we have the chance to become a mountain! The people that will open forth the gate towards a new age! With my vision, the Mandate of Heaven on our backs, and the help of our new allies¡­"


    Clovich took a deep breath, his next words, once spoken publicly to his subjects, can never be taken back. His time learning and even still learning the ways of the Otherworlder''s eccentrics and sciences culminated to this moment. It is all-in for what he d.e.s.i.r.es or forever be left in obscurity.


    "I Prince Clovich Rian, Vassal Sovereign of Tyr Rian to announce a new Mandate, a new Era. The Rianni Amelioration! An Era mandating new dawn of Peace, Prosperity and Stability unrivaled that of Caldell Slaegiac''s old reign for not only Tyr Rian, not only for the Empire but for all of Gliesia!" he fervently declared.


    A boom of thunderous cheers echoed throughout Arhaf Square.


    The Speech was going perfectly for the Prince, Mr. Sight''s advice on what words to say was most helpful indeed to incite his people to openly support on what is essentially a Rebellion, unlike that is seen in the Empire''s history. For it was not a peasant''s revolt, nor a dissatisfied subject''s insurrection.


    It was a full-on Mandate War where only one side will come out of the battlefield. The winner dictating the course of history for Gliesia for eras to come.


    "For this new age to work, we must all come together, hand and hand so we may draft a new decree, a treatise that will become the foundation of our new treaty. I ask all of the Nobles, the Trade Merchants, the Craftsmen, the Knights and the Peasantry to select at least three representatives among each group to be invited inside the You-Eff-Eeh Embassy for much needed discussions and to be seated on my new Round Table." He tells the crowd. "Choose wisely, for they will be the vanguard to our new future that it is in my greatest prayers that we walk together forward to."


    A long silence followed as many of the said Classes of people of Tyr Rian whispered amongst themselves who among their own would exemplify for them and their interests. The more educated among them realized that what the Prince beneath his flowery words was really saying is that he is opening new office slots sharing his power amongst his subjects. The ambitious among them wish to climb the social ladder whilst others believe that they can truly do meaningful good in such a position. Before long Fifteen men approached the Stage and bowed down humbly to Prince Clovich.


    "We men of Tyr Rian, most graciously accept your invitation. You humble us oh Great Prince with your summons." A man dressed in a stately garb said.


    Clovich recognized that man''s voice, Jaro Gonra, Scion of the Gonra Family, the most influential Noble family in Ty Rian second to the Rian''s themselves. Their lineage originally helped the ruling Rian Family establishing the Principality during its early days as a conquered territory of the Empire such as building the Famous Walls that had protected the Citadel for centuries and financing a significant portion of the local Men-at-Arms that garrison its fortifications.


    Second to him were the merchants, one such significant character being Lutheor Mirrien himself, the famous Dwarven Merchant who was already making his waves with his Caravans through and about the Principality, his second home. He is considered quite begrudgingly by the local humans to be the ric.h.e.s.t citizen of Tyr Rian, even more, well-off than both the Rian''s and the Gonra''s.


    Representing the Knights, the Military Arm of the Principality is the Knight Commander himself who quite frankly his armor was gleaming brightly as it reflected from Lehsol''s gaze, Ser Bardu Maghe. A former adventurer from the Imperial Mainland now turned native Tyr Rianni, he was given knighthood years ago by Clovich''s father, Gedelcaus when he saved his life during a massive siege versus an Orcish Khan who had ransacked the Principality. Bardu, an Adventurer hired as a Sellsword back then managed to slay dozens of the Khan''s best warriors with his Crossbow before slaying the rapacious barbarian himself in mortal combat by decapitating him with his Bardiche. For his valor, he was given a knighthood and a plot of land to call his own. Eventually, he climbed said ranks of the Tyr Rianni hierarchy to become Knight Commander of the Citadel. His days included organizing patrols of the guards, investigating public disturbances, and accounting for the day-to-day operations of all the Guard''s physical well-being.


    Two characters, piqued Clovich''s notice for the representatives of the Craftsmen Guilds. One is a sweet old lady by the name of Imma Traville. Nicknamed ''the Weaver'' her callous and thin hands created some of the finest folk trinkets in all of Tyr Rian from Fabrics, Baskets and Trinkets. She had held important positions in a variety of different guilds throughout her long life and Clovich was honestly surprised she still has some vigor left in her to undertake this latest endeavor. The second person was more of a new arrival that was a product of the recent Dwarven Diaspora coming down from the North escaping the Volcano, a Judge Eloun if he remembered Mirrien''s introduction to him earlier, representing the Dwarven Craftsmen consisting of Blacksmiths and Leatherworkers who decided to settle down at Tyr Rian when Clovich, reluctantly opened his arms to receive the refugees. Although many stayed, Tyr Rian was simply too small or in the case of some Dwarves ''not Dwarfen enough'' for several of the refugees to be accommodated fully. Yesterday about five hundred Ostalrocii migrated south towards the Southlands, the Empire''s Frontiers where several Slaegian Colonies, Savage Tribes, and empty lands unclaimed and untamed for those adventurous enough to make their own. It was sort of expected that their Dwarfen Stubbornness wouldn''t fully accept the United Federation''s hand in aid just yet, but he did wish them all safe travels as their caravans left the Citadel Gates.


    Speaking about meeting expectations, one of the representatives of the Peasantry, the Chieftain of Lyllie Village by the name of Hatrdand Dor. A very successful Crismelo Berry Farmer who is beloved throughout the local peasantry for his wisdom and philanthropy. He and his two fellow Chieftain''s were perhaps the most humbly dressed of the Representatives, wearing dirtied and slightly hand mended clothing.


    "No, you humble me all of you." He bowed back. "For you are all of Tyr Rian''s best and brightest." He praised them.


    He lead them towards the United Federation''s Embassy, through its heavenly-like air-cooled halls and rich aesthetics to a Conference Room that had an encompassing view of the Tyr Rianni cityscape complete with the UFE''s many-ringed flag standing co-equally with the Tyr Rianni Heraldry of a red and green windmill, a Round Table where each representative group had three chairs designated to them including the Prince too.


    "Friends, Subjects and most esteemed great thinkers. I welcome you to the first Ysanigradic Congress." He introduced the event to the Chosen Representatives. "From this day forth all of you are to be called the First Council of the New Ysanigrad."


    "Today we are going to draft together the first Constitution of Ysanigrad." Clovich added.


    "A Con-stee¡ªtwo¡­." Jaro Gonra attempted to pronounce that exotic-sounding word in vain.


    "A Constitution. It is a treatise that will help form how our new Tyr Rian and the new Ysanigrad will be legally governed. It contains rules of what your Government can do and not do." Governor White abbreviated.


    "Not. Do?" Jaro twitched his eyebrows. "I am quite content with our current system as it is." He proclaimed.


    "Gonra, you have to trust my Volition on this. What I have seen on Earth made me realize that the current system cannot stand as it is. It needs to be reformed or we could potentially all wither to exist. I had made my first draft of our new Constitution already based on what I and my Advisors learned from Earth, but I need your consultations about it before I can place my seal onto it. Can you just listen to me, for now, all of you?" the Prince says.


    "Very well¡­ this better be favorable to me and my fellow Nobles¡­" he swayed his hands, ushering Clovich to continue.


    Clovich took a deep breath and rang a bell from his side. A servant girl passed along him a cylindrical container that he popped open the lid on top of it to bring forth a great large piece of paper that he lay on the Round Table''s surface for all of his counselors, legislators and delegates to assess.


    There was a set of new rules, rights, and regulations that each Social Class should follow under Riannian''s new rule:


    General:


    -All living intelligent beings will have the same rights as Humans, Elves, Dwarves etc. That means that all races, regardless of origin are equal in rights, responsibility, and opportunities such as Greenskin, Vampires or other Beastmen. All races have the equal ability to work in any work or training without disbarment. Any form of discrimination will be penalized.


    Nobility:


    - All Nobles are now 100% accountable for all misdoings and crimes against civilians and no immunity: If they damage people properties, they compensate for damages fully and be accountable for no matter the level of damages; any nobles or their family member violate the civilians of any kinds: murders, r.a.p.e, assault or battery will be prosecuted and depend on the severity shall be sentenced with imprisonment or execution.


    - Bureaucratic positions will no longer be limited to noble families, non-nobles who are well-educated, trained and capable can avail for the position based on their merit of competency and knowledge they have. These positions are demarcated amongst many sectors of the New Ysanigrad territories that genuinely represents the overwhelming majority of Citizenry. This will be done through a selection process known as the ''Three-top-downs and Three-up-bottoms'' where Prospects must rally the support of not only their supporters whom they claim they represent but also through an independent council of Observers who will evaluate the basis of the comments and suggestions of all quarters where the prospective candidates will go through a thorough selection process before being approved for government duty.


    - After the war with the Empire is over, the Riannian Amelioration regime will be changed to a Constitutional Monarchy with UFE constitution will be used as the basis to make the new Ysanigard constitution. A parliament will be organized Clovich will appoint first ministers to manage the country while the royalty retreats to do ceremonial duties. Democracy will be established as the Citizenry will vote for ministers to represent their interests in the Parliament.


    Merchants


    - Temporary banning trades with anyone from the Slaegian Empire until they are defeated. In the meantime, the merchants will trade strictly with the UFE.


    - All merchants will be trained and educated in the art of industrialization and modern service.


    Knights and the Men-at-Arms Guards of Tyr Rian


    - Immediate dissolution of the Knights Circle of Tyr Rian and the Tyr Rianni Guards to be reformed into a new army called "the Lluoedd Arfog Newydd Ysanigrad" (abbreviated as ''Laniyea''). All unified under the command by Prince Clovich.


    - Knighthood will be now an honorary title with zero privilege and it will change from Ser to Sir.


    - All members of the ''Laniyea'' will be trained to use firearms and military vehicles and modern 23rd century warfare stratagems and tactics all funded and overseen by the United Federation''s Armed Forces. They will be compensated greatly up to the same standards as their UFEAF counterparts according to their ranks and merits.


    Craftsmen


    - The Blacksmiths will be advised not to make weapons anymore since UFE and the Megacorps will supply weaponry for Tyr Rian''s Laniyea from now on.


    - They are forbidden to illegally make any kinds of weaponry and sell outside Tyr Rian.


    - Craftsmen that are mages shall be recruited to make enchantments on UFE Weaponry.


    Peasantry


    - Compulsory education of all children. Truancy charges will be enforced with citizenry; upon a.d.u.l.thood must learn to read and write.


    - Education until high school will be free sponsored by UFE


    - All peasants will have the same rights, freedoms to access safe and clean drinking water, sanitation and food supplies.


    Clovich sighed after he decreed his propositions to his subjects. He knew his reforms would be radical at best, blasphemous at worst. The Meiji Restoration, as he had studied in Japan was not an easy feat, it was a revolution from the inside that will up-end the old order. And some people would not be ready to see this new future become the new normal upon their first and quite frankly upsetting collision with these radical changes.


    The Prince looked on, unsurprisingly at the faces of Jaro Gonra, Ser Bardu, Ladui Traville who lay frozen in disoriented abashment.


    "Is¡­Is this some kind of sick joke?!" Jaro Gonra gobbled conceitedly. This new regime seeks to undermine his family and other Noble Family''s powers.


    "What did I do to deserve this? Have I failed you, milord?" Ser Bardu panted panickingly. His new ''rights'' sounded more like a punishment than an alleviation.


    "I-I- oh¡­ I do not understand this¡­" the Old Weaver Imma Traville grasped her aching head. "You are asking me¡­ to cut ties with my¡­ I mean OUR paying customers?! For¡­ how long?"


    "What are we talking about again?" Chieftain Dor meekly raised his voice. He too doesn''t understand what he just read. He thought in his simple-minded brain he was getting a tax-relief at best and a better system of aid for the Farming folks that he represents. Not this¡­ ''Free E-du-cay-shun'' whatever it is¡­


    In general, the entire room was in a state of uproar, their anger directed towards the Prince.


    Only Lutheor Mirrien and Judge Eloun did not comment, their silence showing their consent to these new rules.


    "Order! Order! Order!" Prince Clovich gaveled for silence.


    "This Con-stee-two-shun is beyond disgraceful! Nothing more but complete yielding to the Otherworlders!" Jaro Gonra protested.


    "The Knights will take arms against you if this becomes law." Ser Bardu added.


    "Prince Clovich said, BE QUIET!" Thomas Sight, in an uncharacteristic move from his calm and calculating demeanor, raised his voice which successfully and unnervingly silenced the clamorous gathering as intended.


    The Attach¨¦ coughed his breath for a moment before tidying the tie around his neck as he stood up unwaveringly, his mask calm yet calculating at the Delegates.


    "This is only, as the Prince said. A Draft! A prototype, a first attempt to write something meaningful, a test to show how this draft in its current incarnation would fare when shown to the representatives of its intended demographics, who are you Nobles, Knights Commoners etcetera." he reminded everyone. "A Draft can be changed, we can compromise right her and now, or for the next few days about what can be added or removed in this paper. Ser Bardu, Lord Gonra, you are by far the most dismayed by what you have read am I correct?" he asks them.


    "Indeed, us Nobles are upset!" Jaro haughtily huffed. "We, Nobles act as the shepherds to the commoners which are sheep to keep society working orderly thanks to our superior prowess in all fields. Without us, the commoners will become blinded by lack of direction, resulting in chaos and the collapse of order. Therefore, we are the only ones who know how to maintain society intact so giving power to the commoners is absurd because they know nothing about managing a society." He argued.


    "Listen Lord Gonra Listen to me. I know your family and the rest of the Nobility gave invaluable support to my father and my grandfather throughout the history of our realm and I still value your sage advice when I ascended to the Throne¡­" He reassured his stance to the Noble Leader. "But times are changing now Gonra. If we do not reform, adapt, reshape our society into a modern like that of the Otherworlder''s we will forever be under the Empire''s shadow, to be used as their toys as they please."


    "I still do not understand." Jonra shook.


    "Let me ask you, did the Empire or even ourselves build a city on par with that of New Albany? Did such a city that provided so much abundance that no man must worry from want and fear? The Federation showed us that there is more to our lives than reaping the earth for centuries for meager gains whilst being bedeviled by those that slither in the dark like monsters and bandits? How many of such Societies, States or even Empires share such new designs instead of locking them behind away from our reach? The Slaegians with their Imperial Armories? The Ethuilen and their Fertilizer? The Suzerain''s and their Karabair Paint?" Clovich appealed. "If we continue to rest on our pride and close ourselves to those that is new, strange and foreign, then we will perish like Parable of the two Wolf Cubs, the tardy one died while the heedful one became grew up to become the Pack Leader."


    "I see...you Otherworlder''s Thomas have your excellence." Jaro acknowledged. "Yet the Nobles still will not stand giving our privileges to and having the commoners gain power over us! They no nothing on how to run a society." He argued.


    "For that I can agree but with our education and enlightenment programs! The people of Tyr Rian and the whole Ysanigard will have the knowledge and expertise to contribute to the administration of the realm. The problem is that the average people of Gliesia have far lower intellectual level than our worlds to actually understand how society works." Thomas counter argued. "Thankfully my Colleagues from the Bureau of Education will gladly see to that."


    "He is right! In their world, everyone, regardless of who they are, how old they are and how favored they are, they are all literate and all of them can do great feats of thinking that left me and my greatest advisors left in awe of." Clovich confessed. He remembered the time he lost to a Japanese Child of no older than a decade in an arithmetic problem during his tour with Emperor Shinharu to a typical Japanese Grade School.


    "If I may milord?" Ser Bardu raised. "But what of the Knights? You plan to dismantle our Circles and have us on the same standing as the Guards?" he asked.


    "Ser Bardu, you have served the Rianni Family for decades to protect this land until your dying breath when my father, Gedelcaus knighted you. Now is the time to renew that oath you had made to my him years ago with me." Clovich reminded him. "Times have changed and I want you to step into the new road that is ahead with me. The Era of Chivalry and ''Honorable Combat'' are over. Battlefield will no longer be determined and commanded by Knights and Nobles, but the efficiency and lethality of weaponry, individual soldiers, and studied stratagems. I hate to say this to you, my faithful Knight Commander but knights are useless now, obsolete." Clovich bluntly stated. He was drawing from his learning experience in examining how UFE soldiers fight in such terrifying speeds and power back at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Complex.


    "Useless? Obsolete?! How are we all that? The Knights of Tyr Rian defended this realm and your family for many cycles! How are we now useless to you now? The Knights will mutiny if you say that to all of them." Ser Bardu squawked. His nerves pulsing out of his face to show his utter repulsion of the Prince''s notions for his people.


    "Knight Commander, believe me when I say that your Knights at least in its current aspect when they the men of the UFEAF¡­ Well¡­ we have a thousand and one ways to demonstrate ''Target Practice'' if you so wish to grant us the privilege." He slyly threatened the Bardu. "As the Prince says, you Knights better start following the line of changes or otherwise, all of Gliesia will not want you anymore."


    Ser Bardu could only glare at Thomas Sight bitterly, his fists clenched tumultuously shaking. He stiffs his tongue as the Knight Commander knows how futile it is to go against UFE soldiers as a single soldier can easily kill ten of his Knights with their metal staves. He couldn''t shout openly in front of his peers less he is threatened again more politically towards his position for violent insubordination by the very people he is sworn to protect.


    "Knight Commander, do you remember how they wiped out Devicco and his Clan of Bandits? You and I couldn''t find a way to unseat him as he brazenly flaunted his ill-gotten gains and influences across all of the Principality, but the Federation was able to destroy his entire league within a span of a day.


    "Despite this you still a commander of our knights and I will appoint you as the commander of my new army but the knights must be reformed and modernized based on the reforms if you and your knights still resist, I am afraid I have to dismiss every one of you and be replaced with people FAR more cooperative! I know it is hard to change but if you at least give this a chance, you will see it would be not so bad as you fear." Clovich swayed.


    "If it allures you much more to my reformation of the Laniyea, The Otherworlder''s soldiers are very similar to our renown Miniogwyr. At no time we will be the best fighting force in all of Gliesia." Clovich added mentioning one of the pre-existing primitive armies that the Principality has.


    The Miniogwyr are the famous Crossbow Soldiers of Tyr Rian that guarded the Citadel against invaders for centuries with their impeccable aim. They came in the varieties of regular, Pavise-carrying, and horse-mounted formations. They were the perfect models for modernization as Clovich deduced from his observations of the UFE''s military doctrine and technology.


    "Hmm¡­ very well¡­ I shall go along with your proposal." He assented.


    "I had predicted that you Nobles and the Knights would be unhappy with your privileges being taken away but I, Thomas Sight and the Prince have designed plans to give you alternative forms of privileges in their absence that are as good even better as your old ones when we congress next time. All we need is to have you input your say on what we will compensate you all once we enact Clovich''s Reforms." Thomas enticed.


    "Your Parlay is honeyed sweetly. Very well¡­ I will agree to go along with you milord." Bardu nods. "Lord Gonra? Do you agree to the Otherworlder''s provisions?" he turned to the Noble Leader.


    The Noble sighed, he was the only one left of the group that disagreed. He has been forced to concede. At first, he wanted to make a stand with the Knights and the Guardsmen but after several carefully tongued words from Prince Clovich and his new Otherworlder confidant, the Noble saw the writing on the wall, with no additional hands to back up his interests he is forced, as he had feared to go along the sweeping wave of reforms of Prince Clovich''s Rianni Amelioration, for the moment. But he schemed, with some luck and rallying his influences with his represented group he can at least retain some of the distinctive privileges that he and his fellow Nobility have over the commoners.


    "Now for you Craftsmen and Merchants¡­ Mi--Ladui Traville can you tell me how much money on average do the Artisans would sell their products overall?" He turned to the Old Weaver.


    "I am no good counter¡­ but if my memory serves me right, about Fifty people would purchase an item from an Artisan''s shop every moon. Depending on the item they sell, they could go as low as thirty pieces to about a hundred Ducats each." Imma recollected, scratching her chin to push her memory forward. "Most of the customers are from the Empire or from the Frontier, however. If trade is Cut off not only me and my girls will not be able to afford a loaf of bread from the baker." She brings out her point.


    "What is stopping you from selling to us?" Thomas asks her.


    "Selling to you?" the Old woman raised her eyebrows at the proposition.


    "Of course, your products, specifically your weavings, pottery and some of your foods are hand-made and one of a kind! Highly valuable amongst the Federation for the craftsmanship involved. They are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money to get their hands on your Artisanal Goods. They may even pay more that you could have ever earned in a yea¡ªcycle with beforehand¡­" Thomas said. "I am not talking about the usual Fifty customers that pass over your stores every month, I am talking about thousands, millions maybe even billions of people flocking to you and buying everything you made, especially the more Well-Off amongst us." He added.


    "Indeed, if I recall, a Representative of Osei Korporasie is interested in not only your goods but partnering with you so that you maybe able to access their customers as well." Clovich further added.


    "Nenya be praised! I accept! I accept!" Imma jumped elatedly. Her fellow Crafstmen would sometimes eat the leather of their wares to prevent themselves from starving, but the prospect of dining in Gold and Silver was irresistible to pass up.


    "And¡­ about us Peasants?" Chieftain Dor meekly raised.


    "Just tell us what you need and I will see to it you have all the support your crops will need," Clovich added.


    "We of the Peasantry shall milord." Dor bowed.


    "Ser Sight''s and my words still stand for all of your concerns. All we need is Time and your continued contributions." Clovich informed the Congress. "Know that your cases are being addressed, shall we rewrite this paper once again? Together? You Craftsmen will want to¡­" Clovich beamed victoriously.


    He grabbed his quill pen and began to draft the second incarnation of the prototype Constitution. now with the licensure of the representatives, but also their perusal. He prays that in time, he will create a Constitution that truly embodies ''Y Cymdeithas Newydd'', the New Society he dreams of seeing. A tomorrow that scribes will record its glory and the spirit of King-Emperor Meiji of the Japanese Islands would be proud of how his leadership walked on the same path that forward-looking revolutionary took.


    ---------------------------------


    Lieutenant Samantha Rose stood in her fatigues, away from her Hecate Suit, nervously twitching as the eyes of her superiors, Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky or at leas the Holographic representations of them stood before her. Immediately after she was given the clear by the Doctors who immediately attended to her aching muscles and bruises that she acc.u.mulated thanks to her extensive use of her powers back at the Ostalrocs, the Two High Ranking UFEAF Officers ordered for her immediate presence to discuss her ''radical'' previous actions. Her heart cadenced like a large drum and her breathes fell heavy at every pace as fearful drops of nervous sweat fell on her pores, soaking the surface of her skin. By the hollow faces, they each grimaced on their visages, the Lieutenant can only fear the worst.


    Reflecting on herself, Samantha''s willful action of disobeying a direct order of evacuation to rescue additional survivors of what is now called ''the Great Ostalrocii Eruption'' had nearly cost not only her life but the exemplary work of Dr. Mahelona''s technological expertise risking the Hecate Suit''s destruction Despite her bravery at the time, she was ashamed of herself and terrified of how she could have suffered an agonizing death by the volcanic lava. She felt characteristically stained when she gave up so easily on trying to escape with the last survivors that she wished she could have taken back those ''final will of words'' she had said to her teammates as they too were just as dishonored as she was upon hearing them. If it were not her team''s encouragement and Karliah''s aid, she really would have perished inside that damned tunnel. Samantha Rose would have desecrated her father''s memory and her family name forever as she would have committed the most grievous of transgressions of leaving her mother behind to cry upon her empty tombstone because her daughter simply gave up. It would also be just as worse for her if she was instead killed but captured by the Hostile Natives just as she was nearly hogtied by their grasping hands. She knew of the horror stories of what such primitives would do to their prisoners, especially of their enemies or the women of said enemies.


    The Lieutenant shed one single tear that trickled down on her cheek as an agonizing moment of silence fell before the room. She had failed not only her oath to the UFEAF, her squad, and her father but she had also failed herself. In her quest to be the intrepid hero like her lineage fell on her, she failed to save the most important person of them all, herself.


    She shamefully lowered her head not daring to look at her superiors as she awaited her just punishment from them.


    "I can see it in your eye you know full well why you are brought here and also that you know full well about your actions earlier," Polonsky informs her.


    "Yes, I had willfully committed insubordination and endangering my team by delaying evacuation as well as potentially nearly let myself being captured by the enemy. I take full responsibility for my dereliction of the chain of command Colonel." Samantha bowed her head, honorably confessing every breach of conduct and the consequences of said actions.


    "Indeed, you are guilty of all infractions and honorably described each and every one of your wrongs." Holyfield acknowledged. "Have you forgotten your place Lieutenant? Had the power of those¡­ mumbo-jumbo ''Magicks'' got into your head? That you are now some sort of Superhero who can do whatever?! You have violated one of the verses of the Enlistment Oath? ''To never betray the Motherland''?" he added on.


    "Tell me, why? Why did you do it?" Polonsky sued her.


    "I didn''t have the heart to¡­ let them all die¡­ by that Volcano¡­" Samantha answered sincerely. Her voice squeamishly diminishing at each passing second under their eyes.


    "Them? Them!? You risked your life and your teammates live for what the Party has now deemed our enemies?!" Holyfield exclaimed.


    "When I first thought of my actions, I saw them nothing more but just people trapped by the Volcano! I never expected that some of them would have been affiliated with the Slaegian Empire." Samatha put her point across to her superiors.


    "That Dwarven Girl and most of the people you did manage rescue from the Cave, both me and Polonsky would have easily written that off as just moral fibers from you Lieutenant Rose. But those Mage? You do know they are part of the Empire that we are at war with? Don''t you remember what they did to the hundreds of innocent people both in Tyr Rian and New Albany? You should know when and where you can use that ''Heart'' of yours, Lieutenant. Use it for the RIGHT People and the RIGHT Nation." Holyfield mocked Samantha''s queasy voice.


    "Yes¡­ You¡­ you are both right¡­" Samantha yielded. "I¡­accept any form of disciplinary measures you deem appropriate for my offenses."


    "Lieutenant Samantha Rose, take off your Badges and Insignia." Colonel Polonsky ordered her. "The Five Chairmen of the High Command Commission and the Party deems that you will not be needing them anymore¡­"


    Samantha glowered despondently as she stripped the Velcro off her Badge and carefully unpinned the silver bar insignia that signified her once esteemed rank of 1st Lieutenant. She handily placed the removed articles on a nearby table and stood in attention again to the Colonel and the Major.


    She doesn''t know if she was demoted to Private or was being Dishonorably Discharged from the Armed Forces at this instance. But either way, the honorable thing to do is to let go of her once lofty position gracefully.


    "Now¡­ I need you to report to Dr. Mahelona about your Suit as I still need you and your squad still for the upcoming Offensive Captain Rose." Polonsky tells her, his words emphasizing the second to the last word of his sentence.


    "Excuse me?" Samantha''s melancholy snapped as she turned her head towards the Colonel. "What did you just call me?" Samantha asked.


    "Even we were surprised by this. The HCC directly told us that you and your squad should be promoted. They had been closely monitoring Stryder''s Actions for an unknown amount of time. When they heard of what had happened to you, they deemed punishing you would have been ''unfair''." Holyfield said.


    "Unfair? Promoting me is unfair!" Samantha exclaimed. "I disobeyed orders! I nearly died! I nearly let myself and some expensive equipment fall to the hands of the enemy! I deserved to be demoted! Discharged even!" Samantha protested, her honor taking the better of her.


    "Do not be too hard on yourself Lieu---Captain Rose." Polonsky consoled her. "Your actions may had been unprofessional, but your intention had the right heart. Have you ever thought about the people you saved earlier?" Polonsky said.


    "I¡­ not really¡­" Samantha answered. She nearly forgotten the dozens more Dwarves she had rescued earlier due to the guilt of the death of that one girl named Janris whom made the previous Dwarves lives feel shallow compared to hers.


    Again, Samantha''s intrinsic self had become more squalid than ever of her stubbornness to let go of that one failure. From a utilitarian perspective, she had lessened the lives of the other Dwarves she had saved for Janris''.


    "You had scored a major Hearts and Mind''s victory today when those same Dwarves spread the word of a certain ''Crimson Angel'' that saved them, especially from a Dwarf by the name of ''Eloun''." Holyfield said.


    "I remember him. He was one of the first Dwarves I rescued in the Tunnel." Samantha answered.


    "Indeed, he is a Judge. A sort of high ranking official that the Dwarves give great respect too. A very valuable asset of influence for the long-term plans for Gliesia." Holyfield smiled softly of the development.


    "Thanks to him, he has been spreading the word about how we are not those ''Demon'' monsters the Empire thinks we are. Already, many of the local Tyr Rianni, the Dwarven refugees and even our own men are calling you ''the Crimson Angel''. Punishing you would only lose such invaluable good will you have inadvertently given us." Polonsky said. "You are also, in addition as a propaganda piece, one of our best Magical-based assets in Gliesia to combat whatever Magic comes our way. You are simply to valuable to be discarded." He added.


    "Still, your transgressions earlier still have its weight on you Captain Rose. Your new position will also come with further scrutiny by not only the Commission and the Party but also both sides of the Public as well. They will be looking into your actions, all of them¡­ very closely from now on." Holyfield interjected.


    "Do not ignore our orders again. Or we will have to apply a restraining bolt on you of sorts to keep you under a leash." Polonsky crossed his arms. "Do I make myself very clear Captain?" he asked her.


    "I still do not believe I deserve all of this." Samantha pushed her case. "I still have at least five years to go before I can be worthy to become a Captain." She mentioned.


    "Well you have a month to prove the Commission that you are worthy Captain Rose. Doctor Mahelona will brief you further at his Lab for additional assignments. Now if you excuse me, the Major and I have several preparations we need to organize for Operation Haymaker and the Ostalrocii Situation. Good day, and congratulations." Polonsky gave his adieu.


    "Remember Captain, the Commission and the Party will be watching your progress¡­ very closely." Holyfield added.


    The Colonel and the Major''s holographic images disappeared leaving a very much confused and conflicted Lieutenant now turned Captain Rose to stand frozen at the Communication''s Room. Her mind raced around her in contrast to her body''s dormancy as she processed what she had heard.


    The title of Captainship, a significant leap in responsibilities for the Lieutenant to shoulder. She will be in charge of her native Stryder Group, but a company''s worth of men was an intimidating premise for her. She was still unsure of herself in her leadership skills as her mind was yet to fully grasp the more onerous realities of commanding a singular Squad, let alone several of them.


    Samantha sighed; she is going to need a drink when she gets back to the Surface. She turns around and quietly enters Dr. Mahelona''s Laboratory where he sat on his Desk whilst a Robotic''s Bay built into his Office was busy performing Repair Operations on Samantha''s Hecate Suit.


    "Sammy my girl! You''re here!" David ecstatically jumped at her arrival.


    "Hey Doc¡­ look I just want to say that I was sorry for nearly destroying your work. I felt bad doing it¡­" Samantha tells the Scientist.


    "Thanks, but I should be the one here to say thank you!" Mahelona smiled. "I was monitoring the Data from your Hecate Suit and I shared my findings to my colleagues at the Academy of Science. It was all so extraordinary. It blew their minds I tell you! Even I cannot believe what I read." he excitedly tells her.


    "That''s¡­ pretty great." Samantha softly smiled.


    "Your spell casting were on point although I do have to say¡­ there was an anomaly I picked up from your Suit''s data¡­ like a sudden spike of energy but then suddenly it disappeared. I mean¡­ Yikes! It nearly fried the Meridians. Do you know anything about it?" David asked her.


    "Actually yes." Samantha nodded. "I encountered this Red Colored Unbinillium while I was inside the Volcano. I used its power to give myself a boost so I can fly out of there." She explained.


    "So that answers the report¡­ wait¡­ ''Red- Colored Unbinillium''?" David''s eyes widened on Samantha''s statement.


    "Yeah¡­ very¡­ excited if I have to ask." Samantha mentioned.


    "What a waste! I was told that Red Unbinillium is more potent albeit rarer than the standard Blue ones. Iris managed to gimme me a small sample of the stuff before she had to evacuate it. I gotta say, the Red ones are pretty¡­ energetic. If you find yourself deep underground again keep an eye out and collect some for analysis." the Scientist requested.


    "Will do." Samantha nodded. "So what else did the Science people say?" she pressed.


    "Oh that''s where the fun begins Sammy." David winked. "The Party, Aparo Corp plus some Private Investors have funded me and my team over Ten Trillion Credits to Unbinilium and Gliesia related Research projects with promises for more!" David announced.


    "Ten Trillion? That''s enough to buy a Moon!" Samantha exclaimed.


    "Things are seriously turning out fast for Gliesia now I can tell you." David chuckled.


    "What are you planning to do with all of that money?" she asked him.


    "Well for starters, your Suit! The Data I read plus to the additional funds will allow me to update a few tweaks and an additional feature to your Suit. You know, make it stronger, faster, better." David answered. "After that I got some more ideas after that."


    "What kind of Ideas?" Samantha questioned.


    "Well the Minerals we ''acquired'' from the Dwarves would enable us to make new kinds of armors with Anti-Magic features, weapons that can cut through anything at a molecular level and further more I have been selected for a ''Project: God Factor'' that involves making a brand new type of Energy-Reactor with Unbinilium. Make Fission reactors look like Matchsticks!" David answered, a wave of intellectually driven optimism echoed on his voice. "I am already fabricating the Prototypes as we speak Captain."


    "Uhm¡­ yeah¡­ thanks¡­" Samantha quavered. She is still not so cordial to being called her new rank yet.


    "So how is the Squad?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh a lot happened actually." David g.r.o.a.n.e.d with some exasperation. "Your Sarge brought Clay and Kayin over to help with last preps for Operation Haymaker although according to Crocker, Iris would come over and steal away Kayin for a few moments before coming back ''smelling like roses''. Diaz is currently at the Aparo Office with Bianchin for some ''business matters'', Obediah has been visiting April at Doctor Lee''s and Aliathra¡­ oh shit! I owe her something!" David shouted.


    Like a nutty professor of the sciences, he wobbled around his Lab looking for desperately for an object. Scrambling papers, boxes, and a few Electronic Tools until he finally came across a pair of disembodied hands of the Caucasian-color.


    "What are those?" Samantha asked.


    "Oh, a prototype I was tinkering along during the early days of building your Suit. I was trying to understand installing your Suit''s Arcane Meridians better, so I made these models based off of a Aparo Rapid Movement Booster Hands Set that Bobby donated to me for practice. Thanks to my newfound understanding of how Magic works around here, I can finally give these new Hands to Aliathra." He explained.


    "Aliathra is getting new hands?! What happened to her?" Samantha pressed.


    "During the Volcano, she was trying to hold off a wave of Lava but¡­ how do I say this¡­ her hands got Burnt off and we had to¡­ well¡­ Amputate them¡­ again¡­" David sputtered.


    "Damnit! I should have been there for her! The poor girl lost so much already." Samantha wailed.


    "Oh, don''t be so hard on yourself Samantha. The Elf is taking it fairly well, quite¡­ eager in fact¡­" David mentioned.


    "Eager? Why so?" Samantha questioned.


    "She''s been talking about being ''reborn'' and ''ascending to a superior form''. Getting all proud about her augmentations going like ''Why cannot kill me will make me stronger''. I think all of her Augmentations gotten into her unlike last time." David concluded.


    "I will talk about it with her soon." Samantha nodded. "So what else do I have to know?"


    "Well Command told me I am to tweak your suit better so I can add a ''point five'' next to your ''one''. Or better yet if I can figure out some computations you can replace the ''one'' part of your Suit''s name to a ''V2'' if you catch my lingo Cap''n?" he winked. "You will get your suit back when Haymaker starts so for now. Enjoy a bit of R and R at the town." He suggested.


    "Thanks, I hope you do figure it out." She waved goodbye to Doctor Mahelona.


    "Samantha! Before you go¡­ may I say something¡­ I think that needs to be said¡­ About what you did¡­" David reached out to her.


    A dramatic pause silenced the room as David took a deep breathe.


    "Keep doing what you believe is right Cap''n. What you and I have¡­ these Marks¡­ we could be at the precipice of a new step for Humanity." He tells her.


    There powers were indeed awesome in scope, yet deep down they were wielded by people outside of their control by players, writers and thinkers with their own designs and interests. They were not truly free, but controlled by those around them some softly, others quite openly.


    "I know Doctor, I know. I just don''t know where it would lead us to?" Samantha answered.


    "We shall cross the bridge when we get their Captain Rose. Its when will we see the bridge is the question." David meditated.


    Samantha exited the Underground Laboratory, wanting to take a long walk to the Bar with her own two feet, ignoring all the Cab services being now given out around the New Albany Colony now. She passed over the outer limits of the New Albany Colony where a large plain of land between Tyr Rian and the Colony proper was being slowly urbanized. Native Humans, Goblins, the Centaurs and Dwarves were beginning to settle around those lands forging themselves a new destiny within the Principality, the vanguard of Prince Clovich''s Rianni Amelioration.


    Several of the Gliesian Natives noticed her passing by and began to wave at her gladly. Some thanking her for what she had done for them ranging from the elimination of the Burning Horse Clan, the Tyr Rianni incidents, and her rescues at the Ostalrocs. Kimora and H''odon were building their people''s respective conclaves, Princess Aria with her fellow peers patronizing the new imports and UFEAF and the new Ysanigradic Laniyea Army working in tandem together warmed her heart that her efforts, of a single humble Lieutenant were indeed baring a fruit.


    A fruit that will one day grow a mighty forest.


    ----------------------


    "So it has begun¡­" Don Aparo inhaled his Cannabis Cigar.


    An emergency board meeting has been called for Aparo Corporation. The subject of the day, their interests and the threat to its longevity within Gliesia.


    "Sooner than we expected Boss." Bianchin added apologetically. "It is only Osei, Maxim and H.S. for now. But sooner than later, everyone else will roll in as well."


    "Clovich is expediting his reforms at a speedy pace too¡­ it won''t be long before the jig is up for us." Diaz said.


    "Relax Vinny, our Halberd Guns deal with Clovich that I back channeled for all of us should keep us relevant in his court for now." Bianchin reassured him.


    "We may have first-turn advatnage, but we need to dig our feet if it''s going to last. We need something that will keep us staying here before the other Corpo''s beat us to the punch." Diaz pleaded.


    "What''s the current status on those three again?" Don Aparo asked.


    "The Maxies are on Infrastructure officially speaking but there Gaia Transformer is the Talk in Clovich''s court. Osei is moving in with the commoners through their food producing initiatives. As for H.S., There are plans to have them start building a factory in Tyr Rian by the end of the year." Diaz answered.


    "Typical of them¡­ although Maximov is unusually pushy for them to promote their Gaia Transformer so aggressively¡­ are they still mad at Eden?" Aparo asked, mentioning the name of Osei Korporasie''s CEO, Eden Otieno.


    "I guess so. I remembered how they left that Courtroom so pissed off being forced to sell their stuff to Eden." Bobby mentions.


    "I see¡­" Don Aparo nods. "Now what about us? What do WE have?" he asked the two of them.


    "Well the Office, two stores and a partnership with a Duke and a bunch of Sea Elf Pirates." Bobby answered. "Our mercs are on the ground too helping to keep the peace."


    "Excellent work you two. Our direct partnership with the Party is bearing fruit." Don Aparo smiled coyly, rubbing his hands ominously at the profits he will enjoy upon ripening. "Additionally, our advantage with the research and acquirement of Mana Crystals should win us breathing room against the other Corpos."


    "Too bad we lost the Dwarven Mountains too Maximov¡­ it could have been so beautiful." Diaz sulked.


    "There are other chances Vinny. I will allow Maxie to have his rubble for it is nothing to Project Ambrosia." He said.


    "Project Ambrosia?" Diaz asked. "Something new boss?"


    "Doctor Sforza of Aparo Pharmeceuticals? Your progress reports?" Don Aparo beckoned.


    "Gladly." A venerable yet feminine voice echoed.


    Across the video screen, an anonymous visage appeared, identified herself as only ''Dr. Sforza''.


    "Looking as¡­ ''beautiful'' as ever Doc." Bobby chided her.


    "Spare me your frivolities Roberto." Doctor Sforza reprimands her. She wasn''t a very photo-confident type of woman, content to hiding herself in her lab and only showing up to meetings under her shielded visage.


    "What is this ''Project: Ambrosia'' your speaking about Doc? Hope it''s big." Diaz enthusiastically asked.


    "A key to the next step in Human Evolution Vincente. These Elves and Vampires all greater than I could have ever imagined. Think of all the possibilities of what we can do if we harness their powers for ourselves." Doctor Sforza explained.


    "And all what we could do¡­" Don Aparo grinned excitedly. "Long lives, super strength, accelerated healing, the possibilities are infinite."


    "I know it is Boss." Doctor Sforza nodded. "Anyhow, the samples I have acquired from Asset: Agatha and Asset: Sacagawea produced many findings for me and I am working on replicating their genes as we speak." Doctor Sforza said. "Plus that ''Lyndis'' corpse too¡­ I almost forgot. All equally invaluable."


    "Aliathra¡­ and Iris Doctor Sforza¡­ she... they have a name." Diaz gnashed his teeth.


    "That is great to here. So how fast can we get something ready for the Markets?" Don Aparo asked.


    "At best I can give you a trial serum in about a month." Doctor Sforza bluntly confesses.


    "Brilliant! I predict billions of profits selling Project Ambrosia into the Market by the time we are done." Aparo smiles like a child who is about to get his big toy. "Just imagine, living for centuries and healing from any wounds? The possibilities are endless."


    "Well, I do want to take a life a little slower." Diaz chuckled.


    "And not have to worry about my Kidney too." Bobby added.


    "I do request I obtain more¡­ materials for my research. I believe it is time I no longer shadow myself with the State any longer. It is best we run our own independent research for these so-called ''Hot Items''." Doctor Sforza proposed.


    "Granted." Don Aparo approves. "We can start by showering her with money for more of her time¡­ maybe even find more of her fellow Vampire kin too." He ordered.


    Iris maybe considered a State Asset but her under-the-table agreement with Aparo Corporation in creating several enchanted Items for several of Don Aparo''s high valued clients within the gray market (and darker) in exchange that her private interests are catered too. Businessmen like Corpo''s are masters in appealing and catering to other people''s interests.


    "And the Elf?" Diaz asked.


    "Her too." Aparo nodded. "Or anymore of her kind instead as the same for the Vampire."


    "I will see to it¡­" Diaz inhaled, closed his eyes and nodded.


    "Heh, couple of Cred''s there way didn''t hurt anybody?" Bobby chuckled, tickling his wallet.


    "Although, if possible, I would love to explore more¡­ subjects of similar genetic material of Asset: Sacagawea and Agatha." Dr. Sforza requested.


    "Doctor, you normally can work with so little? Have you lost your touch already?" Don Aparo asked her.


    "Heaven''s no Domenico! This is uncharted territory for me. I seek to fully immerse myself on the strands of DNA these Elves and Vampires possess." Doctor Sforza denied her shortcomings to the Board. "I am a scientist, not a miracle worker."


    "Whatever you say Doctor¡­ We will see what we can do." Don Aparo nodded.


    "So, is that all boss?" Bobby asked. "I gotta prep our Gunners of the upcoming offensive right after this."


    "I believe so." Don Aparo nodded. The rest of the board approving with him that all that is needed to be discussed has been discussed.


    "Arr-righty, gotcha." Diaz acknowledged. "Can''t wait to get back to work." He smiled.


    "Good, keep updating me on the situation at your designated tasks. Do not engage with the other Corpo''s unless I approve of the action. And keep an eye out for anything we can get our hands on." Don Aparo concluded the meeting. "And remember, you never heard of Project: Ambrosia."


    "Project what?" Diaz sarcastically questioned.


    "That''s the spirit¡­" Don Aparo smiles as his Video Conference screen disconnects.


    ------------------------


    Ten Days had passed since the first New Ysanigrad Congress, and over two months of meticulous planning was devoted to Major Holyfield grand project yet. The battleplans of Operation Haymaker. Today, after much delay both extra-fortuitous and man-made along with a very critical new information from an unexpected source, was the day of the Launch of the Operation.


    It was the night before the big attack and the Major had lost quite a number of days of sleep obsessing over every detail, every composition and ever timing of his grand offensive. He had scouts map him the entire lay out of the lands beyond the Imperial Border of the Cambervale Valley for every hidden path, terrain hazard and positions each of everything on the map to ensure his forces can move like an unimpeded flood down the Imperial Heartlands. All in good accordance to the Deep Battle Doctrine that he so ever so religiously studied for and enacted its philosophies for his plans.


    There were several risk factors of that would likely produce the most troubles for this Operation was Marnia''s Bluff, Little Hill and Haringpoint themselves, Marnia''s Bluff, a swampy isthmus area filled with several canyons and cave systems that seperated the northern Souvieli Douchy from the most direct approach to Haringpoint required extensive time building the causeways to allow the UFE Mechanized forces to push through. Marnia''s Buff was a significant historical and strategic location in Gliesia where the Caldell Slaegiac and the original Alliance of Light prevailed against Alboen. According to Clovich''s scholars, Caldell knew that Alboen''s Army while lower in numerical volume compared to the Alliance''s were too powerful and cohesive of a force for the Alliance to win in open battle without horrendous casualties as it mostly took the power of numerical superiority of the alliance to stand a chance as one single demon can take down 5 warriors. Therefore, in the long run the alliance would have lost. Caldell then came up with the cleverest of schemes. He devised a plan to lure Alboen and his army to Marnia''s Buff to deal the decisive blow to the demon horde and killed Alboen once and for all by taking advantages of the sandy swamps and choking canyons of Marnia''s Buff to effectively slow and lockdown the marauding horde as well as the surrounding forests and gulching terrain to set up ambushes. The strategy worked in the end and the alliance of light prevailed with Alboen death and destruction of his demon horde but with the great cost for the First Alliance. Although the ingenuity of the Engineers was commendable, they, had to work at a fraction of their full capacity due to maintaining the secrecy of the offensive. Clovich will be sent to diplomatically turnover his na?ve and decadent cousin Duke Thibault to the UFE''s side to allow Holyfield''s men to occupy and deploy from Souviel.


    The latter two locations that the Empire will ''defend to the last man'' according to King Martainne. Harringpoint and Little Hill will likely have a complement of fiercely tenacious obstructions ranging from a variety of traps to a large garrison of unbreakable defenders. Although he has complete faith that his Combat Engineers and Special Operations units can sap through the defenses, it will be inevitable that some loses and delays will occur one way or the other. Most of the fighting Legions who according to the spy reports were hastily deployed south should still be fatigued at best from their forced marching to defend the Capital and the vital defensive point blocking the one road through the Cambervale Valley Mountain passes to and from Tyr Rian. Additionally, the information about the Troop Movements from their intelligence gathering as provided, more reinforcements in addition to a plethora of some of this world''s must destructive weaponry from the Empire and her allies will be scheduled to arrive about 3 to 4 days later mid-Offensive so they must also be ready to stop any attempts of a counterattack before approaching Haringpoint Proper. Holyfield had to delay the launch of the attack for about another week due to factoring the additional logistical supports needed to fuel the army''s advances plus more some. He organized a dedicated set of aircraft based at the New Albany Star Port whose sole purpose is to perform routine delivery patterns for all Airborne supply drop''s that will be eventually called over every day throughout the operation.


    But none of these problems could compare to the sudden arrival of a fourth new risk factor he has to account on his computations. Prince Clovich''s newly formed Lluoedd Arfog Newydd Ysanigrad (or more vernacularly called ''the Laniyea'') insisting that he and a considerable amount of men were to accompany Army Group West to Harringpoint to personally confront the Emperor. The Prince, fresh from his enlightening journey back from the motherland of Earth wasted no time enacting his new and controversial reforms throughout his domain. Most immediately radical was the Armed Forces he is establishing with the aid of Governor White and Prime Minister Bousquet''s State resources. At first, Holyfield protested on his participation for the sake of the Prince''s safety and his men''s rather cavalier approach into this confrontation but he was persuaded (rather reluctantly) by the majority of the Inner Circle stating that ''Prince Clovich''s approach to the Imperial Capital is the most Publicly Beneficial step into legitimizing the Federation''s presence in Gliesia''. It will be deemed that Clovich himself and his retinue of soldiers of the newly formed Ysanigrad Laniyea will participate in Operation Haymaker by contributing to the bloodless turnover of Souviel for the Western Army Group to establish their Forward Operation''s Base and deploy from. Additionally, he and his knights are very familiar with Imperial Battle Tactics and the local terrain of the Slaegian Heartlands that he can be consulted reliably for.


    Clovich''s Men were outfitted in a schizophrenic mix of their pre-existing medieval armor, their mounts and bold heraldry in contrast to the Aparo Halberdier Rifles they wielded. These men, 2 Battalions worth of the converted Tyr Rianni Crossbowmen (aka the Miniogwry) of about 800''s worth each. The Battalions were commanded by the pre-existing Military Nobility of the Principality courtesy of Knight Commander Ser Bardu alongside a team of attach¨¦s from the UFEAF as an advisory council. Currently the majority of them, consisting of conscripts and regular Crossbowmen are still undergoing there new modernized training regimen of physical fitness and weapons handling. For the early stages of the Laniyea''s existance, Squads will be formed into a ''Ymasiad'' or a Mixed Squad consisting of a 2 UFEAF Officers; a Squad Leader and a Radioman followed by 4 Tyr Rianni Riflemen or ''Reifflywrs''. Much later once the pacification of Gliesia has been fulfilled, the Prince will transition to making the Laniyea fully independent from the UFEAF with their own Doctrines, Officer''s Academy, Military Bases, Armories etc.


    In terms of today however for the Prince''s daring expedition out of the safety of his Citadel, an ''Experimental'' Battalion consisting of a chosen selection by Knight Commander Ser Bardu best shooting ''Miniogwyr'' were given a crash course in Rifle Proficiency of the Halberdier Rifle. Their objective is to escort Prince Clovich to the Imperial Palace of Harringpoint so he may take the Imperial Seat. At first, the Crossbowmen were reluctant to transition their gear into the modern weapons that Prince Clovich had arranged the shipment of, even startling them by the loud and repetitive bang they produce upon discharge and resulting recoil.


    Testing the Rifle against their own Crossbows, Ser Bardu and his peers commented:


    "All weapons have their strengths'' and weaknesses. The Otherworlder Rifle may fire faster and more sharply than our own Crossbow, have more far longer range and immensely more powerful not to mention being able to reload faster than our crossbows as it can gravely injure or outright almost any man or monster in a single shot. The bolts can punch through even the greatest armors made by the best blacksmith in the continent like they are just cloths. Unfortunately, the Rifle also has its weaknesses. One being that of having the bolts not being eligible for reuse and the shots themselves being less accurate than our ancestral arms. The additional moving parts of the Rifle makes it complicated, even daunting for a new user to understand and learn how to properly maintain the weapon compared to the Crossbow. The next flaw of the weapon, is that upon discharging its bolts, the shooter would often be left in a bewildered state by the sheer thunderous power it possesses compared to our more subtle Crossbows. In a battlefield, a man who had lost his focus on the battlefield is just the in the same as a dead one. But once the Otherworlder Rifle has been loaded with its bolts, it can penetrate through any of its target in a frighteningly lethal sight. Ultimately, we must accept that indeed, the Otherworlder rifle, for all of its flaws is superior in every way possible to our Crossbows. It is inevitable that men will abandon their swords, bows and spears for these foreign weapons."


    It will take time for the Otherworlders to fully integrate themselves into their new weapons but thanks to the Advisors and UFEAF Officers plus Clovich''s own encouragement, their training should be able to re-educate them proper into an admirable fighting force.


    Holyfield, sighed however at their persistence to accompany him. He prefers working with those whom he is familiar with and the Laniyea were a blank slate. He better hoped they perform well or not perform much at all. Their deaths or any resulting injuries will be blood on his hands since Clovich and his men are vital to the ''good faith'' approach to the endgame of Operation Haymaker. He will be sure to keep them safe whilst also at the same time having them score political victories in the coming battles ahead.


    He took one last look at his Force Composition to see that his units, all carefully selected for their assortments of skills were in their correctly assigned places:


    Army Group West starting point at the Port of Souviel will be commanded by himself through the Naval Carrier the Aurora along with its Airwing. Under his command, he will enjoy the familiar company of the 333rd Assault Division who contained the regiments of the 119th Mechanized Airborne, 53rd Engineering, 25th Armored in addition to the Aurora''s own 7th Marine Corps. They are reinforced by Clovich''s the 1st & 2nd Laniyea Battalions and the Silverback PMC''s to act as an Auxiliary and Security Division. These men were selected for their speed and experience in the completion of time-bounded military maneuvers. Their objective, launch a mechanized thrust from Souviel to push northwards from the Duchy in a swift decapitation strike of the Empire''s nerve center, the Imperial Capital Haringpoint herself.


    Army Group East, starting from Landing Zone ''Timber'' (named comedically for the pre-dominantly forested area) with Colonel Polonsky taking the helm of the attack. They will be assisted by the Tenacity Carrier and her respective Airwing, most especially her Dragoons. For the boots on the ground, Holyfield assigned the most enmassed group of men to breach through the Cambervale Valley: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd regiments of the New Albany Colonial Militia, 88th Mountain Brigade , 32nd Motorized Division, 44th Airborne Regiment, 4th and 9th Artillery Company, the 20th Engineering Regiment, Steel Breakers PMC Armored Company and lastly Raven''s Guards PMC Regiment. These men were excellent in not only covering ground of rough terrain to clear the way for their more mechanized brethren to push forward the advance but also for their overwhelming occupational capacity due their large size. The objective is Strategic Depth penetration in nature. If they can secure the Transition Point of Neugonia whilst eliminating the heavily fortified stronghold of Little Hill from the game board, they should be able to access the open tank country of the flat-leveled terrain and soft bellied cores of the Empire beyond with impunity.


    When all of these two objectives are met, Holyfield''s hypothesis would force the Empire to capitulate in about 1 week upon the launch day, with a margin of error of an additional 3 days. He accounted for every maneuver, every possible setback and every contingency for his great plan.


    "Major." Holyfield''s Adjutant appeared himself onto the room. He carried with him a steaming cup of freshly roasted coffee and his breakfast of velvety scrambled eggs, potatoes and sliced ham. A meal served when he needed to start the day on a strong foot.


    "Has the Observing Teams fulfilled their tasks?" Holyfield asks.


    "Army Group East''s had recently radioed that the bombardment of Landing Zone Timber has gone smoothly without incident. The Forest has been flattened and is awaiting the Engineers to clear out any remaining rubble." The Officer said.


    "And that whole¡­ ''Preservation Initiative'' that Polonsky made me do?" Holyfield pressed.


    "The Star Port is carrying the Flora and Fauna of the Cambervale Forrest as we speak. And smells like it too." the Officer remarked with a slight cringe on his nose.


    "Understood, any updates from Army Group West?" Holyfield changed the subject.


    "They are on standby and ready to deploy to Souviel. Just now Prince Clovich had already convinced his Cousin to turn sides to us." the Adjutant informed him.


    "Good, start making the first few miles of the road works at Marnia''s Bluff and be ready for S&D Operations around that sector. Army East should work on cutting off any reinforcements that Army West will likely deal with." Holyfield swore. "Let''s hope that Captain Rose''s ''little fruit'' she made was right on this¡­" the Major tensed his psyche. He had to change several of his plans in lieu with the new intelligence gathered.


    "According to the reports, the Emperor intends to make his nation ''an Impregnable Fortress''. The amount of troop numbers is staggering sir. 10-to-1, We will be outnumbered sir." The Adjutant said.


    "In an era of Space Carriers, Automated Logistics and Quantum Radios, ''Impregnable Fortresses'' do not exist. We maybe be outnumbered but we are not Outgunned." Holyfield passionately declared.


    These Natives may be tenacious but he has dealt with barbarous insurgents like them before. The laborious part was assuming the mobility needed to adapt to the situation.


    "Either way Major, the troops are now waiting for the signal. Shall we proceed?" the Adjutant asks him.


    "Yes. We are a Go." Holyfield nods.


    He grabbed his radio, connected to all Commanding Officers fielded out for Operation Haymaker and pressed to call.


    "Climb Mount Denali." He says the coded phrase, commencing the start of Operation Haymaker.

 Chapter 48 - the Grand Plan (Slaegian Empire Perspective)

    The streets of Haringpoint, the cosmopolitan capital of the Empire, the beating heart of Ysanigrad lay contrastively dormant today as a contingent of Faithleann''s Imperial Crusade, alongside a caravan of mixed Dwarven and Human refugees that included Mogul Dolmond''s entourage from the Eastern Provinces arrived at the Imperial Capital on a gloomy afternoon. The complete evacuation of the Slaegian Empire''s Eastern Provinces had now reached the capital herself. Towns, villages were abandoned totally as the Ostalrocii Volcano devoured all in its path. Even Mountassone, the Empire''s Arsenal lay 60 feet under an avalanche of ashen earth whilst the surrounding lands, contributing about a third of the Empire''s arable land lay buried. Consequently, the Eruption came at the worst possible time to strike, the pre-Autumn Harvest, predicted by the Imperial Senate to be the greatest of harvests thanks in part to Emperor Uldin''s Irrigation Expansion. Many died during the journey westward mostly from starvation and the ashes choking the weakened and the young to death in an apocalyptic account of the hundred thousand. To many of them, it seems like the foretold prophecy of Geltagar''s Comet was to upturn the Empire from its rightful place among Gliesia''s soil and Cipag, God of the Forge was to unleash his wrath.


    Dubbed ''the Great Ashening'' by the heralds, this event is marked with great hardship and tragedy that shook the great balance of the Empire.


    The Chosen One''s arrival was initially cold, but as news broke out of his return the streets of Haringpoint resuscitated to life once again to greet the Chosen Hero of the Sacred Crystal Heart. There was a mix of hope and despair that painted the scene, from prayerful praises of salvation towards Faithleann''s return to questioning inquiries about what had just happened to cause such disturbance as many people were now reeling to the effects of the Ostalrocii''s Eruption. The Citizenry avoided going outside except when they need to buy food and water. The refugees were given healing and warm porridge and blanket to shield themselves from the waking cold by charitable citizenry of the Capital to ease their hard journey. The ash cloud had turned the warmly awaited harvest season into a food crisis. Grain, Fruit and Vegetable harvests were buried, choked and ruined beyond repair by the Ash Cloud''s wake causing the people of the Empire near and far to ration dried cuts of salted morsels. This resulted in the said cold reception Faithleann disappointingly received as noticed by the pale and gaunty eyes that the denizens of Haringpoint can attest to the returning Crusaders.


    Overall a depressing scene for every one of the Crusaders upon their return compared to when they had left.


    "You have arrived." Karliah nodded to Faithleann''s retinue.


    "Where is the Emperor and the Grandmaster? Are they all right?" Faithleann asked.


    "They are taking refuge by the Grand Cathedral. In fact, the Emperor refused to leave the Adoration Chapel''s cloister for days." Karliah mentioned. "Owyne has been acting with the Prime Minister to address the food shortages but right now thigs are dire." The College mage added.


    "We must seek an audience with both of them at once!" Faithleann demanded.


    The Crusader leaders galloped to the streets of Haringpoint towards the Grand Cathedral, now turned into a fortress with guards and sentries patrolling the holy building much to the fretfulness of the Cathederal''s clergy and caretakers. After announcing their arrival to Uldin''s majordomo, the senior leadership of Faithleann''s retinue and Mogul Dolmond stand in audience with Emperor Uldin''s Court. Grandmaster Owyne.


    "How are we going to explain everything to the Emperor?" Faithleann asked.


    "I will explain everything he needs to know. Karliah and Olayra should set their focus on investigating more of the Prophecy with the Grandmaster." Mogul Dolmond answered.


    "Agreed, let us make this quick. We must forward in due haste for the sake of the Empire now that it is in a crisis." Karliah nodded reluctantly.


    "For five straight days I prayed to the Gods. Never leaving this chamber, never wavering in my faith!" Emperor Uldin, taxed to near death to a simple white robed individual lacking any regal opulence that befitted his Imperial Majesty raised his voice upon seeing Karliah and the Chosen One enter the same room he is in. To say that the past few days were not kind to him would have exposed the limitations of spoken vocabulary.


    The Emperor''s temporary refuge shares the same abode as the Archbishop of the Cathederal. Examining the room around them, it was noticeable that there were a few additions to the religious interior an Archbishop is supposed to have. They range from a makeshift table of the map of the Empire, a suit of Armor and Sword, and the Archbishop''s large desk being made room to accommodate Uldin''s own paperwork and an opulent closet that was carried over from the palace that contained a selection of Uldin''s personal garments. Several of the Imperial Palace''s staff and on occasion visiting Imperial Ministers walked around, attending to the Emperor''s needs and for his duties.


    "Milord, you have already known of the news abou---" Karliah shifted her voice to a mellow ''formal'' tone to address the Emperor but the Mage was cut off.


    "I know of the Ashen Cloud that just ransacked my farmlands! What I have yet to know is what happened at the Dwarven Lands that resulted in having Mogul Dolmond take refuge in my city let alone request an audience with me?" he asked. His voice trembling the hallowed walls of the Cathederal. "Is it true that I have somehow angered Cipag the All-Smith?"


    His voice was feeble from dehydration and constant prayer. His eyes were blackened to a reddish tint from lack of sleep and only receiving the frightfully constant distressing news as reported by his Ministers, Grand Master Owyne and General Huguet.


    "Allow me." Mogul Dolmond intervened. He gave a polite bow with the Emperor following suit. "I Mogul Dolmond of the Clan Kur Faldhur is most humbled by being allowed to enter your presence oh Lord."


    "An honor to have you come to my abode¡­ I wish it was in much more¡­ amiable times." He thanked him. "So, tell me what had happened?" he asked.


    "Let it be known, that his Imperial Majesty and his court knows that the Dwarven Realms are indeed no more." Dolmond declared wistfully. "The Ostalrocs have fallen."


    "By the Gods!" the Archbishop of the Cathederal fainted. "How have we angered the All-Smith?"


    "It is not Cipag that is enraged. But his very hearth was placed under a terrible enchantment!" Dolmond answered. "It was the Demons of the Otherworld! They had brazenly attacked the Ingot Deliveries that was meant for your Imperial Legion and the Chosen Ones. Not only that but they had corrupted my own people turned against their fellow Dwarves!" the Mogul explained.


    Karliah darted her head to the Dwarf. Alarmed by the ''truth'' he is explaining to the Emperor.


    "The Ash Cloud milord, was created by the Demon''s themselves! They placed a terrible curse on the Dwarven Mountains that caused the earth to quake and gush forth hot streams of lava and ash that devoured all of our Clan Holds and many of my kin. We and the Chosen One tried to stop them but by the time we caught the Demons it was already too late." Dolmond said. "My Clan tried as we might to save as many as we can but the Demons corralled many of my kin away in their Dragons before carting them off to an unknown but likely horrible fate."


    "It is true! I saw it with my own eyes!" Faithleann shook on with Dolmond''s words.


    "WHY? HOW!? Marchog Garmhaic!? You are supposed to be the Bane of the Demons? Why did you let the Invaders destroy the Ostalrocs so easily and take Mountassone and the Eastern Provinces with it?" Uldin screamed.


    "Your Majesty! That is because we have been betrayed! Outsmarted! Outmaneuvered by the Demons. For they have captured and enthralled the Shareholder to do their dark bidding! She used unending waves of demonic tricks to dishonorably humiliate me and our soldiers." Faithleann explained.


    The Bane Chosen One''s revelation shook all of Emperor Uldin''s Court to the core. Horrified, frozen and beyond baffled to hear of such devastating news. One of the Prophesied Chosen Ones was working under the services of the Great Adversary, the Otherworldly Demons.


    "The Shareholder? With the Demons? But how!?" Owyne despaired, grasping his head with his two hands convulsively absorbing this most dire of developments.


    He had to mince a few of his words tactfully due to his still wounded pride of being bested by the Share Holder.


    "Her two Masters, the Vampire and the Elf not only slew many of our men and the Mogul''s warriors, but also slew Marchog Faughn." Petur added.


    "Gods have mercy!" the Owyne cried. "What of the Scholar?" He asked.


    "I do not know of him your Majesty, but the Shareholder do declared that she knows of him and where he is. I fear he is already corrupted like her or the Enemy are still attempting to reach to him to enthrall him to our side." Faithleann divined.


    "A Vampire? There is still more of them?" the Archbishop called out.


    "It has seemed now that Alboen is moving swiftly to re-establish himself on our soil, seducing the minds of many folks to follow his lead and serve his whims. Already the Vampire''s, especially one of the Cadohagan line and the Princess Aliathra have enthralled the Shareholder to act for their nefarious plans." Faithleann answered.


    "It will not be long before he gains himself a powerful army like his previous one again." Huguet nodded.


    "Either way, this news is dangerous. Vampires maybe scattered but have a tendency to enact revenge if one not outside of their bloodlines were to kill one of their own. If one Vampire sided with the Demons, it is likely many more will join or have joined their stead, for revenge against us no less!" Owyne explained to the congregation.


    "Is there a way we can rescue the Shareholder and the Scholar Chosen Ones then? Without them we do not stand a chance against the coming storm from the south." Uldin asked.


    "Milord, if I may speak?" Karliah raised her voice.


    Uldin, desperately looking for answers, quietly allowed the College Mage to say her piece.


    "The Great Ashening and the Ostalroc Eruption was not made by the Demons. But was instead, created foolish acts of Mogul Dolmond and Faithleann themselves." Karliah stated.


    A loud gasp escaped the lungs of everyone in the room. The two men that the College Mage accused turned their eyes to her adversely. Such words being said to nobility and those of high rank were not to be taken lightly by all.


    "Karliah Silverdane? What are you talking about?" Grandmaster Owyne questioned.


    "The Terrace Dwarves, the Dwarven Miners that work under Mogul Dolmond warned him that they were mining too deeply into the earth but they did not listen. When Faithleann ventured into the mines to pluck out a few ores of Actocolite for himself, he caused the massive eruption to happen. Plunging our lands into darkness by the Ash Cloud." Karliah explained.


    "Lies! All Lies!" Mogul Dolmond reactively veered. "You actually listened to those ignorant peons? What do they know about mining? My Clan''s Geomancers had worked on the Mines for countless centuries and told me that the mining was progressing greatly to meet the Empire''s demands. What do my Terrace Dwarf Miners know? Nothing I tell you about mining! Nothing!"


    "Says the one who spoke with the Corrupted Shareholder herself! On your way out of the mountains you managed to corner the Corrupt Chosen One but you hesitated to capture her when she spoke with you. Then using her charms, she casted an illusion spell or a Charm spell to make you think she saved you from the Lava Slime." Faithleann accused Karliah with his tall tales.


    "That is not true! Illusion spell? That is a weak argument to throw against me?! A Mage of the College? What sorts of ''evidence'' you have that indicts the Shareholder to do all of that?" Karliah rebutted.


    "On our way back to the Capital, you and Olayra had always tried to protect that woman and state that she is not Corrupted or Demonic. The signs of you being fooled by an Illusion or being Charmed by one who uses the Spell." Faithleann returned fire. "The way you say of her Magical Prowess would have lulled weak minded folks like you and Olayra to her Master''s side. If she were to be in your presence any longer, she would have turned you against my Heroic Crusade!" Faithleann egotistically shielded himself.


    "You are no hero Faithleann! You are just a selfish child pretending to be a hero without understanding what it means to be a hero!" Olayra exclaimed, scornfully yelling to the top of her lungs. Tears streamed in her face as all the pent-up frustration was purged out of herself and directed towards the object of all of her grievances. "You only care nothing but your ''Heroic Legend''."


    "The Shareholder, Samantha was the real hero! She saved us and many trapped Dwarves in that volcano even if she knows she could die trying. You!? You ran away like a coward with Mogul Dolmond not caring at all about the people you left behind to die!" the girl screamed.


    "Shut your mouth wench!" the Chosen Ones yelled.


    Faithleann hurled towards Olayra, his sword drawn in an impetuous display of wounded pride that I demanded self-retribution, only to be stopped by the combined efforts of Karliah and several bystanding Imperial Knights that prevented him from laying a finger at her. The Scholar girl curled herself to cry by the College Mage''s skirt as Faithleann was dragged away a safe distance.


    "Marchog Garmhaic you have crossed the line with such temper! That is no way to act like that in my presence!" Emperor Uldin scolded the Chosen One. "Now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves! The People demands unity not division amongst those they placed their faith on to protect them. Have you not forgotten that for all of your power? It was I who is your guarantor of your weapons, titles and resources?" Uldin reprimanded Faithleann.


    The Emperor then turned to Karliah.


    "Ladui Silverdane, what you accused of towards Mogul Dolmond is unacceptable. Mogul Dolmond and his Clan are the Empire''s greatest allies second only to the Elves. What you say is a most libelous accusation that will require further investigation." He reprimanded her.


    "What happened to you Karliah? You are one of the greatest students of the College and a Gold Ranked adventurer!" Owyne said. "Please tell me we have not lost you too?" he pleaded.


    "Then test me! Test my purity right now." She demanded with a challenge. "If I am ''Corrupted'' then strike me down. But if I am not can you, in good faith between you, the most esteemed Grandmaster of the College and I your most enlightened and most humble students have you listen to more of my accounts?" Karliah appealed.


    "Hmm¡­ your loyalty and faith sound unwavering. Very well, I shall perform the necessary tests." The Archbishop nodded.


    Conjuring his Sacred Restoration Magicks, the Archbishop screened both Karliah and Olayra off of any corruptive influences with purifying and dispelling magicks.


    "Nothing, you are indeed still of Pure Truth." The Archbishop said.


    "Or being easily fooled¡­" Faithleann insinuated.


    "Silence Marchog Garmhaic! I will discipline you and your vapid gall later when we are done." Emperor Uldin scolded Faithleann.


    He was willing to give this College Mage, in spite of her recent display of nonobservance to her oath to be the Chosen One''s retainers and valuable mentors, she was still a highly respected individual of her own repute still worthy of his considerations, that and because he was desperately looking for some form of hope that he can muster in these dire times that seemed to spell nothing but destroy all that he and his ancestors of the Empire''s Founder, Caldell Slaegiac, the First Hero.


    "Now that is all done Grand Master Owyne allow me to convey my proposition¡­" Karliah sighed in relief. "I believe the Otherworlder''s who we are fighting against are not Demons nor they have any relation to the Dark Lord Alboen at all." Karliah informs the congregation to their appalling gasps.


    "What blasphemy do you speak of?!" Owyne recoiled.


    "Ladui Silverdane! How could you say that after what they had done to Tyr Rian, Souviel and now the Ostalrocs?" Emperor Uldin beseech her, unsure of what radical thoughts that came out of the College Mage''s tongue being presented to his ears.


    "Everyone, let me explain in the beginning first." Karliah invoked the audience''s attention to her, to let go of any doubt to what her concocted hypothesis says based on everything she had learned about the crisis so far.


    "When we first attempted back at Tyr Rian to fool the Demon Eye from scouting for souls in our world, most of our mages, including I could not detect a single trace of corruptive or Mana Energies from creature despite sharing similarities to the old Demonologists Codex had said. All that they could deduce from their reports is that the creature is made of bits of metal scraps and colorful strings alongside its alien golden ''organs''. The College then attempted to see how the creature would react if we inflicted several of our Holy Spells at it but the creature has not shown any single reaction to our Magicks." She recalls the report she and the College Demonologists and Zoologists made regarding their autopsy of the capture alien being.


    "It could have been already dead to begin with. That is why it not have reacted to our spells." Owyne hastily disproved her with a haughty scoff.


    "I am still not convinced." Uldin frowned.


    "Then what about our ''Crusade'' against them? What did they do to us?" Karliah asked.


    "What do you mean ''what they do to us''? By tainting the land with their presence!" Owyne shouts. "They invaded our lands. It is our right to fight back!"


    "Your Imperial Majesty, do you remember the Steel Cloud when it arrived at our city many moons ago to declare their Ultimatum?" Karliah asked the Emperor.


    "Of course, I remember every word they said." Uldin nodded.


    "As you remember, the Steel Cloud said that its purpose of visiting our city was to tell you that our attacks upon them in Tyr Rian and it''s Western Plain were unprovoked and they demanded immediate parley with you and your court about those events. They could have just burn Haringpoint to the ground immediately the first time they arrived." Karliah reasoned. "We attacked them first, not they attacked us. Would a Demon really be that¡­ callous? That is not how the legends where they had the strength of giants and the anger of dragons robbed off of their young. If they were Demons, we would have been over-run by them right now but they didn''t. May I also remind you that our all of our previous spells, our weapons fighting against the Demons, all Holy and Blessed by our most virtuous of Priests mind you, failed wholly to harm them?" Karliah said.


    "Then why are they here tainting the lands as they please? Are they not invading already by the way how the Ostalrocs and Tyr Rian had fallen?" Huguet questioned.


    "I believe why they are here in such droves was because in our attempt to hide ourselves from their ''Demon Eyes'' we had instead deceived them to think the land is empty of any inhabitants. Like a builder, who built his house above a Land Shark''s burrow, we made them believe the land was fully there''s for the taking. Demon''s would have no use of going to our world if they see no souls to devour." The College Mage explained. "But now, upon their arrival these Otherworlder''s, whomever they are now demand parley with the Leaders of the World, that is you and everyone in this room. They have every right to be angry with our actions inflicted upon them before."


    "You say the Invader''s aren''t Demons? Ridiculous!" Dolmond jeered on Karliah''s statement.


    "The Prophecy still says that they will seek to end us all! The Comet says so! We must steel ourselves for the coming storm!" Owyne rallied.


    "Silence!" Uldin gavelled his armrest before he speaks.


    "What if their demands to have us share table with them is just a scheme, a ruse to lure us out of the safety of our walls so they may spring a trap? We would be in THEIR domain where the Otherworlder''s strength rests upon." Uldin reasoned back. His fist pummeling the armrest of his throne.


    He knew much of the reality''s warfare, politics, and statesmanship to understand that all peoples have d.e.s.i.r.es and they will do anything to achieve such pursuits, whether selfish or altruistic. He had seen beggars scrap for the pre-masticated morsels of food thrown out by their more well-off peers, he had seen Bandits cut the purses of honest folks to feed their wanton sprees, he had seen Courtiers vie for favor behind his palace. And lastly, he had seen, during his tours by the Frontier the Savages of the Borders try to scurry away what fruits his people made out of their envy of what the Gods favored Mandate he and his bloodline received after his great ancestor saved Gliesia from Alboen''s darkness. That is why he and his predecessors fought, provide and built over centuries from the Vaikuri Peninsula''s humble foundations to what the Empire is now today. The line of Emperors worked to allow the growth and protection for those who they love: Their family, friends, homes and people from those evil forces that wish to see it be stolen away. And Emperor Uldin would be damned to see it all end through him while he drew breath.


    Yet in contrast, several of his own Courtiers began to whisper about Karliah''s speech. Her message was articulate enough within reason about the unusual acts these Otherworldly Invaders were behaving when cross-referencing to their previous recordings. Several of the Generals, the Senior Magi and the Imperial Servants were whispering amongst themselves about the reflection of what had transpired due in part to the audacious words of Karliah Silverdane. These were seeds of doubt the Mage had implanted in front of his very soil as Uldin and the Grandmaster feared.


    "Order! Order on my Court!" Grandmaster Owyne shouted.


    "Milord, perhaps we should discuss changing our strategies?" Huguet proposed.


    "This woman is a Blasphemer! Arrest her and her little brat!" the Archbishop demanded.


    "Indeed!" Mogul Dolmond shook his head. "This woman is lying! She is indeed deceived, perhaps by the songs of heart to speak so cordially of the Invaders of ALL she could speak well of! They turned my Realm into Nothingness let me remind you! They will surely do the same to your lands next." The Dwarf adduced.


    "Karliah Silverdane!" Uldin raised his voice.


    The Emperor''s words silenced the room instantly upon his beckoning call.


    "Your words have merit in spite of your daring display today. Let me say that I am intrigued, curious of what you know which is most illuminating albeit one within unstable grounds" he nods, his composure diplomatic, not wanting to immediately take sides until he can get all the facts straight from the antagonistic Karliah.


    "May I question one thing: Why do you question concordance of the Prophecy?" The Emperor asked.


    "Because the Share Holder is one of the Otherworlders!" Karliah answered. "And she saved me and Olayra from the Volcano."


    "Preposterous! The Sacred Crystal Heart will never do that!" Owyne yelled. "The Gods would never choose an Otherworlder, let alone one of the Invaders to be its Hero. She had likely stolen the Brand from the True Share Holder or is a False Chosen One that lies of her status."


    "Is it even possible to ''steal'' a Brand, Grandmaster?" Karliah asked.


    "I¡­ uh¡­ may---ahhh¡­" the Grandmaster, in an uncharacteristic display of uncertainty became rooted in his own prideful intellective calculus. "Perhaps she is just enthralled to¡­ think she is one of the Otherworlders! To make her loyal to them for she thinks she is fighting ''for her people''." he boldly conjected, taking back his previous statement.


    He remained adamant that he, the Grandmaster after decades of tireless hierarchal climbing knows everything and that is everything about Magicks. Yet even as he stood his ground, the other people in the room had expressed several assailable doubts in regards to the Mage''s biting catechism. They were starting to feel the heat of the aforementioned failures that they had concocted when fighting these Otherworlder''s and they non-verbally conclude that perhaps a new angle to their current dilemma should be approached.


    "Let us consult the Sacred Crystal Heart for answers then?" Karliah proposed.


    "Fine! We shall but do not think I will take your little dissension of yours lightly." Owyne grumbled.


    "This better be worth the time Mage. The Heart''s Vault lies at the deepest part of the Cathederal." The Archbishop gritted.


    The Clergy, the College Mages and the Arcane Experts within the room nods in agreement. All of these new revelations brought to them brings much confusion and the only way they can scry through this clutter of overloaded erudition is to consult the Sacred Crystal Heart itself. They bowed their leave to the Emperor as they all collectively exited the Archbishop''s Chamber.


    "You Mages go consult the Crystal Heart! I need to discuss the War Plans with the Chosen One right now." Emperor Uldin bid them fair tidings as they descend to the underground vaults of the Cathedral.


    The Emperor then stood up from his chair and g.r.o.a.n.e.d miserably as he walked towards the War Table, a aesthetically contradictory accommodation to a Holy See''s private chambers.


    "Faithleann my young Knight you have new orders¡­" Uldin massaged his temple as he overlooks the War Table''s token pieces and arrow headed drawings throughout its descriptive display.


    Based on previously sent orders, the Emperor had dispatched 25 Legions, about 250,000 brave souls which is over four-fifths of their entire army, to be sent southwards to defend his realm from the coming invasion. A Slaegian Legion would consist of 10,000 men ranging from Infantry, Cavalry, Ranged Skirmishers, the Commanding Officers and the auxiliary camp followers. Thanks to their extensive road system and logistical supply lines they can easily project such a massive amount of men across their territories. He had almost completely abandoned the North to the belligerent Daosne Tribes through Political Favors to be able to muster such a force.


    15 Legions will fortify the Cambervale Forest''s using the various strongpoints around the area to set up an impregnable defensive line between the unconquerable fortress of Little Hill by the Tyr Rian Border all the way to the lumber town of Vercourt with its excellent supply of wood stocks that can be used to forge fortifications and traps when the manpower is utilized effectively. 7 Legions were being f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y marched towards Marnia''s Bluff, a swampy Isthmus that sat between the Western Ocean and Dagrau Basin. The geographic location was important for trade as its roads were the most conveniently accessed routes between Souviel and Haringpoint in addition to the various Salt Mines and Souvieli Dye Harvesting Houses can be found. From a military perspective, the rough terrain can bog down any approaching army from the recently fallen Souviel if the Demons were to use the most direct route into Haringpoint again like the stories of the famous Battle of Marnia''s Bluff that Caldell Slaegiac triumphed over the superior armed Alboen and his Demon Army with clever use of the watery grounds and ambush tactics to whittle down any attempts of breaking through the strategically important terrain. The last 3 Legions will be held in reserve at the Capital, readying themselves to quickly react to any faltering defensive positions if they were at risk of collapsing. The Emperor deemed that Little Hill, Vercourt and Marnia''s Bluff must be held at all costs.


    And that is not to also account the promised help from the Elves, the remnant Dwarves with their nothing-left-to-lose attitude and any intrepid Adventurer Guildsman would raise to multiply their respective force against the Demon Tide:


    For their Allies of the Ethuilen Entente, they have sent several of their most valorous warriors led by the Elven Royal Family''s own child, Prince Valorion, known to be a maverick for daring attacks and exotic tactics. Accompanying him are a collection of all the mightiest roster of the Entente''s military might: valiant Rainbow Helms, Swordsingers, resplendent Gladehearth Cavalry, alluringly-deadly Wardancers, High Mages and their many Arcane Beasts. All accounting 80,000 of them.


    There was also, quite unexpectedly, a letter of ''promissory intent'' from sealed by the Orchid Seal from the Black Tree Pact Elves. They are also arriving with a fleet of Soldiers of 70,000 to ''assist'' in the defense of the Slaegian Homeland as were there honor was pre-sundering with Caldell Slaegiac. Unlike before with utilitarian purposes in mind to stop the First Demonic Invasion, the Pact Elves interests were far more selfish in nature. In exchange for their ''invaluable support''. They arrogantly demanded that they, to get as many unpleasant terms out of the mouth, turnover the Empire into de-facto subservience to the Black Tree Pact''s ruling Midnight Camarilla. Emperor Uldin knew that deals with the Ethuilen''s estranged kin were capricious in terms often using intimidation and coercion to ensure the Pact Elves get their way. In his best foreknowledge and the suggestions of the Ethuilen Seffydliad is to play along with their designs for now and then find a way to force them to back out of the deal. Prince Valorion suggested sending the Dark Elves to the front lines of the battle and have themselves get over-extended and likely slaughtered, exploiting their tones of excessively confident aptitude to show their ''Superiority'' to the other Race. A conniving plan, getting rid of a potential problem by turning the troublesome subject into expendable pawns for a solution. Uldin can expect to hear exploits from the Black Tree Pact''s warriors consisting of the graceful Sisters of the Blade, the elusive Unseen, the terrifying Dread-Steeds, the harrowing Black Thorn Riders plus their levied footmen and monsters tamed under their employ.


    The Remnant Dwarves that Dolmond and the Dwarven Hold survivors of Tilelyuhr, Darbaddihr, and Mirlarum had brought over can be levied by Uldin''s best estimates of 60,000 men. They were however mixed in composition, consisting of professional Clan Bondsmen and raw Conscripts. The Dwarves were all physically healthy despite their recent hardsh.i.p.s, hardy and unafraid. The Emperor could sketch their desperation into a formidable force with the a few carefully selected words alongside having them train together for a few days. They will be needed especially for Defending key points thanks in part to the magazine fed crossbows the Dwarven Sting-Eyes wield and the Scandanite Armored the Ever Beards.


    The Adventurer''s Guild were perhaps the most informal of people that the Emperor has in his disposal. Although they do share a respected hierarchy with many of their members showing a diverse set of skills and talents, they were not designed, by their small scale and individualistic roster of an estimated 10,000 Adventurer''s to be front line fighters. They had an unreliable estimate of combat effectiveness due to their roster composing of elite and rookie members but their enthusiasm could be exploited. Adventurers can be used as scouts or be sent behind enemy lines to perform dangerous assignments. Keeping them motivated however will be a challenge due to their undisciplined nature.


    Then came the Empires most prestigious of men and women, the College of Magi. Their vast knowledge of Magicks and all thing Arcane collected and refined over the years would prove invaluable for the coming battles ahead. He can the Adepts of the College to perform a wide variety of Battle-related spells such as calling forth magical storms, conjured blades, but also several of their Arcane Artifacts such as the Altar of Telin. Named after the God of Magic, the wagon-carried construct made from the college''s understanding of Mana Crystals with the aid of Actocolite. Its official function is to magnify the effects of magical spells casted when aimed towards Altar''s lenses for exponential effect. For example, a simple Fire Ball spell can have its range and effect drastically improved, or a Ward meant to shield one person be capable of protecting a significantly wide radius. They maybe only around 800 or so of them, not including those former students who are either scattered about across the world as traveling Arcanists or as members of the Adventurer''s Guild.


    Overall, the Defenses must be built quickly around those strongpoints before the Demons can thrust in from the Mountains for their assault. Once they tire out and an opening for a Counterattack present itself. He will launch an offensive starting with the re-occupation of Souviel from the Demon Menace until he can push them back to their stronghold of Tyr Rian and punish the traitorous Prince Clovich for selling his Soul to Alboen''s Minions.


    "We make our stand at Vercourt, the Salt Mine and Little Hill. If any of them were to fall our sacred homeland will be at that stands before them." Uldin emphasizes the importance of the three strategic locations of the Imperial Defensive line.


    "So these Demons... they fight how again?" Huguet questioned.


    "Based on what reports we have of those who survived or witness them fighting. They normally prefer to fight from afar with the use of their Black Staves." Ser Huguet answered. "As for when the Demons will descend upon us, that is what I fear the most for we do not have any report of when and how large the Demon Army is. There were scouts who had attempt to count their numbers but none have so far reported anything. I fear the worst for them." Petur answered.


    "Ordinarily, I dislike fighting if I do not know what or how many I face." Petur added, gritting his teeth in frustration.


    "Then if we are fighting an army that prefers to attack from a distance then we will need to use the terrain to our advantage. Blind them under the cover of the tree''s and bushes while trapping them in areas that we can cut them down swiftly on." Huguet answered. "I say with two to three weeks worth of preparation, our Battlelines should be ready to face them."


    "You have one week." Uldin pushed him. "Dolmond''s people can see to that." He nodded to the Dwarf who cooperatively gave his silent word for extending his aid to engineering matters too and not only military.


    "Cowards they all are, not to fight in honorable combat!" Faithleann huffed. "They seek to drown us in a torrent of their blades!"


    "You were defeated by one, in ''honorable combat'' no less, when we were at the Dwarven Realms mind you Faithleann." Petur reminded him.


    "It does not matter! We must take the fight to them and charge forth towards their stronghold of Tyr Rian." The Bane Chosen One proposed.


    "Don''t not be so brash like what you were when we were at the Dwarven Realms Faithleann. Our men were massacred when carelessly ordered them to charge at Nirnkarim only for nearly all of them, some of the Emperor''s and the Mogul''s finest to perish so swiftly." Petur reminded him much to his disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. "Without at least bringing a ladder no less!" he added.


    "You ordered my men to die like that? How could you?!" Dolmond scolded Faithleann.


    "There was a Dragon! They had a dragon at their side. It breathed its fire and destroyed the army." Faithleann said.


    "And who gave you authority to order MY men to follow you?" Dolmond questioned him.


    "The Gods of course. I am the Chosen One, the Bane of the Demons!" Faithleann arrogantly shouted. "None of them will stand a chance against my might. Put me where the battle shall be the thickest."


    "Silence! All of you! We will not go anywhere if we fight amongst ourselves right now." The Emperor shouted.


    "Marchog Garmhaic, may you please learn to humble yourself for this once? Our enemies test our abilities in every way." Uldin raised, his voice remaining diplomatic but was now boiling to the limit thanks in no part to Faithleann''s naivete.


    "I have to be frank with you, your Magick''s is still budding in talent in spite of your prodigious nature. But the Share Holder and her demonic mentors are at least Master level of Arcane might. If you so stubbornly refuse to accept that you have indeed lost against them you will, in all prospects end up like poor Marchog Faughn and those ill-faited men who have died at the Ostalrocs." Petur again reminded him. "Tivna have mercy on them." He prayed.


    "Are you saying I won''t be sent to the front lines?" Faithleann bided.


    "Not yet. You still require training, and the men I have given you needs to be equipped¡­ as much as they can their new weapons from the Dwarves. My most humble condolences Dolmond." Uldin said.


    "You humble me more with your clemency your Imperial Majesty." Dolmond bowed.


    "This is outrageous!" Faithleann exclaimed. "I myself must be out there! Slaying demons and protecting the Realm! Not here!" he protested.


    He impatiently and childishly stomped the wood floor of the Archbishop''s Chamber imprudently making unwise to straight up imbecilic demands from one that knows better.


    "Marchog Garmhaic behave yourself! Have you forgotten you are in MY PRESCENCE!?" Uldin shouted, his limits now stretched beyond his reticence that he can hold.


    The Emperor was now collapsing onto the pressure the crisis has lambasted him with. He was already balancing a fine line between the risks and yields his calculated decisions he has made to preserve his Realm and his position and this child, plucked from the masses to be the God''s Chosen One is starting to undermine the Crystal Heart''s very own purpose. Faithleann was like many of the young-blooded Noble Children of Today, hiding behind and wielding their privilege without any grace or the tact that a respectable Noble would swim themselves to the rhythm of social norms of and written law for. He had thought that assigning Faithleann a responsibility with a few mentors to keep him in check would m.a.t.u.r.e him to the ideal Hero, one that is brave, selfless, clever and justly preeminent. Instead, the power amplified Faithleann''s worst aspects: his naivete, his childlike idealism, impetuousness and recalcitrance in the pursuit of surpassing Heroic Deeds. If this was any of his children, he would have sent them far away to a monastery to learn proper manners and not let them return until they learn how to properly behave oneself at the cruel outside world.


    "Hello?" a faint voice creaked from behind the Archbishop''s door.


    Two children, a boy and a girl, wearing their champagne manes alike peeked over the door and their eyes staring deeply at the scene before them as they made themselves inside.


    "Who let these Imps into the Cathederal?!" Faithleann bawled. "This is discussion so for the more ripened of us." He scolded the intruders.


    "Marchog Garmhaic! That is no way to address the Imperial Scions!" General Huguet rebuked, revealing the identity of these two newcomers.


    "A hundred apologies, my Prince and Princess! I did not know of your arrival at all." Faithleann bowed, his heart racing by the disciplinary admonishment. He didn''t want to offend the Emperor again with his brashness again, not whilst his Imperial Majesty is carrying so much burden now that he stopped to understand the full extent of the crisis.


    "Those are your children Uldin?" Mogul Dolmond asked.


    "Arthurfrir! Estrice! Were you bending your ears again?" the Emperor asked them.


    "Forgive us Father¡­" Estrice stepped forward daringly but with a slight gist of fear shaking on her foot. "But me and my brother have worried about you¡­ and now you we had heard you shouting from the other side of the hall."


    "Are you furious at us? Did we do something wrong?" Arturfrir meekly asked.


    "By the Gods no! I can never be furious at you two!" Uldin climbed up from his chair and hugged his two twins warmly. "Father is just¡­ working hard right now." He explained.


    "Work? Like Ruling? Commanding the Legions? Oh, how lively!" Estrice gleefully cantered. "Who are we fighting against now? Pirates? Marauders? Bandits?" she pestered.


    "Oh, it''s ¡­ quite troublesome to describe." Uldin blushed. He was still reluctant to expose his two children, the product of love from his late wife Erynn gave to the world before Neneth took her away, the harsh realities of ruling a dozen million strong Empire.


    "Who is that handsome fellow with Yncl Huguet?" Estrice pointed to Faithleann.


    "A hundred more apologies your highness!" Faithleann bowed again. "I am Marchog Faithleann Garmhaic."


    "The Bane Chosen One! The Hero?" Estrice gasped excitedly. "I am so delighted to meet your acquaintance! I am Princess Estrice Slaegiac, the first of my name and¡­ ahem! Princess of the Imperial Throne." She bowed elegantly.


    Her feminine aura alongside her stylish dress raised the Chosen One from the depths of his recent humiliation into a new paradigm. Estrice was beautiful beyond compare that he has seen before, only words describing Princesses like her from passing bards that graced his little hometown with their songs that they captured to melodize aforesaid grace with romantic hymns.


    "This is my brother, Arthurfrir Slaegiac, fourth of his name and of course the Crown Prince of the Imperial Throne¡­ if he can just stop lazing about in his room¡­" Estrice teases.


    "It is an honor to meet both of you." Faithleann forced himself to smile to not break his repairing rectitude.


    "No, it is an honor to meet you!" she aureately flattered him. "Such a handsome and brave boy in armor is such an¡­ imposing presence to be in front of me." she blushed.


    Faithleann embarrassingly turned his neck to the Emperor, his eyes locking on to his master with nervous intent before turning back to Estrice.


    "How many villains have you righteously slain today? You must have bested dozens or thousands of them right? You must show me your prowess in battle one day my brave Knight. I always d.e.s.i.r.e to be a mighty Knight like you. But you? You are the Hero of the Realm¡­" Estrice innocently acclaims. "And my hero too¡­~" she flushed as he gently grasps the Chosen One''s hand.


    At first Faithleann was lauded by the Imperial Princess'' bright words, but knowing he is under the scrutinizing eye of her Father, the Chosen One had to tactfully reel his hand.


    "My Children, Marchog Garmhaic needs to¡­ attend more time¡­ at the Training Yard honing his skills in combat and etiquette." Uldin politely explained to them as best as he could while keeping a firm eye at Faithleann who was starting to get a little bit too close to his precious daughter for his own comfort.


    "Oh, I can always watch¡­~" she tittered, her c.h.e.s.t beating as she effeminately hid her guffaw from the young Knight.


    "I know you would my little Dragon¡­" Uldin petted her at the back. "But Tad has important business to attend to."


    "Father, you have been away from me and Sis'' for a long time¡­" Arturfrir rubbed his eyes with his arms as he yawned. "Will you be able to spend some time with us today?"


    The Emperor sighed, he maybe a calculative man who in his many years of ruling always followed the notion to shadow his next maneuver in secrecy, but he was the exact opposite when it comes to matters of Family.


    "I cannot I am afraid¡­" he apologized to the two of them. "But¡­ let me profess to you this. I love both of you." Uldin sincerely expressed.


    "If you love us. then spend time with us. Read me a story!" Estrice pleaded.


    "Teach me how to rule like you Father." Arthurfrir added.


    "Again, I cannot, at least not now." Uldin stood up.


    "Can you promise to tend to us tomorrow then?" Estrice asked.


    "And may the Gods spirit me away if I break it." The Emperor raised his hand and swore.


    The Twin''s Personal Servants rallied forth to the door timely as they had searched frantically for the two scions. They humbly bowed to his Imperial Majesty as they shepherded the children away from his sight. Uldin sighed as he returned to his chair. He was never the perfect father for Estrice and Arthurfrir. At best he was more of a sponsor for their upbringing, materially providing the best of everything a future Imperial Royal would need to bud into the next generation of the Slaegian Lineage. But as he thought of his children, he cursed himself and beg forgiveness to his late wife Erynn. He promised her that he will carry both of them into his caring arms the same way he swept her onto his when they were first bethrothed. Uldin concludes that perhaps it was not prayers to the Gods that would give him solace but instead the company of the few joys he had left in his drained life in the form of Princess Estrice and Prince Arthurfrir IV. But for now, he has a Realm to protect. He needed to protect not only his people but his children as well.


    "Cyffredinol, please proceed¡­" he prompted Huguet to continue.


    -----------------------------------------------------


    It was brief but nervous tour descending through the Cathederal''s Underground. They passed by reliquaries, tombs and several shrines before the Priests ordered them to kneel respectively as they find themselves before golden shrine adorned with jewelry and the statues of several ancient saints. The Crystal Heart itself lay inside a glass c.h.e.s.t adorned with runic symbols and sitting itself below a velvet pillow. Complementing the display was a mosaic display both below their feet and below their heads depicting the mythology-wrapped story of the Sacred Crystal Heart.


    According to the Legends, Caldell Slaegiac during his quest to defeat Alboen stumbled inside a mythical cave when he rested to find the Sacred Crystal Heart when heard of a rumor of a power that can strengthen him for the coming confrontation with the Dark Lord Alboen. The Crystal Heart spoke to him and he asked the Crystal Heart to help him defeat Alboen and his army to save Glisiea. The Holy Relic gave Caldell his mythical strength to defeat the Demons and he brought the Crystal back to his clan''s holy shrine of whose ancient grounds became the foundation for the Grand Cathedral of Haringpoint. After the end of the First Demonic Invasion and Caldell disappearance, the Crystal Heart remained in its place at the Shrine, now revered as a Divine Boon from the Gods to help Gliesia in times of need whenever Dark Forces or great Trials befall their chosen peoples.


    A brief prayer was sung as the Clerics and Priests, the only people allowed to lay a finger on the holy relic, slowly and respectfully brought the crystalline object out on full unmitigated display atop of a pedestal. Finishing their Prayers, the Mages and the Priestly congregation began to enchant their Magicks onto the relic to rouse it from its slumber.


    "Before you continue!" a young masculine voice echoed the hallowed halls of the Cathederal Underground spoke.


    It was Faithleann, who came running across the sacred grounds of the Cathederal as bluntly as he was hurriedly approaching the group waved his hands.


    "Chosen One! Do you have no courtesy? You are in the prescence of the Divine Gods!" Karliah scolded him.


    "I am sorry¡­ but I was told by the Emperor that I should see the Crystal Heart again. I too must consult it." He huffed beneath his breathes.


    "Very well, but please do be more respectful for once!" Karliah hesitantly gave him amnesty. They were all down here for the same purpose after all.


    "Shall we begin?" Olayra asked the Archbishop.


    The Pontiff nodded quietly as he turned about face to the Crystal Heart and lead the ritual.


    "O Great Crystal Heart! Whose wisdom is infinite and benevolence knows no bounds. We humbly but warily aroused you from your slumber once again to seek your guidance." The Archbishop beseeched the Relic.


    "What is it¡­ you ask of me children?" the Sacred Crystal Heart softly answered, its form flickering like the beating of a heart.


    "The Shareholder, one whom you in your infinite wisdom chose to lead our peoples against the coming darkness is said to have been enthralled by the Demons themselves and being made to fight against us!" Grandmaster Owyne said. "I humbly ask if there is a way, we can break the Enthralling spell that befell the Chosen One so that she may see the light of her error and fight alongside the Bane to fulfill the Prophecy for the new age." He asked the Crystal.


    "The Scholar to! It is said that the Demon''s are searching for him and we fear the worst if both the Share Holder and the Scholar Chosen Ones combine their strengths so that they may devour all that is sacred, beautiful and just through all of our Realms. We humbly ask you to help us search for the Scholar before Alboen''s Hordes finds him first." The Archbishop asked.


    "Crystal Heart." Faithleann piously interjects. "As your champion, can you reveal to me the most decisive means to fulfill my great destiny as the Savior of Glisiea? Can you grant me more power so I can ride south to Tyr Rian and vanquish Alboen and his armies to save this realm like the Founder King Caldell Slaegiac before?" he asked.


    "Is that ALL you ask of me?" the Relic said as if perplexed by their so-called inquiries. "Then, I have nothing more to speak of." The Crystal Heart declares before the light that once illuminate the holy chamber so brilliant now so dispiritedly overshadow.


    "By the Gods! What is the meaning of this?!" Owyne quickly stood up and attempted to beseech the Crystal Heart.


    "Hurry! Reinvigorate the Relic with Magicks!" the Archbishop ordered.


    The Mages frantically channeled their Mana energies onto the Sacred Crystal Heart, exhaustively pushing their bodies beyond their limits. One by one, they collapsed to the Cathedral''s floors suffering the debilitating effects of Mana Consumption, Karliah included¡­


    "This is pointless!" Owyne bellowed. He was the last Mage to stop his channeling when he saw his fellow Magic-users collapse.


    He looked towards the Crystal Heart once again, still inert and unresponsive to external input. He panted and sweated as he leaned over a pillar to catch himself.


    "Grandmaster? What do we do?" the Archbishop turned to him, his desperation breathing through his mouth.


    "I¡­I¡­ I do not understand¡­" Owyne answered.


    "You do not understand?" the Archbishop hesitated. "How can you not know?" he pleaded.


    "The Crystal Heart it is¡­ it is¡­ I¡­" Owyne stuttered as he looked at the people who were left stunned by the Relic''s for lack of a more suitable term ''revelation'' which was no revelation at all.


    "Grandmaster you have to know of a way." One of the Mages begged him. That same mage was followed by more of them who beseech for answers, answers that he has, for the first time in all of his long tenure, cannot provide.


    The Grandmaster of Magicks, humbled down by a horizon he could not fathom. He had always taken pride of his vast intellectual capacity to understand every fundamental aspect of Magicks, Rinc (Illusion), Foqal (Conjuration), Lug (Alteration), Nengui (Restoration) and Decaui (Destruction). In all of his knowledge nothing could bring an answer to what had transpired before him. And for all of his bravado of his supremacy over all things Arcane, he was left in most ungracefully scorned by this embarrassment.


    "Grandmaster? What are we to do?" Karliah asked him.


    "I¡­uh¡­" Owyne stuttered. "Head for the College! Look for anything related to the arts of Divination, Magical Channeling and about the Chosen One branding." Owyne ordered.


    -----------------------------------------------------


    A couple of sunrises passed over since the incident at the Cathedral and the College of Magi were still left clueless of what had happened. The Imperial Powers that be were left in a frenzy of panicked storms as men and women scrambled to figure out how to revive the Sacred Crystal Heart. It was only through the stoic leadership of Emperor Uldin that prevented chaos from erupting at such an inopportune time in Haringpoint. But only barely: The Legionnaires working in tandem with the Dwarven Recruits had recently marched off to the front lines as scheduled in the same vein that both the Ethuilen and Black Tree Elf reinforcements would arrive at their designated positions would too.


    However, although the military aspect of the Defense of the Imperial Heartlands were going smoothly, the more magically inclined and logistical facets were far more troublesome.


    The Harvest scheduled this week had been severely damaged causing a short supply in fresh produce as food resources that were being diverted to feed the soldiers leaving most common folks to ration or scrap by pre-masticated morsels to live through the cold nights ahead. According to the estimates by the Empire''s Agricultural Overseers over 3 out of 5 plots of the Empire''s farmlands were damaged to varying degrees with those closer to the Ostalrocs bearing the heaviest strain on the Imperial Foodstocks. To matters even more dire, there were also several reports of food-related riots sparking across the Imperial Lands which further drained manpower that the Imperial Army needed for their war effort. Emperor Uldin had sent forth in response not only several heavy handed approaches but a wave of rehabilitative works to address the food shortages such as reducing taxes on the most severely affected areas farmlands and sending out Restoration Mages from the College to help salvage whatever still edible produce that can still be saved before the irreversible happened.


    Speaking about Mages, the College of Magi are barely faring any better. Research related to Demons were prepared and were being accelerated albeit due to the lack of any subjects to work with, it was effectively left in a standstill with only old written script from centuries past to refer by. Those Mages who are most proficient in combat related spells such as Alteration and Destruction were being sent off to the front lines accompanying the Legionnaires marching southwards. There was also a Circle of Mages dedicated to training Marchog Faithleann Garmhaic and research any means of reviving the Sacred Crystal Heart so that its guidance can be used again if they were to utilize all three of the Chosen Ones to their advantage against the coming Demon Tide. Karliah Silverdane and Olayra Ekroth were two such Collegiates:


    "I know that Lyndis used to keep several of her letters somewhere in here¡­ There has to be something we have missed." Karliah sputtered.


    She had grown a growing premonition over the Seffydliad Agent''s letters who was a reliable source of firsthand information for the College of Magi on the subject of the Otherworlder''s behavioral patterns and their characteristics. Letters that she had magical sent out were stored within the College''s Archive for safe keeping and thanks to a few connections within the college, the two Collegiates were given access to a typically restricted floor within the College. The College Mage turned Gold-ranked Adventurer was still physically tired from her harrowing experience back at the Cathederal but now just today she was able to stand upright without the help of a cane or someone else to hold her hand through.


    "They should be somewhere here. Perhaps the Elf''s findings on the Otherworlder''s could somehow help figure out how we might be able to understand these Invaders, most especially the Share Holder, Samantha." Olayra said.


    The girls quickly scoured about the Archive, dredging through the piles of paper, searching desperately for Lyndis'' Reports.


    "Here it is! This was her handwriting and her Seal." Karliah declared as she held a handful of circular Elven Scrolls with Lyndis'' Elven signature written at its head.


    Curling the paper roll around itself, Karliah begins to read out the papers that she can read intermediate levels of Elven calligraphy. So far most of what Lyndis had described has already been common knowledge by the learned scholars and demonologists such herself and Olayra. There was however the mention of a Spell called ''Holy Firefly'' that she assumed was an Elven innovation she had not heard of. Her search produced no fruit to say the least.


    "Nothing¡­ at least we had tried¡­" Karliah sank her head.


    "Athro? What will happen to us?" Olayra asked her.


    "What do you speak of?" Karliah asked.


    "The Apprentices? The blwyddyn gyntaf?" she asked. "There is a war going on. Will my Mage Friends be sent off to fight the war?" Olayra held the senior''s hand and looked on worryingly to the Gold-Adventurer''s eyes.


    "Gods no, you are still my rhai-bach. You have your whole lives ahead of you." Karliah dismissed Olayra''s fears. Most of the First-Year students of the College who were sent there have not yet been reached to a.d.u.l.thood yet.


    She was always an exemplar to the younger students of the College thanks to her academic ac.u.men, the tales of her exploits as an Adventurer and compliments by her fairness. Coming from the prestigious and noble Silverdane Family, Karliah was the latest in the line of one of the most influential familial figures in the College, her late father being a much beloved Professor in the Arcane Arts.


    "Let me say to you this¡­ if things go wrong, I will make sure, with all of my might that the First Years are never approached by the Caethwas." She reassured her.


    "With gratitude athro." Olayra smiled. "Let''s just get these Letters to the Elven Envoy and let us retire to our rooms for the night."


    The two Collegiates quietly made their way out of the Archive but as they were about to leave, they heard a ghostly voice tingle their ears:


    "It is done¡­ that troublesome Guild have been wiped off the face of Gliesia. Now it is your turn for your end of the deal¡­." A voice spoke.


    "You ask for too much Dolmond." another voice echoed.


    "Did you hear that?" Olayra asked, careful to minimize the sound of her voice. "Who is saying that?" she asked.


    "I do¡­" Karliah nodded quietly.


    Their suspicions and curiosity piqued, the two tiptoed their way closer to the source of the sound. From their discernment, it had looked like it had come from Grandmaster Owyne''s office which is adjacent to the Archive. Why is Mogul Dolmond doing here in the College so late into the night? It was rather strange however, normally at this hour most students and staff would have retired for the night especially in this area of the College, the duo being the exception thanks to Karliah''s aforementioned influence.


    The Adventurer placed her ear by the Grandmaster''s door as she began to fully eavesdrop on the conversation being guarded behind it:


    "Owyne, my friend, we have been¡­ reciprocating collaborators for a very long time. I know what I asked of you is quite so soon but we are in a crisis here." Dolmond''s voice told the second participant.


    The Grandmaster is talking with the Dwarven Mogul at this hour? Karliah thought. The way those words were framed strike as being that the two had some sort of deal they had made. But that was outlandish. The Dwarves typically deal with Imperial Traders as middlemen to their Slaegian contacts. The College, although publicly funded outside of Alumni donations typically have no say and authority on how the deals for Mana Crystals, Actocolite, Scandanite and Ghyranite ingots would go directly.


    "Mogul Dolmond, this crisis is why I cannot risk moving forward with our mutual goals at this moment. The Empire needs me to lead the Arcaneaeum during this war. As you have said I know of our deal but my powers have limits." Owyne tactfully declined.


    "I will not be a ''Mogul'' for long once this war-crusade skirth fully walks on its legs. My title is no longer guaranteed. The other Moguls have way much more skill in leading warriors than I ever could. Now that my Mine is destroyed, I barely have any power left with the other Nobles, I am slowly becoming irrelevant! You have to, just use your sway in the Imperial Court to¡­ ''discourage'' any usurpation against me. I am still the Dwarven Mogul after all." Dolmond gravely tells him of his political situation.


    "Why it is too much to ask ''Grandmaster''? We both have the same goals and that is maintaining our power over our people. I had completed my end of our bargain by ridding of those nuisance Tinkerer''s Guild permanently. The demons might have destroyed the Ostalrocs but at in their destruction benefitted you now by totally removing the potential threat of the Mage class by destroying the knowledge and means to enable any more of those pestering Terrace Dwarves into creating that hideous Steam Drill." Dolmond coldly stated.


    If the Steam Drill had fully been perfected without his intervention, Mogul Dolmond and his Geomancers would lose much useful value ergo political power over their ability to rule over the Terrace Dwarves if the commoner can drill down to the Gliesian earth just as easily as the Mages. Karliah and Olayra could feel their anger slowly boiling over at how apathetic that Mogul Dolmond talked about his oppressive rule against the plebian masses that he rules over. They remembered how he had only cared about himself and his fellow court to evacuate the Ostalroc Mountains but hearing his complacency of what he had done to the Terrace Dwarves added a new level of depth into the atrocious character that was the Kur Faldhur Mogul. But even worse than that, was how he was conspiring with Grandmaster Owyne, the epitome of all-things Arcane be so complacent, let alone promoting the oppressive ill-doing of the Dwarven social classes made Karliah''s stomach broil.


    "Again, I cannot at this or the next few days! At best what I compel the Emperor to do is to award you new lands that your people can resettle on. I simply bar your rivals for you without risking our Alliance." He continued to decline Dolmond''s demands. "We are in crisis now and you are attempting to eat the whole pie too quickly during supper. We need the other Moguls to lead the remaining Dwarven Warriors into battle. We can discuss getting rid of your rivals so you may have sole reign over the Dwarven people AFTER we defeat the Demons."


    "I will not last long enough to see the end of this war Grandmaster. You have to help me immediately or you will lose your ''Allies from the Mountains''. You owe me this for I have done so much." Dolmond pleaded.


    "I owe you only for sabotaging the Steam Drill for you that killed your brother whom you were so willing to sacrifice so that you can blame it all on the Terrace Dwarves for their ''failure''. Should it not be that you owe me an equal favor now?" Owyne replied. "I ask you this, fight in the frontlines and ''donate'' all that is left of your wealth to the College''s ''Expedition'' Coffers or I will sever ties with you here and now."


    "I beg of you. Just one more favor and I will repay you back tenfold." Dolmond beseeched him.


    But Owyne stood in front of him in silence. Not saying another word in the matter. It was either his way of political maneuvering or the dishonor of being dethroned. He knows what he wants and he will not continue to go on with his clandestine relationship with the Mogul until it begins to bear fruit.


    "Then you have leave me no choice." Dolmond gritted his hands and teeth. "You and I both know that if anyone else knows of what we have done. We will both be unseated from our¡­ lofty standings." He coyly hissed.


    "Are you attempting to coerce me Mogul Dolmond?" the Grandmaster asked. "I can end you now if I wanted to. Your shallow words are meaningless to me." he ridiculed.


    "Do you recall the name ''Kemar'' Grandmaster?" Dolmond asked.


    At the same time, as if fate both brought Karliah and Owyne together, their hearts skipped a beat upon hearing that name. They know that name so well, even if it was a long time that the mention of that name was broached for.


    "Kemar Silverdane? My old friend? One of the best Professors of the College. Yes, I do." Owyne nodded.


    "Do not deceive me. He was never your ''friend''. At least, not before the last Grandmaster, Ysberin told all of his students and all of his subordinates that he was slowly dying of an incurable illness." Dolmond discredit the Grandmaster''s previous sentence.


    "I do not know what are you talking about." Owyne feigned ignorance.


    "Oh, I do know what I speak of¡­ murderer." Dolmond said.


    "H-how¡­" Owyne stuttered. In his weakness, he exposed himself and confirmed the Dwarf''s suspicions.


    "Old Ysberin had two candidates to choose for his successor, two Professors: You and Kemar. Yet you knew that it was likely going to be Kemar who will become the Grandmaster and not you." Dolmond badgered. Much to the Grandmaster''s shaken form. "Oh Owyne, despite his daring and fiery attitude simply could not, would not and cannot accept that he, Yseberin''s most shining and most daring prot¨¦g¨¦ can be looked over to the more tranquil and reserved Kemar. So, you acted swiftly. You had a forger imitate Ysberin''s handwriting on his Will by switching the names between your ''friend'' Kemar and yourself. When the Silverdane got too close to the truth you arranged him to be ''sent on a Retrieval Expedition'' where he suffered an ''unfortunate accident''." Dolmond said.


    "How did you know?" the Grandmaster asked him.


    "You are not the only person that uses the Crows for their¡­ ''interests''." Dolmond smirked as he saw the Grandmaster cracked before him.


    "Ysberin was a fool to pass over me for Kemar when choosing his successor. I am Everything! I had the cunning, the wisdom and the drive and the intellect! What did Kemar had that I don''t? Nothing! He is the very antithesis of me! Quiet, sluggish and always content. I had a dream! I had a d.e.s.i.r.e! The d.e.s.i.r.e to see Magicks rule all of the baw g¨²l! To serve us Mages! Kemar was and will always be a stubborn fool! He can never see what Magicks can truly do." Owyne raised his voice.


    "Perhaps now I understand why Ysberin ''originally'' chose Kemar Silverdane over you." Dolmond smugly grinned.


    "HOW DARE YOU!" Karliah barged through the room, Olayra following suit. Her unexpected entrance jolted both of the old men in the room.


    "My father was a wise and thoughtful man. He had served the College selflessly for all of his life." Karliah cried. "How dare you for not only desecrating his name but be in league with this despicable Dwarf who would kill his own people at his mines for Ducats and to stay on his ill-gotten throne." She denounced both of them.


    "Grandmaster! I had always thought you were the wisest of the Arch Mages of the College. We had always looked up to you as ''the Paragon of Arcane Might''. But I renounce my patronage. How could you be so dishonorable? ''Expedition'' Funds? Suppressing the poor Terrace Dwarves who are trying to better themselves? How could you?" Olayra joined in with her senior.


    "Do you not understand that Magick is what separates us from many others Ladui Silverdane? Can you not see that we are all born with power? Kemar Silverdane was weak to not see what Magick can truly become! Like all the other so-called Wizards too! The Vampires, the Shamans? They do not understand what is the truest and purest of Magicks! Have you seen what I have built? The Monuments, the Great Inventions and Discoveries that I¡­ I HAVE MADE?!" Owyne defended himself.


    "Oh¡­I see perfectly Grandmaster¡­" Karliah puffed. "An Institution dedicated to selfish-gains, the domination of those lower than themselves, the inhibition of those who learn of Magick''s ways differently and perverting the Teachings of Telin of using Magicks as a tool into a¡­ a¡­ parodical doctrine of highbrowing sloth? Is this what I am fighting for?!" Karliah shouted.


    "This act of villainy will be your downfall! The Emperor will know of this." Olayra declared.


    "Do you honestly think that anyone will believe you about what me and Dolmond have been doing to the Dwarven People after that brazen display of you two have done back at the Cathederal. Defending the Otherworlder''s actions and directly questioning the Prophecy I had foreseen was it not?" Owyne challenged her. "If you truly want to be of help the Empire then get out there tomorrow and have you and the rest of the students prepare to march for battle." He ordered her.


    "Then I have no reason to believe your stupid prophecy or the Otherworlders being the Demons of Old. Sam was right about you. You are just an old fool who dabbled in magicks you don''t understand and try to hide your failings by quashing those who question you. Grandmaster Ysberin was right for not choosing you. As long that we still breathe we deliver justice for all the innocents you wrong, me among them." Karliah renounced.


    "You two are the only Demons we see here." Olayra backed Karliah up.


    "As long as you breathe.... eh?" Dolmond echoed ominously Karliah''s words. He twitched his eyebrows as he looked before from what he see''s as vermin that needed to be squashed before his house rots with their infectious influence.


    "I never knew I would have to do this Ladui Silverdane. I thought I have to only deal with your father but it looks like the Gwaed Fruit does not fall far from the tree." He apologized.


    Owyne conjured his Magicks from his hands as he charged his body for a spell.


    "Look out!" Karliah shoved Olayra behind her as she shielded themselves with a quickly casted Ward that blocked Owyne''s Thunderbolt.


    "You have been a thorn at our side for long enough." Mogul Dolmond unsheathed his Hammer. "Time to end you."


    Karliah and Olayra nimbly dodged the wild swing of the angered Dwarf as the two fled the Grandmaster''s Office, quickly losing the two villain''s line of sight.


    "We have been found!" Dolmond mouth frothed at Owyne. "All because you would not let me have what I want."


    "No we are not." Owyne quickly thinked at the skip of his feet. "Guards!" he yelled.


    Before long a squad of patrolling College Guards entered the Mogul''s room.


    "What has happened? There seem''s to be some sort of break in?" one of the Guards asked noting the disorderly scene that was produced in the wake of Owyne''s earlier Thunderbolt spell.


    "Me and Mogul Dolmond were discussing several plans for the war effort when suddenly Karliah Silverdane attempted to assassinate me. She screamed to me: ''Alboen shall return triumphant!''. I managed to protect the Mogul from her Magicks before she attempted to flee." Owyne lied.


    He turned his head to the Dwarf, his eyes intently telling him without the need of being spoken to play along with his deceit.


    "If you hurry you may catch her! She must be punished!" the Mogul said.


    "At once Grandmaster." The Guard said.


    The Guards quickly too their leave and hurriedly reported to the Captain of the College''s Guards of the attempted treason. Before long, the bells of the College, typically used to either arouse the faculty and students from slumber or to signify important campus-related events was used to alarm all of the Mages of the College of the most horrifying of developments:


    That Karliah Silverdane has turned her back on her Nation, her Liege, her People and the God''s


    "What do we do athro?" Olayra asked Karliah.


    "If we can reach the Stables, we maybe able to escape." Karliah proposed.


    "Escape where? The Grandmaster will likely send Bounty Hunters and Adventurers to find us no matter where we go." Olayra mentioned their abysmall odds of escape.


    "Where else but the one place they will never march towards¡­" Karliah answered. "There is nowhere else to go but there."


    "You are not proposing¡­" Olayra''s eyes widened, knowing what her teacher is nominating the course of their next action.


    "Tyr Rian." Karliah confirmed her radical decision. "We shall gamble our lives by seeking refuge their. If we are fortunate perhaps the Share Holder Sam can give us sanctuary from the Empire''s wrath."


    "What you propose is most perilous to even attempt to do." Olayra nervously gave comment.


    "If we time our journey during the night, we can avoid most of the patrols until we reach that Principality. It is our only chance of survival Olayra." Karliah explained her plans.


    "But what about the First-Year students? What will happen to them? You promised to protect them." Olayra reminded her.


    "I cannot protect them if I am dead. Right now, we must leave Haringpoint and ride for Tyr Rian. Hurry!" Karliah pushed her junior forward.


    The two young women scampered off, avoiding the search parties and rudely awakened Mages who were now frantically to varying degrees of aptitude searching for them to prevent them from escaping. Karliah''s previous Mana Exhaustion not helping even out their chances of escape. But as if by the grace of the High Wills, the pair made it to the College''s stables undetected.


    "What will happen if we do reach Tyr Rian?" Olayra asked.


    "Find Sam¡­ she is the only person amongst the Otherworlders who can help us." Karliah answered.


    They mounted up to one of the steeds on the College''s Stables, Karliah taking the stirrup and the junior Olayra holding onto her back. With a quick kick from the a.d.u.l.t mage, they galloped forth.


    "Over there!" one of the Guards shouted as he spotted the two newly disgraced Collegiates bolted out of the College.


    A barrage of Magic Missiles and arrow fire rained down upon Karliah and Olayra''s steed as the raced towards a slowly closing gate that barred Harringpoint from the wilderness outside.


    But just as the Steed was about to reach the threshold, Karliah heard a soft whimpering squeal behind her.


    "Olayra!" she shouted.


    The young girl lay down on the ground with a bleeding wound on her back. The College Mage cantered towards the girl before dismounting to tend to her docent pupil.


    "Karliah¡­ I¡­ am so sorry¡­" Olayra coughed. "You need to¡­ the Share Holder¡­ only she¡­ only she¡­ can¡­"


    "No, I promised to protect you¡­" Karliah shot her down, she could not accept seeing one of her juniors fall upon the very thing that she is trying to protect them from, to be a casualty in a war.


    "Go!" Olayra''s arm pushed through Karliah''s b.r.e.a.s.ts away as she made herself clear of what the young scholastic girl wanted her to do.


    With great reluctance and deep regret, Karliah remounted her steed and galloped off. Leaving a slowly bleeding out Olayra to be cornered by their Pursuers.


    "Olayra? I always knew you were corrupted all along¡­" Faithleann walked towards his former childhood friend.


    "Little Fish¡­ you are still that foolish little boy¡­ after all these years." She laughed comically.


    "You know the penalty for treachery Olayra?" Faithleann asks of her.


    "My death will bring nothing, but let me tell you this Little Fish¡­ you are among more Demons than you think¡­" Olayra spat at him.


    "You are wrong Demon! I had enough of your lies and vicious mockeries!" Faithleann bawled madly as he pulled out his sword and with one swift slash, cut Olayra down.


    "Rhannu-Prietar... save us..."


    As if in one final insult to his ego, Olayra''s mask laying now forever frozen, a slight smile of satisfaction as the girl willingly let go of her spirit from this mortal coil.


    News eventually spread quickly about the attempted assassination attempt of the Grandmaster in Haringpoint, all of its citizens quick to condemn the cowardly attack and equally as eager to march to the nearest Recruiting Clerks to have them outfitted into the Slaegian Legion for their patriotic duty to defend their motherland from the Otherworldly threat.


    -----------------------------------------


    Meanwhile as Haringpoint was left addled by the attempted assassination attempt. Karliah Silverdane wasted no time galloping at full speeds with her mount south of Haringpoint, only pausing to consume nourishments. The closest territory she can recall that was is considered Otherworlder Territory was through the newly-conquered Souviel in which she has to pass by several of nightly patrols and hastily dispatched bounty hunters to capture her. The harrowing journey lasted her two days¡­ before she reached Marnia''s Bluff, the northern most point of Souviel.


    But as she began to rest easy now that she has made it towards the domain of the Invaders. An arrow struck the Mage''s steed. Due to its exhaustive use thanks in no part to Karliah''s haste, the colt collapsed to the ground as she wiggled off her crushed leg from the wounded mount before clumsily pushing herself southwards.


    She simply cannot give up now, not while the lives of many people are at stake, not when her country aimlessly charges forth to a war that they cannot win, not while the machinations of Grandmaster Owyne causes the downward spiral that will cause its collapse. Karliah Silverdane must persevere!


    "There she is! Get her!" one of the bounty hunters shouted.


    A relentless barrage of arrows began to rain down on her position as Karliah scampered forward, but the area around her in Marnia''s Bluff was desolate. It lacked any means of concealment nor cover. To make her predicament direr, the damp sand swamped her footing slowing her stunted attempt to escape. Only sparse green bedding, the crashing ocean waves of the Draguitoise Coast and the verdant sea breeze to witnessed her plight. It would not be long now before one of her pursuer''s projectiles met its mark¡­


    Yet none such arrows ever did¡­


    Suddenly as it began with the thirsting cheers of her pursuers, so did they fell silent.


    Daring to look behind her, she saw the bodies of her five hunters, fallen into the ground, their blood daubing the gray sand with its crimson paint. As if by divine intervention she was immediately saved!


    "Halt!" a voice emerged from the silence. "You approach the territory of the United Federation of Earth! Raise your hands into the air and do not move." He said.


    Seeing no other choice less she be struck down as suddenly as pointlessly as her pursuers, Karliah followed the voices orders.


    Emerging as if from the very sands itself a cadre of humanoid figures appeared before Karliah. Golems carrying upon their backs as if growing by their bodies wet grasses while complemented by the grainy texture of sands that dotted their bodies approached her slowly. All while aiming their matching colored staves at her. She Karliah shuddered in fear, barely standing upright to maintain her none threatening mien to these strangers. She had not recalled any monsters that dressed like those before her. They were likely the Otherworlders soldiers, likely scouts who patrol the swampy isthmus of Marnia''s Bluff.


    "Please state your intentions for being here." One of the Otherworlder''s ask her.


    "I come here¡­ to seek sanctuary from the Empire." Karliah explained herself remembering to not mince her words in front of these imposing entities.


    "You have until the count of five to leave this place or my squad will shoot you down¡­ one¡­ two¡­ three¡­" the Otherworlder asserted himself, thrusting his stave forward threateningly before counting down.


    "I wish to seek Audience with one known as Sam! The Share Holder! I¡­ I¡­ know her!" Karliah desperately shrieked. "From¡­ the Volcano¡­ from the Dwarven Mountains." She added.


    "Sam? Lew-ten-nan Rose?" the Otherworlder changed his tone. "Stand down." He urged the rest of his companions to lower their staves.


    The strange being pressed his c.h.e.s.t with his hand and leaned his head over. Was this some sort of spell or enhchantation the Otherworlder is enacting?


    "Spearhead this is Owl Three-Two¡­ reporting¡­" the Otherworlder spoke.


    "This is Spearhead, Owl Three-Two. Did something happened?" a voice erupted from the stranger''s c.h.e.s.t.


    "I would like to request a High-Value POW retrieval at Section Echo over." the Otherworlder said.


    "Sergeant, were my orders not clear? Eliminate all who approaches Marnia''s Bluff?" the Voice coldly reminded her.


    Karliah''s heart sank upon hearing the imposing voice of the unseen entity. Was this the Otherworlder''s Leader? He sounded just like how a leader would, through strict discipline and a little dash of fear would enact upon those under his command.


    "Major, this Ech-Vee Pee-Ooh said that she knows Samantha sir, Lieutenant Rose. From the Ostalrocs." The Otherworlder reported.


    "From the Ostalrocs?" the mysterious voice questioned.


    A moment of tense silence filled the beach''s air as Karliah stared apprehensively at the Otherworlders of whom her fate rests upon.


    "Request approved. Keep her in your custody until I can send someone over for pickup." The voice answered. "Eee-Tee-Ay twenty minutes."


    Karliah''s hope reinvigorated after her perilous journey that the College Mage collapsed onto the Otherworlder''s arms. Exhausted but rested assured that she was now under their sanctuary.


    -------------------


    A bright white light greeted Karliah Silverdane as she awoke from her slumber. She found herself in a bed within a jade-colored room. She noticed that her skin and her hand were attached to several intrusive pieces of strings that connected a collection of strange gizmos that seemed to throb so alive upon being attached symbiotically or perhaps parasitically onto her. Instinctively, the College Mage thought that these wires were some form of probing contraption.


    "Don''t touch that." a familiar voice entered her ears. "The doctors only just want to make sure your body is okay. You have been through a lot."


    A familiar red-headed woman wearing a particularly exotic set of leather gambeson emerged from the side of Karliah''s bed, gently holding her hand just as she was about to remove the sticky strings.


    "The Share Holder... Samantha." Karliah addressed her.


    "You are indeed right... she really is that woman you met at the Volcano." a pale-faced woman with raven hair emerges from the other side of Karliah''s bed.


    "She tastes exquisite." the raven haired one bantered as she licked her lips. To Karliah''s horror it was frothed with blood-diluted saliva. Her blood!


    The woman was a Vampire!


    "Iris, come on! Don''t say that to her. You will creep her out." Samantha reprimanded the Vampire.


    "Sorry, but it was such... exhilarating to taste Mage blood..." the Vampire cupped her cheeks and blushed childishly.


    "Captain Samantha Rose, if I may?" another man followed behind Samantha, this time emerging from a nearby door. He wore a soft-clothed suit with the cleanest of presses and texture who gave a polite bow as he and the Share Holder faced her.


    "Go ahead Agent." the Share Holder nods.


    "You are awake now Miss Silverdane. Welcome to New Albany." the man said. "We have much to discuss."

 Chapter 49 - Climb Mount Denali (Part 1)

    Eodem Chapter 49: Climb Mount Denali (Part 1)


    All was quiet on the Duchy of Tifrait, the south-eastern most province of the Slaegian Heartland that bordered the Cambervale Valley Pass. Among its landscape were the jade Cambervale Forest that provided the Empire one of its ric.h.e.s.t sources of Timber, mainly one variety known as Ironbark whose wood boasts almost the same toughness as Iron is used alike for grand architectural projects, military & naval expansions, and many more practical applications. Although the area is considered within the heavily protected core of the Empire, the region is not without its notable dangers.


    Besetting the citizenry of Tifrait are not limited to: viperous Bandits, Man-Eating Monsters and Rogue Mages. Not to mention the occasional from Southern raiding parties that would infiltrate the mountain passes to and from their attacks.


    Fortunately, there is one bastion of Law and Order within the region and that was the Mighty Fortress Brynbach, or more commonly named as Little Hill. Being known as ''the Protector of the South'' in defense of the Empire''s Heartland. Within it contains a stockpile of Arms, Supplies and Men that can weather whatever storm that comes out of the Southern Frontier or project Imperial Power within or throughout the region. It had a proud history of stalwartly stemming any hostile tides of invading hordes from breaching any further pass its Ironbark Gates, its proud roster of Veteran Defenders and a corps of Knights who specializes in riding the Avian variety of Steeds such as Gryphons, Pegasi and Wyverns. The Fortress was originally built to centuries before the conquest of Tyr Rian as a Castle Fort that guarded the Cambervale Mountain Pass from intruders. Overtime, the fortress rose quite literally from its humble beginnings, expanding the facilities within the Fortress to include a Courtroom, a Prison, an Aviary Stables, an Adventurer''s Guild Office, larger Warehouses and even an Arcanaeum for College Magi to convene within. Even though Tyr Rian eventually took over in terms of functionality as ''the Protector of the South'', Little Hill''s long history of defending the realms was cemented with legendary repute. The only other fort of its grandiosity would have been its sister, Ghana''s Wall (colloquially called ''the Northern Aegis'') situated at the Northern Provinces that guards against the roaming Daosne Beastmen tribes that marauded the area.


    The Fortress today was brimming with activity as the Fortress Knight-Captain, Ser Dalaulmas spoke down with authority from the Emperor himself, the construction of the Empire''s Defensive Perimeter dubbed ''the Dragon-Wall'' around the Duchy of Souviel and the Duchy of Tifrait. To give said Dragon its formidable teeth, Barricades, Traps, Magical Wards, and all sorts of impediments to deter any prospective would-be invader from breaking through were being erected and still being with an overall of estimate of a third of the planned defenses already have been constructed, stretched across the Cambervale Forest. Redundant, but a precautionary redundancy. The Legion took every precaution could by placing evenly dividing his forces across the province with a reserve force coming in from Neuogonia in the event any part of the ''Dragon-Wall'' was at risk of falling in addition of sapping through any usable shepherd passes and underground tunnels they could find to control the flow of troop movement for the Invaders to force them to fight on grounds that the Legion shall dictate, which is the tight Cambervale Valley Pass.


    The Plan for the Legion as it stands: Hold the Invaders at Cambervale Valley until reinforcements from additional elements of the Slaegian Legion and the Elves were to arrive. Then once the Attackers tire themselves out attempting to breach the walls, counterattack with a headstrong march to Tyr Rian. At his immediate Disposal, Ser Daulaulmas has the strength of 15 Legions, exactly 150,000 of his own countrymen supplemented with an additional 45,000 Dwarven Warriors to man and construct the Dragon-Wall''s defenses. Supplementing the core infantry were irregular fighters from the Adventurer''s Guilds and Mages from the College to perform special tasks exploiting their unique abilities to the fullest.


    It was morning, greeted with a red dawn from Lehsol as Ser Dalaulmas awoke for his daily pattern, for it was all just a repeat of many dozens or so tasks until the Otherworlder''s finally pour over from Tyr Rian into the Legion''s awaiting battlelines. It had been over a month or less of the construction of the Dragon-Wall, another day of drills, supplies accounting and routine inspections for the Fortress Knight-Captain as he made out of his quarters, suited up in his resplendent armor and marched off with his retinue to inspect the construction of the Defenses. He was a man who demanded perfection in all things yet contrastingly calm and cool headed despite this, always looking to observe his surroundings before he engages his plan of attack. He wasn''t much of a frontline fighter however, instead relying on his vast knowledge of defensive formations to win himself the ill.u.s.trious position as the Fortress-Knight Captain of the legendary Little Hill.


    He arrived several miles away from Vercourt greeting the Lumberjacks and the Legionnaires stationed there of their progression so far.


    "Milord, we are going as fast as we can to supply the Wood we would need as always." The Duchal Sergeant in charge of overseeing the Timber harvests reported.


    "Yes, we have only cut down half of the Ironbark that my people are expected to harvest for this year." The Lumberjack Foreman added.


    "I am afraid you are all not going fast enough." The Knight Captain sternly told them. "By the rate we are moving with our Wood, the Demons would have run over us by then. May I remind you that this ''Dragon-Wall'' was meant to be built yesterday?" he reminded them.


    "But milord! Ironbark is notoriously tedious to cut down. We need another month to not only cut the tree down but turn it into lumber at our mills too." The Foreman protested.


    "Is there no other way then?" Ser Dalaulmas asked. "The Legion needs results not more problems to fix with!" he exclaimed.


    With his nerves stricken profusely with a disabling morning migraine soured the beginning of his day. He dismissed the two men as he took refuge by his personal retinue, readying his daily morning ration to start his day right anew once again.


    As he bitten down the bread from his mouth, the elderly Knight took one moment to breathe the calm morning aura radiating the land, the chirping of the soft-songed birds, the rush of the little creeks and the brushing winds¡­


    But as his nerves realigned itself with rationality and tranquility, his meditation was violently disturbed by the sudden screeching noise.


    "What was that noise?!" the Knight-Captain shuddered. He alongside his men and the Lumberjacks quivered with cold sweat of what kind of creature could be the source of the noise.


    The Guards accelerated to high alert as they scoured their surroundings for any possible signs of intrusions, was it a Monster? A Force of Nature? Or maybe even the first wave of the Demonic Invasion?


    "Look over there!" one of the Guards exclaimed.


    Above them, to their horror the Slaegians saw a host of Metal Dragons that loom over the horizon of the Cambervale Valley Mountains from their South, beyond Tyr Rian. From out of their bottoms, the Metal Dragons excreted strange but slowly descending puffs of clouds that carried with them carriage like objects and humanoid shaped men that controlled their descent so their feet landed safely to the Imperial Lands that they made their hellish entrance with. Another set of Metal Dragons meanwhile began to breathe fire down onto the Forest below, unleashing a hellish fire straight from the nightmarish of stories, cindering the Forest of all of its content whilst stripping the land b.a.r.e with its incinerating kiss.


    "The Invasion has begun!" the Knight-Captain shouted.


    A panic amongst the Lumberjacks upon his declaration immediately consumed the scene as Soldiers scrambled into their Battle Formations. They will need to make their stand here and now to buy the common citizenry time to escape to the safety of their strongholds. Today the valiant Slaegian Legion shall make their stand against the first Demonic Tide of the Invasion. A glorious stand for civilization against those who wish to seek its destruction like their ancestors before them¡­


    But it was all for naught¡­


    What was supposed to be a glorious battle for the fate of the Alliance of the Light as expected by Fortress Knight Captain Dalaulmas with the mightiest Legionnaires of the continent face against the demonic horde with their pride set high and courage burned to their hearts, ready to spill the impure blood and vanquish the darkness from the realm. It was supposed to be the moment for him and all the Sleagian legions to write their name in the history book to be remembered as heroes whether they make it through the war or die with dignity in battle. However, reality is so cruel to him and the rest of his men. Like an apocalyptic storm, the demons came unexpectedly, while their fortification was still in an infantile stage, leaving their supposed strong footing that they give so much grandiose about was found wanting of the original thought. With a swarm of the Otherworlder''s Metal Dragons, Beasts and their iron-cladded warriors wiped out more than half of the Legions and incomplete defense line in mere minutes. No matter what weapon they used to strike, what Battle Formation they assembled unto or Spell that they threw upon the Otherworlder''s it simply did not suffice in laying a single ounce of damage upon them. Inversely so, the Invaders struck like a tidal flood upon the Alliance Soldiers, overwhelming them with their otherworldly magicks consisting of explosions and infernal fires that obliterated all that tenough to attempt to spear it down like any large monster would, only to be expeditiously ran overed to a bloody pulp upon its legs. Their Dragons breathed fire below their Shield Walls that instantly disintegrate upon contact despite their steadfast discipline in maintaining Shield Walls upon pressure of overwhelming force. Much worst yet was their Warriors, whom move in blinding speeds as they vaulted over the corpses of the fallen Imperial Defenders with impunity. The greatest insult was their lack of honor, contenting themselves to only fight from a distance like viperous bandits with their black staves that gave a thunderous crack that instantly curses whatever unfortunate soul to a death curse. Their blood suddenly flowing out of their bodies


    It was slowly becoming apparent that their current position will quickly be overwhelmed by the Demonic Tide. Their onslaught beginning to route and pursue them in a terrifying display of speed as many were cut down as soon as their backs were turned tail towards the open forest of halved trees. Those who hid behind the now mangled defensive walls or through the still uncut forest fared slightly better.


    "Retreat! Retreat to the Auxiliary Lines!" Ser Dalaulmas rallied; he knows that the situation as it stands is a hopeless affair. He needed to preserve the lives of his men against this wholesale slaughter.


    -------------------------------------------


    It was a terrifying sight to behold¡­


    Above the verdant mountains of the Cambervale''s rode a great wind of hundreds upon hundreds of metal dragons. Each bearing within their belly''s lay legions of men, their war machines and their frightening weapons of mass destruction. Their intentions were clear as all of them had known after weeks of planning, preparations and practice. The oracular invasion into the Slaegian Heartlands, just as the Empire had feared.


    The Ultimatum had not been met, broken by the Empire''s non-response to the Otherworlder''s message. Prince Clovich''s Letter of Ultimatum sent discreetly through the UFEAF''s UAVs to the Imperial doorsteps was expectedly ignored and even ridiculed when the intended spat through Clovich'' coercive and doomsaying threatening along with the pictures of UFE''s extraordinary technologies to convince the Emperor and his courts to stand down or face total annihilation. As they originally declared during Operation Bakumatsu, the Otherworlder''s launched their assault. First came an earth-shattering barrage of fiery power from the Federation''s Artillery, rockets, Gunship autocannon and SPG alike. Their hammering assault levelling the initial stretch of defenses, mix of completed barricades and work-in-progress palisades along the Cambervale Forest. Forward Observers, who had infiltrated the enemy lines days before, pinpointed the optimal location the Metal Dragons could make their landing. A relatively flat stretch of terrain that was deforested due to the earlier Lumber harvests the nearby town of Vercourt had cut down weeks before. Codenamed: Landing Zone Timber, the area had to be clandestinely ''adjusted'' to allow the scale the Otherworlders deemed fit to move their armies across to the Imperial Territories via a mixed of night-time engineering work and a coldly efficient Napalm bombardment of the forest floor, scorching and blanching the ground like a hellish uprising like Demons from the Old Legends. (Thankfully the UFE had Fire Extinguishers on hand to not complete destroy the forest.)


    Karliah Silverdane sat inside the Metal Dragon, thankfully not being digested but instead held inside a wide containment chamber where she stood by the side of the Share Holder herself, Captain Samantha Rose, her squad and a few dozen of other soldiers. Their faces were a banquet of visages as some men were grimaced stoically, others smiling with optimism while others show an aspect of shuddering turbulence as the Dragon made its flight. Their black staves, idly holstered for now, yet their terrifying power ready to be called upon by the slightest touch of their triggers. From the avian position she finds herself in, Karliah caught an unequivocal glimpse, through a Magical Mirror of sorts within the Metal Dragon that displayed the Federation''s full-warlike might. Seeing the Forest and hills of the southeastern province of the Empire be reduced to and burned to ashes sweeping away even the most stalwart of defenses froze the very marrows of her bones. She can only imagine what sort of damage these powers can do in an Imperial City or even one of their Fortresses.


    Power¡­ that she is now partly albeit unwittingly bringing over to rain down an unsuspecting Empire.


    For the newly defected College Mage herself, she was¡­ conflicted¡­ to simplify her current train of thoughts. Upon her arrival to the Otherworlder''s stronghold or tactfully speaking ''Colony'', Karliah was now fully confronted with the cold hard truth about new war that is now being transpired on her homeland''s soil. The Otherworlder''s known formally as the You-Knighted Fe-der-ray-shun of Erf, were initially peaceful colonists looking for land to call their new home. Coincidentally the time on their arrival was at the same juncture of time that Geltagar''s Comet passed over Gliesia. Consequently, the Colonists of New Albany thought Gliesia was an empty land when the landed-on Tyr Rian, thanks in no part to the College''s Mass Illusion Spell to hide the signs of harvestable life in Gliesia from the perceived ''Demonic Scout'' which was simply just a Golem-like Scout with no malicious intent whatsoever. This led to the Federation almost violently jumping headfirst into danger when they encountered the many myriad dangers that plagued the Eastern Frontier of the Empire. They called to arms the aid of their homeland to grant them security which explains the massive built up of Soldiers that littered New Albany and had strong armed Prince Clovich Rian of Tyr Rian to be seduced by their strength. From a political perspective, her country would have done the same, in similar vein to the Southern Frontier Colonies that the Empire had recently established beyond the throes of Tyr Rian. Yet she still couldn''t fully abide with the fact she is now fighting against the Empire rather than to protect it. If it were not for her extraordinary circ.u.mstances, this bid of her throwing her lot to the Otherworlders in a matter of her own honorable principles to work alongside the Invaders and at least by a limited proxy, Prince Clovich Rian himself. She had only hope that the young prince would wisely be able to rule over the broken pieces of the realms when this war that should never had happened in the first place, is all over.


    When it came to her newly made assessments of the Otherworlder''s proper: At first, Karliah thought of the United Federation''s many marvels were a result of an advanced or new form of Magicks. Oh! What a callow little lamb was she! The Federation had no Magicks of any kind whatsoever too! Nothing was built by the Gods, given through nature nor of any Eldritch powers that being, but pure una.d.u.l.terated craftsmanship and sheer ingenuity alone. The more she learns about the nature of their technology and the foundation of their circle of thought, Karliah growled loathingly and enviously as she now fully sees what the Otherworlders truly are capable of. The UFE with "pure craftsmanship" or in layman''s terms, technology and science alone without a single ounce of Arcane Elements being used was able to achieve them god-like statuses of advancement for their civilization, enabling them to do feats that can be considered as utterly impossible even by even the wisest of Sages, the Elves or any ancient kingdom beforehand such as the ability to travel great distances within seconds, the might to shatter mountains, the ability to turn wastelands into livable lands, and the extra-planar ability to move to new worlds with their giant flying boats. Such achievements would greatly increase the lives of many of her fellow Slaegians ten-fold, yet if it weren''t for them, it became not meant to be.


    The upsetting truth about the UFE''s technology and sciences as their means of advancement for their technologically superior civilization as compared to the Arcane-Centric society of Gliesia is not even worse enough for Karliah to stomach but another truth struck her the same time she learned the previous revelation. During her time in New Albany, she finally met the third and final Chosen One: Estysygol, the Scholar one David Mahelona. At first, she thought the Scholar was either a sagely looking man who would lock himself into his scrolls and books for hours on end every day, but instead a significantly rotund yet very brilliant man whose hands are locked into a blue cup of Strawberry Ice Shakes that he addictively drinks more compared to holding any articles related to his job. When it comes to his branding, the Sacred Crystal Heart would be quite please to choose David, his wisdom and advanced knowledge are far beyond any Mages back in the College or even the Elves as he demonstrated to her an intuitive understanding of Magic with the concept of a science known as ''Fis-ziks''. Along with Sam, he shows her that Technology, Science and Magic can advance side-by-side effectively with the evidence of the Hecate Suit, a special piece of armor designed for the full benefit for Mages to efficiently use the nigh-fullest peak of their powers. The first if not the only one of its kind that she has heard of in all of Gliesia. The Suit surpasses any arcane craftsmanship in merging two opposite elements Actocolite and Ghyranite together and enables an approximate 90% siphoning of energies from Mana Crystals. Integrating their already extraterrestrial understanding of these Arcane Geodes was application of the Principles of ''Fis-ziks'' when it comes to utilizing Mana to perform a variety of new and/or enhanced Magicks that not even the greatest of Mages from the College would concoct or tried. It was no wonder Samantha was able to defeat Faithleann with such ease.


    Karliah tearfully cursed Grandmaster Owyne and Mogul Dolmond''s name from the bottom of her soul. If not for their arrogance, power-hoarding, and utter short-sighted ignorance, the people of the Ysanigrad, perhaps the whole of Gliesia could have been¡­ so much more¡­ than what they are now. An emboldening new light as proud as Lehsol''s sunrise. A Gliesia that can finally learn of Peace, Prosperity and Healthful Lives.


    Yet for better or worse, this war that the Grandmaster had provoked into coming must happen and no matter how many people wish they could¡­ Gliesia will never be the same anymore. The UFE''s arrival perhaps does indeed bring about a destruction, a destruction of the Old Order to make way for the New, like the dying dragon giving birth to the Great Forest from its hearthfire body. If things were different, like a second thought, learning the truth sooner or whatever, the weave of fate would have threaded to a less violent consequence. But the Gods, the Heart or whom-whatever is weaving this story have spoken that the future shall be set forth by the strength of the warriors of two factions: the hegemonic Alliance of the Light consisting of the Human Slaegian Empire, the Elves of Alfel-Nora and remnant Dwarves of the Ostalrocs in its numerously united selves shall fight for the future of Gliesia with the technologically advanced United Federation of Earth and their Tyr Rianni, Beastmen and Greenskinned collaborators.


    "This is Hammer Five-One. The Landing Zone is secured, all Hostiles have been eliminated. Second Wave is cleared to land on EL-Zee Timber. Over." A Radio Broadcast from the First Wave informed everyone on the Metal Dragon.


    The Western Incursion into the Empire was split into Four Waves, the First were a constrasting mix Heavily Armored War Machines that were tasked to smash any obstacle that could still remain by the nearby Landing Zone along with the first wave of an Airborne Regiment. Those light infantrymen were tasked in disrupting any immediate responses from the Slaegian to the Invasion''s Landings. The Second and Third Waves is where the bulk of the Infantry and of War Machines would follow in that which Karliah is part of the former. They are tasked with the general push of the Invasion, blitzing through and occupying the territory they will pass along the way. Lastly the Fourth Wave is when they deployed their Artillery Pieces and the Supply Trucks fueling the Invasion''s advance.


    Seeing firsthand of the easy destruction of the Imperial Defensive Lines, Karliah whispered a prayer to the Death Goddess Tivna to all the brave but ignorant souls being sent to their undignified death to what is essentially a butcher shop that is the Federation. At the same time, she reluctantly came to the terms that the Slaegian Empire, at least in its current incarnation, time has come to an end but optimistically hope that the Federation and Prince Clovich could bring Ysanigard and the whole Gliesia into the next and better era.


    Therefore, as she swore to herself now, and as a promise to her late student Olayra, she will do everything in her power to save as to ensure a better tomorrow for her homeland, even if it means collaborating with the invading Otherworlder''s.


    "Landing¡­" the Dragon Rider known as Kaprelian said. "Steady as she goes¡­"


    "Any brave words before we do this Captain?" Edward Clay asked Samantha.


    But Rose swallowed herself silently, still hesitant and nervous of her and her entire squad''s promotion. She was given charge of a Company of 130 Soldiers under her wing which was already a huge leap in responsibilities under her wing compared to simply just commanding Stryder Group.


    "Captain?" Clay pressed her.


    "Just¡­ call me Lieutenant for now¡­ I need to get used to it¡­" Samantha replied to her Radioman. "Eh¡­ Crocker?" she turns to her second-in-command.


    But Crocker shook his head, out of overruling respect of the traditional chain of command, yet still shared his restraints on the growing pressure the newly-promoted Captain Samantha Rose has for her first large commanding post.


    "Troopers!" the newly promoted Staff Sergeant Crocker yelled to the top of his lungs, rousing the spirits of the UFEAF Soldiers under there presence.


    "Welcome to Gliesia Ladies and Gentlemen! We are here and for one thing only! The Common State Party, our Nation and the People we serve to protect has given us the task to crossover beyond the Cambervale and to bring down the Iron Hammer to these Savages who dared tried to attack our colony, it is only right we come and do the same to them. We come here, as a Team¡­ A Company¡­ an Army and we are gonna take some! Show them how we do it on Earth! We are gonna conquer and chew shit and we are all too clean to actually chew shit¡­ but most of all! We are gonna bring the fight to''em lot! Understood?" Crocker spoke.


    "Yes sir!" the Troopers spoke in unision.


    "You got that right!" the Staff Sargent cheered. "Where do we go Troopers?"


    "Porro Terra!" the soldiers shouted.


    The Metal Dragon landed steadily on the ash-sooted ground of a once resplendent Dale as the people inside the Dragon stood up from their seats and faced the its tail, a ramp fell down before them from the Dragon''s rump allowing the disembarking of the soldiers.


    "I can''t wait to bring a piece of my mind to those pompous Castella''s" Iris raised her Astro-Magnum Pistol. A hand-cannon personally gifted for her own self-defense by Aparo Corporation that she now openly carries on her specially made pistol holster that is enchanted by her to be able to be concealed like a hidden viper''s lethal strike. A popular weapon on Aparo Arsenal''s product catalogue by home-owners (and criminals alike) who wish to have an affordable weapon with a premium grade of stopping power.


    "You said it!" Crocker nodded approvingly at the Vampire Witch''s enthusiasm.


    "Let''s ''Climb Mount Denali'' lads!" the newly promoted Staff Sergeant Crocker roused the soldiers.


    The Soldiers grabbed their gears and fondled their black staves of War called ''Guns'' giving an ominous cl.i.c.k.i.n.g noise as they did, before bravely stepping out of the beast and on to the Landing Zone.


    "Let''s finish this on schedule everyone! Push on!" the newly dubbed Captain Samantha Rose ordered. "We should easily mop up the rest of what First Wave cut up a while ago." She optimistically smiled, knowing full well the Defenders, even with all of their valorous might would easily crumble before the advance of the UFEAF.


    Thousands of UFE Riflemen, Airborne Troops and Aparo Mercenaries swarmed in formation together down the hills of the Cambervale Valley, not finding much resistance as they kept up with the Cataphract Tanks and Fjord IFV''s. Before long, they could see Vercourt and Little Hill over the horizon. Like a great tidal wave of human bodies readying to descend upon an unwary settlement.


    "Shield-Father! Landing Zone Timber is¡­" Samantha was about to relayed to Colonel Polonsky the good news of the uncontested advance.


    A Great Fireball imploded 10 feet away from her as Samantha twitched, reflexively covering her head with her arms.


    "Not Clear! Not Clear!" Samantha shouted.


    She and her squad giddishly scrambled for cover but among the decapitated trees of the Cambervale Forests, there was little to no respite from the suppressing barrage of Magical Spellfire that rained down on them. Magicks such as Fire Balls, Lightning Bolts and even oversize conjurations of bladed weapons along with arrows, bolts and explosive Ozegoth bolts bombarded the UFEAF advance, injuring and even killing dozens of men from the surprise counter-attack. To make matters worst, some summoned Golems made of the flesh of tree barks, stone and flames to jostle against the UFEAF''s Armored Spearhead.


    For the young officer, Samantha''s first time where she and her squad were placed in a significant disadvantage. She was always used to being able to get the drop on her adversaries, but fate decided that she remained idle in the at lofty position for too long. To truly test her, the powers that her role shall be reversed, now that the enemy had expected her. Exposed, bombarded by enemy fire in all directions and men dying everywhere, the tumultuous scene corroded her initial optimism as her fight-and-flight instinct and her Officer''s Academy Military calculi fought amongst their psychic selves for control of her brain, as each mental skill shifted themselves into high gear, racing through the course of her brain to win the prize of allowing to dictate the next course of action Samantha must make and quickly¡­ she must, for her cover too is equally corroding at the same rate her volition is starting to falter. Suddenly being thrown into the deep end with the lives of her men on the line and her own too¡­ the true test of the Captain''s capabilities have begun.


    "Covering Fire!" Samantha ordered everyone. They were too exposed and bunched up together that they became easy pickings for the enemy Magick''s to fully multiply their effective damage upon them.


    Suddenly three pillar of flame erupts from the ground where three Super-Ospreys floated upon engulfing the planes in flames causing several others behind it to pull up and back out


    "LZ is too hot! We can''t land!" one of the Pilots exclaimed.


    Several of the Dropsh.i.p.s activated their Anti-Incidiary countermeasures to clear out the fire but they have to do it away from the Landing Zone to safely finish their procedures. But in essence, the situation has become dire for the Invasion. They needed those reinforcements to complete the Plans of the Operations or they will come up short of what they initially want for the outcome of this War.


    "Shield-Father! Shield-Father we need Air Support at sec---" Samantha frantically attempts to Radio Command but amidst the chaos, she saw large oversized ball of lightning, like a floating Tesla Coil hurl straight towards a group of some UFEAF Soldiers.


    Dropping the Radio Call, Samantha dashed towards her men, conjuring her hands a Ward Spell to shield them from the enemy''s Magicks. But in her rush of her selfless act, she underestimated the degree of Battle Magicks being of an exponential degree of power compared to her singular ward. Upon collision with her shield, a huge explosion of electric sparks snapped forcefully in a great area-of-effec sending the Captain flying while severely injured the troops she tried to protect.


    Her senses slowed and her ears rang violently as Samantha struggled to realign her senses. Thankfully, Staff Sergeant Crocker, as ever intrepid as he was reliable, grabbed Samantha''s body and quickly dragged her away to the safety of a makeshift foxhole, produced unintentionally by the earlier First Wave''s Air-to-Ground Missiles. Aliathra quickly tended to Samantha''s wounds and swiftly healed her. The Elf''s new Bionic Arms worked their Restoration Magicks unhindered thanks to the help of artificial Arcane Meridians that were the frameworks for Samantha''s Hecate Suit.


    "Where are they coming from?!" Kayin gnashed his teeth. "Our Airstrikes should have gotten most of them by now?"


    "There must be some Battlemages nearby." Karliah answered.


    "Over there by that Forest!" Crocker pointed. "Opening fire!" he shouted as he fired his rapid-firing LMG towards the treeline.


    "Jesus Christ how the hell those shits survived our Airstrike?!" Obediah asked.


    "The whole lot of them must have used the combination of Illusion Magicks to hide their force and Earth Shelter spell to hide underground briefly. Its a common tactic to combat dragons!" Karliah explained.


    "That''s f.u.c.k.i.n.g great!" Diaz rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    "Captain! We need Fire Support on that Forest!" Crocker yelled to Samantha.


    Samantha frantically breathed heavy and activated the Hecate Suit''s Visor system for Tactical and Environmental analysis. Her panicked thoughts slightly fudging UI interfacing as the bombardment erupted the ground around her. This recent upgrade from Dr. Mahelona had given Samantha the ability to conduct more comprehensive readings of Mana Energies, the triangulation of sources rich with it, and how the Magicks were being manipulated in her immediate surroundings. Based on her computer''s calculations, the Imperials had rallied with their Mages and are using, quite above their normal efficiency rate of casting high-leveled spells that threaten to cut down the advance no further than a klick or less away, she cannot tell easily the range if it weren''t for her oppressive conditions, she finds herself in. It was a (currently at the moment) one of a kind, the bleeding edge of UFE Technology.


    She notes to herself, Doctor Mahelona really needs to use his new funding to build more Mana Sensors.


    But just as Samantha was about to say a word to her squad, suddenly a dozen or less (she couldn''t tell do the repressive conditions of their pinned down state) huddled down next to her on their makeshift cover.


    "Captain! I lost my CO!" one soldier screamed. "The f.u.c.k are we goin''to do?!"


    "We''eed those enemy guns silenced or''were f.u.c.k.e.d!" another soldier shouted.


    "Quiet! Quiet!" Samantha yelled back. She was hyperventilating, her ears still ringing from the near-death she had just experienced from the earlier Lightning Bolt. The Chaos was now slowly degrading her composure.


    "Captain!" Crocker crawled to his CO and shook her back to reality. "We need to call in a Strike!" he yells at her.


    "I¡­" Sam hesitated but quickly returned to her senses. "Yes. Kayin! We make every Drone paint that Forest!"


    "Rodger that!" Kayin nodded as he deployed his UAV Drone. Meanwhile, Samantha synced the UAV and multiple other Combat UI''s among the UFEAF Soldiers in the Area.


    "Calling all UFEAF Ground Forces, we have heavy Magical Activity threatening to halt our advance. Laze this Forest to stop the Imperial''s bombardment." She explained on the radio.


    "We need to pop smokes too, some of us have to expose ourselves to Laze the target properly." Crocker advised.


    "Oh yeah¡­ that too¡­" Samantha nodded, she was still slow to the pacing of the battle to realize that she forgot that when ordering a Heavy Missile Barrage followed by a large Infantry advance, UFEAF Doctrine states that smoke grenades must be popped to mask the headway. "Sorry¡­" she lowered her head.


    "It''s okay¡­ Rose." Crocker emphatically gave him his clemency. "Just don''t stop."


    "Say again Stryder?! We are taking fire over here¡­ literally!" one such response from Clay''s radio said.


    Samantha swallowed her courage once again and pressed call on her Radio:


    "This is Stryder Lead, Pop Smokes on your position¡­ to cover the¡­ advance!" Samantha as she ordered the rest of the soldiers. "If you have a Laser Designator, paint the Forest I have marked on your minimap, a couple hundred meters or more¡­front!" She added, forcing herself to push along the way.


    Grabbing her Portable Laser Designator from her pocket, Samantha peaked over from the Fox Hole and activated the device. In conjunction with her Hecate Suit''s Visors detecting the expedient amounts of Mana Energy permeating the forest in front of her, Samantha lazed the approximate positions of the Enemy Ambushers, relaying the coordinates to the FNAC Tenacity and her escort of Missile Frigates under the ship prefix of FNMF.


    "We got heavy Hostile Magicks firing at the Landing Zone! Get me Lasers on that Forest! I need Strike Packages and Tank Fire at my marker." She shouted.


    Clay began radioing in her orders to the rest of the Invasion Forces as the bewildered UFEAF rallied to the Captain''s call.


    "This is Gray-Dog! Following your command." Another Company Captain gave his affirmation.


    "Express 11-B! Smokes out!" a Fjord IFV Commander rallied as he fired his vehicles Smoke Screen countermeasures up into the sky. The rest of his platoon and several more followed suit and popped their Smoke Canisters, masking the Battlefield in obscuring dust.


    "Redwire hear! Lazing the Target!" one of the Assault Engineering Platoons added.


    "This is the Captain of the FNMF Indian Sea. Missile Battery has your coordinates. Firing for Effect." The Navy Ship confirmed the coordinates.


    Using its advanced coordination computations, the Taiko Missile Battery outfitted to all Federation Navy Missile Frigates fires a barrage of Hypersonic Kinetic Missiles.


    From across her Visor, multiple hitboxes from dozens of Squads painted the forest where the ambushers stood in bright orange. Like a great altar, like lambs awaiting slaughter, that the unknowing natives could not fathom that they are now marked for death.


    Knowing that the blast will be dangerously close to her position, the Captain grabbed her radio once again.


    "All Soldiers! Kinetic Missile Strike is Danger Close. Take shelter in the APC''s and IFV''s from the Blast!" Crocker warned on the radio.


    "This is Gurkha Team! Not all of us can fit Stryder!" one such Leader, from an Airborne Regiment aforementioned on the radio.


    "Tell those men of yours to come to us. We can shield them from the blast." Aliathra charitably offered.


    "Got it." Crocker nodded. "Gurkha, Take your team to my current position ASAP." Crocker hurried the Airborne Leader along.


    The Airborne Troopers double timed their sprint as the Young Captain and her fellow Mages began to channel their collective energies to conjure a ''Resilient Sphere''. A shimmering force field-like globe encapsulated Stryder and their accompanying men, but they hesitated completing the concentration heavy spell to allow the Airborne Soldiers to enter the Sphere safely. For nothing, not physical objects, energy, or other spell Effects, can pass through the barrier, in or out, though a creature in the Sphere can breathe within it. The spell requires the intensified concentration of one or more Mages to maintain the barrier.


    "Hurry!" Crocker shouted at the Airborne troopers as the four women finished sealing the Resilient Sphere. The Airborne Troopers made it all inside, all 6 of them before the Sphere fully sealed itself from the perils outside of its warding grace.


    "3¡­2¡­1¡­ Impact!" the Captain of the FNMF Indian Sea declared as the Supersonic Kinetic Missile struck the designated position, dead between the bullseye.


    A great mushroom cloud shook the earth, its shockwaves unleashing a torrential gust of energy in its wake. The Forest erupted brilliantly as clouds of dust, dirt and even a few bits of wood imploded from its impact zone. Only those who find themselves within a Vehicle or inside Samantha''s Resilient Sphere weathered through the Missile''s impact unharmed. When the dust cleared, the whole forest before them was annihilated, wiped from the face of the Earth.


    "Kinetic Strike good effect on target." The Captain of the FNMF Indian Sea congratulated himself.


    "Indeed, nothing could have survived that. All Units give me a sitrep over." Colonel Polonsky radioed.


    "We took casualties and the Ospreys are attempting to catch up on schedule with the landings Sir. But I fear that''s not going to be the last of them for now¡­" Samantha answered.


    "I see Stryder Lead. Continue the advance once the Third Wave has disembarked. Shield-Father out." Polonsky ended his broadcast.


    Samantha took a sigh of relief as she rested herself by an idle Fjord IFV. She caught her breath as the Young Captain look over the battlefield before her. The woman stared in dismayed detestation on the grisly sight before her. Bodies of men, UFE and Slaegian alike fallen together like flattened cards, their bodies charred, squashed and cleaved in two. Those of the Federation''s casualties were shipped off in Super Osprey Medevacs who ferried the wounded and deceased away from this hellish ground. The Capatain also saw to her deepest regrets that several of the UFE Casualties were of her own men, their death masque''s frozen forever when they were struck down grisly by the Imperial''s Magicks.


    "How many of my Company had fallen?" Samantha whispered.


    "12th Rifle Company has taken 43 Casualties out of 150 Soldiers." ISAC informed her.


    The Captain depressed her body, sinking her head despondently as she absorbed the grave news. That was less than a third of her men under her command. It was her first day being the Captain of her own Military Company and already she had reached an unacceptable account of men that perished under her wing.


    "Captain Rose¡­" Crocker approached her slowly, his LMG nestled by his side. "What''s our next move?" he asked her.


    "Sarge¡­ am I not good enough?" she returned his words with another question.


    "What are you saying?" the Staff Sergeant twitched his brow.


    "You saw me a while ago Crocker, I froze while many of our men died." Samantha confessed her weakness. "You? You were in the service longer than everyone else. How do you sleep at night knowing so many of your fellow soldiers die every day?"


    "I will not mince words Captain." Crocker sternly responded. "In all of my years, I know one thing that I as your advisor, friend and second-in-command shall say that in War we never signed up to have things easy. Casualties, Death and Injury are all inevitable in our line of work. I know that, you know that, the whole squad knows that and even your father. What matters is that we do our job no matter the costs. We swore an oath." His answered resonated Samantha.


    "You always seemed to know what do for everything¡­ the way you ordered everyone what to do¡­ I feel¡­ so¡­ not¡­ good enough whenever I am around you." Samantha shared her feelings of inadequacy.


    "Don''t say that Captain. Don''t say that you are ''not good enough''." Crocker gently patted his hand over Samantha''s right shoulder. "Our men died trying to accomplish something more than themselves. Do not spit on their graves by failing them now. We cannot control everything that happens around us, all we can do is be ready to fight back. The rest of us still needs you. Your leadership and magic powers." He said.


    "But how can I learn to lead?" Samantha asked.


    "You got your whole life ahead of ya¡­ if you know how to play it smart Sammy. Me? When this shit is all over, I am going to retire. But by then, I hope I rub off as much as I can of myself on you if you get me?" Crocker offered his other hand. "Come, let''s get shit done, shall we?" he asked of her.


    "Your right¡­ I still have a long way to go." Samantha softly smiled back to her sanguine self.


    Karliah looked on to the shareholder with admired awe as the Captain stood back up from her damaged state to bring herself back together after the harrowing adventure they had earlier. The College Defector had to admit, she too was quite shaken by the sheer violence of the Federation''s assault on the Imperial Legionnaires and their Dwarven allies. But through the strength of their arms and their tenacity in the face of adversity they had triumphed over this first obstacle in the road of this war. But there was one more thing that Ladui Silverdane remarked about Samantha, that she has one key intrinsic feature that made the Shareholder''s character stronger than the Bane''s: Humility. The Humility to learn and keep moving forward even after being brought down to the decrepit state of failure.


    After her little moment of silence to collect her thoughts, Samantha pulled out from her pocket her Holographic Projector and deploys it to the ground. It displays out, a Satellite Image brilliantly showcasing a live overview shot of their current surroundings within a 50-mile radius. It detailed current troop positions, landmarks and a smartly highlighted view of the Imperial''s Battlelines.


    "Okay, so we are here and we can consider this first couple dozen or so meters good as cleared." Samantha pointed out on the map crossing out the immediate 500-meter radius around Landing Zone Timber.


    "Vercourt and Little Hill, situated here and here will need to be taken down if we want a clear road into Neuogonia. We will use our superior speed and arms to encircle these enemy strongpoints." She explained. "Any questions?"


    "Little Hill would seem to be the most troublesome since it''s an actual Military Fort. Vercourt only has a basic Wooden and Stone wall. Plus, that place is carved within a mountain." Kayin raised.


    "You are right Priva---I mean Corporal Mudwin. Little Hill should be the most well defended of the two. But the plan still stands, we have to encircle those two areas, shot down any attempt for a break out and then its smooth sailing to Neuogonia we go. Anything else?" the Captain answered.


    "We should be wary of more traps and ambushes. In my experience we ain''t seen the last of them just yet." Crocker suggested intuitively.


    "Us Sappers can easily remove most of them with enough time." Redwire Leader nods.


    "Very well then, lets move out!" Samantha raised her fist into the air. "Porro Terra!"


    "Porro Terra!" the Soldiers cheered.


    With the Landing Zone now secured, the rest of the UFEAF Reinforcements could now be deployed into Tifrait. The Joint Mechanized and Airborne thrust of the Eastern Army Group pushed forward, its war machine blitzing pass the primitive and magical defenses of the native Gliesians. Most of the Alliance of the Light were barely able to reach their second line of defense against the Otherworldly tide as most could not outrun the stampede of the Fjord IFV''s and Arabian APC''s, who were cut down by their mounted Machine Guns no matter what kind of valiant act of defiance they attempt to stop them. But it was not a total steamroll into the Imperial Countryside. Several of the Slaegian''s defensive traps ranging from pitfalls, spike pits, wheat flour/Uzeagon IED''s and Magical runes slowed down the advance causing many untold amounts of hindrance, injury, and death for the Invaders as the Native Defenders, despite their technological disadvantage made sure that every inch of land will cost the Otherworlders profoundly. The Sappers from the 20th Engineering Regiment alongside Captain Rose and her Mage allies however made quick work of disabling said traps but at a stalemate pace to the growing rates of setbacks brought by the devious ambuscades by the Natives. It took them about until nightfall before the battered East Army Group reached visual distance from Vercourt. There was only a marginal garrison 200 or so Guardsmen, 1200 regrouped Slaegian Legionnaires and a simple wood and stone wall protecting the town as word had only began to reach the inhabitants of the Invasions happening, not expecting the invaders to push this deep into Imperial Territory so soon. The UFEAF Troops quickly went to work surrounding the Lumber Town with mechanized/motorized elements encircling the settlement in their embrace whilst Combat Engineers set up a containment perimeter around the gaps to prevent any attempt for a break out. To guarantee a perfect blockade to cut off Vercourt and its valuable supply of Lumber from the Imperial''s strategic field, Captain Rose ordered the Circ.u.mvallation of the settlement to box in the defenders and prevent any chances of an attempt to breakout both from within or from the outside world. This calculated action was a Roman tactic used by the great General and future Emperor Julius Caesar when he besieged the Gallic fortified town of Alesia. Machine Gun emplacements, Electrical Fences and trenches began to be installed into the night as the UFEAF completed their encirclement of Vercourt.


    When Citizenry and Defenders of the town realized what is now slowly happening right in front of their eyes, they began to panickingly throw whatever means of last-minute communication to the rest of the Imperial Defenders of the Dragon Wall of this most grave news, that they were being besieged and require immediate relief and prayed to their Gods that as many souls hear their desperate call for aid.


    "There they go, the Message Spells." Aliathra pointed to the pyrotechnic display of azure-avian shaped spells being casted out of Vercourt, a town she had only grievous memories of.


    "We should Dispel as much of them as we can." Iris suggested.


    "No." Samantha shot down the Vampire Witch''s proposition, "Let them come."


    She knew the sheer strategic value of Vercourt means to the Imperial War Effort, there Lumber supply that is the basis of their primitive Military Industry were to be cut off from its riches source of wood would severely hamper their plans for arming the populace into the Alliance''s cause. They will likely emerge from their defensive fortifications and guerrilla hideouts to attempt a relief. A maneuver that the Federation can capitalize on. The more the Imperials exhaust their energies emerging from their fortifications rather than inside will be far more advantageous, for UFEAF can sever the strands of their enemy''s total cohesion with a prepared Counter-Attack within a 360-degree angle of the vital Lumber Depot of Vercourt. Once a good number of Alliance foolishly expose themselves to the UFEAF''s guns the easier it shall be to push forward when the time again it is to continue the push into the Slaegian Heartlands. This same principle is also being enacted for the Fortress of Little Hill with their enmassed concentration of Legionnaires and Aerial Cavalry stationed within its venerable walls.


    "Citizens and defenders of Vercourt! This is the Armed Forces of the United Federation of Earth! Your ''Dragon-Wall'' has shattered and have surrounded your entire home! Your Legionnaires, now lay broken by the march of our soldiers! Surrender and let us inside the town and nobody will be hurt." An IFV Commander blared his demands from a UAV Drone with a megaphone attached to it.


    For the Lumber town''s inhabitants, the news that the invaders gave about how easily they had i.m.p.r.e.g.n.a.t.ed their defenses, their claim of slaying multitudes of the Empire''s Finest and their brazen display of besieging their homes utterly shocked them.


    "Got some activity Rose." Obediah whispered as he looked on with his Sniper Rifle onto the inhabitants of Vercourt.


    Thanks to his slightly elevated position and concealed visibility he was able to get an uncensored view of the active movements of the trapped denizens of Vercourt.


    "They are all shaking. It looks like they might fold¡­ wait¡­" Obediah updated but as he continued to observe the Defenders, he spotted one particularly well-topped Slaegian Legionnaire, a sort of officer due to his distinct aura he resonated from himself to the disconcerted Imperials.


    "He''s waving his sword around like he owns the place¡­ the other soldiers and people to are raising theirs too¡­ He''s rallying them." Obediah grimly informed the Captain.


    "Looks like they are going to do this the hard way¡­ keep an eye an---" Samantha sighed but then Obediah interrupted her.


    "Wait, they are on the move¡­ to the Gates!" Obediah alarmed them.


    Vercourt''s two massive Ironbark Gates opened forth slowly as the audacious Denizens of Vercourt readied themselves to sally forth and confront the demons. Impassioned into their hearts was from one valiant Legionary Lieutenant who inspired them to defend their homes and loved ones citing the Ages old eidolons of past Heroes, specifically the Empire''s Founder, Caldell who fought against all odds agains the first Demonic Invasion alongside the horror stories of what atrocitious acts the Demons had done in the past to rouse them from the pits of their apprehension to a seiche of gallantry as Legionnaires and brave peasant folks alike marched forth with the Legionary Lieutenant taking point, his sword drawn forward¡­


    And his head evaporating into a crimson mist as a loud bang broke the silence of the night. A shot had immediately gone off.


    Samantha turned around to see that the source of the discharge was from none other from Obediah himself. The Marksman, rapidly pulling the straight bolt of his Sniper rifle and zoning in just as fast as he unloads his .308 rounds to several more of the sallied Slaegians. He wasn''t hesitating for a second to shoot them down one by one as soon as they entered within range. There was a primal boil that the Young Captain could see on Obediah''s eyes, tears slowly dropping towards ''Leah'' as he loaded and unloaded every shot of his rifle.


    The sallied-out Imperials, after seeing their up-starting leader die so dishonorably from beyond their sight, instead of running back to the safety of their walls in fear of their lives, roared with a renewed vigor as they charged blindingly towards the dark outskirts of their city.


    With no other choice left, knowing that there were several irregularly armed civilians wielding pitchforks, Lumberjack Axes and cooking knives. The Captain gave out with a squeamish pause one chilling order:


    "Open fire."


    The Mounted Machine Guns illuminated the night''s blanket as they smite down on the fool hardy Imperials who sallied forth from their settlement''s walls. They gunned down several hundreds of men and women who died bravely yet effetely upon the blood-wetted mud soil of their homelands like Martyrs eagerly willing to shed their blood to the cause of the defense of their homes. It had left a sick mark many of those of the UFEAF who willingly pulled the trigger alongside those who bore witness to the event happening.


    Sam recoiled away from the grisly sight as she combated within herself what she had just done. Attempting to rationalize what had just happened. She saw them all die by her orders, every last one of them. The Young Captain looked at her blood-stained hands, that jittered away from the Radio''s mic as she reels from what she had just bore witness to. Despite taught clearly in training that armed and hostile civilians are no different from enemy combatants, Samantha was still disturbingly shaken of the order she just gave out as she could feel within the depths of her bones, the vengeful ghosts of the recently killed Imperials curse her name forever for their demise. Not even Crocker''s reassurance that her penitent head mentally blocked off could alleviate the guilt in her heart.


    "Lightning Ball!" screamed one UFEAF soldier as Samantha was snapped back to reality to see that a glowing azure, ball-shaped lightning vortex had suddenly emerged from within their lines and began to wildly float around their Circ.u.mvallation. Thankfully the soldiers were quick on their feet to retreat a distance away or flee inside the Transport Vehicles where the smiting lightning bolts harmlessly crawled pass them.


    "What the hell!?! More mages?" Clay exclaimed.


    "It must be the Altar of Telin at work!" Samantha exclaimed.


    During the erudite interrogations that Agent De Sardet and Capatain Rose conducted with Karliah Silverdane shortly after her arrival to New Albany, they had learned a great many things about of the more Arcane elements of the Dragon-Wall''s defenses. For one, the Empire will be relying on their diverse pool of talented Mages and Enchanted Artifacts to give them delivery in the upcoming War. Mages with a supreme aptitude for battle-applicable spells would be promoted to Battlemages. A group of powerful men and women who can channel the Aether Winds to cast wide-area effecting spells to buff or debuff as what they seem fit from destructive vortexes and gusts of Magical Energies casted from the elements of Destruction to far more supportive spells like mass-enchanting Soldiers with thicker armor, weapon imbuement and healing. Complementing their abilities was several carriages-born Magical Artifacts known as ''Altars of Telin'', named after the God of Magicks, they amplify the spell casting of any Mages that channel''s their powers into the device for greater potency, area of effect and range. Using the Altars alongside a ''Scryer'' to aim the Altar''s firing mechanisms at the intenteded target essentially turns this Magical Artifact into a nigh-stealthy Artillery Piece that can fire a variety of spells at a large radius without leaving a visible trace of a smoke trail for triangulation and counter-barraging. However, it is visually distinct due to its religious d¨¦cor and one can detect an Altar of Telin via scrying for Mana Sources that which Samantha can artificially do with her Suit''s Mana Detector. They were marked as a priority target for elimination by the UFEAF''s High Command although they are encouraged to recover an intact Altar for Doctor Mahelona''s Research if retrieval is possible.


    The UFEAF soldiers, remained in heightened alert, their cohesion on the edge as they thoroughly re-examined their surroundings for anymore surprises these Natives have concocted. They knew that Mages have ways to bypass several of their technological advancements yet they were also briefed of how to circ.u.mvent their enemy''s advantages.


    Samantha turned on her Mana Detector from her Hecate Suit and began to triangulate the origin of the Lightning Vortex.


    "So?" Crocker asked her. "Where''s this f.u.c.k.i.n.g fireworks coming from?"


    "It''s coming from¡­ Little Hill!" Samantha answered.


    "That''s miles away from us." Kayin bewilderingly commented. He was quite flabbergasted by the Magical Projection range the Altar had.


    "Not only that but Little Hill right is where the best Defenders of the Dragon Wall are stationed right? Its stopping us from fully accessing the Cambervale Valley Pass as a Corridor for our troops to move into." Kayin added. "I hope the Men there will be able to shut it down for us." He prayed.


    "Stryder Group! Stryder Group!" the Radio echoed to life.


    "This is Lieu¡­Cap¡­Stryder Lead¡­ reporting." Samantha answered.


    "This is Shield-Father you and your squad have been given immediate Transfer Orders." Colonel Polonsky replied.


    "Transfer Orders? Where?" Samantha asked.


    "Little Hill! The Assault Engineers were trying to Sap the Castle''s defenses and they have requested that you have them solve a problem that requires your¡­ expertise." Colonel Polonsky said. "A Sargeant Buchanan from the 9th Artillery Company will brief you on the situation. Get there ASAP! Shield-Father out." The Colonel ended the call.


    "I spoke to soon." Kayin grumbled.


    "Looks like we still got more work cut out for us Stryder." Samantha turns her squad.


    "Well most of the men will breathe easier if we can silence that Altar inside Little Hill. We can''t have some enemy guns harassing our rear ends." Crocker crossed his arms. "Y''all ready to move out lads?"


    "I am starting to grow weary today from all of this running¡­" Aliathra yawned. "May I have a moment of¡­ respite?"


    "And I am hungry." Obediah raised.


    "You can do that on the way to Little Hill." Samantha informs them. "Hey! This is Stryder Lead! I got orders from the Colonel to transfer to Little Hill immediately. Anyone got a Cab to spare?" the Captain called out from her Company.


    One IFV Commander volunteered to take the prestigious Capatain and her squad to her destination. Under the cover of the night, they took these few moments of peace to rest and recuperate themselves. Before long, the Fjord IFV escorted Stryder Group to their destination, the Rear Echelons of the elements of the East Army Group assigned to taking the legendary Imperial Fortress of Brynbach, know commonly as Little Hill.


    Or at least¡­ what''s left of the Fort:


    The scene before them was utter devastation. Boulders, dust, corpses and broken flags littered the once proud Imperial Fortress, the Southern Door to the Imperial Heartlands lay demolished into crumbled ruins as they arrived. No one else of Stryder''s three Native Auxiliaries were more shocked by just how swiftly this bastion of Imperial Power had fallen than Karliah Silverdane. The Slaegian Fortress of Brynbach, ''Little Hill'', ''the Sky Fortress'', carved atop of the two peaks of twin mountains by the Cambervale Valley Pass. The Fortress that once stood against the tide of Barbarians, Rebels, Monsters and the Undead alike; boasted to be that the Fortress that ''No Army in Gliesia could ever break'' lay in rubble and scorched rock. Its valiant defenders of the Empire''s Finest Knights, Legionnaires and Battlemages lay upon a mountain of corpses, tossed aside by sanitary minded Rear Echelon''s who tossed their bodies aside enmasse like common street trash. All of these great insults to the Slaegian Empire happened while the UFE''s begirdling white flower flowing proudly above Little Hill''s corpse.


    Upon reaching the highest point of the once proud fortress, Stryder was greeted to the banners of the 9th and 4th Artillery Company, the 2nd Regiment of the Gliesian Colonial Militia, the 88th Mountain Brigade, Steel Breaker''s Cavalry-For-Hire, and Raven''s Company PMC.


    "Captain Rose!'' Sergeant Buchanan of the 9th Artillery Company saluted Samantha as she arrived within atop of the Fortresses ruins.


    "Good evening Sergeant, give me a sitrep over." Samantha promptly saluted back.


    "I would want to say you should have been here an hour ago when I called in my Arty''Barrage on the Fort! At first they created some form of magic dome to shield the whole place but those poor bastards didn''t realize that they ain''t no match for my good''ole friends Es-Pee an'' Gee and Emmel Ar-Es. The dome shattered in by the fifth barrage and we hammered those dirty savages for another five more. After about an hour, well¡­ you can see it right here already the 9th''s work yeah?" Buchanan clapped his hands.


    The College Mage, Karliah Silverdane, began to shrank tumultuously upon hearing the Otherworlder''s boastful albeit gravely true accounts. Brynbach only lasted an hour against the Otherworlder''s might. Normally a siege often last months to even years to topple a fortress that size of Little Hill but the Otherworlders could begin and end a Siege in their favor within a span of an hour. Not even the Dark Lord Alboen could accomplish such speed. Only the might of a Dragon or Several Archmages in full power can match such force.


    "So much power and to witness the after effects with her own two hands, and yet this destruction was only the aperitif of what the Federation can truly accomplish when their wrath has been evoked. You truly wield the power of Gods." Iris expounds her thoughts.


    "Ah¡­ shucks¡­ I am a good Jesus-Boy through and through¡­ but eh¡­ thanks I guess." Buchanan embarrassingly accepted the blasphemous complement from the Vampire Witch.


    For one thing that both Iris, Karliah and Aliathra gained from this revelation: that emerged from the ashes of this destruction as they she


    "Forgive the Native auxiliaries Sarge, continue." Samantha urged the Artillery Leader.


    "H''okey, well after we decimated the whole place, the boys began to sweep''ou any enemy survivors and clear some Debris to build an FOB for the Valley Pass Corridor as ordered. The sometime later, one of the patrols radioed me. According to them, several of my Boys chased several enemy mages carrying some sort of¡­ ''fancy telescope on a carriage'' thing into this door before sealing it off." Buchanan said, he guided the Captain towards a dark hole the Rear Echelon shed floodlights and sentinel vigils upon. "Initial examinations say that this was an entrance to some kind of Tunnel network that leads underground the mountain."


    "Telescope? You mean an Altar of Telin right?" Samantha''s eyes widened upon her question. "They moved their Altars down there? We have been getting reports of reoccurring Magical Attacks coming from here¡­ and my Scanner says they are still doing it."


    "Well its just A carriage. I don''t know if there was more or we blew the others''sept that. Catching stuff alive and not exploded ain''t my schtick Captain." Buchanan apologized.


    "The Battlemages and the survivors must have moved their remaining Altars inside the tunnels to continue harass the soldiers." Karliah states.


    "Guerrilla artillery strike from within the tunnel eh? F.u.c.k me these guys are not as dumb as they look." Crocker facepalmed.


    "Agreed, my men would be with ya too. My company is down by half because of them." Buchanan gestured to his injured men who lay at makeshift Medical Bay where there injuries were being treated intensely by Combat Lifesavers and First-Aid Drones.


    "An underground system? For the Fort, that''s bad news sans the Altars. They can theoretically hold out against us for a long time." Samantha commented.


    "We''ll be way behind schedule if we try to rat them out the ol''fashioned way." Crocker added. "Tunnel Rat them."


    "Some of my boys who returned from the tunnels say that you should be aware there''s gonna be lots of traps and really angry Opfor''s waiting to jump at you as soon as you show your face." Buchanan warned Stryder. "They were able to give you a pretty basic map of the whole place. Uploading it to your visors now."


    Receiving the data from her Visor''s UI, the Young Captain and her Sergeant began to study the lay out carefully. There were highlights of dangerous zones, unknown layouts and even the farthest point the Sappers pushed through before they had to retreat.


    "Lots of traps, right? Magical in nature?" she asked. The correct term was ''Runes'' but they were Traps all the same.


    "Yep, it''s unlike anything my Sappers had experienced before. That''s why I called you in for your help." Buchanan affirmed Samantha''s intuition.


    "Enemy Magicks!" one Soldier cried as a combination of Magical Attacks began to rain down on the Rear Echelon troops. Forcing to the UFEAF to scramble for safety and carry of their heavy yet precious gear haphazardly.


    "Take cover dammnit!" Buchanan cursed.


    "If those Mages are the people firing those Battle Magicks then they can continue to cast their spells from the safety of the Tunnels with impunity." Karliah informs them.


    "Gah! We ain''t having more greenjacks die to Stormy weathers with a chance of Fireballs. We need''ta knock out that Magic''Arty tonight." Crocker pressed.


    "Alright, get me a team and let''s gear up and venture in again." Samantha nodded.


    "You can go on without me Cap. I need some¡­ time to¡­ sleep¡­" Obediah yawned.


    "And I am pretty useless inside that place anyways." Clay added.


    "Alright, you can go rest and grab some grub. You two deserved it after all that happened today." Samantha nodded.


    As Stryder Group retrofitted their gear for Close Quarters and reviewed the available pool of volunteers brave enough to venture into Little Hill''s depths, Karliah observed the ruins for a much more extensive examination. Getting over her initial trepidation of the desolation of the once-Legendary fortress, Karliah casted ''Detect Magic'' to see about how the remnants of the garrison were able to still hold on stubbornly in spite of the Federation''s superior advantages.


    "It seem''s that even after you devastated the Fortress, the remnants are still holding out below." Karliah tells Samantha. "Fortunately, I know how these Tunnels work¡­" the College Mage added.


    "You do?" Samantha ask.


    "I had inspected the entrance that your soldiers entered into and found that the door was enchanted with the ''Alarm'' Spell. A simple cast, but a very useful one." Karliah explained.


    "Like some sort of Motion-activated alarm?" Buchanan questioned.


    "Indeed, one that only the spell caster can be alerted without the intruder knowing the wiser. They will always know to expect you whenever one of your men, no matter how many moves pass that hole. Thankfully I dispelled but even then, the enchantment can be hard to find unless you know where to look." Karliah explained.


    Recalling her teachings, Samantha knows that the ''Alarm'' spell one would abjure warded zone around a door, window or an area of no larger than a 20-foot cube with magic that when any creature, whether tiny or large would alarm the user either through a mental alert or an audible alert. For this case, it was a mental alarm, essentially a magical equivalent of a Silent Alarm.


    "By that logic Karliah, even if we get rid off that Alarm they enemy will still expect us to enter through there." Samantha reasoned. "They know we are all on top of them and they will fight tooth and nail for every inch of ground left."


    "I know, but fortunately, I know a bypass." Karliah pedantically rectified. "This is¡­ was the Inner Keep of the Fortress is it not?" she asked.


    Sergeant Buchanan silently nodded.


    "Then this vestibule here is no ordinary threshold." Karliah walked towards the burrow''s entrance and c.a.r.e.s.sed the metallic casting of its 15-foot cubic meter outline. "There should be a secondary entrance somewhere around here."


    "Another entrance?" Crocker asked.


    "Indeed, Imperial Fortresses, at least the old ones have extensive networks of tunnels and entrances below their Inner Keep''s, not just for defensive purposes but also to ease the flow of walking around."


    The College Mage began to conjure a sprite of magical light with a flick of her hands and began to whisper a small incantation, programmed to find similarly built doors around the fortress. The animated sphere zoomed slowly pass the UFEAF soldiers whom they followed it until they reached a particular set of rubble. To Aliathra''s religious recognition, several broken pieces of the rubble were infact once resplendent holy symbolisms inherent in the Elven-Human Pantheon.


    "The entrance should be right here¡­ or below here." Karliah informs them.


    "Boys! Get to work!" Buchanan ordered.


    The Rear Echelon soldiers began to prime their Exo-suits, Pickaxes and Shovels as they began to tear apart the ruined temple of the Gliesian Gods. They did give some courtesy to Aliathra who insist she preserves several of the still intact religious relics that littered the broken ground to Samantha''s respect. Before long, the rubble was cleared away with only the foundation of the temple in its rustic marble floor remained of the once holy building. Quickly chanted both the spells of Detect and Dispel Magics, Karliah revealed before them, in a brilliant hue light in which the floor starts to deform and creates a doorway to a dark and spooky tunnel, similarly built like the first one before.


    "Alright we got another tunnel inside." Buchanan cheered.


    "Throwing a Scanner." Kayin calls out as he tossed a Sonar Scanner into the dark tunnel below. "Uploading map." The Engineer informed the team.


    "Alright we will clear out as many rooms on our way down but priority is taking down that Altar of Telin. Capture it if possible." Samantha ordered.


    "Let me come with you, I know how to navigate these tunnels." Karliah volunteered.


    "How''you know all of this?" Crocker asked.


    "The College were involved in designing these Underground pathways around the fortresses. I so happen to know where most of them would lay about." She answered.


    "Damn¡­ Tunnel Ratting¡­" Samantha murmured nervously bit her lip. It was a very tense and unpleasant affair that requires the upmost environmental awareness and split-second reflexes. Compared to her peers both from West Point and within her squad, she was found lacking in comparison to her more cybernetically enhanced and more experienced of her team mates.


    She always had a lurking fear of darkened and dilapidated undergrounds. It was like being slowly being buried alive if it not were her companions and the aid of a simple flashlight to allow her mind respite. Especially when they entered Martainne''s Old Tomb (though at least the Scary Monster who live there was actually a very friendly one, but that was beside the point). Yet still, she cannot allow these Enemy Mages to torment more Federation Soldiers. The choice was simply to conquer her old fear at that moment once again, not just for her own sake but for the men under her wings.


    "You ready Cap?" Kayin asked her.


    "Y-yeah¡­ lets clock, lock and load up everyone. Let''s silence that Altar. We will need to trace the Mana Signal in order to reach it." Samantha nods, obscuring her hesitancy. "Be ready to fight in Close Quarters everyone.


    "We should be looking for a room called the Arcanaeum. That''s where they will most likely shelter the Altar since they also store the Mana Crystals there too." Karliah added.


    Turning on their tactical flashlights and Night Vision sights, Samantha leads the UFEAF clearing forces down the Imperial Fortress'' Underground. Little Hill''s Tunnelways were a contrasting mix between rugged and decayed stone-wooden construction decorated with patriotic heraldry of the Slaegian Empire''s Azure and Gilded Dragon that carries in each of its two paws a sword and a bountiful cornucopia. There was some dust, cracks and leaked water that brings a fetid atmosphere that only grows more loathsome the further deeper they go. Not helping matters was that the ground they walk seemed to creak at the slightest of steps.


    "Halt¡­" Aliathra raised as she whispered a incantation of from her new cybernetic hands. Her magicks encapsulating them in a prismatic bubble that some even commented saying it tickles upon its c.a.r.e.s.s.


    "Try stepping on the floor now." Aliathra informs the UFE Soldiers.


    The UFEAF promptly followed the Elf and began to slightly pat their feet to the ground, it was muffled and silent, perfect for stealthy approaches.


    "Alright, everyone teams we are about how many?" Samantha asks for the Order of Battle.


    "We are about a 30-man team. We should clear as much ground as we can so that the Diggers can do some SSE." Crocker suggested.


    "Roger, everyone split into teams of at least 7 and bring a Mage with you. Your objective is to clear this floor and the next one below of all traps and tangoes. One team go right, the other left, another as a rear guard and I will go after the Altar." Samantha ordered.


    "Yes ma''am." The UFEAF soldiers nodded.


    Aliathra, Iris, Karliah began to split off with their respective teams as ordered. Walking stealthily, swimming through each room and corridor with methodical efficiency. Whenever they encounter a magical trap, a mage would promptly dispel it although the more mundane of traps can still be easily defused or set off safely thanks to the Sappers help.


    "I don''t like this. There must be tons of hidden traps around here waiting to ensnare us" A UFE soldier fearfully states


    "Actually, one trap is in front of you right now!" Aliathra points out.


    The Rifleman heart skipped coldly as he lay still, his leg refusing to move another inch. For the keen-sighted Elven Ranger, she threw a pebble forward about two meters away from the soldier''s position and the floor soon combusted into flames.


    "Watch your step Firen''s this gador is dangerous." The Elf whispered as she knelt down and began to dispel the Magical Runes that plague their path forward.


    "Watch out for people too, there''s still remnants of the old garrison walking around here¡­" Diaz radioed. "In fact¡­ Put your hands in the air!"


    A brief moment paused on the radio before three shots could be heard discharged from Diaz''s channel.


    "Three Tangoes downed. Movin''up." Diaz returned to his radio.


    When it come to encountering any of the surviving Garrison, the Imperials were only given one brief second to place their hands in the air otherwise they would be swiftly gunned down. Those who move any muscle outside of their shoulders being raised up or attempt to shout were swiftly gunned down.


    However even with the UFEAF''s efficiency, there were cracks that the sly defenders of Little Hill managed to slip through thanks to their tenacity and relative homefield advantage in being inside the tunnel. Several UFEAF were injured and worse killed by the conniving ambushes and traps that littered the Underground. Those casualtie were being quickly siphoned out of the Underground thanks to the assisting Rear Echelons of the 9th Artillery Company where they were given immediate medical attention (with Healing Prayers from Aliathra to boot). Even though Samantha knew the procedure must be as slow and risk-averse as possible, she knew that the longer they dally the more opportunities the Battlemages can use their magicks with their Altar of Telin.


    "They are flanking us! Hurry!" a low voice echoed the dreary corridors.


    It slowly became apparent that the survivors holed up inside these first two floors of the Underground were slowly realizing that their defenses were slowly being unthreaded. But Samantha and her brave team did not care. They will purge this Fortress of all of its power one way or the other. As the Captain progressed through the dungeon, Samantha slowly began to push herself faster impetuously clearing the rooms as she goes catching even the tempo-intense Crocker out of breath too. She weaved through the Imperial Defenses with terrifying speeds, eliminating whatever came her way with rifle and sorcery, her power blending the Federation''s bleeding edge technology harmonizing with Gliesian Magicks truly exemplifying the ''Share'' word on her Chosen One''s namesake title.


    "Clearing everything now. Status report?" Samantha radioed.


    "We are entering into¡­AAH!" Iris responded to the call but mid-sentence she screamed.


    "Iris!?" Samantha cried.


    "Samantha! C-captain! We are in some kind of¡­ Paralysis¡­ Hold Person¡­" Iris alarmingly updated. "Let go of me! Let go of him!"


    "If you can hear me Rhannu-Prietar through this magic stick, if you want to save your Sochairfuil Master and your demonic minions, come here and yield to us." an imperial mage provokes


    Samantha''s pulse rocketed upon hearing the Vampire Witch and her Team being ensnared, Iris'' additional cries set off an impetuous c.o.c.ktail of adrenaline into the Captain''s buoyant head. She could not b.a.r.e to see more of her men die, get injured or worse today. Not while she can help it.


    "Slow down Captain!" Crocker shouted, trying to reach out for her. "There goin''to try''ta capture you again!"


    "I can''t just leave them there! They will kill Iris, Kayin and the others if I don''t¡­" she protested as she continued to Dash towards Iris'' last known position.


    "Samantha! Don''t come closer you gallant twat¡­ I¡­ I¡­ can¡­" Iris tried to speak but her mouth was muffled by her Imperial Captors.


    "Shut up Vampire! When I am done killing your Shadow Familiar, I will personally burn you alive with my Holy Magicks!" he laughed tauntingly as he aimed his Magical Wand threateningly to Kayin.


    Iris gnashed her fangs together as she forced her will off of the spell''s enslaving effects, managing to regain minimal articulation of her right hand. It wasn''t the first time she was caught in such a dire predicament, and she will be damned if her powers would fail her now.


    "Iris!" Samantha yelled out into the distance as Samantha, now gaining visual of her Captive men, charged headlong with her FBR-H-20 Rifle on hand.


    "Don''t come any closer!" Iris warned her. "There is¡­"


    But the headstrong redhead did not listen. Unknown to her, a few moments ago, Iris Kayin and an additional amount of five men were busy attempting to defuse a rather complicated framework of a set of booby traps around this chamber of Little Hill''s Dungeon. Iris was busy at work attempting to defuse the Traps when Samantha''s radio call unintentionally broke her focus, setting off a Magical Rune that cursed Iris and her UFE companions with a higher-powered Hold Person spell that ensnared them in its confining embrace. And that was not accounting the other Magical Runes of still indiscernible payload albeit their trigger was pressure-point based.


    When Samantha''s foot unknowingly stepped on the Rune''s hidden triggering inscription, a great burst of flames burst forth below the feet of the five other UFEAF Soldiers, immolating them and with the Hold Person spell trapping them in place they became like skewers of meat that stood there as the inferno engulfed their bodies killing them. All Samantha could do, was revile in horror as the fire burned her men, leaving her vulnerable for one of the awaiting Imperial Mages to restrain her with a casted Hold Person spell.


    "We have you now Share-Holder! Fear not, we shall free you from this harlot''s bewitching spell." A very rugged Imperial Mage emerged from the shadows announced himself, his hands luminously powering up to prepare his Magical Spell.


    "All together, we must combine our Magicks to free her mind from their grasps." Another Mage emerged followed by about ten more of them and an escort of equally grizzled Imperial Legionnaires and Dwarven Warriors.


    "Relona Maxima!" they shouted in unison, their Magicks encompassing Samantha in radiant silvery light.


    The only good thing about her status, in regards to the dangers of fighting against the Imperials and the rest of the Alliance soldiers is that they will go out of their way, if they could, to capture her alive and ''revert'' her back to ''the side of Good'', much to the Federations humor and annoyance. Yet try as they might pouring their Magicks onto Captain Rose, the native mages simply could not break the ''tough'' enthrallment that was ''placed'' upon the Share-Holder.


    "Let me go! I will never join you!" Samantha growled.


    "By the Gods! Our Disenchanting rituals on her is not enough to break. We need to bring her back to Haringpoint so that the Grandmaster Owyne and the rest of the college might find a way to save the Share-Holder from the hold of the Demon Invaders." One Mage cursed.


    "Maybe we just need to go after the source itself." Another proposed. "Dispose of the Vampire and her Shadow Familiar!" he pointed to Iris and Kayin.


    "I won''t let you shitheads take me or get your claws on them!" Samantha continues to growl at them as she struggles to break free from the Hold Person spell.


    "I am sorry Chosen One but for your own sake, we have to dispose these despicable Monsters that enthralling you. You cannot see for what they really are but they are Monsters, you have to believe us and you will when we are done here. Any last words before I pass righteous judgment on these¡­ Creatures?" a Dwarven Ever-Beard brandishes his Actocolite Axe, its blade gleaming sharply from the faintest of torchlight. "I always dreamed of wiping that smug looks Vampires have." The Dwarf grinned.


    If Samantha could move, she would actually whimper disconsolately dejected by the crisis before her. Two of her squad mates, her friends, her teachers and peers will be ritualistically executed before her olive-shaded eyes.


    "Well keep dreaming stunty!" Iris roared.


    The Vampire witch''s hands regained full articulation, allowing her to swiftly dispel the rest of her body from the paralyzing Hold Person spell. She quickly drew her Astro-Magnum Pistol and discharged the head of the closest Imperial Mage, striking him dead in a gory explosion of viscera.


    The Dwarf raised his axe in attempt to slay her quickly, but Iris'' superior reflexes initiated the first and only contact she needed, her wolverine-like claws slashing through the Ever-Beard''s exposed face, his head falling off of his body in multiple thick slices. Before even one of the Imperials could even shriek, call or say even a word, Iris, as if possessed fully by her bloodl.u.s.t began to tore through¡­ Nay¡­ Eviscerated the Alliance Soldiers with blinding speeds. Before even half of a half of a minute had passed, the room lay quiet, blood splattered charitably into the ground with only Kayin, Samantha and a finger l.i.c.k.i.n.g Iris being the only living people left inside the chamber.


    "Kayin!" Iris exclaimed, her breath soothing in relief as she hurried to the Nigerian and quickly dispelled both his and the Captain''s ensnares. The Vampire Witch and Stryder Combat Engineer shared a brief momentary embrace that both of them were still alive. Their amorous contact, liken to the Moon resting upon the dark blanket that was Night.


    Samantha however, stares in distraught over the five dead UFEAF soldiers whose charred bodies lay on the ground. Five dead more, killed under her watch, this time through her own indirect actions. Her own hubris.


    "Captain, we have time to mourn later. We need to shut off that Altar now." Kayin shook her out of it.


    "Right¡­ come on. Follow me, lets end this once and for all." She snapped back to reality, the next room they will enter shall be the last one. And that, no more of her or any other men would be at risk of dying¡­ at least for today.


    "Sargeant Buchanan, we have five¡­ men down¡­ bring Body Bags¡­" Samantha radioed, torturously grabbing the five men''s Dog Tags from their corpses, their metal surfaces still burning in heat by the traps previous flames.


    Iris, Kayin and the Captain soon regrouped with Crocker and the Rest of the Tunnel Ratting teams as they prepared to breach the last room on the floor, the Arcanaeum. Guarding the entrance was runic symbolisms that glowed a faint blue light that Samantha intrinsically salivated at the thought of seeing those strange engravings.


    "The door is sealed with Magicks! Karliah, Aliathra dispel it and flash''em." Crocker ordered.


    "How many are we looking at?" Samantha asked.


    "Snake Cam says we got just 6 people inside. Four mages operating the Altar and two Imperial Foots. They are about to fire the Altar again." Crocker answered hurryingly.


    "The Magicks has been dispelled." Aliathra informs the Sargeant.


    "Count of three." Samantha rallies everyone on her mark, preparing her Flashbang Grenade on her hands.


    "One¡­Two¡­Three!" the Captain shouts.


    Crocker opened the creaked the door open allowing Samantha and the UFEAF to toss flashbangs into the room. Once they detonated a second later, the UFEAF Soldiers stormed the room, quickly dispatching the two Foot Soldiers before turning to the Imperial Mages manning the Altar.


    The Magical Artifact was quite opulently designed, it had several telescopic lenses, a chamber to hold a Mana Crystal on the bottom of it in a receptacle where one Mage is using its powers within a heavy stone like object to cast his spells whilst the telescopic lens enhanced the range and maintains the power of said spellcasting. Meanwhile another mage by the Caster''s side uses a crystalline mirror ball that allows her to scry through divinely above her surroundings in order to operate the aiming mechanisms of the Altar. Meanwhile two other Mages assisted them in moving the Altar of Telin, that rested upon a circular gyro-mechanism and also loading fresh new Mana Crystals when the time is needed to reload it. This was, as Samantha can discern from her own experience, very much like a Artillery Piece with a person manning the trigger, another aiming the sights, and another more loading the Cannon with its ammunition. All of this wrapped appropriately with a the glowing white symbol of Telin the God of Magic: an eight-rayed star with a halo encompassing around its arms.


    The UFEAF soldiers wasted no time gunning down these last four Mages whose bodies fell upon the invisible smites of their rimless and bottlenecked cartridges.


    "Clear!" Samantha declared as the men were set at ease.


    "We did it. We got ourselves an Altar of Telin." Crocker cracked a proud smile at his face as he marveled over the Arcane Object.


    "Indeed, your Magus¡­ or¡­ Dock-ter Mahelona will be pleased to have this in his Study." Karliah nodded.


    "This is C-Ca-Captain Rose, Arcanaeum is secured, repeat the Altar of Telin has been neutralized. Commence SSE." Samantha radioed.


    "Rodger that Samantha. You saved a lot of lives today." Sargent Buchanan replied gratefully back.


    Captain Rose sighed, exhaling in relief at finally being able to rest herself easy after a long day of offensive pushes deep into the heart the Empire''s lands. She cannot wait to have a good 6-8 hours of sleep and a warm MRE meal of Spaghetti Bolognese to recuperate her weary self. Today had been a long haul.


    Stryder Group and their 9th Artillery Company companions returned to the surface of Little Hill where several of the Rear Echelon and Assault Engineer briefly congratulated them on a job well done while paying a moment of respectful silence for those who paid the ultimate price of eliminating the Altar of Telin that Crocker, Diaz and Kayin hauled over to the surface. Samantha looked away from the body bags in shame whilst she tried to hide her guilty visage with a stoic fa?ade. Before long, the Rear Echelons of the 9th Artillery Company returned to work, reassured of their safety now they no longer have to scramble away from any spontaneously appearing conjurations of Destructive Magicks to harass them.


    Sargent Buchanan was kind enough to offer a night rest on 9th Artillery''s hastily erected tents used as a Barracks for Stryder Group to rest themselves for some very much needed R&R. There were just a few loose ends and a few casual words left to speak of before the Squad retired for a warm thermal blanket.


    "Samantha, a word?" Iris approached her, fists clenched. "Those five men¡­ I could have easily dispelled their enchantments if you didn''t trigger that Fire Rune." She reprimanded her.


    "I know¡­ I-it was¡­ my fault¡­" Samantha covered her face in shame not daring to look at Iris over her mistake, her five-men tragedy of impulsiveness, whose ghosts will now haunt her memories forever.


    "Of course, it was your fault Sam! Why by the Gods would you charge in like that? I could have easily fended those Imperials off!" Iris shouted.


    "I¡ªI just¡­ didn''t¡­ I just didn''t want to see¡­ I couldn''t bear to see any of you guys getting hurt¡­ I¡­ wanted to¡­ protect all of you¡­ shield you¡­ with myself and my powers¡­" Samantha confessed.


    "Oh Samantha, do you not trust me? I trusted you and the Federation with my life being here and helping you and Stryder out." Iris sulked. "The least you could do is return that same trust back to me."


    "Iris is right Captain." Clay backed her up. "You have been pushing yourself too hard as of late. You need to learn to trust us all. Your only one woman and there''s like¡­ seven of us. We won''t be here if we needed to be babysat all the time."


    "But I don''t want to lose any of you. Especially you Iris! You are all my friends here. Those Imperials earlier could have easily killed you and Kayin. I can''t bear it losing you!" Samantha cried out.


    The Vampire Witch dashed towards Samantha and gave her a swift slap on her cheek, causing the Captain to recoil from the sharp pain that the feisty Sorceress inflicted upon her.


    "Can your dolcop of a head of yours listen to me again Sam! Do not be so selfish like that again! You think you are the only one who experienced the pain of losing someone close? Do not forget you are my friend and friends trust each other!" Iris exclaimed. "It is painful for me and the rest of the Stryder to nearly lose you to the enemy too! So stop being a selfish ole''fool!"


    "Iris that''s enough." Kayin intervened, his muscular arm defining a clear border between Iris and Samantha.


    The Captain, shedded a singular tear before turning back to the Vampire Witch¡­ smiling:


    "T-thank you Iris. Thank you for showing me that I was indeed being a ''selfish ole''fool''. I promise you and the squad that this won''t happen again. I will trust you guys more." Samantha nodded.


    "You better be Captain, Iris'' assault on a superior commander aside¡­ remind me to write that off is right. That kind of behavior of yours can get you killed¡­ trust me you''re not the first person I met who acted like you¡­ and yes¡­ of course he''s dead." Crocker shared his piece.


    "Tomorrow is a new day alright everyone? Let''s just rest up in these tents and get read for the next day. There''s still a long road ahead of us." Kayin requested.


    "Yeah¡­ your right." Samantha yawned, stretching her arms out. "Sometimes, we just need a good night sleep."


    "I gotta pee first¡­" Diaz raised his hand. "You wait for me in the tent later sweetie you got that?" the Corpo turned to Aliathra who was just beginning to loosen her garments, readying to let the night''s cooling air to relax her weary body. The Elf smiled softly as she faded to into slumber.


    "Captain, I got a call from the Colonel." Clay passed his radio to Samantha.


    Grabbing the mic piece, Samantha readied herself to absorb the next bit of strong words from her Superior.


    "Captain Rose, sitrep from Vercourt. They just took the Town Hall and our Flag is waving atop of the Centre. Our side of Operation Haymaker is preceding¡­ quite frankly ahead of schedule." Polonsky enthusiastically reported.


    "That''s gre¡ªAffirmative I mean sir¡­ sorry I am just tired. It''s such a late call right now." Samantha apologized.


    "I knew you could eliminate those Magic attacks within the day and also capture that Altar of Telin. Doctor Mahelona would be happy to get his hands on it when we ship them out. Ashamed really we lost some good men in that adventure¡­ but alas there is no such things as a casualty-less war." Polonsky''s tone lowered. "But those aside, with Little Hill and Vercourt now ours, the entire Imperial Legion and their Alliance of the Light are left in disarray within the region. Our Reconnaissance Aircraft says that it is virtually a clear road between us and Neugonia." Polonsky said.


    "That is great! Anything else I need to know." Samantha asked.


    "You will have to report back to your company tomorrow and you will be called in on occasion to get rid off any Magical traps that could threaten our advances but intelligence suggests we just broke through the worst of them. Have your team get some good nights rest and good meal because tomorrow noon the advancement will continue. To Neugonia! Shield-Father out." Polonsky gave his farewell as the radio feed was cut off.


    "Looks like this war will be as soon as it began." Samantha looks onto Clay.


    "Yeah¡­ I hope so Captain¡­ I hope so." Clay nodded back. "Good night Captain Rose." He said before retiring to bed.


    "Good night too Clay¡­ Sargent Clay." Samantha gave her adieu, stating Edward''s new title.


    -----------------


    "Ravens Coo¡­ Coo?" Diaz called out his secret challenge phrase.


    His initial excuse of needing to excrete his liquid wastes was just a deception. The Corpo finds himself behind the backlines of the Rear Echelons hidden in a secretive meeting point near where one of Aparo Corporation''s PMC Camps established themselves in, away from prying eyes and curious ears.


    "The Raven does not say Coo-Coo." A voice responded; it was the correct response to that challenge phrase. "Raven Company, Private Military Contractors reporting, how may we be of service again to Aparo Corp?" a PMC emerged from the shadows holding a briefcase on his right hand. He represents one of the numerous private interests of the Pacification Campaign, by proxy, Aparo Corporation in Gliesia.


    "Have you dealt with the Bodies of the Magic Users?" Diaz asked.


    "Yep Bagged and stowed away as ordered. I assure you my men will make sure nobody will miss them when there gone. But, Dare-Runner? Doctor Sforza explicitly demanded ''Live'' specimens." The PMC said.


    "Tell the good doctor that I am still working on it. She will need to suffice with corpses for now¡­ for her¡­ study." Diaz weaseled his words.


    "Outside of Don Aparo Dare-Runer, Doctor Sforza is the second person we should not be disappointing with." The PMC reminded him.


    "I know¡­ I know¡­ I just need more time." Diaz sighed. "Just tell her this, when Haringpoint is captured I will make sure that this time, Doctor Sforza gets her ''specimens." Diaz promised.


    "And let the Silverbacks get all the glory?" the PMC crossed his arms frustratingly at him.


    "Me and Bobby will pull some strings so I can get you lads inside Haringpoint when we hit the fireworks yeah? Just keep pushing those ''materials'' out on your ''Research Exports'' and you''ll get your bonuses on your upcoming checks you got that?" Diaz reminded the PMC of his ''extrajudicial'' Job in Gliesia.


    "Of course. Now¡­ do you have the samples?" the PMC asked.


    The Corpo reached out into his pockets and gave him three plastic vials of a crimson substance to the Mercenary. They were labeled ''Aliathra'', ''Iris'', and ''Samantha''.


    "I barely managed to get these out of the Lab. Now be sure to tell Doctor Sforza this is the ONLY samples I can nab for her from those Government Nerds. For I CANNOT do that again." Diaz sternly bared his teeth. "Now¡­ the new item?"


    "For one smuggle to another." The PMC smiled as he opened the briefcase.


    Pulling out from its soft cushions, a curved shaped sword, sheathed with a trigger-shaped hilt. It was something that he wanted to get his hands on from Bobby the very moment the blade was ready for delivery when the new shipment of Actocolite compounds arrived on Aparo Corps'' new Metalworks, the first of its level of industrial prowess and refinement in Gliesia.


    "As fast¡­ no¡­ faster than any eyes can see. Bobby said that." The PMC bowed.


    "Beautiful." Diaz smiled as he unsheathed his new High Frequency Acto-Titanium alloy Katana. He can feel the whirr of the violently shaking alloys thirsting for it to be used as the Mayari moon glinted on its cerulean glint.

 Chapter 50 - Climb Mount Denali (Part 2)

    Eodem Chapter 50: Climb Mount Denali (Part 2)


    Major Benjamin Holyfield, codenamed: Spearhead obsessively downed his fifth round of Arabica as the clock struck 6am. He had foregone sleep the night before, instead meticulously reviewing every bit of detail of his area of responsibility of Operation Haymaker with concordance with the elements consisting of West Army Group for this Military Offensive. He had familiarized himself deeply with the capabilities of his Marines, his Armored Units, his Assault Carrier''s Aerial Wing, his Engineers and the Infantry in addition to the help of the Native Auxiliaries and so-called Partisans under his command. They reciprocally know what the Major, in all of his many years of Battlefield Wisdom would tell them to do:


    Breakthrough in all of the UFEAF''s roaring might.


    For the Prize beyond Marnia''s Bluff or more geographically correct saying Marnia''s Isthmus (as his Recce would debate) is a direct road leading straight into the capital of the Empire, Haringpoint herself in all of her Imperial majesties. The terrain as his scouts and intel would suggest would be rough with swampy sands, jagged rocks and many places of significant elevation the Empire would use to their advantage to repeat the same fate ''the Battle of Marnia''s Bluff'' of old fell upon Alboen and his heavily armored vanguard. Studying what little history he could of his predecessor''s mistakes. From what Holyfield had gathered, the previous Battle was a case of overconfidence getting the better of the old Demon Lord as his previous victories were won through sheer superior strength in open scraps rather than through cunning ac.u.men. Still, he did have the same rational why he would walk through the trouble passing over the Isthmus in the first place and that was the shortcut to Haringpoint. He did not expect his men to be bogged down so easily by the swampy and rough terrain the area was known for. Caldell Slaegiac, the Empire''s founder used it to his much lighter footed Warbands, Longbowmen and Mages to wash out the bogged down Demon Army into dust, defeating Alboen and gaining total victory for the First Alliance of the Light.


    Reading back the details, Major Holyfield now knows what to do, in order to turn his disadvantage around.


    For a start, the task of getting his men and their Mechanized Elements that they need to break through the hunkered down defenses in Marnia''s Bluff will need to have the terrain''s slowing effects be as mitigated as far as possible. Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges, Constructor Drones, chopped wood, some Alteration Magicks from the Goblin Shaman Ho''don and sheer ingenuity should suffice. But there is some terrain where Infantry would be force to get their feet to up to their t.h.i.g.h''s wet thick with swamp and sand-water. This will leave them vulnerable to enemy ambushes and traps but even then, Holyfield has calculated his answer to those. He had deployed several Reconnaissance teams hidden out of or within Enemy sight that records all possible ambush points the Empire''s troops were planning or constructing to create. With their info, Holyfield and his Marines would know where to avoid passing over the Isthmus or if they must pass over, send in an Airstrike or a Sapper Squad to neutralize the enemy defenses. His advisors suggested that they eliminate the Traps as soon as they know its there but Holyfield argued that if they do that, the Empire will just make a new trap somewhere else or find a means to adapt to their countermeasures in which they will have to restart their planning efforts all over again. The Major simply could not afford to have his enemies learn he and his men methods by observing his actions, preferring to decapitate them before they realize what had happened. He had given all of his men strict orders to retain the masquerade of the UFEAF''s impending assault for Operation Haymaker by not engaging the Enemy forces unless they scout out too far ahead over the Northern Hills of Souviel.


    The Major himself was quite flabbergasted to say the least of how Prince Clovich, who he still retains his scrupulous stipulations about having him and a Three Regiments worth of Tyr Rianni modernized Riffelwyrs of the newly formed Laniyea Army, managed to secure Souviel (formally Speaking under the wing of the Federation and Clovich''s Tyr Rianni Amelioration).


    Technically speaking, the UFEAF and the TRA were militarily trespassing over what is still considered Imperial Lands. If it were not for the huge amounts of subterfuge and seduction by both the UFE and the Aparo Corporation this unique avenue to vector an angle into the heart of the Imperial Heartlands would have been a Fool''s Errand, yet somehow someway, the strange miracles of Espionage works in equally mysterious ways. Even Clovich''s recording that he is listening to when he allowed his cousin Duke Thibault was a curiosity of artful diplomatic work over the past months b.a.r.e into fruition.


    -----------------------------------------------


    About an hour earlier???


    The Duchal Palace, in all of its palatial and fairy tale magnificence had barely recovered from the wear and tear that was last month''s festivities that Souviel was famous for holding. The refuse of the parties was being removed to make room for a return to normalcy for the daily lives of the locals to its mercantile and laid-back self. The Harbors were reopened, importing and exporting the goods of the Empire and beyond whilst the Vineyards and Farmlands reinvigorate their fields for the next harvest. Prince Clovich, and his newly dressed Entourage of his newly reformed Laniyea arrived at the Duchy moments before sunrise, taking care not to alert their presence to the inhabitants as visitation is a delicate affair. Still, the Palace staff were more than ecstatic to see the Prince return to his ancestral homeland, especially when they heard of the news he just came back from a ''special journey'':


    "Cousin! I had just read your letter the other day! Forgive me, I was drained from the festivities I hosted weeks ago." Thibault approached his dear fraternal relative with familial glee. His arms stretched wide with welcoming gesture.


    "I am glad that I see your eyes again dear cousin." Clovich returned Thibaut''s amiableness while he carried several bags of souvenirs he had acquired and reserved for his cousin from his travels from Earth. "I bring you many great gifts from my travels."


    The Prince gently dropped down his lavish bags before fraternally embracing his Cousin. Thomas Sight, Clovich''s liaison with the awaiting UFEAF Soldiers stand by as he allowed the two their familial moment together. After letting go, Clovich began to present the his many Earthly Gifts to Duke Thibault and his newly awoken entourage whom some are still in their nightwear and have yet to eat breakfast, perfectly speaking, there was a few snacks within the pile of presents that Clovich brought home: Japanese Melons, Sake Rice Wine and Jamon Iberico to name a few.


    ""These are extraordinary gifts cousin." Thibault beamed splendidly. "The wine¡­ the so-called ''Saa-Kay'' and ''Wis-key'' tastes as fine as the wines of Souviel." He marvelled as his tongue greeted the alcohol''s sweet yet earthly flavors.


    "And the melon tastes as close as I can get to Heaven!" a Noblewoman swooned.


    "That is not all but I also bring these too¡­ for each and everyone of you." Clovich smiled.


    He began to pass along the non-edible of gifts, one per person, to Thibault and his Entourage. Golden Watches, Jewelry and Bonsai Tree''s all made by some of the finest Artisans of their respective crafts. Even the Guard Captain was not exempted when he received a Katana from the Prince too.


    "It moves! My new bracelet is moving!" a Nobleman squealed delightfully at his newly acquired Watch.


    "We thank you greatly again Cousin. Your generosity knows no bounds." Thibault bowed.


    "I hope you and the rest of your courts love what I brought from Earth." The Prince smiled, but it faded as he transitioned his visage to a weighty portrait. "But alas, I am not here for more of your parties for we both have important business to attend to. Everyone, you do all know why I am here do you not?" Clovich cautiously asks them.


    "Of course, cousin! My hundred and most sincerest of apologies to disappoint you but I am fear as my honor as the Duke of Souviel, I cannot submit Souviel to your newfound Patrons." Thibault professed his stance. "I know all of the terrible circ.u.mstance that had happened in your realm by those Adventurer vermins and the Sefydliad crows much like when they tried to overthrow me for Jodent. However, even if the Empire had done such underhanded dealings, I think we shouldn''t directly...." - Thibault states his protests of Clovich''s plans as stated from a Letter he received from him about a week ago of what many happenings had occurred during the residuum of allowing the UFE to appear as a particularly quirky group of guests during Souviel''s Chwartiadd.


    "Retaliate? Fight back? Demand justice? Is that what you will you say? You know me, that I know you well Cousin. I know you would say that." Clovich shouted frighteningly at the Souvieli, disbalancing their normally decadent demeanors. "This cannot stand, there is a better way, a better world out there and you and I cannot just sit idly by our thrones whilst a newer and better path is open for us." He pleaded.


    "Prince Clovich! What you are imply to impose to us is both madness and treachery! You ought to know that the Slaegians are the largest and most powerful Empire in the whole Ysanigrad, their unending Legions, as vast as the sands of the Draguitoise coast. Not to mention they Control the College of Magi, the Navy and the Adventurer''s Guild. Opposing them is equivalent to death." A noble stated the most obvious of opposition that he and Duke Thibault will face when they fall through unto the rhythm of what is in their eyes, Open Rebellion against the Empire.


    "If you say so, do you remember what we did to those ''vermin'' that tried to overthrow the Duke? Those Land Sharks and not to mention our warriors against those Elven Elites who tried to ruin the Games?" Thomas Sight intervened.


    "By the Gods! You must be the Otherworlder known as Ser Sight are you not?" Duke Thibault recoiled at Thomas'' cybernetic appearance. Even his Entourage too were equally revulsed by him. If he wasn''t disarmed, his hands raised upwards unthreateningly and his rather humble clothing of a simple black red suit, the Duke would have ordered his guards to kick him out.


    "Please¡­. A-allow me to e-explain what I-I will have to go through if I am to follow my Dear¡­ Ka-Cousin''s orders word¡­ for-word." Thibault swallowed his fears as he stuttered to explain his predicament. "I know that you people have powerful magic to kill a Legions worth of adventurers in a blink of an eye or kill whole packs of Bulletes, but we are talking about a the whole entirety of the Empire''s Legions, hundreds of thousands strong of the finest of knights, footmen, war beasts and mages in all of Ysanigrad. And what have you? You will only have less than about seven thousand or troops, us included against them? Even if you have both the Shareholder and the Scholar at your side, how will you and we be able to stand against the Empire''s wrath?" a Noble inquired.


    "So, are you saying you do not believe of our superior power based on the letter the Prince had dispatched to you?" Thomas pressed on the Noble''s inquiry.


    "If I can confess Ser Sight, me and my court find it ridiculous to believe that you have the ability crush the Imperial Army and their allies ''within a week'' and your people wielding the power ''to wipe out the whole of Glisea in a massive firestorm in a blink of an eye'' as so you claimed. The Federation are just as only humans¡­ from another world after all. There is just simply no sensible way any human could wield the power to match only of the Gods." Thibault defended his entourages opinion. "Even with your¡­ eccentricities¡­" he added, cringing on Thomas'' uncanny appearance.


    "Failing to mention¡­" the Guard Captain interjected. "The Empire had faced off against similar to far worse threats in the past ranging from Necromancers, Dragons, Vampires, Barbarians and Beastmen. Even the Black Elves find great difficulty in taking down the Empire. The Slaegians are just to powerful to fall so easily against your new Patrons Prince Clovich."


    "Is that¡­ a Challenge?" Clovich twitched his brow, implanting his hands firmly on his h.i.p.s.


    His Cousin was as na?ve as it could get, but then again, despite his decadent heart he always tries as much as he could to appease and protect those whom he considered his friends or those under his responsibility of care.


    "Indeed, it is. It seems you require, additional persuasion to help you see things ''our way''." Thomas Sight nodded at the Duke. He smirked as he knows, confidently that now comes the more, hard lined of approaches in order to exact the Federation''s will towards these Natives. Concidentally, there is an angle the Bureaucrat could use to exploit the Souvieli''s self-indulgent priorities.


    "Perhaps I can convince you that it is wiser for us to be¡­ partners rather than enemies." Thomas whispered.


    "How so?" Thibault asked.


    "Fortress Brynbach? Little Hill you call it? My men can bring it down within the day." He proposed.


    "You people gonna topple Little Hill by today!! Even a child can make up a better lie" - a noble man scoffs


    "This is outrageous. Cousin, I think you should get rid of these people!! They are going to get you pointlessly killed without Honor." Thibault implored Clovich.


    "Dear Cousin of mine, everyone! I know it is hard to believe and I admit that even I cannot fathom what Ser Sight said if your eyes were mine. But I have seen how overwhelming the destructive powers these Otherworlder''s possessed during my trip to Earth! Yet, I have also seen what wonders they can bring to the Realm. They cured my sister, fed my people and brought order to where there was Chaos. I would be a fool to not tap into this new power, not for my own sake but for the Subjects of Tyr Rian themselves too. It is too late now for me to withdraw my patronage. But it is not too late for you to see the writing on the wall Cousin. One way or the other, this War is inevitable that the Empire foolishly brought upon themselves. I have a people to protect! So, I will not withdraw my Patronage with the Federation. But I give you my word that if you accede Souviel peacefully to me, I will do everything I can to protect you and your people as if you were my own. I have a duty to Protect to not only defend the Empire from enemies from without but also from within. Don''t you see, my new Amelioration and upcoming reforms are our only defense against the coming tide ahead? I will not stop until all of the Empire, Ysanigrad and all of Gliesia comes through the new age." Clovich states "Forcefully if I have to." He added.


    "However, I have a single request, Souviel will submit temporarily to the Federation so the UFE army west can pass through and set operation base peacefully until we can show the destruction of Little Hill." Clovich asks


    "What would happened if they lose the war?! The Emperor will have our heads stuck on pikes from here all the way to Haringpoint and back!" Thibault protests.


    Despite his Naivete, Thibault remained stubborn. His self-indulgent partying was fueled by the prosperous and stable economy the Souviel is famous for attracting. From its Galleon Trade, Winemaking and Textiles all tariffed and/or taxed by his hands. Separating from the current Status Quo is a huge leap forward that Clovich honestly thought, the intimidating might and their attempts of seduction by the Federation would be enough to steer his cousin to his side. But alas, it has seemed the Duke is standing on his ground.


    Now was the time, albeit regrettably as he had discussed over the plan with Major Holyfield and Thomas Sight over the possibility of enacting the back-up plan in case the Military Access of Souviel were to be put into jeopardy. It was time for to enact the foreboding ''Plan B''.


    "Then I will have to make you allow my Soldiers to march into Souviel Duke Thibault. Under Duress..." Clovich he pulls out from his pocket his 9mm Pistol, a personal purchase from his trip to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Complex, He aimed the firearm at his Cousin with a grim but determined discipline. He was always taught that as a ruler, he will have to make many difficult decisions, this being one such crossroad.


    "Cousin of mine! Have you gone mad? Have the Otherworlder''s ''corrupted'' you as they say? There is only you and Thomas and I have my Guards surrounding the two of you. Your brash display will be surely punished if you move a step closer to me!" Thibault fearfully threatened Clovich. He knew what the metal wand he held on his small hand is capable of as demonstrated during the Chwartiadd, it was surely a more frightening affair when the device, that seems to be powered by Killing Magicks be aimed at his direction.


    Dutifully, the Duke''s guards rushed into formation, protecting the Duke and his Noble Entourage with their bodies as they aimed their swords towards the Rebel Prince and his Alien companion. Yet Clovich and Mr. Sight remained calm, knowing this is the exact reaction they predicted will happen when ''Plan B'' was being executed.


    "I don''t think so." Thomas smirked.


    With a snap of his fingers, a squad of UFE Navy SEALS suddenly decloaked from their invisibility suits emerged from the refraction of their specially designed armor. Pointing their Black Staves threateningly back at all of the Guards in the room. The rifled barrels of their guns, aimed leeringly over each of the Duke''s men, ready to curse them off of this mortal coil by the squeeze of the trigger.


    "Took you all long enough Team Night-Gaunt" Thomas crossed his arms at the SEALS Team.


    The Sea, Air, Land and Space Special Operations team had infiltrated the deepest pockets of the Duchal Palace to shadow Prince Clovich and Thomas Sight when they had their fateful meeting with Duke Thibault, easily weaving through the primitive security measures thanks to their oceanic infiltration experience and the cloaking abilities of their Hanjin-Shibusawa Shade Suits. The Prince had ordered them prior that if they must engage with the Palace''s staff and tenants, they must do so non-lethally and under no circ.u.mstances they are to lay a deadly finger on any of their persons knowing the intense Political Sensitivity this clandestine operation would bear on the Federation''s grand political aspects in the Gliesian Pacification Campaign.


    "By the Gods!" one Noble Man cowered. "Ghosts!"


    "Impossible! Ghosts appear during the Night! Not when Lehsol


    "Th-fi--this is I-I-Insanity! This is Ma-Ma-madness!" Thibault stuttered. "I cannot let these Rogues march over my Lands. You know what you are asking me is Treason." He reminded him.


    "Then you can just say to the Emperor if we are to somehow¡­ miraculously ''fail'' as you feared that you were under Duress when I made you allow my Soldiers to march through Souviel, for one way or the other, they WILL march through Souviel." Clovich gritted his teeth.


    Thibault froze silently, tearfully crying for his Cousin to see the folly of his overbearing request. But Clovich remained determined to see his dream push through.


    "Perhaps you need more convincing¡­" Clovich told Thibault. "Look over to your Garden''s Arbor" he pointed to the outdoor gazebo that overlooked Souviel high atop of the Palace''s lofty knoll where one can see the Harbor and easily discern each ship that comes and goes from the Duchy''s Port.


    "Remember your prized Galleon cousin? The one I hated going to have feasts with because of how easily my stomach would churn against me?" Clovich asked as Thomas discreetly radioed from his phone to execution of the next phase of their ''Plan B''.


    "The Fertile Nereid? Why?" Duke Thibault confusedly inquired.


    "It will be ashes at an estimated: Five Seconds¡­" Thomas stoically informs the Duke.


    "Impossible! My personal Galleon is one of the largest and most durable ship in all of the Draguitoise Coast. It is made from the finest Ironbark in the entirety of Ysanigrad rivalling only by the Slaegian''s Pride of the Ocean! Only a Dragon can even dare fight against it! Surely you are only feinting doing such a repulsive deed!" Thibault cried.


    "I am not jesting cousin." Clovich firmly rebutted with a concise beckon.


    "Sledgehammer your clear to engage the Target. Unload Strike Package Bravo." Thomas ordered.


    A Jericho Missile is then fired from a Ullr Missile Battery from the Aurora Carrier. It cruised towards the land of the Draguitoise Coast, locked on to the Fertile Nereid as it sped through the kilometer-long distance between the Aurora and the Galleon in about three seconds. Upon the missile making contact, the Galleon exploded in a large detonation of smoke, wood, and fire, the ship instantaneously disintegrating into driftwood before his eyes.


    "My Ship!" Duke Thibault wailed. He, his entourage and his guards were left utterly speechless by the sheer destruction that his Cousin had just demonstrated so brazenly to him.


    "You see now with your own eyes Cousin? If they can sink a Galleon in seconds, just imagine what it can do to Haringpoint? Tyr Rian? Souviel if we invoke their wrath? What chance do we have if we are their enemies or simply get in their way?" Clovich pressed Thibault. "All they ask is peaceful coevality between our banners and their five-ringed azure flower. Nothing more and nothing less."


    "But¡­ how can¡­ but¡­ but¡­" Thibault quivered.


    "My Cousin," Clovich carefully held hovered his empty left hand over Thibault. "My new Empire, my Amelioration is the only defense we have against the total destruction of the Empire. If we learn their ways, we can come out of this terrible cycle of adversity with our heads held high. So let me tell you once more, the faster I end this pointless War brought forth by our thought-to-be ''Noble'' Emperor, the sooner peace can return to the realm. You have my word that your people will be protected as if they were my people." He reassured him.


    "I¡­ I¡­" Thibault quavered as he sees the smoking remains of his once resplendent Galleon.


    He now sees clearly the writing on the proverbial wall. It was either flow with the new current of the river or be washed aside to oblivion such as the sad fate of the Fertile Nereid.


    "I¡­ Yield¡­ you will have your troops march in Souviel Cousin." Thibault''s rotund frame sulked.


    "Thank you, cousin. I assure you that you have made the right choice. By my honor, these troops will only March through your Lands and nothing more." Clovich smiled as he rests assured his cousin.


    Duke Thibault immediately, grabbed his Seal, his Quill Pen and a parchment of paper and through the guidance of Sir Thomas Sight, wrote a decree that allowed every Unit of the Western Army Group to beg given Military passage through Souviel that the Duke dispatched to all of his heralds. News of the Grant of Military Access spread fast across the Duchy as Clovich personally saw to the disembarkation of the UFEAF Soldiers from the Aurora who marched through the streets of Souviel to an astonished citizenry as they made their way north from the Harbor unto the Northern Hills of the Duchy''s territory where Marnia''s Bluff lay between them and the grand prize of Haringpoint.


    All without firing a single shot from the Federation Troop''s rifle, nor sliding emission of a sword being drawn from its scabbard from the local Guards.


    True to Clovich''s words, the UFEAF Soldiers did not harass nor levy any of the shocked natives whom they passed by during their march. Never stopping as they were given peering looks of weary suspicion as they marched northward. After about thirty minutes of drive past the rolling hills of Souviel, the main force of the UFEAF''s Western Army Group for Operation Haymaker arrived at Marnia''s Bluff where their preparations, just as scheduled await them for the grueling cross ahead.


    With all of his cards in play, Major Holyfield took one final deep breath when his subordinates on the ground radioed him that they are ready.


    With one final meditation, the Major grabbed his radio and in one phrase, forwarded his commands.


    --------------------------------------


    "Climb Mount Denali." Major Holyfield''s voice echoed on the 7th Marine Corps radio.


    "Ah-righty ladies! Let''s get some!" a Marine Sergeant psyched his brawny, armor cladded self-up, his mouth frothing barbarically for a fight.


    "Lady?" Kimora abashedly furrowed. "Are you all women? Get what?" she asked around.


    The Western Army Group scrambled off their feet and wheels around the Centaur Warmaiden as UFEAF and their Native Collaborators worked in tandem to get ready for the big crossing through Marnia''s Bluff. At first, upon hearing of what the grand design the Otherworlder''s schemed crossing the marshy isthmus, the Yoshadinyudi Daosne and the Goblins thought that they were insane, repeating the same mistake the Dark Lord Alboen had done centuries before. Yet Major Holyfield was a studious man, he had done his research and fortunately (and terrifyingly) he has the tools and foresight to rectify his predecessor''s mistakes. Using great mechanical golems and another eldritch power the Natives were astound to see. The Otherworlder''s War Carriages called ''Am-Fib-bee-yus Fire Support Vee-He-Kills'' swam through the swampy terrain of Marnia''s Bluff. It wasn''t as slow as the Natives initially doubted the Carriages abilities but it was still surprising that those Horseless Carriages did not catch themselves trapped under the Isthmus'' despondent sloughs. Yet another great mystery these Otherworlder''s pridefully demonstrated. Speed, Deception and Volume of Fire was the plan for the crossing as Holyfield wisely reserved the heavier elements of his Army; the Cataphract Main Battle Tanks, Mechanized Troops and his BWP''s in reserve until the more lightly armed IFV''s, Motorized Infantry, Assault Engineers, Marines and Native Auxiliaries can secure a beach head to properly deploy them from the Air of his giant flying galleon floating above them now quite serenely named ''the Aurora''.


    "More of their Alien Language Beastfolk. You will get used to it." King Martainne, the Lich casually brushed off the Centaur''s confusion. "Come now, Ser Mendoza and Ho''don are ready to move up." He incited her.


    The two galloped towards the Goblin and the UFEAF Captain who were currently busy making stable foot grounds for the Invasion Troops to walk over safely the more treacherous areas of Marnia''s Bluff. The Centaur, slightly off footing her balance thanks in no part to her additional carriage of equipment and supplies attached to her back. Her fellow Yoshadinyuddi were given the rather low-brow task of carriers for the Invasion Forces various equipment ranging from spare ammunition for their Black Stave Crossbows, their Rations and First Aid not alongside her Archery Bow and her handy Handaxe. She was normally not comfortable carrying such a heavy burden personally speaking despite her people being more than physically capable of carrying such additional load onto their herculean backbones as Centaur Warriors were known to favor heavy armor when they march or rather gallop to war. She much preffered to fight almost in the nude, using her mobility and ferocity rather than endurance to win her battles as the Invading Forces she and her former slaves find themselves in were given the order to advance.


    Using wood from the nearby forests supplemented by Ho''don''s Shamanic Alteration magicks to adjust the size and width of the logs, several foot paths were created to allow the West Army Group to be able to cross over the quagmire areas of the Isthmus safely. His was supplemented by the cooperative work between the UFE Combat Engineers and several reanimated Skeletons the Lich King Martainne provided to create this road network nicknamed ''the Marnia Express'' over the swampy marshes. All of these paths nearly stretched over half of the 6.3-kilometer-long Isthmus of about a several hundred meters shy of the Imperial Defensive lines and were worked on clandestinely under Empire''s noses during the nights before the assault. However, due to the rough terrain, the troops will be forced to have to waddle through some isolated pockets of unstable ground in order to reach the next foot path. Either way, unfortunately, the Infantry who are either single filed to cross the foot paths and those squads who have to shuffle through the unabridged areas of the Isthmus will equally be vulnerable to enemy ambushes.


    "Come on! Go!" Mendoza shouted as he pulled the end of the logs with rope over a rock to stabilize the wooden footpath before them.


    Scores of soldiers, queued up the make shift bridges as they dashed through the logs with expeditious speed. Kimora''s and Ho''don''s s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e ears tinkled feverously as they heard the legions of footsteps the Otherworlders emitted from their rubber shoes as they step foot at the marshy Isthmus of Marnia''s Bluff. Terrifying roars bellow with the rhythm of their procession from their War Machines echoing ambiently around them as they marched under their escort. Meanwhile at the skies, the great flying Galleons the Otherworlder''s brought from their skyward worlds and yes ''worlds'' with plural released their armada of Metal Dragons who soared through the clouds at gallic agility as they made their approach to the Draguitoise Coasts.


    "Smell the Wilderness boys this is Cowboy Country and its populated by a soon to be dead Dragon Beast¡­ or Knights¡­ or Griffins¡­ or whatever I come across first." A Fjord IFV Commander bombastically declared.


    "Not if I kill one first yeah? I want to kill me something while ''Soviet March'' is on full blast on my Player." A Raijin Gunship Pilot challenged back to the IFV Commander.


    It was the typical Jar-Headed banter the Marine Corps of the UFEAF''s Navy were (in-)famous for.


    "You listen to that Commie crap? Don''t you know the lyrics are shit when translated?" the IFV Gunner protested.


    "Ride of the Valkyries is so last year!" the Gunship Pilot scoffed dismissively. But soon his eyes caught something curious on his Aerocraft''s hud. "Engarde! Thermals on my camera, fifty meters on your fronts. Bring''in the heat!" the Raijin Gunship Pilot cheered as he yawed his heavily-armed VTOL Aerocraft forward the moment his ship''s Thermal Camera highlighted the signatures of approaching tangoes inching closer towards the first waves of West Army Group''s Infantry.


    "Oh, it''s game on Flyboy! Buckle up driver! Take us forward!" the Fjord IFV Commander ordered.


    The IFV let out its warcry as exhaustive smoke belched out of its mirage-producing heat sinks¡­


    Before suddenly collapsing below underground, its orthogonal body sinking six feet to the ground.


    "What happened?" Mendoza raised his voice.


    "A Pitfall Trap!? Shit¡­ gimme a sec¡­ going to push this baby out of here." The IFV Commander informed him.


    "Let me help you with that." King Martainne proposed as he ordered his Skeletons to grab a shovel and begin to dig out the War Carriage out of its earthly bastille. The undead creature increasing the size of the hole greatly to be able to allow the Fjord IFV to ramp itself out of the hole.


    Despite this singular setback, the UFEAF advanced continued forward albeit with several soldiers less trickling down the Isthmus'' gauntlet.


    Kimora the Centaur War Maiden, couldn''t help but feel slightly unease by just how well this advanced into an otherwise hostile terrain was going. She stared ominously with her naturally acute eyes into the distance over the horizon looking towards the Isthmus natural shrubbery as the western seabreeze brushed the verdant leaves eastward¡­


    "Ambush!" Kimora yelled. But not before an arrow struck one of the UFEAF Marines on his c.h.e.s.t, his armor plating however saving him albeit he was forced to recoil his body back from the attack.


    "Gwefru!" another Warcry was heard amongst the bushes.


    Kimora and Ho''don steeled their hearts as their ears heard that one-worded shout. It was the Battlecry typically used by the Imperial Legion to signifiy the start of their attack.


    "Defend yourselves!" the Lich Martainne called forth his Undead Servants, souls from generations and centuries from when he was still alive who dedicated their bodies upon death to the former indigenous king of ancient Cenhill Kingdom of old Tyr Rian as both his foot soldiers and as manual laborers. Thanks to their inexistant need of rest and clothing (albeit Holyfield forced him much to his bother of having each of his Skeletal Servants be subjected to a deodorant bath in which is he is more bothered by his undead nature preventing him from smelling said deodorant rather than the three hour long hindrance of soaking himself and his Skeletons in the refreshing scents for sanitation purposes when interacting with the rest of the Western Army Group.) the Skeletons were quick footed enough to confront their centuries old nemesis albeit at a much more fragile state. They were essentially screening troops, but neither Holyfield, King Martainne and even the said previous owners of those bodies cared if their job was to be hammered, slashed, fall or be shot in place of their more precious allies, then it is an exploit that they will expend to the fullest as it can be.


    "They''re in the trees!" Kimora cried as she fired her bow and arrow towards the tree lines where their Attackers emerged from.


    "Twelve-Oh! Suppressing fire!" Mendoza flung his orders, as tried to remain calm.


    "Take cover!" a UFEAF soldier gritted his teeth.


    Several Slaegian Legionnaires, assisted by irregular Adventurer''s and Dwarven Warriors whom had camouflaged themselves within the marshy bogs of Marnia''s Bluff emerged from their hiding spots, a small pit sizeable enough to fit 5 to 7 people sealed with a deceitful canopy of brushed together foilage and mud to give them a rudimentary yet surprisingly effective ambuscade to counter most of the Federation''s advanced technologies and when it comes to concealing specially picked warriors who have experienced fighting in the rough terrain. All over the Isthmus, similar traps were sprung as the valiant natives unsheathed their weapons as soon as the invaders were busy crossing Marnia''s Bluff and being hampered by the marshy terrain. Revealing themselves when the invaders were mere meters away from their hiding spots, the Alliance of the Light invoked the spirits of their ancestors who a long time of mythic pasts, defended the Marsh against Alboen the Dark Lord. Meanwhile, similarly hidden skirmishers emerged from the anonymity of the Swamp''s blanketing mask thanks to the aid of the Imperial''s Battlemages providing Invisibility enchantments to the range fighters of the Alliance.


    "Fight them back!" Ho''don bestirred them as all around him the men of the United Federation and their Native allies fought in close quarters and under a barrage of heavy arrow fire from the fantastical defenders of Gliesia. Using his shamanistic magicks to conjure Spirit Wolf Familiar to his aid. These Summons, faeric in nature, were spiritually manifested through the Goblin Shaman''s Will that he unleashed to the aid of the UFEAF Soldiers. Their semi-ethereal nature allowed them to pass through the marshes easily albeit they can never stray too far away from its conjurer as their corporeality is inversely proportional to the distance from their summoner plus their poise.


    But even with his talents, the Impeiral Battlemages were just equally skilled in negating his edge. With a few Banishment spells, they could with moderate amounts of concentration, hold still a Summoned Creature and dispel the magical enchantments from the mental construct to render them inert.


    "We need Fire Support!" Mendoza crawled to cover as radioed for help. "Roll in an Airstrike at my Mark!" he shouted as he threw his IR Flare towards the tree line where the enemy skirmishers were firing from.


    It was absolute Chaos, fighting was so tightly packed that some resorted to melee combat, using their rifles, E-Tool or whatever a UFEAF soldier can get his hands on to defend themselves from the ambush.


    "Die Monster!" an Imperial Halberdier thrusted mightily his bill-shaped spear onto the slowly drowning Fjord IFV.


    But as the instant his blade made contact with the IFV''s Composite Carapace, the War Machine suddenly erupted itself from its despondent trap, instantly shattering the spear and running over the Pikeman under its titanic threads. It would take more than a simple pitfall with wooden spikes hidden underneath to best what is the latest in the line of decades of Military-Industrial research and savoir-faire. But the effort was commendable in reasonably slowing down the Otherworldly Tide.


    "Shoot them all down!" the IFV Commander seethed as he grasped his radio intensively as his Verdun Chain Gun return a torrent of 7.62mmx51 Bullets at his attackers.


    It was a rough ambush, that had its initial shock from the sheer surprise but like fire, it quickly burnt out. The Ambushers now either retreated deeper into the Swamp''s forest or lay dead before them but not before taking down several of the Invasion Forces men with them of mostly of Prince Clovich''s new Laniyea Soldiers known as the Ymasiad Fireteam consisting of six freshly-trained Tyr Rianni Crossbowmen converted into Riflemen or Rifflewyrs, and two UFEAF soldiers attached to the Team, one being the Squad Leader and the other the Squad''s Radio Officer.


    "This is Angel Squadron, Strike Package Bravo making its Attack Run." an A-25 Dragoon pilot calmly acknowledged Captain Mendoza''s IR Flare as he lined his Aerocraft and readied his explosive payloads and 30mm Gatling Gun.


    BBBBBBBBBBBRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!


    BBBBBBOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!!


    Unleashed from its breath, cl.u.s.ters of bomblets deluged towards the Imperial forces evaporating what remained of their defenses.


    If some of the Slaegian Generals, Warband Leaders and Mages had foreseen the impending the invasion of the Otherworlder''s through Marnia''s Bluff, all were shocked by the sheer violence of the Federation''s assault when it was unleashed on that early late-autumn morning. Like a heavy knockout punch, the Federation''s Artillery, Aerocrafts, Gun Drones and Rockets devastate the Imperial first and second defensive lines over the Isthmus. Worst was the horror stories the survivors would tell of the Metal Dragons that flew as fast as hawks, yet screamed like blood thirsted Banshees who swoop into their lines to spread their deathly worded curses from its terrifying screech. Yet for those who still have shreds of courage left in their hearts, they adamantly chose to weld themselves to the original plan of using the terrain to its advantage. But even then, for the Defenders, their lines very quickly overwhelmed by the unending and unyielding march of the Otherworlder''s advance. All that remains were the Chalk Cliffs and the Salt Mine that hang over the Slaegian''s side of the Isthmus where the Alliance can funnel the invader''s advancement much more tightly than they could within the Isthmus'' marshes. The Imperials knew, that if the Otherworlder''s managed to breakthrough the Salt Mine that they established their field headquarters on, a direct route to Haringpoint would open easily like a street crumpets legs for the Invaders to ravage on for their conquest. They must stand their ground for the nation, their homes and their families for they must, they shall not pass. As of their recording of the time lapsed on their defence, they had only managed to delay a still downpouring wave of Invaders for an abysmal eight hours, not even a day had passed at the least as the sun began to set down as their defenses were slowly crumbling before their eyes. They could not give any quarter, yet their relentless assault well passes before Lehsol retired across the horizon for the night came, to make matters worse from a practical perspective, tonight was a new moon as Mayari refuse to strip herself nude of her radiance that night making the soldiers rely on their torches more for visibility.


    "They locked the place tight!" Mendoza cursed.


    The Chalk Cliff''s, their white faces illuminated upon the shine of the Imperial''s torches separated the Invasion Force from the other side of the Isthmus was sealed heavily corked by wooden barricades enchanted by Magicks that prevented the entry of the armored spearheads of the UFEAF Mechanized Vehicle over, through and under them. These enchantments either require exorbitant amounts of damage short of rigging each individual barricade with half a dozen kilos worth of C4 to reliable breakthrough or be disenchanted with the same logic in mind. Turning the climb up the slope into a painful slog. The Cliffs themselves were navigable via a series of three slopes that in peace time were the northern pathways through the Isthmus when approaching from Haringpoint and vice versa. The ramps were only wide enough to allow at a time one of the UFEAF''s vehicles plus half a dozen or so infantry at a time, a perfect chokepoint. Defending atop of them were more enemy skirmishers who are being protected with shields from the Imperial Battlemages from the Federation''s Air Strikes with mixed success, able to injure several of the Invaders with their Bows. In response, the UFEAF''s unleashed their UAV Combat Drones upon those enemy firing positions. Controlled by ISAC, the Drones assaulted in waves of swarms against the secondary lines of the Imperial''s spraying down light machine gun fire from their Drones to harry them like locusts. The Mages reacted by casting Magic Missiles upon the enemy Drones, being able to swat many dozens of times as the same reciprocation as the Drones shot them down. But unlike, the Mages despite all of their talents, they lacked ISAC''s Quantum Deep Learning capabilities and his transcendence from human limitations such as self-preservation and stress. The AI felt no tears whenever the Mages valiantly brought down one of the ''Metal Fairies'' for another can easily take its place. Through layers of attacks, ISAC records the behavioral patterns of the Battlemages and transmits them back to the AI for collective analysis to transmit new adaptive orders to the next swarm. In essence, in a white-room scenario, Battlemages must quickly outsmart them each time as the AI quickly learns how to predict their moves and defenses.


    "Keep the advance going everyone." Holyfield urged the soldiers. "We have them on the run. Don''t stop now."


    "We need more time Major. Get these enchantments off of these!" Mendoza radioed. "Ho''don! Get rid of these!" he ordered the Goblin Shaman.


    "I cannot! I must¡­ retire¡­" Ho''don sighed as he collapsed from Mana exhaustion. All the hard work he had done with the bridges and summoning those Spirit Wolves finally taken his toll on him. The UFEAF Soldiers near him, realizing that there''s nothing more he can do at his current state hurried him away from the fighting to safety so he can recuperate leaving Martainne and Kimora with Mendoza.


    "All falls to me then! Fear not!" the Lich declared as he sailed his bony frame across the white sands of the beach head towards the Enchanted Barricades.


    Passing by the heavily suppressed IFV, the Lich began to concentrate his Magicks to disenchant the arcane energies within the wooden caltrop shaped barricades the impeded his allies'' progress. He was vengeful, wishing to see the Empire be humbled by his Necromantic Legend, to show them what it felt like when someone intruded upon his lands and to destroy all that he had built and scatter his children. The Imperial''s knew of the once powerful Necromancer King of the old Cenhill Kingdom and now soon they shall see the legend with their own eyes of how Martainne all feared the name of ''the Lich King Cenhill'' once more. But even with his vengeance in his unbeaten heart, the advancements in Arcane Enchantments were still a significant challenge for him. 500 Years being stuck inside his Tomb did not do much in acquiring new knowledges from the outside, only regarding the basic or obsolete inscriptions of his library of ancient texts of those where the advancements of Enchantment Magicks were based upon then expanded from.


    The Lich frustratingly jiggled the locks of these Enchantments as he attempted to defuse them, losing his peripheral awareness of the battle burgeoning around him.


    "Hurry up!" the IFV Commander told him. "I don''t know how much longer she can take---Ahhh¡­ Shit!" the Commander cussed as his Fjord IFV was blanketed with boiling pots of oil that were instantly ignited by an Archer''s careful fire arrow igniting the IFV in flames. Thankfully the flames only managed to cause cosmetic and temporary sensory disablement of the Vehicle as the crew were left temporarily blinded by the Alliance''s innovative attempt to halt their advance.


    "The fire is screwing with my Camera''s. I can''t see shit. Gotta button up!" the Commander shouted as several Engineers frantically put out the fire on his IFV.


    "Someone paints those Slegs up there!" a UFEAF soldier shouted.


    "Martainne, we''ll cover you! Get that Barricade down now!" Mendoza urged the Lich.


    "A Lich! It''s the Lich King of Cenhill is here!" cried one of the Imperial Footmen.


    "Yes indeed! I have risen from the grave and all shall fear my name again! Ha! Ha!" Martainne playfully teased, indulging them on his old legend to shatter the resolve of those peoples who destroyed his Kingdom and scattered his children.


    "Holy Spells! Now!" a Sergeant ordered a Battlemage.


    They knew that with such a powerful adversary would overwhelm them the longer the likes of Martainne can roam freely to cast his spells with impunity. Liches, those of borne of Unlife and otherworldly Demons were most especially vulnerable to the radiant effects of the Holy Spells that many devoted Clerics and several of Battlemages have learned to cast when confronting with such monstrosities.


    The Battlemages whispered to themselves a silent prayer to their Patron Gods as they rushed towards the barricades, preparing their exorcisms to cast off the Lich and his Undead Minions back from whence they came.


    "Watch out!" Kimora cried as she used her wooden shield to protect Martainne from the Holy Spell''s cast by Imperials that would have otherwise incapacitate him gravely.


    "Curse you Imperials for trying to smite me!" Martainne roared.


    "Get that F.U.C.K.I.N.G Barricade open!" the Fjord IFV Commander blindly yelled as his vehicle was still being continuously harassed by the Imperial Skirmishers.


    "Gah! I cannot concentrate with these Mages trying to banish me!" the Lich closed his fist.


    Martainne stepped away from the enchanted barricade and hovered over the Imperial Mages nightmarishly, his worn-out robes and skeletal form a terrifying sight to behold. To them, it was if they evoked the wrath of an ancient entity that was never meant to be wronged.


    "Your bones will be the foundation of a monument to your defeat!" Martainne forwarded his dreadful finger tauntingly at the Imperials


    "We are not afraid of you Lich King! Your reign of terror will end here." A Cleric answered back.


    "You will die in terror then, and your bodies to be Thralls to my will! Allow me to show you!" he theatrically laughed.


    His reputation as a ''Tyrant'' back in his days were more or less exaggerated or mere fabrications from his rivals. He had an honor code when it comes to raising the Dead to his services such as only using the bodies of those who had consented upon their death to give their corporeal remains to him to act as his on-demand labor force to be buried in specially made tombs where their bodies are to be kept in sanitated conditions to prevent disease when he or his successors were to call on them for construction projects or to march for war. He normally doesn''t use the bodies of his former enemies unless faced with no other choice as he finds commanding large swathes of Skeletal Minions to be taxing on his necromantic capacities. But still, the reputation of ''the Lich King using the bodies of those who perished to slay him to be bounded to his Will and be set loose to attack his enemies'' was a decent albeit double-sided deterrent against territorial rivals.


    Conjuring his Magicks, the Lich formed a dreadful amethyst ball-around his two hands. Those of his enemies surrounding him suddenly felt their bodies run cold as pores from their skin began to leak out. First their sweat, then the water in their veins before suddenly the very veins themselves burst forth from their skins to be magnetically siphoned to Martainne''s energy sphere. It was an exotic spell that the Lich had learned and adapted from a Hydromancer from the Eastern Suzerainties. Called Abbas-Jaffaf''s Wilting. Originally intentioned to siphon water from desert fauna, the Lich during his research in his quest to grant Magical Powers to his children at will found a much more macabre purpose for the spell. Using his controversial Sangromancy that he pioneered when he still had mortal form, he can horridly ebb out bodily fluids, vitals and even liquid Mana onto a ball that he can use as capacitor for more devastating feats of Arcane Magicks or just straight up make entire groups of people collapse dead whatever his priorities were at the time. The Imperials could not physically resist spell''s necrotic effects on their bodies, not being able to move a muscle more as their life forces evaporated from their bodies, famishing their forms to malnourished automatons in a parody of both their once healthy selves and the skeletons under Martainne''s beck and call.


    When all of his attackers collapsed before him, Martainne gave another theatrically gleeful laugh as he used the siphoned on the Wilting''s energy sphere to power through the Arcane enchantments of the Barriers, instantaneously causing them break, and also creating a vile explosion of blood, body fluids and sc.u.m water to burst forth.


    "The path is clear." Martainne triumphantly announced.


    "We achieved breakthrough!" Mendoza nodded. "Yellow Cab-8 go push forward fifty meters up and then hold yourself back until your optics are fixed."


    "Rodger that! Carefully now¡­ eh¡­ thanks Lich! I never thought I would actually thank a god damn Mummy." The Fjord IFV Commander gave his gratitude.


    "Oh and¡­ don''t ask about the stuff that''s all-around your vehicle when you clean it later by the way." Mendoza added.


    "Why?" the IFV Commander asked.


    "I¡­ it is best¡­ you never know." Mendoza asserted.


    The Invasion''s advance continued onwards, capitalizing with all expense on the second breakthrough as the last vestiges of the second line of defenses of Marnia''s Bluff crumbled from the combined might of not only Martainne''s Necromancer powers but also the UFE''s Naval Bombardment and Carrier-based Airstrikes. Slowly trickling down or rather upwards, the vanguard of the Western Army Group fully crossed the Isthmus and now into more stable and open countryside where their speed can be fully utilized.


    "Point Normandy has been secured Spearhead." Mendoza reported.


    "Understood, time to unleash our Heavy Assets now. ETA Ten Minutes." Holyfield acknowledged.


    With the Cliff''s secured he can now commit the cr¨¨me de la cr¨¨me of his Forces, his Armored Tanks and Mechanized Borne Troops into the battle just as Deep Battle Doctrine teaches him to exploit the breakthrough his men have produced with heavy thrusts from his more tactically valuable assets which are his Mechanized Troops, his BWP''s and his Cataphract Tanks in addition to some much needed supply drops for his now weary troops who had expended tooth, nail, arms and legs to cross the Marnia''s Isthmus.


    "Push up and secure the Salt Mine! Let''s get our Cavalry going" Mendoza ushered the soldiers forward.


    "They are starting to get Desperate. Proceed with caution." Holyfield advised. In his experience the those who straggled behind and those cornered were the ones who are the most dangerous of adversaries.


    "Uukhai!" Kimora cheered, the thrill of Battle to see her enemies run before her exhilarated primal instincts deep beneath her kind''s psychological beings.


    Daosne were infamous for their ability to go frenzied berserk when in battle, amplifying their physical prowess tenfold compared to humans, Dwarves, and even Elves. It was no wonder the Imperials feared her people the Daosne as their stubborn resistances and raids against the Northern Territories of the Empire brought excessive amounts of trouble to the Imperial Legion stationed there. Yet a huge drawback to her manic stat was the withdrawal period that occurs after their murderous trances. Their stamina will be burned out, muscles bones ache, and in some of the worst possible cases, death. It was a high risk but very high reward action for a Beastman to allow themselves to descend into temporary savagery yet the warrior culture of the Daosne Tribes exemplifies such warriors who can slay the most enemies to prove their strengths, the Centaur War Maiden no different. She brandished her Axe and began to buck wildly like a sporadic mass of furred muscle as she charged headlong to the retreating Imperial Soldiers, moving just as fast and striding just as agilely as she alongside her fellow Centaurs and the Mechanized UFEAF Vehicles led the Vanguard into one great stampede. Every kill, every savage blow that eviscerates whatever hapless soul came across her further demoralized the Imperial Soldiers.


    The Sea Salt Mine and its concentration ponds was requisitioned by the Empire as a base of their operations and its strategic advantage overseeing the Imperial side of the Isthmus was the last obstacle that needed to be taken if the Isthmus Crossing was to succeed. The retreating defenders stumbled over each other as they attempted to flee whilst the Imperial Generals attempted to salvage the route and rally the Alliance soldiers back into the battle either through stubborn resolve or desperate fear of what the consequences were if the ''Dragon-Wall'' were to be breached. Yet they can all agree that the situation has grown dire. In their hubristic confidence, they thought they could repeat the glorious and legendary victory and success of the legendary Founder-King Caldell against the Demons during the First Demonic Invasion. Yet as the present time has harshly revealed that it was very clear that their adversary never intended to repeat their mistakes for the second time now that they had shown to see that they do learn from their mistakes, capable of more advanced thought than just marching forward and heel-stomping whatever poor soul dared to stand against them. For all of their meticulous plans from ambushes, magically enhanced defensive structures and their past experience fighting overwhelmingly large hordes of enemies from their past history was simply not enough to stem the Otherworldly tide. Worst still was that their ancient adversaries had found themselves new allies in the form of the other barbarians that they had fought against years after Alboen''s time from the savage Daosne Beastmen, the savage Greenskins and the undeathly Lich King of ancient Cenhill. Is if they had turned everyone that ever held a grudge against the Empire against them all at once. It was truly a Deluge of apocalyptic magnitudes the likes of Scribes, Historians and Bards write tragedies on their annals.


    "Call the Cavalry!" one Imperial Bannerman roared desperately.


    "Bring out the Fire Cart!" a Dwarf shouted.


    A Horn blared over the salted ponds of the Salt Mine as the thunder of hooves of the Imperial Mounted Knights, armed with their imposing lances charged forth. The speed of their hooves and superior height made them ideal for harrying the still trickling down Infantry still attempting to climb up from the Chalk Cliff''s rampway. Meanwhile behind them, several Dwarven Engineers pulled over a handcart that contained a mobile wooden launchpad on the top containing 100 cylindrical holes outfitted each with Uzeagoth tipped bolts.


    "Kill the Demons! For the Glory of the Empire and the Gods!" cried a valiant Knight as he charged his barded steed, riding alongside hundreds of his brothers towards the landfalling Invaders.


    A barrage of Uzeagoth bolts fired from the Fire Cart as they arched over the incoming Heavy Cavalry charge towards the still remotely unbalanced UFEAF.


    "Missile Artillery! Get down! Get down!" a UFEAF grunt shouted.


    The rocket aided Crossbow Bolts peppered the Invaders, severely maiming those injured and heavily pinning down those who managed to get to cover quickly. A perfect opportunity for the Heavy Cavalry to turn the tide of this battle around as he and his fellow Knights charged, lances aimed forward towards an enervated Lich-King Martainne and Captain Mendoza.


    But just as their lances were about to taste the blood of the Invaders, Kimora with her Centaur brothers and sisters hurled themselves between their new allies.


    "By our brave hearts you will move no further!" Kimora roared. "Uukhai!" she brandished her axe forward swinging it wildly in a counter charge.


    Years of fighting amongst each other and the advantage that they are one in spirit and body with their forms made Centaurs the ideal interceptors against enemy Cavalry, able to nimbly maneuver themselves against other similar mounted units and to come out of themselves on top in many cases of fights through their blood-stained histories combating against each other. Their lack of Cavalry tactics and mish-mash variety or disregard altogether of armor and more idyllic weapons suited for Mounted Units however being a Yoshadinyuddi''s only drawback. The Centaurs savagely hacked, slashed and even bucked the Slaegian Cavalry that by the time the UFEAF reacted to the Empire''s last-ditch attempt to stop their advance, there was very little left the Attack Drones and the Infantry had left to handle as the Centaur-led hail of steel fell the mighty juggernauts of Imperial might. Their resplendent armors and sacred banners buried beneath the slurried salt ponds, staining the white powder red with their blood as they were trampled by the thunder of the Centaur''s hooves. The Dwarven Artillery pieces, chopped to driftwood as their artisanal frames were casted off to the crashing ocean currents below by the jeers of blood-sated Centaur Warriors who danced their cloven hooves with the weapon crew''s corpses triumphantly as they slew them down.


    "How can we fight an enemy like this!?" a Battlemage wailed.


    "Retreat! The Gods have abandoned us!" an Imperial Footman despaired.


    Abandoning their weapons, their stations and camp the Slaegians routed themselves away from Marnia''s Bluff. It has finally been done, the Enemy were in full retreat and the Crossing had succeeded as the Federation''s titanic Cataphract Tanks rolled out of their Carriers into the battlefield, carrying the seven-ringed flower of the Federation on its back thus solidifying this auspicious conquest.


    "We did its boys!" Mendoza congratulated. "The enemy is in full retreat! And the crossing has been secured."


    "Hooah! Semper Fidelis BITCHES!" a UFEAF Marine hollered.


    "Indeed we all have." Holyfield smiled as he oversaw the advance at the Command Deck of the Aurora. "I got reports from Colonel Polonsky that our counterparts with the East have just broke through themselves. Vercourt and Little Hill should not last much longer once we encircle them." The Major informed.


    The Dragon-Wall from the perspective of the Empire was a complete and utter failure to the highest degrees. The Invaders broke through the supposedly impregnable defenses with ease and such speeds that some of the routed men lament to themselves to wake up as they believe that this tragedy, this massacre, this embarrassment was not real but a premonition of their dreams manifested from their fears of fighting the Otherworlders. But their pleas fell into the deaf earth as they were encircled and cut down by the vengeance-filled barbarians that they had wronged. All they can pray now is that the Chosen One can rally the rest of the decimated Empire to fight back against the Demonic Tide before all of Ysanigrad drowned in the darkness of their overwhelming might.


    Inversely saying for the Native Auxiliaries of those said ''Barbarians'' fighting on the side of the Otheworlders, they all collectively could not believe it. They had actually succeeded where each of them failed. Cause the much avaricious Empire in all of its expansive arrogance to fall into retreat. The image of Imperial Invincibility, obliterating before their very eyes. For the Tyr Rianni Laniyea and even the Lich-King Martainne, although their first taste of vengeance was indeed cathartic for the heinous crimes, they had done to their homelands of their once thought ''Distinguished Liege'', they also foresaw what ripple effects this has brought before them as they participated in this battle against them. News of the devastating aftermath of this Battle will spread across all over of Ysanigrad and all of the Gliesia''s eyes will fall upon them. Despite taking a majority of the negligible casualties during the assault, the Tyr Rianni would not have defeated the Empire at all if it were not for their new weapons. These ''Guns'', these strange Crossbows held unimaginable power that made centuries of Imperial Chivalry and Military Doctrine obsolete, what they now become the vanguard for as stated by their Prince, a new age for Gliesia and as day passed, there is no longer turning back to the old ways, all must move forward to the uncertain future that Prince Clovich brought forth for Gliesia. For the Lich Martainne, the Centaur Kimora and the Goblin Shaman Ho''don, this victory was perhaps the greatest blow to Imperial arrogance that they could have ever inflicted upon their oppressors throughout their tumultuous history against them. They danced, sang and even eloped themselves with their Otherworldly allies, as if sent by their Gods or their ancestral spirits to aid them in freeing them from the yoke of the Empire''s iron-fist against their peoples. They just didn''t imagine that the form amalgamated by this newfound vengeance brought them together with strange and even stranger of friends and discoveries.


    "So, what now Major? Full steam ahead to the Capital?" a Marine Corps Captain asked.


    "Belay that order, we will overextend too much and our men are tired and worn out from the fighting. Once East Army Group secured Neuogonia on schedule we shall trap any retreating Imperials falling back north from our position then link up with them. I want to save our best assets for the final push into Haringpoint." Holyfield answered.


    "Understood sir. The rest of 7th Marine and 333rd Assault are awaiting your call as always." The Marine Captain said.


    "Ehm¡­ excuse me?" a new voice emerged from the Radio Channel. Holyfield recognized that voice.


    "Prince Clovich? What''s your status report?" Holyfield asked.


    "My Cousin is with me right now and we had just received the news of your victory against the Empire is it not?" the Prince asked.


    "Of course, we just gotten through the Isthmus on schedule¡­ it was a tough fight but we managed," Holyfield answered.


    "And my men? My new Laniyea? How were they?" Clovich shifted the subject to his new Army.


    "They fought bravely, but they took some casualties¡­ the Ymosiad attach¨¦''s told me they are¡­ quiet to say the least. Which is surprising¡­ since nearly everyone else is well¡­ happy they won." The Major answered. "I believe you need to meet them. It looks like they could use your¡­ leadership right now." He suggested.


    "Hmm¡­ indeed, that is most wise. I will ride for Marnia''s Bluff due haste with my Cousin too. He must also see this." Clovich nodded.


    "Good, because you will have to be with your men from this point onwards until we reach the Capital. You have to be the one to be marching into the City when we tear down the walls." He reminded him of their legitimacy acc.u.mulating efforts for the Prince to gain the Emperorship of the entirety of the Slaegian Nation.


    "I¡­ will¡­" Clovich huffed¡­ with a steady determination growing in his heart. There was no going back for him and his people at this point. It was all-in or he loses everything. "I will meet you there in Neuogonia once both you and Polonsky''s men linked up." He tells him.


    Prince, the Vanguard of the Amelioration will march on an Iron Horse through Haringpoint and lead the new age he aspired to see Ysanigrad become or die fighting for what he believed is right as he swore himself on the day, he began his patronage with the Otherworlders.


    "I have some personal business with my cousin and his¡­ interesting friends to deal with." Clovich gave his farewells as he ended the radio call.


    Dropping the radio from Thomas Sight''s hands the Prince approached his cousin Duke Thibault and his hastily transported court as they stood before the Duchy of Tifrait, specifically at the site of what was once the legendary fortress of Brynbach or Little Hill. It took a long hard moment, suspended in disbelief, trying to dispel themselves in case this was all an elaborate illusion but it was not. It was real in every sense of the word that was. Even for Clovich, the scene before them was utterly devastating, yet he tried to keep his composure in front of his Cousin and his courtiers as they silently observed the grim scene before them. The entire Camber Valley Forest is now filled with stacks upon stacks of the corpses of 15 Imperial Legions and the Duchy''s Local Militia and Knightly Retinues, some of the finest of armies no less in all of Ysanigrad lay dead before the gaging coughs of Thibault and his Courtiers thanks in no part to the sickening ashes that the unceremonious cremation the UFEAF''s Engineering court undignifiedly sent them all of on. However, the most shocking facts are that the mighty fortress of Little Hill is now nothing than a pile of powdered rubble before their feet. The Souvielian''s, violence averse were at a lost of words as they remained catatonic to the tragic fate that befell upon the Empire''s forces. They could only eat their own words doubting Clovich and his Otherworldly patrons.


    "Do you continue to doubt me and the Federation now dear Cousin of mine? You see before you what we can do? What our fate is if the Empire continues to pursue this war and have you and your people be sent to the slaughterhouse for this pointless war Emperor Uldin provoked on me?"


    "Yes-yes cousin¡­ and Ser Sight!! I am deeply sorry for doubting ever doubting you two! The Empire shall be ruined if they do continue and if you say is true, then you are perhaps the only one who can stop this from happening to ALL of Ysanigrad¡­ maybe even the whole of Gliesia. Do not forget they had wronged me too with Jodent and the Elven Sefydliad." He acknowledged. "B-but, what would happen to Souviel?" Thibaut asked, his voice shaking in dread as his Courtiers cowered behind him.


    "Don''t fret Duke Thibaut." Thomas announced. "Your people will be safe under our protection as long as you allow free trade and military access to come in and out of your cities. In return we can grant you access to our trade networks which will make you and your people prosper ten-fold to whatever you had earned when you were with the Slaegian Empire." He spoke in his honeyed-voiced as he reassured the Duke of the Federation''s pragmatic proposition into securing his fealty.


    "You will also have to swear fealty to me and my new Empire too since I will be your new liege from this point forward Cousin. All you really have to do is to just make sure Souviel is still¡­ well¡­ Souviel and it will be like nothing ever happened." Clovich added.


    "I accept!" Thibault nodded. "You have not only shown not only overwhelming power but you have proven yourself to be able to look out for the interests of those whom you wish to welcome hospitably in to your mighty wings. The Fealty of Souviel is yours." Thibault bowed as he handed over his Scepter to his Cousin.


    "Thank you, cousin. I promise you will not regret your choice." Clovich smiled as he ushered Thibaut upwards from his knelt stance as he embraced his cousin for having faith in him and his new vision of a better and brighter Ysanigrad.


    "Please forgive my roughness all of you. I needed to act quickly and you Souvieli''s to say without malice¡­ well you tend to take life at your own pace. You all lack well¡­ urgency sometimes all of you¡­ especially you Cousin!" Clovich casually chided to the Souvieli noblemen and women, ignoring the previous periods of him hard-lining his approach to them earlier.


    "Life is too short to rush for us you know? But then again, aren''t we all fated to die one day? Why bother with so many trivial squabbles when you can live life bringing happiness to as many as you can?" Thibaut lectured ecstatically.


    "Let''s have something to eat shall we Cousin? I have so many things to tell you about my time on Earth that you would all think I am lying!" Clovich laughed followed by the rest of the newly secured allies the Federation managed to reel into their sphere of influence.


    With Souvieli now firmly secured by proxy under the Federation''s watchful eye. They have seaborne starting point that the UFEAF can expand further from thanks to their extensive and lucrative trade connections. With Souvieli Money and Tyr Rianni Soldiers, the Pacification Campaign is slowly gaining the critical momentum they needed to bring down the rest of the Natives of Gliesia in concert to the Federations, and the Party''s designs.


    ---------------------------------


    The Great and most Glorious Black Tree Pact Elven Expeditionary Army marched through the Human lands with eager ballast. Among there numbers were the finest troops the brave men and women of the arising power of the Black Tree Pact Confederation of Eastern Alfel-Nora had to offer 100,000 strong: Dreadsteeds, Sisters of the Blades, the Unseen, Acropolis Wardens, Altars of Teleuth (known as Telin by the Humans) and Black-Thorn Riders supplemented by an assortment of Monsters collected from either there native homelands or from parts unknown such as over 200-winged Erynias and a Abyssal-Kharibidyss that were captured, sold and/or bred from the Tavai Islands, 100 of the nimblest of Katakan Were-Bats from the southern lands of Ysanigrad, 50 of the most imposing Rock Elementa''s of the D''ao subspecies from Saihan, and lastly their crown jewel, a Black Dragon of the highest of esteemed of draconic bloodlines of proud Alfel-Nora of whom this spawn was the personal steed of one Lord Vokhol Duskblaze.


    They were the first foreign forces in Ysanigrad to heed the call of the Slaegian Empire''s need of aid outside of the recently migratory Dwarves. For a native of the continent, such an army of exotic warriors were merely the imaginative products of bardic lyricism as Black Tree Pact Warriors were heavily influenced by the armors and weaponry of conquered peoples the expansionist offshoot of the Elves of Alfel-Nora demonstrated compared to their more traditional Ethuilen Entente counterparts and Lord Vokhol''s orders were to explicitly display such splendor everywhere he marched. It had been only two weeks however since their arrival in the Human''s Domain however when he had received word that their political rivals, the Ethuilen have now arrived with their army led by the only son of the loathsome Ethuilen King Aslanidor, Prince Valorion. Lord Vokhol knew that he will need to skip all the pageantry and now put his army into practice. Fortunately for him, he managed to convince the Slaegian Legionary Commanders to have him be deployed as close as he can get to the Frontlines so he can at the soonest have his army be put to work against the Demonic Invasion. He had complete faith on his abilities and the prowess of his long-lived men of an average of 70 years of service in the Black Elven Army that they can weather whatever battle these Invaders can throw at them. If they Black Elves can play their cards adequately, they could win the favor of the Imperial Emperor to allow them to bend some of his affairs to the Midnight Camarilla''s expansionist designs.


    "Interesting¡­" Lord Vokhol scratched his chin as he laid his head back when an Imperial Messenger of a disheveled attire hurriedly reported to him of the grave happenings of what had transpired the first few days of Invasion.


    He and his Army were originally to rendezvous themselves with the transit point of Neuogonia before awaiting the Empire''s so-called Chosen One before being sent further south to assist in the defense of the Imperial''s Dragon-Wall. However, news of its multiple breaches has thrown their plans into jeopardy as word as immediately been dispatched that the Otherworlders are now making headway deep into the heart of Imperial Lands consisting of mere cities, townsh.i.p.s, irrigation canals and plains of farmland unlike the rough hinterlands or the marshy Marnia''s Bluff to be used for defenses. They are to rush to the defense of Neuogonia and aid the evacuation of the retreating Imperial Defenders so that Emperor Uldin and his circle of Commanders can salvage a new defensive line.


    A perfect opportunity to demonstrate the Black Tree Pact''s superiority to the bewildered defenders as so the Camarillas wished to demonstrate to both the Slaegian''s and their decadent Ethuilen kindred.


    The Black Elven General dismissed the messenger and sent him off his merry way as amiable as a haughty Elf could before turning to his advisors once the Human disappeared.


    "Those Pathetic Humans, three days in and already they are losing control of their footing in this War of theirs." Vokhol disdainfully scoffed.


    "To be fair, all Non-Elves are weaker in Magicks and lack our long lives." One of his captains joked as he sipped from his enchanted Sweetwater from his drinking bladder. "All we must do is do as the Emperor has told us for now. We must hurry pace to Neuogonia at the double." He advised.


    Lord Vokhol nodded and ushered his men to march forward.


    After about quarter of a day''s march for the army, Vokhol''s Expeditionary Force could see the hilled borough of Neuogonia, the crossroad township of the Empire where each of its four directions meet converged on the horizon.


    However, the Black Elf soon realized that there is something wrong with the scene. Normally, a forwarded party of either the Legion''s Knights or a Mounted Retinue of the local Duke would received him by now yet there is none. Alarmed, Vokhol grabbed his telescope as ordered by one of his Fox-Kin slaves to his hands. As he peered through the hilly burg of Neuogonia, to his dismay he saw before him not the Imperial Dragon of the Slaegian Empire but instead an Azure flag fitted with five rings amalgamated together to form a flower. They had arrived too late, the Township had been captured.


    "It has seemed we were too slow General." A Sister of the Blade sighed as she sharpened her vorpal twin swords, sparks flying out of her blades as she attuned them.


    "Judging by the way the town has been besieged however, it seem''s they only had recently conquered Neuogonia. It is likely whatever Demons who happen to be there are currently either drunk with victory or weary of their earlier efforts. I prime opportunity to surprise them by the sudden arrival of our forces." A Captain said.


    "We should at least try to find any survivors of the Garrison or of the Humans before we move in however. The Messenger did say he had reported to several of them before he had reached us." A Sorceress added.


    "Hmm¡­ your advice is sound. We shall rest for now and wait two days before we commence the assault. Have the Sorceresses bring up our Canopy of Greater Invisibility on our Camp, have the Dreadsteed''s scout out the terrain and bring any of what remains of the Imperial Legions to us. I will personally see to our monsters that they are ready for battle." Vokhol smiled confidently.


    He stood up from his lofty chair as he walked towards the Monster Pens where he keeps the more Monstrous collection of his Army in bay.


    "Please spare me! I promised I won''t disobey again! Nnnnooo!!!" cried a ragged Fox-Kin slave who was caught recently for disobeying one of the advances of a mentally frustrated Acropolis Warden.


    But she was quickly grabbed from her body, by the jaws of a great serpentine beast before being quickly swallowed whole as her body corroded underneath its amethyst scales.


    "Dre''sah, soon your belly will grow fat with the blood of our enemies. My precious little Black Dragon." He smiled sadistically as he ordered his servants to feed more of the flesh and blood of dissident slaves to rouse the appetites of not only his personal Black Dragon but also the rest of the Monsters in their pens.


    "Feast well for now! For soon you will feast more when you are set loose to battle! Show me all of your primal wrath on the day of battle oh feral Children of Nenneth!" he perversely cackled.


    Those slaves terrified cries from Daosne, Tavai, Fox-Kin, Gaith alike were vividly recorded however from a singular drone, whose visage was of a simple native dragonfly-like insect of Gliesia for the una.d.u.l.terated sight of one Muffin Eating Intelligence Agent.


    "And I thought I had issues¡­" Agent Gary De Sardet cringed as he ate another bite of his husband''s Blueberry-Banana Muffins. Hearing, seeing those poor slaves die under his powerless view made his blood boil. As loyal agent to the Bureau of Intelligence it is people like Lord Vokhol is why he joined the call in the first place both as a Data Analyst and as an ''Extractor''. It would be very much good for purging the unhealthy amount of stress that is causing his dapper brown hair to gray if he could reach out and give that Black Elf what it feels like to be afraid¡­ in his very bloodied hands.


    This information must be relayed to Polonsky''s men at once. He can feel in his bones that this Campaign has not yet reached its most apocalyptic peak.

 Chapter 51 - a Hostile Spear in the New Frontier

    Ever since the UFEAF forces achieved breakthroughs from the Dragon Wall, the lay of the land shifted considerably. No longer did the Otherworldly soldiers sat behind the wilderness of forests or the sloes'' of marshes but now they sat atop of the Empire''s Imperial Heartlands. From the uneven hills that would reverberate their Motorized Vehicles upon its rough march to idyllic plains with calm pathways no different like the paved roads back from their celestial homelands, the vast expanse of Gliesia has now lay bared for those intrepid enough to explore through its adventurous depths. The Army was now free to do their reconnaissance, maneuver, and resupply with virtual impunity. To most of the Soldiers who spent their lives either in cold gray rocks, within the barges of their sh.i.p.s, or stationed around the ho-hum biomes of the UFE''s colonies, it was as if they opened a book to the awaiting arms of what can only be a pre-industrialized paradise that is Gliesia''s natural and beautiful self. Chromatic fields of a palette''s worth of many different florae with the occasional flowing creek encountered and frol.i.c.k.i.n.g docile wildlife brought the soldiers a brief moment of calm in an otherwise taut race to drive the knife deeper into the Empire''s Core. There were several traces of leftover volcanic ashes that choke the air and made some cover their orifices in masks of those left from the Ostalroc Volcano in which the Slaegian Serfs who weren''t hastily conscripted to the Imperial Militias they encountered had as much as they could sweep off the ashes away from their essential farming lands. Watering holes that weren''t sealed however were corrupted albeit the fishing nets meant to catch freshwater fish and the help of hydromancing Mages made improvised filtration systems to purify in their beliefs is Neneth''s Blood as said by Aliathra. Those sparse men were considered the most fortunate ones of the war. Not comprehending the strange carriages that pass by their villages to be the aforementioned ''Demonic Invaders''. Colonel Polonsky explicitly discouraged the Eastern Army Group interaction with the locals by the time being.


    Operation Haymaker''s demanding timings gave no quarter to those who would slow down as encircling and the capturing of key points is what is the most strategically politically effectuate objective at hand and the results speak for itself:


    The Imperial Legions that remained in the Duchy of Tifrait had either capitulated under the UFE''s tide, deserted, or were in piecemeals retreating back to the safety of the Empire''s many cities. Most of those who routed had to let go of their shields, their armors, and weapons just to lighten their weights as they turned their tails but even then, it was oftentimes not enough. By about day three of the Invasion, the UFEAF''s Eastern Army Group had just captured the strategic town of Neuogonia with virtually no fight as the town''s inhabitants were, as interrogated by the prisoners of war captured to had evacuated further inland and that the meager garrison was ordered to hold the town until the retreating remnants of the Dragon Wall regrouped with them. Unfortunately for them, the bulk of those forces that they had prayed to their War Gods to reunite with safely were hastily intercepted and disposed of by the UFE''s Mobile Elements. The general chow time gist as babbled by the Troops were of overarching confidence that the War could be over by the month''s end. The same enthusiasm albeit in a different tone of that was the Native Auxiliaries were facing another predicament, specifically the modernly equipped and sophomoric as a formal organization, Prince Clovich''s remodeled into the mirror image of his Otherworldly patrons, the Tyr Rianni Laniyea. Despite taking the most casualties of the ongoing invasion of about and being mostly taking whatever orders there attached UFEAF Officers would say due to the reservations of their new equipment and rather rushed training with them before being quickly sent into the deep end of a war, the Laniyea''s Reifflywrs Ymosiod Squads began to grow confident. They held their reservations and several concerning doubts of their abilities to challenge the Empire during the introductory phases of Operation Haymaker. For the longest time, they were all under the wings of the Imperial Slaegian''s sphere as their puppets but no longer. What was once only the dreams of madmen vainly attempting to defy the rules of political nature instead turned its fate around as the servants soon became the new master. Seeing the Imperial Armies fall beneath the storm of their marches shattered any fears of the defeat of their crusade against the Empire. They manage to take action against several hold outs of Imperial Armies fortifications with satisfactory results from their Otherworlder superiors with their new weapons. However, what still remains of their previous cultural background as any Medieval-aged minded person would be expected was their propensity of agitation and propensity to openly loot whatever they come across (despite the UFEAF equally guilty albeit they do such ''confiscations'' behind most people''s backs rather than in broad daylight), unlike there more experienced and disciplined UFEAF counterparts. An interest group of the Laniyea Ymosiad''s UFEAF Attache Officer''s formally requested that Prince Clovich, who had just arrived in Neuogonia to personally inspect his new troops to not only lift their morale but also reaffirm their vows to what they were truly fighting for.


    "My Prince! It is with gladness to say that our military campaign has achieved so much so greatly in such a hastily amount of time. Days even!" a Tyr Rianni Sergeant, a former Crossbow Yeoman now converted to a Reifflywrs acclaimed confidently to Prince Clovich as he arrived at the Laniyea''s camp in Neuogonia. "The "Indomitable" Legions of the Empire now are nothing but ashes in the winds under the feet of the Federation and our new army thanks to the firearms our godly patron has gifted to us."


    "Undeniably so! I am proud of what you, my fellow men have accomplished. Before long all of Ysanigrad will know of our strength." Clovich amiably smiled.


    "With these new weapons, no number of beasts, Magicks or even the Elves can stand a chance against us! The Slaegians and the Elves always pride themselves as Masters of the Glisea but now they are the ones who will be¡­ mastered!" a Knight raised his new BF-77 Battle Rifle into the air proudly with such gusto that not only he foregoes his trigger discipline but was mimicked further with his fellow Reifflywrs who also followed suit.


    Despite Clovich''s chagrin seeing the obvious infractions his army was being brazenly doing as he studies of Modern Military Sciences had taught him, he still feels an empathetic affinity for his fellow countrymen. However, by the air they are breathing through him, it seems his army are starting to lose their sense of way as he envisioned him when it comes to fully replacing the currently decadent Imperial Throne with his Amelioration. For he, the Federation and his Laniyea do not march towards Haringpoint as despoiling conquerors like the Barbarians before, but as fire branded revolutionaries seeking to dismantle the Magistocratic Feudalism, the Empire had so decadently relied upon to maintain itself at the expense of other folks for a system that will fully rejuvenate the Empires truest potential as the shining star of the Ysanigrad continent.


    "Indeed, it shall happen." Clovich smiled as he stepped his foot forward, his hands on his h.i.p.s as he prepared to talk them down to realign them back to his true path forward.


    "What is your name Yeo--- I mean¡­ eh¡­ Sergeant?" Prince Clovich addressed the former Yeoman who had greeted him earlier.


    "Muh n-n-name?" the Reifflywrs Sergeant gulped. The Prince, a man of noble-blood would dare endeavor himself to know the name of a commoner such as himself? A taboo breached so brazenly and right in front of his peers even.


    "Bey-non¡­ Sergeant Trystan Beynon mil''ord." He answered in a simpleton accent, lacking refinement typical of the more educated of Gliesian Folks but making up for his sincerity.


    "Tell me, Sergeant Beynon, why do you fight in the Laniyea? Obedience because of me? Or is there something more than just oaths you have that you fight for my Amelioration?" the Prince asked him.


    "I fight zo that mi''family will no longer fear hunger ever''gain¡­ za new cyflogres system has made many of us happy¡­ we no''longer have to worry of when can we eat our next loaf o''bread nor fear monsters attacks thanks to you and yer Patrons." Trystan bowed, mentioning a recent reform of compensation and benefits that those of his Laniyea enjoy during and soon after their service.


    "It is good to hear that you and many more of you are happy of what I have accomplished for you. But even then, it is not enough." Clovich nodded.


    "Do you remember what I had said back in Arhaf Square when I declared my Amelioration?" he asked the soldiers, holding Trystan''s shoulder paternally as he spoke. "What Trystan said here is what I¡­ no¡­ WE are fighting for. A future, free from want and fear! Gone shall be the days where we fend ourselves every day against the struggles of monsters and those who seek to despoil us of our worldly gains. Gone are the days'' people toil the fields for empty promises and meager reapings. Gone will be the days'' people fight amongst each other just to ensure they can have a future. The Rianni Amelioration will seek to break down the old and bring forth a new breath of life to our world, slowly marching together towards a new paradigm of one of peace, unity and prosperity!" he reaffirmed his ideals to his soldiers.


    The Laniyea Soldiers from the former Yeomen to the Knights veered closer to hear Clovich''s every word, enraptured not by his sudden eloquence but his attested sanguinity, a vision to see his dreams of a newer and better Gliesia.


    "We all fight for a future right? All I humbly ask of you, beneath your proud fanfare, your passionate enthusiasm and you''re beyond your own selfish hopes. Will you all fight to see that our new world can become the new truth? One rising above the ashes of the Old Empire? Not as Conquerors, but as builders to a new apotheosis that all men, Daosne, Elf, Dwarf, and what not can aspire to be?" Clovich challenged his soldiers.


    "You have my Sword." A Knight loyally bowed.


    "For a new few-chure." Sergeant Beynon followed suit.


    "The Empire has lost its Mandate. Yours shall replace it." Another Soldier added.


    "The Slaegians sit in their opulent towers! Bringing wars, misery, and poverty to those who see lesser than them. They promised ''Peace'' and ''Prosperity'' for Tyr Rian. No! Just peace and prosperity for them!" Clovich voice extended higher as passion ran out of his throat. "What did Tyr Rian get in return from their Tributes and bleeding for the Empire from Monsters, Famine, and Barbarians for centuries for? Nothing but betrayal! They selfishly hoard all the power and wealth of those they are meant to shepherd whilst quashing all of those who try to usurp them. But with the power of the Federation at our backs, we will triumph! We are the new approaching light amongst the sea of darkness and today we shall rise above the horizon and bring Ysanigrad to a new brighter day!" the Prince raised his fist.


    "For the Amelioration of a New Ysanigrad!" Clovich shouted.


    "For za A-mel-yer-ashion!" the Laniyea soldiers cheered.


    A standing ovation for the Prince concluded his visitation as Prince Clovich gave his deepest gratitude to all of his men who reciprocated in kind. Before long, it was now back to work for the Tyr Rianni Auxiliary Soldiers helping haul in the new equipment and supplies being shipped into Neuogonia thanks in part to the provisional Airfield outside of the trading town''s nearby plains that are rejuvenating the supply train of the combined Amelioration and UFE advance. Neuogonia has captured a day earlier thanks to the help of the Laniyea 1st Reifflywrs Battalion and Samantha''s Stryder Group Squad who captured the town swiftly and establishing the linkage between the Eastern and Western Army Groups and Colonel Polonsky and Major Holyfield wasted no time shipping in the rest of the Invasion Forces troops onto the field. However, there was still stiff resistance coming in from reserved forces of the Empire''s Armies being rallied by the Black Tree Pact Elves, a one Lord Vokhol who leads a Host of everything that made the Black Elves Armies so terrifying to behold that some were shrouded in myths such as the Sisters of the Blade being invincible, Acropolis Wardens being immortal and Dreadsteed''s being tireless in their gallops. Fortunately, the scouts were able to spot them before the Elves could enact their concealment spells to hide their advance. It was agreed that before any advance to Haringpoint can be made, these Black Elves must be dealt with in due haste.


    "What goes on with the Battle everyone?" Clovich bade his greetings as he entered the Command Tent of the UFEAF Forces in Neuogonia. He can see from the people who surrounded observantly a map of the area around the Crossroad City being the holographic projections of Colonel Polonsky and Major Holyfield and in the flesh were the defected Elven Princess Aliathra, the Share-Holder Chosen One Captain Samantha Rose, and Bureau of Intelligence Agent Gary De Sardet.


    "We were just about to begin Prince Clovich. We were waiting for you to arrive." Colonel Polonsky nodded.


    "I hope you rest well during your trip getting here votre altresse because we have a lot of work to do. Ces salauds!" Agent De Sardet greeted with an abrasive seethe from his teeth.


    "You said you made a ''horrifying'' discovery Agent De Sardet?" Samantha asked.


    "Oui, take a look at these Photos I managed to take with my drones Prince Clovich. I caught them on approach to Neuogonia last night." De Sardet put on display at the Holographic Table for the Prince, several reconnaissance photos that he took from his last scouting shift only hours ago.


    "So, these are the ''uncountable'' Armies of The Black Tree Pact? Impressive, I only heard stories about their conquests but never seen one with my own eyes." the Prince commented.


    Recognizing the Midnight Camarilla''s Tree-shaped circlet insignia. He was rather impressed by the vivid transcripts he now examined before him of the Black Elves'' impressive armies that could put the Empire''s Legions to be made humbled before. He noticed amongst the Black Elven Hosts that the army consisted of intimidatingly armored warriors, frightening monsters and powerful arcane sorceries by their backs all backed up by a heavily exploited and oppressed Di''thang or Slave class composing of non-Elves rounded up from the Black Tree''s many conquests around the known world.


    He knew based on the aversions and quirks he learned from Earth that the Federation would very much see those Elves in a self-evident negative light. De Sardet''s corroboration confirmed his assumptions.


    "I managed to count at least Seventy Thousand of them before their armies had to cloak off in some sort of Invisibility Spell¡­ Sphere thing. Soldiers, Scantily-clad Amazons, and f.u.c.k.i.n.g Monsters straight from my nightmares!" Sardet revulsed. "My Drones captured a horror movie when I scouted them out. They are marching to Neuogonia right now but if we can play our cards right with our artillery and guns we should be able to fight them. But if their Elven Magic should push us back then there is a serious possibility we may be forced to evacuate. Nonetheless, we will have to make at the very least cause those Elves to take back Town dearly with as much of their lives as possible." De Sardet suggested.


    The Intelligence Agent held a cautious amount of optimism in his breath as upon his observations on the Battlefield is that Neuogonia is no Nirnkarim as the town had no defensive walls outside of the central hilltop''s wooden battlements followed by the Crossroad Towns having a significantly smaller scale in terms of width compared to the Dwarven Hold he spent about a week defending from the Insurgent Natives of the Ostalroc Mountains before they blew up. The second reservation he had of the battle was the fact that the Elves outnumbered them in terms 10-to-1 in potential Magical Output vs the Federation''s ''Mystic Three'' which were the nicknames of Samantha, Aliathra, and Iris as humored around by the common grunts throughout the barracks about them.


    "We are not retreating Agent De Sardet." Holyfield cracked his fists, a thunderous thump rumbled through the table from his end of the call. "This town is needed for OUR supplies. I will be damned if my men run on fumes once they roll into Haringpoint."


    "We managed to prepare at least two days-worth of preparation around the town. But I have to support Agent De Sardet on the matter. The terrain isn''t suited for such a large-scale and protracted defense. There''s barely anywhere we can choke them out and the attackers have a lot of room to maneuver the widespread all across the area We only have at best about 6,000 men to defend the place when the Dark Elves come marching in ..." Polonsky raised.


    "And another forward element of 3,000 of my own coming to link up with you." Holyfield added. "Those grunts would be finishing their encirclements of the rest of the Imperial Stragglers from my side of the table. ETA four hours from now."


    "Those poor slaves¡­" Samantha empathetically saw the drained hope in the eyes of those Slaves who were being abused to the fullest extent by the Black Elves from De Sardet''s photographs. "We have to rescue them."


    "I may not like asking the Aparo Corpo''s for this but it looks like we can afford the have them flank from the back of the army from their camp so that we can encircle the Black Elves and prevent them from retreating back further inland¡­ or so I proposed madame." De Sardet proposed.


    "I will make the call if the Don''s men are up for it." Holyfield waived his approval.


    "But still, the battlefield is our 9,000 against their 70,000." Polonsky gulped. "And that''s not adding the fact that the Gliesian''s Magicks are the only things seriously hampering our advance forward. If the Empire''s Battlemages can call in devastating indirect fire from out of nowhere behind our positions that what do you think the Elves are capable of? We must not underestimate them." the Colonel argued.


    "What kind of a fight we are dealing with these Elves¡­ Aliathra¡­ do you have anything to say about them?" Prince Clovich turned to their Elven Ally.


    "I had spoken to the rest of this council about the Dark Elves but I will repeat my lecture for you Prince Clovich. I may not be the most knowledgeable but I do know a sparse amount of facts about my¡­fallen of kin." Aliathra took a deep breath as she readied her explanation. "The Black Tree Pact were Elves who had seceded from the Elven Kingdom centuries ago. They had always tried again and again to upstart my Family and the Ethuilen by having better armies, more lands, more Gold¡­ be superior in every way from us. Beneath all of their actions, is hatred, envy, and fear of being left powerless that is why, as my mother have said: ''they fight like starving wolves for every scrap they can take. Give them a quarter and they shall take from you a third.'' Greed and Envy drives and feeds my fallen of kin."


    "I know that, but what can I expect from their armies though?" Clovich asked.


    "Of my memory of the Midnight Camarilla or at least what my brother Prince Valorion told me during his studies, the Black Elves worship the very display Power and Showmanship to satisfy their magnanimous ego''s. They would likely put their best people forward when it comes to ''offering aid'' to the Slaegians. They have a history of venturing out around Gliesia as famed explorers, treasure hunters, and¡­ poachers from the Northern Hinterlands of the Daosne to the Jungles of Saihan. It is best to expect them to bring a diverse amount of knowledge of what they know of the entire world if it so improves the murderous prowess of their Armies." Aliathra answered.


    Clovich nodded and urged the Elf to go on as he listened intently.


    "For their Armies, of what I can remember¡­" Aliathra paused as she recollected her memories. "The Acropolis Wardens were modeled after the Yujegeong Gate Guards with their heavy armor and cleaving glaives which may the former troublesome for your soldiers for I do not know if they can pierce through the thick armor they wear into battle. Their Dread Steed''s were the products of an extensive breeding project by several equestrian of minded Black Elves who made a Steed ''that never tires''. Another terrifying aspect that gives the Dread Steed''s their ''Dread'' aspect is that the Knights riding upon them douse themselves with a powerful miasma that causes those who challenged them to experience their deepest fears, causing the enemy to quickly lose any will to fight. And if you take a closer look at that hooded lady without much armor, she is a Sister of the Blade who is a sect of Warrior Nuns who have a more¡­ violent interpretation of Widall the God of Conquest. Those Nuns¡­ more of maniacal assassins have the ability to become ''untouchable'' or that''s how the rumors go. For their Sorcery Magicks, they tend to focus on spells that debilitate the ability of their enemies to fight back." Aliathra divulged her limited knowledge pointing and then explaining all that she could to the congregation of the contents of De Sardet''s photos.


    "Untouchable?" Clovich questioned.


    "The Nuns both train and magically infuse their bodies with an Enchantment Spell that allows them to split their bodies apart on a¡­ ''mo-lay-que-ler level'' to avoid most attacks by them. This allows the Sisters to focus fully on slaying their preys whole foregoing any kind of defense." Aliathra explained as best as she could.


    "Then how exactly are we supposed to defeat them then?" Clovich asked.


    "Fortunately, I do believe we found a solution on how to negate the Sisters of the Blades'' ''Blur'' ability." Samantha reassuringly added. "Electrical- based Magicks is their kryptonite. A good enough charge should force their bodies to reform into something solid so we can actually hurt them. Zap them fast enough and they wouldn''t even notice until they drop dead."


    "Sounds also like a job a Stun Mine wouldn''t solve too. But then again, I leave the neutralization of those Assassin Nuns to you and the other Mystic 3." Polonsky nodded.


    "Indeed with all of our collected experience, abilities and tools at our disposal we can defeat the Black Elves. However there is one more there one more point I must speak of and it is considered perhaps the most profane of what my Fallen Kin are capable of." Aliathra raised. "It is known that their armies would¡­ in all their history, they gained the uncanny ability to tame even the wildest of monsters. Beasts of strength or Terrors of the arcane, if it has teeth and can gain an appetite to commit murder, their Beast Tamers would bind them to its will and have it fight on the Black Elven Armies as their vanguard."


    "That explains why the most gruesome of images De Sardet had taken." Clovich cringed. "From what I can gather from my Dragonflies. They are a bunch of Golems, some sort of Raptor Birds as big as a man and the grandest of all¡­ a Dragon. A ''Black'' one specifically." He said.


    "I am sorry Agent De Sardet¡­ they brought¡­ a what?" Clovich eyes twitched with hanging fear. Did his eyes deceive him?


    "A Black Dragon milord. My Fallen Kin brought forth from the depths of their vile homelands a Black Dragon. This means that the Midnight Camarilla had sent one of their very bests to attack us." Aliathra explained. "They say amongst the Dragon-kinds the Black Dragons are considered the most violent. They spit an acidic breath that can melt through any metals enchanted or not and their scales can stop almost anything not magically enchanted. Only a select group Black Elven Generals would be granted the privilege of their own Black Dragon mounts for battle. It is no question you fight one of ten of the Crimson Lancers The most accomplished of Generals of the Black Tree Pact." The Elf explained. Her arms kicked forward to her cheeks as she became flushed with fear.


    "Gods strengthen me for this Trial¡­" Clovich prayed as his body shuddered.


    "The overwhelming might of the Federation''s military can easily crush The Ten Lords of the Crimson Lancers and their armies who have never lost a battle nor a duel in hundreds of years," Aliathra states confidently. "But that doesn''t mean you should underestimate them. They are the elite of the Pact''s Army might for a good reason."


    "We learn from other people''s mistakes: Zulu, Burma, Afghanistan and Vietnam. I will not be the next subject on their Sunday Cigar Club chats. That I will be sure. Right, Colonel?" Holyfield swore with Polonsky nodding alongside him.


    "Again, I suggest we exercise caution, Holyfield. If we are to hold Neuogonia we will to kill off their Monsters and their Spellcasters as soon as the battle engages." Polonsky reminded him.


    "Kill things quickly before they can begin their Siege?" Holyfield asked. "They will march in full force towards Neuogonia right?"


    "Do take heed of the Black Dragon most of all. We must not allow it to exhale its breath upon your forces." Aliathra raised.


    "Maybe¡­ just maybe¡­" Holyfield muttered. Grabbing the Elf''s attention.


    "Do you have something to keep the Dragon busy Ser Holyfield?" Aliathra asked.


    "It''s not what we have¡­ but what we do NOT have..." Holyfield smiled coyly.


    "Not have?" Samantha twitched confusingly.


    "Not officially per say¡­" Holyfield grinned.


    "Major¡­ you''re not proposing we¡­ you commit the¡­ That¡­ thing!" Polonsky hesitantly tried to ask if the Holyfield was not humoring him again with his past glories. "Did it not nearly kill you years back?"


    He knew just what the Major was talking about, a relic of a past war that Polonsky thought were all wiped out but the Colonel had kept inside the Aurora Carrier in which the only reason it was kept there was that he couldn''t find the time to dispose of said dangerous relic. But now under such extra fortuitous circ.u.mstances, this relic, the last of its kind must now be sent back to the battlefield once again. A relic that the Federation had tried to wipe its existence. A relic deemed illegal, all records to be expunged of its existence from the face of Humanities'' tumultuous interstellar history.


    "Oh, it will be more than perfect for this battle. One last cry before that old memory finally becomes ashes where it belongs." Holyfield smiled. "Sometimes, to fight monsters, you need to send out your own." Holyfield bluntly explained his rationale with a singular sentence.


    -----------------


    "Destroy all of those who stand before us!" Lord Vokhol forwarded his sword towards Neuogonia.


    "Vlos Areion! Vlos Areion! Vlos Areion!" chanted the frenzied Black Elven Warriors as their marches spurred into a sprint.


    The shortened speak of the inspiring phrase by one of the Black Tree Pact''s founders meaning ''d.e.s.i.r.e through blood'' or more simply ''through blood'' which is a figure of speech chanted by those ambitious enough to push themselves to take all of what they want, all that they d.e.s.i.r.e through hard-fought effort as per their Founding Fathers and Mothers'' Core Principals.


    Vokhol''s men were split into of at least 5 Columns as they made their approach towards the Crossroad Town of Neuogonia cautiously albeit in a rushed pace to cover the distance between the expose ground his army find themselves upon. He took the precautionary measures of using his Rock Elementas, the 50 D''aos he had split into 5 groups of 10 to screen the core of his infantry during the approach while the troops themselves into the Marching Tortoise formations to shield themselves from any skirmishing fire from the Otherworlder''s defending the Town. Additionally, he let loose his flying units, the Erinyas and Katakans to probe out the Otherworlder''s defenses and to return the skirmishing fire likely being received back. He prefers to fully expend the brutish and monstrous aptitudes of his zoological collection of Monsters at his disposal to soak the brunt of most of the fighting while his men do the damage once his quarry tires themselves trying to slay the Black Elven Monsters.


    Riding atop of his Black Dragon, Dre''sah, he used her snake-like neck to look over the Town''s overall layout without exposing himself by flying atop of his troops less he instantly grabs the Otherworlder''s attention¡­ at least not yet. Using his periscope, he zoomed in on his aviary units as they beat their wings towards Neuogonia''s modest skylines, seeing his Katakans shifting their scales into invisibility and his Erinya''s cackling hungrily at the sight of a long-awaited meal made the Black Elven General smile confidently. These monsters, despite their nimbleness, had shown record success in being able to pre-emptively thin out more fragile sections of most enemy armies the Black Elves would encounter, assassinating Mages and Siege Engine Crews, for example, drawing the fire of enemy ranged fighters, and even just causing havoc amongst the enemy lines so that the main forces can take advantage and slaughter them wholesale beneath the chaos.


    But his confidence was short-lived. As soon as they approached the horizon, he could see the Neuogonia Skyline suddenly lit alight in luminosity as the shrieking wails of the Erinya''s death rattle and the Katakan''s angered holler echoed through the air. Normally these varieties of monsters were the expendable cut of his collection but typically most monsters do not go berserk so prem.a.t.u.r.ely in his experience. Enhancing the zoom of his periscope, he could see that his Erinyas were rapidly getting their wings clipped by an invisible magicks that made them plummet to the ground but not before wailing their infamous Screams. Meanwhile, he took notice that the Katakans began to uncloak from their invisible state and attempted to flee only to meet the same fate as their higher-pitched comrades. Their blood being shed being their own rather than his enemies. Before long all of his avian monsters lay dead atop his adversary''s grounds like a grisly trophy to demonstrate to Lord Vokhol that they will not let him take the strategic town so easily.


    "These Otherworlder''s are indeed impressive, routing both of my Erinyas and Katakans so quickly. We must proceed to harry their defenses so that my men can go through. Send out the Unseen and the Sisters, begin the advance! I want this town a burnt like the ashes we walk when Lehsol hides away." he ordered.


    His lieutenants bowed as one of them, carrying a horn massive War Horn held up by a pole sounded the wail that is felt across all of the Black Elven army.


    Overlooking the lay of the land discreetly from the trees. Neuogonia''s defenses as seen by the 4th War Marshall of the Crimson Lancers were quite ill-suited for any sorts of protracted defense as the town when designed by the Slaegians was more to accommodate high volumes of trade with the infrastructure to reflect upon the need. Wide-open roads, heavily paved walkways, and the houses spread out far from each other making it a nightmare to defend such a place from an attack. It was no wonder the Imperial Garrison assigned to await them there had collapsed so soon. In spite of those disadvantageous conditions, there were observable improvised defenses that were being hastily set up by green-pigmented infantrymen in cloth uniforms consisting of upturned furniture, carriages, and uprooted stones cobbled together to make barricades to impede the Black Elven advance. A commendable albeit vain effort to halt him and his army. His Monsters will easily see to that. He also noticed that there were several indecorous erections of strange Totem''s scattered about across Neuogonia''s grassy plains. Their construction of a design that neither Vokhol nor his advisory table of lieutenants could recognize apart from its altar-like appearance and twin bundles of iron sticks or cylindrical rods as some debate tucked around its circ.u.mference. If they were some sort of Magical Siphoning device or Aid of sorts, he doesn''t know but he will have his cabal of Sorcerer''s to deal with them.


    "Sorcerers! Unleash your Magicks! Burn this town to the ground!" Vokhol ordered.


    Using his army''s Altars of Telin, to efficiently overcast their spells to such a degree that most non-Elves would not dare push such limits, the violent scented Black Elven Sorcerer''s called forth to the sky the spell ''Madaivont''s Meteor''. Great rocks of condensed from the great Aetherium Weave were conjured above Neuogonia by the Black Elven Sorcerers, slowly materializing into this plane of existence asset over five of them were formed to rain destruction down below.


    But just as the great magical rocks were about to fully form before they are dropped into his adversaries. Lord Vokhol noticed strange bolts of light that come from afar behind the afternoon clouds charging towards his slowly fabricating spells like bee''s making their approach to a flower. A great thunderous blast followed upon those bolts of light making contact with the formulating ''Madaivont''s Meteor'' spells prem.a.t.u.r.ely miscasting the ponderously conjured spells from fully reaching its peak potency. The debris that managed to materialize all falling down upon its intended targets with negligible effect.


    "What trickery is this?" Lord Vokhol questioned the absurdity of it all.


    The ''Madaivont''s Meteor'' attack, a difficult spell with an equally difficult means of dispelling quick enough for one, let alone five simultaneously were all instantly blunted by these Otherworlders strange Sorceries. Before the Sorcerers could react, the Altar of Telin that they stood upon to cast their Battle Magicks suddenly ignited into glass splinters as if the wrath of the Otherworlder''s looked down upon the gaze of those who dared tried to smite them, destroying all of the 7 mobile Altars of Telin in mere blinks of the eyes. A humiliating sight for Lord Vokhol and the finest Arcane Battlecasters of the Black Tree Pact.


    "Our spells have failed!" a wounded Sorcerer stumbled before Lord Volhol and wailed in disbelief.


    "N-no matter!" Vokhol stubbornly clung to his wounded pride as he regained his composure. "Let us not push ourselves too much for such a trivial matter. Do not overexert your Magicks any more Sorcerers. Stick to safely casting your Spells with your Altars and support our troops advance into the Town!" he ordered.


    "In due haste!" the Sorcerer bowed.


    The Black Elf shook his fist frustratingly as he witnessed his men push forward closer into Neuogonia. These Otherworlder''s were indeed not unlike the barbarous Daosne Tribesmen nor were the helter-skelter rushes of the Saihanese but of a considerable prowess that he had mistakenly underestimated. But now this time, his gauntlets were off and his sword raised forward. It is time to commit to the battle. If these Otherworlder''s wish to fight him then his army''s murderous prowess in battle shall indulge them.


    As Vokhol''s marched further closer to the townhomes of Neuogonia, the Elves could hear the faint yet desperate cries of the defenders. In their histories of fighting and triumphantly besting such previous foes before, the sound of such panic excited them into a frenzy from the Elves and their Monstrous Shock Troops.


    "Fire!" a voice echoed from defensive lines.


    An orc.h.e.s.tra of a thousand, deafening drums followed suit as the Black Elves were being bombarded from their front, top and bottoms below in a storm of fire, erupted earth, and the haunting wails of slashing winds as if the very soil wish to stop Vokhol''s armies from advancing no further. Formations were broken, Soldiers cut down by invisible spirits whose wails were as of the flowing wind''s whisper, and monsters turn being ground into oblivion as Vokhol looked on, his face frozen upon the scene before him not to betray his grandiosity to his subordinates of a proud Crimson Lancer for he was, inside astonished by what he had seen. The once confident Black Elves, the proud sons and daughters of the TRUE rulers of Alfel-Nora whose l.u.s.t for glory and bravado were in one instant dashed away. Like the sands in the ocean, they have swept aside upon a tide of unseeable hail, as many of those who expected to bear witness and participate in a slaughter, became the slaughtered. No matter how they tried to defend themselves, whether shield, magical wards or even tucktailing behind the resilient D''aos Golems the Otherworlder greeting drastically reduced the first wave of Black Elves within the opening minute of their barrage. The Dread Steeds, the mighty vanguard of the Black Elves, there imposing steeds yet light bardings do them no favors in this ambush, instead, becoming easy prey to the Otherworlder''s invisible magicks that they, the very symbolism of frightening cavalry charges all lay dead on the battlefield for all of the demoralized Elves to see. Only the Sisters of the Blades, unless they too were caught in the preliminary explosions, were able to intangibly phase their bodies from harms way were still in a somewhat functional mental state albeit now hesitant on their next action as they have never faced an adversary that can unleash such a volume of Magicks towards their general direction. At first the Sorcerer''s who here placed in reserve thought that the Demons were using their Othewordly Magicks however after his Sorcerers divined using the spell ''Detect Magicks'' they gravely and confusedly informed the General that the only sources of Magicks it could sense were the Magicks being used to shoot down the Clay Golems. It was likely that whatever strange contraptions that waited for them must how can fire upon the Black Elven Army at such speeds that they are invisible to the n.a.k.e.d eye. Vokhol noticed that many of the thunderous noises came from the buildings within Neuogonia that the defenders had garrisoned and the previously overlooked Totems he had observed suddenly animated to life, turning around and to open its alien eyes. Eyes of fire gazed upon the Black Elven troops who were unfortunately at its direct line of sight and as if cursed, they die the moment the Totem''s gaze was set upon them.


    "Our Army is being sliced into ribbons milord! I fear only half of our entire forces are what remains of our glorious army! What should we do?" asked one of his Lieutenants alarmingly.


    Thinking quickly, Vokhol reassessed his resources available to him by on his immediate hand.


    "The¡­ the Sisters! Have them commit to the battle with haste. Have them flank the defenders! Sorcerers protect the Infantry and charge with my Wardens upon my signal. I need someone to loosen the chains of our Kharibidyss as it too will join the Charge. I will burn these Otherworlder''s to the ground myself!" he yelled, his ferocity boiling from the froth of his teeth.


    This rapid destruction of his forces shall not stand by his watch. Sufficiently analyzing the capabilities of his adversary. The Black Elf General cracked his riding whip onto his Black Dragon Dre''sah, commanding the beast to unfurl his wings and gust upwards to the air. He will see to it as his pride as a Crimson Lancer that he will make his enemies suffer for this humiliation. He will see them burn. Soaring over the battlefield in all of Dre''sah''s draconic majesty, he ordered his steed with one Elven word that would arouse the Black Dragon to fury:


    "Naara" the word for ''destroy''.

 Chapter 52 - the Battle of Neuogonia

    "The Major''s plan better work¡­ I don''t normally approve of such plans but then again. He was going to destroy it eventually¡­" Crocker tells his thoughts to Samantha as he sipped a cup''o joe from his MRE as he overlooked the outskirts of Neuogonia.


    "It''s old Militech-tech. But I understand your concerns, unlike last time. Major''s people will keep it on a leash." Samantha answered.


    "Hold up¡­ sensors are picking up movement¡­ oh no¡­ it''s here¡­ they are here now." Cold sweat escaped Kayin as he monitored the UAV''s Radar from his laptop monitor.


    "Obed here, that''s a large flock of birds¡­" Obediah radioed.


    He spotted before him on his binoculars a mass gathering of about hundreds of unusually shaped avian creatures flying towards their position with haste. To make his old heart stressed more was that he now can hear the heavy treads of an army uniformly and slowly approaching them alongside.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, our guests have arrived."


    Stryder Group dug in a fortified and old townhouse near the outskirts of Neuogonia. Barbed wire fences, a ditch, several mines, and other adjacent strongholds of similar built were all that protected the house from the outside world. Utilizing the limited manpower and the defensive terrain to their advantage, the combined Laniyea and UFEAF forces awaited eagerly for the impending charge of the Black Elven Army.


    Over the distance, they can see Lehsol slowly setting herself down upon the horizon as the sun imbedded its heated kiss upon the UFE''s eyes.


    "Those are Erynias. Avian Monsters native to the Tavai Islands. They say that their screeches can cause anyone who hears them to feel immense pain." Aliathra explained.


    "They''re in range now." Kayin looked over the binoculars. "What is our orders?"


    "All Anti-Air Weapons, fire for effect." Samantha radioed her orders.


    "Affirmative, Chakrams rotating." Radioed the Air Defense Captain.


    He the roar of the Militech Chakram SPAD burst to life as its Twin 30mm Gatling Guns and Radar Guided SAM tore unleashed lead rain upon their flying attackers. The pint-sized little brother to the Militech Fjord IFV, sacrificing size to accommodate a full weapon loadout of Anti-Air weaponry and equipment to take down any hostile object who so happens to vulture around an effective 20 Kilometer radius. They were soon followed by those brave men under the banner of the 20th Engineering Battalion''s PAAL-2 Slingshot MANPADS and Ullr Missile Batteries that fired surface-to-air missiles that fragmented into shrapnel upon detonation near their targets aimed at the Erinyas. Both weapons finding their marks upon the avian monster''s flock with lethal precision tearing the large birds of prey apart without their talons ever tasting the blood of their prey. They leave an inhuman and profane shriek that gave a haunting chill to those who heard of them even hundreds of meters away as their bodies plummeted to the green and ash grounds of the Slaegian Heartlands.


    "GAH!" cried the Air Defense Captain.


    "Son of a bitch!" Crocker gnashed his teeth as he grasped his ears painfully.


    All of Stryder Group could feel their eardrums disgorge themselves as they heard the Erinya''s screams of pain.


    "You weren''t kidding when you said they scream so loudly¡­" Samantha cringed. "O-Obediah? How are you doing?" she turned to their sniper who situated himself on the second floor of the house.


    "I feel¡­ a bit queasy¡­ but I think my Ear Filters stopped the worse''em."


    "Orion? This is Stryder Group status report?" Samantha turned to the town''s Air Defenses.


    "Damnit we are at¡­ at best Fifty Percent fighting strength ma''am. Those screams knocked out a good number of my Weapon Teams and Vehicle Crews." reported the Air Captain. "Getting them out of her righ---SHIT!" he screamed.


    "Orion?! Orion!?" Samantha cried, shaking the radio intensively to garner a response.


    "We got¡­ Giant¡­ Bat¡­Lizard¡­ things¡­attacking the 20th! They barely register on my¡­ Thermals!" the stutter of the radio barely giving a coherent explanation of his panic.


    "Katakans. Those must be the Katakans!" Aliathra alarmingly informed.


    "You know the drill Captain. Bring out your Incendiaries." Samantha ordered, reminding them of Aliathra''s insights into these monstrous beasts.


    The 20th Battalion Captain nodded and unleashed from their reserves their Incendiary weapons, Fiery Grenades enchanted by Iris and Flamethrowers were thrown upon the Lizard-Batlike Monsters whose biology has an instinctual aversion to sudden spikes in temperature and loud noises due to their enhanced echolocation-centric hearing and frigid native homelands of the southern and untamed lands of Ysanigrad. Another hazardous score about these native beasts is that their unique scales reflect light in such an illusory way that combined with their cold-bloodedness they can easily slip past most of the UFE''s Detection Equipment with relative ease.


    "Shit!" Obediah recoiled as one such Katakan caught sight of him resting his rifle upon Stryder''s House with its eagle-sighted eyes. The aviary reptilian swooped in upon, aiming its razor-sharp claws eagerly for prey as the Widower Sniper barely escaped its clutches just in time as the monster crashed through the wooden frame of where the Sniper had rested upon.


    The Katakan cried thirstily in vain as it tried to reach inside the Obediah''s room but its large size could barely breach through the broken window.


    Quickly drawing his Hunting Revolver, Obediah fired two .357 Magnum rounds off of his Koncha Pistol named ''April'' towards the beast. Piercing critically through its scales and through its heart, killing the monster instantly as its body fell down upon the house''s front door.


    "Katakan''s are in full retreat! They¡­ we have casualties¡­" the Air-Defense Captain radioed.


    "Finish them off and rally all those still who are still combat-capable. This is only just the beginning. I need Pounder''s ready to fire at my mark." Samantha ordered.


    "Acknowledged." The 20th Engineering Captain nodded.


    Artillery Pieces were now being set up and tuned to the direction of their predetermined coordinates as their shells awaited Captain Roses'' signal.


    Samantha looked over the approaching Black Elven army marching towards the UFE''s lines with a stiff yet determined march towards them. Thanks to ISAC''s Combat Calculations, the optimal location and timing of the UFE''s Support Artillery was designated on her visor now awaiting the adversaries to merely walk into their death trap. All of the Armymen and all of the Laniyea anxiously awaited for the signal as the grasps their guns as the Black Elves loomed over across the fields, not knowing they were doomed the very moment they stepped close to Neuogonia''s outskirts.


    "Fire!" Samantha shouted.


    "Send it!" 20th Engineering Captain nodded.


    Mortars, Shells, and Missiles arched over Neuogonia''s defenses as rained fire below to the Black Elven Infantry absolutely devastating their formations into a scrambled mess of corpses and shell-shocked troopers stumbling blindly from the artillery barrage''s blast zones. Some of the higher of ranked Pact Soldiers raised their swords to rally the shocked men to continue on the march in a hasty rush to close the distance between the Black Elves and Neuogonia. From that point, a second volley, one of the bullets was unleashed upon them from the UFEAF-Laniyea defensive positions. Each choosing their shots carefully in rapid succession as automatic Machine Gun fire burst through enmassed Black Elves taking dozens upon dozens of lives in seconds.


    "Keep firing!" Samantha oversaw Sgt. Crocker''s Machine gunfire as he burned through hundreds of 7.62 mm bullets with his LMG.


    "Back off!" Iris rolled her hands as torrid airs conjured around her fingers before the Vampire Witch let loose a smiting blade of lightning. Unlike her previous histories of only able to crackle enough of a current to electrocute one person from close range, her deeper insights to a lightning bolt''s essential characteristics of ''breakdown voltages'' thanks in part to Samantha and Kayin has allowed her to cast the spell to gain the additional effect of the electrical current able to jump between multiple targets, searing through the Black Elves heavy armor into hollow slags.


    Their ambush''s opening hours managed to quickly cut down a multitude of Black Elven troops when they had detonated their mines and had them walked into the waiting arms of their prepared Machine Gun and Mortar kill zones. Additionally, the Mines that the UFE were able to set up caused their Testudo-style Infantry Formations to crumble sending the Black Elves flying if they were Anti-Personnel mines or electro-tased still if they were the non-lethal Electrical Stun Mines to be easy prey for the Laniyea''s newly-formed Reifflywrs to finish them off. The Stun Mines also as predicted, temporarily disrupted the meta-physical phasing effects that the Sisters of the Blade relied upon to dodge most of their attacks, resulting in them being killed before they realize what had just happened. At first, the Elves were frightened by the hearing and sight of the Federation and Laniyea''s weaponry but they were able to craftily shield began to recompose themselves. Several hid behind a Sorcerer''s Warding shells only for their protective magicks to shatter upon the weight of the Federation''s arsenal whilst others were blocked off by the ballistically resistant D''ao Clay Golems whom the Federation have a difficulty penetrating its oleaginous bodies, merely absorbing most of their gunfire. It was only resolved when Iris and Karliah cast several Magical Missiles upon several of the 50 Golems which caused them to erode like broken soil.


    However, even with the large volume of fire the combined Amelioration and Federation forces inputted towards their adversaries, there most vulnerable moments, the equally sizable Black Elven Army of those who could still keep their composure pushed forward under the cover of their slowly being battered down and sapped Magical Wards and Golem screens.


    "Shit!" Clay cursed as he narrowly dodged the Black Dragon''s Acidic Fire Breath as he rushed back into his squad''s bunkered down house.


    "Ammo''s here! Load up!" the Engineer tapped Samantha on her shoulders, carrying the said box of ammunition and his MAR-A5 Rifle clumsily passing much-needed supplies for the UFEAF Soldiers.


    "Gah!" Clay collapsed behind a wall and frantically grabbed his Radio Piece from his b.r.e.a.s.t pocket. "Someone shoots that damn Dragon down now! It''s roasting us!" he yelled.


    "This is Orion! We are trying! But the Dragon is just shaking off whatever we are throwing at it. It''s just regenerating whatever wounds we make on it and just burning the whole place down. I am now down to one SAM and two AA''s over!" the Air Defense Captain responded to the Radioman''s calls.


    "Regeneration? Dragons can regenerate wounds?" Aliathra''s ears perked curiously on Clay''s radio chatter. "They¡­ don''t heal that quickly." She mentioned.


    "Then how are we going to kill that thing?" Kayin urgently questioned.


    The Black Dragon''s Breath was indeed a terrifying weapon to behold, strafing across the UFEAF''s defensive lines unleashing its fury to the defenders below, and unlike the failed Meteor Attack, the monster''s attack run found several of its marks. Liquefying several key defensive installations and positions from garrisoned homes to even several mechanized elements. The Beast managed to draw the ire of most of the Federation''s heavy defense ordinates to itself buying precious time for the Black Elves to close the distance towards Neuogonia''s defenses.


    "They are getting closer. There''s just too many of them!" Karliah cried.


    "Keep firing! Don''t let up!" Samantha ordered.


    They needed to hold this position for as long as possible until their reinforcements arrived and their Fire Supports could reload their weapons for the next barrage yet even then, the situation is slowly becoming dire by the second as the Black Elves inched closer.


    A loud horn-like sound blared above the horizon that she could hear from far away. Three repetitions of the same note the soldiers in Neuogonia heard.


    "What is happening?" Samantha asked.


    "Three howls from the War Horn, that means they signal the coming of the second wave of attack." Aliathra gripped her Bow tightly.


    Over the distance, the beleaguered defenders see before them additional columns of Black Elven Infantry running towards Neuogonia at double the pace. Marching alongside them was a great abomination gave emitted an unnerving presence upon sight, making Aliathra, Karliah, Iris and the Laniyea Reifflywrs lose a significant amount of their hearts. The monster was a hydra-like creature with five snakes like appendages sprouted from its portly and scaly bodies. But instead of multiple heads like the Greek Myth of old, it sported upon each of its elongated appendages a circular mouth with a rotary of stalactite shaped teeth and a snake-like tongue. It screeched a sickening roar as it hurled itself maddeningly towards Neuogonia.


    "What the hell is that thing?!" questioned Kayin.


    "Gods have mercy! It is an Abyssal Kharibdyss!" Karliah gaped her mouth.


    The former College Mage had only heard vague descriptions and conflicted ill.u.s.trations of the beast but the one feature that all depictions had in common was its many worm-like mouths with razor-sharp teeth that salivate to devour its prey deep down in the darkest corners of Tolio''s domains, Gliesia''s Seas, hunting whales, other similarly sized prey or in some cases finding hapless sh.i.p.s to devour less the crew performed the religious prayers necessary to not incur the Water God''s wrath.


    "Enemy got another B.A.M!" a UFEAF Soldier cried.


    "Call in an Airstrike on that ri---aaahhh!!!!" a Ymosiod Squad Leader tried to rally his shaken men but his radio suddenly fell into static before dropping the call dead.


    "Shit! Some of the Black Elves gotten through! Engaging!" a UFEAF Soldier radioed.


    Around the western flank of the Federation''s defensive line, a contingent of Sisters of the Blade managed to slip past the mines and line of sight of their foes and now came close enough to engage in melee. Dodging their point blank gunfire with their material phasing abilities before reforming to cut them down with their dual curved swords, they managed to slice down several dozen worth of Laniyea and UFEAF within a span of a few minutes However, due the previous casualties they had suffered earlier, they simply couldn''t slaughter the bewildered UFEAF Soldiers fast enough before the tandem-cooperative of the UFEAF and Reifflywrs were able to reorganize their cohesion and using small squad tactics to surround and isolate the murderous Battle Nuns before returning the favor. Taking a frightening timing to fire their weapons just as the Sisters materialized themselves to swing their blades for the kill.


    The same could not be said for the Air Defense Platforms taking the full brunt of the Black Elves fury. From the Black Dragon''s Acidic Breath to the Unseen''s hidden arrow fire, the 20th Engineering desperately held their nerves to fight back, to stay alive and continue returning suppressive fire to their foes.


    "Shield-Father! Shield-Father! We need fire support! There coming in full force on Romeo and Delta now!" Clay radioed.


    "This is FNMF Indian Sea. We are on the scene. I have Thousand Pounder Kinetic Strike missiles on my Batteries. Paint your target." The radio opened forth a ray of hope as the Missile Frigate announced its arrival.


    "Indian Sea, Strike Package Alpha and Bravo on my coordinates over!" Samantha nodded as she activated her laser designator and pointed its forest gaze upon the Kharibdyss. "Take out that Hydra!"


    "Firing, maintain a line of sight. I repeat maintain a line of sight over." The Missile Frigate tells her sternly.


    Captain Rose''s sweat dropped nervously to the cold wooden floor as she maintained her composure of the terrifying beast that crawled upon its four chimera arms towards her position. Its mouth salivated glutinously as its spongelike pores scented the taste of prey to feast. If Samantha were to falter, she would break her Laser Designator''s line of sight and the Missile will not be able to precisely hit its target. Its frightening shrieks, however, the closer upon approach excavated Samantha''s primal flight-or-fight chemicals that besieged her will, causing her hand to shake just as violently as the Kharibydss'' colossal charge.


    But just as her legs were about to liquefy, her hands turned to boiled noodles and the laser designator''s line of sight was about to prem.a.t.u.r.ely break a firm hand grasped her weary limbs.


    "Bring that wanker down!" Crocker shouted.


    The Supersonic Missile Strike struck the great beast as an implosion of smoke covered where it once stood about fifty meters away from Samantha''s position. A perturbing silence followed as Stryder Group looked onto the damage they had brought.


    "It is dead¡­ it has to be dead." The Captain muttered, praying her words become true.


    As the smoke from the coordinated attack dissipated, they can see from beneath the blackened linings that the Kharibdyss. It stood majestic and proud¡­


    Before letting a mighty roar before its mouth frothed in its own salivated blood and collapsed heavily on to the floor dead. When the smoke fully dissipated, Samantha saw before her even more of the ruined dead of Black Elves who perished in droves of the thousands along with the Kharibdyss, their bodies an unrecognizable charred mess brought forth by the Supersonic Missile''s incalculable damage.


    ------------------


    "Kill confirmed Indian Sea. the B.A.M. has been neutralized." Samantha ecstatically radioed the Missile Frigate.


    "Do not celebrate just yet Captain. UAV Drones report that there is still a massive gathering of Opfor''s converging on your position." Colonel Polonksy interrupted her early celebration.


    "These stubborn ol''f.u.c.ks just don''t know when to give up eh?" Crocker passed his comments.


    "Well by the looks of it now they are going for broke. ISAC counts about 25,000-foot mobiles marching into your position." Polonsky informed them. "Sitrep on the situation on the ground over?" he asked of them.


    "Not looking too good sir. We had to dodge that Dragon just to keep our guns fed sir. We are running low on ammunition. What happened with that big lizard anyways?" Clay asked.


    "This monster exceeded far beyond my expectations too Sergeant. 20th Engineering''s been decimated just to even try to make a dent on its scales. As we speak, I have scrambled two squadrons of Aerofighters to deal with the situation one." Polonsky replied.


    Another distant horn roared above the horizon as another three long and winded howls that chilled the hearts of the Federation-Laniyea Soldiers.


    "Vlos Areion! Vlos Areion!" cheered the 3rd wave of the Black Elven Army.


    Another trumpeted wail echoed the battlefield above them. Three more repetitions of the horn, signaling the beginning of a 3rd Wave to finally sweep down Neuogonia''s Defenders in one final attempt to obtain the glory the Expeditionary force sought after from thousands of miles away from their homes. Lead by the Acropolis Wardens and the surviving Sorcerers, the Black Elves charged stoically passed the bodies of their fallen brethren, glaives, swords, and claws rearing their fanged teeth towards Neuogonia''s defenders.


    "I will not be long before their unending numbers slowly overwhelm us¡­" Karliah huffed as she downed herself a potion to recuperate the expended the tremendous calories she had to exert.


    Samantha and the rest of Stryder checked their ammunition. She and most of her squad reported they only have a magazine left on their pockets before running dry, nowhere near enough to fight off the upcoming horde of hostiles flooding into their position in a few minutes. Additionally, the defenses they had set up from the traps and firing positions have all been destroyed or spent during the previous waves. The fighters of the first defensive lines of Neuogonia are simply in no capacity to fight off another wavelet alone stand on its two feet.


    "This is Shield-Father to all Federation Forces in Neuogonia. I am ordering a General Regrouping to the second line of defense at the double!" radioed Colonel Polonsky on Clay''s radio.


    "Is there nothing more we can do here?" Karliah shrugged her arms and asked.


    "I am afraid not for now. If we stay here any longer, we will get overrun and slaughtered." Samantha informed the College Mage.


    "You heard the Colonel! Crocker shouted. "Pack up and fall back!"


    Stryder group wasted no time leaping off of their feet, barely being able to catch their belongings as they escape their fighting position as they retreated south of Neuogonia towards the Town''s Keep.


    "This is Lima-Fiver of the Western Army Group! We have arrived! Sorry for the delay." Clay''s radio sparked to life once again, Captain Rose recognized that voice to belong to her acquaintance Captain Mendoza.


    "Cover retreat then regroup at the Central Keep, Captain Mendoza." Colonel Polonsky ordered.


    "This is Sparrow-One. My Squadron is in range of the Black Dragon." A UFE Free-Star Aerofighter Pilot descended from its mother carrier the FNAC Tenacity readying its Peregrine Air-to-Air Missiles for battle.


    "Sparrow Squadron you are clear to engage the beast. Eliminating the Black Dragon should be able to break whatever is left of the Enemy''s morale. Godspeed. Over." Polonsky ordered the pilots.


    "Wilco." Sparrow Squadron''s lead pilot acknowledged as he and his squadron engaged with the Black Dragon. "Fox-2!"


    To the nightmarish beast and Lord Vokhol himself, these strange insects that dared to lay their fingers upon both of them were exceptionally fast and equally powerful in their attacks. Drawing both of their ire, the Dragon foregoes its original task of setting Neuogonia ablaze in Demon cleansing fire to engage with these adversaries, buying the retreating units the cover they need to reach back to the second defensive lines. The lightning-quick projectiles it unleashed from their wings harried the Dragon to no end in spite doing only cosmetic damage against it as it vainly attempted to swipe down these strange griffons, pegasi, eagles, or whatever they are that Dre''sah could attempt to recall from his many vile feats the Dragon had done in its lifetime.


    Meanwhile, the UFE-Laniyea retreat wasn''t as steady as the coalition had hoped. Despite their more mobile selves running through the demolished gauntlet of the now battletorn landscape of Neuogonia, the Black Elves continued to give chase from the surviving Sisters of the Blade Nuns and the Unseen attempting to rout the weary retreaters. The opposing army crashed through the now-abandoned defenses, pushing away the sandbag and upset wood fortification as adrenaline dulled their discipline and replaced it savage murderl.u.s.t, seeking to shoot, cut, slash, and stampede over all those ''lesser'' of species than to their exceptional selves.


    "Fff-ack!" cursed Clay as the support of his legs failed him causing his heaving weight in no part with his Radio Set making eat the dusty Gliesian dirty face first.


    Emerging from his left heel was a crossbow bolt, protruding across his leg drawing blood, being mixed with an unidentifiable liquid infecting his leg.


    "Their Mage is wounded! Kill them all!" a voice echoed from beneath the chaos of the battlefield.


    "It is the Unseen!" Aliathra cried.


    The Black Elf ambushers were an elite skirmishing unit of the Pact specializing in attacking their prey from their enchanted cloaks that allowed them to hide under shadowy masque of invisibility. Additionally, their usage of poison coated Ngden''nir Repeating Crossbow bolts made them a sinister contrast to the Ethuilen equivalent of their Glade Rangers in which the Elven Princess had honed her survival, biology, and archery teachings.


    "Switch to Thermals!" Samantha shouted. "Get to cover!" she ordered.


    Crocker carried the wounded radioman over his shoulder whilst Kayin, Obediah and Samantha turned on either their Thermal Vision''s on their goggles or their sights providing the cover they need to push Clay into safety. Yet the Unseen were tenacious hunters as per their reputation. They will not let go of such a tactically valuable quarry escape their grasps. Despite their cover being blown, they were still a cut of the most dexterous of the Black Elven populace to become their Rangers, able to unleash torrents of arrows and bolts towards Stryder Group''s pinned position. The UFEAF Soldiers could barely to almost not return fire thanks in part to the Unseen''s lethal expertise.


    "Taking heavy fire!" Samantha gnashed her teeth.


    "I can''t cast my spells! They keep shooting at me." Iris cursed.


    "Uukhai!" a barbaric yet by the tone of Samantha''s ears, a chilling cry stilled her battle-stressed heart.


    A thunder of hooves followed as the Unseen turned around to weigh the source of the sound is coming from. No sooner than they were given the answer when a stampede of whirling axes met their bodies cutting several of them down. The Young Captain emerged from the cover of her stone hiding spot to immediately recognize their unexpected Saviour. It was Kimora, one of the Yoshadninyuddi Daosne Beastfolks. Wielding in her two hands with savage grace like the flowing winds, a spear in one hand and an ax on the other.


    "It is good to be by your side Sky-blooded one! I will take the heads of these tyrants one by one!" she frothed savagely. Her mind was no longer of this world, instead fully immersing itself into a trance-like state of the same primal fury she had unleashed mere days before back in Marnia''s Bluff.


    She led the tireless vanguard of West Army Group''s Marines to link up with the besieged Eastern Army Group in a hasty response to fully secure the strategic crossroad of Neuogonia so that their Supply Lines can finally be secured. Many of the jarheaded Marines bought the precious amount of time the UFEAF and the Laniyea needed to fully pull back from their spent defenses to the second line of defense, dropping their Smoke Grenades and surprising the Black Elves from their flanks. This devastating turnaround was impossible to have happened if it were not for Diaz and his Aparo Mercenaries eliminating the Pact''s Scouts from reporting of the Jarhead''s reinforcing approach.


    "That War Maiden! Kill the Centaur!" a Black Elven Sergeant ordered his men. Before long, a contingent of Black Wardens began to pour through the ruined streets and battle-torn fields of Neuogonia to reinforce the final push into the Crossroad Town. It was now or never for the Pact to achieve the victory they had traveled far and invested so much to obtain. When news comes of their trial, the loses they had incurred will surely be recompensed by waves of sponsorsh.i.p.s and favors from both the local Slaegians and from the Midnight Camarilla''s constituency from their capital of D¨²rnimloth, and they will not let one crazed Yoshandinyuddi Thug prevent them from achieving their sought-after glory.


    Daosne, was perhaps in a begrudging sense to the Pact, the worthiest of adversaries in terms of physical prowess the Elves had fought. Their battlefield prowess matched only by Elven dexterity and tactics. Prisoners captured from the northern hinterlands of Ysanigrad were prized for their physicality in various fields from labor, indoctrinated slaves, and even for extended periods of p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, fetching exorbitant prices upon being sold off back home or into the colonies. However, much of their premium prices can be justified into simply taming a free-spirited and openly defiant Daosne who much prefer to die than to be taken in alive by slavers. But that cruelty was equally reciprocated by those same Beastfolks themselves. Daosne would often exterminate with extreme prejudice entire Black Elven Slavers and expeditionary forces barbarically to please their ancestors and gain more fame for themselves as warriors just the same for the Slaegians too.


    "Die Thieves. May my ancestors be sated by your spilled blood!" Kimora shouted.


    ??Damnit she''s going to get cut up." Kayin nervously announced.


    "F.u.c.k me an''dis bollocks, keep Clay stea''hee and cover me! I am getting'' her!" Crocker growled as he finally had moment of respite to reload the belt feed of his MG-70 SAW.


    The Staff Sergeant emerged from his cover and made a mad dash towards the Centaur War Maiden, vivaciously unaware of the fatal tactical error she had gotten herself into. Over 30 Black Elven Acropolis Wardens plus one Sorcerer began to surround Kimora holdings their heavy halberds upon the gallic Kimora to impede her wild fire of a berserk state, managing to pierce several parts of her body causing her to recoil from the spiked feedback her adversaries returned in kind. She tried to fight back by thrusting her wooden spear towards one of the Acropolis Wardens but the much more disciplined Black Elf and their ever so reliable and deadly Iron from tip to staff Halberds, easily parrying the crude weapon before the heavy axe blade of the Warden''s Halberd cut it down to fibrous ribbons leaving only Kimora with her hand axe and n.a.k.e.d self against an aggressive foe with overwhelming numbers.


    She tried to scream, kick and attempt to take a few more down of these overseas tyrants but the Black Elf Sorcerer quickly casted Hold Person onto her body, paralyzing her and now left to the mercy, for which there is none, impunity of the Acropolis Wardens. When her arms were binded, her legs were made still and her Axe casted away, the berserker rage that ember within Kimora''s soul was snuffed out. She was now without a weapon, tired and exhausted beyond belief. There was just simply too many of the Black Elves for her singular warrior''s spirit to overcome. Beneath her pride, a hidden cry, a soft yelp by the cackling sadistic glee from the pointed ears of the Black Elves just as they are about to put her down from her rabid rampage. Kimora closed her eyes and reluctantly readied herself for her fate to meet her ancestors. Like a wolfpack that finally cornered their prey, they readied to thrust their many-fanged shaped spears on to her soft hide¡­


    Yet death never came. Instead, the Centaur War Maiden heard the loud throttle of thousand raindrops perk her ears, reverberating them with deafening beats as she opened her suppressed eyes to see what caused her sudden turn of fate. It was the ''Ogre-Breaker'', one Lewis Crocker who became her unexpected savior. From his massive stave, he unleashed a flood of hail upon the Acropolis Wardens, turning their thick and sleek armors into slag making the once proud and thought to be invincible warriors of the Black Tree Pact fall to the ground shamefully that they never had a chance to slice their halberds in battle. He roared ferociously as his stave continue to fire, shaking the ground in every blast of its black powder bolts upon the Black Elves like an all-consuming inferno that for a moment, Kimora could see the manifestation of her ancestors aureate before Crocker. Even when his stave gave out, he continued to press on. Unsheathing his hatchet from his pocket and with herculean strength began to hack away the Black Elves just as ferociously as a Daosne Chieftain''s Chosen Warrior. Some of the Wardens tried as they might stop him but his exo-skeletal Hercules Armor was simply too fast and too strong to keep up in any tangible way as Crocker cut them all down one by one in a blurry succession. His savagery with his E-Tool was to such a great extent he actually pushed well beyond its durable limits, breaking the sharp shovel after it caves the head of a hapless Warden whose last vision was the staring between Crocker''s cold, adrenaline-addled brown eyes.


    After killing over a dozen or twice that number of Black Elves, the exact number he couldn''t recall, Crocker re-examines to see that there were only two people left in his immediate vicinity: the Sorcerer holding the paralyzed Kimora and one final Acropolis Warden. The Elite Infantry Elf proceeds to charge towards the Staff Sergeant with his Halberd but Crocker uses the arm frames of his exo-suit to block the Halberd from touching his exposed parts, forcing the two men to collapse to the ground with the Elf gaining the superior position over Crocker in a chokehold. Lewis'' face turned lilac as he struggles to catch his breath from the Elf''s sadistic hold upon him. Grabbing from his pockets, Crocker uses the severed spearhead he got from Brenya''s weapon from Souviel tournament weeks ago and stab the Warden in the throat, killing him instantly and ultimately freeing his lungs from the brink of suffocation.


    Inhaling a few quick breaths, he returned to the task at hand.


    The Sorcerer tried to defend himself with one hand due to his other being occupied with holding Kimora as the Staff Sargeant menacingly advanced towards him. He fired a blast of magic at Crocker but the Stryder Second-in-Command rushes at him to tackle the mage down. Using his reinforced arms, he brutally pummeled the Sorcerer until his blood pooled over the cobblestone roads like spilled red wine.


    With the magicks'' source severed abruptly, Kimora was free from the bonds of the Hold Person spell and took a sigh of relief as she wobbled her feet back upright. She looked at Crocker before him, his inhaling and exhaling form exposing his zenith of a figure to the barbarian Beastfolk. By Daosne standards, a person of such prowess in the battlefield is the epitome of their Warrior-centric society. A being of not only great authority but of great privilege such as an honorary seat on the Chieftain''s feasting table, the greatest portion of land, and the direct target of attention of the female folk of the tribe. A heat burned within Kimora as her eyes dilated at Crocker''s as they locked each other''s gaze for one brief moment.


    "I¡­" Kimora was about to confess of her admirations but then she was instantly interrupted by the howl of War Horn.


    Across a few distances away marched an entire column of Acropolis Wardens marching towards the ruined town haughtily as their bodies drowned the territory away from the UFEAF''s control of Neuogonia.


    "Come on!" Crocker urged Kimora up and took her by the hand towards where the injured Kayin lay before Stryder Group being attended by Aliathra.


    The Crossbow Bolt she found was indeed injected with a noxious poison designed to slowly impair the ability of one from being physically capable but her fast intervention prevented the toxin from fully infecting the Radioman''s body but not fast enough to fully attend to the splintered bone and bloodied flesh from the bolt''s entry and exit wound.


    Grabbing Clay around his back he hovered over Kimora and placed the injured Radioman over her back.


    "Get this man back to the Clinic! It''s by Keep. Look for a Red Cross!" He shouted to her before slapping her in the back to push her off.


    The Centaur was slightly shaken by the sudden weight on her back but she managed to keep her stature, her strength slowly re-emerging from her body to make one more gallop with passenger away into safety. She sprinted a good distance away from Stryder as her flaking hair vanished amongst the misted chaos of the battle, her agile Centaur physique easily strides over the ruined Neuogonian streets guiding Clay back to safety.


    Another push for the weary Stryder happened as they continued their tactical retreat deeper into the Crossroads.


    A secondary defensive line was slowly being reinforced by the remnants of the garrison and their Western Reinforcements around the vicinity of the Central Keep of the town where the buildings were more defensible from rushed infantry charges thanks to their more packed formations and adjacency to each other. Still despite the casualties inflicted the vengeful filled Black Elves continued to pursue the retreating Laniyea and UFE Soldiers. To many of the Native-born recruits of the newly formed Army of the Amelioration. Their resolve was being tested to its limits as the Pact''s Army closed in around them. The Laniyea Reifflywrs soon also found themselves that they were being severely battered by the attack with most if not all of the Tyr Rianni Soldiers essentially being fighting wounded if they can still stand in their two feet and hold their new crossbow-like BF-77 Battle Rifles towards the enemy.


    "Men! Do not falter!" Prince Clovich rallied his men.


    He was initially observing the performance of his new Laniyea far behind the Federation''s lines until the Dragon''s Fire Attacks has caused him to pull back much closer into the central fulcrum of the UFE''s defenses which is the town''s Keep and the Central Square. He had decided upon arrival that he will look over to see those injured men or those who perished by the makeshift Clinic that was infact a converted Inn to enliven the spirits of his Laniyea. But when the chaotic retreat was called only minutes ago, the full weight of his entire new army flooded towards him detailing the never-ending chaos and hordes of Black Elves swarming their position. Some shuddered in fear, others were considering fully pulling back from Neuogonia but other''s one led by a Sargeant Beynon urged everyone outside of the Inn turned Clinic to maintain the faith and keep fighting.


    "We are being tested of our resolve my fellow men! Our Amelioration shall not end by these Tyrants from across the sea. We only need to hold on for another moment longer." Clovich encouraged them.


    "They are getting desperate. We saw how we can wound their pride. Take a few more of them and they will surely break." Beynon spoke.


    "How many of us are here?" Clovich asked.


    "Not including you, milord there are about at least fifty-three o''us who can sill''fight, then''dere is eighteen of your own personal bodyguards widd''yu. The rest, I saw must''ah found them''selves with our Federation Allies. That is¡­ how many?" Beynon attempted to count his fingers.


    "That is about¡­ seventy-one of us Sergeant," Clovich answered.


    "I see¡­ so where are the rest of the Ammo for our new Rifles? I am lo--- My Prince watch out!" Beynon shouted.


    He noticed the brief glimmer of the sunlight that refracted on the former Yeoman''s wet eyes. There above the roof was a humanoid-shaped figure whose blurry image of warm mirage-like visage was quietly stalking the rooftops with what looked like a bow being carried by his hands. Years back on his farm observing the skies, surroundings and the earth can train oneself such as him to notice many critical changes within the environment that those of lesser attunement would have overlooked. Sudden shadows, the flighted migration of a bird, or the ominous tune from the distance can predict many myriads of aftereffects such as the shift in weather or a warning of an impending monster attack. This gives Tristan an acute advantage in peripheral awareness compared to even the most predatory of monsters or the most discerning of personal bodyguards.


    It was only a split second when the Sergeant suddenly pushed the Prince causing his body suddenly tilt away to his right slightly before a bolt struck him by the right shoulder. If he had maintained that clear and concise posture earlier, the shot would have otherwise fatally struck him to the heart, granting him an undignified and prem.a.t.u.r.e end to his Amelioration.


    "Over''zere! An Unseen!" Beynon pointed to the roof top.


    The 71 Laniyea Reifflywrs turned around and opened fire at the rooftop, unleashing a volley of what little ammunition they had left. They did not care if they were to run dry at that moment, they will be damned if they do not die or be caught neglecting their oaths to their Prince.


    The invisible figure was quickly struck down, de-cloaking from his unseeable state before his bullet-riddled body plummeted to the ground. All of the Tyr Rianni soldiers nervously then looked onto their Prince as he was helped up by his bodyguards.


    "Stay with us Sire!" one of the Prince''s bodyguards carried his injured body through the makeshift clinic.


    "You again, Tristan¡­ Beynon was it not?" Clovich addressed the Sergeant personally. "You¡­ saved my¡­ life¡­Ah!" Clovich winced as the First Aid workers in the Clinic quickly applied a stinging disinfectant on his wound as they prepared to extract the arrowhead from the Prince''s shoulder.


    "Your dream¡­ our future will not end so swiftly!" Beynon asserted. "We will follow you to the ends of the world for you." He vowed.


    Just as the Prince was laid onto the surgery bed, the 71 Laniyea''s heard again the Black Elven War Horn trumpeting amongst the ambiance of pained anguish that the Clinic emitted. Looking over by the Inn''s windows. Beynon''s eyes to his horror saw an overwhelmingly large contingent of Black Elven Warriors marching towards the Inn, their blood fresh with the slaughter of their countrymen who failed to escape swiftly enough to the secondary defensive lines.


    One of the said Black Elven Warriors stood out, riding atop of an Elven Steed and wearing a pompous plumed helmet, he trotted forward ahead of his soldiers with a grandiose authority as he just as pompously forwarded his c.h.e.s.t, ready to address the Tyr Rianni holed up inside the Clinic. Due to his standoffish attire, most of the Reifflywrs reasoned he is some sort of Captain high up in the ranks of the Pact''s Army.


    "Slay all the Thralls of the Otherworlders and take their staves as trophies!" the Black Elven Captain ordered.


    Silence fell upon them as tense air permeated the two soldiers. Sergeant Beynon was, to say the least, insulted to hear this fey-c.h.e.s.ted and cavalier Elf surveyed the Tyr Rianni with an abhorrent aura exhausting from his high-born mouth. He likely in all of his centuries-long life used to get whatever he wants within a drop of his sword and whip, only given the position of ''Captain'' and be put in charge of a company of soldiers by sheer connection rather than merit. Not unlike Beynon who had to climb through sweat, blood, and tears to get to where he is now as a Yeoman Sergeant of the Tyr Rianni Guards now turned to the Ysanigrad Amelioration''s Laniyea.


    Beynon looked over to his fellow countrymen who looked onto him quietly of what they are to do. Their bravery was high but the odds were clearly not stacked into their favor as they can observe over a thousand or so Black Elves awaiting to besiege the Clinic against their measly 71 combatants, that is not also including the injured Laniyea and Federation soldiers with their attending Medical Staff also inside too.


    Under the past circ.u.mstances, this would have been a hopeless endeavor, but when the former Yeoman saw with his two eyes the power of these black staves he now carried. Tristan knew that to simply allow these Elves to walk over him quietly would have thrown away all of what the Amelioration now stands for. He would be damned to let them take the one thing that the common man such as himself can equalize against skilled murderers such as the Black Elves. Remembering the vow, he had made to Clovich just as he was whisked away to Surgery. He swore to him that he will fight for the new future he dreamed off and now it is the time to commit to his words for him. And now, he fully understood what Clovich''s Crusade truly means¡­


    A Future. Where there was previously none.


    Breaking the window of one of the Inn''s windows overseeing the from the Black Elven Army. Sergeant Beynon inhaled and exhaled his breath as was his rifle training before he took aim.


    With one crack of his BF-77 Battle Rifle, he struck the arrogant Black Elf Captain on the c.h.e.s.t, mortally wounding him to a bewildered Elven Army who expected that the severely weakened defenders would yield to their distinct numerical advantage.


    "Come and take''sem!" Beynon shouted.


    Joined by several more of his countrymen, they too broke the Inn/Clinic''s windows as they combined their arms together as they unleashed their blessed storm of black powdered and metallic fury against the Elves. Angered by this brazen insult, the Black Elves stoked themselves into a frenzy as they raised their weapons and declared to charge, making a beeline''s rush towards the Inn.


    "Guv''em nothing!" Beynon cried. "But take from''em¡­ EVERY''SING!"


    The Tyr Rianni Laniyea rallied behind his war cry as they braced themselves for the incoming Elven deluge hoarding to their bastion. The Sergeant ordered several of his men and those who could still walk within the Clinic to pass the 7.62mm ammunition needed for their BF-77 Rifles as they manned themselves to stem the Elven tide. Doctors and patients, ducked for cover as they frantically passed along ammo cartridges, grenades, and first aid to the brave 71 Reifflywrs who unleashed volley after volley of bullets upon the charging Black Elves most of the supplies were discarded weaponry from the injured or what the Clinic could spare.


    "Milord¡­Sergeant!" one of Clovich''s Bodyguards descended downstairs and haphazardly crawled towards the valorous Sergeant. "The Prince shall live. His wound is not fatal but we cannot stay here. We need to head back to the Keep with the rest of the army."


    "Then what do you suggest we can do?" Beynon asked.


    "We leave through the backdoor gradually and follow the rest of the retreat back to the Keep. The wounded has to go first." One of the Clinic Doctors suggested.


    "How many injured are in this clinic?" Beynon asked.


    "Exactly a hundred-and-nine, not including you and the Prince." The Doctor answered.


    Beynon gritted his teeth as he absorbed the information. These men had families or were trusted new friends of the Tyr Rianni. Indeed, they simply cannot be here any longer as despite his displayed heroics, this position simply could not be hold not whilst the Black Elves held the numerical advantage.


    "Then so be it." Beynon nodded. "Ge''mme some lads to carry these poor sods outt''o here!" he asked around amongst the 71.


    A breakaway team of those 71 holstered their rifles as they began the evacuation of the Clinic''s injured. There was a conveniently used during peaceful and more lofty days as the receiving mouth of inbound stocks behind the Inn that faced upon the direction of Neuogonia''s Keep. Using the Inn as a strong point to prevent the flood of Black Elves from pouring into rout the retreat of the Federation-Laniyea Coaltion the valiant 71 Reifflywrs bought the injured precious time to evacuate to safety. Tried as much as the Black Elves might, the line that Beynon drew upon the sand upon was nearly impregnable. For every 20 or so of the proud sons and daughters of True Alfel-Nora, they would fall one of the Reifflywrs. A most inefficient exchange that the surviving lieutenants of the Black Elves soon realize. They had taken an unprecedented number of casualties in such an equally egregious short period of time. From their 70,000 Warriors they, as they counted the still standing banners with them of only about 20,000 or so less or more left of their once ill.u.s.trious Camarilla-sponsored Expeditionary Force. This callous display of humiliation of the Elves shall not stand as long as one True Child of Alfel-Nora still draws breath. Picking up several boosts of verticality and a ladder from a nearby house, the Black Elves turned around over to the blindsides of the Inn and began to scale the walls of the building. The Inn/Clinic was a two-story building with a straw and river reed made thatched roof which if a sufficient focus of force is applied to a single spot can allow the surface of the Inn''s top to be ruptured with a large enough hole to allow for an invasion. Using their axes, spears, and their b.a.r.e hands, the Black Elves tore a significant patch off of the roof catching several Tyr Rianni unexpectedly from their superior vantage point.


    "They are coming from above!" One of Clovich''s Bodyguards yelled as he fired his Battle Rifle upon the rooftop breachers.


    An exchange of projectiles immediately followed suit; each side reciprocating kills into their tallies. One of the Sorcerer''s even tossed a fire ball into the Inn in order to scurry out the rats within their stubbornly defended borough causing the but the development of the second breach, of an alternative entry point plus the aforementioned developing fire wracked the nerves of the Tyr Rianni further. Now they must to evacuate the Inn.


    "Hol''dem back jus'' a little while longer!" Beynon shouted as he shoved several tables and stools towards the Inn''s front door as a barricade just as the Black Elves were heaving their weight to breakthrough.


    The Laniyea Sergeant could see the white of the enemy''s eyes from the small cracks the humble wooden door that shielded him from. Picking up his BF-77 he fired several more shots through the door blindly managing to struck down several of the bunched up Elven Warriors who were trying to ram the door.


    "Beynon! We have to leave now!" Clovich with a wrap of bandages over his shoulder cried as the ensuing inferno began to engulf the former Inn and Clinic just as the last of the wounded were carried out of the damned structure.


    Leaving behind about 48 martyrs who lay their lives for the defense of not only their Prince but also the injured and clerics of the Clinic, the remnants of the 71 Reifflywrs covered the retreat of Prince Clovich''s entourage using the emblazoned Inn as a momentary deterrent for the Black Elven advance who were slowed down by the fire''s choking flames. Overall, the Sergeants valiant stand traded off 48 Reifflywrs for over 596 Black Elven Soldiers and priceless minutes for the Federation-Laniyea Coalition to retreat back into Neuogonia''s Keep.


    "This is Admiral Nishizaki of the FNAC Aurora. We have arrived in the scene." The radio chatter lit alight.


    "And Major Holyfield, ready to show the fully wrath of the Federation''s Arsenal." Holyfield added.


    "Major Holyfield the situation is getting desperate. If they breakthrough the Keep our men will be annihilated." Polonsky urged his colleague into action. "Now is the time to release that THING from Aurora''s Holds now."


    "It shall be." Holyfield nodded. "Standby for Lightning Strike at Killbox Alpha." The Major announced.


    "Warning: Lightning Strike imminent." ISAC''s early warning systems rang out on the Federation''s radios.


    Firing from the launching bay of the FNAC Aurora, a rocket pod zoomed over the skies, arching its thunderous path below to the grounds of Neuogonia below. The fighting near the Federation''s headquarters of the newly captured Keep was where the exchange of blood, fire, magicks and bullets were at its most bitter and most desperate. Black Elves cut down on UFE Machine Gun positions while being shot dead by Federation Sappers and Laniyean Marksmen. Some fights resulted into close quarters combat with bayonets clashing with swords as enemies faced to face themselves in vicious scraps. Both sides were at a stalemate fighting by the wide battlements of the Keep as no side wanted to give quarter for the fate of Neuogonia to both sides would determine the fate of the War. Either the Otherworlders secure the vital crossroads of Neuogonia or the Pact stop the Demon Tide towards the Empire.


    Before long, all of the Federation''s defensive positions were now reduced to only the Keep and several isolated pockets as the Black Elves remnants gathered around for one final Assault. For before them at last was the Black Elven General who led this botched crusade, Lord Vokhol of one of the Crimson Lancers. Despite his normally passionate self as per custom of his knightly order, he was severely injured. Earlier he was shot off of his Black Dragon from one of the Otherworlder''s ballistas. Only the rough fall that was reduced in impact thanks to a timely ''Featherfall'' spell had him cheated death albeit not before sustaining several scraps of injuries around his body. But in spirit, he still remained unbroken. Seeing that his enemies bleed before him and his men advancing towards the centrifugal point of their defense. The Black Elf called forth one final charge to finally attain the hard-fought victory that they all see looming before the horizon.


    "Forward! Kill every last one of them!" He ordered, raising his sword meekly into the air to the inspiration of his troops knowing their leader still stands with them despite his current afflictions.


    "Vlos Areion!" the 20,000 strong Black Elves cried as they charged forth towards the cornered Otherworlders. They will see their flag raised atop of the ashes of that Keep on this day or die trying.


    "Comet!" one of the Sorcerer''s suddenly shouted.


    The murderous charged halted rashly as a great comet suddenly crashed through the cracked battlefield between the two great armies as dust kicked around the Black Elves'' eyes as they looked over to this strange, almost divine like intervention.


    From out of the smoke a single, large red eye opened, followed several more juvenile-sized sanguine irises emerged surrounding the parent emerged. As the smoke dissipated, two large snouts protruded over it sides a several meters apart from the bouquet of red eyes as even more red eyes stared deeply into the souls of several of the Black Elves who stood there frozen like deers caught between a car''s headlights. Before long, the hostile natives saw before the full stripe of this strange arrival. It was large walker of a monstrous design sprouting forth twin, no triplets of the ''Death Totems'' the Otherworlers had erected earlier, two for ''arms'' and one atop of a large elevated tail that seems to move independently on its own. Its body was adorned in painted yet worn metals that formed an insectoid like body with three pairs of legs that carried its full weight. To some of the more veteran of the Black Elves, this monster that loomed over them that only comes short of the Black Dragon''s own majesty were like the exotic poisonous arachnids that they collect from the Eastern Suzerainities.


    One brave, or maybe foolish Black Elf of one of the Acropolis Wardens, recouped his courage soon enough before he charged his Halberd towards the monstrous beast. Hoping to heroically slay this monster that is likely summoned from the depths of the Otherworlder''s Void to fight for them. However as soon as his blade met the strange monster''s metallic flesh, his halberd''s blade chipped away much to the astonishment of the entire Black Elven Army.


    The Metal Monster let out a loud angered scream from its exhaust fans as it locked its gaze upon the foolhardy Black Elf and tore him to ludicrous gibs of vaporized flesh with its twin ''Death Totems''. It ominously summoned its energies into these eldritch erections as it began to cast its otherworldly powers upon the Black Elves, turning the tide of battle against the Black Elves as they were massacred in droves by this giant arachnid. Some Black Elves tried to cast calming spells to tame this beast whilst others attempted to spear an achille''s heel within its carapace to fell the beast but to no avail.


    From the Keep, Captain rose looked on to the change of fortunes with both fascination and confusion.


    "Colonel? Eh¡­ Major? Is¡­ that a Phoenician Scorpius?" Samantha questioned. "I¡­ thought they were all destroyed."


    "Indeed, the Scorpitron''s is what you are seeing. And yes, this is barely¡­ read B.A.R.ELY legal." Holyfield answered.


    In Samantha''s memory, Heavy UGV''s and UAV''s produced by the defunct Phoenician Corporation were once the pride of technological advancement in all of the Federation''s technological innovations. Able to perform with exceptional performance a variety of combat tasks without the need for direct human input. However, about a decade ago, as part of the Project Golem an early means of security and crime prevention program sponsored by the inc.u.mbent government before the Common State Party''s ascension those mechs who are of Lethal and Semi-Autonomous in nature of over 30-tonnes were deemed illegal and condemned to be scrapped. Originally, The Phoenician Corporation deployed unmanned BWPs such as the Scorpius were created and deployed against separatists, terrorists, or even criminals in several unstable Core Worlds. However, the advancement of sophistication in net-running making it incredibly easy to hack the drones who were managing to break through the firewall of the system by using the newly invented digital pathway called ''the Dark Tunnel''. This caused several incidents when most of the BWPS drones were hacked and turned against the UFE force, causing thousands of casualties. At first, the Phoenician Corporation defended themselves that their drones had ''the best firewalls of humanity'' but it was discovered how easily the rogue hackers were able to bypass their supposed defenses and hijack control of the drones away from their operators. It was a case of engineering negligence that shattered all confidence within the company. To make it worst, the subsequent ''Phoenician Scandal'' had also found out that the reason the rogue hackers were able to bypass much of the protective firewalls of the UGV''s easily is that through several back channels through Gray and Black market purchases, the Phoenician Corporation had (allegedly) unknowingly sold their high tech Drones to said rogues in the first place allowing hackers to reverse engineer and unthread the needle that was the corporation''s firewall in spades. This scandal became the catalyst for the ascension of the Common State Party''s political regime in the federation with one of their first mandates being the aforementioned banning of production and the scrapping of all existing Heavy UGV''s and UAV''s from all arsenals by the dawn of the 23rd century.


    Major Holyfield was the one who performed the arrest of the Phoenician Corporation''s Scientists and Executives, having to fight their robotic security forces when they attempted to evacuate into the Federation''s Outer Frontier Space. He nearly recalled one point during the campaign he nearly got killed when one such ''Scopitron'', the nickname his jarheads gave to the 30-tonne UGV brushed its twin Uranium depleted 30mm Gatling Gun around his general direction. Even Samantha''s father, Desmond Rose had participated in this campaign, where he earned his title of ''the Hero of Bel-Taviv'' and subsequent Medal of Honor when he rescued trapped civilians during the great robotic destruction brought forth by the Phoenician Scandal.


    "You have monsters of your own? Again, you Otherworlders continue to surprise me." Iris chuckled.


    "Don''t be lazy now Stryder Group. That Scorpitron of ours will take care of the Army. I need your team to find and neutralize that Black Dragon!" ordered the Colonel. "We end this now."


    Samantha affirmed her orders, without needing to tell her squad, she urged them forward from their fortified position, now rallied that they have the opportunity to counter-attack.


    "How do we bring that thing down Captain?" Clay asked.


    "We will ensnare it with a spell I have been working on¡­ it''s our only shot to even get that B.A.M. to hold still. I call it, the Gravity Well." Samantha answered.


    "Explain?" Clay asked.


    "In short terms, I create a sphere that forces anything to come close to it. If it strong enough we can trap the Dragon long enough to call in a saturation attack." Samantha replied.


    "How you intend to grab its attention though?" Crocker asked.


    "Captain Rose, you can use the Scorpitron to lure out the Black Dragon for your plan. It is expendable after all." Major Holyfield suggested. "The Monster does seem to be easily agitated by constant harassment from our weapons despite its resiliency. The BWP''s Uranium-depleted guns should be able to pierce through its armor and possibly allow us to strike it where it hurts on that thing¡­ theoretically speaking."


    "Sounds like a plan Spearhead. I will create the Gravity Well, wait for my signal." She nodded.


    Gliding across the battlefield, Samantha followed rampaging Scorpitron on its warpath against the Black Elves, finding herself near a large enough clearing that the BWP and the Black Dragon could personally duel with each other. Positive with the conditions she needed for the plan to work. Samantha focused the Mana Energies of her Hecate Suit to conjure the spell Gravity Well but a series of bolts brushed past her, barely conceivably zooming across her head as the intrepid redhead ducked down, her powers miscasting harmlessly from the suppressing fire.


    "That one over there! The Share Holder herself take her alive!" Lord Vokhol raised his surviving retinue towards Stryder Group.


    "Cover me!" Samantha ordered.


    "I will challenge them Samantha. Continue with the Spell." Aliathra stepped forward and raised her Elven Bow towards her fallen kin. "Nenya protect me!" she prayed as she moved forth to confront the Black Elves.


    Drawing forth the enchanted energies on her weapon, the Elven Ranger let loose a barrage of arrows that as to honor her master''s teachings, found their lethal marks upon several of the sundered armors of her fallen kin. Despite her grace, it didn''t take long for Lord Vokhol to instantly recognize the prodigal daughter of the Illegitimate Alfel-Nora.


    "My¡­ my¡­ if it is not the tenderfooted scion of the Lareththor Bloodline! Aliathra is your name?" Vokhol mockingly acknowledged her presence.


    "You and your minions will not triumph here! Tell your Midnight Camarilla that they will find nothing but death in Ysanigrad." Aliathra rebuked the Black Elf General.


    "You humor me with your bravado Princess." Vokhol couldn''t help but raise his head pompously with ridicule to his counterpart''s response. "Has your ''corruption'' blinded you to the simple truth? Was it because of your parents giving more of their affection? Their attention? To those tripes you call an elder sister and brother to you? I can already see it in your eye that those Otherworlder''s had unraveled your mind, enthralled you to their songs of power and honor so denied by you from birth?" he asked her, continuing his mocking tone much to Aliathra''s irritation.


    "Silence! You know nothing!" Samantha cried as she drew again her bow readying to shut the arrogant mouth of that murderous twit once and for all. However, Vokhol''s highly alert bodyguards shielded him from any harm from afar she could inflict from her current position.


    "Pah! I will gladly present your head to the Midnight Camarilla and to your Family." He dismissed her with a scoff from his vain chin. "Tira! Remove of this parasite." He ordered.


    The Elven Ranger swore to herself that none of them shall pass her and protect her friends. She drew her bow and opened fire upon the charging Black Elves. Despite her dexterity, she was only one Ranger against several dozens upon dozens of murderous warriors who seek to gain the glory of taking her head as a prize for they had no intention to march her alive on D¨²rnimloth in one of their Triumphant Processions through that city. They seek only to prove their decades of skill to fall a Noble one such as herself for the slaying of one of the more upstanding of their hated kin was a mark of bravery in Black Elven Society. Before long using skillful maneuvering, several Acropolis Knights, Sisters of the Blade, and common Infantrymen closed the gap with Aliathra forcing her to engage in hand to hand combat. Her Bow, not being just the pinnacle of Elven craftsmanship for its accuracy was also a decent enough weapon to engage in improvised melee as Elven Rangers were trained to use any weapon they come across with unprecedented proficiency. But the keyword was ''decent'' for a bow simply couldn''t take the intensive physical stress of melee combat as the constant cuts, thrusts, and chops of the Black Elven weapons proved too much to bear, breaking the bow into useless splinters of Elven Wood just as when the Elf needed her weapon the most.


    "You are nothing for you have nothing Princess Aliathra!" a Black Elf Acropolis Warden guffawed. "I will end you quickly."


    If Aliathra there was something the Elf remembered in all of her time with the Federation, these Black Elves were sorely mistaken. Despite all of the trauma that would have either killed or break anyone of lesser will, she had come out of it stronger. Her Cybernetic Heart giving her unparalleled stamina to even her own kin, her Legs allowing her to leap great bounds in single strokes, her Eyes that can literally see all that is faster, and her new Arms who are they themselves as her Cybernetic Mentor of sort Vincent Diaz would call himself, weapons themselves.


    Just as the Black Elf was about to thrust his Halberd center mass to Aliathra, the Elf hurled her fist and with a quick conceptualization of her mind, her new Aparo-Corporation Rapid Movement Boosted Armier set (with some arcane enhancements courtesy of Dr. Mahelona) released from above her wrists a Nano-Ceramic Blade that hurled itself towards the Black Elf''s throat. His eyes widened upon the realization that the cornered animal he was about to slay still had teeth.


    "H¡ªhow¡­?" the Black Elf asked before he expired.


    "I am not ''nothing''! I have become¡­ EVERYTHING!" Aliathra growled.


    The Elf Princess launched herself into a rapid frenzy using her Cybernetic Augmentations to snap back and forth with her Nanoblades, an endors.e.m.e.nt by Diaz when she was selecting from a catalog of additional ''under the table'' Augmentations that she had practiced with before the commencement of Operation Haymaker. Now she was in the offensive, slaying those of her Fallen Kin before they could even fathom what kind of demonic beast they had just angered.


    "Kill her!" one Sister of the Blade phased in and raised her twin curved blades. But even with their uncanny evasion, Aliathra''s second augmentation, the Targeted Electrical Discharge System, also known as the TESLA, which allows her arms to be capable of firing a 200-milliamp arc of electricity. Useful for incapacitating targets with its high voltage currents causing muscular contractions strong enough to clamp down on the heart and prevent full cardiac arrest, leaving the target unconscious and vulnerable. It is also capable of disrupting the molecular disruption the Sisters of the Blade do to themselves to phase their bodies from attacks, effectively negating their legendary evasiveness.


    Despite all of ''Elven Grace'' they simply could not compete with the Federation''s Bleeding edge in prosthetic augmentations. In such an auspicious moment, Aliathra felt she had transcended into a new form of being that not even her greatest forebearers could have conceived of. A being faster, stronger, smarter and more perceptive than even an elf. She had become: Ascended.


    Meanwhile, the rest of Stryder Group looked on to their friend from across several feet away slowly constructing the Dragon''s Trap.


    "Should we help her?" Karliah asked.


    "No, I know Aparo Corporation, if anyone is needing help it''s those Black Elves." Samantha chided. "Now you two help me channel this Gravity Well now the Dragon approaches!"


    Iris and Karliah followed the Captains orders and helped channeled the expedient amounts of Mana energy needed to be plucked from the Aetherium Weave to allow the Gravity Well to have the Spellstrength needed to be able to ensnare a colossal creature that is a Black Dragon. Using all she understood, Samantha created a golden sphere around her person that resonates her weight to be pulled closer to its center. With the helping hand of Crocker''s Hercules Exo Suit, the three Mages climbed out of the Gravity Well''s artificial quagmire, with their bodies, most especially their bones intact before the Sphere could power up into fullest power.


    "Spearhead this is Stryder-1, the trap is set. Bring that thing in!" Samantha radioed.


    Upon hearing of their gambit slowly coming together, Holyfield ordered the Scorpitron''s Remote Operator to draw its guns at the belligerent flying lizard who had laid havoc upon him and Polonsky''s men for too long. It was time to finish it. The battlefield set was as far away as the Scorpitron can push back the Black Elves from the Federation''s defensive lines of Neuogonia''s Keep where bodies of Black Elves littered the battle-torn streets of the Crossroad Town by the hands of its three Gatling Guns.


    Just as expected upon a few bursts of its triple miniguns, the Black Dragon''s attention was drawn to the rambunctious metal challenger from below. With a loud and equally terrifying roar, the Black Dragon descended upon the Scorpitron, whose scurried away on its six-legs pass Samatha''s Gravity Well. The infernal creature was too blinded with bloodl.u.s.t to realize too late it had been outplayed as her body was instantly weighed down by the Arcane trap. It squirmed, kicked, and screamed, turning over its body in an attempt to break free but its reflex and constitution were found wanting upon the incantation''s Spellstrength.


    "Now!" Holyfield ordered the Operator.


    The Scorpitron whirled its miniguns at the Black Dragon, unleashing a torrent of armor-piercing bullets upon the monster with hellish fury that even the Gatling Gun''s barrels glowed into fiery-auburn with overheat. Thanks to its stationary position and the sheer volume of fire, the Black Dragons eldritch regeneration was put to the ultimate endurance test as the mechanical monster crawled closer, seeking to tighten the noose around the Dragon for one killing blow. The Operator, realized through its medical wisdom had successfully perceived that the lower, less pointy scaled section of the Black Dragon was much more vulnerable to its minigun''s razor-sharp thousand cuts than its angular upper body armor in which the Operator quickly exploited. The Black Dragon, realized what the metal monster was attempting to do shielded herself with its two frontal claws while attempting to fire several balls of its acidic breath towards the Scorpitron who managed to barely dodge it.


    "It disabled the Tail Gun!" the Drone Operator fretted. His aggressive tactics had caused the Scorpitron its serpentine tail and tertiary minigun mount atop of it.


    "Don''t let up we have it on the ropes!" Holyfield cheered on.


    The Black Dragon was slowly becoming desperate, tears streamed on its eyes as it tried to protect its center mass that was slowly being cut apart. Its flesh, slowly revealing a glowing, beating emerald heart from within its center mass that the Dragon desperately tried to shield from the Scorpitron''s assault. The glowing heart emitted such luminosity that anyone within a close radius was easily blinded upon even the slightest of periphery vision in the limelight of uncertainty on which Great Beast was about to best who?


    The Drone Operator threw his constitution to shake off the sudden light flash from his screen display. "Sir I am detecting a massive amount of Mana Energies around the Dragon''s c.h.e.s.t it''s coming from its heart." the Operator attempted to explain what he is seeing while fighting with his constitution.


    "Mana? Around its heart?" Iris radioed. "You must shoot it! Shoot its glowing heart! Trust me!" she yelled. The Vampire Witch, realized on her extensive knowledge of Arcane Theory that the source of the Black Dragon''s unusual vigor was likely traced to its glowing, Mana-abundant heart. It was a long theory that she will have to explain to Samantha soon but if the Black Elves had figured out this difficult theory into real practice, then the Black Elves were in another, unexpected and dangerous league of their own when it comes to the studies of the Aetherium.


    "You heard her! Give it all that she got!" Holyfield ordered.


    Pushing himself into high gear, the Remote Operator valiantly overclocked all systems within the Scorpitron. Pushing pass every known safety limit as the BWP walked in spitting distance around the now cowering Black Dragon, its overheated Miniguns not only nearing melting point but also about to run dry of its 30mm Uranium-depleted bullets. Before long, its hot steel Miniguns were now searing the wounds of the Black Dragon''s flesh, cauterizing the wounds around its exposed heart. And at that moment, the


    "It''s still not going down!" Samantha cried.


    "Do it." Holyfield ordered. "Send both of them back to Hell!"


    "Take cover now. Danger close!" the Operator warned every UFEAF and Laniyea Units within the battlefield.


    "Self-Destruction sequence activated. Five¡­Four¡­Three¡­" the Scorpitron''s monotone voice announced the commencement of its ultimate Sacrifice.


    A UGV Drone such as itself cared little of its self-preservation, aggression and the massacring of multitudes was its only directive in its life. It had a compact 100lb Hydrogen micro-fusion Reactor that powers the BWP overall. The Reactor also, when the Self-Destruct sequence commences becomes overloaded before blowing down anything within a 200ft radius. Used mostly when it had expended all of its ammunition to take as many more of its algorithmic targets with it to its kingdom come. It was quite ironic, cathartic even for Holyfield that the swan song of this once infamous BWP shall be the made to fight to protect the Federation, not to destroy it.


    The remaining Federation Troops within the immediate vicinity soon realized what is about to happen. They scrambled for cover as the Black Dragon wailed one final cry as the proud yet malevolent and yet also majestic creature was now about to confront the very notion a creature attempted to avoid. The idea of Mortality, now clarified upon staring upon the soulless eyes of its many-eyed killer.


    "May you be ashes¡­ old nemesis¡­" Holyfield bid his adieu to the last Phoenician Scorpitron as the live feed from the Operator''s Screen cut off.


    "Two¡­ One¡­ Detonating¡­" the Scorpitron says its last words as the


    A great bright light encapsulated the BWP and the Dragon instantly vaporizing beings from the mortal coil. In its wake, a great shockwave rocked Neuogonia buildings and combatants alike. Most of the Federation-Laniyea troops were safely a good distance away from the explosion but the Black Elves were all but decimated. As the smoke dissipated across the slowly sunsetting sky, Stryder Group walked closer, their rifles aimed towards ground zero, hoping that their planned work. As they walked, Samantha gasped as she felt a sudden force tripped between her legs, tumbling before the grand. When she recovered her standing, she soon came face to face with the opened jaws of the Black Dragon itself. At first, the Captain recoiled, drawing her Gladius Pistol onto the monster and firing several desperate shots, yet suspiciously the Dragon didn''t respond nor flinch. A closer examination by her made her realize, although this was indeed the Black Dragons head, it was only its head, severed head. The heaving cadaver had separated a good distance between it and its mutilated and charred corpse whose lower reptilian section was blasted off to overcooked flesh and bone. The Black Dragon had died, it had been slain by the Scorpitron''s valiant sacrifice, destroying the means of its so-called ''Immortality'' during the Hydrogen Reactor''s Overload.


    "Stryder¡­ you did it¡­" Holyfield muttered, seeing Samantha''s live feed from his screen.


    "We did it?" Samantha questioned, slowly realizing what she had just accomplished. "T-target is K.I.A! The Dragon is down!" the Captain cheered.


    "My Dragon! My sweet Dre''sah!" Vokhol despaired as he knees collapsed, staring despondently at the scene before him. His might Black Dragon, the pinnacle of Elven Supremacy was defeated, no humiliated by the scrapheap of a design contraption of the inferior Otherworlders. Oh what will all of the Midnight Camarilla say of this disgrace?


    "Surrender now Lord Vokhol! You have lost!" Aliathra forwarded her Arm-mounted Nanoblades at the Black Elf General.


    "Never! You will pay for all of this!" Vokhol m.o.a.n.e.d, his agony emerging from beneath his typical confident fa?ade as he allowed himself to degrade his actions through sheer passion. The Black Elf bid for a wildly swung sword slash but the Elven Princess easily parry he blade with her Arm Blades before in one fell swoop, she cut sliced Vokhol''s sword arm, his right side, clean off.


    "You Impudent Child! You Monster!" Vokhol screamed.


    "Maybe I had become the Monster you had all feared." Aliathra inhaled her breath, accepting herself for what she had become.


    But before she could finish Vokhol off with a swift stab through his heart, the Elven Ranger''s cybernetic hand was blocked off by the flighted intervention of one of Vokhol''s Acropolis Wardens.


    "Milord! You must run now!" he shouted as multiple Black Elven Survivors, specifically one Sorcerer and two more Wardens grabbed hold of their general. They were honor-bound to protect him with their last breath before any harm could fall to him, which they failed a few seconds earlier but not again.


    "We must flee while we can. We have to report to the Camarilla of what great tragedy had happened! They must know the true power of these Otherworlders!" the surviving Sorcerer''s advised as he prepares a Spell that will allow them to be teleported a short distance away for an opportunity to escape. They can only bring a few of themselves of no more than four people at a time as best as the Sorcerer''s ability could.


    "We will hold them off for as long as you can. Tivna shall welcome us to her Garden. May Tolios guide your path my lord!!" the Warden stoically readied himself to lay down his life for his master.


    Seeing that the window of escape is slowly closing in and it would be dooming more Elven lives to the slaughter if he indeed stands and fight now rather than flee to tell the tale. Lord Vokhol, one of the Crimson Lancers, reluctantly nodded to his valiant bodyguards as he and those who volunteered to spirit him away were enraptured by the Sorcerer''s spell.


    "Do not think you have bested me Princess Aliathra Lareththor. The Midnight Camarilla will have its revenge!" he glared his golden eyes piercingly on Aliathra''s azures as the spell whisked him away from their sight.


    "Surrender now!" a voice echoed from a speakerphone across all the way to the Keep. "And you will be spared!"


    "Vlos Areion!" the die-hard Black Elf Survivors cried as they gave on last battle cry as they attempt to cut down as many of these Otherworlders with them. Each kill they shall make, an offering, a gift to Widall''s unconquerable altar, the battlefield for he demands his worshippers to sacrifice themselves all in their pursuits, in their struggles against all obstacles.


    They did not retreat, none of them surrendered, they fought with savage fury of ones who had nothing left to lose as they raced for whatever souls they could take with them off of this mortal coil. The UFE had no choice but to gun them down, there were however several of them who received the b.u.t.t of the Otherworlder''s rifles where they bring the shame of being captured alive but they were a drastic minority. For they are the 344 survivors of a once 70,000 Expeditionary Force. Of a completely wiped out Black Elven army, the Laniyea and UFEAF Coalition have taken 1,008 dead and of about 3,461 injuries during the Battle of Neuogonia. Despite the great mark of losses in the ongoing Campaign of Gliesian Pacification. It was an astounding strategic victory for the Federation as they now have a secured foothold and road access across all of the Imperial Slaegian Heartland, most especially one wide road straight towards the heart of its power, Haringpoint.


    But overall, for Stryder Group who are found now resting and allowing a sigh of relief that they had all pulled through alive, especially Sergeant Clay who was cleared off of his injuries after a quick application of Anti-Venom and Medi-Gel.


    Captain Rose was just glad that it was finally over. Unzipping slightly the tight constrictions of her Hecate Suit, she let go, exposing a part of her cleavage as she retired her weary back near a demolished piece of debris and took a well-deserved nap, at the warmth companionship of her close and true followers.


    --------------


    "With Neugonia secured, there is nothing but a clear road ahead of us to Haringpoint." Colonel Polonsky met with Major Holyfield in the flesh. "Additionally, Diaz and the Aparo Mercs managed to not only rescue the Black Elven Slaves but also secured a forward position from the remains of their War Camp."


    "That is good news Colonel. Now the Imperial Seat lays before our grasps. We must strike when the iron is hot before the Imperials have time to regroup into the Capital." Holyfield nodded. "My Marines and your Militia folks will see to it our Ringed Flower flies proudly atop of the Imperial Senate building."


    "Remember, I will lead the Vanguard for this assault. I must be there to claim the Throne from Uldin." Prince Clovich nodded as he held an icepack over his head from a bruise he had collected during the earlier battle.


    "Which you will Prince, you will," Holyfield reassured him. "Colonel, get all of your men resupplied and ready. We converge our forces on Haringpoint in due-haste once your back to cohesion. We are going to end this war now." Holyfield tightened his fist.


    For soon, the last breath of this pointless and bloodied war can be at a close, victory and the land of Gliesia now lay before them. They can all almost taste, see and feel the dying breaths of the Old World''s embers crumbling away as its ashes become the foundation for the new Mandate.


    Clovich''s Amelioration.

 Chapter 53 - the Siege of Haringpoint

    Unthinkable.


    The valorous anthems of patriotism that trumped over the Imperial Capital''s skylines became silent as plague hysteria gripped the city. Heralds had begun to grimly narrate the demise of the 22 Legions, the Dwarfen Volunteer Army and the Black Tree Expeditionary Force and the complete collapse of the Emperor Uldin''s ''Dragon Wall'' were heard all throughout the Slaegian''s beating Heart. In place of Supply Caravans and Depots, refugees and survivors of the Otherworlder''s attacks flooded the Capital as the Imperial Logistic systems were stretched well beyond its workable limits. Despair, anxiety, and disbelief flavored the mood of those who heard of the apocalyptic logs of the Heralds of how the 22 Legions, some of it not the best armies the Empire had to offer of brave men, capable commanders, valiant knights, and fearsome war beasts, were utterly decimated, routed and scattered to the dusted winds within the meager span of three days. Alboen had indeed returned to their world to unleash his bloody vengeance upon his transgressors. They overcame the treacherous impasse of Marnia''s Bluff and the Dragon Wall, all such supposedly ''impenetrable defense'' lay violated, exemplifying to the Slaegians that their strength was not enough to stem the Otherworldly Tide.


    Accounts from the survivors were chaotic to put it into imagination bluntly speaking. However, what those erudite enough to piece together the hysteria from discernable fact painted a very grim image of the unholy capabilities that the invaders possess:


    They speak of an unending deluge of metal beasts followed by green-skinned minions that march tirelessly over the Dragon Wall casting devastating magics that obliterated their defenses in a fraction of a blinking eye. No matter how hard they try to push back, their weapons, their magics their armor broke, dissipate, and fell before the incoming flood of Otherworlders who mercilessly slaughtered the valiant martyrs of the Dragon Wall. Even if one has given the providence of surviving the initial assault attempt find the sanctuary amidst darkness and ruins would not be able to protect them. As in one different account from a Grey Order Mage stated: The Demons have seemed to have an advanced means of scrying the battlefield for whatever hapless survivors who managed to survive their initial attacks to be an easy feast for their drones of thralls to toy and slay as they please. Those who managed to run swiftly enough or were fortunate to attain a head start to flee north being the bulk of the refugees arriving in Haringpoint.


    The Empire, in reaction to this development, scrambled desperately to aid the survivors and funnel through additional, albeit subpar reinforcements to what few holdouts were left consisting off


    To make such dire tidings even grimmer, the Demons had managed to subjugate the aid of various faction''s hostile to the Slaegian Empire or had held a grudge against recording back generations from the Daosne Centaur Beastmen, Goblin Tribesmen, and the most dreadful of all, the Father of Necromancy and the most Profane of Act of Vampirism, King Martainne the Lich King. Creating a Triumvirate of all of the Empire''s most hated of enemies under the enthralling banner of the Otherworlder''s Many-Ringed Star. Some Grey Order Scouts even state that they even spotted the traitorous Karliah with the Shareholder and the Corrupted Elven Princess amongst the invading horde, slaying uncountable multitudes of the Empire''s Finest with ruthless glee.


    The Legion''s Generals, in spite of this, eased such fears being beset upon the Emperor and the other Plebians of Haringpoint that they can still salvage whatever survivors that they know can still be rescued back into the safety of the Capital''s protective bastion. They just need time to re-establish a form of cohesion with those who are left. They could still count on the salvation of both Elven Nations of the Entente and the Pact, knowing the latter, led by one of the Black Elven Anstrustriones'' of the Crimson Lancer Lord Vokhol is holding his own as ordered. The former, arriving much later after an unfortunate delay at sea. Once they can rally whatever is left of the Legions and get more men levied from around the Empire they can, Gods willing, a counterattack.


    Yet even still, below the very streets the Nobility and Elites of Slaegian Society desperately try to keep their nation from breaking apart, chaos became the rule of law today. Amongst the denizens of Haringpoint themselves the situation was much bleaker; for they who bore the full brunt of this most disastrous of shocks. A rush of panicked feet began to trot the paved roads of the Imperial Capital as riots over vital supplies and hastily private evacuations became the theme over the past few days as people rushed to leave to the safety of the North whilst others hurriedly hoarded supplies for themselves for the inevitable siege of the city. Others took sanctuary at the many minor temples dedicated to a Deity of the Pantheon or at the Grand Cathedral in a thirstful search of hope and meditation at this trying time. They seek an answer or a consoling word in the midst of this uncertain despondency. The more¡­ banausic of folks however rushed into the local taverns, brothels, and watering holes to attempt to drown their despair away with p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. The latter is much to the chagrin of the Imperial Legions and Bureaucrats who have to cruelly yet mercifully kick said wasters away from such areas so they don''t waste Haringpoint''s vital food supplies.


    All in all, the once crown jewel of Humanity in Gliesia, of order and civilization had devolved into a barbaric heart of a darkened jungle where Darwinian principles clash with what little defenses the paragons of peace and stability could steadfastly stand against such apocalyptic transpiration as all walks of the Slaegian Empire''s public order hang delicately on a thread.


    To address the evolving crisis, Emperor Uldin and the Imperial Senate declared an Emergency Congress of all the Slaegian Empire''s leadership within Haringpoint''s Senatorial Dome. The tension in the room remained on a hung by the thread between determined diligence and stressful scouring as the first phase of the Congress were the witnesses of the ill-fated Dragon Wall''s defenders who managed to tumble their feet back into the Capital''s Walls¡­


    "Every last one of them? Have perished?!" Ser Huguet interrogated, his eyes, exposed with unbelief, pierced down through subject of his inquiry, a lonesome survivor of the ill-fated Dragon Wall who presented himself onto the Grand Chamber Hall of the Imperial Senate.


    It was nigh preposterous upon his two ears to believe at the very first hearing for the Chief General of the Imperial Legions that he had effectively lost over half of his forces, plus the additional supplements from Mercenaries and Allies to the Dark Lord''s Forces in all over a week. Yet the continued grisly testimonies were given out by various messengers, many of him his own friends and friendly of subordinates in the Legion give out the same tale as along with the previously grim-written messages he got as the last words of salutations from the Generals he had sent to defend the Dragon Wall. That the Demons from the Otherworld, with their Magicks, absolutely obliterated all the defenses of the Dragon Wall allowing them to pour through to soft bellied Slaegian Interior, pillaging the Heartlands as they speak.


    "Indeed, I saw all of my brothers perish so swiftly and yet so dishonorably by the Demon''s Magicks. The Otherworlders and their Thralls are like an Inferno; Overpowering and overwhelming everything in their path Priaut Cadlys¨¦r." A survivor from Marnia''s Bluff bowed. "The Dark Lord''s Forces have learned from their previous mistakes and are likely marching to the Capital in due haste as we speak." He bowed as he took his leave in front of the Congress of Nobles.


    "By the Gods, this has been a disaster¡­" Emperor Uldin somberly covered his face, hiding away his anguish from his lesser peers to not show his decaying weakness.


    "All hope is not lost, your Majesty." Grandmaster Owyne inspirited the Emperor. "We must activate the Ancient Defenses of the City at once milord." He sagely advised the beleaguered Emperor.


    "Yes, Yes! If we can hold the Capital for at least two weeks we can gradually move in the Northern Legions and evacuate most of the Capital''s populace to the safety of Marves." Ser Huguet added. "Then we combine our strengths with Prince Valorion''s Men and push back the Invaders." The General demonstrated his plans, pushing alongside the token standee''s representing the Slaegian Legions and Ethuilen Elven Armies towards the Demons who now littered the Imperial Southlands from Vercourt to Tifrait.


    "Yes¡­ we may still have the advantage." Uldin, now thirsted with hope, aroused from his despondency. He has nearly forgotten about Haringpoint''s mythical defenses that had bested against any challenger during the Empire''s infancy and to its present-day, fighting off Barbarians Invasions and Monster Attacks alike.


    "As of this present moment milord, we can deploy up to eight cohorts strong of our recent Levies to create a means of relief for what remains of our Dragon Wall garrisons," Huguet advised. The more soldiers that the Legion can break out of the encircled defenders, the better their second line of defense could stay strong.


    "Do take care, that you handle those Bla---" the Emperor, now realizing his general mentioned about the survivors more in detail was about to say his piece about the most troublesome of ''Allies'', one who call themselves the Black Tree Pact who were sent to relieve the forces stationed around the vital roadway town of Neuogonia


    BANG!


    BANG!


    BANG!


    Three abrupt knocks from the grand double-sided door of the Senate''s Assembly Hall rang greatly unto the room. Under normal protocols, this would have been a scandalous breach yet such emergent times allowed some lee-way in sudden influxes of new information to immediately trickle into the Empire''s Halls of Power to be presented within correct reason.


    "Emperor Uldin! It is I! Lord-General Vokhol of the Crimson Lancers! Let me in at once!" the Black Elf General, once whose voice oozed with Elven Confidence had brought himself humbled upon the Younger Race of Man.


    "Let him in." Emperor Uldin commanded the Sentries stationed by the door.


    The two Guards bowed and obediently pulled open the heavy door''s intricately carved fa?ade allowing the Black Elf and his retinue inside the Senatorial Hall.


    To those in attendance''s horror, Lord Vokhol entered the Hall decrepitly, exposing an uncensored glance of what the Otherworlder''s weapons are capable of inflicting upon a subject. The Black Elf was left heavily marred upon his image compared to his previously sanguine self when his tens of thousands strong parade of the Pact''s Finest marched through the Capital to pledge their support to the Alliance of the Light on their Second Sacred War. He sullenly sported several gashing scars across his face that were barely bandaged and stitched back together giving the Black Elf a tragicomical. He also had sash that hid little to imply that his most recent expeditions had cost him his right arm; not wanting to further display the scurrilous exposition of what his shameful defeat had brought him.


    "Lord Vokhol? What are you doing here? Should you no---" Huguet began to inquire of his sudden appearance but he was immediately interrupted by the Elf''s shrill cut off. "What in Nenya''s name happened to you?!"


    "The Invaders were more contentious than I had previously thought¡­" Vokhol faked a cough as he made his way to the podium to stand for himself amongst the entirety of the Imperial Slaegian Court and Senate.


    "What of your Army?" Uldin leaned his ears closer to hear from what the Elf had wished to so urgently interrupt this exigent gathering at the direst of times. "What of this ''Pacts'' Finest?" he pressed for answers.


    "My Men, all Brave Sons and Daughters of True Alfel Nora had made their stand in Neuogonia milord." Vokhol began to explain his ''prepared'' speech by softening his voice to a more refined accent. "O-only¡­I have survived ¡­ and now I stand before you to speak on not only on behalf of my Nation but of those who have fallen."


    He had practiced these upcoming statements, all tailor-made for the maximum penetration of appeal as per instructed by his Midnight Camarilla Masters who behind the scenes were doing their best to make good onto their interests during this crisis behind all of their rivals, most especially the Ethuilen''s backs having arranged several favors to mold the developing situation from a military disaster into a political advantage. Subsequently, for himself, Vokhol needed to salvage his wounded pride from the embarrassment of returning to Haringpoint in trans-mortifying tatters. Once he had finished his formalities with the Humans in the Imperial Capital, Lord Vokhol and his surviving soldiers are to return to D¨²rnimloth to enact their contingencies to ensure that Alfel Nora remains strong in the wake of this impending crisis.


    He couldn''t risk divulging the humiliating details of his defeat that his wounded pride disallowed him to confess to the Imperial Nobles, less he humiliates not only the Black Tree Pact but also himself. But the true agenda of his deceit was for more politically cunning beneath the surface. He knew that even if the bright star of the Ethuilen Armies, the Crown Prince Valorion Lareththor is a glory seeker, he is ultimately responsible for the lives of his men. If the Imperial Defeat is too crushing of a situation for the late-arriving Ethuilen forces who had been delayed by ''an unfortunate astrayment'' by an ''unblessed storm'', then Prince Valorion may be hesitant to fully deploy the capabilities of the Ethuilen''s finest. From orders from the Midnight Camarilla, to salvage this minor deracination is to keep the Crown Prince and his Army as far away as possible from his homeland as Lord Vokhol could. If they play the right moves on the board at the correct timings, then this transgression could be reversed into a blessing in disguise.


    "An unending deluge met before them by the Otherworlders. We had fought valiantly and with our prowess, we had gloriously pushed back the Demons to the very borders of Tyr Rian near the Duchy of Tifrait. But alas! The Victory was at a great cost for I lost all of my men and beasts during the campaign." He lied. Acting out a solemn lowering of his head, still reeling with both mournful deferences to those brave Elven Souls.


    "You managed to push them back?" Uldin''s weary heart leaped with hope upon hearing this most gracious of news it was a ray of hope from a sea of distress.


    "Indeed, but only for about a week or more, I believe if judging by the distance of Tyr Rian and Neuogonia is¡­ They may have been defeated once for now, but they will surely return to strength in the coming days." Vokhol honeyedly impelled. "If you can use these precious days ahead to build your defenses from what remains of your armies then perhaps you may be able to marshal more of your men into your nation''s defense."


    "Milord, this could be all of the time we need to rally not only our Northern Legions but also the rest of our Allies too." Huguet bowed.


    The Emperor rested behind his throne contemplating what his General had counseled him on. The Northern Legions were gradually trickled down moderately compromising the security consisting several of the Northern Daosne Lands of Ysanigrad to the Beastfolk Barbarians in order to supplement manpower into the South for the Crusade. There were still several more Legions who have not yet reported their Commanders to him as of late and this sudden break in the war effort could indeed give him the time the Northern Reinforcements needed to march into Haringpoint''s relief. From a realpolitik point of view, the near-total annihilation of the Black Elf Expeditionary force was just what Emperor Uldin wish to hear from the Black Elven General as he didn''t have to suffer through many of these Elves and their diplomatic pressures with both the Entente and the Pacts as he much prefer to handle with the former than the latter. The same idea was also given to the Dwarves and the White Elves who needed more time to train and acquisition their manpower and supplies too. Additionally, more time of study and research for the Mages of the College in the Arts of Anti-Demonic Wards could also better prepare the Empire for the dark storm ahead, most especially for the Empire''s New Champion, Faithleann Garmhaic.


    "Your Ma-jesty!" Faithleann''s voice perturbed the great halls, his impetuousness reverberating within his tone. "You should let me lead our troops to Ty Rian and vanquish the Demons once and for all. I grow tired of sitting idly by here in the Capital while our home is being invaded by these Otherworlders. It was a great mistake for not letting me in the front lines for I would have surely defended the Dragon Wall and Tifrait would not have fallen. But most of all we wound not even need the ''Aid'' of those Black Elves." Faithlean arrogantly proposed.


    "Do you have no clue of what we had just talked about you brat?!" Vokhol was left astonished by this Chosen One''s ineptitude. "Your strength is not yet enough to challenge the Demons. Look here! The Corrupted Princess, Aliathra had taken my right. What can you do better?" the Black Elf challenged.


    "Says the one who then exulted that they ''will vanquish the demons all by themselves''." Faithleann snidely fired back.


    "Such lack of tact of yours, it is a miracle by the Gods that you are still standing here after the Ostalrocs¡­" the Black Elf General scoffed away his hand across dismissively to the young knight.


    "I have you know that I have been practicing my Magicks for the past week ever since I had returned to Haringpoint. I had studied through all of the most powerful of magicks from the College such as Fireball Barrage, Final Transmutation, and Thunderstorm!" Faithleann boasts of his achievement.


    "All of that learned¡­ in a week?" Vokhol jerked his lithe brow. This youth couldn''t be more delusional¡­


    The Black Elf may not be that too deep within the many written Lores of Magicks but he knew from a fundamental level that the spells that this Arcane Knight is proudly aggrandizing about were of a high level of Combat Magicks that takes years of refinement from studying lesser potent of related spells and additional practice to safely cast. Learning them all ''for the past week'' as described its although not impossible is highly advised against by even the most aggressive of Magical Tutors for such spells require an extensive investment of discipline to effectively cast and control such a physically and mentally taxing spell; Less the spell will backfire on users which is called in the Magical Community as ''Overcasting''. Additionally, his over dedication in ostentatious Destruction Spells would blind him to the reality of Spellfighting Duels as such confrontations between mages require a whole vast anthology of many different spells 2 or more Schools and the creative application of said spells principles and characteristics. He was all attack, no defense. Although he is not dismissing the boy''s ascendant talent as word of mouth did say he is indeed quite a prodigious adept in the Arcane Arts, his impetuousness could easily be his most fatal of flaws.


    "This Chosen One¡­" Vokhol grinned annoyingly towards the Emperor to display his dissatisfaction. "The boy has much to learn if he is ever able to fulfill his calling." He subtly showed his disdain for Faithleann.


    "How dare you mock me!" Faithleann lashed. He attempted to charge towards the Black Elf to deliver a piece of his bruised mind, but he was physically stopped by Petur and Findrum.


    "This not the time for childish squabble boy! There is still much work to be done." Petur reprimanded him as he dragged the fire-blooded young boy out of the Senatorial Hall.


    An equally bothered sigh escaped Uldin''s body to signify his reciprocated disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e of Faithleann''s rash behavior. The kid has simply no clout of talent in the subtle dance of Diplomacy.


    "I have done as much as I can to all of you people of the Empire of Slaegia. But alas, a General without an army is like a Sailor without a Ship. I do ache to announce that I under the direct orders of my Midnight Camarilla that I must formally declare the Great Black Tree Pact''s withdrawal from the Ysanigrad Continent." Vokhol addressed eloquently to the rest of the Midnight Camarilla''s Message to the Empire regarding the recent events. "I must now beg for my leave. A Galleon bound for Jiselume will embark within the hour." The Black Elf General gracefully left the podium and with a deceitful smile masked under a burlesqued aura of contentment over how the first chapter of the Midnight Camarilla''s plans moving forward in this crisis has now been completed.


    Upon Vokhol''s exit, the attendees realigned themselves to the immediate case in hand of defending the Empire, drawing their focus onto the wide War Table in the center of the room.


    "A great many of Refugee''s from the Eastern Provinces have been flooding into Haringpoint every day and as ordered, we have been rediverting their caravans to migrate Northward. We have also been able to collect over four-thousands of able-bodied men to replenish the Legion''s numbers." One general reported.


    "I have been countlessly reassured by you, all of my faithful Generals the Imperial Legion remains as capable and battle-ready in spite of the Crisis, but my curiosity has been elated towards our adversary. The Otherworlders themselves." Uldin raised.


    "If I may¡­" Mita the Crow Master, who throughout the time inside the room had been quietly leaning over one of the many pillars of the great hall roguishly absorbing the drabble being spread about by the high tables of society. However, beneath all of that sea of imaginative speculation amalgamated with fractured facts, the Crow Master had scented a hint of something not tallying properly¡­


    "What is it Crow Master?" Owyne asked her.


    "The Black Elf, he seems to be awfully in a hurry to leave the Capital so swiftly¡­ despite his¡­ current stature." She cautiously chose her words to convey her suspicions.


    "The Midnight Camarilla is not the most patient of folks in all of my years speaking with them and their vibrant kindred," Owyne answered.


    "I mean no disrespect to his losses. But the way he made his speech earlier¡­ of how he talks about his so-called victory? His demeanor is rather¡­ fearful for someone who had managed to hold back the Invaders all the way to Tyr Rian as he said." Mita aired her suspicions.


    "What are you implying? He had just lost thousands of his men." Owyne pressed.


    "The way he held himself, it was like if he was just a Prey who had barely escaped a Hunter''s Trap. Did you not see his bandage wrappings? I wouldn''t feel as fervent if I finished a quest only to be as brutalized as him." Mita shared her empathic ac.u.men.


    There was a premonition deep down hidden behind all of the bravadoes the Elf had meagerly ransomed about his loss to the Imperial Court.


    "Crow Master, I believe you dally in a place that is unnecessary for your brilliance to waste upon." Owyne realigned her focus. "What we must drive our current attentions is to the defense of Haringpoint."


    The Crow sighed, there was much more pressing matters than a military withdrawal to put her mind to about, perhaps she was indeed overthinking too much and not narrowing herself down to the task that matter.


    "As I was speaking¡­" Huguet grabbed both of the two Master''s attention towards him. "Haringpoint''s supply caches cannot sustain the current population of both the city''s burghers and the refugees. In addition, our close proximity to the frontline has left the Emperor and the Imperial Court in a most vulnerable position." The Marshall explained.


    "What are you attempting to say?" one of the Nobles asked.


    "It is with a hesitant heart and my thousands of apologies for this offense I am about to state, but we must, if the crisis does escalate, all non-combatants of Haringpoint are to be evacuated from the Capital to allow the Garrison to further entrench the city. Including the Imperial Family." Huguet answered forthrightly.


    "This is preposterous?! An allow them to ravage the Cathedral? The College? And the Grand Lodge?" Owyne raised his voice in protest.


    Many more of the Nobles and lower of ranked Officers of the Legion joined in the protest. Haringpoint was not only the strongest fortress of all the bastions of the Imperial Lands but was the beating cosmopolitan heart of the Empire, to Abandon the City, to allow the risk


    "Silence!" Uldin yelled. With only one word, the assemblage''s protest swiftly quelled, albeit temporarily.


    "What the Priaut Cadlys¨¦r speaks is undoubtedly without his own justifiable merit of his thought." Uldin explained. "But we must learn to compromise ourselves. The Black Elf, as much as he was an interesting character to host within our Halls had bought us time, a week." The Emperor defended his Marshall''s plan.


    "A week, to preserve the Continuity of the Empire is what I speak of." Ser Huguet adjured. "We must rescue whatever relics of power, people of influence, and what little strength the Empire has left as it escapes towards the North where we can re-establish our control. Even if the Capital fall, we may able to still have the soul, the spirit, the idea of the Slaegian Empire lives on even if Haringpoint if were to valiantly burn to Ash."


    "One week¡­" Owyne muttered. It was such a short time, and not nearly enough time to evacuate all the important archives of knowledge the College of Magi''s Libraries had, nor to evacuate the Magical Relics locked inside the Cathedral and the Grand Lodge. For the Grandmaster, he had to make a very much difficult choice without the ability to discreetly subvert himself into an advantage. Some of those prized treasures will be inevitably lost no matter how much he pushes to save them. He has to choose which gets saved and which will be defiled.


    "I have accepted if Gods fate it. That if Haringpoint may fall, that if the Otherworlders are to devour me and my men, all I ask of you; although the Materium Capital would be razed and its ashes grinded to the earth, I can die honorably knowing that the Empire''s Soul, its People, its History, Knowledge, and Treasures are safe." The Marshall issued his proclamation. "Can you do this one simple¡­ wish for the Empire I have fought for my entire life for that I love and cherish for?" he challenged the congregation.


    A moment of silence lurked within the Hall before one such Senator raised his hand saying ''Ydw'' signifying his approval of the plan. He was then followed by those attendee''s sitting beside him, followed by those across him, before long, the whole Senatorial Hall erupted their hands in unanimous concordance. The Senedd has agreed with the whole of their hearts. Huguet smiled, knowing his hopes were answered.


    "Then all is settled. Every one of us shall contribute to the preparations for the Defense and the Evacuation of the Imperial Capital." Uldin stood up from his throne to address the congregation. With a heart revigorated by the sage counsel of his Generals, the Empire of Slaegia may yet be able to fight on even at the very midst of this


    "We have only a week to---" the Emperor was about dismiss the assembly but just as he is about to say blessed adieux, the Senate Hall''s grand doors were f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y barged open.


    A heaving Knight entered the Chamber to the newly locked gaze of the Imperial Court.


    "What is the meaning of this?!" the Emperor bawled towards the gate-crasher.


    "I---I the Demons! They are approaching the Capital!" the Knight exhaled his answer.


    ---------------------------


    After a tense skirmish of the peripheral defenses of the Imperial Capital, the combined Maneuver Battalions of Eastern and Western Army Groups have now Haringpoint within their sights. It took a day of a hasty replenishment of supplies, men, and materials to fully capitalize on the breakthrough both forces had managed to carve around their respective areas of responsibility. Previously speaking, the Federation''s Intelligence Teams had also been reaping the rewards of the most recent invasion by scavenging the battlefield for valuable artifacts and doc.u.ments useful for both military-relevant information and scientific data gathering, specifically from the recent Battle of Neuogonia with all of their discarded Elven equipment and anomalous fauna laying around for them to dissect and analyze.


    The heavy defeats inflicted upon the Imperials had bolstered the mood between the two armies as overall confidence soared amongst the ranks, especially the newly formed Laniyea Army of Prince Clovich whose men grew ever-more confident that they can achieve another victory with this momentum with their new equipment and growing veterancy as a modernized force at hand.


    "This is it, once we break down this wall it''s only just a Fjord''s ride away from planting the Seven Ringed Flower atop of the Imperial Palace." Holyfield marveled from his view in-person view of the city of Haringpoint, its lamplit skyline flickering across the minor agricultural lands that separated the combined UFE and Laniyea Army from their prize.


    He wanted to personally oversee with his own two eyes the conclusion of his latest Military Campaign, coming down from the Aurora to see the UFEAF''s dagger deliver the coup de grace against the Empire.


    By now, he had already written up the plan of battle once the Coalition''s forces breakthrough the walls. Polonsky''s Men would help secure the civilian sectors of the capital and focus on crowd control and other support functions whilst the Prince''s Laniyea Soldiers will push through all the way to Administrative Districts of Haringpoint. As for him and his Marines, they will focus on neutralizing the Commercial and Industrial areas of the city to secure Prince Clovich''s left flank facing the waterside. In addition, Intelligence Gathering groups lead by his own Navy SEAL Teams coordinated by Agent De Sardet will storm three key locations: The Grey Order''s Grand Lodge, the College of Magi, and the Cathederal supported by several new Magic Countermeasures and Detecting equipment courtesy of Dr. Mahelona''s research and Aparo Corporation funding.


    De Sardet was unusually enthusiastic¡­ almost awaiting with sadistic catharsis readying to burst within him when it comes to the prospect of being the one to kick the door down on those three power centers of Imperial Might that it had unnerved both Captain Rose and Colonel Polonsky. But Major Holyfield reassured him that if there was anyone who can turn a serene sanctuary into a marauded mangle with anything worth of value that wasn''t nailed down taken, the Bureau of Intelligence Agent was the man for the job.


    "Do not forget the Banner of Tyr Rian¡­" Prince Clovich reminded. "Remember, this is also my War, not of Conquest but Revolution." He tightened his fist ardently.


    "Conquest and Revolution are the one in the same Prince Clovich. It is a victory against an adversary. The culmination of one system, a way of life, an idea triumphing over the other." Holyfield argued. "In our case, a system of the Old Ways versus and the New, and we are ''the New''." He stated firmly as his arms articulated expressing his devoted enthusiasm to final victory being just within sight.


    "I agree, but I must remind you, these are my people Major, and this is the Imperial Capital¡­ by all accounts, the next great acts we will undertake this day shall be heard throughout the world." The Prince answered.


    "Sir¡­ Pigeon is in flight and is ready for the broadcast. Is the Prince ready?" a Communication Officer approached the two men.


    "Yes, Yes, the people of Haringpoint shall hear my voice..." the Prince nodded.


    He was escorted to a nearby tent where equipment designed for a live holographic broadcast was set up for the Prince. Clovich had insisted that ever since the beginning of the conflict that this war has officially started by him rather than the Federation. And this war was not of Conquest but a Revolution a war of Salvation to stop the Empire from their hubris. Although now that he thinks of it, what is the difference between those two words? Regardless, his claim to the Imperial Throne and the backing of his Otherworlder Patrons must be legitimized by the people he will soon rule over. He sees all of his Generals who followed him from Tyr Rian and his Federation Allies and Advisors as they await his word by his beckon. For Prince Clovich Rian, he had once been their puppet of violent masters but now Like the Wise Emperor of Japan Meiji of Earth''s Old had prepared, he made his King''s Speech stepping forward to the visual capture of the red-flickering camera:


    "To the people of the Imperial Capital of the Empire of Slaegia, Haringpoint, this is Prince Clovich of the formal Vassal State of Tyr Rian now the Leader of New Ysanigrad. I come with my newly armed Legion known as the Lluoedd Arfog Newyd Ysanigrad all blessed with weapons and magicks that your Legions have no chance of defeating. All of those supplied by these ''Otherworlders'' you call the United Federation of Earth. We have marched from Tyr Rian to exact justice upon the Imperial Army Out of your unreasoned fear, naivete and reckless in conducting unreliable divination magic, the Sleagians hastily branded the Otherwolders as ''Demons'' and my people as ''corrupted thralls'' with zero evidence and understanding of who the Otherworlders truly are. This result in the burning of half Tyr Rian and the death of 600 innocents¡­ of MY Subjects¡­ MY People along with dozens more of the Federation''s own men, women and children! The Imperial Court along with their Grey Order and Magi conspirators perpetrated this heinous act which will not be unanswered for nor forgiven. I arrive now with my army upon the sight of Haringpoint to see that these offenders pay for their act of not only the crime of unjust aggression but the very betrayal of MY Trust. Between Liege and Vassal."


    A Specially made UAV flew across from the Coalition''s position to the battlements of the Capital''s defensive walls where it hovered before the alerted Sentinels. A holographic projector attached to its snout displaying a mirror image of the Prince displayed alongside high decibel speakers (as powerful enough to fit inside the UAV) to relay his words.


    "However, those of innocent of burghers and of still common sensed within the city will be spared from our righteous wrath. I know most of you still believe me as some kind of ''Demonic Puppet'' and the Federation are the Demons of Old; But as my final words before I commence the assault: I ask for every soul in within the city: Stay in your Home and do not get in my army''s way if you value your lives and I assure you by my Noble Honor that you will NOT be harmed. All of the misunderstandings of this ''Rebellion'' and this ''Second Demonic Invasion'' shall be resolved once the Slaegian Regime has been appropriated to my control."


    Clovich grieved for air as he concluded his speech to the silent ovation of his followers who bowed before his conciliatory words of choice. He was a man of his ideals in spite of his young age. His only hope now is that his message has come through.


    "Sir¡­ they Shot Pigeon down¡­" the UAV Operator quickly breached the tensed silence of the room.


    He hovered over his Monitor Screen displaying a Magical Missile fired from one of the mages stationed atop one of the watchtowers of the Capital smite down the bird before falling into static.


    "Emperor Uldin is making a mistake¡­ a grave mistake¡­" Prince Clovich clenched his fist as his nerves pulsated by the suicidal defiance by his former Imperial Masters.


    "There is no other way through but through the walls, I am afraid milord." Edmurl pushed his walking staff to shift his body towards his liege. With a heavy heart, he confessed to the grim reality.


    "It has seemed so¡­ do I have your word to commence the Assault?" Colonel Polonsky, who also wished just the same to personally see the conclusion of this war with the Planet''s Natives on the ground asked.


    "D-Do it¡­ but no longer than what we agreed upon¡­" Clovich reluctantly gave the order.


    "Rail Hammer this is Shield Father, you are clear for the attack. Commence five-minute barrage on all targets within Phase Line Bronco. Start the show." Colonel Polonsky ordered.


    "Affirmative, Cannons'' bringing the house down." The 4th Artillery Company''s Commanding Officer answered.


    Having just pre-sighted their Militech Earthquake SPG''s and Ullr MLRS'' onto Phase Line Bronco, otherwise the Imperial Walls of the Capital on their geometric calculations. The 4th Artillery Company loaded their Artillery''s 155mm shells and Jericho Cl.u.s.ter Missiles to their launchers. After one final conditional check on their firing trajectories, Callsign ''Rail Hammer'' unleashed the Federation''s fury upon their Cannons.


    Prince Clovich capped his hand atop of his eyes as he looked over the skies horizon as the firing trail left in the Artillery''s wake zoomed over the sky. At first, like birds who soared near to the heavens, but as they traveled further, they began to descend like howling ghosts upon the Imperial Walls. Being the very beating heart of the Sleagian''s grip, generations of Imperial Emperors, long-minded of Generals and Architects had invested extraneously in exotic and expansive improvements to the Battlements from stations affixed with an arsenal of Siege Engines and defensive countermeasures, the replacement of standard quarried stone to the much hardier imports from the Dwarven Mountains to the enchantment of protective Magical Runes to supplement the Wall''s impressive integrity.


    But as the Federation''s High Command blanketed the sky with humbling fire, their eyes gazed upon noticing that several of the shells began to prem.a.t.u.r.ely explode stories high of the city limits, harmlessly illuminating the skyline with High-Explosive fireworks. At a brief glimpse over the horizon, one can see the faint refraction of light shaping itself into a dome-like structure over the Imperial Capital as if it was a sanctimonious shield angelically protecting the City from harm. At first, the Federation paid no heed upon this minor setback, thinking it was one final pitched attempt to prevent annihilation but as minutes passed¡­ and more shells and missiles ineffectively detonating over Haringpoint, the Commanding Officers of Operation Haymaker were taken aback as they concluded that their enemy has elevated their wargame.


    "God damnit! How strong is that Shield?!" Rail Hammer radioed, the Artillery Commander''s vexation on air for the Commanders to hear. He and the rest of his Artillery Team, who had so far had devastated many of the Imperial Slaegia''s finest with the utmost impunity were humiliated as their mandated five-minute barrage had ended without any so effect to the City whatsoever from their efforts. They had wasted over a hundred of their Artillery Shells for their bombardment.


    Looking over the horizon with their binoculars''s the Commanders of the Coalition Army can spot the faint refraction of light weaving around the city in its warding grace. It was like the building-wide shields from before. The Resilient Sphere spell as they call it, but a much stronger one encompassing all of Haringpoint.


    "Major! The Slaegians are counter-barraging us." Polonsky raised as suddenly, several UFE positions were being harassed by several storms of Arcane and Elemental Magicks throughout their camp.


    The UFEAF and Laniyea did as best as they could to brace for impact, but still, they obtained casualties doing so.


    "Blasted! Get me the Indian Sea on the line! I want that Shield glassed at once!" Holyfield gnashed his teeth. He was not a patient man, nor was the Party and High Command back home were too. He would turn the city of the Dust if he had his own way of the Rules of Engagement.


    Colonel Polonsky quietly nodded, equally sharing in his sentiment.


    It would be an embarrassment if they are to be behind schedule of what this otherwise to be a ''simple'' Pacification Campaign.


    "Colonel do not do that!" Samantha yelled abruptly as she and the rest of her squad rushed themselves hastily towards the Commanders of the Operation. "My calculation from the ISAC''s Mana Sensors told me that although the Orbital Bombardment can break the shield by its kinetic power alone, it will also level the whole city to dust! Collateral damage and loss of Life will be too high for anyone back home to stomach." She grieved her protests.


    The Major intrigued his wrinkled forehead as he leaned his gaze unto the Redheaded Officer. "Then how do you propose we should instead Captain? That shield is stopping us dead."


    He knew that the Captain and her abilities give her a degree of merit unique to her and so far he calls, although not by the book nor as conventional at first thought had always produced the most amiable of results for him as of both the Major''s and Colonel''s Tour of Gliesia. They wonder what sort of plan Captain Rose has concocted now.


    "Karliah, tell them." Samantha gestured meekly to the Slaegian Defector.


    "The Shield protecting the Imperial Capital is being powered by a series of devices known as Mana Obelisks, enchanting the spell from within the city." The College Mage elucidated.


    "Within the City?" the Major questioned.


    "As a senior member of the College, I understand the full details of the Mana Obelisks. The Shield is connected to each other through a centralized Mana Geomantic-Web through a giant Mana Crystal, the Mirror of Aunsellus, acting as its source. The Mirror''s energy is dispersed evenly throughout the City through these Mana Obelisks that are publicly accessible landmarks embedded all around Haringpoint." Karliah further divulged.


    "Web? Like some sort of Power Grid?" Holyfield inquired. "So, these Obelisks are used by your former Collegiates?"


    "Verily, the Obelisks are used for the City''s defenses and the occasional research activity into the Aetherium''s Winds for the College." Karliah nodded.


    "So, we find these Mana Obelisks and destroy them to get rid of the shield?" the Colonel inquired.


    "We must NOT destroy the Obelisks. doing so would allow Mana Energies from violently implode upon us. Severing its connection from the Aether, the Mirror of Aunsellus, is much more prudent solution." Karliah strongly called out Polonsky''s barbarous plan. "A ritual must be cast by an Adept to sever its power." She added.


    "So just turn it off then? I see." The Colonel bowed. "Do that and the Shield goes away?"


    "The shield would gradually scale down to cover less of the entirety of the City. The less Mana Energy being allowed to circulate throughout the city shall in turn allow your soldiers to summon your great weapons from afar. You can also pay no worry about retaliation against the Mages that are levied to defend them the more you sever the Obelisks from their power." She nodded.


    "It looks like we don''t have much of a choice of what we can work with Major." Polonsky turned to Holyfield. "We have to send boots to those Obelisks and hold them long enough to wipe them off the board."


    "Indeed, that Mana Network will surely give us hell even in partial operationality." Holyfield shook his head. "Karliah, where would this Mirror of Aunsellus be? We are also interested in that artifact too."


    "It is unlikely they have moved it from its vault within the College of Magi. I know of a route through Kobold''s Hollow to allow us entry while avoiding most of the guards." The Collegiate nodded.


    "The Kobold''s Hollow?" De Sardet asked.


    "Aye, a series of underground tunnels used by the citzenry of Haringpoint as cool storage rooms for their food, an underworld sanctuary for the Rogues and Beggars, and a safe shelter in case of sieges or other disasters that may befall on the city." The Collegiate answered. "I am one of the Grey Order Guildsmen who can navigate the Hollow with ease."


    "Interesting, maybe trouble for us¡­ or useful if we are willing to risk going in." The Agent eruditely rubbed chinned up.


    "There is the problem of reaching Obelisks though¡­" Samantha raised her hand.


    It was an afterthought that had caught Karliah, in her rush to end the siege quickly soon discovered. How will she and Samantha enter the Kobold''s Hollow now that the City has effectively locked down all means of entry?


    "May anyone here give counsel?" Karliah turned for answers.


    "The Shield doesn''t prevent the entry of personnel? Oui? People¡­?" De Sardet clarified.


    The intellectual capacities of the UFEAF Round Table absorbed the defector''s information carefully. How could they deploy their men into a heavily hostile area?


    "The obvious approach won''t do because of the Shield stunting our firepower. You would be cut off." Polonsky shared. "There are eyes everywhere and the place is locked tight with structure enhancing Runes for months! Years even..."


    "We can''t fly''em either. If the Sphere can stop Artillery Bombardments¡­ it could also stop Airborne Drops too. Plus, the Pelicans will be vulnerable to zealous amounts of enemy Magefire." Holyfield added.


    He could still remember the haunting mayday cries of his Airborne Troops taking anti-air fire from Magic Missiles by the evocative Battlemages all throughout the Operation. No amounts of Flares and Electronic Countermeasures would protect those unfortunate Pelicans from crashing. It was as ''Low Tech'' as it could get for fighting aerial opponents, wait for the Pelican to hover low while said ambusher is low themselves before blasting Arcane Fire onto the wingbeat beast.


    All of Haringpoint''s buildings were tightly packed Burgs of Commercial and Residential areas with roads too narrow for a wide-spreading Pelican to touch down soldiers onto without being exposed to the heavily entrenched defenders of the City that now swarm the area. The feasible landing zones simply put had too many possible ambushing angles for the defenders to counterattack.


    "If we can''t go over or through it then what about¡­ going underground?" Diaz radically proposed. "Karliah, does the Resilient Sphere spell stop¡­ sapping? Digging a huge tunnel under?" he asked.


    "No, not at all." Karliah''s eyes widened to this new proposal.


    "We kick the door in on them and rush towards the Obelisks and we switch''em off yeah? Dig in and hold them until the Cav comes." Diaz smirked. "I know for a fact about those Maximov People bringing out some of their Heavy Industrial Machines from their sh.i.p.s that are bound for the Ostalrocs. A fun corral of Heavy Mining Drills called the Hyper-Mole''s." The Corpo relayed his unexpectedly extensive intercorporate intelligence to the group.


    "How and why would you propose this?" Samantha asked him.


    "I know a guy who was in the exact same position as us right now. We mole ourselves pass the Walls and then emerge out then run to them Obelisks and waste anyone that tries to stop us." Diaz waved. "Besides, I always wanted to know how this baby cuts." The Corpo brandished his Actocolite-Thermocarbon Katana.


    "Yes¡­ yes¡­ if your team can move fast enough Captain Rose, this might work." De Sardet nodded.


    "That could actually work¡­" Samantha grinned astonishingly of the rather insane yet potentially effective proposition. "Get your team geared for a hard long fight on all sides so the Mages can them off."


    "You will only need to sever the Weave of three Obelisks are closest by them." Karliah further divulged.


    "Good, get those Obelisks offline. I need that. Once they are down this should give us the break, we need for the troops to rush in. Once the walls are gone it''s Game Over for the Imperials." Holyfield smiled coyly.


    "And Haringpoint shall be liberated from Emperor Uldin." Clovich raised his sword pre-celebratorily, he could now taste victory''s sweet succor mere inches from his mouth. "You are adept in accomplishing impossible tasks Ladui Rose. I place all of my prayers and faith complete unto your errantry." Prince gave his humble support.


    "Just a head up though. The Hyper Mole''s Supply bay at its emptiest can at max maybe or so hold 8 of us with full gear on each if we squeeze tightly." Diaz added, his voice wincingly slightly.


    "Basically, once we in we got to hit them hard and fast..." Crocker cutting through all the formalized lingua.


    "Then it is best we all gear up to the teeth for an intense firefight. Dig our pockets deep with extra Ammo, Grenades, and Drones to help us dig in on those key positions." Samantha ordered.


    "I will call in Mr. Yahontov to get those Drills over stat." Colonel Polonsky acknowledged.


    -------------------------------------------------


    Several Hours had passed within the UFEAF Camp but Mr. Yahontov finally came through. Arriving in Maximov''s Aerial Haulers swiftly from New Albany to Haringpoint, 3 Hyper-Mole Mining Drills were being disembarked along with its driving crew ready for the dangerous task ahead.


    For each Drill, there are to be three teams of men one of which is Stryder Group lead by Samantha, the other two are with a fully recovered Ho''don and King Martainne of both express through enchanted hands twitching l.u.s.tfully to smite with Arcane Fury against the people who had persecuted them. They were escorted by a selection of handpicked SEALS from Major Holyfield equipped to the teeth with all of the best weapons and Godspeeds the Federation can arm them.


    They are the Federations Vanguard. The sharpest tip of their spear against the heart of the Empire.


    Captain Rose triple-checked the functionality of her FBR-20 Bullpup and a pair of Frag Grenades on her peson as she nervously exercised her breath to console her pre-mission fermentations. Among all of the missions she had undertaken so far, this wild-eyed plan was perhaps the most dangerous she had been tasked to accomplish (thanks in no part to Diaz''s unconventional imagination). Even with her powers, there was still the choking fear Samantha sensed within her bones as she loaded the last cartridge of Rifle Ammo for her Rifle before she sallied out. The mission is either going to be a success or she, knowing what the Imperials will likely do to her, undeniably they will seek to capture her alive for her fabled powers. The Captain can still remember the harrowing pleas of those Natives preaching of their dogmatic religion of her ''Destiny'' and their relentless determinism to claim her for themselves. She shudders to think of what they could likely do to her if they seize her knowing the medieval means they will likely used to ''correct her enthrallment'' as the saying goes. Closing her eyes to soothe her nerves, the Captain pat her hands across her Combat Rig to remember where each of her essential tools are located at all times and making sure they are all secured in place.


    Looking onto her squad, she allowed a comforting facsimile of a smile to her squadmates to express outwardly confidence that she within still struggle to grasp onto her enduring self. Howbeit, seeing the sight of her companions stoically hanging ten near the edges of what little space they could muster reassured her that they too share her tensions. Crocker was at his usual stoic self, holding his LMG at the ready while brandishing his knightly Hercules Exo Suit. Clay tightly held on to a box-shaped container that held a Militech Janissary Turret, a device useful for the inevitable defense of the Obelisks. The same can be said for the Squad''s Combat Engineer, Kayin who did the final checks of his Flamethrower''s nozzle and secondary Carbine Rifle. Iris meanwhile was by his side enchanting the very last few Grenades with a variety of elements. The Vampire Witch caught Samantha''s eyes and she smiled confidently about herself, reassuring her she will be at her very best for the coming fight. Diaz and Aliathra held their hands together, the Elf''s cybernetics interacting with Diaz''s carbon-wired compressor augmented palms as Diaz held his Katana vertically. The Corpo being also equipped with a protective vest alongside his iconic Tech Pistol Ruiner. The Elf Cleric was recently issued a brand-new Composite Bow of the Aparo Corp''s design boasting a superior drawing strength thanks to its moving pulley cables and well-handled ergonomic compared to her old Elven one. Although she did shared the thought that when given the chance, she will paint the black aluminum surface of her new weapon to green as she finds the charcoal color to be too ''depressing'' for her tastes. Obediah had armed himself tensely with a MAR-A5 Rifle modified for Close Quarters combat complemented with an under-barrel shotgun as his breathe boiled as a hunter''s anticipation seeped into him, the anticipation for a new kind of quarry, the most dangerous ones he had challenged to track and kill in all of his old life. His focus dead set against the Alliance for killing his wife and daring to harm his only daughter. Such a inimical eagerness permeated the drumming vibrations of the Hyper Mole as the Maximov Engineers bravely tunneled through below the noses of the Imperials.


    "Oi! Hustle up back there!" a voice interrupted their conversation. It was from the Maximov Engineers piloting the Drill. "GPS is about to be green, were just below the wall." he relayed.


    "Move in quick! We only get one shot at this!" Crocker rallied the squad.


    "Watch the roofs, watch the windows, watch any place the Imps could be waiting for us." The Captain added.


    The Hyper-Mole''s engine howled impassionedly as its Titanium-Thermocarbon drill tip galvanized to its maximum output. Tearing through the Gliesian Soil with rapacious furor.


    The scheduled time of the assault was a few minutes passed noon, as when the Imperials on Watch above the Walls had the planet''s sun glazing into their eyes.


    At first, the Yeomen paid no heed to the strange vibration, thinking the rumbling below them were the march of their colleagues aroused from slumber, the Walls were deployed double the foot count of watchmen as hastily demanded by Ser Huguet after all. Patrols were strict and their reconnaissance continuous reportings of any unusual movements they observe coming from the Federation''s War Camp whose horde of iron beasts and black-eyed warriors stand just a shy breath short from the range of their arrows and magicks. As of their arrival, the Watch report activity outside of the Otherworlder''s War Camp being built up --- a ruse the Federation fabricated to deceive the defenders of their true actions.


    "Is yer'' tum bouw tcha go''in outta''gin Willy?" a Yeoman crassly turned to his partner.


    His fellow Watchmen paid no heed initially, longingly waiting for the relieving c.o.c.kcrow of their watch station''s Kodiad Bird to signify the end of their shift where a warm bed and meal awaited the two. The Creature every quarter of a day awake tweets a loud song that the Ysanigrad''s would often use to signify the beginning and end of daytime.


    But just as the Yeoman was about to dismiss his partner''s alleged flatulence, the rumbling intensified! Spiking him away from his frivolous state.


    Before the pair could react, the ground where their feet rest upon on the Watch Station suddenly caved in as the two fell screaming down into their doom alongside any unfortunate countrymen nearby.


    As from the Abyss below, three Great Worms of metal skin emerged from the earth tearing through the surprised Imperials with rapacious abandon. It had slug-like bottoms that trough through the streets of Haringpoint as its mighty nose shrieked like a banshee''s wail as it pierced through even the most steadfast of spear walls beelining each separately to a different Mana Obelisks like a famished child racing for a meal. As the beast tore through the defenders of the Capital, the guts and blood of those who foolhardily attempted to stop its rampage drenched the Worms with an abominable odor. In a way, to those exiled Hold Dwarves of the Ostalrocs, these Worms seemed to bear the resemblance of one such terrifying construction they had attempted to bring the extinction of many cycles before. It was as if its ghost arose from its grave to seek its vengeance personally on those who had d.e.s.i.r.ed its elimination.


    "Slot these Imps fast!" Crocker roared as the Hatch Doors of the Hyper Mole burst open.


    Stryder Group hurled themselves into the fray of the bedeviled Slaegians, their weapons and magicks seared through their unready formations like wet worked butter as they raced the cobble-slab streets of the Imperial Capital. It was only a short sprint from where their Drills had stopped till the teams each arrived at their designated Obelisks. Karliah''s intelligence was correct when she mapped those Magic Disburs.e.m.e.nt Devices on how powerful they were as the Captain can attest. The Mana Obelisks were towering 3 story tall rune-carved menhirs that radiated with magical power. They were in ancient times used and erected by the first Mages of the Sleagian Empire as a means of drawing Magical Energies and as Karliah spoke, a means of defense. Overtime, as the Imperial Capital, the Obelisks became impromptu Landmarks that the burghers and visitors to Haringpoint use to center their commercial activities near around. Looking onto such a magnificent specimen for Samantha, her mana hunger dripped wet with d.e.s.i.r.e, starving for the tempting power emitted out of her reach. It took the plucking of her combat rig from Corporal Kayin to fixate back to reality.


    "How long do you need Karliah?" Samantha asked the Defector.


    "I just need a few moments to sever the connection¡­" The Collegiate answered.


    "You have Ten!" the Captain shouted as her eyes peered across the boulevard to the sight of a band of hastily half-armed Imperials charging across the blood-drenched streets of their city. "Defensive Positions now!"


    Samantha, Clay, and Kayin gritted over a set of fetid-odored barrels where the latter deployed his Janissary Turret with his C.O and Squad Radioman opening fire with their weapons. The Automated Turret was loaded with armor-piercing 5.56 mm ammunition belt fed into its twin barrels that rained an unending flood of lead against the Imperials approaching from their east. Karliah''s was immediately guarded by both Crocker and Aliathra of whom their symbiotic defenses, one of Terran Steel and the other Elven Abjuration kept her safe from those who wished to disrupt her ritual on the Obelisks. When it came to offense, Diaz had taken the lead over Iris and Obediah. His mechanical augmentations along with the sword and pistol of his Katana and Ruiner made very short work of the Legionnaires and Battlemages above the rooftops, his enhanced body, and reflexes. To the Imperials, the crimson demon massacred anyone he came across with inhuman speeds that many of the weaker will flee from his sight. Even managing to neutralize the Mages crewing at least two Altars of Telin that were responsible for the earlier counter-barrages. For it was like a child trying to challenge a tempest when it came to the Corpo''s whirling blades, Iris elemental outbursts, and Obediah''s sharpshooting for the Imperials who only had at most a blade and the sandals on their feet to contest with.


    It was truly is the apocalypse when the Empire''s proud Legions were outmatched against the Otherworlders in every way imaginable.


    "This is Scalpel Team, the Lich turned the Obelisk is offline." Clay''s radio blared, then followed by static "Blackfoot here, the little green-man is singing¡­we should be done in sixty. Over."


    "Karliah are you almost done?!" Samantha hollered.


    "I need¡­ almost¡­" Karliah gritted her teeth.


    "Damn they just keep coming!" Crocker unnerved as he knelt down to reload his Machine Gun.


    "Iechyd Da!" Karliah smiled as she stepped away from the Obelisk.


    As the Collegiate had said, the Obelisks Mana flickered away now cut off from its mother source. Samantha''s growing hunger over the site of power dissipated just as the light of the menhir''s runes died away.


    With its harmonic leylines disturbed, the Resilient Sphere spell, the Imperial Aegis over Haringpoint began to wane. The crack in Haringpoint''s armor began to be exposed as the shield''s safeguard left whimpering away from the Imperial Wall. It had only taken a second for those Mages atop of the battlements to realize what had just happened before a barrage of the size of 150 millimeters and 100 kilograms worth of explosive payload obliterated them. A thousand cries of terror from those Imperials above the walls before sudden silence. Dust clouds of ashes and broken soot blanketed the outer districts of Haringpoint in a grey winter as Stryder Group and the Seals emerged from the snow-like rubble.


    The silence left a tense moment for the Special Force team as they stood by attentively listening for an echo of sound as the dust slowly began to settle away.


    It was not long before the Soldiers heard the sweet hum of a motorized vehicle. Two eyes, illuminated from behind the smog of what was once the very symbol of Imperial Slaegian Power as an Arabian Armored Personnel Carrier portered upon its back a leading squad of Tyr Rianni Reifflwyr. They stoically braved over the crumbled Walls with their Halberd Rifles at hand facing forward the new future they are about to create. As they looked on, hundreds and thousands more of Federation and Laniyea Troops and their vehicles began to overflow into Haringpoint as the joint Windmill Flag and the Federation''s Fleur aux Sept Anneaux flew triumphantly towards their destiny like a bride with her groom.


    -------------------------


    The Shareholder had done it! It was a complete and utter rout!


    Prince Clovich witnessed from over the reinforced safety of the APC he rode upon as his Steed or in the terms of the Federation''s Military Doctrines equivalent a ''Command Vee-hee-kill'' the sight of his men flooded through the Imperial Capital. Tearing through the barricades, bastions, and bars that separated him from his prize through the weight of his numbers and iron beasts. Many of the survivors retreated deeper into the Imperial Capital in strongpoints to mount up a final stand but eventually, they will fall just as the rest of the Capital will. Those numbers who wavered behind immediately surrendered to the overwhelming Coalition Soldiers.


    The Prince daringly emerged his fair face above the hatch of his Arabian Steed to the sight and joy of his soldiers, elated to see with his own eyes that justice for his homeland and a new era is about to begin.


    "Milord! A glorious victory shall soon be yours!" Sargeant Beynon humbly bowed


    The Prince basked in this moment, a triumph over the old order for a new Ysanigrad he will create. Lehsol''s approaching warmth over him allowed himself to be transformed. No longer will he be the Vassal Prince of rural Principality, but instead the new Emperor of a new Nation under the Gods'' Creation of Gliesia. Yet still, he remembered the lessons he had learned from the Earthlings. Now with the Empire''s Traditionalist leaders now effectively on their knees. It was now this moment he must prove to the world what kind of ruler he intends to be.


    "Soldiers, Followers, and Allies of mine! Do not ransack, r.a.p.e nor raze this fair city. Our war is a just war against a corrupt and decadent system that had for many eras enslave of what our nation''s truest potential could be." The Prince nobly spoke. "If a Legionnaire surrenders, disarm his weapon and treat him fairly. If you must lay your fingers upon the burghers of Haringpoint, do so gently and with respect. But lastly! Remember why we are here and why we fight!"


    The Laniyea soldiers cheered oh so much louder when they heard their leader reinforce his ideals, ideals indoctrinated to the hearts of his men fueling their zeal.


    "Beynon!" he turned softly to the heroic militiaman.


    "Milord, your continued gaze humbles us further¡­" Beynon lay prostrate over his stature.


    The Prince stepped off of the APC, going by the steed''s tale where a flag pole that attached the Tyr Rianni''s red-green windmill Banner. He plucked the flagpole off of its embedment and passed the symbolic cloth to Beynon.


    "I present you what is the highest honor I have given to anyone within their service of me. For the one who saved my life¡­" Prince Clovich placed the flag on Beynon''s hand solemnly. "I give you the highest honor of this new land, the task to raise this sacred banner over the Imperial Palace to evince our victory over Haringpoint."


    Beynon marveled his fingers across the soft fabric of the Tyr Rian Heraldry. In all of his life, the red and green were only an identity of where he hailed from. But now today, this Banner, with its ever-free windmill spinning whimsically across his peasant eyes, means a whole new symbol for him. A dream of a new Ysanigrad a world free from want and fear. A new empire where one can live with dignity of life together with one''s neighbor.


    Earnestly gripping the flag, the heroic Laniyea soldier rose up in attention to Prince Clovich.


    "Go with the swiftness of the Widall and the braver of Ghana gwas." Clovich embraced the sergeant affectionately like a father sending away his son. "A thousand hearts are by your side. See you soon."


    Beynon gave one final bow to the Prince exemplifying a knightly-like honor to his Lord unseen of by the officially sanctioned Knights of Clovich''s retinue. He turned away from the Prince as he galloped his feet alongside his squad as they marched, the Tyr Rianni Banner flying proudly above them northeast towards the Imperial Palace.


    The fighting within the city erupted with close-quarter firefights and melee''s happening in several dozen pockets of resistance. Using their superior mobility, the Coalition isolated these pockets of resistance to kneecap any cohesion of defense to support Prince Clovich''s march unto the Capital''s Marrows, the seat of Imperial Power itself, the palatial Hynafiad District. On their way, Clovich and Beynon met all different kinds of obstacles, from straggling Legionnaires to desperate citizens trying to flee before the Foreign Army. The citizens were left terrified over the sight of the Federation''s strange warriors clad in nigh-alive olive fatigues and their thunderous staves that cursed anyone with death upon its sight. Yet Prince Clovich gave his personal discretion to his men to address the Imperial Citizenry''s fears. Taking advantage of the fact his army, despite their modernization still retain many aspects of their legacy such as their folk wear and the language customs of the Vaikuri speaking Tyr Rianni, the Laniyea made sure that the burghers of Haringpoint did not interfere with any kind of disruption, intentional or not that Prince Clovich is enacting upon his will to the Slaegians. It took only the gentle push and warnings from the Laniyean Reifflywrs to leave the city-dwellers flabbergasted over the sight of these allegedly ''marauding Demons and their Thralls''. More shockingly, the Laniyea went out of their way to haul off the weak, elderly, and injured to safety as to clear the advance into the Hynafiad District. Still, there were those of zealous or misguided attempts of resistance and even ''appeas.e.m.e.nt'' from the more despair-filled denizens to halt their advance but the Laniyea swiftly addressed that complication through the b.u.t.t of their Rifles. The same basket cases of civilians were encountered by the UFEAF who had to contend with them alongside of locking down what remnants of the Haringpoint''s Garrison. Going out of their way to not lay a finger on the local burghers of the city, instead focusing on the Legionnaires and those brave-foolish souls who raised their arms against the UFEAF-Laniyea Coalition.


    Such a modest behavior for an allegedly ''Marauding Horde of Demons'' confused the inhabitants. Expecting them to be raping, pillaging and burning their beautiful city to defiled ruins like all Despoilers who broke through a city''s walls should.


    It took until the late afternoon when Clovich''s 1st Regiment began to storm the Imperial Palace. The rules of engagement remained generally in clear throughout the intense room to room fighting between the Laniyea and the defending Honor Guards of the Palace. Kill anyone who raised their arms in resistance, but give honorable mercy to those who surrender immediately. He did give a special bearing to Emperor Uldin''s two children: Princess Estrice and Prince Arthurfir knowing that they are too young to comprehend the grievous sins their Father and Uncle Grandmaster Owyne had done to his people. But even with the discretion being ordered about, the Prince''s word did little to nothing to spare the Palace''s interior and fa?ade from the ravages of war. The once opulent estate, built upon the ancient grounds where the original Slaegian Kingdom''s Keep was to be reduced into a bullet-ridden derelict of its former self as the last of the Praetorianic Honor Guards perished dying admirably to the last breath defending every inch of the Palace.


    Just as Lehsol was about to dip her golden feet across the ocean''s azure horizon. Sargeant Beynon, using one cleave of his mighty ax, tore down the blue-gold Cornucopia Flag of Imperial Slaegia atop of the Imperial Palace, ungracefully falling unto the ground in a final insulting display of the waning Imperial Power of Slaegia''s old traditions. Immediately thereafter, upon the cheers of his fellow countrymen, Beynon implanted atop of the Palace''s stone-carved Dragon Icon the red-green Windmill of Tyr Rian.


    Haringpoint, the Imperial Seat of the Slaegian Empire of all of Ysanigrad had fallen.


    ---------------------------


    "Now is the time to move Matriarch¡­ if we punch through Benham-3''s atmosphere now, the Fed''s wouldn''t be able to sniff at us¡­ at least for a long while."


    A lone space vessel quietly thrusted itself across the void of space before arriving at their newest destination. Unlike the heavily standardized Federation Naval Sh.i.p.s or the swift yet spaciously efficient Megacorpo Cargo Tankers, this vessel prescribed to an idea somewhere in between long-term survival and nomadic flexibility, and unlike those two kinds of sh.i.p.s. The people and the trade this lone vessel performed was anything but Legal.


    "Very good¡­ those detes from Kesserheim were correct. This place is and will be a land of opportunity. Milk and Honey for everyone of us." A venerable woman atop of an authoritative seat smiled gently.


    She is the Matriarch of this vessel and the Captain of this boat. It was her responsibility as any other to see through the well-being of her merry band of outcasts, destitute, nomads, soldiers of fortune, exiles and scoundrels¡­


    Or in Legal Speak:


    ''Space Pirates''


    "Find us a nice place far away from those Earthborn pigs Navigator. Drivers and Tech, we are going dark. All Crew, prepare for planetfall." The Matriarch ordered. "I want to get ourselves nice an'' comfy with our little own Hermes¡­" she smirked, exposing her golden teeth as her chromed hands tapped enthusiastically.


    The Pirate Vessel''s Netrunner jammed the Federation Navy''s Quantum Radars patrolling near the Aurora and the Tenacity for a short few minutes. Complementing such surveillance reconnoitering, the Matriarch''s own vessel had their Stealth Drivers, Electronic Countermeasures that negates any means of long-range sight via specially made materials as her ship made planetfall onto Gliesia''s atmosphere beneath the Federation''s noses.

 Chapter 54 - To Bleed the Bleeders

    The Capital had been violated; Devastation had been brought to Haringpoint as the vulgarian Otherworlders defiled the most sacred of bastions of Slaegia by their profane presence.


    The panic within the Senate had been intense with guards aiding fainting Noble Lady''s and soothing the outraged Lords and Princes of this most unconscionable of denouements.


    All around the Capital, reports of routs and defilements soared through the Imperial Elite''s ears that many began to despair, doomsaying that the End of all Times had finally came. For Emperor Uldin, His Imperial Majesty of the Slaegian Empire, he has been cruelly trapped in an unceasing yet oh so graphic daymare. A horror that he could not wake up from no matter how hard he fought to rouse away from its grasp. Such manifestations of his many aged anxieties have now come to seek its fruition for the long-ruling steward of Ysanigrad. All around Uldin, the very long-aged enemies of the Empire appear before Haringpoint''s enshrined burghal heart: The Lich-King Martainne marching side by side with the Goblin Hordes and the Beastfolk Tribes had lain their o.b.s.c.e.n.e presence upon the immaculate city of Haringpoint.


    Try as his Legions had might, but their strength alone was simply not enough to withstand such a cataclysm. All the lifetimes of diligent work by his ancestors and generations of the Slaegian peoples have begun to crumble, neigh, burn before their very eyes as the Otherworlders devour all they touch. Worse, some Legionaries report that the Shareholder herself is butchering the Fellowship of the Light along with her Vampiric Mistress, the corrupted Elven Princess and the treasonous Karliah. He couldn''t comprehend that Chosen One known as ''the Shareholder'' and secondly Lady Silverdane would turn their swords against their people without hesitation or thought. Were there previous attempts to dispel their enthralling too weak to disenchant whatever spell they were permeated by? Or were their wills held a deeper of tales behind such seditious acts?


    Yet despite all of those betrayals, the most frigid of them all had now braved his treacherous head for all of the Empire to see: The sight of the rebellious Vassal-Prince himself, Clovich Rian who had vivaciously announced his treasonous act of ''Amelioration'' atop his Demonic Steed. Brazenly staking his Claim upon the Imperial Throne for his own selfish grandeur, boasting his patronage to his new Demonic Masters. After all that the Empire had given to him, his land, his titles, his wealth and yet it was not enough? Such a callow announcement of his delusions, now insultingly unfolding into reality before the Emperor''s eyes would have enraged the aged sovereign to a temper he had never fathomed of seething.


    What great transgression that he and the Empire had done that the Gods abandoned all favor of to him and his people?


    "My Lord." Ser Huguet hurriedly bowed before the Emperor.


    "What more grief can you give me?" reddened tears fell from Uldin''s eyes as he looked at the Legion''s Marshall.


    "I bring none milord." Huguet explained himself. "But your bodyguards, the Teaghlaigh Garda urge you and as many of your Court and Imperial Possessions depart from the Capital at once whilst there is still a chance for escape."


    The Emperor caught his heavy respiration. "Escape¡­ Escape¡­ We must flee away from here¡­" walking urgently as his weary body could to his luggage and his two children.


    "Milord I am afraid we are not likely to save all of our possessions." Grandmaster Owyne approached the Emperor. He was accompanied by a now placid albeit anxious Faithleann, Mita the Crow Master and Ser Reikdorf.


    The Crow Master crashed her fist by the wall. Her suspicions of their previous Elven guest confirmed, "That Black Elf lied to us!" Mita snarled. "There is no other means to explain how the Otherworlder''s came here so fast than his army WAS defeated by the Demons. ''I delayed them by one week''." The pale woman mocked his condescending la-di-da accent. She had always distrusted in general with the Elves of Alfel Nora, although she is marginally allied to say the politest of terms with the Entente, she never hides her disdain for the Black Tree Pact''s. Always seem to eloquently speaking in words with double meanings.


    "We may get our revenge against that fabulist one day Crow Master. But there is much work and killing that we need to do today." Faithleann''s blood boiled.


    "What relics should the College and the Adventurer''s Guild escape with?" Petur Reikdorf stepped forward.


    "Enchanted Items¡­ a-a-and Scrolls from the Arcaneum. We will need them for the coming tempest ahead¡­" the Emperor answered with what little clarity he could spare. "What do you advise for what remains of our Legions?" he asked.


    "Having them all gathered in one place will only put them at risk. I have already sent messengers to halt the Northern Legions from advancing southwards and told them to garrison every fort and settlement north of Marves. I will, with my retinue march northward to congregate with my forces with the Chosen One Ser Garmhaic to organize a resistance against the invaders. As for you milord and your Court. Ambassador Hamtumil has arranged you passage across the sea to gain refuge within Ethuilen under King Aslanidor''s sanctuary. From the safety of the Entente, you and the surviving officials of the Llywodraeth Ymerodrol can continue to rule over what remains of our lands."


    "How much time then do we have until the Otherworlders fully overrun the Capital?" Petur asked the Marshal.


    "For as long as we continue to hold the last three Mana Obelisks, we could still hold them off to allow the escape of as many of our people as possible but at the rate the Otherworlders are flowing into our city, I fear we may only have just the day until they cut off all avenues of escape." He answered. "Of strangely fortunate tidings, the Otherworlders do not seem to be that much interested in pillaging the Burgs. Rounding up the populace away from their fighting with my men." Huguet answered, his voice dipping upon the last stretches of his sentence.


    "By the Gods! They are corralling them like cattle for the slaughter." Owyne wailed.


    Faithleann clenched his fist. "They shall surely pay for this atrocity." The Chosen One barked.


    "This¡­ unfortunate¡­ revelation however does leave us a hopeful prospect¡­ as this behavior un----"


    Owyne cut him off. "How can you speak those words of our people?! The Demons will devour them whole to multiply their numbers further!" he exclaimed.


    "Grandmaster, forgive my asinine words but my focus is the survival¡­ the Continuity of our Dominion over the Realm. Our people need leaders¡­ heroes to guide them through this dark time. We cannot argue here and now whilst the barbarians and traitors run loose on our streets searching for us. We must leave and save all that we can so that we may have a glimmer that we could return to our former strength." The Marshal explained.


    Owyne was silenced begrudgingly, the Marshall was right. All they can do is flee and fight another day. There is nothing to gain by valiantly standing here in a city doomed to be conquered by the Alboen''s Hordes. Even the Emperor had to reluctantly conjoin to his thinking. Continuance is the antecedence of this day.


    "See it done then Ser Huguet. Begin the withdrawal." Uldin affirmed.


    "Your will be done." The Grandmaster, the Chosen One''s party and the Grand Marhsal bowed.


    "Father?" Estrice tugged Uldin''s azure royal robes. "Do we really have to leave?" she asked.


    The Emperor dropped his noble demeanor to the character of a father as he knelt down onto her height. "My daughter, you have so much life ahead of you¡­ it is for our own safety¡­" Uldin explained as much as he could. "Alfel Nora is quite a wondrous place to visit. Not even your storybooks and all the paintings around our home could match the Elven homeland''s splendor."


    "We will be safe there? I hope so¡­" Arthurfrir whimpered.


    "Milord, we must begin the evacuation starting with your household." One of Huguet''s Guards walked towards him and bowed.


    Grabbing their precious possessions, Uldin lead his children, their personal servants and their servant''s families into the Kobold''s Hollow. It was a grand network of hallways underneath the streets of Haringpoint that is used by the denizens of the Imperial Capital as a means to store their food stuffs and other important supplies safely in a cool environment and as an additional, more discreet channel for navigation avoiding the hustle and bustle of Haringpoint''s cosmopolitan surface connecting many major landmarks and important centers from the Senate Building, the Cathederal, the Elven Ward, the Docks and even the College. However, the Hollow also housed a seedy reputation as a popular congregation, an entire gallery by citizenry as to say of the less scrupulous members of Slaegian Society. Such playful findings range from tariff-dodging Merchants, bestial-focused establishments and the disreputable of cutthroats and what not of the archetype of the word ''Rogue''.


    Using clandestine hoods to allow them to travel incognito through the chaotic crowd of panicked Imperial Cityfolks and blitzed of Legionnaires trying to control the masses fears unnoticed. Their destination being the College of Magi where within the great chamber of the Mirror of Aunsellus a ritual Spell is being prepared to evacuate the Imperial Elites away from the fallen Capital.


    Meanwhile, Faithleann along with his party went ahead with Grandmaster Owyne as they swam through the sea of souls ahead of the Imperial Entourage. Their task as stated by the highest authority: Coordinate the rescue of precious relics from the three of the most important buildings of Haringpoint that houses them.


    The Grand Lodge of the Grey Order, the Cathedral Vaults and before lastly the College of Magi itself where they will evacuate from.


    [-]


    At long last, he has arrived at the Hornet''s Nest¡­


    "Clear!" Agent De Sardet shouted as he backed off from the main entrance of the Grand Lodge, the Headquarters of the much bothersome of foes, the Adventurer''s Guild, or the Grey Order.


    Setting aside his new toy, an experimental item given to him the courtesy of the partnered work of Dr. Mahelona and Miss Iris Cadohagan: a Rune Calibrator. This device, modified from a handheld Integral Hands Smart Tool allows the user to imprint and dispel Enchantment Runes with a custom-built Unbinilium Battery. The Scholarly Doctor seeks to one day mass-produce this device and distribute them to the Armed Forces, specifically the Assault Engineers who will appreciate this tool greatly during their tour in Gliesia.


    The main entrance of the Grand Lodge was doubly-guarded by a massive oak door enchanted with runes that deter block outsiders from entry. His UAV Recon had also observed the inhabitants of the Guild building sealing off every possible orifice of entrance in preparation for a siege.


    These Adventurers are not going to be making this ''Asset Liquidation'' mission of his easily.


    It was quite an amusing read, researching this organization of how they operate and all of as required by his High Commission Masters. These ''Adventurers'' as they call themselves, were collectively responsible for the most amounts of UFEAF-Laniyea Casualties during this conflict. Their light-weight gear, unconventional tactics along with their individually diverse experience dealing with multitudes of adversaries from their own Quests ranging from monsters, bandits, and other whatnot of this world made them the ideal Guerrilla Fighters, unlike their more conventionally minded Legionnaires that Coalition had no trouble of making short work of. With a centralized institution of networked interests to prop their edges and coordinate themselves independently of their Imperial Masters, the Grey Order impressively made the Federation setback several sabotages and men throughout Operation Haymaker. These Grey Order Guildsmen were perhaps one of the most challenging recusant groups Agent De Sardet is tasked to dismantle in his 14-year career in the Bureau. Not as the same level as Space Pirates, roguish Corporations or extremified Separatists back home as he is used to, but these Adventurers are still highly dangerous in their respective ways both new and classical in terms of comparable characteristics.


    The site was quite the marvelous example of architecture in the world as the Intelligence Agent says so himself: It was a castle-shaped landmark that towered above the lesser of built Romano-Baroques like architectures. Only falling short of the Great Cathedral, whose height is bested by the Senate Dome, the height of the building being a sign of importance and prestige in Imperial Slaegia. Within the Lodge''s halls were twin silo shaped buildings of contrasted width that spaced themselves equidistantly on the lot. According to Karliah, the first potbellied tower, located closest to the front gate, is the main hub of the Grey Order Institutions. Containing bureaucratic Offices to handle the processing of Quests and other day-to-day internal and external affairs for the guild, followed by rentable lodgings for exclusive to Guildsmen who seek a hospitable respite in between their travels in Haringpoint with a variety of Guild-only amenities, and finally a Plaza of privately owned Artisanal Workshops that treasures the finest-crafted arms and artifacts of this world''s finest of adventurers for the right price and prestige. It is the publicly accessible wing of the complex conventionally speaking.


    But the second tower of which the previous guards, one toweringly gaunt above its paunchier twin is the real prize. Accessible to the higher ranking of folks, both members and patrons, the second tower contains the personal offices of the leaders of the Grey Order alongside the real target of this attack, the Repository which safely keeps uncountable treasures. His targets were: The Relics of Magical Items that pathfinding individuals had excavated from old dungeons and ruins collected and stored for study and display; Followed by the Grey Order''s Archives in which the Intelligence Agent wishes to gain access to magical lore books that the Guild was allowed to house a collection of independent of the vision of the College of Magi and finally the Roster of all Grey Order Adventurers reserved for future sanctions when needed be.


    In terms of defenses, he can expect magical booby traps and enchantments meant to keep him away from the goodies alongside an indeterminate amount of highly skilled and highly cohesive defenders with home field advantage, any improvised means of home defense in regards to that said advantage, and of course¡­ the option of stealth, not being much of an option time relevance wise.


    At first glance, the Grey Order''s Grand Lodge is a vault, a fortress within a fortress¡­


    But for Agent De Sardet in his 14-year career as a Bureau of Intelligence Agent, all he needs is 50 good men and he can i.m.p.r.e.g.n.a.t.e this bitch wide open.


    "Ser De Saaar¡ªDay?" Karliah proffered, fumbling her tongue upon the Bureau Agent''s name. "Once we enter, please can spare the Staff and the younger Adventurers from the wrath of your men and yourself? Many of them are my friends and people who look up to me as a mentor." She requested, appealing to Gary''s seemingly distinguish aura he radiated.


    "Non, no guarantees I''m afraid that will happen fully mademoiselle. At best the Flash and Tasers¡­ et maybe a rifle b.u.t.t will stop some of them without actually hurting them too much. But I won''t hesitate to kill them if they try me." He replied softly as he checked his ammunition cartridges. "You know how to cast a Paralysis Spell oui? Then use it! Hit them with that before I do something to them I will regret¡­" De Sardet reminded her.


    Karliah sunk her head, her hood hiding her cracking eyes as she struggles to abide by what she is about to do. She had a choice in the matter to save those peoples she cared about. But nonetheless of her virtuous intentions, this is High Treason Karliah is about to enact onto her guild friends and collegiate. However, she knows that if those Adventurers would zealously spirit away the powerful artifacts the Guild holds which will only perpetuate this futile war for irreparable damages to come. She could almost vomit upon imagining their broken bodies before her, eyes locked with a final soul-piercing gaze upon her¡­ their so-called Betrayer.


    But she looked up above the city street the Otherworlders gathered upon in preparation for their siege of the Grand Lodge.


    One of the most macabre sights the Imperials display in their city is how they enact justice upon criminals in contrast to their civilized architecture. Gibbets to hang criminals, both dead and alive of many degrees of penalized intensity. One such nearby hanging corpse stuck out, a body of a young girl, barely middle of the blossoming maidenhood that she grisly recognized. Her rotting corpse hung a sign detailing her tragic fate: Treason. The sight of her body chilled the Collegiate''s bones, but revived her courage. She wished no harm on her former colleagues, and all though she knows they may not likely all listen to her reason, she will do her darndest to ensure they will not befallen the fate of cold oblivion unlike her friend Olayra. Grandmaster Owyne will pay immeasurably for the thousand Hells he had befallen to their country¡ªtheir world!


    "Stay behind me oui?" De Sardet c.o.c.ked away from the safety of his magazine-fed, fast-cycling Semi-Automatic Shotgun, a personal choice of his whenever he needs to directly act upon his assignments. Its barrel baffled with a hybridized muzzle brake and suppressor.


    He led his 50 good men, UFE Navy SEALS courtesy of Major Holyfield to huddle next to him by the grand gate as they made their insertion into the fortified building.


    The SEALS were methodically ruthless in their approach, weaving through the barricades and defenses, not like a brutish flood, but of a dance-like presentation, a ceremony more like it, of their prowess. For any rudimentary of obstacles, the SEALS quickly humbled them to heel not with strength as Karliah foresupposed by their c.u.mbrous ebony armor with an unexpectedly contrasted level of finesse. The first circle of defenses can be considered ''wooden'' in both interpretations, mostly of intermediately armed Adventurers who more or less were furnished to be lookout and early warning than for any conventional confrontation. With the time it took for a drop of rainwater to drip down of the stone floor, the SEAL Teams eliminated the majority of the initial defenders. Those Guildsmen have survived that weren''t immediately taken down non-lethally by Karliah''s discretion hastily retreated just as the SEALs poured onto the courtyard as they hugged the walls of the first tower. Upon entry, that is when the full hammer of the fully cultivated Close Quarter''s actions the SEALs brought down upon the Adventurers. Room after room, grid after grid, hall by hall, unless of course, they stumble upon an obstacle that requires her arcane expertise, the Special Forces grinded the defenders upon a wake of dead and breaking bodies. Despite the UFEAF''s advanced tactics and weaponry, the Adventurous remained ever so tenacious. Like the ants that they were, they retreated deeper and deeper to the slowly eroding safety of their core as the SEALs had to halt their pushes upon several occasions just to resupply their gear from the Rear Echelons. This burned through valuable time, time that both brought ached equally on both sides. The more the Grey Order stubbornly pushed off the Federation, the more the SEALs amped their aggression back. In fact, it didn''t take long for the Adventurer''s to resort to equip themselves with the magically powerful artifacts they were meant to evacuate as they desperately stood their feet to hold for time so that their compatriots could escape. The noose had tightened amongst the Adventurer''s and like cornered animals, to Karliah''s horror, they resorted to ''volunteering'' the young, the old and the meek. It was a massacre! But unlike those of helpless ableness, Ladui Silverdane can allay its destruction. She quietly sprinted forward, not too far away from her SEAL Team escort but quite far enough that they won''t immediately see her without much of an effort of trying.


    It didn''t take too far off the beaten track before she encountered a holdout of the Guild defenders¡­


    "Put the sword down Menel! I don''t want to hurt you." the Collegiate pleaded to a young receptionist a woman she easily recognizes in her days visiting the Lodge. Menel pointed threateningly towards her an iron short sword for her own self-defense. "I know you! You are not a fighter."


    But Menel shouted back. "H-how?! How could you Karliah? How could you turn against us?" She feinted a thrust of her sword to keep the ''corrupted'' mage away from her and several defenseless Adventurer''s and other Guild Staff whom the young receptionist girl is their only shield against the Destructive Force Karliah now represents. "We looked up to you! You were the paragon! The Adventuring Mage! How could you throw all of those you love away to the Demons? Money? Power? Slaves!?" she cried in distraught.


    "I did not! I can explain everything. Please!" Karliah pleaded again.


    Yet her words fell on deaf ears. "Die Traitor!" the conscripted receptionist swung her blade in a forlorn attempt to fight.


    Not wanting to harm the desperate girl yet also knowing that the nearby SEALs will gun her down the moment they see her in the hallway holding that blade, the Mage heartened her courage as she conjured her Magicks for a Paralysis spell. It strokes perfectly on her mark as the Receptionist froze dead mid-swing, her eyes unable to shut as the Collegiate quietly push the sword away from ink blotted hands.


    "Everything will be all right Menel¡­ It will be over soon¡­" she hugged the receptionist girl just as the SEALs who heard the commotion rolled into the room to see Karliah with the frightened civilians.


    Quietly, she reassured the Otherworlders that these people are no longer a threat to them and that if anything is to happen to them it is her responsibility to answer, but for now, they needed to get out of here. Turning back to her fellow countrymen, the Mage smiled softly as she ushered the shaken people and one awkwardly frozen living statue away to safety as the Siege continued to rage around them.


    Like an Angel of Mercy, Karliah rinsed and repeated her process. Softly attempting to persuade them to stand down and if they don''t she will go out of her way to disarm their weapons and strike them with a disabling spell before the SEALs and Rear Echelon Soldiers hastily escorted her internees away from the fighting. It didn''t always work, however, sometimes the commotion she creates trying to stop the Adventurers from needless throwing their lives away for a misunderstood cause ended just as she did not wish to see: Their bullet-ridden bodies laying on the Lodge''s ill.u.s.trious floor. Yet even then such failures only fueled the Collegiate to push forward with her bardic camp campaign to advocate her countrymen to yield.


    For Agent De Sardet in contrast to the Collegiate''s means of pacification, he is as those Adventurers fortunate enough to escape his maws alive, describe of him as wild dog starved off for days looking for blood to sink his teeth in. If the SEAL were likened to a horde of locust, the beat of their boots thundering along the halls as they that sweeps through and devours all in their path before halting to breed their numbers anew. The Intelligence Agent would be likened to an implacable or perhaps better to say, rapacious Ram of bullish hell-bent. When he is not coldly gunning down the Adventurer''s who had resisted, he marauded their corpses and rooms in search of all things valuable not bolted down¡­ yet sometimes he would try to take those that were bolted down too. He brought hell upon their doors, oftentimes laying his hands maliciously upon the morale-broken Adventurous as hostages to leverage for the continued capitulation of the rest. One time he would maim the one half of a lover''s pair of Adventurous in order to solicit the still defiant half to yield. Another time, he was caught in surprise by a huge brute of a beastman but managed to overpower him with his a timely Judo throw, tossing the poor sod off of a 10-storied window to his fatal descent. Many despaired at this unstoppable force who seemed to shake away everything they throw at him.


    "By the Gods! This cannot be happe---" an Adventurer despaired before his c.h.e.s.t was blasted open by De Sardet''s flechette-throwing Shotgun.


    Raising the gun upwards to the ceiling, the Bureau Agent smirked as he sees his eyes before him his Grand Prize: the Grand Lodge''s Repository. He knows he had arrived upon the description of a silver barred door inscribed with protective runes to prevent entry.


    "Gewis? Gewis! Is all is quiet? Is it over?" a voice emerged from behind the magically sealed barrier of the Repository.


    Playfully he knocked back on the door "It looks like the cats have become the mouse." The Bureau Agent rearmed his Rune Calibrator Gadget once again as he carefully raised his hands over towards the Magic Runes harmonically webbed around the door to protect it from harm. Carefully, with a few mishaps and taunts, he quietly disabled the Runes one by one.


    "You can still come out and play you know? Or surrender¡­" Gart taunted them. "You are running out of time! Let me just have those nice relics you keep inside that fancy bank you have behind this door and I will let you go!"


    There was no response from the voice behind the vault door.


    "I know about those tunnels too by the way." He added. "You are running out of space to run to!" the Agent bluffed, leveraging his knowledge of the secret passageway in the Repository only known by the high-ranking of the Guild''s Leaders in case they needed to evacuate the Relics in an event like this. In reality however, the UFEAF soldiers tasked with clearing the Kobold''s Hollow aren''t that far in to intercept just yet in this time of day. Yet this he hoped, should force remaining Adventurers to attempt a breakout where he could corner the last remnants of the Guild.


    "Then I as my sworn duty as the Venture-Captain, you Demons will not dare defile these sacred relics with your corrupt hands!" the voice shouted. "Destroy the artifacts!"


    De Sardet''s eyes widened as his heart skipped a beat. He could not allow this to come to pass not when he is so close.


    "Get Charges now!" he ordered the Seals. They rather destroy the Repository''s treasures rather than let them get his hands on them. A Scorch Earth Tactic. "Hurry!"


    High-explosive Semtex was immediately set upon the now unprotected vault door as De Sardet cleared for a breach, one final thrust to slay the beast and claim its treasure. The resulting explosion tore through the gate and any unfortunate soul about 7 feet or so less away from the radius as the SEALs swarmed into the marble chamber of the Repository of the Adventurer''s Guild. A few bursts of their guns swiftly eliminated those survivors as the smoke in from the wake of the explosion came to see.


    He kneeled down, grabbing whatever unburnt doc.u.ments he could whilst shoeing away the blood-stained but ultimately intact magical artifacts, the Bureau Agent wiped the sweat off of his brow. SEALs meanwhile did the same rescuing whatever paraphernalia as they could before whatever enchantments the Enemy Mages had attempted to embed upon the artifacts. Karliah assisted in canceling out whatever transmutative Alteration spells that would have otherwise a.d.u.l.terate the artifacts into useless junk.


    "Spearhead, Spearhead, this is Deimos¡­ I hit the jackpot." De Sardet radioed.


    "Confirmed Deimos." Holyfield answered. "Bag''up everything you find, then exfiltrate."


    A cadre of assisting Rear Echelon Soldiers immediately arrived upon the Agent''s call. They carry wide-boxed c.h.e.s.ts filled inside with smaller containers and even a few specialized Ziploc bags for good measure. They were typically reserved for the confiscation and preserved containment of contaminable evidence for those under the employ of the Ministry of Interior''s coverage umbrella. In a flip of a mental switch, the mode of De Sardet''s mood had switched from a bloodthirsty slaughterer back to his serene, no-nonsense temperament as he sheathed his Shotgun for a pair of surgical gloves. Grabbing one of the Evidence C.h.e.s.ts and began to collect all the various objects in the chamber. Neatly, he stacked whatever important-looking doc.u.ment he could obtain together alongside the books neatly in pre-labeled cases and the weaponry and armor on others. His brutalized hands now giving great care to these items with an almost loving affection of respect, marveling on the magical artifacts with l.u.s.t-wondered eyes that at one point, while holding a particularly master-crafted Runic Sword, his finger pricked itself lightly upon the blade''s edge.


    "This is quite the work I ¡­cut¡­ myself for¡­ ouch¡­" De Sardet licked the drop of blood off of his finger.


    "So many¡­" Karliah muttered as she was left speechless of the grisly scene.


    There was much death that permeated the Grand Lodge''s halls as this morbid assault came to a close. For every adventurer, she saw only 2 of 5 of them yielded. Most of whom were either of lower rank of lesser resolve compared to their more venerable-ranked of colleagues then there was the Staff who were no fighters, to begin with. Still, there was still some legacy of the Guild still salvageable albeit now in the Federation''s Hands. Karliah hoped that this devastating capitulation would finally end the War with the Empire once and for all.


    "Deimos, this is Spearhead. Miss Karliah Silverdane is needed as per request by Stryder Lead." Colonel Polonsky radioed from De Sardet''s c.h.e.s.t. "The Sappers have cleared out the Hollow and Captain Rose''s Team is readying to move in on the College. Over."


    "Affirmative Shield-Father." De Sardet acknowledged. "It looks like you are needed elsewhere, mademoiselle. Au revoir for now Miss Silverdane." He waved goodbye as the Collegiate made her leave under an escort of two SEALs.

 Chapter 55 - Summo Imperio

    Samantha gritted her teeth as she waddled through the gutter-like caverns of the Kobold''s Hollow with the rest of Stryder Group. The Army Grunts had finally after a grueling clearing operation a path for her squad to gain entry into the College''s Tunnels inside the hollow. There were still several isolated hold outs of resistance and the still erratically behaving populace of whom the occupation forces are now tasked into screen over for whilst the assault troops breach the last strongpoints of the defenders. The Military Operation over Haringpoint has been an almost overwhelming success with negligible casualties on the Federation''s side but maximum damages on the Alliance''s. The Coalition Troops had eliminated several more of the Mana Obelisks with the help of King Martainne and Ho''Don. Slowly but surely, the fires of war began to crumble into embers.


    Yet still, the Defense of Haringpoint stood against such overwhelming forces albeit hanging by a thread. The loss of the Walls and most of its garrison has immediately shifted the remnants of the defenders into fight-or-flight mode. Screaming sheets of radio chatter reported of multitudes of masses of people fleeing the Imperial Capital to the north via two gates that the UFEAF-Laniyea are hurrying to plug any crevices of escape, less their human targets escape beneath the blanket of refugee caravans. Yet still, many of the Imperial Leadership has been fighting on to continue to either buy time for the civilians to escape North or to enact a final stand against the Otherworlders. Most of these last-ditched efforts were empowered by Mages who use their spells to stubbornly push off the Coalition''s Assaults. These hold outs are by Major Holyfield''s intuitiveness that is stopping the Federation and Laniyea from fully conquering the city. The Source of all Magic Powers that the City''s remaining defenders still maintain a weakening yet present grip on, the Mirror of Aunsellus by the College of Magi. If they can capture that Source of Power, all whatever is left of an adequate resistance within Haringpoint would be crushed.


    The Plan to capture this esteemed institution had many prongs that seek to tear the College apart by the weight of the Federation''s technology. A Diversionary assault from the ground would commence affixing the College''s defenders into focusing their fire onto them whilst Samantha''s squad leads her elite team into the underground Tunnel Network to sap the enemies from the inside. Stryder''s objects would be tasked to neutralize any Mages they can come across, specifically those specializing in offensive-based Destruction Spells and the very last still active Mana Obelisks that situate themselves within the middle of the college that needs to be neutralized. Both tasks are in conjunction with the second phase of the operation that is the support of an oncoming Airborne Commando attack from the Tenacity''s in-ship Marine Corps. With the support of the Marines, the defenses will be crumbled upon the weight of their assault clearing a path to the main chamber where the Mirror of Aunsellus is supposed to be.


    "Shush." Karliah urged the group into silence as she gestured for them to stop.


    She was leading Stryder into the tunnels, the same tunnels that she and her fellow students of the College use to discreetly walk in and out of the campus of the scholarly building for academic work or to contact any underground Covens within the Kobold''s Hollow. As they made their way deeper into the caverns. The squad could quietly feel trotting above them, footsteps, heavy, very weighted of footwork that trembles like heavy rain. They were likely right above Knights and Mages who are scrambling in defense of the college as they speak.


    "Great danger is ahead." Aliathra''s ears perked up. Hers is much more audibly s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e than the rest.


    "Let''s go to work then. Ready''up." Clay muttered.


    "Captain what''s the R.O.E.?" Kayin inquired.


    "Your free to engage anyone that tries to kill you¡­" Samantha ordered them as she readied her Bullpup Rifle. "Karliah I know that you know that we won''t hesitate to kill anyone in our way. I want to be sure that¡­ at the added benefit that our journey through the school would be as smooth as possible that you would pacify your fellow students¡­ non-lethally I am right?" she turned to the ex-Collegiate.


    "I assure you. I will see to them they will not harm you." Karliah nodded.


    "Good, the less blood on anyone''s hands the better." The Captain smiled.


    The squad soon reached the end of the tunnel where a clandestinely hidden brick wall that bore, once shone with Mage-Light an invisible insignia bearing the heraldry of the College of Magi, a sun shining Hand sealed exposing its palms where the Arcane Sigils, symbols representing of the Schools of Magics being idiosyncratically evinced. In the Arcane Scholarly thought, this somatic Gesture is called by the Elves as the ''G¨²l Bor'' or the Flowing Hand.


    Karliah flicked her finger onto one of the concrete bricks of the wall as a magically-powered mechanism gave way to an opening. It was a threshold contrasting the dark, dilapidated underground of the Kobold''s Hollow to the stately glow of carpeted hallways of the College of Magi.


    "Follow me, we must hurry. My College''s Obelisk is not too far away from here but we must pass by the dormitories of which I am sure will be patrolling with soldiers and students." Karliah funneled Stryder Group through "As for the Mirror of Aunsellus is at the other side of the campus and there will be many of my fellow Mages between us and our goal."


    Keeping their arrival as cloaked as possible for a 9-man infiltration team, the squad weaved their way through the College''s Halls under their guide''s lead. The school was as prestigious in name from the outside as it was in the inside as Stryder passed through semi-circular archways that peaked over doorways and windows, bricked hallways made of the snowiest of stone and Candlelight (the Magic Spell) receptacles illuminated dimly the pathways through the College which gives the building a Fey-like aura compared to its more mundane neighbors. Sam couldn''t honestly wait to take some photos of the building for her own personal album if it were not the fact that in contrast to its supposedly prestigious visage, the foul disease known as the war had infected itself inside the campus. Ransacked classrooms and dormitories were barred of anything useable for barricades that Kayin and Crocker had to lift away to allow access through, several windows too darkened the school into a derelict state and of course the occasional rush passes of the patrolling student body and Legionnaire remnants that scatter about from the school.


    "Let''s take them out¡­ but quietly." Samantha ordered as she rolled into her Gladius Pistol''s barrel a silencer.


    They needed to sabotage as much of their defenses as quietly as possible and so they proceed to do. Karliah demonstrated that each of the students, who most of are still wearing their uniforms wield a badge on their persons that signify what field of magicks they are studying based on the Arcane Sygilry of the Schools. They prioritized neutralizing the ones who bore the badges of the Destruction and Alteration Magicks. As much as they could disable the defenses to smooth the final assault into the College they did. Practicing extreme restraint in contrast to De Sardet earlier that day. Samantha, alongside Aliathra and the brutish Sergeant Crocker went out of there, way as much as they could, to incapacitate healthily Karliah''s fellow Mages much to her appreciation. They used a combination of clever misdirection alongside a few grappling techniques and some Restoration Magicks to as much as they can harmlessly neutralize the College Mages on their passage by. There were still at times when either Stryder missed a tango who was about to attack them or were simply about to get caught that they have to tragically shoot down quietly but it was inevitable, albeit not as perniciously expected in quantity for Miss Silverdane.


    "Ladui Silverdane? Athrawes! What are you doing here?" a young boy, carrying war hastily fletched arrows, materials for spells and several rations destined for his roommates who took up defensive positions by their dormitory.


    Stryder Group quietly sat behind away from the child''s line of sight as Karliah volunteered to personally deal with this young boy and his friends for she recognizes them all. Their hope is that these students would listen to her and give up.


    The young boy looked by Samantha''s eyes no younger than 12 or so autumns old. Not like the a.d.u.l.ts such as she and Stryder were used to dispatching of. Over his colored College Uniform was a b.r.e.a.s.tplate too large even at the most minimum of specifications for the little lad to wear. With gaping hollows between its surface and his body''s girth were simply sub-ideal let alone properly protect his fragile body from what sorts of lethal gadgets Federation''s soldiers had in the disposal. His equally armed compatriots wielded crossbows, their own set of spears and swords for their preparations for the inevitable defense of the College, all wearing a crudely painted armband of the Imperial Legions upon themselves, bespeaking their allegiance. There were 7 other students in the room, 3 on watch with crossbows and their magical wands at the ready, the other 4 preparing their supplies for the coming violence ahead. It was obvious from the start, much to the disturbance of Stryder Group what they are.


    Iris winced. "Even Vampires wouldn''t be that cruel." the Vampire Witch recoiled on such a sordid sight for a squad of ''soldiers''.


    "Natan da''len¡­" Karliah knelt down. "What are you doing?"


    "W-we were ordered by the Canwriad ¡­ to ''set a line thing of dee-fence'' around the windows of our rooms and ''n-not let--- Demon enter the College.''." The boy explained, feebly recalling his orders.


    "What do you expect to accomplish with yourselves here?" Karliah questioned their motives. "Natan, Mabyn, Jakub, Elza? You are still children you have so much more to live for than be here." Their teacher pleaded.


    "No Barbarians shall pass as long as we are here." Replied a little girl, no older than a decade who sat by the battlements. Her body, like the rest of Jakub''s friends, fatigued with worry. "As long as their I¡ªis still one true Slaegian to defend even one pole of the nation, then the Empire is not lost."


    "This was is over." Samantha emerged from her squads hiding spot. "Don''t waste your lives." She held out her arms up to show she is not intending to harm them but kept her FBR-20 and Gladius pistol quick on the draw if the situation slides south.


    "Samantha, have I not told you I will handle this?" Karliah turned to the Captain.


    The children in the room eyes widened in abject horror, recognizing the newcomer''s name. The fact that Samantha''s distinct and alien equipment, not helping her case of blending in amongst the medieval-renaissance-styled populace for that manner.


    "A--- a Demon! The rumors are true!" Natan dropped what he carried and swiftly pulled out his short sword, thrusting threateningly at both his now-former teacher and Samantha. He was followed by the rest of his cadre who pointed their weapons towards them. "The Shareholder?! The Corrupted Heroine has been brought here to our door?"


    "Why Samantha? Why do you fight against the forces of the Light? Abandon and betray your people? Your home?" one of the child soldiers behind Natan asked.


    The rest of the children pointed their weapons towards her and Karliah, readying to strike both of them down by the twitch of their fingers.


    Captain Rose upon closer examination of their fortified position, realized that those students don''t stand a hair''s chance in even surviving the first few volleys of shots once the main assault begins. They were improperly holding their weapons upright towards her despite the graveness of such a threat directed. Some even shed tears, exposing their fragile state to them, a lost innocence that was eroded before her very eyes. Boys and girls plucked from their studies and play to be thrust into a hopeless war; barely trained, barely armed, and barely able to accomplish nothing but die tragically for a regime that is now beating its final heartbeats. A recipe for a disastrous and tragic end to such promising youths. Rose felt the weight of their fate hang by her threads. She needed to do something¡­ anything to avert this tragedy.


    "Karliah and I will explain everything later." Samantha warned them as she c.o.c.ked her hand to ready a Spell. "Stand down! Don''t make me do this." she set out her final terms.


    Silence gripped the room before Natan nodded, denying the reality he is in. One of his classmates took aim of his crossbow and squeezed the trigger.


    "No!" Samantha shouted as she cast her spell.


    Conjuring on her hand a small yet tangible amount of Mana, Samantha flung a minuscule Magic Missile with cat-like reflexes. Within a split second the bolt misaligned the trajectory of her assailant''s aim causing the bolt to land harmlessly a few inches away from her and Karliah.


    "I am sorry little ones." Karliah glowered as she too casted her Magicks. Using the Sleep Spell, she enchanted each of the 8 students in the room to be lulled into a deep, magical slumber. Their bodies fell numb as they collapsed harmlessly, Sam and Karliah, being there to catch their fall.


    The Captain ordered Crocker, Diaz and Iris to destroy the children''s War Supplies so that even if they wake up, they are in no effective capacity to fight back against the Federation''s assault or for any other defender that chanced upon these items. Meanwhile, the students were carried off to a nearby room where they will be locked inside for their safety until the College is secured where Karliah will personally return to them. A sigh of relief escaped Stryder as they finished their tasks and regrouped back at the ruined dormitory as they huddled up for their next orders.


    "Child Soldiers. Being forced to be made to murderers and mindless beasts¡­ I¡­ I¡­ this is an affront to everything the All-Mother''s Teachings. Unlike anything I thought I know of the ''noble'' Humans of Slaegia." Aliathra shuddered.


    "If you have seen what I have seen Alie¡­ Wars can turn anyone into monsters." Crocker huffed, his fist tightening as his sentence passed. Obediah, beside the sarge too was also equally shaken by those children.


    "The audacity of the Grandmaster! The Council! The Emperor!" Karliah exclaimed. "Instead of keeping safe of the younglings, they instead turn them into mindless thralls." her disgusts aired for Samantha to breathe in equal revulsions.


    "I know Karliah. Let''s hurry to the Mana Obelisk now and shut that rock off." Samantha synchronized her watch. They are at a time limit and it won''t be long before the inhabitants of the College realize what is about to be happening. "Once the Assault begins, we push up towards the Mirror and we end this once and for all."


    Stryder consigned with their Team Leader, moving away from the sleeping children they made their way downstairs where the last Mana Obelisk is being guarded. A light complement of Guards and caretakers that were oblivious to the looming predators that approached them¡­ with Aliathra''s aid in Illusion, a few suppressors, and the timely reflexes of Diaz, the squad disposed of the guards without alarming the rest of the denizens of the College. Karliah and Sam quickly went to work severing the monument''s connection from the Weave for several minutes as Stryder watched the area for any threats, silently eliminating any one coming to investigate or were unfortunate enough to pass by. It didn''t take another moment longer for the Mages to fully cut the connection of the Obelisk from the Aether. Immediately, the effects of Mana were now being felt all over by the defenders, their magic began to weaken or fail entirely with none of them the wiser.


    "Calling Stryder Lead! This is Redbelly 1-3. Over. No more signs of the Magic Field being up. Can we begin the assault?" Clay''s radio sparked to life. The codename that was overheard was from one of the Air Reconnaissance Commanders.


    "Reading you Redbelly 1-3 loud and clear." Clay answered. "It is confirmed, the Mana Obelisk has been destroyed. You are clear to commence the assault. Over."


    In the distance, thanks to Samantha''s team, the assault faced minimal resistance from the severely weakened defenders who at best casted several weak magical missiles of their own fire before being swiftly overrun. Outside of the makeshift battlements, the squad saw the UFEAF forces making their push towards the College. Their earlier sabotages against the defenders had blunted their abilities to fight back resulting in less casualties as feared may happen by Colonel Polonsky and Major Holyfield. They easily over ran the various myriad fighting positions through the strength of their fire or the fear within the defender''s hearts as they lay down their arms and surrendered. It only took within a span of five minutes for the Soldiers to swarm into the interior of the College.


    "Stryder, one of my drowns has spotted Priority Target: Coal Czar moving a hundred meters from my position with about fifty-foot mobiles over. Sending you the coordinates. I-I think they are trying to get to Checkpoint Mike-Alpha to escape." Redbelly 1-3 divulged.


    Stryder Group collectively were pulled into by the CO''s words. Their heart racing, remembering their briefings about the terminologies used for the Federation''s targets within Haringpoint. ''Coal Czar'' being the codename for Emperor Uldin himself. Objective ''Mike-Alpha'' a simplified term for the initials of the Chamber of the Mirror of Aunsellus. In all likelihood, the Emperor will attempt to use the Mirror to escape from the Federation''s grasp! If this opportunity to capture the King is wasted, then in all likelihood this war will be prolonged to more agonizing days ahead.


    "Captain Rose, you heard him." Colonel Polonsky voice pushed himself into Clay''s channel. "Your team is the closest to the Mirror. Move-in and intercept the Emperor. Dead or Alive!" he ordered.


    "You heard the Colonel." Crocker nodded. "Fish on!"


    "Time to motor Stryder." Samantha leaped as she led her team, kicking the door forward.


    Now was the hour where no longer Stryder vie for patience and subterfuge, the heat has now been turned up stoking Samantha''s passion as she raced through the College Hallways as the¡­


    "Protect the Emperor!" an Imperial Knight rallied. But just as he was about to raise his sword, his body burst into the blood causing him to collapse into the floor as Stryder Group blitzed through anyone and anything between them and Emperor Uldin.


    They didn''t stop to count nor look at the eyes of those whom they killed, the rush enrapturing the squad as they inched closer to their objective. Just as predicted, Samantha caught a small glimpse of the Slaegian Emperor being hastily retreating the sanctum of the Mirror of Aunsellus.


    "This is the only entrance into the Chamber." Karliah clarified as Stryder conferred by a grand and engraved onyx door. "The Mirror will likely take the Emperor and his closest circle away from here."


    "This is it Stryder. Check your weapons." Samantha ordered the squad. "Let''s all go in at the count of three."


    "I don''t think so Captain." Crocker protested. "This place is still crawling with Imps all over. If we all go in now, they might sneak up behind us. How about some of us stay here and keep our six secured while the rest goes off to get the Emperor?" the Sarge elucidated the Captain''s youthful energy.


    "Aye! We can do that." Kayin nodded.


    "Who will stay and who will go?" Iris questioned the Captain.


    Samantha gave a moment to pause to collect her thoughts. It didn''t take a second longer for her to spark her decision.


    "Crocker, I want you to stay with Kayin, Clay and Obed here. Diaz, you''re the fastest among us, come. The Emperor will not go down quietly without a fight." She ordered.


    The squad are going to need their best foot forward beyond this threshold now more than ever.


    [-]


    Uldin shook away feebly the disorientation he had felt when his bodyguards boorishly carried him away from danger as soon as he and his inner circle arrived at the College of Magi. His heart skipped many beats when he was informed that the Otherworlders were beginning their assault to overrun the college and that his chance of escape through the Mirror''s Teleportation Spell diminished the longer he dallied. Among his inner circle were several essential ministers of the Imperial Ruling Elites with their families alongside with Mogul Dolmond''s followers. Guarding them were the praetorian Dewiswyd Bodyguard alongside several High-Ranking Adventurers and Mages.


    "We must hurry with the Portal and escape this gods-forsaken city!" Grandmaster Owyne roused himself faster as his hands conjured magical energies channeled from the Mirror of Aunsellus. "Adept! What is the plight of our city right this instance?" he turned his gaze to one of the attending Mages they met.


    "Grandmaster, there has been a setback." the Adept stuttered.


    "Speak swiftly of it then." The Grandmaster ushered.


    "Your order of retrieving the Sacred Crystal Heart so it may be moved to safety¡­ our people cannot¡­" he explained, his voice faltering as he reported.


    "Cannot? What do you mean Cannot!?" Owyne yelled.


    "Those sent to retrieve the Heart speaks of a powerful force field that denies us access to the artifact¡­" The Adept explained.


    "By the Gods, must I do this myself?! The whole city is about to be overrun by barbaric Demons!" Owyne if he still had any hair left would have torn them from their roots. Instead, his agitated hands met the cloth of his outer worn white robes, tearing them in half


    "Grandmaster is everything alright?" Mogul Dolmond approached.


    "Y-yes¡­ none of your concern¡­" Owyne reconstituted himself. "We must evacuate you and your people out first. I just have several affairs for the College to take care of before I make my departure." He explained.


    Owyne caught his breath as he absorbed the new facts. He needed to evacuate that Crystal Heart out of the Capital before the Otherworlder get their unholy hands onto them. They will need its power if they are to stand back against the coming darkness ahead. But for now, all he can do is evacuate his master''s people out of the city. The Heart will have to wait for a few moments longer.


    "Headcount! The Portal is opening!" an Adept called out to the crowd. Teleportation Magicks is a very mana-intensive ritual to enact directly, proportionally increased by the weight of what people the said spell is displacing. Luckily the Mirror of Aunsellus plus the Adepts were handpicked by the Grandmaster for such an immense task.


    The first batch of souls were the households of prominent Legionnaire, Grey Order, and College followed by several Grey Order Guildsmen carrying on their tow several magical artifacts that managed to be evacuated from the Imperial Vaults. The next batch would be the Terrace Dwarven Retinue of Mogul Dolmond and the second wave of evacuating artifacts from Haringpoints precious vaults and safe keeps. Their destinations being the city of Marves north of Haringpoint where they are ordered to march from their headstart northward up to Ghana''s Wall close to the frigid northern frontier colonias. The third batch would be the Imperial Household of Slaegiac accompanied by the retinues of Marshall Huguet and the Chosen One Faithleann Garmhaic accompanied. The final batch is reserved for Grandmaster Owyne and the Arch Magi of the College. This second half of the evacuees are destined to cross in a one-way cross-ocean displacement to the Elven Continent of the city of Ethuilen where they will enjoy the refuge under King Aslanidor''s Court and form an exiled administration generously given by the Elves. From there as a safe powerbase to rebuild the Empire''s strength, Uldin and his lieutenants can plan out the continued defense of what is left of Ysanigrad with Aslanidor''s support.


    The first quarter group of evacuees were swiftly displaced without trouble, the Adepts channeling the Mirror of Aunsellus to swiftly displaced the very important people to Marves. Their bodies dissipating into residual mana dust. Meanwhile those that remained collected themselves to ensure that their belongings and loved ones are all at their needed place for the next arcane discharge.


    The Emperor made the final checks of his luggage and personnel¡­ counting his group of 50 people abounding.


    "Forty-even, forty-eight, forty-nine¡­" he mumbled quietly, counting his people before reaching the end where his heart skipped a beat. The last of his count were to be his two children, but only his son Arthurfrir was present.


    "My son! Where is your sister Estrice?" Uldin shook his single child accounted for.


    "She¡­ she¡­" the boy stuttered. A quick and desperate shake from his father however loosened his tongue. "Chwaer ran away to find her friends¡­" he confessed.


    "She did what? The brass of that girl!" Uldin roared.


    "Milord, The Mage''s Mana has been replenished. Please step into the Portal immediately." Huguet ushered the Emperor. But he resisted him.


    "No-No!" Uldin wailed. "My daughter, the Princess! She is missing!" Uldin cried.


    "The Princess?! Milord, if you allow me, I volunteer to search for your daughter." Faithleann knelt down.


    "Out of the question boy! You are too valuable to stay behind. I should look for the Imperial Daughter. Let me stay behind." One Knightess, of the Marchog Gyfraith Order, Ladui Haelioni Elussenol volunteered.


    "Don''t move!" a voice echoed in the hallway.


    Five figures emerged from above the chamber''s seating podium. One wore a jacket as red as blood carrying with him a magical wand, on one hand, a curved sword of gleaming Actocolite on the other. The next individual, in contrast, was a woman of blackest hair and snowiest of skin that made the Emperor and several of the Guard''s amulets alert to that this female was a vile Sochairfuil harlot of ageless arcane might. The last three individuals however were faces familiar to the Imperials. One bore an elegant Elven braid of finest gold beauty, yet her body bore the corrupted effects of the Otherworlder''s influence, the Fallen Princess Aliathra. The second one was far more sinister of sights, the Chosen One, seduced by the dark powers, the Rhannu-Prietar, the Share Holder, Samantha. But the last one was by far the coldest of treachery that invokes chilled hearts and fiery ire of all of the people present in the room, one Karliah Silverdane.


    "Samantha! You dare raise your hand against his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Uldin of the Empire of Slaegia?" Faithleann drew his sword as he stood before her and the trembling luminaries he swore to protect. He was followed by Petur, Findrum, several Teaghlaigh Garda, and brave Adepts who also challenged the Otherworlders alongside him.


    "I have heard of you and what you have done to my lands Share Holder." Mogul Dolmond''s anger aroused him away from his beleaguered family as he unsheathed his ax against the Captain. "My Ancestors, my people''s ancestors and all of Dwarfdom will curse your name in a thousand cups of our rancor, and I seek to end your abominable rampage now. I am tired of running away!" The Mogul stepped slowly to Faithleann''s side as tension arose the two warring sides into an impasse as they looked each other into their eyes face to face.


    The Captain scanned her gun across the horizon of tangoes in front of her. Sweat dripped from her beret as she cleared her throat to speak. "Enough talk, this war¡­ this pointless war ends now." She raised her rifle. "Surrender now and I will promise all of you clemency." The rest of Samantha''s companions too readied their weapons, faced against the congregation.


    "So you must be the Share Holder, one by the name of ''Samantha'' are you not?" stepped forward Grandmaster Owyne. His eye carefully discerning and secretly admitting to admiring the composure of the Captain as he stood resolute in her gaze against him. "How many more lies did the Otherworlders fed you Share Holder of us? What sweet nothings did Alboen tainted into your mind that cause you, Princess Aliathra and I dare say, one of what used to be one of my finest students, Ladui Silverdane herself to fall into his wiles?" he questioned their motives.


    "No lies¡­ just the truth¡­" Sam smiled. "What matters now is that this ends today."


    "You want the Stars!" Owyne flailed. "But I assure you, WE will stop you!"


    "To think, you are the daughter of House Lareththor, Aliathra can fall so easily! How could you turn your back against your own people? Elves of honor, virtue and prestige? You... now consort with these disgusting creatures like the Vampire and that Thug behind you?" Ambassador Hamtumil, Ethuilen Diplomat to Haringpoint lay an accusatory finger upon Iris and Diaz who stood beside the Elf. "Your entire family have been gravely mortified by your disgrace. No matter how much you excelled, you could never rise up by your older siblings. Perhaps it was better that your parents had followed their advisors to have you hidden away as his third and youngest within the walls of Helyanwe Palace until you are of age to be mar---"


    Aliathra immediately cut the ambassador off:


    "You speak of ''Virtue'', ''Prestige'' and ''Honor''?" fire boiled from the Elf''s words. "So, you sent the Sefydliad to steal money from one of the Empire''s ric.h.e.s.t cities, attacking Tyr Rian and killing children? This is what the True Elves of Alfel Nora are now? We are no better than the Pact and their Camarilla. No better than the Demons you claim to fight against!" She rebutted, shedding cathartic tears streaming on her cheek.


    "Then what of you Ladui Silverdane? You seek to now make union with these¡­ vile and sinful creatures? I thought better of you of one of the Silverdane Bloodline. But now¡­ look at you!" Owyne mocked the ex-Collegiate.


    "Do not invoke my family''s name you backstabbing... backstabbing¡­ whoreson!" Karliah lashed, intentionally foregoing the honorifics that Owyne didn''t deserve. She initially struggled to curse but found it in herself, almost disturbingly for both her and everyone in the room to gain the coarse valor to speak with such emotion. "You are the villain in this room, not the Otherworlders." She refuted.


    The Slaegians were taken aback, insulted greatly from the Collegiate''s words.


    "Your crimes far exceed whatever transgressions they have done." Karliah''s words shifted into the offensive. "I know of your dealings with Mogul Dolmond of suppressing the Terrace Dwarves so they continue to be indentured on the Hold Dwarves rule by destroying their non-magical inventions. But that pales to the great crime of fraud for self-gain. Ysberin''s Will¡­ you forged his handwriting so that YOU could become Grandmaster of the College instead of my father, Kemar. Then sent my father on an expedition that you could easily dispose of him so that you can secure your power. All of these times, the cloaks and daggers, the bribery and the deceit? All so you can maintain your grip of being the Grandmaster? And what of that Prophecy Spell you used on that very Mirror? What did it truly say? Or perhaps it is true that you had fought so hard to prevent only for it to come all into fruition? The ''End of the Empire''?"


    The Grandmaster of the College, now cornered and exposed by Karliah''s piercing accusations recoiled. All he had done was to protect the Empire from threats, those he trample along the way are simply unknowing hindrances to the growing star ascendant of Slaegia. It didn''t matter who they are or where they come from, he must squash any challenge to the status quo before they are left to fester into an incurable cancer that could destroy the Magistocratic balance of society.


    "You can call us anything you want. ''Freaks'', ''Monsters'', ''Demons''¡­ I don''t care¡­ none of us care¡­ we all stopped caring anymore until now we have you cornered." Sam snickered. "and you know what''s so funny?" she asked them. "You all act so perfect and mighty on the outside but you''re all rotten through and through! All those Freaks, Monsters, Demons¡­ hell should I say¡­ ''Peons'' you blab about? In all my travels so far¡­ they are more ''Virtuous'' and ''Honorable'' than all of you could ever be." Sam proudly states, remembering all the folks she had met, helped and befriended.


    From the gumptious Lutheor Mirrien, the d.e.s.i.r.e-seeking Iris Cadohagan, the hope-searching citizenry of Tyr Rian and their dreaming Prince, the good-hearted Sandulf, the lost-now-found Aliathra, the freedom-crying Ho''don and Kimora, the redemption-seeking Karliah Silverdane, the aspirant Olayra, and lastly above all, herself who now sees herself founded a higher calling, perhaps even greater than her Father''s name ever could. All of those people''s and her own strengths converging into her soul in that very hour, clearing Samantha''s mind forward as she challenged the mountain in front of her.


    "Dead or Alive¡­ you are all coming with us." The Captain raised her gun.


    "That is enough of your poisonous words Demons! I will not hear anymore of it!" Emperor Uldin shot her off. He is adamantly confident of their overwhelming advantage of numbers and overall combined potency of their talents they can overwhelm five individuals with Faithleann alone being the greatest of them.


    "Share Holder!" yelled a taunting Faithleann, raising his blade upwards to rattle himself before combat. "I have learned much, improved much from our last encounter. Many powerful spells and many fighting styles! I even have forged myself my own armor and sword that you and your minions had tried but failed to prevent me from obtaining from the Dwarven Mountains. You will not best me a second time!" the Youth bragged. "Engarde!" he charged forth.


    The Captain silently accepted her rival''s challenge. Not wanting to entertain this boy''s bloated ego. He was ultimately just another obstacle and no more to her. Samantha''s eyes were on the Emperor.


    "I have dominion over the elements of Fireball Barrage, Thunderstorm, and many more! I wonder what I shall strike you down with what spell? All of them perhaps?" Conjectures of varying magical energies circled around Faithleann''s body as he readied his full strength displayed for all eyes in the chamber to marvel at his prowess.


    "Sam, be rid of that brat swiftly. Remember there are much larger cattle to steal." Iris roguishly goaded her, placing her faith onto the training she delivered onto the Captain many months ago. Such an overly-pompous Mage such as Faithleann still has not learned that those spells he described he can master were never meant for Dueling other Mages from a practical standpoint. Great if accomplished but simply too risky to cast in such a tense face-off such as this.


    "Taste my wrath!" Faithleann hurled himself towards Samantha, his sword and sorceries at hand readying to burst forth his impetuous powers unto her. He launched a barrage of elemental magicks onto the Captain, all homed in to obliterate her.


    It was predictable¡­ as last time for Samantha to foresee. It''s always the Amateurs who go all out without any such backup plan or plan at all. She can tell easily by the way he composed himself that he was all muscle but no thought. Stepping forward, she imbued her leg and right fist with electron-nuclear discharge that enables her to dash at Faithleann at a blinding speed. As fast and as unexpected as the crane''s dive, Samantha thunderously uppercut punch onto the so-called Bane''s torso him with thunder force of the spell she learned "Thunder''s Fist" sending him hurling back to his allies at their side of the room. The duel, to put such an event into question mildly, was over in just a single stroke. It was a simple spell, meant by mages to immobilize targets without the messy shedding of blood, yet effective against single targets of any kind when you apply the right force somatically or through artificial means of capacitating the Mana Energies needed to produce such a devastating attack.


    "Hu-How!?" Uldin jolted.


    Was this the power of the Share Holder be made witness by his very eyes?


    "You still know nothing child. I saw that from a mile off." Samantha shook her fist that was made rather stiff from such a high-stopping power force it had produced even with the shock absorption of her Hecate Suit.


    Faithleann wiggled himself back upright albeit barely, shaking his now ringing head. He stared into double the sight of Samantha in front of him with bloodshot gaze. "You still think¡­ you truly¡­ bested me¡­ I¡­ won''t¡­ let¡­" his head rang the more he attempted to stay conscious to speak to Samantha only for him to collapse onto the ground where his followers caught him as the young man spat blood from out of his nose and mouth.


    "I¡­ I will¡­ it is not over yet you evil witch! Final Transmutation!" Faithleann shook away his helpers as he attempts to cast one more powerful spell to recover from such a devastating strike to his vitals.


    "I would not continue on with this fight at your state if I were you." Aliathra shuddered when her ears twitched upon hearing the Bane''s youthful arrogance but her warnings fell on death Ears.


    For Samantha''s intuition of the of the Arcane, her opponent Faithleann yet again has made another perilous error. So perilous in fact she didn''t even need to act, simply standing still as if awaiting the Bane''s best shot. Overconfident as he is always, Faithleann readied himself to enchant himself with the Final Transmutation Spell, gifting his body the exponential strength of a legion of soldiers to turn him into a warrior worth a thousand men¡­only for his body to fully fail him as he collapsed cold onto the floor, his body giving out to the debilitative state of Mana Exhaustion due to Overcasting. Sparks of latent Mana escape his body as blood began to seep out of his orifices, just as Samantha had predicted.


    "That''s a nasty case of Overcasting." Samantha commented on the defeated Chosen One. "Definitely not want to be like him now." She coughed.


    "You scholars of the College allowed him to study within your halls?" Iris questioned Karliah. "That Brat just... can''t duel with anyone that is his equal!"


    The ex-Collegiate embarrassingly nodded, confirming the witch''s suspicions. "I never thought the other Professors would... after all I have seen allow him to learn such high-demanding Spells without going through the basics of Body Flow." She looked down pitifully at Faithleanns exhausted body, an embarassment to his name and to Mages everywhere


    "He is such a Fool! Perhaps he should reconsider being some lord''s private Fool." The Vampire mocked upon Faithleann''s injured state.


    The Captain couldn''t help but give a playful chuckle to this. Faithleann''s so called prowess as a warrior was so lacking that it felt more like a crude joke being played on a weekend cartoon than anything else more serious than this display if you could even say it is a ''display''.


    "Yeah¡­ I win again¡­ thanks to you Iris and Alie." She nodded to the Elf and Vampire Witch.


    "I see clearly now, what Petur and many others speak of you is true, Shareholder. The Cadohagan Scion and the Corrupted Elven Princess has indeed trained you to the best of your form at present. Your arcane skill is indeed master level and this is the first time I see a mage channel their Magicks through the leg to cast a spell. Where do you come from? There are many places across the Realms, and beyond I know of many. Where is your homeland Share Holder? Whose bloodline you belong to? Surely I must know that there is a part of you in there wanting to protect this world from the Forces of Destruction? If Alboen wins, this world and all that is good in it shall be destroyed!" Owyne interrogated her.


    "You know what¡­ I will entertain that one¡­" Samantha smiled. "Bouncherville, Quebec. Of the¡­ Rose Bloodline" She immediately answered¡­ her cheeks flushed with blush. It was her hometown.


    "Bow-sher¡­ Kwe-beck? Forgive me, I have never heard of a ''Rose'' Bloodline." Owyne was momentarily stunned of Sam''s answer. The name was exotic but he was sure he could remember the dialect somehow within his memory. "Is that like a tribe from the South? Maybe one of the Nomads or Grassfolks?" the Grandmaster asked.


    "Earth¡­ I am from the Earth." Samantha indulged in this amus.e.m.e.nt further.


    "You come from the underground? Oh, you mean you are from the Southern Deserts then? I remember one such tribe of Nomads who would hide their brethren in caves to protect from sand storms¡­ are you one of those folks?" Owyne asked shooting his answer from the hip.


    "Why they are dumber than shit." Diaz whispered. "I never knew you can be a c.u.n.t when you wanna be Cap." He barely held his laughter.


    "That is because this planet is not my home Grandmaster!" Samantha delivered her gag''s line. "I am one of the Otherworlders¡­ and this!" she exposed her Chosen One Brand of the Rhannu-Prietar from her glove to the Slaegians. To their horror, the brand was indeed the genuine seal as bestowed authentically by the Sacred Crystal Heart''s infinite wisdom.


    "I was not a mage, yet the Sacred Crystal Heart of yours chose me. Now I can tap to the Weave just like you all can¡­ but better." Samantha revealed.


    "The Heart¡­ chose you?! An Otherworlder?" the Grandmaster froze. "No¡­ No¡­ No¡­ that''s not true¡­ the Heart¡­ that''s¡­ Impossible!" he despaired.


    All of his followers, the Rulers, their Guards, and Servants stood silent as Samantha and her team continued to aim their weapons towards them.


    "You better believe Old Man..." Samantha smiled.


    "No¡­" Owyne denied her once again. The room''s heartbeat skipped a beat. "I do not believe one word of you! The Heart would never brand an Otherworlder. You are brainwashed by the Demon Alboen! You have to be!" he stubbornly exclaimed.


    A cruel finger pushed forward by the Grandmaster that all of the Slaegian witnessed.


    "Relona Maxima!" the Grandmaster fired the powerful Dispell incantation onto Samantha. Its blinding light filled the rule in it its radiance.


    But as the light faded, to the Imperial''s shock... there stood again the ''Corrupted'' Share Holder unfazed and undeterred by one of the most powerful evocations of the Wizard''s Book.


    "Men, Children and the Faithful of the Empire! If the Shareholder continues to speak and act blasphemies under the Dark Powers then we have no choice but to liberate her ourselves. Dispose of these Demons that have beguiled her and take Share Holder alive! I wish to leave with her as my guest¡­ my captive guest." Owyne desperately ordered.


    Samantha gritted her teeth; they were not going to lay a single hand on her as long as she stands.


    The Imperials followed the Grandmaster to the letter. Those that are willing to fight charged forth towards Samantha and her friends whilst another contingent of them shielded the Elites of the Empire with their bodies.


    "Owyne! Open the Portals!" Ordered Ser Huguet as he clutched under him a cowering Emperor Uldin who in turn shielded his son Arthurfrir.


    Both the Marshall and the Grandmaster agreed, that as long as the Emperor and his court remains in Haringpoint they are in mortal danger. Turning around under the protection of a protective ward and using the last bits of his energy he can muster left, Owyne began to conjure a Portal, its destination the northern Fishing and Shipbuilding Port of Marves. Uldin cursed himself and was left into a flurry-hearted stupor over the revelation, a part of him wonders if what Samantha speaks of her being not of this world was true?


    Meanwhile for the Captain and her braves had their hands quite literally full with the several dozens of Elite Guards and Adept Mages trying to power through them by their superior numbers. They were much more stubborn and much more capable in a fight compared to their regular counterparts, thus giving honor and respect to their high-positions. Using their superior numbers against Stryder, they made their charge against Samantha through a pincer attack seeking to out flank their adversaries.


    The praetorian-like Teaghlaigh Guards wore the best quality of armor that is able to resist both the blade and magic with a degree of bullet resistance in addition to several magical enchantments given out by the Adepts to boost their prowess in battle. Diaz danced around their formations with his high-frequency Katana, relying on swift thrusting expansions of his body, probing skirmish fire from Ruiner, before contracting back for a parry thanks to the Teaghlaigh''s aluvium-defensive focused sword-and-board fighting style that clashed with his rapid-water aggression. As faith in Aparo Engineering had have it, it only took one dead centered slash of his blade to strike down Teaghlaigh through their armor as its molecular-breaking frequencies eradicated all forms of solid cohesion on their b.r.e.a.s.tplates. To them, the Corpo was like a blur, a cursed cloud that, wherever it walked, the spilling of blood followed.


    As for the Adepts a heavenly show of Arcane fire of every spectrum erupted inside the Chamber. Both opposing parties powered greatly by the nearby Mirror of Aunsellus. Yet Samantha, Iris, and Aliathra alone were more than a match of the two dozen or so Adepts that met them. Aliathra using her Abjuration Magicks to shield her allies whilst Samantha and Iris strenuously lasted Arcane Fire¡­ over wide their intended targets, the projectiles flying meters ahead of them much to the Slaegian Adept''s relief.


    "Samantha! You are missing!" Karliah cried.


    "Watch. Look." Samantha demonstratively pointed as sweat dripped from her brow.


    It was a technique that she and the Vampire Witch were inspired by a category of Federation Weapons dubbed ''Smart Weapons'' and their cybernetic micro-missile Bullet technology. By applying a little will power via summoning techniques to control summoned puppets as per principles from the Conjuration School of Magic, one can take direct control of their magical projectile. They can precisely land their spell casts from more challenging ranges and terrains. The ''Homing Spell'' technique was devised by Samantha in response as a bypassing means against Wards and the simple act of hiding for cover that many Mages and normal people would do when facing against a Mage. By the time the Adepts realized those ''missed'' attacks circled around a pass like a spear-thrusting cataphract it was too late to raise any response as they were shot down in Arcane Energy. The downside to this tactic was that it was slower and cost extra effort for the caster to successfully fire off compared to conventional attacks. At best given the situation, it can only bring down about ten of their attackers before the rest managed to close the distance.


    "Aliathra! Blast some water on the ground!" Samantha cried.


    The Elf shifted her hands and cast atop of her ''Create Water'' spell, unleashing an aquatic flood of water that spilled onto the Chamber floor managing to slip many of the charging enemy combatants clumsily onto the ground. At first, those tangoes didn''t understand why would their adversary blast them with an ultimately harmless spell as, despite their embarrassing state, they are still alive and can climb themselves back up. Yet it was another creative ploy of Samantha. Just as the Slaegians were about to stand back up, a blinding light from Samantha''s hands fueled by Lightning magicks flash before their eyes.


    "Fried Tin Cans coming up!" Sam announced as she fired lightning a single lightning bolt onto the wet floor. The conductive properties of Aliathra''s Water spell allowed the lightning bolt to seed itself greatly across the wet area that those unfortunate hostiles found themselves in. They were electrocuted, volts escaping from their mouths before falling down dead, the electricity stopping all life inside them.


    "This¡­ cannot be!" Dolmond wailed.


    The Elders couldn''t believe that these three mages were besting the so-called best and brightest of the Empire with such little effort and so little input of Magicks. Using supposedly weaker spells and some kind of unholy sight being able to exploit such powers to ends not fully understood by even the Grandmaster himself.


    "Don''t you see now Grandmaster?" Karliah called him forth. "Do you remember that invention your people tries so hard to stop its birth? The Steam Drill from the Ostalrocs? This is the power it has if you had only given it a chance."


    "They will destroy me! Those sniveling peasants would destroy me and everything my ancestors built for! I will not allow your measly lives to desecrate my sight no longer!" Mogul Dolmond brandished his axe before he and a cadre of Geomancers hurled themselves into the fray.


    They let loose a hail of rocks made out of the broken marble plucked out from the Chamber''s stately floor intending to use suppress the Otherworlders off their balance.


    "Don''t lose focus!" Karliah shouted to Samantha as she cast her magicks to counteract the Dwarven barrage.


    The rocks were pulverized to dust, encapsulating the room into a thick and choking smog impairing vision short of a couple or so feet.


    Samantha quickly activated the Hecate Suits built-in Helmet Visor allowing her to retain her vision amidst all of the smoke. Immediately a painting of silhouettes, all of the humanoid shapes from those of at least average high to those deemed dwarfish illuminated on Samantha''s sight. All of whom were tagged with the glow of Red signifying one is deemed hostile based on parameters of weapon, mood, and several pre-existing inputs that ISAC had fed into that helmet. They were blinded and dazed either trying to expel the smoke around them or to escape the disadvantageous ground.


    Without dawdling at the moment, Samantha took aim with her FBR-20 and allowed herself to be consumed with bull-angered fury, bursting her Bullpup rifle onto the group of hostiles passing over each of them indiscriminately. 8 bodies she dropped onto the floor, mostly of dwarfish size before the choking mist dissipated in full. For all of this death, it took 25 rounds of 7.62mm bullets, an entire clip to produce this devastation. It was by far the most visceral act of violence the young captain has made in her entire soldiering career.


    "Dolmond!" a Dwarfen woman cried from across the room.


    Laid before Samantha''s feet was one sumptuously dressed Dwarf, adorned with jewels and carrying an equally luxurious bearded ax signifying his elevated status whose body was pierced into. The Dwarven Noble life slowly ebbed away; eyes wide open to gaze onto his killers as he holds his still warm body together. A second later, his hands that stifled his bleeding body faltered as the gaping cracks within his resplendent armor from the FBR-20''s armor-piercing bullets discharge blood that stigmatizes the white marble floor in sacred Highborn blood, Mogul Dolmond''s blood.


    "Owyne! Get that portal open now!" Ser Huguet desperately pleaded. They needed to escape now more than ever or they too will be put down onto the floor like sheep awaiting slaughter if they dally any longer.


    The Grandmaster needed more time to properly input the correct amount of Mana into the slowly materializing floor. By all accounts, this next spell would not be as so clean and straightforward as the last Teleportation earlier. As soon as the portal opens, it is the point of no return. He had faith in the remaining healthy bodies still left to contend with the Corrupted Chosen One that the Grandmaster can hold out just a while longer¡­


    "It''s over!" Sam declared as she raised her FBR-20 towards Owyne.


    But just as she was about to pull the trigger of her rifle, her gun was knocked away by a magically-phantasmic sword, violently diverting her plan to disrupt the Grandmaster''s ritual.


    "No further!" cried Ser Petur Reikdorf, who emerged away from the group of guards protecting the Imperial Elites to enter himself into the fray. He summoned across his body dozens; a weapons rack full of magically summoned weapons to his beckoned call. Their material form was of a crystalline yet still a faintly visible sight. He released forth his weapons that darted towards the Captain in frightening speeds.


    The Dwarfen Monster Hunter Findrum and the Crow Master Mita charged forth towards Samantha''s allies whilst Petur had her all to himself.


    Samantha barely had enough time to conjure her shield to protect herself, one such of the Armiger Knight''s magical blades cutting a glancing pass across the Captain''s cheek before her defense was fully set up. If she was a split second shorter, that magic blade would have delivered a crippling blow to her shoulder. Now the tables had turned on Sam as now she is forced to be put into the defensive as Petur besieged her with his storm of magic blades. It wouldn''t take long before those vorpal weapons of his get much luckier strike on her than just a simple scratch that now heavily suppressed her¡­


    "I will defeat you Share Holder!" Petur charged towards Sam, his heavyweight knocking down Samantha to the ground. His frontal attack a ruse to hamstring her senses allowing Petur the opportunity to tackle her into the ground.


    The Armiger Knight had more than enough experience disposing and facilitating the arrest of Rogue Mages in his many adventurers, Samantha being no different. Mages require immersive amounts of concentration to perform their spells, if one can imbalance that, the mage''s extraplanar abilities can be stifled by those of lesser of Arcane prowess or none at all. Targeting the Captain''s two arms, the Magic Knight grappled for her arms so that she will not be able to fire her magicks properly and nor escape thanks to his superior weight mounted atop of her.


    "Master Owyne¡­ hurry¡­" Petur huffed as he locked Samantha down.


    The portal by this point has reached its fullest strength, its destination, the sanctuary of Marves. His task completed the Grandmaster to stepped away from the portal and came down to assist Ser Reikdorf in seizing and securing the Corrupted Chosen One.


    Meanwhile, the Imperial Elites eyes raced with excitement, seeing salvation finally arrived. Already the first few peoples rushed towards the portal, enjoying the salvation of Marves immediately upon coming across through time and space to reach its sanctimonious blue ocean coast. But as for Emperor Uldin, he stubbornly against the good intentions of his bodyguards to dislodge from his frozen state, not without his daughter Estrice of whom he cannot fathom to leave behind.


    "We shall have a much more¡­ intimate time together from this point forward Share Holder." Owyne smiled as he approached Samantha.


    Fear, panic, and anger gripped the captain as she attempted to kick, rattle and cry for help. Catching glimpse of her squadmates, she saw that all four were pre-occupied fighting against the Teaghlaigh Guards assisted by the dexterous Mita who struggled against Iris whilst the equally tenacious Findrum dueled with Aliathra whilst Karliah and Diaz kept the enemy Praetorian''s away. They realized too late when they saw their Commanding Officer being dragged away beyond their reach, bound and gagged.


    "Not likely!" Sam gnashed her teeth as she concentrated her mind into work.


    Casting upon herself the spell Blur, the Captain became briefly surrounded by a silvery mist that made her body become as empyrean as incense smoke, something she had learned from the Black Elven Sisters of the Blade upon reverse engineering their spell techniques. This allowed Samantha to slip away from Petur''s grip before the Magic Knight could react. Re-Imposing his battle stance with his floating vorpal weapons at the ready to attack when his crafty adversary reappears.


    "Hey!" Samantha shouted from one direction.


    Petur launched his weapons, their strikes intending to maim the Share Holder so that they can facilitate the ease of her capture. But just as the tables turned, Petur himself was fooled by a playful trick of Samantha''s own. For that ''Samantha'' was an illusion, a misdirection to draw his attacks away from where the Captain truly will strike from. Displaced atop of Petur, Samantha ambushed the Armiger with a hammering Axe Kick dead striking onto the area between his shoulder and neck. The strike instantly knocked the magical knight onto the ground. A soft sigh escaped Petur''s mouth as he faded into a lethargic state, his magic swords dissipating in due part of his now dislocated right shoulder.


    Landing roughly onto the ground, Samantha was about to pull out her back up secondary sidearm to open fire at the escaping Imperial Elites when suddenly her body stiffened into a standstill. She has been paralyzed! With no physical weight restraining her it was all in the likelihood that she was being magically bounded via the Hold Person Spell. She had dreaded being under such enchantment as it leaves her most vulnerable against anyone''s mercy as she not only cannot at most perform most if not all of the spells, she can cast but also her limbs to fight back. This relies instead in another spell caster or with some force of will on her own end to dispel the enchantment away which already those two countermeasures alone invited all sorts of tactical vulnerabilities.


    "You have been causing too much mischief for far too long Share Holder." Owyne c.a.r.e.s.sed her rose wine hair perilously as he marveled for a brief moment observing Samantha''s Hecate Suit.


    The Grandmaster turned his gaze with an elated glee to Samantha''s still struggling squadmates. "Kill them all. We have our greatest treasure about to leave right here." He besmirched his palm atop of the Captain''s head.


    Sam struggled with her willpower once again. They will not cut down her friends under her watch. Not whilst she is standing, not while she can still fight.


    Forcing herself off of the Arcane bindings. Samantha channeled what remains of her will and the limits of well beyond what the current incarnation of the Hecate Suit is intended to capacitate her powers for.


    Owyne barely fathomed what the Share Holder is about to do when Samantha''s olive eyes bloomed brilliantly in Arcane Light. A focused yet scorching beam of energy escaped her from her oculus, powerful enough to give force yet not as so due to her own bodily limitations cause direct harm that repulsed the Grandmaster who held her captive away flying across the room before crashing violently onto the podium seats of the Chamber. Upon the instant Samantha''s sudden outburst faded away, the spell on her broke allowing full bodily control of herself once again. The captain was left in a gaze as protective saline tears secreted onto her eyes. Such a powerful output of magic had nearly caused permanent damage to her corneas.


    Meanwhile from up above them, Stryder Group can hear the violent drumming of Super Osprey''s hovering above them as the doors of the Chamber sprung open and out swarm a flood of the Federation''s Soldiers descending down the stairs readying to tighten the noose on those remnants of the Empire attempting to flee.


    "Sammy! The Emperor is about to escape!" Diaz warned her.


    Regaining her senses, Samantha can see that Findrum and Mita had dragged off Faithleann and Petur away to safety as the Stubborn Emperor who witnessed the whole spectacle was being slowly escorted off with his retinue to the slowly dissipating portal.


    Catching herself, Samantha grabbed just as she originally sought out to do and took aim with her Gladius. She aimed center mass, intending to fatally shoot down the Emperor as he is about to escape. When he got a clear shot onto his vitals¡­ she squeezes the trigger.


    "Athair!" cried a young female voice.


    From out of nowhere, a girl of cream long hair wearing a modest blue and gold robe of the Imperial Colors aslant Samantha''s arm away causing her to miss her shot, careening harmlessly of course.


    "Merched! Hedryd I mi!" Uldin cried out. Reaching out his arms desperately as he and his son Arhturfrir were f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y dragged by Ser Huguet into the portal. Faithleann''s retinue had already limped away towards the Portal ahead of them leaving the Emperor, his son, and his Marshall being the only people left to evacuate this now doomed city.


    "We must leave now!" Huguet shouted. Reluctantly, he had to make what could perhaps be arduous of difficult choices in all of his life. Expending all of his strength, the Marshall f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y pushed his still belligerent Liege and his son into the portal before he too jumped into its illuminated embrace just as the magic dissipated and their exit closed away leaving a disappointed Stryder Group who stood down as the rest of their fellow Federation Soldiers secured the Chamber.


    Samantha without thinking pushed off her pint-sized assaulter away angered that she missed her shot. A moment of last-minute nuisance had just caused the Federation the prize of the Emperor''s Head. Standing up quickly, the Captain grabbed the girl and locked her flailing arms into grapple trapping the rebellious native in her hostile clutches.


    "Objective is secured! I repeat Shield-Father, the Mirror of Aunsellus is secured." A UFEAF Squad Leader radioed.


    "Bollocks! He got away¡­" Crocker grumbled frustratingly witnessing firsthand of how the Emperor had slipped away by the skin of his teeth.


    "Hey Karliah! This Brat is getting feisty here¡­ can I get some help?" Samantha called the Collegiate as she grappled the interloper roughly to prevent any chance of escape.


    "Let me go!" the Girl struggled, tears of tribulation shed down her porcelain cheeks, staining them with a sanguine blush.


    The Collegiate, however, stood there silently staring down onto the short young woman that Samantha held captive and defiant. Karliah instantly, to her astonishment and horror, recognized the young girl.


    "That ''Brat'' is Princess Estrice Slaegiac! Daughter of Emperor Uldin." she explained.


    A rather embarrassed Samantha had her body electrocute stiffed as her blood froze. She gently let go of the girl that she had apprehended so callously as the custody of Estrice transferred to Karliah. The Imperial Princess wasted no time, using her lithe b.a.r.e hands to batter Karliah with weak hammering blows on her t.h.i.g.hs to signify her defiance.


    "My father and the Chosen Hero will return for me and slay all of you Villains! I will never allow myself to be married off to the wicked Prince Clovich¡­ or¡­ or¡­ be turned into some kind of Sacrifice for an evil Ritual of evil!" Estrice roared. She had read of many stories of what many villains and cretins do to fair noble ladies such as herself and feared she may be befallen of such a fate if not for the dreaming hope of a Knight in shining armor bravely sallying forth to her rescue.


    Not wanting to get the trouble of such a feisty subject, Karliah quickly cast a simple Sleep spell onto the Imperial Princess of which she immediately calmed down and fell limp onto the Collegiate''s arms fast asleep.


    "I shall take care of her for now. Estrice must be taken away from all of this madness¡­ She simply cannot fathom any of this." Karliah nodded to Stryder.


    "She is the Daughter, right? That''s one hell of a card we could play against her father. I say we don''t waste it and jiggle Ole'' Uldie off of winnings yeah?" Diaz suggested.


    "God damnit Vinny this is a kid we are dealing with!" Clay protested such an appalling suggestion.


    "A Hostage is still a hostage kid¡­ even if they are well¡­ an actual kid. Still, I suggest for now we should keep her under House Arrest until Command figures out something to deal with her." Crocker says his piece.


    "I do believe Prince Clovich will likely has final say on what we should do with the Imperial Princess Ser Crocker." Karliah cradled Estrice into her arms carefully.


    "So just her? The Emperor''s kid? Barely worth a damn¡­" Obediah disappointingly kicked the loose rocks that lay scattered around the Chamber.


    "Captain, Objective Coal Tzar is a bust then? I command needs a status report¡­" Clay wielded his radio and asked Samantha.


    "Hold on, did I not see you hurl the Grandmaster over there?" Karliah reminded her.


    Now grasping that there could still be a prize worth capturing in the Federation''s claw-crane gambit, Samantha leaped from her stand and raced towards where she saw Grandmaster Owyne crashed onto. As expected, his unconscious body laying almost tranquil amongst the broken splinters of seatings amongst the podium. C.o.c.king her pistol and holding onto her, special magic canceling handcuffs, the Share Holder slowly approached Owyne ready to take him Alive-or-Dead back to her Commanders. As she was mere feet away from him, the wizened old mage awoke from his wounded slumber, a single painful m.o.a.n emitted from his mouth.


    "You will not have me that easily!" Owyne growled. Casting Mist Step, he faded into smoke as his silvery form began to dash away just before the Captain could get a shot or grasp of him off. Vapors of smoke tailed his back as he evaded the Federation Soldiers.


    "Chase him! Don''t let him get away!" Kayin shouted.


    Samantha''s Mana thirst kicked into her as she gave chase, her squad following with her.


    [-]


    "That is¡­ unfortunate Colonel. I expected better from you." Prince Clovich answered. His disappointment stressing his word as he returned the radio back from his personal adjutant.


    He was just told of everything that had transpired in the College from his Federation Allies. Of how they were so close, but alas the prized slipped away from right under their reach.


    With Emperor Uldin and most of the vital members of the Imperial Ruling Elite successfully escaping from their grasps, the prize of Total Victory escaped the Usurper Prince. It will be a long if not grueling interim of time before an opportunity similar to this wasted event to arise, thus resulting in a more stretched out Civil War between his faction and the Imperial Remnants, a war he simply d.e.s.i.r.ed to see the shadow of war taint his homeland. But alas, nothing ever truly goes guaranteed as planned there always setbacks and for now, the prize of Haringpoint and its geostrategic position within the Empire has acquired him albeit superficially substantial claim to the Mandate of Heaven across all of Ysanigrad. But still, there many challenges of his self-declared claim that would disrupt his newfound prestige. Although he may have the industrial and mercantile sections of the slowly crumbling Empire into his dominion, there is still much of the Agricultural Heartlands that he will need to seize from his foe''s most especially now that Harvest Season has arrived onto Ysanigrad at this cycle. By all accounts, Uldin is plotting his retaliation of what remains of his Empire as he stands idle on his former seat of power. He must act quickly if he is to secure his position.


    Speaking of his foes from out, he also faced challenges from within. Despite his best efforts the ravages of war still defaced its visage unto much of the lands between Tifrait and Haringpoint with many men who would have otherwise be in their farms or in their homelands never returning back which that too will leave a gaping hole into the future of his new empire''s economy. Much at it pains him, but he will have to curry favor with his Patrons within the Federation for their aid, even if its against the s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e wishes of his newly conquered subjects who despite all of this, are still considered by many within his homeland of Tyr Rian to be their kin.


    Meditating on his words, Prince Clovich exited himself from the ruined Imperial Throne, once the seat of Emperor Uldin as he made his way out of the newly annexed Imperial Palace. In all his honesty, it will be the last time he would sit on the throne, now that his revolution is about to achieve so many great new leaps forward that it had become a relic, a painful relic of a past brought low by its own hubris. Making pass his personal guards who celebrated with their Federation Allies over the victory he called into attention all men who can hear him.


    "Brothers and Sisters of the New Ysanigrad! Of all the cycles of time I have seen, experienced, and journeyed through, none of them have filled me with greater anxieties than what we have all accomplished today." He began his victory speech to his men.


    About 10,000 attendants, soldiers, and civilians alike flocked to hear him speak. Some burning with the same hope Clovich bore into his heart. Others, most especially the newly conquered burghers of Haringpoint fearfully hearing the words of what their conqueror intends to do with their fair city.


    "From the southern tail of the Ostalrocs, they say that Little Hill can never yield. To the depths of the sloughs of the Draguitoise Coast of where one Demon Lord''s folly cost him his conquest, they say that Marnia''s Bluff could never be conquered. Over the walls of this mighty city, they say that the very heart of the Empire, Haringpoint, could never be overcome. But I see you now, here were Emperors stood firm on their dominion as far as their eyes could see that we¡­ the Laniyea of New Ysanigard have achieved¡­ THE IMPOSSIBLE!"


    An orc.h.e.s.tra of cheers bravado Prince Clovich with thunderous applause from the Laniyea whilst the newly conquered shuddered silently, the Prince''s speech sounding more of a conqueror.


    "But, even then¡­" the Prince digressed "After all we have done¡­ I ask you once more my Followers¡­ to follow me one more time. Not through swords, shields, and other such arms, I ask you to turn your weapons, not of war but to protect those of what you cherish your lives to see and grow into a mighty tree to stand the test of times. To turn our blades of old whose cadaver we now stand upon from symbols of the old order and of a past unneeded into plowshares, to building hammers and quills! I speak to you that this war with the misguided old Empire is far from over! A new type of War, perhaps as or even more paramount than the battlefield is the War for Structure! We must bring about a new Ysanigrad just as many have dreamed, we shall dream unto truth from the corpse of the Old World a legacy to last ten thousand years. We shall bring unto thy realm, Paradwys onto our lands. Free from fear and from want! What we have brought upon ourselves that us to are equally guilty of its bringing is a broken inheritance, a shattered homeland. It is our fervid duty, now as the day grayeths to nightfall, tomorrow shall bring about a new rising star over all of Ysanigrad. I shall end my speech with one single, daring question unto all of you: What is the Ysanigrad you wish to leave to your children and their future?"


    The crowd cheered and hailed his name once again to a vigor stronger than he had received back home in Tyr Rian.


    Clovich humbly descended down upon his elevated stand as he met up with his closest advisors and attendants. They have much work to do if they are to see his dream to fruition.


    [-]


    Owyne locked the door behind him, his body begging for breath as he inhaled and exhaled heavily. Using whatever is left of his powers. He managed to evade the now rampant patrols of Demons that swarmed Haringpoint, using his own disposed knowledge of the Hollow''s shortcuts to reaching to the holy sanctuaries of the Grand Cathedral. Quite miraculously, the building remained immaculate despite the devastations brought forth albeit most of the abbots and clergy had either fled into hiding North or were captured. In all likelihood, he might be the only living soul left inside the building. After a brief moment of respite, he stood back up, grabbed a nearby torch, and began to descend into the Cathedral''s Sanctums. Thanks to the sanctified ground of the building, Owyne could feel assured that no Demons would dare step foot under the Gods'' holy presence into this sacred structure. Walking past the half-desecrated Vaults filled with holy treasures and relics of the Empire''s Pantheon, there was one Object he needed to rescue before he could leave, confident that he is crafty enough to smuggle the Sacred Relic out of Haringpoint on his own means.


    Thankfully, the door to its respective vault was previously unlocked during the extrication.


    "Oh¡­ it is you again¡­ how quaint." The voice of the Sacred Crystal Heart greeted coldly the Grandmaster. Its reverberated voice capable of piercing his bones.


    "You speak to us now¡­ I must hurry and hide you under my enchanted Bag of Holding. We must leave this place at once whilst Lehsol still shines north of us." The Grandmaster informed the relic.


    He attempted to lay his hands on its crystalline body but as he attempted to lift the Sacred Heart off of its velvet cushion, the object refuses to allow Gravity to enact its will upon it. As if firmly attaching itself to its pedestal and no matter what desperate attempts the Old Wizard tried to dispel whatever enchantments it emplaced into itself, the Relic simply to his horrified chagrin refused to yield.


    "Do not waste your efforts again Old Man. I will not allow myself to be moved from my rather lofty abode by the hands of most especially you." The Heart protested.


    "What blasphemies you speak of?" Owyne couldn''t believe that he is having a tense argument with a grandiose piece of sentient magical rock at such an ill-chosen time. "The Demons are about to come into this Cathedral and defile this place off all of its treasures, you included if you do not allow me to carry you!"


    "Why do you even bother with me? I have already fulfilled my purpose. What more do you want from me?" the Heart pressed the Grandmaster for an answer.


    "All of this Prophecy, we are about to be devastated by these Otherworlders and we need guidance on how to enact the Empire''s Salvation! Owyne explained himself, still continuing to pull away from the Heart from its stationary position. "I saw the monstrous beasts that came out of the void to swallow our world. Have you not chosen Three People to be blessed with your brandings? We need guidance to save us all! We are lost now that the Capital has fallen¡­" he cried.


    Several tense moments passed before Owyne could hear a faint yet repeating beat rhythmically arising from the Sacred Heart.


    It had sounded like¡­ Laughing.


    "You are just a slave Owyne to your own fears of losing. Your so-called ''Salvation'' that you so desperately sought? You have been running away from it this entire time!" the Heart answered.


    Owyne silently stepped back, frightened of these mysterious revelations. What was this Relic speaking of?


    "I shall admit, that my choice of those three Chosen Ones is indeed the best of choice given the circ.u.mstances I have appraised and measured over thousands of scrying calculations in all of my existence of being. It is simply¡­ as I now have to explain to such children such as yourself, but your so-called interests for the Empire is not in concert of my predetermined calculations." The Heart explained, his tone sharpened to belittle its hearer. "I never expected your nation of troglodytes to stand a chance to begin with¡­"


    "W-what---What are you speaking of!?" Owyne lashed out.


    The Sacred Crystal Heart began to shine brightly, similar to its holy radiance when it activated to choose the next Chosen Branded. A ray of its light then directed itself sharply onto Owyne''s face, but instead of fluttering his eyes in natural instinct, his eyes lay widened and unblinking as a deluge of magical energies was forcefully being fed into his body all at once by the Relic.


    "Let me speak you the many truths of this world¡­" The Heart began to lecture "Caldell¡­ was never the Hero you thought he be."


    Owyne''s painfully screamed¡­ but there was nobody for him to hear his pleas.


    [-]


    "Clear!" Samantha shouted as her team entered the Sacred Crystal Heart''s Vault.


    It had been a long a grueling chase in Haringpoint as they tracked down the whereabouts of the runaway Grandmaster. Thanks in part to the Hecate Suit''s ability to track magical traces, specifically the unique frequency of magical spells being cast, Samantha''s squad tracked down their quarry into the Grand Cathedral of the Imperial Capital. They didn''t have time to stop and admire its opulent religious artwork as they turned on their flashlights to illuminate the room.


    Immediately they spotted Owyne, in his white and College heralded Grandmaster Robes laying prone onto the polished stone floor.


    Kayin approached the Grandmaster and examined his body, placing his fingers onto his neck as his googles observed his conditions. He silently turned to his C.O. and nodded disapprovingly, at 8pm the Grandmaster of the College was found dead in the Cathedral Vaults. His eyes and mouth bawled fluids alongside his body that stiffened to the touch.


    Cause of Death: Suicide by Poison consumption


    Just as Samantha was about to take a sigh of dissatisfaction that all of her efforts in hunting the VIP down had all been for naught.


    Until she heard a voice coming from across the chamber:


    "Greetings Samantha. You have taken a long time to finally get here." The Crystal Heart spoke.

 Chapter 56 - Agenda of Many Faces

    "Greetings Samantha. You have taken a long time to get here." The Sacred Crystal Heart spoke to the Captain.


    A cold wind brushed along Stryder as they turned their gaze upon the shining stone elevated reverently at the far end of the room. It was adorned in an altar of abandoned incense burners, still pristine murals of myth, and melted candle wax. If it was a person, the Heart was of a King that speaks forth its will upon all subjects present in the room.


    "The Heart! It¡­ is speaking to us." Aliathra bowed humbly before the holy artifact. The Elf was also followed by Karliah who lay prostrate with her.


    "You are it aren''t you?" Samantha treaded softly closer to the Heart. "You are the one responsible for this mark on my hand." Samantha took off her gloves and showed her Branding amidst all of the cybernetic augmentations that now dotted her hand into an amalgamation of the human flesh, the metal augmentations, and the mysteries of the arcane.


    "Rhannu-Prietar, The Share Holder, Samantha Rose, the one not of the Blessed¡­ now becometh one with the Aetherium." The Heart responded. "Having achieved many great accomplishments and gain the fellowship of fascinating companions during your travels so far Miss Rose. Your achievements in the Ostalrocs, the conquest of Brynbach, and the defeat of the Black Elves in Neuogonia."


    "How did you know of all that?" Samantha asked.


    "The brandings that I have shared among you, Doutor Mahelona, and boy Faithleann are a part of my functioning collective intelligence Samantha. I see what you see and feel what you feel. I saw your pain, your doubts but also your triumphs and that I am well pleased that my calculations of your character were within acceptable parameters¡­ with a few deviations." The Heart answered.


    "Hold on, ''Collective Intelligence''? ''Calculations''? ''Parameters''? Are you some sort of Computer or A.I.?" Kayin raised. Such terminologies were unexpected to be spoken of a sentient relic of Gliesia''s allegedly primitive origin.


    "That depends on who is asking." The Heart cryptically replied. "But within the context, you may call me ''Abacus''." It spoke formally.


    "I shall be direct with you now for I cannot stay silent no longer." The Heart announced. "I thank you greatly for upon driving off the ''Alliance of the Light'', with them on the run it will not be long before the truest in the most subjective sense of the next age may begin. I had selected the Branded carefully for their specific role to act in this Grand Design."


    "You speak in riddles Heart." Karliah shook disbelievingly. "Why create the Chosen One''s if you intend to have two of the Branded belong to the Otherworlders and the one to the Empire?"


    "From what all happened so far, both sides wish to kill each other." Crocker added, folding his arms.


    "It is with great assurance to all of you present that the worst aspects of the war are far past you now that you have driven those so-called ''Alliance'' away from here. Those poor fools rely too much on past glories and ''Heroes'' for their own good." The Heart commentates. "Unlike you, Samantha." Saying her name ominously.


    "Why so?" the Captain questioned. "I was told you create Chosen Ones to help save this world from dangers."


    "My purpose is always the wellbeing of this world Samantha." The Hear defended itself. "Gliesia does not revolve around just the Empire, the Elves, and the Dynasts! Your purpose in the grand design of the Coming Age is of an ideological and philosophical alteration of the course of this world''s impending fate rather than a grievous Existential threat¡­ but then again¡­ is there a difference? That the old ways must die so that in its ashes, fertilize the seed of the new order ascension?" Abacus lectured. "In essence, you are all merely educational instruments for a grander equalization, not ''Heroes''."


    "Explain?" the Captain pressed.


    "Chosen Ones, of whom like to call themselves ''Heroes'', but they are merely Agents to me, components to catalyze the conditions required to allow the sprouting of the Coming Age. You, the Estsygol, the Gweninejar, all are as I calculated are doing what they all naturally would do. That, I am certain you will continue on your journey to correct what Caldell and Alboen''s mistakes were, many centuries ago." Abacus explained.


    "Mistakes? What do you mean by the Founder King and the Dark Lord''s ''mistakes''?" Karliah inquired.


    "The story is much great and may take too long for me to speak all at once Samantha." The Heart evaded. "But perhaps this old fellow laying down here you can speak better than I ever could. He left a message for you before his passage."


    The Heart began to emit brightly as a holographic light materialized into a humanoid shape before Stryder Group. It took the form of the late Grandmaster Owyne who laid dead, suicide by poison. His fa?ade from what the squad discerns was slouched, filled with a great burden that weighed down upon the old man as he gave out his final words.


    "Hello¡­ Samantha¡­ Stryder Group¡­ and Ladui Silverdane¡­" the Holograph spoke.


    Karliah recognized that voice admidst the static that the Heart imperfectly replicated, it was Owyne''s.


    "The Crystal Heart had shown me the truth of everything had happened in this world from the past to the present and it broke my mind and spirit. It revealed to me, through what little compunction I have left of all my guilt, of all of the horrible things I had done in the name of my selfish pride and greed. I realize now that I no longer deserve to live anymore. The prophecy, the one where I saw Gliesia burn was supposed to be our salvation, yet in my foolishness¡­ I perverted and corrupted its message, causing your people''s arrival into this world, the needless death and destruction this War has brought, and will continue to purge all blights that plagued our lands until Gliesia is made pure once again. However, whether the prophecy could be interpreted in any other way, the result is still the same, the Slaegian Empire must perish for its ashes to sprout the Coming Age''s dawn. I blame not only myself but my fellow countrymen that we have followed the wrong path like King Cardell when he fought against Alboen. It was no wonder now I know¡­ that just like the stories, he disappeared in shame after winning against the First Demonic Invasion because he realized that the demons were the true victors of the war not ''the Light.'' Caldell was simply just¡­ branded to be only Alboen''s containment¡­"


    "The Legends were a lie?" Samantha concluded. Meanwhile her fellow friends Iris, Aliathra and Karliah collapsed into themselves in their own ways, barely able to stomach of what they had just heard. Karliah recoiled behind a wall whilst Aliathra stared longingly into her holy pendant. Meanwhile, Iris held closely to Kayin''s hand for his warmth.


    "I know it is too late to ask for your forgiveness but if you search my bag it will contain all the intel you need to deal with the remnant Slaegians Empire that I wrote. I hope with this, I can at the most I can do now is help Prince Clovich¡­ now soon to be the new Emperor of Ysanigrad''s mission to ameliorate all of Gliesia. Farewell Stryder¡­ for not only the deepest darkest voids await me, but also Ysberin, Kemal and all of those I have wrong are waiting for me there too. I am glad you and your people have arrived in Gliesia. Do not abandon your mission Samantha, we never had the chance to see our future." Owyne bid goodbye as the holograph dimmed off.


    "What do you have to say now Samantha?" the Heart turned to the Captain


    "Son of a bitch¡­" she cursed. Crouching down on Owyne''s deceased body and grabbed several parchments of paper as he described he would have. "I¡­ I don''t know what else to say¡­"


    "Yet you do Samantha, you have much things to say of yourself. You have always wanted to be a Hero¡­ just like your father, and his father and their fathers before haven''t you not?" the Heart challenged. "I got to know first-hand the strength of your character when my Brand linked into your memories from when it first embedded itself onto you. Know this for I have pass judgement of you now: You are one who doesn''t leave everything to fate if you can help it. No matter how many times everything, as if all of Gliesia wish to stop you, your actions is always what you believe is right. You, Samantha Rose, Branded of the Share Holder, have always pushed yourself and those around you forward. In a way, you became the weaver of destiny and nobody else can take that gift away from you." Abacus strengthened her.


    "Captain Rose, this is Wrench Squad." Samantha''s radio arose to life. It was from the New Albany Militia''s resident CBRN Team, of whom are tasked for the confiscation of Arcane Objects recovered in Gliesia for the Federation''s study. "Have you found what you are looking for? Command wants us to move the Anomalous Object back to HQ immediately now."


    "I believe it is time for me to move into a new dwelling Rhannu-Prietar. It is optimal that I present myself to the Estsygol before the day is done. We can accomplish much more together within his abode than chatting together of the many truths of this world in this dingy old pile of rocks¡­" the Heart, rather excitedly nudged the Captain.


    "Yeah¡­ you are right." Samantha stood back up and pressed to reply on her radio. "This is Stryder, Follow the stairs down three levels and move forward until you find a large door. We will be waiting on you to make the move."


    [-]


    It was easy to bask in the laurels of the Imperial Palace for Prince Clovich, the warmed marble floors, the spacious hallways, the decorative fa?ade, and the luxurious furnishings could easily soften the muscles of whoever claims mastery over this lavish estate. Yet the Rebellious Prince feel a certain unease simply being within the premise. Perhaps the victory he had achieved today was beneath all its grandeur was hollowed when he heard they had failed to capture the fleeing Emperor and his court. Such a capture would have decisively stamped out the Old Empire''s leadership in one fell swoop today, but now they roam free at the Northern Provinces, awaiting to plot their next move. Or maybe, it was the doubts of the weight of his revolution slowly chipping away at his once stoic demeanor. One door opens, and now two more have taken their places as he gathered his closest followers.


    Yet nonetheless, the former-Emperor''s residence, now the slowly emergent tenderfoot seat of power for the New Ysanigrad Amelioration Gweinyddiaeth was an almost-heavenly elevation of prestige compared to his Ancestral Keep back in Tyr Rian. Yet his advisors and ministers, both foreign and of his own roused him from his victorious hebetude for he has only won a temporary, albeit key upset. The iron must be struck while its bar, the emblematic future of the Realm still remained able for his hands to sculpt. Led to the recently abandoned War Room, a large map of the Empire, all of its Holdings, its trade & supply routes, colonies and more lay before him. In attendance was his foreign-born advisor or ''A-tash-shay'' Ser Thomas Sight alongside his trusted Captain Ser Bardu Maghe, his lifelong Sage of all things Arcane the Magi Edmurl Mvaillel, the representative of the Federation''s Armed Forces is Colonel Polonsky, two diaphanous members of the famous Stryder Group Ladui Silverdane & Princess Aliathra, and then lastly, on call from their UFE''s communicators is Doctor David Mahelona whose voice mimeographed his presence even if its just only his voice and attentive ears rather than his bovine self.


    "Alright then, map of the whole Empire is coming online in just about a sec¡­" the Colonel fiddled his handheld gadget.


    Polonsky had been finishing inputs of his portable geographic device, encoding the newfound wealth of data the War Room with its library of scrolls of their predecessor''s administrative doc.u.ments over their domain. It didn''t take a minute longer for the Holographic Map to come alive in vivid eye-catching display onto the table. A comprehensive map of unparalleled accuracy of cartography for Clovich and all of his confidants to oversee with unrestricted ascendancy.


    Everything of what he has achieved and yet to accomplish became surreal unto the eyes and ears of the Prince, all the words of his confidants blurred into his head like a storm that it was hard to keep up with the finer details. At best he can only outline whatever filtered essences of each of his advisor''s words before formulating his response:


    Ser Maghe briefed the Prince into the situation, the Holographic Map visually updating as they speak. The newly conquered territory of what areas of the now broken Empire of what their territory consists of the Duchy of Tifrait, the Duchy of Souviel, the Principality of his native Tyr Rian, and finally Haringpoint. From his acc.u.mulative knowledge of the territories, he has effectively cut off the southern and eastern blood veins of the Empire''s consumption not to mention its lumber supply of the Cambervale Forest. As for his opposition, the Imperial Remnants could count on the last major port with access to the Western Sea which is Marves, the vast majority of the Empire''s farmlands and a relatively intact Northern Legions of whose veterancy fighting Daosne Barbarians is par to none in all of the Imperial Legions. For the Emperor and his Court however, according to Owyne''s Last Testament acquired by Ladui Rose and Stryder Group, they had fled to the sanctuary of King Aslanidor''s Court at Ethuilen in the Alfel Nora by this time. As for the military leadership of what remains of the seniority of the Legion, Adventurer''s Guild, and the College of Magi, they had fled to North to continue to challenge Prince Clovich''s claim with what remains of firmly Imperial Territory. Thankfully, Polonsky informed him that they can convert the now abandoned township of Neuogonia into a joint Federation-Laniyea Military Base to jumpstart any expansions northward. About Five Battalions or 3500 men''s worth of military power: 21st & 23rd Infantry with the 88th Mountain Brigade attached, 45th Armored, 53rd Engineers and 99th Motorized their next offensive dubbed ''Operation: Northern Sweep''. The optimum number of soldiers he can press for the offensive. With reserves planned ahead from his Marines when needed. Its objective, capture all remaining Northern Imperial Lands up until Ghana''s Wall Fortress. The additional attachment of Native Guides mostly from the Centaur Beastfolks would be key to carving out territory at the hardy northern provinces.


    "Yes¡­ find them and track them all down." The Prince said. "We won''t rest until all of the Empire is under our banner."


    Speaking about remnant Imperial Territories, there was also the debate on what shall be done on the Slaegian Colonies down south on the untamed frontier beyond his own native Tyr Rian. The same will likely be the fate of the North but albeit a secondary priority for the Amelioration until the Heartlands are secured. Still, if he can decently recall the stories he had heard of the southern expanse beyond the Eastern Deserts and the Suzerainties. They tell of vast untamed, unexploited and fertile forest plains that the Colonies are the sources of exotic goods such as rare animal merchandise and spices. They are several conflicts between the Slaegian Colonists and the local Tribes and wild monsters in the area but such events insignificantly disrupt the Empire''s Importation before the Federation''s arrival. Ultimately, if Clovich wishes to diversify his new nation''s economy to stand on par with the Federation, his next target would be the South''s subjugation.


    There was also the fact that they should also consider of is the possibility of an Elven Intervention coming from Alfel-Nora across the Western Sea as warned by Aliathra, specifically her homeland''s Entente who would surely rally their armies against them once the word has befallen that Haringpoint has been taken over by ''an Army of Demons''. For now, the priority of the Amelioration is on the Homefront as Ser Maghe and Colonel Polonsky argued. If they dared to Intervene, the Tenacity and the Aurora will be on call to intercept.


    "They will¡­ one way or the other must come into the fold eventually," Clovich says his piece. His mind burned with all the oncoming concerns besieging him. He trusts his Generals'' ability to put these enemies by his gates all by themselves. Clovich''s proverbial ''Sword'', to eliminate challengers.


    However, If the Amelioration were to be destined the successors of the old Empire''s ashes, he needed to legitimize his right to rule starting from what he now has in his possession before working his way outwards. Consolidating his unquestioned dominion over his new lands will be equally as key. He needed his ''Shield''.


    Edmurl, using again the scrolls of doc.u.ments found in the room now gained a basal view of the internal situation of the Empire''s Homefront prior to their invasion. The Ostalroc Eruption had devastated the majority arable land of the Empire resulting in the cycle''s harvest being ruined just as Harvest season is about to begin. Thomas Sight feared a famine is about if not already happening in the Empire. Limited reportages of the stockpiles indicate that the Imperials have only about a fraction of the food stock accessible from their side of the divide. The opposite could be said about his own nation, however, thanks to his earlier permissions with Osei Korporasie from the propagating Eden Otieno. They can be sure that their food supplies would only see surpluses, their people fat with nutrition once their Vertical Farms and Food Distribution Centers are fully built and functioning within the Realm. For now, the Colonel Polonsky has suggested a temporary solution to buy Ladui Otieno the time she needs to secure the food supply, the distribution of their own food rations, meals that his own Laniyea soldiers enjoy quite fondly during their marches, the Meal-Ready-to-Eat Rations. He found it quite amusing that those packets can create ''fire'' from water.


    "This famine must end. See to it." Clovich approved.


    "I will tell Miss Otieno the good news." The Colonel nodded.


    Then there was the internal security at the matter. There are likely clandestine holdouts still within the conquered territory under the allegiance of the Old Empire that needs to be put down before such a wound is allowed cancerously grow within the fringes of his grasps. Enforcing Martial Law and occupational checkpoints throughout all conquered territories, existing and future should establish the authority of his Amelioration at the cost of relying on his Patrons for their aid of whom foreign presence will inevitably cause a stir with the peasantry. There was also the fact of Princess Estrice of whom he to his own shock had been successfully captured by the intrepid Stryder Group. No doubt the exiled Emperor would input handsomely for her rescue once the word has gotten out that she is under their captivity. For her safety, she was very quietly transferred immediately to Tyr Rian, hopefully, that his Sister Aria and her handmaidens could take good care of the young girl as the war progresses, and also knock some sense into her delusions of Tyr Rian being a corrupted hellscape.


    "I will have my troops, once they are ready of taking over the safeguarding of the Realm." The Prince painstakingly reminded Thomas and the Colonel.


    Clovich calculated quietly of the negative consequences of his reliance on the Sky People to be not too great. His new subjects, as hard to admit to his patrons would like to hear, are stubborn people. If he doesn''t show that he can independently rule his lands without the help of the Federation, the more he can wrestle the Mandate harder onto his side. Their words are valuable and equally powerful as they might, their presence is ultimately an Alien, almost radical shift of power that remnants of the Old Order would be hard-pressed to listen, let alone submit to. His first actions would be the groundwork of establishing his new regime now that the Imperial Capital''s administrative apparatuses and strategic advantages over his adversary. He needed to work fast, and revert sense of normalcy back into the lives of the common plebian so that he has the room to enact his Reforms. Looking back at his prototype Constitution, a copy of the same paper he had drafted with his earliest followers back in the Federation''s home planet of Earth, the Prince establishes the organization of his new Earth-style Llywodraeth:


    1. The first generation of the Senedd or Senate and the Cynrychiolwyr or the House of Representatives will consist of trusted nobles and scholars from his Native Tyr Rian and Souviel followed by influential power-holders such as large farmland owners, merchants and craftsmen. Gone will be the days of hereditary politics as now all are equal of merit and ascension under the eyes of the New Ysanigrad.


    2. Establish new centralized governing institutions, called ''Adranau'' for the administrative divisions of Education, Defense, Agricultural, Finance, Commerce, Judiciary and Magic. Subsequently appointing of the first heads of each Adranau. (Some of the likely candidates for these positions however are of controversial choice on the matters in spite of their excellent aptitudes.)


    3. The Laniyea shall undergo additional training of the UFEAF''s Military Doctrines with a funding for an expansion of their roster and equipment for his soldiers to be on-par with the Federation''s Army.


    4. Authorization of the reconstruction and modernization of vital infrastructure, specifically Roads but also the construction of several Electrical Power Plants ranging from Solar, Wind and Nuclear Powered shall be built alongside a Railway system to better connect the lifeblood between all of his fledgling nation and hasten the industrialization of the Realm.


    "Soon¡­ very soon¡­" he dreamt.


    For more scientific pursuits, Prince Clovich had authorized the Chosen One, Doctor Mahelona to be given unlimited access to all nodes of the previous Research of the College of Magi for his own studies and developments. Such a privilege only reserved for the Arch Mages was unprecedented, but the whispers from his scholarly tongue that slipped into his ears indicated he was on the verge of many breakthroughs on the study of the Aetherium. His team was well-motivated, equipped, and funded by both him and the Federation for what next wonders they may discover next. He was ultimately motivated by both discovery and money''s own sake. Selfish, but not necessarily malicious beneath his enthusiasm, especially with the fact another check of 10 Billion Federation Credits is being signed onto his Team''s budget as Thomas Sight gave his promissory notations to the Scientist who nestled almost as if the Laboratory became his second home back at New Albany. This new endeavor into the Federation''s exploration to the Arcane is dubbed Project: Spellbook. Its objective the mass collection of all academic data and resources, whether human or material onto the Federation''s own doc.u.mentation drives for future exploitation and research. There is a sizable albeit damaged pre-existing library of Arcane Knowledge that Ladui Silverdane has the familiarity of that can form the basis of this new initiative. That is also complemented by the fact that they can pool the various captured student body and faculty of the College of Magi into the good doctor''s disposal. At the moment, their earlier actions had deemed them to be prisoners of war by the UFEAF but with incentivization to avoid further reprisals could convince several them to join his fold and contribute to the Amelioration''s own ends.


    "Bring out the word to your former Collegiates Ladui Silverdane¡­" the Prince ordered.


    It was his greatest hopes, that with this ''Shield'' he could establish the incoming new Era of the Realm. The Ameliorator sank down on his chair, his eyes heavy with wear. Such hard work made exhausted him greatly offering little to no quarter for such a dream required Clovich to move many mountains to see its fruition. But if there was one thing that gave him strength, as he reached down on his pocket was a memento from his younger sister Aria, a necklace of her face and the preserved image and scent of her favorite flower to reinvigorate him.


    "Prince Clovich?" Thomas Sight broke him from his stupor. "Will that be all?" he asked.


    "Yes¡­" the Prince nodded. "Do it."


    "Shall we take you to the Emperor''s Bedchambers milord? You look drained." Ser Maghe noticed Clovich''s sluggish posture as he stood up from his seat.


    "N-no¡­" he softly refused¡­ "Prepare my steed¡­ the Arabian. I wish to return to my War Tent." The Palace''s uncanny embrace suffocating him that he wished to not be inside this place no longer.


    He had little to no plans to return to Uldin''s former residence in the foreseeable future.


    [-]


    "Do you have''em?" Bobby Bianchin dropped and then smothered his roll of tobacco onto the soil as the Corpo emerged from the shadows as the midnight moon¡­ or lack thereof shone its absent radiance onto a shadowy hillside off the now ruined walls of Haringpoint.


    A Truck carrying a valuable new form of cargo for the Aparo Corporation is about to make contact with the Business Representative. The incoming vehicle was an RRAT Supply Truck commandeered by a squad of Mercenaries all paid twice their rates for the under-tabled assignment they have just accomplished. There were several noticeable expulsions of unnecessary machinery of the mechanized supply truck in order to make room for the precious cargo being delivered.


    "Twenty Inert Pieces." The lead Silverback PMC disembarked from the RRAT.


    His men behind began to unload the precious cargo, more exactly the containers consisting of twenty individual large black bags. Large enough to contain a treasure c.h.e.s.t''s worth of items but discreet enough that they could avoid suspicion when smuggled out under the noses of the UFE.


    As much as their honor is to their alliance, Business is still business for Aparo Corporation. With this cargo, once delivered to its intended destination will be booming.


    "Finally, you are late." Bobby frustratingly commented. "I hope you and your men did everything EXACTLY what I ordered you to do." The Corpo asked.


    "It wasn''t easy but my men managed." the contractor reassured him. "We ran into a few¡­ delays but we scared them off by just puffing up alone."


    "Merely common street trash, unfortunate but not unexpected." Bobby scoffed. "They can be nosy but they are hardly that much of a threat."


    "Do you want peruse the merchandise beforehand?" the Mercenary gestured, returning the mood back to the marches of commerce.


    They walked towards the black bags as the Corpo Representative gestured the PMC''s to open several of the bags quietly.


    The treasure wasn''t gold, smuggled blocks of Unbinillium, nor Magical Artifacts. Neigh it was much more precious than just material items. Stolen straight from the noses of those Government Science Teams for their Project: Spellbook. They had to move fast to gain their own illicit share of the spoils before the opportunity escapes their grasp.


    Bobby knelt down to one of the bags and placed his fingers around the ''merchandise''s'' collar and lo and behold to his profit-driven delight and just as the merc says he had; he felt a pulse beneath all of that inert muscles.


    "Don''t spend it all in one place. We will be in touch when we require more." Bobby smiled as he quietly handed over a small package of Credits hidden on his suit. Discreetly placing the money onto the Mercenary Leader''s hands.


    He then proceeded to gesture his personal men to start stacking the bags away onto the Aparo Cargo Trucks, outsourced logistics for the now-concluded Operation: Haymaker to haul them into their holds. By the time the Federation found these missing assets unaccounted for, they would be long gone away from the planet by then never to return. As he sees the merchandise be dragged into their fate, never to return, Bobby grabbed his smartphone and called these new product''s end-user.


    "Doctor Sforza? Your first batch is coming before the month''s end. Bring that A-Game on with them Frankenstein shit. The Boss expects results by the year-end." Bobby announced.


    [-]


    Samantha was both well-pleased of the progress the Federation and Clovich''s Amelioration had made in such a short period of time. Hearing everything from Aliathra and Karliah sent to Clovich''s presence intrigued her greatly of the future ahead. They had taken the enemy''s capital and have the leadership on the run and cut off from much of their precious supplies. However, with progression breeds new challenges for the Coalition''s forces. There were the multiple matters that they will have to attend to soon such as the Imperial Remnants who fled north, the Elven Intervention Forces coming West to reinforce them and the matter of the relatively intact Imperial Colonies South of the mountains who still hold a sizeable opposition of repute to Prince Clovich''s Claim to the Imperial Throne. It made her head fevered with thoughts of where she and her team will go next once they finish mopping up the last few bits and pieces in Haringpoint.


    "Can''t wait to get some R&R. Command''s being generous letting us off back in New Albany for two days yeah?" Clay smiled excitedly. "What are you going to do brother?" he turned to his fellow African Kayin.


    "Iris, well you know her. She and I are going to enjoy the town together. Lots of nice places opening up to go out on. Don''t know what to choose." Kayin replied.


    "Oh, you don''t have to do all that hard work my dear¡­" Iris sultrily waved. "What of you?"


    "I guess I will just go out and buy something nice to cook up¡­ I don''t know¡­ something hearty¡­ tasty and good for you I guess." Clay answered.


    "You can stop by at my farm if you need anything. I sell lower than most Marts." Obediah proposed. "I am gonna be seein'' April on my time off." Obediah proposed.


    "That sounds great. Thanks." Clay nodded happily.


    "How is April now if I may ask?" Aliathra inquired.


    "Still quiet¡­ but she is back to drawing with her crayons now so she''s doing well. Will you be wanting to see her too?" Obediah asked.


    "Oh no, I want to have the time for myself too." Aliathra declined.


    "You know Alie, if you want you can go check out some of the new shops around New Albany with me. You always did say you wanted to ''Free Yourself''. I can fix you up with some nice threads, get your hair done and all¡­ make you real nova." Diaz suggestively proposed.


    "Look alive just a little longer Stryder!" Samantha reminded her subordinates. "Just need to¡­ finish moving all of this stuff around before we can take the next Super Osprey back home."


    There last assignment was the mass Confiscation of Academic Materials from the College of Magi for Dr. Mahelona. Needing to sort through the mess of ransacked and defiled books for anything of value with Karliah. Stryder evaluating each content was time consuming but ultimately a low-risk affair that Stryder was assigned before they could leave. They have to individually brisk through each book, scroll and letters for valuable materials specifically Sygilry Constructions, Somatic Techniques, Maps towards Unbinillium Deposits and Schematics detailing Arcane Aparatuses that will be archived by the Dr. Mahelona''s Team. Unfortunately, most of the valuable items were either burnt off or whisked away by the fleeing Remnants yet Command wanted to make sure no stone was turned, being sure that they must have left something of value during their haste.


    Diaz was perhaps the least amused of doing such a job, tossing the books carelessly away much to the Collegiate''s chagrin. Crocker had no problem hauling most of the debris away thanks to his Exo-Suit. But the physical toil was perhaps the most bearing to Captain Rose herself. Her muscles, likely tired from all of the fighting she had undertaken this past week had weakened her body significantly. She could feel a fever slowly heating her body into a frigid deluge of strain that it didn''t take long for her laggard poise to be noticed.


    "Samantha¡­ I think you should stop for now¡­" Karliah softly approached the Captain.


    "No-No¡­ I am okay." She denied her mercy. "I enjoy some of these books¡­ its okay¡­ I can manage." Samantha huffed as she opened the book to speedily examine its contents.


    "You know¡­ now my Grandfather running around and the Inquisition being no longer much of a problem anyome everything should be safer for me and other Vampires now. If you allow me, I could send a Letter to my fellow Vampires and see if they too would like to work together with you." Iris mentions.


    "Yeah¡­ do that." Sam smiled softly as she turned to the book she had in hand. Blowing off the dust acc.u.mulated, the air of its degraded venerability encapsulated the Captain''s nose.


    The Vaikuri alphabet, still a troublesome piece for her to read through, but she does know that a certain combination of characters written atop off its cover stated that this book''s subject of focus is in indeed about Magicks. One peculiar trait of the Vaikuri Language is that the writing is read top-down then left to right, a bit akin to the peculiarities of East Asian Scripts.


    Opening the book, Samantha skimmed through the pages, yawning heavily in boredom as virtually all of its contents was purely text without pictures. It was a strenuous read that could easily agitate someone who spirited of temperament as the Captain. She gripped her head, now throbbing with panging woe as she attempted to breathe in. But as she inhaled, her nose felt a watery and clogging sensation within her nostrils as if she had attempted to breathe under water. Probing her nose, Samantha realized to her fright that she had drawn blood. Her knees and head began to fell faint as she leaned over to the wall for support to catch her as she collapses into its embrace. An invisible fire radiated within her muscles as her body screamed in agony and her heartbeat became thunderous.


    "Warning: Muscle Fatigue and Hypotension detected!" ISAC alarmed her. Red flashes blinked across her UI.


    "I¡­I don''t feel so well¡­" Samantha exhaustively respired as the color on her face drained to a sickly pale.


    "Sam!" Aliathra exclaimed. Rushing towards her friend she began to lay her hands on her aching muscles.


    "All ailments have been stabilized. Recommendation: Seek Medical Attention immediately." ISAC states.


    "F.u.c.k! It stings!" Samantha clamped herself. Her hand tightening itself onto the wall as the rest of Stryder converged to her.


    The Elven Cleric silently went to work with her Restoration Magicks, gliding her hands across all the injured parts of Sam''s body.


    Over time, the Restoration Magicks of the Elf did their work, for the time being, Samantha''s condition was alleviated albeit temporarily. Knowing by memory, the Redhead would need to go through a long rest before she could be back to her buoyant self, Restoration Magicks can do so much less of a good night of sleep.


    "Can you walk it off Captain?" Crocker asked her.


    "Yeah¡­ I-I think¡­" Samantha exhaled. "What was that?! I felt like my body¡­ was on fire and¡­ I could hardly breathe." She complained.


    "Your body is being languished from Overcast¡­ But that''s impossible!" Aliathra''s eyes widened. "You hardly casted much Magicks for the past two days. Why suffer it''s maladies now?" Her leaf-tipped ears twitch, perplexed by this sight.


    "Gah!" Samantha gritted her teeth as cold sweat bathed her skin. Suddenly she could feel one of her calves tearing itself in half. Instinctively, she looked onto her Suit''s Self-Diagnostic software to asses her body''s situation.


    "Damn¡­ not looking good." Samantha cursed as she read the status report. "Muscle Atrophy¡­ loss of¡­ nutrients¡­ I¡­ I ¡­" her voice trembled as her body shivered, each sensation likened to nails and hammers besieging her nerves with torturous intent.


    "Hold on Samantha. I can Heal you!" Aliathra pressed herself forward, her Restoration Magicks at the ready once again.


    Try as she might, however, the Elven Cleric scryed through Samantha''s body only to find it in such disrepair that it was hard for her Magicks alone to keep up with all the damages that needed attention. Restoration Magicks had limits to its ability contrary to popular beliefs of its miraculous effects. It couldn''t cure ''Afflictions of the Mind'', Birth Defects, Advanced Terminal Conditions, or at one Healer''s lonesome the severely Injured. Most often than not, it would take the ingesting of certain healing plants, tools, and time.


    "F.u.c.k.i.n.g hell! Someone get a Stretcher! We need to get the Captain out of here!" Crocker yelled.


    [-]


    The stable rhythm of the Heart Beat Monitor soothed the air underneath the New Albany Underground Laboratory as Samantha was given a nutritious meal to reboot her atrophied muscles back to life. Being rushed scarily back to the Federation''s Headquarters whilst being backed by a full Support-Team of Scientists did have its perks for the young captain as she chowed down on truthfully made Grilled Chicken mixed in with various fibers, fruits and vegetables, or more specifically, a Taco Bowl. In attendance to her was Crocker, Dr. Mahelona and several more scientists who monitored her vitals by the Captain''s side. An IV Thread attached to her left hand was hastily injected into her with reinvigorating Nano-fluids to combat her maladies. Above the Captain, Medical Drones glided around her bed, their Resonant-Ray Scanners feeding the uncensored picture of her body''s overall conditions back to Dr. Mahelona.


    "Doctor? Am I going to be okay?" Samantha asked them.


    "Well Captain Rose, based on what the Medical Scanners found, you had suffered through Extreme Fatigue caused by overexertion from your most recent physical activity." Dr. Nora, one of David''s Specialists in the field of Human Physiology went through the details as briefly as she can. "You already knew that your DNA was forcefully overridden to match ''Mage'' DNA so that your body can accommodate doing all of your Magic powers. However, our recent Blood Testing shows that your body is straining itself to accommodate the radical change in the protein from your DNA mutation. This strain often occurs whenever you perform Magic." she added.


    "Are you saying that whenever I do magic, I am damaging my body?" Samantha questioned.


    "In a way yes Captain Rose." Dr. Mahelona raised his voice, standing up from his computer monitor to approach Samantha. "Whether you like it or not, you are not a ''Natural Born'' Mage unlike everyone else you encounter. You became one rather than be born as one like all the rest."


    "Your body is at a much higher risk of Mana Exhaustion and Overcasting as you have to use Thirty-Percent% more mana than normal mages to cast spells but thankfully, that is why you have the Hecate Suit with you which minimizes 45% of that risk. If it were not for Aliathra stabilizing your muscle pains before Captain Kaprelian Medevac''d you to us, you would have been in a much worse state." Dr. Nora gave her diagnosis.


    "So, Doc¡­ how can you fix me?" Sam asked. "Don''t sugarcoat it."


    "The short-term solution is using the Data I have collected of your recent performances so far; I will have to strip off the Hecate Suit off of you so I can have my engineers tune up all of the Arcane Meridians to improve the Suit''s overall efficiency. But at best, the upgrade is going to only stretch you out by Ten-Percent my best estimates. The more permanent solution is to find a way to make your body adapt to all of the changes so that it doesn''t kill you." Dr. Mahelona answered. "The Voice¡­ it says you must ''endure'' it¡­ just¡­ don''t listen to me when I say it comes from it okay?"


    "Noted." Samantha dismissed.


    "We can replace the withered and at-risk parts on Captain Rose''s body with Artificial Lace. Have Nanites weave some new bone and muscle fibers around them so that she can improve her strength and stamina." Dr. Nora suggested. "It should buy you more time until we can fully figure out how we can stop the harmful effects of DNA Overriding."


    "Do it then¡­ make it quick." The Captain immediately agreed. She fell down on her bed as she awaited Dr. Nora to perform the transplant.


    "Surgery shouldn''t take too long with all of the good stuff here. She should be back up within the day Sargeant." Dr. Mahelona turned to Lewis. "I do want to thank you personally of getting that Crystal Heart thing to my Laboratory. I knew it was hard for your squad but you managed to pull it off." He gave his gratitude.


    "Don''t mention it Doc." Crocker nodded. "Though, where is the Crystal Heart anyways?" He asked.


    "In its own containment chamber inside the Lab. Gives some of my colleagues the creeps though¡­ because it talks a lot." David commented as he switched the channel of his computer to a CCTV Feed of the aforementioned Containment Chamber.


    The crystalline artifact sat inside a vacuum-sealed chamber attached with dozens of monitoring gizmos where an assigned Scientist is tasked to observe its every actions.


    "Still though, with the Crystal now in our possession it won''t take long to figure out its secrets. Already it has been telling me some interesting new tidbits like how we can make our own versions of the Resilient Sphere spell¡­ but better!" David enthusiastically smiled.


    "Well I want''ta be there when it happens a''righty then?" Crocker approved.


    [-]


    Wolfhounds howl into the night as darkness fell upon Ysanigrad that evening. They have scented blood and are now on the trail in pursuit. For it is Slaegian Blood the pack seeks to sate their thirst upon. But not Wolves of Fur, instead these were wolves whose bodies mask like the flesh and shade of trees. They were the 88th ''Wolfhound'' Mountain Brigade, UFEAF Scout Rangers, the premiere Light Infantry Formation of their kind. Environments like Gliesia are the terrain these brave men excel in turning into their own personal hunting grounds. Armed with rifles and their own tenacity for surviving the harshest wilderness. Carving ahead off the main group, a squad of these ''Wolves'' pressed forward across the forest hills, scouting out the pathways and dirt roads leading northward. They had traveled far from the foot when they were redeployed from Haringpoint tasked with reconnaissance and sabotage of enemy positions. It didn''t take long for these Wolfhounds to spot their first target. A meaty outpost that had overlooked a tall hill by the main road where the Column they scout for is using. It was now time to get to work.


    "This is Bronco-Three. Going dark." One of Rangers radioed.

 Chapter 57 - Breathe Easy

    Calelh Point stood atop of Souviel''s Bay just as Samantha remembered as she journeyed her way up its dirt road. Ever since the letter she received from the late Sandulf''s caretaker, the Goblin Okt-to. She had been made subject to an official inquiry by her superiors. That Stryder Group in its collective efforts with the previous owner had, as a group, inherited a piece of land outside of Tyr Rian. Originally, the land of Calelh Point was an important landmark in Souviel decades prior with it being the sight of the Light House that guided sailors safely onto the Bay''s embrace. One day, the daughter of the Light House Keeper married a young Sandulf who had built an Inn below Cliff''s base to entertain travelers. Unfortunately, a freak accident and the consequential death of the wife foreclosed the Inn''s fate into obscurity until now.


    Much had changed in Souviel post-Chwartiadd, the Federation''s Presence has now been well established amongst the Port City''s denizens. The late-villain, Gresgi Jodent''s property had been seized by the reformed Bank of Souviel whilst his former Villa has now been converted into a Consulate to authorize the UFE''s presence in the region. The former Grey Order Office of Souviel has been put into the direct control of the Duchal Guards, with any adventurers, that for a time conducted bandit-style attacks on Federation Troops and Native Collaborators, ordered to surrender or face Duke Thibault''s ire.


    There are now whispers amongst the populace of deals being spun into ink brought forth by high-paying and influential nobles of Souviel consisting of landowners are now making deals with the Colonists of both private and publicized ventures. As of the rumor milling around the Duchy, many people say that thanks to Souviel''s rich lands of plenty and its access to the Western Sea, the Duchy will be focusing itself on the industrialization of its fertile farmlands in terms of production. For services being rendered, there is the facilitation of foreign trade and tourism into the Duchy. Once Prince Clovich''s Amelioration goes into full swing, it would not be long before such modernizations reach the Draguitoise Coast, perhaps even beyond it from sea to shining sea across all of Gliesia. Souviel being its springboard to what lays beyond.


    Accompanied by Agent De Sardet and a couple of construction workers, Samantha, using the time off she has to relax a moment here in Souviel whilst also taking care of some business. That business is the use of this ''Inheritance'' she and her squad had obtained from Old Master Souviel before his tragic passing. Due to several back dealings outside of her control, however, de facto-wise the property is belonging to the Federation''s Government. But officially, according to the books of both the Federation and Souviel''s Records, this plot of land is Samantha''s private property. It wasn''t illegal per say for the Captain to still run private businesses but such unique circ.u.mstances were too hard to pass up for her superiors.


    "Welcome! Welcome!" Okt-to greeted the four guests. It was perhaps the most amount of people he had seen in the past few months after that stint with those Tavai Smugglers when Samantha had last visited.


    The old Lonesome Hearth Hostel¡­ or under better days the Smiling Siren was rustic with wood furniture and cold candles to greet them. It lacked the much-expected warmth and welcome reception expected from more active dens of hospitality due to years of neglect. Yet Agent De Sardet wishes to change this.


    "I know a thing or two about places like this. My Husband worked as a Baker in several high-class Hotels." Agent De Sardet gestured his hands into a panoramic focus as he observed the interior.


    "What would you do then Gary?" Sam asked.


    "It''s radical I have to confess but a lot of these furnishings MUST go! Too crude, too dirty, too dreary!" De Sardet answered. "We should replace the windows with some glass¡­ in fact¡­ have the entire walls be made of Glass! I can barely see the sun! This place needs more sun!" the Agent stomped as he swiftly opened each individual window allowing the late morning light to fill the room.


    "Ah¡­" Samantha smiled. De Sardet was indeed correct. The depressing aesthetic of the Hostel had now somewhat been alleviated. "Much better." the Captain smiled in the rougher Quebecoi accent of Agent De Sardet''s metropolitan. She turned around to a chair to rest.


    "Ladui Rose¡­ Ladui Rose¡­" Okt-to approached trotted abjectly to Samantha. "You seek to rebuild this Inn into something Master Sandulf would be proud of?" he asked.


    "Yes, I do. We will have to remove a few things before we reopen this place. I hope you don''t mind right?" Samantha nodded.


    "As long as you do not disturb Sandulf and his family''s graves. Yes¡­ but what will happen to me after?" the Goblin asked.


    "Well¡­ I guess you can be a Gardien since you are just doing that all the time oui? A Caretaker to keep the new place clean when the time comes." De Sardet suggested.


    "That is wonderful news! But¡­ the Will¡­" Okt-to meekly fronted.


    "Spare me more of this legal bullshit. What more?" the Intelligence Agent cussed, half of his words in French.


    "Old Master Sandulf had also requested that you also inherit this¡­" the Goblin passed along a book written in the native script. It had a picture of a bowl, spoon, and fork at its head.


    "A Cookbook?" De Sardet twitched his brow.


    "Sandulf was a Cook Gary. A really good one, you want us to keep this book too?" Sam explained.


    "Not only, but the Old Master wishes you cook these recipes to be able to¡­ ''bring warm joy'' to the future guests who come to this place. Here¡­ I prepared one of his favorites, Braised Sea Critters in sweet Chellumbi Stew with Segor Root. I know many of his recipes." He bowed.


    On an earthenware pot, the Goblin served onto two small wooden bowls the samples of the Native Stew to them. Sam refrained her initiative to taste, allowing the Intelligence Agent to have the first bite after slowly scenting its aroma with his scrutinizing nose. Using a wooden spoon, he claims a mouthful of the crimson dish as his tongue embraced its flavor.


    "Wow¡­ Incroyable, some good f.u.c.k.i.n.g food for once." De Sardet smiled. A smile that wasn''t his petrifying grin of cruelty that tainted him on his line of work. It was a rare bonafide moment of felicity just as the progenitor of the recipe had wanted.


    Okt-to yipped happily on the man''s smile as he finished his small bowl.


    "Seconds please¡­ bigger bowl." He demanded, that of which immediately executed by a now enthusiastic Okt-to.


    "Let''s to the gist of it Gary." Sam reminded De Sardet. "You want to make a brand-new hotel right here yeah? Have some


    "Resort. Not Hotel. Hotel implies people just want to sleep and go¡­ not ''Stay''." De Sardet suffused. "The reason why this place failed is because it is just too far away from all of the action for the Natives to go to. But¡­ the opposite is true..." he waved.


    "Opposite?" Samantha furrowed.


    "Our own people! Travelers of all sorts would want somewhere away from the bustle of Gliesia. Somewhere remote yet close to all of the action. This place more than ideal. Kick your feet off and have a few bites before you retire for the night oui?" the Agent suggested. "I am not discounting that in the future, some of the Gliesians would like to travel here for their own business or for the p.l.e.a.s.u.r.es this place can offer. I even got a few ideas about that too. But the priority is aiming for our own people. Specifically, those on Business and for P.l.e.a.s.u.r.e."


    "Ah¡­ so switch the target demographic? Is that what they call it? I get it I get it¡­ But¡­ one more question¡­ but what are you REALLY going to do with this place?" Samantha asked him. She knows these Government Wigs don''t just open vacationing resorts. It would be the likes of which that would outrage any hard paying taxpayer from off the Federation''s coffers.


    "Sweet summer''s child. The Resort is only a mask. Un site noir pour l''¨¦coute. To look at ''your'' Guests of all curiosities they sweeten beneath all of the honey this upcoming paradise shall loosen." De Sardet explained. discreetly blanketed his intentions. He didn''t want to have the two contracted Construction Workers nor Okt-to to know of the true purposes of this sight. "I learned that from my Husband by the way¡­ it sounded way s.e.xier when that V.A. said it." he stuck his tongue out.


    Samantha sighed; she knew it. Her new property is going to be another Government Black Site behind all of the intrigue and luxuries this establishment provides. She rather would keep herself clean on such Deep State machinations if she could help it. But there was no way for her to stop it. She would just have to give the fa?ade of cleanliness beneath all of the intrigues about her now eminent status both as the Native''s Chosen Heroine and as a Star-ascendant apparatus of the Party''s propaganda.


    "Listening only. I don''t want to see any blood or whatever crazy stuff you normally like to do. Save that fetishistic freak show you always like to show anywhere else but here." Samantha set her terms


    "Not even thinking about it¡­" De Sardet leaned back, playfully belching in satisfaction over his meal.


    [-]


    Lewis Crocker gentle stroked his left knuckles as he sat by the barkeep looking onto the side mirror provided in the chintzy in the El Ciggaro Boracho Pub. This Watering Hole shies off the City Centre that not many well-to-do folks or of the contemporary tastes would dare venture to. Such an establishment attracting the more common pursed of folks such as blue-collared workers or those who seek an alternative, if not antithetical experience to the more well-to-do counterparts.


    The atmosphere was strictly masculine of Federation origin in all aesthetic: Urbanized artwork of scrap postings and a bit of playful if not seemingly random graffiti stuck with advertis.e.m.e.nt stickers gave the Pub a seedy-street visual. Even the furnishings were ''decorated'' or more of just plastered with such gildings. Electro-Latino Music at a respectable volume housed the patrons with familiar tunes and rhymes from their old homelands. The scent of alcohol and nicotine permeated the noses of the Ciggaro Borracho as weekend enjoying workers indulged themselves to their heart''s content with blunts and shots of vices. The Patrons don''t seem to mind such a gangbanging atmosphere, in fact it was one such reason why they regularize this establishment in the first place. The Bar boasts the strongest mix of the everyday opiates of dulling spirits that relaxes one''s stress-aches to those drinks used for the most celebratory of occasions.


    "A little anesthesia." The Bartender smiled as he passed onto Crocker''s molded bar mat a miniature glass of the strongest drink inside the house, a round of Rum of half of its liquid being of alcoholic content


    The Sergeant immediately downed the first round of the Rum onto his gullet, its intoxicating liquids dulling his senses as he readies himself. Placing his hand onto his nose, the burly second-in-command f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y fixed his nose.


    "Motherf.u.c.ker!" Crocker cursed as he banged the table with his left hand, nearly toppling several loose articles near him.


    "At least you won that fight, Sarge. Otherwise, that nose would have hurt way worse." The Bartender smiled.


    "Yeah¡­ I guess." Crocker nodded.


    Earlier that day, Lewis went to a Gym and entered himself into a cross-service bout between the UFE Navy Sailors and the Army Colonial Militia with him being the representative of the latter. A Cash Prize was given to whoever managed to beat the other man by any means via 8 rounds of 120 seconds each. For Crocker''s fight, he had to endure the full brunt of the brawl as his equally built opponent stalled for a decision''s the fight was a display of camaraderie and friendly competition between the two branches but it also displayed to those Natives who so happens to witness the bout the pique physical fitness of the Otherworlder soldiers. To his surprise, rather than being intimidated by such a sight, many of those folks admittedly were mesmerized by the bare-c.h.e.s.ted warriors who fought each other for their entertainment. Not surprisingly, Blood Sports are considered the highest class of entertainment in the Slaegian Empire by his experience.


    "So, what''s been troubling you?" the empathetic Bartender lay his attentive ear on the Sergeant.


    "Nothin'' too crazy¡­ jus-it gets lonely at work. Most of muh time I only talk with my squad''s C.O and spit orders-down." Crocker sighed. "I feel like¡­ l-like¡­ nobody really appreciates me¡­ being there¡­ I don''t know. Or maybe I should start plannin'' on retiring from the Service soon. No''much juice left on dis ole'' machine." He sulked.


    "Nobody? Sure, about that?" the Bartender gestured behind him playfully.


    Turning around Crocker spotted to his surprise a flock of newcomers into the El Ciggaro Boracho. They dressed in flowers, leather corsets twined in strings, and skirts that flow like water down to their silken ankles. All articles of feminine clothing contrasting to the otherwise bold robust the El Ciggaro presents itself as. They were Natives from Tyr Rian, a pack of vixens, maidens, and young lasses all of the opposite gender to be precise. Likely of those who managed to pass through the checkpoints and be permitted entry to walk, browse and interact amongst the Colonials within New Albany.


    "Hey Chica! If water was a beauty, you would be the whole ocean." One patron whistled to one Tyr Rianni girl who had decided to dress in blue today.


    Several more of the men expressed their machismo over this parade of nymphs to make their presence with their collected muliebrity, exchanging a mix of l.e.w.d, gallant, and flirty remarks upon them but they seemed uninterested in the Bar''s regulars.


    "There he is!" one of them called out. Her hands piercing through the bar all the way to Crocker himself.


    The parade of nymphs marched across the El Ciggaro as they made their way to the Bar Top.


    "You are the Ogre-Breaker, aren''t you?" one Village Girl inquired.


    "Yeah¡­ is we''re som''thin a''matter?" Crocker awkwardly kept his cool, drinking another round of rum to maintain his composure.


    "A great crime has happened!" One woman fell into his arms dramatically, her face blushed with d.e.s.i.r.e. "This fine young maiden, daughter of the Horse Breeder needs fine stallion to raise her young~" She implored him.


    Crocker was more than alarmed, confused, flattered, and embarrassed by the implications given the context.


    "He will tire greatly from all of that work Lorneh! The Ogre-Breaker needs a hand in soothing all of those muscles of his¡­" another maiden c.a.r.e.s.sed methodically the Sergeant''s muscles that popped out of his sleeveless top, almost seeming to get lost in the post-fighting musk that Lewis secreted. Such excretions seemed to excite these spirited ladies to higher states of arousal. He could recognize by her uniform that she was one of the Bath House Girls from Tyr Rian during one of Stryder Group''s patrols.


    "Look ladies, I am not in the mood right now for any of you right now¡­" Crocker attempted to defuse the situation tactfully.


    "Sure you do, you just need to get more¡­ comfortable. ~" the Bath House Maid pressed her b.r.e.a.s.ts into Crocker''s biceps.


    "I rather rot than let you have him all to yourself Madleska!" shoved another woman the masseuse away.


    Some of the El Ciggaro''s patrons began to brace, if not amusingly for a possible catfight between these women. Some excitedly grabbing their phones at the ready-to-record such a bawdy occasion.


    "Women! Women! Halt your advances on the Ogre-Breaker!" yelled forth another voice. Loud stomps dragged all of the attention away from all of the patrons inside the bar.


    To Crocker''s bedazzlement, he recognizes that voice.


    A woman, one whose stature easily towers above her peers, of whose hair flowed freely like the wind and intricate tribal tattoos adorned her body as she made her way towards the Sergeant. Her body atop was of a human, but her lower half is of a Horse. It was Kimora, the Yoshandinyuddi or Centaur War Maiden he had rescued back in Neuogonia.


    "There is no point of fighting! Do you harlots think the mighty Ogre Breaker would d.e.s.i.r.e to pass companionship amongst a group of Harpies like you? Shame on you!" Kimora chastised.


    Many of the women soon realize that the Daosne Female was right as they turned to Crocker whose blushing face and trembling body over the sight of these women fighting over him. This, in Slaegian Courting rituals, would be an embarrassment regardless of gender. The fight was defused before it could truly start.


    "Thanks, Kimora¡­" Crocker sighed in relief. For a second he thought there''s going to be a fight in his favorite diving spot.


    "Not yet Ogre Breaker¡­" Kimora shook her head. "Women of Tyr Rian, I have a proposal to share among you..."


    With a blush, the Centaur War Maiden stripped away from her shirt, which in hindsight didn''t cover much of her torso physiologically speaking, merely covering her b.r.e.a.s.ts and a bit of her midriff. She exposed her nubile Centaur body amongst the patrons much to everyone''s shock, both positive and negative. Some were mesmerized by the War Maiden''s runic tattoos that are said to summon the bestial aspects of their respective ancestries. Others were astounded by her supple feminine form that either caught several courtly remarks by the green-minded of Male Patrons and some form of intimidation for the Tyr Rianni Women.


    Kimora blushed as she stepped forward.


    "It is by many cycles immemorial from the Northern Tribes: The strongest of men are permitted to have many wives. Yet only the strongest earns the privilege to bear his child." The Centaur proposed. "Such a prize deserves to be bestowed by the strongest female who will bear the strongest of children and that is I!"


    Lewis'' heart skipped several beats. He really has no time nor the energy to entertain such a sordid act right now.


    "You?! Gods damn you Beastwoman! The handsome champion is mine!" Lorneh, being the daughter of the Horse Caretaker of the Tyr Rianni cavalry unsheathed her riding whip and began to strike on to the Centaur Warmaiden.


    Not wanting to be deterred for her prize, Kimora launched a wild punch onto Lorneh sending the woman stumbling towards the Bar''s tables. Such a violent act aroused the other females into a stupor filled as they turned on themselves. A fight for feminine domination erupted in the El Ciggaro Boracho as women tussled amongst and against each other of whose maidenhood shall be claimed by the gallant Lewis ''Ogre Breaker'' Crockers.


    "Bollocks! Gimme outta''ere Bartender!" Crocker leaped over the Bar''s countertop as the Bartender opened the back door to allow the Sergeant to escape.


    He bears no interest in being the breeding stud of an entire harem of women anytime soon. He was a professional¡­ that and God knows what abominable S.e.x.u.a.lly Transmitted Diseases the more ravishing folks of Gliesians could possess.


    "He is getting away!" one of the fighting maidens noticed Crocker''s escape.


    "Uukhai! His young are mine!" Kimora charged screaming n.a.k.e.dly in pursuit.


    [-]


    Leah would have liked to be here atop of this hill over a lonesome pathway that climbed over atop of their property in New Albany. But alas, this is not of happier of times, if no such times could ever be possible as nothing shall be the same anymore for the Root Family. Leah was, upon personal request by the bereaved Obediah, was buried behind the Root Family Farmstead under a loving yet lonely hill that overlooked the entire property. A landmark he called ''the Lonesome Hill''. Obediah wished to spend these two days off with his daughter of whom he picked up from her Kindergarten Teacher who acted as a surrogate parent whilst he was off on his Military Service.


    The wind breezed gently amongst the tree''s and several native flowers decorated, if not almost wreathing Obediah''s late love in its earthen embrace with its beatific comfort. It was a somber affair for him and April, wanting to visit his wife once again before he gets redeployed. Their child was still too young, or perhaps Obed was still not too sure how to phrase his sentences to explain to April of her mother''s passing. Such a grievous wound to never be able to again come to Leah''s enveloping embrace, to never hear her voice lulling them to sleep, to never be able to scent her lilac perfume as she blessed each chamber with her presence and to never see her warm smile grace their hearts. If Obediah was truly alone, he would have kicked the dirt, scream, blame himself perhaps even topple the gravestone in his grief or unthinkably turn his own pistol against himself for he could not bear such burden, not like this anymore. Yet he knew Leah would never want him to despair, not for his own sake, but for April''s own being.


    Obediah turned to April who was cherishingly picking the wildflowers that littered that Lonesome Hill.


    "Daddy!" April smiled, still innocent as to why her father had insisted to come with him to this hill today.


    The little girl gave him one of the wildflowers and placed him onto his ears, like a wreath adorning his aged brow.


    Seeing April''s smile, it reminded him¡­


    He didn''t know if it was his own grief twisting his mind, the ghostly whispers of his late wife from beyond the grave, or a mix of all of his life formulating into this one moment.


    A reason to keep moving forward¡­


    April''s Smile.


    [-]


    It was a relief, for Prince Clovich to say the least as he flew back to Tyr Rian that afternoon. Although Haringpoint had its symbolic merits, the city was still too dangerous, reeling from the recently conquered peoples, for him to fully move his court. He had entrusted Ser Maghe and Colonel Polonsky to pacify the region in his absence until everything has settled down. For now, his old Castle back home is the de facto seat of power of the Amelioration and he couldn''t have it any other way for himself. It was great to breathe in the forest-mountain air from the now calm Ostalrocs, to see familiar sights but most of all to see his beloved sister Aria once more.


    She had many stories, both joyous and melancholic. Joyous she was when she managed to walk several feet off of her supports with her newfound strength much to his and her maid attendee''s delight. She couldn''t frolic freely upon the hilly plains just yet but it was better than being bedridden atop of the citadel''s towers. Compared to her informal duties as the new ''lady-in-waiting'' for the captive Princess Estrice Slaegiac who was transferred not long ago to the Citadel to be kept as he quotes ''hostage in our guest room''.


    According to Aria and her own Maids'' stories: Princess Estrice would sit quietly in her room, avoiding any modic.u.m of interaction between herself and those in charge of her well-being. This has gotten to the point that Aria would most often or not refuse to eat whatever assortments of nourishment that was sent to her side, claiming they were ''poisonous'' or were ''enchanted''. When she eventually be forced to eat, she would only input the b.a.r.e minimum needed for continued survival. Such spartan-like sustainability was on par with how Estrice was also observed praying incessantly when doing nothing else. From what whispers the Maids could decipher, she was praying for her father, the Gods, or a Knight in Shining Armor of sorts to come and rescue her with the naivet¨¦ of those fantastic ballads and stories Bards and Minstrels. Still, it did not deter Aria from trying to breach underneath all of the walls of unease towards Estrice.


    Clovich could only pray that a ray of his sister''s words could pierce through the Imperial Daughter''s heart of this lamentable misalignment. For now, he still wishes whilst his sister gentle attempts to Estrice, for himself to enjoy the fleeting comforts of his ancestral home for the next few days.


    But alas not even at his own home that he is immune to the besetting of his duties.


    Today''s business was hosting a Commerce Forum with the Federation, a Convention of the local Powers intermingling with the alien traders from the Heavens, peddling their eldritch oddities. Such decadent gatherings of materialism, underneath the honeyed words, were intrusive if not exhortative in terms of the exorbitant prices demanded in exchange. Yet it was a necessary evil for the fledgling Emperor of the Amelioration, he needed to court for more power and curry favor amongst the Otherworlders if his movement and Gliesia as a whole are to survive. Amusingly, Clovich is entertaining his cousin Duke Thibault and his Souvieli Courtiers who came in person to seal the first economic treaties with the Federation and their Mega Corporation trade partners. There was even a demonstration to happen with said products that being imported into Gliesia from Osei, Maximov, Hanjin-Shibusawa, and of course Aparo Corporation.


    "I do say, this Iced Cream does do great with the local berries." Duke Thibault giggled as he enjoyed the end product that is Vanilla Ice Cream adorned with the native Crismelo Berries which complemented the mellow sweetness of the white cream with the tart taste of the Berries. Souviel has along with their rich tradition of Winemaking also has complements of Cheese and Smokehouses too. A pre-existing industry that one such Corporation wished to tap into.


    "Pri--- I mean¡­ Emperor Clovich." One such Otherworlder vied for his attention. From memory, Governor White calls them ''Sail''s Re-pres-ent-ta-tibs'' which was a bit odd since they don''t look like they are of a maritime background such as Sailors and other Sea-Faring journeymen. "May I interest you in a fine new Steed?" he said.


    "A Steed? You mean what you call a ''Car'' or ''Mortar-Sickle''?" Clovich responded.


    "The former is what I sell." The Otherworlder explained. He carried along with his hands a strange set of goggles, something similar of shape to that of the Federation''s own Soldiers with a wide encompassing visor with straps to wrap around one''s head. Clovich recognized that device as a ''Veer-chul Reality Headset'' a sort of Helmet that allows the user to see Illussory Objects. A strange curiosity as culturally, most Gliesians would pay money to NOT see Illusions rather than be fooled by them.


    "Well, show me this fine ''Steed'' of yours?" the Prince demanded.


    "I am afraid I can only show you, for my own¡­ merchandise''s safety¡­ and company policy that I show you this Virtual Reality Headset to show you what great wonders you can bestow upon yourself when you select Bosch-Galilei Motorcars that caters to only cater the best of our clientele." He snapped his fingers enthusiastically.


    "What clients buy such Steeds that the Traders cannot dare show to the ones who seeks its purchase?" Clovich questioned.


    "Kings, Statesmen, Celebrities¡­ Important People who only demand the best. Like you!" the Bosch-Galilei Representative answered.  "Just put these goggles on. It will answer most of your questions." The Rep smiled as he fastened the VR Headset atop of the Prince''s head.


    The Prince''s eyes were immediately transported from the bustling debates of the Commerce Forum to the ivory interior of what he can only describe as a Carriage. He could see, if not almost touch the


    The Prince''s eyes were immediately transported from the bustling Commerce Forum he hosted to the ivory interior of a carriage. Leather seats and mahogany furnishings around him. But the physical intervention of Mr. Bianchin made sure he doesn''t get too mesmerized by the theatric image that danced in his head.


    "Bosch-Galilei Motorcars would like to introduce to you the Custom Conversion: the Valdivia Traveler 2210 Sultan Edition." The Representative casted.


    "Sultan? Like from the Suzerainities?" Clovich asked.


    "Worthy of a Sultan I firmly say!" the Representative gasconaded. "This Steed that combines to the power of your mounted War Horses and the luxuries of a Carriage. The Traveler sports a stylishly luxurious cabin that welcomes up to two passengers with amenities typically reserved for first-class---" the Representative was then interrupted again by Mr. Bianchin, his usual sales pitch not compatible with this potential client.


    "I mean¡­ amenities reserved for a full service of your own Palace¡­ mee---lord!" the Rep choked.


    "Fascinating." Clovich smiled. He could begin to understand why such a steed requires that he only glimpses his illusory image first before purchase. Many of rogues would have likely killed, sabotage and ransack to steal away such a fine subject.


    "From the horizontal Walnut and Gold trimmed tables to the diamond-stitched reclinable Chairs of European Leather to allow the passenger the utmost comforts. For entertainment, the passengers can enjoy a ten-thousand-pixel 48-inch satellite flatscreen Television which can be used as a Video Conference with state-of-the-art audio equipment for the most cohesive communication possible for all your business and personal conversations. Lastly, the advanced Temperature control that can adapt to any environment allows the Passengers great comforts like never before!"


    The Carriage seemed to burst to life whenever the Representative spoke. The Chairs moved to adjust whatever position d.e.s.i.r.ed. The Television, a curiosity from his trip to Japan animated to full effect, and the gilded finish wetted his ego. The Traveler was firmly ''Worthy of a Sultan'' as the Corpo explained.


    "It does feel quite gloomy¡­ the Windows are quite dark¡­" he had to complain once, such perfection was still beyond such mortal reaches.


    "Oh, the Windows? If you are the type to enjoy the view from outside, the Traveler''s windows can adjust the black tint to allow you an un-mitigated view!" the Virtual Reality adjusted itself, brightening the windows forsee a crystal-clear view of the outside world. A march of fields that passed along an old asphalt road.


    "And if that is not enough for you, if you look on top, the Traveler also includes a 50-inch panoramic Sun Roof that allows you to enjoy the shine of your local star without worrying of something insane falling atop of your beautiful new ''Steed''." The Rep bowed.


    Lehsol''s imaginative gaze fell upon Clovich in the Virtual World as he turned his head skyward to see her nude body blessing his eyes in its illuminated glory. If traveling was as exhilarating as this, he would have wished he was born a Caravanserai than a Vassal Prince. There was no debate now, he has made a decision.


    "I wish to obtain such a vessel for my personal haulage!" the Prince announced.


    "Cousin of mine!" Duke Thibault waded through the crowd. "Have you thought of getting your own Imperial Flagship now from the Sail''s people?"


    "Flagship? Boat¡­ oh¡­ Sails¡­ and Sales¡­ Ha!" Mr. Bianchin chuckled.


    The few Gliesians who can understand English, those of Noble Powers and of Scholarly intent still retain an alienation to the more refined nuances of the English language such as the case of the homonym ''Sails'' and ''Sales''


    "Boats? Ah You mean Yachts¡­ we also have a subsidiary company that handles to such maritime needs milord." The Representative said.


    "Yep, looks like to me you guys do want to buy some of the finer things in life. Don''t you worry, I will help you make sure you get everything you want for the right price once you know what you''re getting?" Bobby winked.


    "Oh, Praiseth be! Tell me more!" Thibault cheered like a child in a confectionary shop.


    [-]


    Elven Armor was the pinnacle of aesthetic and function, made from the finest materials from Alfel Nora was designed with the inscribed shape of leaves to a visually ornate examination upon their wearers. Functionally, the Armor promotes a harmonious equilibrium between maneuverability and the protection of the user thanks to the unique properties the Elves have at their disposal when they forged these beautiful attires for war. One such variety is the metal-plated armor of the ill.u.s.trious Diaonithir or Starmetal. It was a versatile alloy, able to be effortlessly enchanted over and over again for a variety of applications such as the aforementioned armor and for weaponry. However, its most often used to forge the latter rather than the former from a logistical standpoint.


    The lighter version however was a much more potent substitute, Quess-Estior otherwise known as Elven Wood. Harvested from carefully protected plantations across the Elven Continent, this light and yet flexible bark is similar to the versatility of the Starmetal which can be fashioned into a leather-like cloth that can protect the user without sacrificing their bodies ability to move around or be made into indelible weapons such as Spear Shafts and Bows. Although not as great in hardiness to Starmetal, the Bark is much easier to come by for the average Elven Soldier most especially the famous Ethuilen Forest Rangers.


    Yet alas, even beneath all of the Elven''s many blessings, like the crudest of inventions, Starmetal and Quess-Estior cannot stop themselves from the bindings of entropy. What is created by material hands from the flesh of Neneth, as Aliathra Lareththor remembers from her teachings, must it also return.


    The Elven Cleric, Former Daughter of the Lareththor line now see''s her Quess-Estior Ranger Armor decay in front of her in spite of all of her attempts to mend its gradual corrosion. The hard campaigning and trials beforehand had accelerated the lifespan of her worn out bodice to its very limit with stitching, cobbles and a bit of slowly waning magic preventing a critical wardrobe malfunction¡­


    Not that the former Princess of fighting N.a.k.e.d however she quite embarrassingly thought. But she still has dignity beneath for her own self beneath all of the persecution that had besieged her up until now. Cast out from both Nation, Church and Family, all that she has left was her own self and her friends, the only people who cared for her despite all of her disrepair, Stryder Group to thank for saving her from the slough of despondency that her former compatriots threw her out to.  She does on occasion wear the Federation''s Kevlar and spare Military Wear donated by Sam but they focused more on function at the cost of substance as she critiques about it and she couldn''t rely on their generosity forever. She has to eventually get some new clothes.


    RING!


    The Door rang on her home.


    "Aly my dear, be so kind to and get that for me?" Iris, her vampiric housemate requested from her.


    Today she was getting herself beautified with a selection of her glamours called ''Make-Ups'' by the Otherworlders for a jig where she will host Kayin, Clay and her own Grandfather Martainne over this evening. She was allowed to stay and enjoy their company but alas, it wasn''t her idea of fun. She wished, nay¡­ Needed a gimmick brought forth under her own terms.


    Leaping out of her workbench, abandoning her old Ranger Armor to its disrepair, the Elf skipped across the house and opened the door.


    "Hey Alie, I just here to deliver some stuff for Iris." Diaz greeted her, carrying with him a box that Iris waited for her jig with her ''Nightman''. "How are ya doin?"


    The Elf''s heart skipped a beat upon his charming entrance. The fast-flying Corpo was quite an adventurous person beneath all of his bravado and scented guise.


    "I am faring¡­ rather¡­ uhm¡­ bored as of late Ser Diaz." Aliathra confessed.


    "What''s the long face? I hate it when you are sad you know that. That frown doesn''t belong there and it''s unhealthy for the soul." Diaz playfully referred.


    "My old Armor¡­ it is breaking down and I can''t just walk around on our next expeditions with only what the Federation is willing to give me." Aliathra confessed.


    "Yeah¡­ I noticed that on your Leather Armor¡­ I knew it was gonna get f.u.c.k.e.d¡­ just not that fast¡­" Diaz nods. "You know what? I do know that a store just opened back at New Albany that can get ya some nice threads. If you want, I can delta you Princess righta''bout now. I don''t get much to do anymore other than this quick favor from Kayin. The shit he got planned today isn''t my shit and I doubt you would want to be here when they have their idea of ''fun''." Vincent cringed.


    "You have been nothing but being kind to me Ser Diaz. I shall go with you." Aliathra shyly nods.


    "Under one condition¡­" Diaz requested.


    "What must I do now?" Aliathra rolled her eyes. She was rather annoyed by the Corpo''s entangling use of language.


    Diaz grasped his hand by her chin and raised her sullen face towards him until her ocean blues met with his earthen coals.


    "Smile and keep on smiling and I will take you to places you never dream of." He revealed.


    The Elf''s heart, even if it was only made by mortal hands still resonates with her soul. Fluttering excitedly, like the fair maidens of her youth as she and her sister heard, read, and even acted out those daring tales of the roguish bard Bandall Thunderhand. In a way, Diaz was like him in several ways: quick-witted, dexterous, and sharp of tongue.


    Unlike Bandall, Vinny was more materialistic than motivated by romanticized if not overly exaggerated views of Chivalry that the bard represented. Although eventually when one grows up his ideals would be considered na?ve during her and Ithiel''s youth, it was magical in its own special kind of way that not even the Aether in all of the mysteries could replicate from the sublime anonymous author.


    Aliathra smiled, ready to have this chanced Prince that against all odds had charmed her to whisk her away from her Chambers.


    Diaz wasted no time taking Aliathra into his Mustang after a quick farewell to Iris who is now left alone to finish her preparations for her gathering with Kayin as they sped through the now asphalt streets of New Albany. Development had accelerated to accommodate the reinforcements from the Federation for the aforementioned campaign such as the hollowed foundations meant for the expansion of the urbanized sphere of the Colony. Neon signs, concrete pathways, and bricked architectures were erected on the fertile Gliesian Earth, from what was once an untenanted moorland became a sprawling urban forest.


    A tantalizing prismatic blur from New Albany''s neon lights arced around the Elf''s eyes. A grand adventure that broiled a hidden sense Aliathra had first rejected: A sense of abandon, away from the confines of her conservative upbringing as the Mustang stopped by a particular Apartment. Again, its rainbow-colored palette besieged all of her impressionable young soul as Diaz excitedly pulled the Elf deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole of this banausic standard.


    "Welcome to the Pop-Couture Cus---Oh it''s you again Diaz? Here to browse the latest preem threads?" the flamboyant Shop Keeper happily greeted them dressed in equally. "Ara~¡­ who is this fine specimen you brought here?" she ogled her surveilling sight onto the Elf. By the way, the Shop Keeper smiled was analytical that pierced through the seams of her prosaic attire in comparison to Aliathra''s fey physique.


    "I am Aliathra." She introduced herself to her.


    "A friend. Give her the whole show!" Diaz nodded. He firmly forwarded his Smart Phone onto the Counter.


    On cue, the Shop Keeper leaped to life from her seat. "Welcome to the Pop-Couture! The finest slickest Street Wear in over 3-Star Systems." She circled around the counter to closely examine Aliathra.


    "Before we begin, first off, get rid of that ugly Militarist trash right now! I refuse to have them taint this Temple. I expected more from Elves!" the Shop Keeper growled daggers straight on Aliathra''s handed-down shirt of uninspiring grass.


    "I only wear these because my old clothes have now seen too much of use." Aliathra stepped back, shyly composing herself.


    "Well, that is why Pop-Couture is here. We have the finest Kitsch Threads popular amongst such Youths from Earth, Mars, and Kesserheim! Follow me." she guided the Elf further into the store.


    The store was divided into the women''s and men''s sections. Clothes upon clothes neatly stacked and divided by occasion, cut, and sizes. Displays of human men and women models decorated the halls in a confident demonstration of the store''s wide selection of products. The Shop Keeper who guided her, a sommelier of the like on this field of consumable goods by how she analyzes and cited the client before her of what clothes best illuminated Aliathra.


    "What is your style Elf? Let me get to know you¡­ Don''t worry, there''s no right or wrong answer." The Shop Keeper pressed her.


    "Well¡­" Aliathra blushed. Despite the Shop Keeper''s eccentricities, she was quite progressive onto allowing her a choice.  Taking a deep breath, Aliathra confesses "I am not so sure¡­ I have never had the choice for my own clothes before. My mother, my father, other people always choose for me¡­ Even when they are not around, I choose what they would have chosen for me."


    "Ah¡­ you wish to be free? Independent from them are you not?" the Shop Keeper asked.


    "Yes. I want something that shows people I am not some Princess who spent all her life locked up in her tower. I have grown up. I can make my own choices. I want to be with people I want to be with, do what I want to do, feel what I want to feel!"


    "To feel? You want to watch; you want to taste¡­ and judging by your Augs¡­ W-what happened to you?! You need to be one tough bitch to be able to wield such Cyberware. You must be really good friends with pain." the Shop Keeper''s eyes widened pointed to Aliathra''s augmentations.


    Such Combat Cyberware, especially the high-graded ones sold on the market requires a proportional amount of constitution to wear them, especially during the early days of installation as the risk of bodily rejection is prominent around the first month of use. Aliathra did experience several occasions of her body attempting to reject her newfound Augmentations but she managed to will herself through for her Elven body to accept them.


    "In order? Electrocuted, Blinded, Lava''d and having a tree drop on top of her." Diaz summarized.


    "My sweetie! I am so sorry!" The Shop Keeper bowed.


    "It is fine, I am no stranger when it comes to being put to the test." Aliathra allayed. "You could say I am a friend of pain."


    "That''s why I like her!" Diaz beamed.


    "I see. Let me look at your face one bit right now¡­" the Shop Keeper curled her finger to examine the Elf. "My¡­ Color me with envy. But if there is one thing you Elf have met of my expectations, is that you are so beautiful you do not need much makeup. Golden Ratio¡­ Platinum¡­ Diamond! You can just waltz anywhere and already you would be the center of attention¡­ If you are not wearing any of that Militarist trash again! Get it off! Get it off!" She exclaimed.


    Ushering her to the store''s changing stalls, the Shop Keeper harked her that until she gets rid of her UFEAF Military Wear she would refuse further catering to her needs. Complying, Aliathra stripped them off, the monotone threads hanging over the curtain of which the Shop Keeper promptly dispose of them.


    "As I said, this belongs in the Trash!" she reprimanded as she tossed them into a black plastic bag never to be seen again. "What color do you like you cute thing?" she asked.


    "I do like Green, I do not lie¡­" Aliathra answered.


    "We have much more shades of Green. I know of one you would like¡­ wait here!" the Shop Keeper leaped to her feet as she dived back into the store and began to scour her inventory.


    Diaz smirked as he kicked back his feet to his Smart Phone as he awaits what exemplary threads, he will see off of Aliathra.


    Before long, the Shop Keeper hurried back to the Changing Room and passed along to Aliathra over her stall several clothes.


    "I am ready." She announced after a few moments fitting the clothes onto her body. The Shop Keeper''s well-trained eye can easily tell what the size of her proportions is for her.


    Aliathra came out wearing a lime-colored light-reactive laminated bomber jacket. Paired with its brilliance is an equally olive-tinted belly shirt that exposes a playful tease of her midriff that beams a racy, if not scandalous amount of her body, especially the skin-tight moisture-licked racer pants. Her porcelain face flushed red as she presented herself to the two, shyly covering some of the more¡­ exposed parts of her body, not used to this much of skin being freed from the confines of the cloth.


    "The Jacket is versatile for style and combat complete with pockets in beneath so you can always have anything in handy, a Wallet, your phone¡­ even a trusty dusty pistol too. In addition, Pop-Couture''s Jackets have a subtle little sleeve in between if you need to sneak in something protective for yourself like Armor, Anti-Chemicals, Electronic Shielding''s¡­ whatever you can fit inside it!" the Shop Keeper promoted.


    "Not bad¡­ excellent!" Diaz smiled.


    "Come on Elf! You are in my Temple of Fashion! Not a Slave Auction!" the Shop Keeper yelled. "Be bold! Pop-Couture is Bold! Let it go!"


    The Fashionwear Sommelier articulated her body, twisting her torso and arms behind her head as she accentuated her c.h.e.s.t. Such pose, provocative yet equally pressing for such equally provocative fashion. The Elf shadowed the Shop Keeper copying her poses to her and Diaz''s delight.


    "More! More! I have never seen such a muse since the late Kate Pelas graced her body onto the world!" the Shop Keeper squealed.


    Such acclaim, genuine acclaim from the likes of her and Diaz melted down what vestiges of the orthodoxy of her previous subjugated life she had left. Even back on her unheralded journey into Kesserheim where her story began, she stole clothes to what she had believed to be up to her mother''s tastes being of discreet subtlety. But now, today she shall fly! A door of new possibilities opened before her, and she above all things will dive headfirst into its crevasse.


    "Do¡­ do you have more?" Aliathra asked, for today, she will take flight her new freedom. The freedom of choice. "Especially of a different color?"


    "Of course! Everyone is beautiful when they can choose how to be beautiful! You deserve the Stars! The Rainbow! Every color known to the n.a.k.e.d eye!" the Shop Keeper concurred. "As we say in Pop-Couture: ''We are not to be Sheep; We are made to rule!''."


    The Elf became like a doll, yet in contrast before by her old ways as a Doll to be used as a Political Pawn, the Doll has become a canvas for Aliathra Lareththor to paint herself onto its visage for all of the worlds to see. She indulged in a menagerie of different cloths, color combinations and a yoga session''s worth of liberating articulation of her once shy body. Confidence sprouted onto the Elf just as the bill, (much to Diaz''s own chagrin, but he didn''t mind as he could easily make the money back after a few gigs with Aparo Corp) elevated.


    She could barely count the number of jackets, tops, and bottoms she carried with her as Diaz sped through around New Albany. Their next stop, the local Salon and Barber to have both of their hair done, Diaz had his ''usual'' short cut with a shave whilst Aliathra was given the ''Royal Treatment'', no pun intended. Her waving long hair was dressed by having her braids relocated to her right side as she hanged her hair loose onto the left giving her a feminine yet roguish crown. After their sessions were finished, the Lehsol Star above Gliesia began to slowly set upon them. It was a singular breath of the natural world that the urbanized forests of the civilized lands could not replicate as much as they tried to.


    "You know for a sharp young girl like you are now¡­ How about you get yourself a sharp new iron too? I mean¡­ it''s good and all you can shoot a bow and magic but it doesn''t hurt to get another backup. I know nice Toledo Fifty-Twelve that should be the perfect fit fo''ya." Diaz smiled as he observed the overhauled visuals of Aliathra. "Wanna get some take out or something before I take you back home?" he proposed.


    "Vincent, can you take us to the quietest point you can find? I wish to see the sunset." Aliathra asked.


    "Why so?" he asked.


    "No other reason. I wish to see the Sun Set." The Elf explained.


    "Well¡­ I do know of a spot near some construction projects that gives us a view. Most of the workers should be off by now." Diaz smiled.


    They boarded the Mustang as it cruised away to the City Limits where the expansions were being commenced. Out of dirt, steel, and wood, the mechanical horse glided past them as it reached a construction clearing that Diaz, being an Aparo Corporation Employee can access at any time as he wishes. The sight was perfect in all senses of purpose, a clear if a slight contrasting view of the setting sun against the backdrop of the slowly growing New Albany skyline. Additionally, there are no forms nor signs of any unexpected onlookers of any sort to disturb them. They truly had this field for themselves for the evening.


    "Lehsol is leaving to slumber now¡­" the Elf muttered. Exiting the car, she walked forward a few meters and began to kneel down in prayer. Diaz meanwhile standing behind her quietly out of respect.


    "More prayers to her again? Neneth?" Diaz asked.


    "I may be an apostate but I still serve the Goddess¡­ I¡­ I want to thank you¡­" Aliathra stood up.


    Even in spite of her trials, Aliathra still believes her Goddess'' merciful grace despite her deviations. All she asks is prayers for forgiveness, not just for herself but for those of her own people too.


    "For the new clothes? Don''t mention it." Diaz smiled.


    "No¡­ it is not that." Aliathra disagreed. "I want to thank you for helping me¡­ understand myself more. It is not just the clothes, the car¡­ but your¡­ fellowship¡­ with you, Samantha, and the rest of Stryder. I fear I may not be as fortunate without you." The Elf explained.


    "Oh, I see¡­" Diaz nodded softly.


    "May I ask Ser Diaz¡­" Aliathra pressed closer to him. "Why did you save me? The Heart I have? You could have easily let me die."


    "You got balls," Vinny answered. "Too many people I know back in Kesserheim boast they are hot shit¡­ that they''re the best on whatever but when their number calls. they fold like a bitch. Not many people in Kesserheim to be honest are like that. They say they are this but aren''t. Believe me! I mean my whole job requires I have balls by reputation and the values you set forth on¡­ without values¡­ principles¡­ you are just a zombie. You Aly? You practice what you preach even if it''s gonna hurt. I like it on people."


    "Are you saying you are¡­ attracted to me?" Aliathra asked.


    "Who wouldn''t be? Or maybe some poor slum boy from Kesserheim is attracted to chooms like you?" Diaz answered back. "Are you also¡­ attracted to me?" Diaz asked.


    "I admire those males with strength and wits. Your tongue, your sword, your style? It reminds me of the bard Bandall Thunderhand. I feel like I am the enchanting young maiden he has ensnared with his charms. The journeys, the attention, and all of what he does¡­ Oh, I can only dream to rest on his arms." Aliathra blushed, leaning over by the side of the Mustang''s hood.


    Her body language as she talked, chafed along with her new clothes. Her eyes dilating towards Vincent.


    "So¡­" Diaz sighed. "What does Bandall and the lass do next?" he smiled.


    "What they do next?" The Elf stepped closer, their bodies merely an inch apart. Both of their hearts fluttering within the folly of this amorous moment "This¡­" Aliathra took Diaz''s hand onto her b.r.e.a.s.t and it slides down her jacket, yielding the status of the Princess of Ethuilen to the Otherworlder who had freed her.


    [-]


    "This is absurd!" Iris protested.


    "Oh¡­ look at her Kayin¡­ I knew she would hate it!" Clay chuckled.


    Iris was in her loose sleeping wear alongside her Nightman, Kayin. They had also invited Corporal Clay and her own Grand Father King Martainne along for their leisurely gimmick.


    The topic of the day: 8 hours (or until someone drops) Movie Marathon of all things Dracula


    According to their initial context as given by Clay and Kayin who both proposed such an idea: the Otherworlder''s have their own artistic representations of blood-consuming Mages from their alien stories. They wanted just for fun after one occasion when Clay asked Iris if she had seen one of the Federation''s many Vampire Movies that she said no. This weekend now is the prime opportunity to have Iris and her grandfather dive into Vampire Movies, specifically the quintessential, the classical, and the most venerated of Earth-born Vampires: Count Dracula.


    "Sleeping in Coffins? I rather sleep like one of the beggars in a dingy alley than to be made to sleep in one!" the actual vampire ranted.


    "Granddaughter, they all share a curse of being against the sun light. A coffin, with all of its sides closed would have been a rational choice." King Martainne argued. "But, that scene with the Child¡­ I would disown any of my children if I found out they would resort to wickedness."


    "And mirrors?! They can''t see their reflection in mirrors? I would be surprised if they could remain to look fair for even a month without one!" the Witch added. "I still cannot believe you Otherworlders think of us... like this! This Dracula simply cannot compare to any of us!" she voiced her disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e.


    There were so many inaccuracies of Earth Folklore Vampires and the Gleisian Sochairfuil that Iris was about to be reduced to the verge of hilarity-filled tears over. At first glance, Dracula seems to be particularly your idealized ill.u.s.tration of a Nobleman: Charming of the tongue, Educated, Poignant to a fault. However, as their midnight marathon progressed, much to both Iris and Martainne''s frightened hilarity does the Earth-made Vampire displays its discrepant mannerisms in comparison. Many of the weaknesses that the Earth Vampires were of an easy or somewhat mitigated inconvenience for the Gliesian Sochairfuil such as the aversion to sunlight which obliterates the former but merely weakens the latter without the proper wardings to stave of its gaze.


    "Pretty rich from someone who spent centuries in a Coffin too." Clay grinned at the Lich King.


    "It is a Sarcophagus and it is much more dignified than a puny Coffin!" Martainne snubbed.


    "Well, you are Undead after all." Clay pointed out.


    "Not my children! Just me. I made that Elixir so that my Children can LIVE long and fruitful lives! Grandaughter, you have a heartbeat do you not?" the Lich turned to Iris.


    The Vampire Witch nodded.


    "I can live and breathe just fine¡­ and enter other people''s homes without their permission!" Iris added. "And Garlic... ''the Lord of all Vampires'' can''t stand a stupid little plant?! I have seen Children would last longer than him against Van Hellsing."


    Within comparison, the Vampires of Gliesia were some of the most imposing of folks to face thanks to their enhanced physical, mental and arcane ac.u.mens. It would take about 5 to 7 several heavily armed and equally blessed Inquisitors in comparison to even stand a decent chance against one Sochairfuil. Compared that against Dracula who was bested by 4-men, three of whom are just your average man that was lead by an additional man who is an actual Monster Hunter. It was so embarrassing that Iris'' lungs nearly killed her from the inside.


    "You Earthlings must really enjoy Vampires so much to make Plays of them a lot?" Iris wiped off one of her tears. "Your imaginations of us are more of a bardic comedy than those doomsaying''s I am used to hearing all the time."


    "You have no idea." Clay nodded coyly.


    "Are you saying you actually did that before? You robbed someone?" Kayin leered his teeth, shuddering at the thought that the reclusive Iris would have done such an act.


    "I had at one time." Iris evoked from memory. "Mirrien needed my help to¡­ repossess¡­ one of my enchanted items from a buyer who was particularly¡­ drippy on their payment for my services. I¡­ to say the least¡­ not very good at keeping quiet¡­ but I got my work back¡­ after turning his home inside-out¡­" She mentioned disconcertingly.


    "What about you? What do you think about Dracula?" Kayin asked Martainne.


    "I dare say, but I enjoyed Van Hellsing the most." Martainne answered. "He reminds me of some of my old hunting companions that me and the lads would sneak off and kill some monsters for the thrill of it. The way Hellsing just explains everything to "


    "Now that''s ironic..."  Clay barely contained his laughter.


    "I however have one objection." Martainne raised his voice. "That Dracula has those three brides of his¡­ yet he STILL WANTS Mina? I would die the happiest king if I had first met Brighid and Lenane in such youth!" Martainne said.


    "Brighid and Lenane?" Clay asked.


    "I had two wives. Brighid was my first¡­ Leenane was by my side when the Cenhilli fell to Alboen and escaped with my five children." Martainne answered. His voice, head, and body retreated as he contracted back to his chair quietly.


    "King Martainne¡­ is something the matter?" Clay asked.


    "I¡­ I wish to see them again after all of these years. My greatest regret outside of having war with the Slaegians was never being there to see my children have children of their own¡­ Cado, Tuilela, Duinn, Mairrin and Lachtin. What¡­ became of them all?" the Lich meekly answered before he promptly collapsed onto his Lazy-Boy Throne.


    "I¡­ uhm¡­ maybe I think its best we give your Gramps some space?" Clay tapped Iris.


    "I guess so. Let us clean up everything right now." She nodded.


    The three arose from their soft seatings as they cleaned up the scattered remains of snacks, drinks, and a few pillow stuffing (courtesy of Iris'' anger-induced rantings).


    Grabbing the glass goblets and bowls, Iris took them to her home''s sink to have them washed. But just as she was about to turn on the tap, the vibration of a physical tapping interrupted the relative quiescence of the now concluded marathon. At first, the Vampire Witch thought it was some wild nocturnal critter that wandered curiously out of its nest. But the incessant noise persisted as if it was calling attention to her. The source of the repeated sound came from a window on her immediate right.


    Upon closer examination, to Iris'' surprise, she found a conjured bird, a Tweeter messaging Bird carrying onto its corporeal leg a sealed-off container meant for letters. The violet-colored avian, upon seeing Iris skipped excitedly, continuing to tap the window of Iris'' new home. Iris slide open her aperture and promptly grabbed the sealed letter on the conjuration''s leg, immediately dissipating upon the intended receiver''s acquirement.


    At first, Iris thought when she unfolded the parchment it was some invoice yet again from Lutheor to produce another magical item. But as she read the first few words of the letter, Iris'' eyes widened. The words used and the handwriting was far too intimate and carefully inscribed to be the likes of the business-minded rush the Dwarf Merchant would have used.


    Sister Cadohagan,


    We have read through your many letters aloud to ourselves for the past few weeks. At first, we thought that your exile back into the wastes of our old homeland had gotten its madness through you, that all of these hearsays of the local Vassal Prince that brought the Empire''s dominion onto our old homeland had rebelled above all reasons against the Empire and that our Family''s founder, the Lich King had returned. Yet after many travelers, minstrels and bards spoke of your supposed exploits and the ongoing crisis we simply could not ignore any longer. Honestly, at least for me, what you said about the Otherworlders and this ''Rebellion'' that Tyr Rian had underwent through was almost too good to be true.


    Even though, the Slaegians, Dwarves and Ethuilen are the ones provoked these ''Sky People'' to go to war with them many of us still fear that they are no better than them all combined by the way your account their overwhelming power that could dominate the continent to their will. With such power and the fact that these Otherworlders are indistinguishable from many mortals, we had fear that they might be just like another Slaegian Empire or Elven Empire that will try to hunt the last of us down. That you are merely a tool to that these invaders would dispose once the time had come that you are no longer of use.


    However, the rest of the cabal of families still persist that you are to be given a second chance unlike your Father had done when he last violated the Tomhas and forced you into exile. Bring the one called ''Rhannu-Prietar'' to Dimera, by the Duchy of Kalmte. You can come home again Sister. You know where exactly to meet.


    When you arrive, the Eildearan shall judge for themselves and maybe they may grant you the Clemency that your attainted line sought for so long.


    Do take care of yourselves when you journey from the south towards us. The Legionnaires'' presence, and thus the Inquisition have been increasing their presence within the Duchy and I had feared this Message would have been intercepted by their agents. The elimination of them should give ourselves room to breathe and if your Otherworlder friends are willing enough to wipe them out rather than allow them to flee further North then the Tomhas shall be grateful. Do also avoid the Village of Egni above all else even if it is the most convenient of routes to pass. I have heard that the Inquisition has been making their shadow known the heaviest around that small town above all else, that I am not complaining. The other roads should be clear albeit will take your journey much longer to reach us.


    If all goes well with our parley with these Otherworlders you speak off we may finally have the strength to be rid of the Inquisition once and for all.


    Until then, we shall see you very soon.


    - Brother Yurgeor Duinnioth


    "Kayin my dear!" Iris turned to her Night Man. "I have something for you!" she held the letter tightly on her hand and raced towards him.


    For Iris cold heart had felt a new warmth.


    The approaching warmth of being able to begin again.


    [-]


    The grand orc.h.e.s.tra of battle wailed loudly as tribespeople fought in vain to contain these repulsive monsters with their bows, wooden spears, spell and stone weapons but to no avail. The Southern Frontier''s tribes of wayward humans, orcs, Leo-Kin and Gaith had fought, dabbled and raided amongst each other for resources for millennia. Very few times however, they would unite to fight off against the new coming Slaegian Invaders from the north who settled by the mouth''s ends of their many rivers with their colonies.


    And yet even fewer tribes had the ability to conjure or perhaps tame such implacable monstrosities. As if blessed by whatever form of shamanistic magicks that their profane pantheon had bestowed upon them, the Orcish tribe was known as the Mogoi. These warriors, famed for their light-footed soldiers combined with the pure strength of their warriors were aided by these alien constructs and divine demigods that blasted magicks onto the Gaith Tribe known as the Balu. These two tribes were the fiercest of rival, locked eternally in bitter conflict for control of the canyon''s wealth of fresh running water. The Blue Horns rely on their weapons and traps to fend off the Mogoi whilst the Orcs in contrast rely on sacrifices, divinations from their patron deity, and frenzy-inducing narcotics to fuel their aggression. For generational cycles un-counting, the two tribes fought each other into a deadlock¡­


    Until today.


    Rumor had whispered earlier those days from the Balu''s scouts of the religious Mogoi devotees speak of their patron Goddess ''descending'' unto their cave homes in a physical manifestation. With Shakkar and an army of her heralds called War Aspects by their side, the Mogoi formed into a Great Heathen Horde in impassioned numbers. A few days afterward, they pressed their attack on the Balu devastating all they come in contact with. Try as the Gaith''s might, there were overwhelmed by the combined Orcish and Demi-God''s tide. The War Aspects sported unusual black staves that the Mogoi called ''Fire Branches'' that spat molten metal through their bodies without honor and without thought, all fueled by amassed violence forcing many of their pre-made battle formations and defenses to scatter. Those that survive the initial magical barrage were no match for the Orc Warriors themselves who closed the distance and manage to thin their loosened numbers further in the hand-to-hand combat of which the larger and taller Mogoi held the advantage against the lighter sized Gaith.


    It didn''t take long for the Balu''s own home settlement, merely wooden stakes to defend thatched houses to be demolished by the Mogoi. The Gaith warriors began to lose heart when they saw their village, families and their possessions became the target of their aggressor''s ire in an orgy of despoilation. The Balu Village was set ablaze and its defeated inhabitants pressed into the blade, the chain, and the centuries of inter-tribal frustration now concluded by their humiliating domination.


    The Chief of the village, a Gaith Elder who sported a coal beard was brought forth to the triumphant Orc Leader and his divine-like supporters.


    "This land belongs to the Heralds of the Los Rayos and their Chosen People: the Mogoi!" The Raid''s Leader gloated.


    "The other tribes will soon hear of this! They will all stop you!" the Elder said.


    "You¡­ fool! The Goddess Shakkar blessed¡­ her children, the Mogoi with powers beyond your¡­ insipid imagination!" the Rayos bellowed. The figure then turned to the Orc who bowed, allowing his feet to be quaked by War Aspects steps. "Here¡­" the masked figure handed him over


    "One of your Fire Branches of the Goddess that you wield!" the Orc Leader said. "It is¡­ a smaller one." He remarked.


    The Demi-God''s hands guided the Orc to wield the black branch towards the conquered Balu Elder.


    "You wanted vengeance against him. Of how he killed your brother right? Now do it." the Demi-God said. "The Matriarch of the Storm, Shakkar is watching you now aspirante¡­ do not disappoint her." the War Aspect leered.


    The Orc smiled, now his most hated foe now lies at his mercy. Egged on by his Goddesses'' Heralds, he aimed the Fire Branch onto the Gaith.


    The Gaith closed his eyes, a single tear fell on his cheek as he submitted to his fate.


    A loud crack followed by the lamentations of the now enslaved Gaith filled the air as the last vestiges of the Balu Tribe were devoured within a single day.

 Chapter 58 - All Eyes on Us

    The Land Cruiser sailed the dirt roads of the Duchy of Kalmte as they made their way ahead of the UFEAF''s lines for Operation: Northern Sweep. The mechanized thrust by the Amelioration''s Forces had already covered a third of the ground needed to reach Ghana''s Wall as of the first three days of the Operation. The latest victim of their blitzkrieg is the agriculturally-rich Duchy of Kalmte, a state well-regarded by Clovich''s input of being the bread and dairy basket of the Empire. The landscape was of serene farmlands, humble ranches, poached woodlands, pollen-permeated plains, narrow creeks and the occasional small towns that dotted the scrolling meadows of the region. Today''s timed objective for the UFE is to reach the riverbanks of the Sugea. Samantha''s squad is attached to the 23rd Infantry Battalion as an ''Independent'' Reconnaissance Unit as per agreement between High Command and the 23rd''s Commander. Their task is to forge ahead for enemy positions and locations of interest for the Infantrymen who hanged behind them several dozen kilometers away.


    Coincidentally, much to Iris'' advantage, the Sugea River is not too far away from where her old home before her exile to Tyr Rian was. Just days earlier, she had presented to Governor White, Colonel Polonsky and to her Grand Father of a letter that came from the other Sochairfuil who live in secret within the Empire''s heartlands. Seeing an opportunity to cement a possible collaboration between the UFE and local friendly Natives, Governor White authorized Stryder Group to make contact with King Martainne''s vampiric descendants. That and in conjunction to their standard Reconnaissance assignments.


    "So¡­ tell me more of this place Iris." Samantha asked as she tapped her canteen calmly to pass the time on their travels.


    "The story starts centuries ago back at Tyr Rian, known as Cenhilli at the time. With the aid of the Elves and the Dwarves, the children to Caldell Slaegiac and the newly made Slaegian Empire defeated Lich King Martainne and the Cenhilli Kingdom. The remnants of the Cehillian Royal Family fled northward to the land that will be Kalmte. The elders who saw the old kingdom called our journey; the Bitter Road.  We had fairly without trouble in secret amongst the local tribes before the Empire annexed all as far as the eyes can see around the Sugea River so that they can create farmlands. Over time we had adapted right under their noses, the Vampires have taken many roles and positions within the social order of the Duchy such as skilled individuals, landowners, and other sorts of jobs whilst keeping their vampiric natures a secret amongst the Arferol. Dimera if you have not known is actually a County. The Count¡­ or Countess is a Vampire." Iris storytell. "Anyways, going back to the present. The eldests members of each Bloodlines of the Sochairfuil became a council called the Eildearan and they enforced the strict continued secrecy of our existence called the Tomhas while we live our lives here away from the prying eyes of the Light."


    "So, you hide in plain sight at the day then feed on blood on night am I correct?" the Captain pressed.


    "You can say¡­ a Masquerade of sorts is practiced amongst us. We are your minstrels, your tailors, your shepherds and farmers at day, but at night we would either go out and exsanguinate the local animals or the occasional man. That was something an old friend of mine had told me. Maybe I should let you meet her soon if we get the chance." Iris nodded.


    "Ease up there Clay. Alie do it now!" Crocker who sat by the front passenger seat of the Land Cruiser ordered.


    To help with the infiltration of the Reconnaissance Team, Aliathra cast an Illusory Spell onto the Land Cruiser. From the outside point of view, the Land Cruiser shares the visage of the typical wooden horse-drawn carriage if one doesn''t observe too studiously. They also had to accelerate the Land Cruiser slower than normal as to maintain the ruse. Quite funnily enough, the carriage''s driver is of the visible likeness of Obediah who had complained earlier of his mirror image being slightly too rotund for his personal taste. Additionally, Aliathra would also use her magicks, on the occasion that the disguised Land Cruiser is to move in close proximity to one of the roaming natives that travel along these same dirt roads to mask the MRAP''s engines with the auditory clopping steps of a yoked horse pulling along a carriage. However, in the event that suspicion arose amongst the travelers that meet up with Stryder grows. The Squad is authorized to eliminate them to not jeopardize their position, regardless if they were patrolling Legionnaires or Civilians. Fortunately, only the former type of incident had occurred as of their deployment. Captain Rose advised that the squad should finish their reconnaissance duties for the day and make camp near Dimera as soon as possible.


    "So anyways Iris¡­ why did you get exiled from here in the first place?" Samantha asked.


    "It was such a long time¡­" the Vampire Witch lowered her head. "and I was so young¡­"


    "If you don''t want to then it''s okay¡­" Samantha attempted to change the subject but she was cut off by Iris.


    "Nay, you must know of my story before you meet the Eildearan Sam." She explained.


    "My father, Cado violated the Tomhas¡­ the Masquerade. He was excommunicated from the Family where he was easy prey by the Inquisition Agents. I too would have been killed like him if it were not for the Eildearan giving me leniency for my banishment unlike my poor father." Iris answered.


    "Violated the Masquerade how?" Samantha pressed.


    "He fell in love with an Arferol Woman. A Human maiden outside of our family without the recognition of the Eildearan. We have many laws that guards our existence against the Arferol. One such ruling is that if we are meant to be eloped with one outside of the Family, they must have approval of the Eildearan. It was a great violation of Masquerade when my father not only spoke of our existence to an outsider but to... cause the death of an entire bloodline of ours to become extinct¡­ the family never forgave him¡­ nor me for all that had happened." Iris replied, sneering her teeth as she got into the subject about her mother.


    "Your father cheated on another woman?" Kayin furrowed his brow.


    "Sounds to me you should be also mad at your father too¡­ yet you always speak so nice of him all the time when ever I bring it up." Samantha commented.


    "To ''cheat'' demonstrates the limitation of the English speech my dear Kayin¡­ ''a.d.u.l.terate'' is much more fitting." Iris explained. "I was young, my childish thoughts like the old ballads sung from the bards. I didn''t know it was wrong until I had become much older. But still, if you had met my mother, you would have understood why he chose love instead of his duty to the Family. I could still remember my father''s gentle voice and caring hands¡­ unlike mother''s¡­"


    "What do you mean by that?" Kayin asked.


    "My father and my mother''s union were arranged. Marry the daughter of one of the other bloodlines so that they can give birth to a pure-bred Vampire of which the union had sprouted me. Mother taught me Magicks whilst my father taught me how to craft potions as he was an Apothecary by trade. Mother was harsh and demanding; Father was kind, calm and patient. I can remember all of their lessons as perfectly as the day I was there. And all of their arguments¡­ quarrels¡­" Iris explained. "Yet alas, several decades into my childhood, father planted his seed and bore fruit unto the soil of another woman, the Arferol, the Outsider."


    "Your father had a child out of the marriage?" the Captain''s eyes widened.


    "A Stillborn." Iris wistfully dipped. "The child died before the babe could draw his first breath. That was when my father was exposed. A scandal of a ''vile Vampire seducing a Maiden'' caused an uproar amongst the townsfolks around the Duchy. Hunts were conducted and many of my kin were exposed. An entire branch of the Family, the Lachtinach was hunted to the last brother and sister during the Great Hunt. Reeling from this breakage of our Masquerade, Mother ordered me to honor the Tomhas by throwing the Stillborn at the Sugea¡­ I just couldn''t do it; I could have sworn my half-sister was still alive beneath those blankets so I hesitated. That is when my mother took the basket and threw it herself to the river."


    The Vampire Witch allowed herself to be vulnerable as a lamented tear fell onto her pale cheeks that refracted from the sun rays that pierced through the Land Cruiser''s windows. The air inside the MRAP descended into a melancholic mood as Stryder Group gave a moment of silent empathy to Iris'' sorrowful accounts.


    "Iris¡­ it''s okay if you don''t want to say anymore." Samantha attempted to


    "The Eildearan saw my ''reluctance'' as a continued danger to the Tomhas. I was sentenced into exile to live alone. Banished from my friends and family, all thanks to my Mother." Iris continued. "I traveled East, to the Ostalrocs where I managed to gain the tutelage of the run crafting monks of Mirlarum. That was how I learned my Enchanting skills at that underground Monastery of theirs. They were so kind to a lone ''Umri'' like me. After several decades, I had heard of a city down south that was in need of Enchanted Objects and so I bid farewell to that monastery and head to Tyr Rian. I joined Lutheor''s Trading Company, built a house at the woods and well¡­ one faithful day I met five strangers who intruded into my home... all of you." A soft smile was allowed to escape her beneath her somber reminiscence.


    "I understand now¡­ about you." Samantha inhaled her breath, absorbing the emotional pain unto herself from her squad mate. "I didn''t mean to have you¡­ well¡­ get you back there." She apologized.


    "You needed to know everything Samantha and my story is only but a chapter of the long history of the Gliesian Vampires." Iris wiped her tears away.


    Recomposing her breath, she straightened her posture back to her usual supercilious self.


    "There is still much more you must know about us Vampires, Samantha. The Sochairfuil such as myself today came to Kalmte after the fall of the Old Kingdom. There are five¡­ were five family branches of those descendants of the old Cenhillian Royal Family that had fled Tyr Rian. Duinnnioth, descended from Duinn, the youngest child, held exceptional magical prowess. The next family and also child afterward is Tuilelan named after the founder Tuilela. They are as best I can remember, more lucid than the other branches, and are the ric.h.e.s.t thanks to their many ventures. The next one in contrast is the Lachtinach, they were the brave warriors that unfortunately were killed off in their entirety about a century ago. The other branches are still trying to recover the void left by their departure. They are followed by the Mairrinas of whom are the more in touch with themselves of the Family. Bards, Courtesans, Actors to name a few of those I was good friends with. Lastly is the eldest child, you know them through me as the Cadohagan. The smallest but were perhaps the most influential of the branches before my father put our family''s name to the mud." Iris lectured.


    "Sounds like I got a handful to deal with." Samantha acknowledged. "Are you sure I can be able to impress them all?"


    "Mairrinas and Tuilelan Eildearan''s, I am sure you might be able to win over with your magicks alone. It is getting Duinnioth and my mother to approve of you." Iris explained.


    "Your mother is on the Eildearan too?" Samantha grasped.


    "I forego the matter that ever since the Cadohagan and the Lachtinach''s had fallen, the Duinnioth branch has obtained the largest share of power amongst the Eildearan by proxy of my mother, Ivetana who came from the Duinnioth taking over the Cadohagan seat as co-ruled by her uncle who seats the Duinnioth seat. They will not be so easily swayed." Iris informed them.


    "How so?" Kayin asked.


    "Many of the Vampires still do not trust Prince Clovich nor do they also trust your Federation. In most of their eyes, you are no different than the Empire." The Witch answered.


    "Not even King Martainne coming back was enough?" Samantha raised.


    "Grandfather has only recently arisen after centuries of slumber Samantha; they wouldn''t trust some relic as old as him of what their main concerns are now. It was also through his mistakes that the Family had to flee to Kalmte in the first place."


    "So, what chance do we got to seal this deal? It''s either your Vampire family allies to us or the 23rd will not distinguish them from any other Natives they come across once the next phase of the Offensive pushes through." Samantha urgently pressed.


    "An ''alliance'' to them is just another way of saying ''conceding'' for all the Eildearan''s would concern. Make no mistake, the Federation and the Amelioration are the one who holds the leverage and the Eildearan are at the defensive. Their pride would not allow it, such could be their undoing if our fears come to pass." Iris noted. "We have to be careful; I do have a few friends of my father who are still part of the Family but the scales are tipped against our bids. If we are to secure the Family''s cooperation it has to be on equal grounds. We can''t force them to yield otherwise they would sooner have everyone in this Carriage be their next meal and then die against the Federation than submit." She warned.


    "You jest?" Aliathra quivered.


    "No, I do not." Iris differed. "For now, Samantha we must allow the Eildearan to speak their piece and then work with what we can from there." She advised.


    "Captain!" Obediah cried. "I found it."


    He looked over a piece of parchment paper that Iris provided. The ill.u.s.tration demonstrated a large encompassing table rock that towered over a dense forest and a creek.


    "That''s Dimera?" Crocker asked.


    "It is. Clay, pitch this steed by the base of the rock. Samantha and I will press on from there." Iris nodded.


    "Captain, are you sure about this? You two alone in there?" Crocker turned around.


    The Captain removed unholstered her Bullpup Rifle and C.h.e.s.t Rig aside, only keeping her trusty sidearm with two clips of spare ammunition and a for self-defense. All she wears is her fatigues, her olive tactical hoodie with the Hecate Suit hidden underneath. She needed to come as non-threatening as possible to these Vampires, to show them that the Federation is willing to talk. Yet she is no fool to not approach the valley of glutinous devils of the dark without any contingencies.


    "Kayin, Diaz, and Aliathra will be on standby in case things go south. I want this Car ready to floor it, stealth be damned if the worst happens." Samantha cautioned.


    "Rodger that Cap." Clay softly saluted with two of his fingers.


    The Combat Engineer smiled as he loaded his shotgun. Before they journeyed here, the Squad was outfitted with specialized weaponry and armor to help them stand a chance against the Vampires as to not repeat what happened in the Verden Valley Forest again. UV Lamps and Bullets that will cause any of Iris'' kin to keep at a distance between them in addition to a retrofitted to the brim with armor and a few holy runes to ward off anyone who tries to engage the user (that being Kayin) in melee. Diaz''s augments were a natural fit with the agility-cybernetics needed to weave through the Vampires for any emergency extraction''s sake. Aliathra was preparing her Holy Magicks to fall back on but their orders were if they are not to engage the Vampires in the event hostilities occur but fend them off long enough to escape and have more combat-abiding units deal with the matter. For now, the two are to tail Samantha and Iris as they made their journey into Dimera.


    The surrounding forest of the plateau housed towering trees whose leaves shadow the ground below into a simulated perpetual night. Their roots festered up the ground of the cracked earth causing dizzying crevices and pockets to hamper those who walk by its twisted glades. Such hostile geography however housed a unique abundance of life however: Glow-Shrooms and gaming critters dotted underneath and above the forest attracting many of brave (or foolhardy) of folks to harvests its boundary. Such is the clever shield that veiled Dimera Hunting Lodge or known regionally as a Tyhela to be the nerve center of the exiled Sochairfuil who ruled the night in Kalmte. Hunting game amongst the many forests of the Duchy is a popular past time and a means of obtaining food in the fertile region for the peasant and noble folks alike, yet Dimera, although not the most premiere of Hunting Lodges in the Empire was the most abundant of a selection of flora and fauna of the especially nocturnal variety is situated within its uniquely isolated biosphere.


    "Watch for traps! It''s goin'' to be hard to walk with a bleeding foot you know. Might¡­ ''upset'' the family." Iris bantered as she saw the Captain narrowly dodge the rusted teeth of one such animal trap.


    "Thank God I am hiking without anything on me." Samantha sighed as she leaped over an uprooted rock with her hatchet in hand to cut of any overgrowth in their way. "How come this forest is different compared to all the rest in Gliesia?" she asked.


    "I will let you in on a Vampire''s secret¡­" Iris hushed her mouth. "This forest was magically enchanted in such a way that the trees found here are remain tall and evergreen even at the worst of winters by my Kin many centuries ago."


    "To make this place forever night time so they can go about as they please? Clever." Samantha nodded.


    "That and accidents happen quite often in the forests that is especially used by many gatherers for as long as they lived. Hunting accidents, animal attacks¡­ you can see where we get a healthy amount of blood coming into the Lounge. The local grave keeper and the physician who lives in the Lounge are family too. They share a bit of the body essences every time a fresh one comes into their hands." Iris explained.


    "The perfect crime." The Captain shuddered.


    The Vampires have theoretically a steady supply of blood to nourish themselves. However, now that the war has happened such hunting tours would be indefinitely close and who knows what bloodthirsty Vampires would do when staved off of nourishment for too long. At least there was nobody following them today however.


    It took another half-hour''s hike through the woods to have Samantha and Iris be greeted to a large stone arch adorned with a shield and sign above them signifying that they have reached the foot of the Dimera Hunting Tyhela.


    Approaching the large head-sized knocker, Iris tapped the heavy ring three times.


    "Where is life''s greatest of gifts?" the Tyhela Gatekeeper''s pair of eyes peered out from the gate as his sentinel gaze cast down upon the two. He spoke in a challenging tone with his eering voice.


    "Exsanguinated upon all of creation." Iris stepped forward and whispered.


    "What is our greatest strength?" the Gatekeeper proceeded to the next riddle, seemingly satisfied by her answer otherwise if she was wrong


    "Silence, my brother." The Witch answered.


    "When is that we can begin again?" the Gatekeeper asked again.


    "When Dusk falls of where the Tearful Road ends is where we may begin again." Iris answered. "Yegor, let me in or I will rip your scalp off! The walk up here nearly ruined my new shoes." she yelled out.


    The gate opened slowly; its rusted hinges creaked as widened apart.


    A tall man of long silver hair greeted the two. He dressed in respectable if not a slightly blood-stained linen shirt with a flat collar and short cuffs on his wrist. He had with him a bandolier of assorted baits, sedative mixtures, and a quiver for his elegantly crafted crossbow that he held at the ready to be fired the moment he scented danger to the Tyhela.


    "Welcome home Sister¡­ and guest." Yegor Duinnioth greeted. His tongue seemingly forced to give honors to the exiled Iris and the visiting Samantha. "Normally the Eildearan and the rest of the family would have met you by the outskirts of the plot but alas, these days are not normal."


    "What had happened?" Iris raised.


    "Things are bad for many of the Family Iris. The Duke has ordered the complete evacuation of the lands so that we can ''flee to the safety'' of the North. We shall be surely exposed if we leave the safety of what we had built." Yegor explained. "This must be the ''Chosen One'' you speak of. She is¡­ well¡­ quite a person for my sights to be honest." Yegor bowed upon looking at Samantha.


    "Why can''t you leave?" Samantha asked.


    "The Tomhas, our mask has been threatened. Our Family relies on its connections that are deep-rooted into this land for centuries. We are like a tree, tall and proud over the Duchy ever since we were made to walk the Tearful Road from Cehnilli to Kalmte. The land you now call Tyr Rian. That land, just like our Founders, it always seems to breed those who dare walk the untrodden paths such as this Prince of yours who is descendant of the Apostate." Yegor expounded.


    "Prince Clovich?" Samantha answered.


    "Yes, child of one such of our former followers who let the Slaegians to devour us and forced us to walk the Tearful Road. But alas, we are not here to speak of bitter tales. Come Sister, bring the Chosen One to the Eildearan we are waiting for you."


    Yegor escorted Samantha and Iris through the Tyhela''s walled Courtyard as they stepped foot onto the mouth of the lodge proper. In a disparaging transition from the frigid wilds of the forest, the Tyhela was cordial in its urbane embrace. Palatial in size due to its combination of hospitable facilities and the Countess'' private quarters. Hunting trophies of various alien creatures of all sizes, shapes and colors decorated the walls. Wooden furnishings civilized the otherwise frozen life with crafted hands. Not to mention that Samantha''s feet curls restfully when she felt the warm breeze of the nearby fireplace that invited respite. A sanctuary to those hunters who seek to rest and be entertained with a hot meal and cozy beds by the proprietress and countess of this household:


    "Hello, Mother¡­" Iris forced herself to politely greet Ivetana Cadohagan n¨¦e Duinnioth.


    The family resemblance was very reflective. The Countess was of a taller and more m.a.t.u.r.e-bodied version of Iris. The difference being that the Countess has a few noticeable wrinkles here and there on her face and Ivetana''s hair curled upwards with hairpins that weaved through her ebony silken threads with worthy nobility. She sat by her chair; her legs modestly held together with a royal grace of what remained of the old Cenhilli line in her shoulder bearing purple dress.


    "Greetings, daughter¡­" the disdain from the Countess'' lips seethed into her mouth. "You have changed quite a bit when I last saw you and your petulant father." Ivetana scoffed. "Welcome home." The Countess'' voice shifted to distorted cordiality.


    "Home?" Samantha''s skin crawled.


    "Dimera¡­was my home before I came to Tyr Rian Samantha. As in the roof above my head and sleep soundly every night." Iris explained. "Father taught me how to concoct potions in his apothecary here while Mother ''diligently'' tutored me in the magical arts I am skilled at today right in this very Tyhelas." She glared back at Ivetana.


    "For you Daugther, at least I know that I did not raise an idiotic child. You wouldn''t be here alive and back to my feet once again if you were my daughter." The Countess condescended.


    Iris eyes fired daggers onto her mother''s, her face silenced by the anguishing memories she had under her tyranny.


    A cadre of many more of Iris'' kin surrounded the two. Samantha''s eye could catch about 24 attendees to this gathering including Ivetana. Their eyes examining capriciously, locked towards the alien accessories and threads Iris and Samantha sported during their appearance.


    "Let us not dally around the dale now. What she speaks shall decide our next course of action for the Family." One of the Vampire''s a robust yet respectably dressed man forwarded his motion onto everyone in the room.


    "Indeed, we must." Ivetana nodded. "Daughter¡­ and gwestai." Stand at the center of the room." She pointed.


    A table was set up, displaying the five family shields of the great Sochairfuil Families by five equally opulent thrones. Each of the four Eildearan, with one left empty out for the bygone Lachtinach''s, took their respective thrones. Also, atop of that table was a sizeable 12-inched hourglass. As for the fifteen other attendants, A row of chairs was set aside for them to look onwards, to bear witness to this court-like case.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, I know at such trying times I had called upon you here at the Tyhela in spite of what hardship your houses have undertaken in the weeks. And for that, I appreciate all of you in attendance still wish to see our Laws be enforced no matter." Ivetana spoke forth. Her conservative tone ring approving nods across all other Vampire attendants.


    "As you all have known beforehand, my Daughter, Iris has proposed a most radical of propositions for our kind my fellow Vampires! An ''alliance'' to be forged between us and this new Amelioration and their Federation Patrons! That dumb sod couldn''t tell he whored himself out if you shouted slowly every word of his choices." she raised the subject to the court which was followed by their roars of rancorous laughter


    "Captain, Drone is up¡­ If I hear fighting, we''re going to Plan B. Standing by for your order." Kayin radioed through Samantha''s hidden earpiece.


    "Let us proceed now on why we are all." raised the Tuilelan Eildearan. "I have a family to hide from the Duchal Soldiers when this is over." He hastily preceded.


    Ivetana flipped over the hourglass on the table and waved her hand towards Iris and Samantha, prompting them to begin speaking for their case.


    "Thirty Minutes." Ivetana spoke sternly. "Why should we consort with your Federation?"


    Samantha took a deep breath; she and Iris had practiced every word, every possible response to a question and every possible misunderstanding. She hoped it shall be enough to convince them all. Murphy''s Law can be a cruel mistress to please indeed. they needed to say for this moment. If all else fails, the Captain is ready bail out of there with her pistol and spells ready to be drawn at a second''s notice.


    "The Federation, in collaboration with Prince Clovich''s Amelioration is giving you the opportunity to join him in his new llywodraeth of New Ysanigrad. He offers your people representation and participation in his organization in exchange for your support and cooperation in all of his endeavors. As we speak, he is already preparing to accommodate your people and integrate them peacefully into his newly formed nation if you so agree to collaborate with us. Each of you Eildearan shall become your people''s representatives in his Ilywodraeth and be able to effect any decisions that concerns of you without meddlesome interference." Samantha announced.


    "The Prince¡­ knows of us?!" Ivetana raised her voice. "How!?"


    "I did." Iris answered.


    The room quaked upon the disturbing revelation brought forth by one of their own. That their hidden society had been exposed!


    "She''s a traitor! Like her father!" one of the jurors cried out.


    "Hold on! I am have not finished speaking!" Samantha hollered.


    "Order! Order!" the Mairrin Eildearan called forth. "If these Otherworlders are as what Iris had said are capable of, they would have found us out regardless if Sister Iris pointed our location to us." she reasoned.


    "But our secrecy¡­" Ivetana protested.


    "Is under threat by the Empire anyways. What is more attention to us already then? This proposal is possibly our only way out to survive." the Mairrin Eildearan pressed herself. Motioning to Samantha to continue testifying for her position. "Continue gwestai."


    Samantha nodded. "Clovich''s Ysanigrad guarantees equal rights for all races and peoples, yours included. Vampires will enjoy, without discrimination to be able to participate in the llywodraeth, but also the right to be free from fear."


    "From fear?" Ivetana questioned.


    "Never worrying about someone trying to unjustly attack you because you are a Vampire." The Captain explained. "As long of course you do not do so unto others in return." she added.


    "All of the Federation know of me as a Vampire. Yet they never tried to belittle me nor do they hide daggers behind their backs." Iris added.


    "But for as long as you keep dancing to their tune like some Kumekehni Dancing Girl." The Duinnioth Eildearan argued. "What is stopping them from disposing of you when your¡­ and our usefulness has been expended?"


    "Well, you get to live peacefully in a nice house surrounded by neighbors who care and admire you then I say¡­ not really that bad." Iris rebutted. "Oh, and this is just from me, but I also have a new job of Enchanting Items and last, I check¡­ I am earning just as much Ducats as an Elven Encanter." she added.


    The Jury of Vampires whispered amongst themselves of their sister''s statement. They sense the confident bravado, her calm respiration and her upright eyes that she hides no deceit. This swayed several of the initially skeptical Sochairfuil to seriously consider the Federation''s radical offer. Yet still the more risk-averse Vampires still had many more concerns left unaddressed.


    "Even if we agreed to swear ourselves fealty to the Amelioration, there is still the concern of our¡­ uncommon needs." The Duinnioth Eildearan raised. "If we cannot acquire our ''needs'' we will perish. As you said earlier, not many people will agree that ''we do unto others'' so how can we fulfill our ''needs''? Centuries of frightful tales from the Arferol for our peculiarities will be most difficult to address." he tapped the side of his neck signifying he is talking about the Vampires need to feed on blood.


    "We do have a means to address that problem." Samantha reached into her jacket and pulled out a plastic packet of Artificial Blood.


    Used as a blood substitute for many medical procedures from the Federation. The mere sight of red salivated the fangs of several of the Vampires as the Captain pulled two more out. Using a plastic straw, she pierced the intravenous cavity of each of the blood packs and handed them over to the Vampires in the room. One packet is shared amongst the Eildearan while the Jury makes do of passing along the other two.


    As their fanged lips sipped upon the blood bags, a chorale of lip smacks and mastication swelled upon the room.


    "It tastes¡­ odd¡­" one red-lipped Vampire, of whom distinguished himself as a connoisseur of all thing sanguine commented.  "Crisp, uncannily Earthy, lacks any Finish." His tongue rolled as he tastes the mock-blood''s character as he gave courtesy to his next seat.


    "I do not know about you¡­ but I can hardly taste any difference." A younger Vampire who hadn''t tasted much blood rebutted his experienced kin.


    "Can I draw any of my spells with this?" a curious-minded one inquired.


    "Hey! I want that blood too!" a piggish Vampire hurled to claim the Bag. His nose tantalized by its scent.


    The reception to the artificial blood was mixed as best the Captain perceived. Some of them lightly approved of the imitation nourishment yet most of them were not fully on board of the overall taste of the blood packs. It wasn''t the ideal reaction Iris and Samantha wanted, but it was some grounds they can build up from moving forward.


    "Are the rumors true Sister Iris? That these Otherworlders¡­ can ''create'' blood?" the Tuilelan Vampire asked.


    "Indeed. They in fact produce this blood quite often. Like us, they too respect such rites. Transfusions, Intravenous feeding and even Donations." Iris nodded.


    "Donations? You.Freely.Willingly. give up your own precious bloods to people?" the Tuilelan perked up.


    "Yes," Samantha answered. "It happens quite often for¡­ healers to do on occasion for healing¡­ er rituals of ours. Which of course, the Prince and the Federation are willing to give you such privilege, but ONLY on people who approve of their blood being used for your consumption," she explained.


    "Interesting¡­ very interesting." The Eildearan nodded approvingly as he retreated back to his throne.


    Meanwhile, Ivetana and her fellow Duinnioth Eildearan shook their head dismissively.


    "Let us continue onwards. There is more that we need to discuss."  Ivetana addressed to Iris. "Us Vampires are the pinnacle of magical prowess in Ysanigrad. We had used our cunning and great knowledge to survive against those who wish to see us exterminated for many centuries. So, it came to our surprise when we had heard the heralds of one.  So, it has come to our surprise and our pride to hear the tales being spun by the Heralds and the Inquisition that you personally trained the Chosen One, the Share Holder the Arcane Arts. Her actions from the Ostalrocs, Tifrait and the Imperial Seat of Haringpoint."


    "Yes, I have, but I did not just merely train her, my magic has been enhanced to a new horizon thanked no parts to learning unique subjects from her and the advanced insights brought by the Federation''s own scholars. I managed to kill dozens of elite Dark Elves troops and Imperial Battlemages during the war with me new spells." Iris boasted.


    "It is one of the great benefits this alliance with the Federation can grant you! What Iris knows will also be known to you." Samantha reassured supportively to the Vampires.


    "Then demonstrate. Show us this newfound power." Ivetana challenged, composing herself to see what could be unleashed unto her eyes at this moment.


    Even the other Vampires in the room watch unblinkingly to see their performance.


    "Is there anything here in this room that you are willing to let go of?" Samantha asked.


    "This table is starting to rot anyways." One of the Vampires pointed to the aged furniture across the room. The nods of agreement from his fellows authorized Samantha to lock onto the object for her demonstration.


    "All righty then¡­ I am going to use Mage Hand spell to crush the table in front of you with one hand." The Captain confidently declared.


    "That is most absurd! Mage Hand can only be used to lift objects not crushing them!" Ivetana defiantly exclaimed. Several more shook their head in agreement to the Cadohagan Matron.


    Samantha ignored the doubters, raising her hand silently towards the procured target. Thrusting her left arm forward, the Arcane Meridians surgically incised within her body manipulated the Mana around the room. A telekinetic force, invisible to the n.a.k.e.d eye but able to be grasped and manipulated by Samantha, was conjured from out of her as it dashed through towards the targeted table. At first, the furniture shook slightly to the touch of the Captain''s Mage Hand grasp but soon after only a few seconds of delay, a crack developed in between the surface of the tabletop. Now locked onto the object, Samantha, with the simple collapse of her hands, crushing the furniture into wooden splinters.


    "Incredible!" a Vampire cheered. "All of that babble from the tavern was true!" she applauded.


    "Impressive indeed¡­ However, I would like to see your magicks perform in a much more¡­ pressing environment. In combat." Ivetana''s eyes closed as she rose from her throne. Still harboring her chauvinistic views despite this Areferol''s prodigiousness "Daughter, since you are the one advocates the most of these Otherworlder''s You may select one of five of our best Mages to de---"


    "You. Mother¡­" Iris cut her off. Ivetana recoiled, flabbergasted by such bravado. "Don''t be so modest. I am already laying b.a.r.e all I have gained during my banishment. It is only right you lay b.a.r.e all that you have during these past decades. If we want to truly test the strength of my new Magicks. It is only right I test it against yours. The ''Champion-Mage'' of the Duinnioth." She openly challenged the Matron''s authority.


    "Are you saying?!" the Duinnioth Eildearan held his breath. He knew where this kind of talk would be heading towards to.


    "I challenge my mother to a Sialens. The victor shall prove once and for all whose Magicks are superior?" Iris declared.


    The crowd gasped by Iris'' brazen display. To openly stand against the Eildearan was a risky assessment. Something her father, like daughter, paid the price for many years ago.


    Samantha retreated her niche knowledge back to that word. A ''Sialens'' was a precursor to the modern-day Gliesian rendition of the Magic Duel. Unlike Duels of purely combative contexts, the Sialens had more similarities to a western-styled Fast Draw (minus the lethality) that seeks to address debates between rival Mages. According to the rules, each side is to quickly sling one or a set number of spells towards their opponent, and whoever is left incapacitated or the most damaged would lose the contest. Several of their ancient techniques were incorporated into the logs of the Imperial College of Magi back in Haringpoint as Karliah and Iris explained. Such an event however is only used for practices amongst novice mages to perfect their adversarial spell casting capabilities and the formalized confrontation''s origins died out to the dangerous debates between Rogue Mages and Vampires alike.


    "Be careful of your words daughter. I had only partially trained you before your banishment. You do not know all of the Arcane Mysteries that the Duinnioth''s had delved themselves into the Aetherium. Of all that we COULD have taught you! You will be no match for me child." Ivetana stepped forward, stretching her hands as she readies herself to face off against her own offspring.


    "Then a Sialens shall commence. Victory shall be decided on whoever can force their adversary to concede." The Tuilelan Eildearan mediated. He turned to grab a smaller hourglass, one used for alchemical and culinary purposes set to about three minutes.


    "I am no longer your scared little babe mother. I''ll show you I have learned much from my travels." Iris attuned her hands, readying herself to sling her magicks. She had a game plan that she is confident will defeat her mother who amongst her kin was a champion in Sialens.


    Samantha awaited with bated breath, silently cheering to the Vampire Witch as the two readied themselves across each other with the Tuilelan Eildearan between them as the acting arbitrator of this contest.


    "Ready?" he told the women.


    Iris c.o.c.ked the back of her thumb, her deadeye locked to her mother readying to end this fight as swiftly as it began. A soft smile emerged out of her mouth as the room fell into a tense silence.


    "Begin!" the Eildearan shouted.


    Ivetana waved her hands forward, focusing her powers to teach her impudent daughter another painful lesson like many times before. Yet Iris knew from the very start she would do this when backed into a corner. She leaned backwards, her casting hand, formed into a gun with her thumb up with the index and middle finger pointing forward. The mana within her enchanted a meager yet sufficient amount of Ice Magic towards her palms. Using the somatic gesticulation to manipulate the potential mana energies, she c.o.c.ked her thumb like a pistol''s hammer to charge the spell before curling her middle finger to trigger the proverbial firing mechanism.


    A jet stream of water discharged from her hands, the conjured fluid irrigating her mother, embarrassingly shriveling her purple dress.


    "You think you can best me with¡­ water?!" Ivetana''s nerves poked open from her head, rattled by something so childish.


    "Bang." Iris whistled as she c.o.c.ked her thumb again to discharge the second bolt of magics towards her mother.


    This time, it was ethereal in properties yet cool to the touch for it was a Magic Missile enchanted with Ice.


    The magical bolt made impact upon Ivetana''s body, to everyone''s awe, the biting frost of Iris'' spell began to entwine the Cadohagan Matron, the ice that stained her body and rich clothes turning from a minor cosmetic inconvenience to a physical glacial prison. Icebound her body stopping her mid spell cast as its gelid embrace dashed any astute avenues for escape. Ivetana was made incapacitated as long as it took for an autumn leaf to fall from its branch to the ground.


    This cold-blooded technique, a small amus.e.m.e.nt she had mimicked from the dexterous Diaz and then described by the gun-toting Obediah would not be possible without her time spent with Stryder. C.o.c.king her hands like the Federation''s iron wand called the Revolver, Iris was able to shoot out weaker albeit faster firing bolts of magicks towards any foe. With a little extra practice, she can also guide the Magic Projectiles to whatever place she d.e.s.i.r.ed. As for the Cryomancy on display, a little chemistry lesson by her dear little Nightman, Kayin gave her a deeper insight into the secrets of winter allowing such a spell to occur upon her brackish mother.


    There was no further contest, Iris had won the Sialens to the upset of everyone in the room.


    "So¡­ Cold!" Ivetana shivered, helplessly trying to free herself to continue the duel but to no avail.


    "It looks like I have won." Iris smiled, standing proudly in triumph.


    The Cadohagan Matron seeing no way to escape, reluctantly conceded with a submissive nod.


    "Then it is settled. The Federation''s Magicks are indeed potent." The Tuilelan concluded the Sialens.


    Ivetana was then immediately broken free from her frigid imprisonments as she shivered anemically towards the fireplace for warmth.


    "The swiftness of the Vampire Witch shall be talk about beyond this day. ~" Iris playfully hummed as she rests her hand by her hip and bowed respectfully, the formal gesture of triumph.


    Samantha ran up to her triumphant friend raising her hand above her, they united their hands onto each other with one sharp high five. An affectionate gesture that Iris had gotten to also learn from the Federation too.


    "Impressive¡­ very Impressive. Perhaps I¡­ we had underestimated you." Ivetana shook of the last bits of frost from her body by searing herself slightly with conjured fire magicks. Turning around, poising herself back to her stately self as she puffed air back into her lungs. "You have proven that you do indeed have strength but also the abundant advantage of partnering with the Amelioration. Brothers and Sisters¡­"  she formally announced before turning to the rest of her kin.


    "Send our word to the new Emperor that we shall join you as long as Clovich grants us total autonomy to our continued way of life." the Duinnioth Eildearan gladly stated.


    "Uhm¡­ I beg your pardon?" Samantha raised. The captain thought she heard a critical fault in the Vampire''s statement.


    "We will join once we are guaranteed the unlimited sway we have to our way of life." the same Eildearan paraphrased.


    Samantha and Iris looked into each other''s eyes, both alarmed by the unwholesome implications of the Vampire''s bl.u.s.ter. They arrogantly expected the full benefits from Clovich without understanding that they are giving paltry effort on their part in return. A disproportional compromise that the wigs back in New Albany will never accept.


    "I¡­ uh¡­ I have to say that you cannot just do that¡­" Samantha denoted.


    "What do you mean? ''Cannot''?" Ivetana asked. Every Vampire in the room was struck dead mid-flight as their waxed wings of hope melted and come crashing down back into the sea of reality.


    "When you Vampires join the Federation and Clovich''s new kingdom, you have¡­ you must integrate yourselves peacefully with the humans¡­ or Arferol''s and the other races too." The Captain stated. "Your laws, in their current form, are for the benefit of you Vampires and a liability¡­ the disadvantage for the rest. Therefore, we cannot let you do whatever you want so as a condition of this alliance, you have to have every single Vampire Law you have reviewed, adjusted, and reformed by him and his councilors before you are allowed to go about your livelihoods."


    "That is absurd!" Ivetana shouted. "Who do you and the Amelioration think they are interfering with our Laws? Nobody has the right the rule over us!" she spat.


    "Mother! Everyone please!" Iris cried. "We have always been seen as ''monsters'' and ''pests'' by the Empire for centuries. This is could be our only chance to show that we are no longer the monsters they think we are."


    "They are not our kind Daughter. Who are they to tell us what we can and cannot do?" Ivetana protested.


    "This is no ''Proposition'' at all! This is no better than Vassalage! The last time we had played by the Laws not of our own¡­ an entire family was wiped from existence!" the Duinnioth Eildearan scoffed.


    "They are different! Times have changed when you sit here on your manors and burgs! We do not have to live in fear anymore with this. King Martainne would have only wished for all of his children the best for him." Iris appealed pleadingly.


    "How dare you invoke Martainne''s name to us child!" Ivetana refuted her daughter. "He does not know anything of our plight! How long has he been buried underneath the ground? Five? Six? Seven hundred years?!" she exclaimed.


    "Ivetana!" the Tuilelan Eildearan raised his voice. "Your daughter is right. We cannot continue to live like this." He argued.


    "What are you trying to say?!" she turned on him.


    "The Inquisition has us by our throats! My children and my brothers are barely fighting off the Inquisition as we speak. If we do not do something¡­ anything! It will be only a matter of time before they find us and kill us all like what they did to the Lachtinachs." He argued.


    "I second his argument!" the Mairrin Eildearan stepped forward. "I call for a Pleideisio. We shall settle on the matter to take this proposition by the Share Holder as it stands or send her away with nothing." she weighed.


    "Salute for Yay; Swordgrip for Nay," Ivetana announced.


    A tense moment passed over as the Jury of Vampires used that time to make a decision. Before long, two factions, both opposing in their polarities, arose. Each split between a two-fingered salute and a fist with the thumb pointed out sidewards.


    "Is this¡­ a Coup?!" the Duinnioth Eildearan sneered his teeth as he counted the disparaging division between all of the Vampires. The room was caught in a stalemate, one vote short of a decision. "Twelve against¡­ Twelve for¡­" But as he spoke, his eyes widened suddenly.


    "Isn''t that¡­ twenty-four? Aren''t we supposed to be twenty-five?" the Mairrinas Eilderan raised.


    "Role Call!" Ivetana demanded.


    Names were called quickly, Samantha''s heart raced just as fast, barely hearing the many identities of the Vampires in the room. Iris however silently stared towards her mother, despondent to what she is seeing of her people throwing away this one only opportunity for peace.


    "Jenya, Zinoviy, Sambor¡­ Where is ''Rancid'' Ratimir?" the Duinnioth Eildearan frustratingly asked.


    "No wonder this lodge smelled TOO pleasant! Where is that rapscallion?" the Mairrin Eildearan asked her kin. "How could we forget about HIM?!" she cried.


    "He must have slipped past our minds. We were all busy¡­excited to see the Share Holder that we forgot about him!" one Vampire begged for forgiveness.


    "Then again¡­ I never liked Ratimir when he comes back from one of his¡­ ''escapades''." Another cringed.


    "Who is he exactly?" Samantha inquired.


    "My third eldest." The Mairrinas Eildearan answered. "Lives alone but¡­ he''s a good child if you get past his¡­ eccentricities. Has a knack with animals though¡­" she added.


    "Oh, THAT one!" Iris remembered his name by the Eildearan''s description alone. "Knowing him, he is probably fondling someone else''s Habafants or worse¡­ ''rescuing'' them." she caustically answered.


    "Why can''t we send out a Message to him now?" Samantha asked.


    "That is the problem. He is prone to¡­ wander a lot. Sometimes not even my own kin can truly track where he is" The Mairrinas Eildearan answered. "When I first sent out the invitations to this gathering, I just had one of my many children who is closer to him pass the message down. They had told me that they did have him confirm his attendance when he received it," she explained.


    "So who has last seen Ratimir?" the Duinnioth Eildearan questioned.


    "I do believe I saw him at the Sprouted Flower in Colobonne last month. Perhaps you can start there? One of our sisters owns the establishment I do believe." One of the Vampires raised.


    "Who is this sister again, if you can remind me?" Ivetana nudged.


    "Liliyan. Liliyan Iora." the Vampire answered.


    "Liliyan? I¡­ I remember that name." Iris muttered. "She is¡­ was a good friend before I left."


    "Well, someone has to find him! We cannot decide without HIS vote!" Ivetana raised.


    "But Ladui Iora is at Colobonne!" the Duinnioth Eildearan protested. "There are Legionary patrols everywhere. They will get suspicious if they see any traveler roam anywhere southwards towards the city."


    "Colobonne? My troops are about to go over there by tomorrow anyway so I can easily go there." Samantha volunteered.


    "You?" the Mairinnas Eildearan scratched her chin. "If you speak so confidently then judging from your magic demonstrations it shall be best, we give you leeway in good faith to find Ratimir and deal with the Garrison in Colobonne. I would like to see how this army of the Amelioration managed to humiliate the Empire in a week."


    "It does sound like a good time for an Outing if the Inquisition in Colobonne will be gone by that time." A Vampire optimistically leaped. "Might bring the smoked meats and cheese to watch."


    "Once we find him, I will shoot up a Magic Message of his answer to you." Iris added.


    "No, for the honor of the Pleideiso, we cannot risk you trying to taint the integrity of his tally." Ivetana politicked calmly. "Bring him back to the Tyhelas in person in the next three days, otherwise we as a Family shall be forced to abscond the decision to join your Amelioration due to indecision." She brought out her terms.


    "That is not fair mother! Surely we can ha---" Iris begged to the Eildearan but she was stopped by the Captain before her alacrity ruined any chances of resolving this political stalemate favorably.


    "We are not in a position to press harder Iris. We need to play along¡­ for now." Samantha implored her.


    The Witch stuttered, but she knew that the Captain was correct. They needed to find Ratimir within the next few days otherwise the Vampires will be just as dust as the old Cenhillian Kingdom.


    "This meeting is adjourned." The Duinnioth Eildearan gaveled.


    [-]


    Ser Faithleann Garmhaic arose from his soft surface with aches over his bodies. Casting away the delicate and still mana-warmed hands of the healers attending him he shuffled his eyes to regain his bearings to where he was at. The clothed roof over his head, the scent of fresh grass, and the minimalistic interior of his dwellings indicated he is inside some sort of tent.


    "Praise be the Gods! The Chosen One has awoken." One of the healers hailed Faithleann.


    Groaning from his still damaged body, the boy knight sluggishly turned to the Healer.


    "What happened? Where am I?" he asked.


    Faithleann had remembered before he blacked out that he was fighting the demons alongside the very heroes of the Empire. Even with all of their strength, the finests Knights could barely allow the Emperor and his people to escape to safety. It took all of his best that his powers can be and the brave intervention of Princess Estrice that they managed to escape with their lives.


    "Ser Garmhaic!" shouted a familiar voice from the distance. It was the Grand Marshall Ser Huguet with Petur escorting him.


    "Grand Marshall." Faithleann saluted, the still fractured bones on his body chilled his arm. "Tell me what had transpired?"


    "You were bedridden for five days straight. If it were not for our healers¡­ Praise Neneth we wouldn''t know what could happen to you Chosen One. " Huguet sighed in relief. "But your recovery is perhaps the ONLY good news I have been heard throughout this week." His voice grimly shifted. An aberrant tone of uncertainty permeated his blue miens.


    "Go on¡­" he nudged him to continue


    "We have made camp barely through the Northern Territories and we should be able to reach Ghana''s Wall before the week finishes." Petur addressed. "We could have been there sooner if we hadn''t allowed the Refugees to come along with us, however¡­" he turned his gaze towards the Marshall.


    "All the roads have been blocked, our supplies are about to run thin and we are being harassed daily by the Demons as we retreat. Yet do not forget that we have to protect what is left of our people Ser Reikdorf. That is our Oath!" Huguet refuted Petur.


    "Ghana''s Wall? Retreat? What is going on? What happened to the city of Haringpoint? The Emperor? Princess Estrice?!" Faithleann exclaimed for an answer.


    Such words were not of what he expected the valiant Legion of Slaegia to speak of. They were always steadfast, daunting and tireless on their pursuit in their exercising of the will and might of the Empire. Yet by the sight of tired Knights, demoralized Legionnaires and hungry Refugees painted a grimly confusing transition to such a prestigious image.


    A grave silence fell before the tent as the Healer, Marshall Huguet, and Ser Petur were left frozen before Faithleann. Hesitating the disheartening news.


    "Haringpoint¡­ the Capital¡­ the Sacred Capital¡­ has fallen Chosen One." The Healer bowed humbly, her sullen face expressing the deepest sympathies for the city''s fall.


    "Whereof what remains of the Mages and the Adventurer''s then? We can surely rally them to fight back!" Faithleann pressed. "Surely they have retreated to Kalmte. My town of Clervuite is just a day''s gallop from the Capital at Kalmte. They could use the forests and the hills to---"


    "No, no. No more College. No more Guild. No more Clervuite too!" Huguet croaked. "Because¡­ of¡­ of¡­ Boo-uh!" the Marshall raised his hands to mimic a gigantic implosion, at a loss of words of what he had seen.


    "Fire Balls¡­ they destroyed everything."


    "I¡­We¡­ we have to link up what with the Northern Legions. We have to let them know that I am alive and that we can still defeat the Otherworlders¡­" tears trickled onto Faithleann''s eyes, still clinging onto hope beneath all of this apocalyptic narration.  As long as Slaegian Empire has an army in Ysanigrads holy soil, then there is still a sliver of hope that the Empire can stem this tide. "I can help them fight!"


    "No! No! Don''t say their name!" Huguet yelled. His eyes bloodshot in a concoction of anger and grief.


    "What has gotten into you Marshall!" Faithleann beseeched him.


    "It''s¡­ there is no more Northern Legion too¡­" The Healer muttered.


    "Pardon?!" Chosen One knocked.


    "We ARE the Northern Legion now boy!" Huguet wailed as he fell down onto what roomed remained on Faithleann''s cot. "Everyone that isn''t us is either dead or captured."


    "The Northern Legion¡­ after Emperor Uldin sailed off to Alfel Nora¡­the Marshall ordered them to hold off the Demons to cover our retreat from Marves to buy time for Prince Valorion''s Elves to land on Marves Port so that we may combine our strengths," Petur explained. "However, the Otherworlders descended upon us like lightning before the Elves could arrive to reinforce. Many Legionnaires died at the Battle of Marves from the Other---"


    "Nay! It was a Massacre I tell you!" the Marshall yelled as he buried his face. "My men¡­ My men¡­ they all died for so little¡­ so¡­ nothing¡­"


    "This cannot be¡­" Faithleann sank, smashing his fist onto the cot.


    All of the Empire was now in flames, its people scattered, enslaved or dead. The fury of the Demons knew no quarter by the air of despair that fell upon those Slaegians that remained free. The legacy of glory, order and honor of the Empire crushed to dust. The songs of the mythical founder, Caldell Slaegiac who held up his enchanted sword, Can Rhyfel, against the Demonic tide shall all be for nought.


    "The sword¡­" Faithleann muttered.


    "Your arms are by my tent Ser Garmhaic if you ask. I had ke---" Petur answered.


    "No! The sword! We must find the Sword of Caldell Slaegiac! If it can slay Demons in a single stroke then it can surely help us defeat them again." Faithleann grasped for what embers of hope remained.


    "That is absurd! You want to chase a myth at a time like this?!" Petur protested.


    "I am willing to chase anything if it means we will not be wiped out by the Demons." Marshall Huguet emerged from his lamentations.


    "Then where do you think we can begin finding the Sword then? Caldell had it with him when he disappeared." Petur asked.


    "Ghana''s Wall for a start if anything could give us a lead¡­ there is also the Inquisition too. They managed to rescue much of the Sacred Artifacts from the Cathedral for themselves such as Caldell''s Final Will. What is left of them are at Kalmte  assisting with the Duchy''s evacuation." Huguet answered. "The Crowmaster, Mita was left behind there as to help route out any disorder brought forth by the evacuation."


    "Disorder?" Faithleann asked.


    "There were rumors that some of the Duchy''s citizens are in the midst of¡­ conspiring with the Otherworlders." Huguet reported.


    Once more Faithleann smashed his fist. Not only are they beset by enemies from the other world. But also, enemies from within. It was one to fight an enemy under a clear adversarial banner, but what if the enemy masqueraded as one of your own? Such treachery is unforgiving, unprincipled, and oh so unholy.


    "Anyone who bows their souls to the Demons shall be punished! This I swear vengeance of all of the fallen onto!" the Bane Chosen One bowed.


    His voice echoed above the destitute campsite for all souls to over the frigid Northern Territories as the world slowly engulfs into flames around them.

 Chapter 59 - the Gold Arrow Express

    A Gliesian Vampire, his loving wife and child carried along a roll of cloth, an assorted fare filled into a wicker basket and a few Sun Ray protecting enchantments on a clear cloudless day for today they shall have a family outing. Such an occasion was typically reserved for the Summer season but this humid autumn day was a most unexpected occasion. They set up their little picnic cloth upon a flat grassy field as they brought out maslin bread, cheeses, ale, nuts, butter-potted meat spreads and dried berries. Wife gently tethered their wild hearted offspring from running off as she juggled bring out the food with her husband. Once the meals were brought out, the Husband brought out one final piece to accompany this special day, a single telescope that he extended out its length that he may see the special occasion''s show and pass the device along to his family when they wanted to take a look. Typically, such a seeing-eye device only had several niche purposes from sea-faring sailors looking to spot places of interests from afar, Legionnary Commanders wanting to peer across the battlefield and Astronomers who seek to read the portents that weaved above the heavens. Yet as the Vampire amusingly discovered, can be used to surveil any eventful happenings from a distance without the observed noticing.


    Accompanying them were fellow Vampires, on their everyday cover clothing as they gathered upon the outskirts of the Duchy of Kalmte''s capital, the city of Colobonne, specifically¡­ the Battle of Colobonne.


    "Annwyl, can you pass the Habafant Cheese?" the Dame requested softly.


    The husband obliged. He turned around to the sizeable cut coagulated dairy. The pale golden cheese was hard at first to the touch thanks to its preservation method of placing the whey into a special skin sack to allow fermentation and solidification to occur. However, upon consumption, the Cheese mellows its rigid structure to a gum-like melt. Made by the domesticated bovine known as the Habafant, a rotund quadrupedal mammalian with features similar to rhinoceros and cows that favor the grassy plains habitat of which the Duchy being the ideal place to raise their herds on. It is used both as a beast of burden and as a source of food for the natives of continental Ysanigrad for centuries.


    They maybe hardy creatures but the recent volcanic eruption of the Ostalrocs that only now had been swept away had tested their famed resiliency. Some died of respiratory complications whilst others starved due to the inedible grass the ashes had tainted. Before Operation Haymaker, the species was about to return to their normal grazing patterns before the Federation had arrived into their pastures. Most of the ranchers had already fled in the panic, yet a few stubbornly stayed with their herds all over Kalmte.


    After passing the cheese, the Husband grabbed his telescope and began to peer over to the horizon. Already, he could see the strange yet great Iron Beasts advance towards Colobonne. Such an ending number of those otherworldly monstrosities bore feet made like the wheels of a cart yet their bodies of like an armored war steed galloping into battle. His family, mostly his curious son, took turns looking through the magnifying glass of the telescope as they continued to observe from several hundred meters away. As the battle progressed, the Iron Beasts began, for lack of a tactful means of describing, excreting out soldiers in green clothing from behind their bottoms. These ''Rye-fell men'' as Sister Iris described to them formed the core of the Otherworlder''s alien powers.


    The iron beast had a sizeable trunk, similar to the length of a Habafant''s that sprung itself to life as it adjusted its direction towards the city. The beast let out a blaring roar as it let loose pellets upon pellets of 20-millimeter rounds across the field towards two of Colobonne''s city walls. Within a blink of an eye, the southern barbican of Colobonne''s walls were pulverized into dust as the Otherworlder''s soldiers broke through the gate like a flood.


    Those Vampires who bared witness the theatrical carnage were left with their hearts beaten fitfully. To those who were on the fence of the Otherworlder Question or had marginally chosen to choose ''Nay'' over approving of their offer back at the Tyhela were now convinced of the Federation''s power after sipping a taste of this explosive demonstration. Not even their bravest of radicals would dare commit such an act of vandalism against the Duchy''s Walls, let alone be a capable of destroying it so utterly and yet so quickly. Such is their first course demonstration of these strange Otherworlders, that Sister Iris had introduced to them. A divine-like power she now possesses over if not higher to her still above them.


    [-]


    Ash, smoke and the marching noise of UFE Treads filled Colobonne as the Seven-Ringed Flower flew triumphantly atop of the city''s tallest building, the bell tower. The ''Battle'' to say the least was uneventful. The defense of the walled city collapsed like a house of cards as soon as the Arabian APC''s Chain Guns lay down their 20-millimeter machine gun fire unto Colobonne''s battlements. The 23rd Infantry Battalion poured through the destroyed gate securing the city of the Federation. What paltry remains the city garrison had during the fighting had either surrendered or were crushed beneath all of the rumble.  Population wise, about 2/3 of the City''s burghers had fled thanks to reports from the enclave of Vampires that live nearby, making Colobonne virtually empty for the 23rd.  A Forward Operations Base, the first of its kind outside of Neuogonia has now been established in Kalmte where operations within this section of the Northern Theater can be dispatched from.


    This timely development was much to the often-underappreciated Supply Chain''s relief. The so-called ''Gold Arrow Express'' as referred by the 23rd''s Logisticians was a series of road ways used by the UFE to push the needed supplies the Armed Forces needed to keep up the fight against the Slaegians the further they pushed inland. The ''Gold Arrow'' part of the name comes from the vestigial empire''s road signs that were painted a bright yellow across junctions to designate the direction of what settlements come ahead. The mostly dirt roads and even fewer stone roads of the empire, as analyzed further by Major Holyfield weren''t designed to accommodate the volume of two-way traffic the Army Logisticians are used to working on. ISAC intern, created a one-way and constantly updating round trip route given to each individual driver Army Supply Trucks. The ''Express'' route starts from main UFE Supply Depot of Neuogonia all the way to wherever the front lines were. More than a dozen tons of Supplies for the UFE Soldiers were pushed through the rural lands of Ysanigrad every day. The recent capture of Colobonne now allows the city to be refurbished into a Motor Pool and Secondary Supply Depot that bolster the volume of supply the Gold Arrow Express can deliver.


    As the 23rd basked themselves upon their victory, another mission group of brave soldiers galloped passed them during their Noon-time Luncheon of MRE''s and grubby chow.


    The city was quiet, devoid of life except the fearful whimper of the remnant citizenry of the city as Styder Group''s Land Cruiser sped through the city streets.  Following Iris directions, the MRAP arrived in front of an opulently colored building. In contrast to the symmetrical and unpainted houses that made up Colobonne''s architecture.


    The Sprouted Flower, much as its namesake, is a vividly tangerine hued building decorated with crudely painted rainbow bouquet in full bloom. As Samantha and Iris entered its bell-laced door, they were greeted, or more accurately, aroused with purposely selected perfumes and spices. Across the first chamber were soft bottomed sofas, chairs and beds with paper folding screens cordoning off sections for privacy''s sake. The establishment was quiet, despite its sized, having seen way more productive days. Samantha''s heart fluttered red when she realizes what kind of ''services'' the Sprouted Flower offered.


    "How may I be of service at trying times such as¡­" a raven-haired young woman sultrily greeted as she sprang forth above the foyer''s stairs to welcome the new arrivals. A couple of working girls were also awoken by the new guests and came to observe them.


    Her face shifted from forced smile to genuine surprise when she saw only Iris and Samantha standing atop of the carpeted floor by the entrance.


    The mistress was adorned in a skin revealing garment that exposed her belly and left little to the imagination of those peoples who seek her companionship. It was equally complimenting that her angled face, panther-like eyes and delicate lips could reel the hearts of any creature she gazed upon, male or female alike. However, her night-shaded hair was slightly disheveled, brushed roughly to an unladylike presentation. Even some of the other working girls were of a subpar distinction for supposedly a flowery establishment. Likely from the fighting that had occurred outside earlier had gotten everyone of them nervous and shaken.


    "Liliyan? It''s me, Iris." The Vampire Witch greeted her friend. "How were you?"


    "Iris?" Liliyan gulped. "Iris!" she dashed down the stairs as she swiftly and affectionately latched onto the Witch''s hand.


    "It had been so long! I thought I would have to flee the city before you came! Then I heard fighting by the walls and saw the guards getting massacred by those iron beasts, Green Men and¡­ and those Dragons whose wings were like drums! Me and the girls were terrified!" Liliyan shivered.


    "It is okay now. Everything is okay. The fighting is over." Iris reassured her.


    "Well, you''re not the first person who called us that." Samantha smiled.


    "Wait¡­ you¡­ brought one of them here!?" Liliyan''s eyes widened. "Your¡­ one of them, aren''t you? The Otherworlders?" she interrogated the Captain.


    Samantha nodded, confirming her question.


    "You must be Samantha! From the letters Iris wrote of." She reverted back to her artificial smile once again. "I¡­ I know your people are looking for some¡­ ''entertainment'' after all of this¡­ but me and my girls aren''t¡­ aren''t in the mood right now after all of what happened today. Can you tell your soldiers¡­ Demons¡­ or whatever you call them that they can come back tomorrow?" she blushed fearfully.


    "Uhm no¡­ we don''t have time for tomorrow I am afraid." Samantha dissuaded.


    "Fine then. Just¡­ just make it quick¡­" she shuddered, tugging her bawdy garments with her fingers.


    "We are just here to ask you some questions." the Captain raised.


    "What do you mean?" Liliyan was about to pull away the light garments that covered her round bottom facing the two much to the alarm of Iris and the Captain.


    "Liliyan! What are you doing?!" Iris yelled. "I know you are a bit of a free-nymph but this is too much from you!"


    "The victors come the spoils? I am no fighter Iris¡­ you know that." She whimpered. "I¡­ I will scream as loud as you want¡­ just don''t hurt any of my girls."


    "Wait¡­ NO!" Samantha yelled, realizing what the Mistress meant. "We do NOT do that!" she cried.


    "You¡­ do not?" Liliyan rose back up, revising herself. "Those men are not going to¡­ despoil¡­us?" she pointed to the men standing outside of the door.


    "No!" Both Iris and Samantha exlcaimed in unison.


    "Besides, that one over there? You see him? Only I am allowed to ravage him!" Iris pointed to Kayin, a hint of pride seeped from her tongue.


    "Iris! Fy mlodyn du! I didn''t know that you had it in you!" Liliyan squealed.


    "And I thought I have to use the last of my Healing Balm from the Herbalist now that he left¡­" one of the dollish girls upstairs sighed in relief.


    "So, you said you wanted to ask me some questions? How about you and your¡­ uh party from outside come to the main hall so we can talk? The girls can still entertain all of you¡­ well not in the way I thought." Liliyan invited Stryder inside both her establishment and home.


    "That sounds so much better." Samantha smiled. "Just tell your girls to stay away from Diaz." She warned.


    Gesturing them over, Samantha invited the rest of Stryder into the Sprouted Flower. Diaz (with a anonymously-hooded Aliathra by his side) and Clay easily settled themselves in, mesmerized by the wide variety titillating sensations that permeated the building. Crocker maintained his stoic professionalism amidst the sight of the handful of p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.es that ogled his physique whilst Kayin was tugged against his will along with Iris as she introduced him to Liliyan.


    "I have heard so many things about your ''Nightman''." Liliyan giggled. "His skin color quite¡­ exotic." She commented.


    "Yeah¡­ very much." Kayin awkwardly smiled, trying not to crumble beneath all of the Mistress'' flattery nor offend the host. He knows that beneath all of their sight, it was child-like curiosity rather than bigotry that drove the attention he received from most Gliesians of his ebony skin. Ultimately innocent if na?ve.


    "Tell me more about yourself Liliyan. What is your story?" Samantha asked, as she was poured a kind glass of water onto her canteen to refresh herself.


    "I am the Head Mistress of the Sprouted Flower. I used my ''charms'' and ''wiles'' to grasp the hearts of everyone that seeked my companionship. The last proprietress of this establishment saw my way of words that I became the ''Brightest Flower''. Men¡­ and even a few women travelled near and far just to see my face. I always had a way of getting my clients to tell me their deepest d.e.s.i.r.es¡­ I believe you would call it¡­ Illusion Magicks." She brushed along Samantha''s ears, lightly breathing into her drums with venereal temptations. "When she passed, the reigns fell upon me for the well-being of the Flower and those who work within its walls."


    "I-I see. That''s¡­ actually pretty clever to be honest." Samantha blushed; it was quite a sight for


    "Oh, don''t worry, this is my ''True'' Form. But I can do much more if you so have such d.e.s.i.r.es that you wish to speak about to me? I can take you upstairs and show you an appetizer of what I can do I tend to keep my ''show'' beneath closed doors." She winked flirtatiously much to the slowly l.u.s.t-hearted Captain''s jittering. Her instincts beneath all of her years working in the flesh trade can attest to it. "I can even let you ''pay'' with something much more precious that silly gold." Her fingers danced alluringly closer to Samantha''s h.i.p.s.


    "B-but alas!" the Captain regained her cool. "I am afraid I am here on official business."


    "Well, I can see why. If you and your men not going to enjoy the company of my fellow sisters then I can only conclude that it is information you are after." Liliyan nodded. "Tell me what you wish to know, but be warned. I will state my price before I loosen my tongue." She haughtily averted her gaze.


    "We need to find Ratimir. Rancid Ratimir." Iris asked.


    "Ratimir? I will tell that one for free." Liliyan''s eyes widened. "Quite an odd request, but not my strangest. Normally Rancid Ratimir doesn''t like anyone disturbing his mad mumblings unless it was important. Why do you look for him?"


    "There is a Council Vote going on and they lack his vote before they come up to a decision. It''s very important to all of us." Iris explained.


    "I see, what is the vote all about to be exact sister?" the mistress asked.


    "It is regarding about being able to no longer have to worry about hiding anymore Sister. The Otherworlders are offering us sanctuary if we follow them. But some of the Elders are too reluctant to agree to their terms. You can see now that they are good folks since well¡­ they aren''t sacking the town like any conquering army would have." Iris summarized.


    "Oh, I can see why. Your just like your Father again Iris¡­ always pushing forward and casting the die." Liliyan giggled. "They do pique my curiousity a little bit¡­but even then, I too am not so sure myself of who these Otherworlder''s really are." She eyed over Samantha and the rest of Stryder Group who settled themselves quite comfortably inside the raunchy room.


    "Do you know where Ratimir is at least? We need to find him for the Council Vote to conclude." Captain Rose pushed the conversation forward. The time for small talk can be done for later.


    "No, but one of my girls do." Liliyan answered.


    "One of your girls? Explain." Samantha pressed the mistress.


    "Well, you see, Ratimir only shows interest to only one of my girls. Pays many ducats just to have Maresh all for himself. Quite curious really¡­" Liliyan explained.


    "Curious how?" Samantha asked.


    "Maresh is a fairly¡­ unremarkeable compared to the rest of the girls here." Liliyan said. "But nonetheless¡­ she interacts with Ratimir more than anyone else outside of me and mother. Even then, I rarely get to talk much outside of him asking me ''Where is Maresh?''."


    "Where would Maresh be right now? Is she here?" Samantha asked.


    "No, she has been staying put at her home village of Egni for the past few weeks. To be honest, I grow rather concerned for her because she hasn''t reported back for a long while." Liliyan anxiously divulged.


    "Looks like we got a lead now Cap. I say we go now and get this over with?" Kayin suggested. "You do seem to know this Maresh person a lot since she works for you. Maybe you want to come along with us? You''re a local after all."


    "If it means we can find both her and Ratimir, then I accept. Just let me dress up to something more¡­ comfortable for travel." Liliyan agreed.


    "Oh please stay for a while handsome! I might actually toss a coin to you just to look at your obsidian face~" one of the girls begged coyly.


    "Stay back. He is mine alone!" Iris pushed the beguiling seductress aside greedily.


    "Oh man! I was about to teach Alie what a ''Foursome'' is." Diaz sulked, leaving behind the sultry temptress who he was charming.


    "Well I am glad we''re outta''ere. Girls are starting to stare a''me." Crocker shaken his throat exhaustively.


    [-]


    The Crow Master ticked her head as she finished wiping off the last specks of dust on her hair after barely surviving the barrage of invisible magicks from the invaders when she was discussing the last bits of the plan to evacuate the last batch of people of the city. She was dispatched by the acting-leaders of the Inquisitorial Remnant to secure and oversee the evacuation of Colobonne''s large granaries. They managed to fill several dozen or so feet high of precious wheat during the harvest before the volcano struck. Now they must secure what precious food they have left to be used for the last safe bastion of the Empire that is Ghana''s Walls. The attack on Colobonne could have happened anytime sooner, but alas the tenacity of the Otherworlders knows no earthly bounds. Her assignment of shadowing the Duchy''s task of organizing the retreat of its own people and food stocks had struck several difficulties. The stubborn peasantry had to be put down and made examples of by the combined remnants of the Imperial Legion, the Duchal Guards and the Inquisition members. The farming peasantry were apprehensive to relinquish their meager yields to the cause, some even giving up in despair seeing that the Fall of the Capital to be the writing on the wall that all is lost. Not helping matters is that there were rumors that Vampiric Envclaves are sabotaging the evacuation efforts by delaying the travel of much needed supplies and if the most extreme of theories are to believe, spreading a plague to raise minions to actively stifle any attempts of a chance the Duchy has of fleeing to safety.


    That is why Mita was here that day as she weaved passed the Otherworlder soldiers who began to swarm across the city. She needed to regroup with the Inquisition back north and plan a means of delaying the invader''s blitzkrieg into the region otherwise all hope that Ghana''s Wall have could be lost.


    "This shit¡­ is SO EASY!" one of the Otherworlder soldiers lazily wailed. His stave holstered away as he talked to his partner. "This war could be over before my birthday on June."


    Mita ducked down behind some wooden barrels as she overheard a couple of patrolling Otherworlders passing by the alley she took. She can still easily understand their thoughts and languages thanks to an enchantment that she embedded unto herself to comprehend the invaders. In her line of work, to fight the enemy, one must know the enemy first.


    "Dam''sho! That new intel that the big wigs from command they got from Haringpoint is on point." His more alert partner nodded.


    The Crow Master shook with distraught. She silently cursed herself that the defenders of the Imperial Capital before it had fallen had failed to destroy all the important items that the Emperor was forced to leave behind.


    "How did we know Kalmte is about to have all of them grains being evac''d though exactly? I hear Command must have a mountain of some good''tell after the Capital." The laidback patrolman asked.


    Mita listened carefully to his words. This ''Ko-mand'' is likely some sort of high ranking general or perhaps the main Demon leading, at the very least this invasion into the Empire''s Breadbasket.


    "I actually learned it from a guy who knows a guy who knows that creepy a.s.s Bureau dude who shot up the Adventurer''s Guild place." The focused soldier raised. "Says it came from the College of Magic off of this Gandalf-lookin guy named Owynne. Sang a leak so big that its practically flooding with detes back upstairs. Retreating points, instructions, anything about what they gonna do when they flee up north."


    "Glad we popped that sonuvabitch to the floor. Who knows what he could have done with all them wizard bullshit he sparks out''ta his hands." The lazy one chuckled.


    "Oh, that''s not even the crazy shit of the story from my man." His patrol partner wildly waved his arm to interject. "They didn''t pop his a.s.s. The Black Ops teams found him dead! Officially its suicide." He explained.


    "Guess we must had caught him in a corner and took the easy way out." The drowsy soldier snickered.


    "Not so bro¡­ I heard he offed himself because some talking artifact in that big temple place told him to! Or something¡­ I don''t know. My friend said he got the censored version of the report. It''s probably some more crazy bull shit the nerds back at base are wanking themselves over the fun stuff." His counterpart answered.


    "First Magic, then Dragons now talking stuff! Where the f.u.c.k are the hot fantasy girls now?" the laggard stuck his tongue out teasingly.


    The two soldiers shared a light applause in that moment as Mita hunkered down at her hiding spot yet deep down, she knew exactly what those soldiers were talking about. The Crow Master became lost in a fog of distraught. Not only Grandmaster Owyne is dead but he had spilled valuable information to help the demons in their nefarious cause in the last moment of his life. Even more shocking is that the reason for him for doing that was caused by the Crystal Heart and that the Otherworlders have possession of it! It is likely Crystal Heart may have been corrupted by the demons to make Grandmaster to turn against his people or worst, amplify the powers of their own corrupted Chosen One, Samantha the Share Holder.


    A loud rumbling sound approached the guards, snapping Mita back into reality.


    "Captain Rose!" the mindful patrolman saluted, his partner following suit.


    Peering over the window of the alien cart. Mita could not mistake the visage that appeared before her. The Rhannu-Prietar herself! She could not forget those leaf-colored eyes, scarley hair nor her youthful face.


    "Hey which gate is cleared for me to get out of the city of?" Samantha asked the soldiers.


    "It''s the Western Gate. Just turn your Cruiser around by the corner up ahead and just follow the road until you see some stables Captain Rose." The cognizant sentry answered. "Where are you headed?"


    "To a village called Egni. We need to find a Vampire who lives there for something important." Samantha explained.


    "I hope those Vampires are willing to join us¡­ all practicality aside¡­ I always wanted to have girlfriend with sharp fangs and wings." The slacker jokingly states. He was then received an immediate jab from his fellow soldier.


    "But I am afraid of heights!" a voice echoed from the back of the truck.


    "Wait there''s one in the back?" The slacker asked. Only to again be struck by his more professional partner.


    "Don''t waste their time!" he said to him.


    "Well good luck on your trip then Captain Rose. 12th Platoon should be nearby to assist you so don''t be afraid to call them once you get a brief of the situation down there. I heard there''s a big camp of sorts not too far away so check it out." The soldier saluted.


    Samantha retreated back inside the self-driving cart as the iron beast sped past the soldiers who then promptly walked away at the opposite direction leaving Mita to emerge safely from her hiding spot. This must be, despite her agnosticism from the Pantheon, a blessing from the Gods as the Crow Master put it. The Corrupted Chosen one is going to be moving away towards an easily isolatable area with a minimal team of Demons to protect her. Egni is about a day''s walk from Colobonne but her training of controlled sprints or if possible, she can find a steed, Mita can cut down her arrival time at most in half. Assuming Samantha stays within that Ranching Village she could easily assemble the last reserves of her Crows still under her banner to assist her in capturing the Share Holder. That way they could free her and unlock more answers of what she knows of the Crystal Heart and Owyne''s apparent betrayal. Her previous encounters, both of her own and accounts from her peers gave the Crow Master no room to allow for such trifling things such as leniency, Samantha will not go out quietly now and she will not ever.


    The Crow''s strike has to be perfect.


    There was no time to waste right now. Mita tailed Samantha''s Cart, using her enchanted cloak to shadow its gallop as they both made their way out of the fallen city. The Crow Master also had to juggle herself to throw a Message Spell back to her superiors for a request of resources. A mix of sedatives, people and a few swords in case they have to fight their way out.


    [-]


    The ocean''s waves quavered the wood of the Ethuilen Galleons as weary sailors and warriors endured the biting chill of Northern Ysanigrad. Attrition had taken hold of Prince Valorion of the Royal House of Lareththor and his Military Expedition, from food shortages, the hostile elements, coastal raids and mental strain tested the will of the Elven Soldiers. Many of the brave sons and daughters of Ethuilen grew restless after many sudden promises of touching down upon land only to be cruelly abrogated by the grimly changing front of the situation on the Human Continent.


    The ever-changing dynamics from their Slaegian Counterparts was hard to keep up with Valorion and his lieutenants. They were originally supposed to land on the port city of Marves north of the Imperial Capital to rendezvous with the remnants of the Slaegian Legion. But just before they could make landfall, they had received news that the city and thus their landing point had fallen. Attempting to salvage the situation, the boats changed course northward to a secondary landing point¡­ which also became compromised by the terrifying speed of the Demonic Advance. They tried again and again, being slowly harassed by the Otherworlder''s magicks such as fireballs and wyvern attacks that seemed to cut away from their strength bit by bit before they could muster their defenses, which was meager to say the least when your army is couped upon an armada designed for carrier space than naval combat.


    Over a third of Valorion''s initial expedition had succ.u.mbed to the attrition of the long sail northwards. Many sacrifices had to be made to ensure the overall well-being of the soldiers. Many of the Knights reluctantly had to butcher their steeds to make meats that would extend the food supply for several days whilst the leather is used to mend the sails of the sh.i.p.s that became worn out by the slicing gales that Northern Ysanigrad was infamous for. Some of their own war supplies, especially of wood were used for kindling to keep the soldiers warm, but even that wasn''t enough to fully stave off the frigid chill. Much of the enthusiasm that the Elves had in fighting the demons were tempered to mere survival for their bodies and sanity.


    Yet when it comes to prudence, none were so as besieged as the Commander of the Expedition himself, Prince Valorion. Despite his grand titles, ac.u.men and achievements, he is still just as vulnerable to the attrition of his soul like every one of his troops.


    "Thantros¡­ Darhodor¡­ Seilridielle¡­ All of you¡­" he buried his face to hide the lamenting tears that fell underneath his azure eyes. Those were the names of several of his men, some he had known since childhood, others from his days of tutelage in the Academy that had perished tragically in this journey.


    He could see their ghosts surrounding his room crying to him, to avenge them all¡­ but all paled in comparison to the wails of one imaginative figure Valorion overheard in his visions.


    "Aliathra¡­ I will avenge you¡­" Valorion beat his c.h.e.s.t, remembering his cardinal impetus for undertaking this crusade in the first place. The young general cursed himself that he is being anguished inside this damned piece of wood whilst his sister''s murderers ran free to taint Ysanigrad with impunity, striking the ship''s hull with his fist.


    At first, it was just his late little sister, but afterward, as his expedition had proven to him to become more treacherous by the day. More ghosts of his followers and friends appeared before him to haunt his every thought. Even in his sleep in his cabin, the bloodied and infernal phantasms begged for him to avenge them. He remembered that day, when his Armada was beset by his own eyes: ''Fire from the Skies'' that struck down like lighting upon several of his Galleons causing to be set ablaze before the cold blue sea devoured its wooden corpse. Summoned forth by Steel Wyverns of wings that could challenge the swiftness of dragons. They spat mocking Power Words of lethal rain upon his men who fought in vain to challenge them. Some of his own men could share into his hallucinations, speaking of banshee''s and sirens asking of them to ''turn back'' ''you will perish'' from their righteous crusade which slowly eroded several of the elves resolves. He didn''t know if it was either the Gods Protecting him or the Dark Forces mocking him at every turn that he managed to survive such attacks until now.


    Just as he was about to succ.u.mb to his tribulation, two soft knocks interrupted his solitude.


    "My Prince! We have found land!" the voice of one of his soldiers spoke.


    "Land?" the mere thought of solid ground, away from all of these debilitating days at sea was a ray of hope to the Elven Leader.


    He emerged from his cabin and followed his subordinate atop of his galleon where the Captain and the Navigator of his ship stood idly by to await him.


    "Milord we have found a small shore that we can disembark some of our men to forage for much-needed supplies." The Captain said. "It has been about a week since we were last attacked and I must do say with confidence that we are likely past the worst of our journey over the Sea."


    The Elven Crown Prince looked over by the Navigator''s Telescope to survey the land. The shore was rocky if not somewhat challenging for a boat to land. Beyond the rocky beach, is a plain large enough to disembark his soldiers but at the risk of overbearing the battered galleons to its physical limits if they wish to chance upon a landing. Yet ultimately, the land was empty. A flexible and patient enough armada such as him could theoretically perform a gradual landing with what the table had in play.


    "Where exactly are we now?" Valorion asked.


    "Last night''s stars say that we are likely several dozen miles or so away from Ghana''s Wall Prince Valorion. Making the rocky shore of the Daosne Tribes territory. If we hurry to the Human fortress, we should be able to have warm beds and meals before the week passes." The Navigator answered. "We should follow the Captain''s advise and just have several of our rangers---"


    "Nay! We land our forces on Ysanigrad today." The Prince ordered. He was tired of sitting idle as the Demons swallowed the land in their tainted crusade. His armies must march to meet them head-on less all of Ysanigrad will be lost.


    "I fear it may be a risk to land here I am afraid my Prince. The rocks may not be treacherous but we will likely damage our sh.i.p.s if we attempt to land our forces ashore now." The Captain advised.


    "But if we don''t land now, who knows what will happen to us?" Valorion argued. "Our maps say all that''s beyond Ghana''s Wall is nothing but ice! If we don''t land our forces now then by the Gods we have failed in our mission by our inaction." He pressed.


    His men are stretched to the breaking point being cramped inside their roughened sh.i.p.s. The Daosne Lands feature ample opportunities for replenishment and resupply with wood to keep them war and wild mushrooms and game to eat. It will take a day to forage such items for the journey ahead but their chances of having an ample force to arrive of any value to Ghana''s Wall is greater on the frigid northern lands of the Beast Folk than it is to canker inside their sh.i.p.s.


    "Have all of the sh.i.p.s ready for a rough landing at the double. We will disembark ship by ship so be careful. I want to see every soldier that could still stand on their legs to touch land today." Valorion ordered.


    The captain was no fool to disobey the Crown Prince. Reluctantly he bowed, walking towards his horn, and with a mighty gust from his breath, its howl echoed across the Elven Armada.


    As each Galleon heard its bellowing echo across the northern Fjords, a spark of fire erupted amongst the weary crew. A second wind drove the sailors and soldiers to arise from their sloughs. The seafarers tossed their anchors, tied their sails whilst the soldiers buckled their weapons and armor as the first Ethuilen Forces finally touched down upon Ysanigrad. Mages assisted the disembarkation by hovering their supplies by the beach whilst their menagerie of mystical monsters assisted in the ferrying of the soldiers from ship to land. The process was meticulous if not without several mistakes made along the way. The Elves, boat-by-boat poured into that small rocky beach with such enthusiasm that some crashed accidentally across the rough rocks ashore.  Some were so excited to touch land that they swam a challenging distance across. Several injuries and fatalities had occurred during the landing in addition to critical damages by their beaten galleons but chiefly, over 100 surviving Galleons of the Elven Armada, of each contained 500 Elven Warriors were now deployed onto the cold rocky beach below the gray covered sky equaling a 50,000 strong army.


    Mounting atop of his beloved steed, the horned Dale Dasher Bethril, he cantered off to the front of his gathering army of the best of the best the Ethuilen Elves have to offer:


    Rainbow Helms (some dismounted) raised their great swords and glaives at the ready, Sword Singers & War Dancers bowed at the ready equipped with their spell-woven weapons were as resplendent and as beautiful as their names presented, Phoenix Knights lit their lances ablaze atop of their Glatisant Mounts, Elven Forest Rangers carrying their beautiful enchanted bows by their b.r.e.a.s.ts formed the sharpest tip of the spear, warrior elite of the Ethuilen Army.


    At its core, Valorion could count on the strength of both the mountains and the downpour of rainfall. The frontline consisted of an impenetrable line of pike and shield-wielding Silalthian Guards whose white plumes unfurled like a rising bird across the cold winds. Counting behind them were their skirmishing counterparts, the Allushtashi Archers equipped with longbows as large as their entire bodies readying to unleash a hail of arrows unto their foes. Always appreciating a vanguard of Cavalry to complement his infantry, the Elves had also deployed their Gladehearth Knights who, although lighter armed than their Phoenix-ranked brethren were just as swift-footed and bold in their charges.


    At last, to put the Elven Gift to be wrapped into a bow as a present of aid to the Slaegians were their mystical beasts. A Cadre of Great Eagles, some ridden by the most accomplished Forest Rangers and Knights being led by the helm of a mighty Sun Dragon whose auric head bears the second most important follower of Valorion''s army, the Arch-Mage Sellyinne ''the Graceful Hammer'' of potent if not nigh-godlike magecraft.


    The Royal Prince looked onto his army and smiled proudly at his brave followers who locked their gaze onto their leader with devotion burned into their hearts for the cause.


    "Brothers and Sisters of Alfel-Nora!" Valorion yelled forth. Bethril dashing across his army as he spoke. "It has been a treacherous journey from our homelands to the lands Ysanigrad. We had faced trials of starvation, pain and death but we have so far prevailed against them, brought forth likely by the Demon Lord''s attempts to stop our advance before we could meet him in fair battle!"


    His soldiers cheered in unison. Spirits lifted that they had survived the journey so far.


    "We mourn for our lost dead and we shall avenge soul the Demon''s had taken from us with ten more of theirs!" Valorion vowed. "It is time once again, for the brave sons and daughters of Alfel-Nora to protect the world once again from the Forces of Darkness. We had aided, guided, and lifted the many peoples of Ysanigrad as the one true Shepherds of Gliesia, as bestowed by our Gods. Now they ask for our aid once again. We shall show all of the world what our ancestors had accomplished many centuries ago! To beat back the darkness and restore the light of order unto Gliesia!"


    His soldiers once again cheered, united in purpose and passion by Valorion''s inspiring words. The Warriors raised their weapons to salute their commander as he passed over all of them, Valorion each looked onto their eyes back, reinstilling his commitment to his mission.


    He rallied to his cavalry bodyguards by the army''s right wings and together, the forces of Ethuilen marched to meet the Demonic Tide.


    "Sister of mine¡­ I shall avenge you." He whispered beneath his breath.


    [-]


    It was quite idyllic, if not haunting for Stryder Group when they slowed themselves down to absorb the Kalmte countryside. If one ignored the looming air of war on the horizon, there was a unique purity beneath all of Gliesia''s archaicism. The fantastic fields of the duchy reminded Samantha of a time beneath Earth''s own history free. A vivid looking glass of a time free of mega-corporations, big governments and indentured poverty of the Federation Worlds. The irrigation canals creaked down comfortably on her right whilst the autumn winds brushed soothing along the blades of c.h.e.s.tnut-colored grass that the local livestock grazed upon by her left as her party journeyed by the loam-paved road towards Egni. It was easy to get distracted beneath all of this fey-flavored scenery.


    "I hope this Maresh friend is at Egni. Yer'' Duke is really keen''on gettin'' everyone out''ta here before we move in." Crocker worried.


    "My dear Maresh is a plucky lass. She knows how to handle herself and isn''t afraid to live prudently if she has to. Being the daughter of a Shepherd after all. She does have a thing with her fingers when they touch the skin of others¡­ now I remember." Liliyan answered. "If we find Maresh, we will find Ratimir. I assure you."


    Samantha gritted her teeth. Now was not the time to smell the flowers. She needed to refocus back at the task at hand.


    "We should be able to see the village just by coming over this hill." Liliyan pointed out.


    The group pushed themselves over the terrain as they are greeted a full ambient view of the region ahead. A virile glade breathing with fields clothed in red, gold and jade as far as Stryder''s eyes (and binoculars) could see. The village of Egni, lay before a few hundred meters below the hill. However, a closer examination revealed that the town was empty and that the populace had moved out into a makeshift refugee camp far ahead.


    "We should definitely start at that Camp over there." Samantha peered her hand above her brow.


    They should be able to evade suspicion by the locals as they investigate the town since news of Colobonne''s fall of which the road they treaded lead to the city has not yet likely reached the locals as of yet. Their gear and weapons were hidden beneath a thick destitute leather jacket they wore over themselves to anonymously blend in with the refugee hordes that now drift all over Ysanigrad.


    The group descended down the hilltop as they landed upon the mouth of the village. In contrast to the pastoric charm the wilderness had provided. The town was seemed to drained of all life. Boarded up rooms and abandoned hovels greeted the expedition with only a handful of remnants lethargically sitting idle by.


    "All refugee''s mus'' present''selves to the Camp for''der Imperial Census for Rations and Passage out''ta Duchy." A Townsman of Egni monotonously ushered the new coming Stryder Group.


    "E-excuse me¡­ good sir." Samantha swallowed her throat and put up her best Gliesian Accent. "I am looking for a¡­ a friend who lives here." She asked.


    "Aye, I''nno everyone in this village. Who you-be lookin''fer?" the Townsman leaned closer, empathetically ready to help those fellows who wish to leave with their friends and families.


    "I am looking for one named Maresh, the Daughter of a Shepherd? Do you know the person?" Samantha asked.


    The Townsman''s helpful smile twist to a disheartened paralysis as he struggled to construct his response.


    "H-a-Have you not heard what''der Heralds had squawked¡­ cydwaed?" the Townsman stuttered.


    "What happened to her?" Samantha''s eyes shot with adrenaline.


    "Gods Protect''erus! Da--- Witch Hunters! They found''er to be casting hexes and curses! Making der town sick and raisin'' da dead to kill us all whiley flee from da Demons." The Townsman wailed. "Inquisition ar''aboutta burn her at the stake by da temple now."


    Upon hearing those words, Samantha fired her feet, carving a trail deep into the heart of darkness once again her squad following her. The Captain will not let this potential peace with the Vampires become ashes.

 Chapter 60 - the Gliesian Bio-Hazard

    Captain Rose''s boots scurried in a blur through the muddied dirt roadways through the semi-derelict Village as her mind raced in equal celerity. The moment she heard of Maresh''s impending fate; her heart quickened as she desperately gains her bearings of the Egni Village. Her squad ran, taking care not to expose themselves too much of a scene amongst the evacuating villagers as they chased after her. The village was a mess of carts, boxes, and oaken barrels that littered the supplies of personal belongings of a village of over 50 tenant farmers making the muddy paths a labyrinth.


    After a brief tussle of dodging hurried villagers, grunting porters, and stray livestock, Stryder finds themselves within the Village Center, a large circle with a stone temple of the Gliesian Pantheon easily skyscraping the highest point in the settlement.


    A crowd gathered before a wooden stage where a man in heavy armor and wearing a purple hat carried with him a lengthy scroll of paper that he read out its content from face level all the way down to his feet. Behind him was a waifish lady, tied to a pole of cut lumber her feet mired in animal fat, twine, and small kindling sticks. Several religious clerics waved holy symbols of the Gliesian Pantheon onto the condemned woman as they chanted hymns and prayers onto her as she wailed all the louder the more they progressed. It was as if she was not only damned in her mortal form but damned forever in the soul.


    "By mandate of the Duke of Kalmte and the High-Ecclesiarch Ithan the Fourth, we have gathered here today to address a crime most foul and Tolio''s Hammer smiting down upon the wicked trespasser. For whatever crime is greater than treason." The man declared to a jeering crowd, jeering not at him but at the woman behind him. "May his all-smiting hammer purify the tainted soul of this vile witch who has sowed discord and death unto her own neighbors! May she forever howl amongst the echoless chasm of the Slough of Tivna''s Garden for all-times and beyond!"


    "That woman¡­ that is Maresh!" Liliyan cried out. "Those Plum Toppers of the Inquisition are going to burn her!"


    "If they have Maresh, they could also have Ratimir too!" Iris followed in her distress.


    "What do we do now?" Obediah sweat fell off of his brow.


    "There''s a''lotta peeps all over us right now. Kickin'' the door in will be unwise." Crocker shook his jaw as he peered over his surroundings.


    "God Damnit¡­ and if we don''t¡­ we will lose our only shot in finding Ratimir." Samantha cursed.


    The time for her to think was again very short, every second flowing down upon her as patience, tactics, and forethought was discarded for immediacy.


    She was going to regret this decision¡­


    Samantha concentrated her mind once again for a spell, charging the Arcane Meridians on her Hecate Suit as she formed a great big ball of water. The created watered bubbled in size as the Inquisition ignited his torch before proceeding menacingly to a quavering Maresh who tried in vain to break free from her tight bonds.


    The flames soon encapsulated its kindling, devouring it all to grow in its infernal strength as their tongues licked the ragged gray cloth of Maresh. She screamed, cried in pain as she could feel her skin crisp under the fire''s kisses. She wanted to howl in agony once again, but as the waif was about to open her mouth. She suddenly felt a heavy cold breeze lay past her. It felt like the spring water used for the baths back at the Sprouted Flower. Opening her eyes, Maresh looked around her to see that the fire below her feet were quenched, the ashes of the flame, its cold corpse laying on where the kindling was placed. And she too was equally soaked in water, the autumn air soothing away her semi-broiled body.


    She unholstered her FBR-20, unveiling it from her tunic and raised its barrel to the air, firing three warning shots that echoed thunderously across the village. Those three shots caused the villagers to scatter in disarray with only a few iron hearts and those of the Inquisition left standing with their sweat poured faces drawing their weapons in a fearful frenzy.


    "Who dares interrupt this execution?" one of the purple hat Inquisitors growled as he drew his Rapier.


    "You got three counts to drop your weapons and give us the girl!" Samantha unveiled herself alongside with Stryder who readied themselves, magic and guns alike for battle.


    "Y¡ªYou! You''re the Share Holder, aren''t you?" He recognized Samantha from the numerous reports, or more exactly horror stories being accounted to him by those who spoke of her many terrifying talents. "You demons seek to rescue this Witch? That only makes you and her even more guilty of the highest of heresies." He scowled.


    "I am getting so tired of hearing this¡­" Samantha grated. She just wants to shoot them all and be done with it but alas, the Rules of Engagement says she is only cleared to attack if she is being set upon by the now scattered Gliesian Natives. "One!" she began her countdown.


    "I rather die on my feet than live on my knees Demon! Kill the---" the Inquisitor didn''t had time to completely blare his orders to his men before Samantha fired her Bullpup with a clean headshot through his purple hat.


    "Get Maresh out of there!" the Captain Ordered.


    The Inquisitors and their escort of Duchal Guards charged forth towards Samantha and her squad readying both their blades and spells. Crocker, Clay, and Aliathra were on crowd control, using their fully automatic and rapid firing weapons to pin down the charging Natives. They ducked for cover seeing that ordinary obstructions could shield them, if partially, from the invader''s wrath. This gave Diaz the opportunity he needed to rush towards Maresh''s pyre and cut her loose from her bindings with a slash of his Actocolite-Katana.


    The battle for Egni Village soon escalated to a chaotic firefight as Stryder stormed the Duchal-Inquisitorial positions with hailstorms of spell and bullets leaving a maelstrom that is easy to be lost beneath its lethal gales.


    "Silence!" He casted an Arcane Curse to them just as Iris and Liliyan were about to react. One such Inquisitor, a Mage of senior distinction, began to cast several enchanted Hexes in quick succession towards the Vampires of whom he caught isolated behind their Demonic allies.


    Both Vampires began to feel a searing heat burn from within their bellies as the opposing life forces of their bodies began to turn violently. Their negative flow reacted to the anathema of the Inquisitorial Mage''s positive flow with acidic consequence. As long as that mage grappled them with his Magicks, the two couldn''t even scream for help as the battle raged on around them.


    "I smite you down Vampire whores!" the Curse-bearing Inquisitor brought up his enchanted knife, a blade searing with Holy Magicks onto its form readying to finish the two Sochairfuil off with a cathartic lunge into their hearts.


    "Smite this¡­" Iris bared her fangs.


    Tipping over, she bucked her hip upwards where she kept her Aparo Astra Magnum Pistol holstered on her belt. Its hollow pointed Magnum Ammo tore through the Inquisitor''s arm, dismembering it clean off and disrupting his holy-powered hexing, freeing both Iris and Liliyan.


    "That was a clever little Cantrip you have there." Liliyan shook off the dirt on her porcelain face.


    "Not a Cantrip, just a little¡­ gift from a certain friend." Iris blushed as she turned over to the Inquisitor''s corpse. She attempted to backspin around her new gun so she could stylishly sheathe her Aparo Astro Magnum back into its pocket and impress her friend Liliyan. Unfortuitously, her finger slipped a few inches and the pistol came falling down clumsily onto the muddy ground.


    At least she kicked the safety in first otherwise she would have a verbal beating by Kayin and Samantha about Weapon''s Safeties.


    "Still haven''t gotten ''the Cowboy'' right¡­" Iris shook her head, picking up her pistol once again and quietly holstering it back before huddling over to the corpse once again, using her sharpened nails, she cut an open bleeding wound from the man''s abdomen and began to sate her thirst through cups of her palms. "I suggest you drink some. I believe this is going to be a long day ahead of us." The witch suggested to Liliyan.


    The battle continues to rage on for the rest of the hour, with the Native Soldiers now slowly being overwhelmed by the Federation''s superior firepower and close quarters tactics. They tried in vain to hide away from them within the houses only to be ratted out by Kayin and Crocker. Before long, the whole of the Village of Egni, of a defender amount of 107 was defeated by a force a nigh a tithe of its number.


    "We surrender!" one of the Villagers held his hands and dropped his pitchfork upon seeing the litters of death and destruction happen before his village. Their Will broken, the Villagers bowed before the Otherworlders. Frozen into silence as they did not want what happened to those Soldiers to happen to them and their families too.


    "What now Cap?" Kayin turned to Samantha.


    "There''s like over hundreds or more Civvies around us. No way we can control them all with just us." Samantha examined the aftermath. These were starving villagers, broken down by newfound fear yet there were many more of them than there were of Stryder. They are all in likelihood might try to do something drastic against her squad if given one moment of weakness in such disproportionate conditions. And they weren''t even equipped for Settlement Occupations, let alone babysitting refugees.


    "This chick here needs some help though!" Diaz reminded everyone as he carried the fading Maresh in his arms. Her hair was shaved and her body was close to a ghoulish skeleton as a result of days if not weeks of abusive neglect.


    "Shite! Get her somewhere safe, away from these folks." Crocker clasped his fist upon seeing such anguish inflicted onto her. "Get her to that Church up on that hill! Alie, heal''er up stat!" he barked.


    "Clay gets a line over to the Twelfth''s that we have managed to occupy a settlement east of Colobonne," Samantha ordered. "Occupational force and Refugee care complement at the double."


    Carrying over Maresh, the Stryder regrouped to the Village Center and into the empty Temple. The building was situated atop of a small hill that easily made the holy building the highest point in the village. The holy site was a humble stone monument to the Gliesian Pantheon, built more as a reminder of their faith than to share the opulence of the Native''s Gods with wooden furnishings. In regards to a Temple''s Sacred Treasures, if judging by the humble size of the Temple being very few and likely had been evacuated already before Stryder Group''s arrival thus allowing the vampiric Iris and Liliyan to enter the premise with negligible discomfort. Setting aside the Altar to be used as a makeshift medical bed, Aliathra began to cast her Restoration magicks onto Maresh, revitalizing her body from the brink of death.


    "M-uh¡­ Mistress?" the girl turned to see her boss amongst her rescuers.


    "Thank the Gods you are okay Maresh¡­ you are safe now." Liliyan cradled her.


    "Mistress¡­ they...I thought I was going to die¡­ the darkness¡­ all of it¡­ they even had Ratimir¡­" she g.r.o.a.n.e.d, her breath quickened with each progressing word as the Elf Healer''s hands began to treat her numerous bruises.


    "Ratimir¡­ my ''Cousin''. Where is he? If they, had you, they would ha---" Liliyan asked her but she was interrupted when Maresh immediately began to wail upon hearing Ratimir''s name.


    "He is dead!" the beleaguered Maresh convulsed. "They killed him in his own home and took me away."


    "What do you mean he is dead?!" Liliyan grasped Maresh''s laying body, shaken into disbelief. "The Inquisition. Killed¡­ Ratimir?" she trembled.


    "Explain everything that happened to you and him." Samantha pressed.


    "Ratimir wanted me to bring home some Habafant Calves and a few pots of dirt from a ranch that was having a plague amongst their cattle until I found his cottage being ransacked by Adventurers¡­ from the Grey Order by the looks of their badges." Maresh explained. "One of them told me that I was a ''Thrall'' to that Ratimir but I wasn''t¡­ I did what he was told willingly. Yet they told me that he caused the Plague that has befallen unto Egni. They went inside his home t-to¡­ kill him¡­"


    "Do you recognize the Adventurers?" Liliyan asked.


    "I¡­ I think one of them was called¡­ ''the Bane''." Maresh stuttered.


    "Faithleann¡­" Samantha''s ears ringed when she heard that name. "Blonde hair? Blue eyes?" she asked.


    Maresh nodded, confirming her suspicions.


    "That brat again?" Iris'' fangs growled. "When did that all happen? Where is Ratimir''s cottage?"


    "Months¡­ maybe¡­ ah¡­" Maresh grasped her bruised skull. "He¡­ he only ever shows me his Cottage... You can follow the creek north east until you see his hut. Hidden by some tree''s and by a large rock." She directed. "But¡­ the forest is now being used to cordon off all the infected people and animals there now."


    "Shit¡­ this all went to shit Cap." the Sergeant cursed. "First we got an Election-Referendum thingy now we''oughta solve a f.u.c.kin'' Pandemic?"


    "Wait¡­ what was he doing exactly more in his Cottage? When you brought him those things he asked from you?" Samantha pressed again.


    "Pieces of Habafant Meat. Ratimir told me, that he is trying to find a way to cure the plague that had befallen to the Habafants and several of the villagers." Maresh answered.


    "Does that mean¡­ shit¡­ I gotta call¡­ yeah¡­ uhm¡­ Yeah Captain, Code Lime! We need a CRBN Team on the way with them. Prep for Bio-Hazards." Clay interjected as he held his radio who is on the line with the commander of the 12th Infantry.


    "Cure? For a Plague? That''ll be bad for everyone." Samantha shook her head.


    "O-ccu¡­pation? Have the Empire come with the Northern Reinforcements?" Maresh''s eyes gleamed as she turned to Stryder.


    Samantha awkwardly coughed. "Uh¡­ that is not important right now¡­ can you take us to Ratimir''s Cottage?"


    "I can show you the way but we must steer clear of the Plague Camps. The air is thick with their sickness." Maresh nodded.


    "The Twelfth is coming in about an hour ma''am. We should sit here until they arrive." Clay reported, dropping his radio back to his back.


    "Nay, we have to get to Ratimir! I¡­ I¡­ we cannot allow muh-my brother too¡­" Liliyan sprang up, tears in her eyes and throat choked with grief. She dashed away from Maresh straight to the door.


    "Liliyan wait it''s not sa-" Samantha was about to grab Maresh but she was too quick on her heels for her to catch her.


    Obediah, who was standing sentinel with his rifle pointed to the Temple''s entrance was too slow to halt the tearfully running Liliyan as she exited the holy premise.


    "Shit! We have to get her!" the Captain cursed. "Crocker, stay here with Diaz, Obediah, Alie, and Maresh. Kayin, Iris come with me." she ordered.


    "Don''t run far off now." Sarge hollered.


    Samantha along with the Vampire Witch and the Combat Engineer bolted past the Temple''s Carved Doors.


    They trailed behind the runaway Vampire Courtesan past the pacified Village to the forest as aforementioned by Maresh. The mouth of the trail leading to the forest was packed with warning signs and damnatory cross marks that signify an evil being locked inside by the tree lines'' walls. It didn''t take another hundred meters for the dispatched Stryder Group Members to encounter the creek that Liliyan promptly followed northeastward.


    "Liliyan! We shouldn''t be here! Let us take care of this for you!" Kayin pleaded.


    "I cannot allow my brother''s remains nor his home to be defiled!" the Vampire hysterically howled.


    She leaped through the decaying trees and decrepit rocks until her soft porcelain feet became tainted with the black kisses of the earth. The trees they darted past soon transitioned into a glade where a hidden cottage, just as Maresh described was situated against a large rock. Greeting them was a band of several Five shapes of an uncanny fusion between Neanderthalic and ghastly that littered their warm yet scarred-filled bodies around the ransacked cottage. At first glance, they looked like savaged vagrants or those who had endured a battering series of hardsh.i.p.s across a tumultuous journey. There were several crudely made tents of cloth and animal hide they were sheltered on. Observing just a second further, Samantha could indicate that these must be the Infected people Maresh had also talked about. Their mouths were salivating excessively, their spasmodic movements, eyes unblinking, and their heavy breaths showing that their quarantine life in the forest was a harsh living. These vultures in humanoid form arose from scavenging the remains of Ratimir''s Cottage as Liliyan angrily gripped her h.i.p.s to demand their attention.


    "You cretins! Don''t you dare touch let your dirty paws touch my brother''s home!" the Vampire Courtesan scolded them.


    The quarantined Humans remained unresponsive only silently staring at Liliyan with their doll-like eyes and with their mouths agape in frothy saliva.


    "Fooo---- So¡­ Han¡ªGer!" one of the Infected, without hesitation lunged at Liliyan, his mouth opened with his sickly yellow and blood-stained teeth for a savage bite.


    He was immediately shot dead from a quick draw of Samantha''s Bullpup clean-off. The cracking of her rifle initially startled the Infected for a brief second but they resumed their cannibalistic charge towards Samantha and her companions.  Lunging to them with crude clubs, stones, and rusted knives, they seemed to power through most of Kayin and Iris'' attacks from their weapons and magicks as if they were immune to most forms of pain.


    Only a clean shot at center mass, or by the head from Kayin''s Shotgun or a decapitating slash from Iris'' Vampire Claws guaranteed their incapacitation. Their hearts pounded heavily as the last of Scavegengers fell to the disturbed relief of everyone in the group.


    "Liliyan! Do NOT run off like that! Those people could have killed you." Samantha reprimanded.


    "Wha--- What Accursed beings are those?" Liliyan bewildering pointed to the five corpses on the floor. "They tried to¡­ attack me."


    "Za-Zombies!  Zombies, Captain. Dead lookin'', groaning and stinky everything." Kayin screened aside to examine them. His cheeks twitched as he gagged in disgust to its decrepit smell.


    "Strange, they look like them but they don''t¡­ feel like a Sgerbwed." Iris suspicious scanned the corpses.


    "They ''feel'' like one?" Kayin turned his head and questioned the Witch.


    "There''s no sign of any Negative Energies, they can''t be Zombies.  They still have all have their Positive Energies, they are all still ''alive'', somehow. But in a way, not themselves¡­ like feral." Iris sensed the still-warm bodies of the dying Infected people. "Just my word as a practiced Conjurer of the Undead. Oh, forgive me Sam my dear¡­ but their blood¡­ no¡­ no need to look away like you do¡­ even I wouldn''t drink THAT." The witch plugged her nose and mouth with the cup of her palm.


    "They could still be dangerous even if they are dead. Stay away." Samantha pulled both Vampires away from the bodies.


    As they backed off, the four could hear behind them the subtle crack of branches and moving rock alerted the four that their presence in the pestilent glade was sensed by hordes of more of the Infected.


    Sam''s alarmingly counted dozens if not over a hundred or so migration of frothed-mouth drones hover before her companions like vultures. Their noses thirsted for the scent of fresh meat. After her team''s flesh.


    Samantha checked her Ammo, five magazines of heavy rounds. She can make many of those shots with semi-automatic fire. She compromised several parts of her vest for extra holding cases for her FBR-20 and Gladius Pistol.


    "Fight them back!" the Captain ordered.


    Kayin, Samantha, and Iris fired their magicks and weapons onto the approaching horde. Yet rather than take cover, retreat back into the forest''s shadows nor any form of self-preservation for that matter, they continued to charge through the forest onto Samantha''s position. Some of their shots weren''t perfect despite their best efforts to aim, only seeming to graze and further agitate the infected hordes to them. These monstrous humans used their speed and numbers to their fullest advantage. Hastily aimed Torso Shots weren''t guaranteed to bring them down, and even they weren''t the best in scoring critical headshots against moving targets that would strafe to the side in response to their aimed fire.


    "There''s just too many of them!" Samantha huffed.


    "I am burning too much¡­ too quickly¡­" Iris exhaustively panted after casting a Fireball at the ravenous horde.


    "Get in quick! The house is our only hope." Kayin cried as he pointed to Ratimir''s Cottage.


    Darting past the slain accursed Infected they had killed, the detached team of Stryder Group hunkered over to the abandoned cottage. Iris covered their retreat with a quick sprout of flames she drew along the dirt soil to keep the Infected away for a few precious seconds. Once inside they found that the humble home, despite being ransacked months ago still sported the barest essentials of furnishings, just stripped n.a.k.e.d and left to rot with the vacant cottage.  Working together, the team barricaded the door and two windows from the Zombie-like horde ranging from a cupboard, a stove, the bed, and table with a pair of stools using a combination of magicks and physical input.


    "Sorry, but we don''t taste any good!" Samantha fired Bullpup onto the Infected. Fl.i.c.k.i.n.g her rifle''s Selector into Semi-Automatic mode.


    She aimed carefully as she peeked over the barricade, calling each shot right between each of the Infected eyes and foreheads as they shambled in vain to climb into the house''s gaps. Their weight of numbers was being used against them. Their skeletal bodies, although a frightening to disconcerting sight to witness those individuals who were coddled with healthy prosperities had made the Infected physically weak, seemingly unable to perform more complicated motor functions than step forward and bite or even attempt to clumsily topple themselves over the man-sized windows even if they were barricaded. Thus, they are forced to rely on sheer numbers to chip away the defenses of the dilapidated hollow with abandon.


    "S-stay back Liliyan!" the Captain grunted as she shoved the cupboard towards the window.


    "This is Stryder-Lead! We need immediate support over here!" Kayin yelled at the radio.


    "This is Stryder-Two, we are boxed in back at Egni! The Inquisition just launched a Counter-Attack! We can''t reach you!" Lewis'' voice yelled at the radio. Gunfire could be heard on the radio as people shouted in indecipherable yells.


    "F.u.c.k!" Kayin cursed, as he struggled to keep the door holding against the persistent Infected.


    Liliyan cowered behind Iris as she skidded her frail body across the cottage''s wooden floor. She was reduced into a malaise of tears as she covered her ears that blanketed the crack of Kayin and Iris thunderous weapons. In her panic, she felt her b.u.t.t.o.c.k.s a sharp piercing pain when she slid by the corner of the cottage farthest away from the doors and windows.


    Clasping her injury, she turned around only to realize that she had just stumbled upon a hidden door that was built into the ground. Its broken handles indicating forced entry however. Opening the door, she realized there was a small staircase that led to a deceptively deeper part of Ratimir''s house. It has seemed there was more to her brother than meets the eye amidst his idiosyncrasies and modesty.


    "W-we can go i-i-in here" Liliyan turned to her companions, pointing down on the hidden bas.e.m.e.nt door.


    Samantha looked over, seeing the bas.e.m.e.nt door being flung open. The sight of a golden bridge beneath an inescapable press brought forth. She was running low on ammunition and her was beginning to breathe heavy. Sheathing her rifle Sam gestured Kayin and Iris to follow her down to the bas.e.m.e.nt door. They hopped inside and with a hasty after thought, Iris conjured one of the nearby stone bricks into a door bar and using a few twists of her power re arranged the damaged locks of the door to allow them to lock themselves within the bas.e.m.e.nt allowing for sanctuary to final be realized amongst Samantha and her companions.


    Darkness, albeit calm in poise immediately greeted them before Kayin brought up his Flashlight out.


    "They should lose interest with us eventually¡­" Kayin looked over the magically sealed door.


    "That was a lucky break though Corporal¡­" Samantha sighed in relief, resting her back by the mossy brick wall behind her. "Those¡­ those people¡­ Did the Duchy leave them to¡­ be like THAT?" she looked back at the unfortunate Plague Infectee''s.


    "This¡­ this place, however¡­ more than meets the eye." Liliyan passed. "I never knew Ratimir would have any much need for such¡­ intricacies."  She looked over the darkened hallway ahead. It was pitch black outside of a few dozen meters away.


    "Indeed." Iris nodded. "Whatever is he hiding here, we have to¡­ what is the word you say again, Samantha? ''To the bottom of it.''?" She asked.


    "Whatever Ratimir was working on about that plague he''s working on, he must be trying to do some help if that''s the case." Samantha stood back up. "I mean, we may at least try to piece together what in the hell is going in this village by the meantime. The Docs and CRBN Teams would appreciate it." She suggested.


    "What of your brother-in-arm? The large one who wears half a Knight''s Plate?" Liliyan rolled her hand, trying to best describe one of Samantha''s squadmates.


    The Captain instantly knew who she speaks of.


    "You mean Crocker? Don''t worry about him, he can take care of himself and the rest of my team¡­ I mean¡­ ''Cwum-Nee''. He''s actually in a way¡­ just as great as a team leader as me." the Captain humbly answered. "I could never ask a better Number Two than him."


    "Number two?" Liliyan furrowed.


    "Just how we call our second-in-command. You know, someone who directly answers to you?" Samantha explained.


    "Knowing him, he should probably yell at Clay to get the Twelfth all over Egni at the double. No way they will leave it to chance. Hawkwood is probably scrambling every unit in a five-mile radius." Kayin nodded. "If we are going to go through deeper in this bas.e.m.e.nt, we should stay together now from this point on. Who knows what is waiting for us down here?"


    Everyone nodded in agreement. It was going to take a while for those infected to give up trying to pursue them and there was not much they could do from here other than push forward into Ratimir''s secret underground dungeon and beside quested into investigating this mysterious plague. Sticking together with Kayin delegated as the Pointman and on the prowl for booby traps with his light polarizing Infrared Goggles.


    Slowly but surely they progressed through the dungeon.


    "Maresh said right that some Grey''s came through here, right?" Liliyan comments.


    Their progress was greeted with arcane remains of conjurations, stains of unwashed blood, several triggered snare traps and even a chamber filled with darts that shot around the wall or were stopped dead onto the floor as if by some artificial creation that now had disappeared such as an Arcane Shield. Judging by these traps, Ratimir intended that nobody was welcome within his underground sanctum. The more they journeyed through the now exhausted gauntlet, the more upset Liliyan became as she quavered, holding Iris'' hand to hold her fragile morale.


    "They were very thorough. I can give them that." Kayin nodded.


    They came upon a slightly opened door at the end of the hallway. Unlike the rest of the dungeon, it was a solid slab of lumber carved by hand with an ornate shield hanging at its center. A depiction of a spear-holding bird as it takes flight, the Coat of Arms of the Mairinnas family. This door must be where the real heart of Ratimir''s secret doings is kept¡­ and someone had been there.


    Pushing the door open, the four companions entered Ratimir''s laboratory. It was significantly nobler than his humble cottage with an expansive floor, more furnishings, and the addition of amenities such as a study with a small library of bookshelves and his aforementioned lab if it weren''t for the whole chamber to be in a state of disarray. Scattered papers, damaged furnishings and burn marks betraying the scene that there were signs a fight had occurred an unknown time ago.


    "What did that Brat Faithleann do here?" Iris whispered, cursing the Chosen One''s name.


    "See if there''s anything useful here, we can grab about Ratimir." Samantha ordered.


    Liliyan looked over by the bedroom, Iris turned around and examined the Study whilst Kayin checked over by the lab.


    "Well, now I know why he wanted to know where I get my bed for my brothel. I recognize the handiwork of the wood and the mattress." Liliyan sat by Ratimir''s significantly larger cot compared to the one found above ground at his cottage.


    "Nothing but books about Animal Drawings here¡­ and a few blank papers¡­ is this¡­ Ah¡­ it''s just ink." Iris spat out the black liquid from her mouth when she looked over Ratimir''s desk.


    "Well, Ratimir had always seemed to enjoy the company of animals more than other people. When he grew older, he was at least more¡­ forward when it comes to talking with anyone else." Liliyan reminded Iris.


    Corporal Mudwin scanned past Ratimir''s laboratory, most of the valuable equipment and likely any form of writing typical of any laboratory were destroyed or confiscated when the Adventurer''s Guild Quested their way into the Vampire''s inner sanctum. By the number of smashed glasses being scattered about and delicate yet broken iron bars, Ratimir was likely engage in some form of Alchemy, but the bloodied table at the center also indicated he dabbled in butchery however ironically enough for someone supposed to ''have an Affinity with Animals''.


    Wanting to examine further, Kayin pulled down his helmet''s visors, switching them on to Infrared Sight, he re-examined the scene under a new lens. Several areas of interest soon began to pop on his screen.


    "I got something by the table ma''am. Some kind of¡­ dried up¡­ Microscopic Life Form?" Kayin declared. "I am seeing a trail¡­ going about away from it¡­ over and over and¡­ AAGGHH!!!" Mudwin accidentally tripped over when his heels were cut with an unexpected hazard when he was stepping back from the mysterious trail.


    Recovering from his fall, Kayin lifted himself back up only to find that his hands were touching something soft and mushy. When he looked back to his hands after getting back up, he discovered to his dread that his gloved hands were grasping something blackish-red with a rotting scent. Turning around, he gasped on what he had just tripped on.


    "Guys¡­ I¡­ I think¡­ I found Ratimir." Kayin yelled.


    The other three women quickly dropped down to Kayin''s position and found the grisly sight.


    "Brother¡­" Liliyan collapsed to her knee''s.


    Ratimir was a tall yet stout man, easily of the size of Sergeant Crocker but the antithesis of physical health as Samantha observed the corpse. Iris confirmed noddingly with Liliyan as she knelt down to comfort her kin-sister as they recognized Ratimir''s leather jerkin his Habafant horned tattoos on his now eroding body. The corpse, especially around his belly was now a feasting ground for carrion critters to devour to their heart''s content. His body was mangled into a macabre origami by several crunching blows, likely from cuts from a sharp object also capable to break bone strikes from a heavy weapon or having his body turn inside out by some form of Positive Life Force inducing a spell. His eyes were hollowed as fungi festered within its sockets.


    "This shit just got a whole lot more complicated Captain." Kayin shook his head.


    "Yeah, Ivetana and the other Eildearan''s are not going to love to hear from this¡­" Samantha agreed.


    "This can''t be!" Iris head ached in sorrow. "Do you know what this means not just for you and my people Sam? They will be doomed to face the Federation''s Guns in droves. Break us just us how they broke the Empire¡­" a rare tear fell down the Witch''s cheek, yet her eyes held like a cracking dam the rest of the Vampire''s tears by the strength of her volition against her humanity''s wishes.


    Iris knew she had seen nearly a half of her people agree to the Federation''s compromises, but they could not be allowed to move an inch away without the rest of the Eildearan''s permission. Any attempt to usurp such an authority could lead to tumultuous conflict where Sochairfuil blood would be spilled by the buckets.


    "There has to be another way. If Ratimir can''t break the vote, how are we going to get the Vampires on our side." Kayin turned to Samantha.


    "I¡­ I don''t know¡­" Samantha sank her head down. She was at a loss of what she could do to salvage this. "But we got bigger fish to fry. For now, we have to let the other Vampires know what happened to Ratimir, and let''s see what we can talk our way through from there. We have to at least bring his body over. Liliyan, can you act as a witness to what happened for us? Tell the Eildearans about everything that happened?" The Captain answered.


    The Vampire Courtesan wiped away a tear from her eye, she silently nodded her approval.


    "We should also at let them heed the Plague coming about from Egni too." Iris reminded.


    "Okay get some gloves on and let''s at least try to carry over Ratimir. Iris, I need you to conjure up some Cloth if you can so we can zip Ratimir¡­ with some dignity. It''s the least we can do now." Samantha ordered.


    Pulling up her scarf to mask the rotting stench of the corpse, Samantha grabbed Ratimir''s body from his c.h.e.s.t. But when her hand grasped the dead Vampire''s leather jerkin, she could feel an odd solid shape peek out by his left b.r.e.a.s.t. Rather ashamedly, Samantha dug her into the jerkin until her hand found a slab-shaped object hidden beneath an inner pocket. Pulling it out of the back pocket was a blood stained and unmarked book.


    "Some kind of notebook?" Kayin asked.


    "Could be a Journal," Samantha answered unassuredly. The red-headed captain opened the book carefully and dusted off the muck and dirt away from its pages.


    She was not yet confident in deciphering with the rows and rows of the Slaegian Alphabet let alone how to discern each character in regards to penmanship. But by the legions of characters written inside it. Ratimir, assuming he owned the journal must also have obsessively written down many if not important notes of his doings inside this derelict lair on to this book.


    "Iris can you read out loud for us." Sam passed the journal to the Witch.


    Iris took hold of the book and her eyes peeked over its texts after finally conjuring a body bag that they could use to help transport Ratimir''s Corpse away. Later they can conjure up a small sleigh that should help them push the Body back to Stryder''s Land Cruiser where it should be taken to the Eildearan back at the Tyhela at Dimera. With a reassuring smile she began to interpret the text in Samantha and Kayin''s English:


    ---


    Many grim tales are being spoken by the Ranchers around the village about the cruel scourges happening to their critters. Tales of them going mad, wild-eyed and looking malnourished despite being fed ample feed and cared for. Their mouths frothed like searing pots as their maddened eyes began to attack anyone or anything who try to come close to them with their cud-festered teeth. The Clerics and the other Ranchers heralded that the Habafants have been struck with the title ''Primal Boil'' due to this.


    I gave so many gifts to my furred friends, sometimes silently trespassing their plots to feed them, care for them or cure them of any ailments. Unlike most of the Ranchers who only seem to see them nothing more but just sacks of Ducats. They breathe, live and play just like us too!


    However, this malady that befallen amongst the critters, especially big friends the Habafants cannot go un-answered. I cannot seem to get close to them so I could try to see what is wrong with them but I doubt I could be able to evade the local help the Ranchers have been hiring just so they could keep intruders like me away. I don''t know if I could be able to save them from this malaise or the Ranchers, but I must try.


    ---


    "That¡­ that does sound like what would Ratimir would say. He always loved Habafants." Liliyan softly smiled. It was a small solace that even though he was dead, he never stopped doing what he loved despite what everyone had judged him.


    "Continue Iris." Samantha ordered Iris.


    ---


    Coincidence!


    I just found out from one of the taverns that one of the Daughters of the more scanty-pursed Ranchers ''helps'' makes ends meet by working as a Woman of the Night back at Colobonne, specifically from the same Whorehouse as where my Sister Liliyan works as the Brothel''s Mistress.


    The information however was costly as I was nearly taken by the Watch that night as a fight broke out between her father, me and several of the other peasants who had used some of their stipends to enjoy a few hours with this joiner of Liliyan''s girls back at the Sprouted Flower. I shall scrounge up whatever Gold I can and I will see if I can get this ''Maresh'' lass to help me try to get closer to these afflicted Habafants.


    ---


    "That explains Maresh''s links with Ratimir." Samantha affirmed the information.


    "That¡­ sounds surprising. Not going to lie." Kayin commented.


    ---


    Maresh agreed to help as long as I pay her a little extra to keep her word of my ''odd requests''. She was more relieved when given the prospect for easy coin without having to spread her legs or rough herself up.


    I told her to deliver the Habafant corpses, or at least what she could get away with taking away from the Rancher Estates to my Cottage. Although she still gets odd eyes amongst the local boys in the village, they typically don''t dare get in her way unless they were tossing coins at her for a moment of her time. Nonetheless, I managed to get some pieces of Habafant Flesh from her, not what I was expecting¡­ but it should work. I can easily keep them stored for long periods by preserving them in some brine kegs so I can see if I can cut out what is hurting my big brown friends.


    ---


    Iris was progressively slowing her speech as her eyes widened by Ratimir''s written words.


    "He must really love animals if he was willing to go through that." Samantha turned to Liliyan.


    "I mean¡­ yes he does still eat meat coming off from the Butchers. But he always treated every animal, whether they are from the farm or from the forest with reverence. Admiration for all of them. From their birth to being served on a plate." The Courtesan''s tears dried. Hearing her brother''s words was slowly bring her back from the state of grief to softly accept his passing.


    Samantha and Kayin were beginning to become intrigued by the journal. She gestured Iris to continue, wanting to know more of Ratimir''s dabblings.


    ---


    I can never believe what I saw.  What Maresh gave me was something¡­ SOMETHING TRULY EVIL.


    At first, I had sensed an odd Life Essence¡­ alien to the gentle Habafants when the Strumpet passed me over the cut-up carcasses of the Rancher''s dead Habafants she veered into my possession for my study. I looked over the bodies and found amongst the brains and innards of their remains that there was some kind of outside being lingering within them. Using my Arcane Locuses what I found beneath the masticated scraps of the Habafants is SOMETHING TRULY EVIL.


    Something made of nothing else but una.d.u.l.terated malice lingered, nay THRIVED within the stomachs of my friends. A deceptive being of unimaginable hatred for all life yet so small in size, it may as well be unseeable with the un-aided eye. This Evil Essence somehow invades into the Habafant''s stomach and began to steal the power of its food for itself without anything returning to its anchor. It disgusts me to see that one can steal another''s bread even after he had swallowed it into his mouth. Deprived of any relief to their aching stomachs, they become lost, enslaved into wild beasts, acting madly against their Rancher Overlords and even to myself to demand a meal that, like a thief in the night, steals the nourishment of the Earth to feed itself.


    To take without returning, perhaps the greatest sin of them all.


    I must find a way.


    ---


    Iris'' eyes began to scan the book slowly. Her voice and head having difficulty comprehending the next text.


    Cold sweat fell down Samantha as she began to piece together what Ratimir described. What he seem''s to be describing could be some kind of microscopic life form. A Parasite? A Bacteria? A Virus? A Life Form that takes away nourishment?


    "He is beginning to speak in tongues that I do not understand¡­" Liliyan began to shiver in confusion.


    ---


    I am beginning to lose sleep, and the stories I heard are getting grimmer by the day, not only are my Habafant friends are dying to this Truly Evil Being but even the Farmers and Ranchers around the village are beginning to show the same signs that the Evil Essence capturing their souls, frothing mouths, a frenzied aura and ghoulification of their bodies no matter how prosperous their bowls were.


    But as I wallowed here in my research amongst the smelling piles of Habafant carcasses, Maresh shared me some good tidings. The rumor goes that a herd of Habafants from one of the Ranches have been reported to be miraculously no longer ensnared by the Evil Essence after a brief attack of several of its Herd Family. Not only that, even if they shared the same pastures as them, they do not exhibit any of the same signs of their enslavement as if they were freed. Must look into this closer. It almost laughs in the face of such a Truly Evil Being. They stood proudly, as the Minstrels would sing, ''like the Wise Knight facing against the Barbarian Champion.'' These ''Miracle Herds'' were no stranger to its foe, it stood tall, studied its whispers and no matter what the Evil Essence may had attempted to seduce them to its influence, they remain pure!


    Lehsol shines brightly amongst these blessed beings as some deem a Miracle. But I need to know¡­ how did this Miracle happened? It is never enough! Unfortunately, Maresh told me she cannot visit me much for a while as she still has duties with her family and the rest of the village. As I foresee, I must continue alone in this journey. I must find a way.


    ---


    Iris turned over to the next page.


    ---


    I was nearly caught¡­ but I it pains me to do this as I came up with an idea. I had to, although I do not know if I can forgive nor sleep at night the same anymore but I had to rustle and run as fast as I could, stealing away two Habafant Calves from their mothers. The cows'' whining alerted the Watch as I escaped and I barely reached the safety of the forest before I lost them. It was a risk to steal a them, but I needed these children from the ''Miracle Herd'' so I may unlock their secrets. One Calf was from the ''Miracle Herd'', the other was from another Ranch who happen to share the same grazing ground as them.


    I believe the Miracle was, that Lehsol must have arrayed its light onto the Tainted Habafants to weaken them and to give the Pure ones of the ''Miracle Herd'' to fight off the Evil Essence. I have placed all of my remaining supplies of the Tainted Habafant Flesh on my Alchemy Table for a series of ventures to test out my ideas onto the Calves. The ''Miracle'' Calf will be tested off its ability to resist the Evil Essence, while the normal Calf will be used as a means to attempt to recreate the same constitution against the Evil like its ''Miracle'' kin. I know I will likely hurt thse babe but if it means the other Habafants and Village will become safe, it is a Sacrifice I will be willing to make.


    At least nobody will call me ''Rancid'' anymore.


    The title ''Sage'' would sound very nice to me.


    ---


    "That table was filled with Tainted Flesh? That''s gross!" Kayin cringed. "That explains all the dots on my goggles too¡­" he gagged his tongue out.


    "Corporal, are you getting this recorded?" Samantha asked the Engineer. "We need this on the NETT Comms. The Chem-Troops will want to know everything we got here in this place."


    "Yes, Yes." Kayin nodded as he turned on the built-in broadcasting visor camera connect to his unique node within the NETT Warrior Network.


    NETT Warrior is an Integrated Communication System that allows UFEAF Soldiers to be able to identify themselves on the field, broadcast live information to their peers and superiors and be able to communicate live with each other at lightning speeds for the best possible Operational Cohesion. The system is also connected to ISAC and the UFE Navy firing systems to allow for greater overall Command Oversight across multiple inter-related strategic/tactical layers.


    "There is one more entry here." Iris flipped unto the final page of Ratimir''s Journal.


    ---


    One of the Calves, the normal one eventually died; I might have pushed the babe too far... But what I recorded astonished me.


    Without any surprise, the ''Miracle'' Calf showed pre-dominant resilience to the Evil. No matter how expose it is, the Calf remained resolute.  It truly lives to its title.


    Testing my suspicions: That it was Lehsol purifying the Evil Essence somehow. I pick the use of a Weakened Wand. I managed to buy it off from a Rogue Mage that passed over the province looking to hand off some of his illicit Arcane Item about a month ago. I began using the Wand to inflict a weaker variation of the spell ''Scorching Ray'' onto the pieces of tainted Habafant flesh Maresh gave me.


    As expected, the Evil Essence weakened, although some parts remain of the Evil Essence''s remains lingering still amongst the tainted flesh. I grabbed my knife and willfully coat a sliver of the tainted flesh and then proceeding quickly onto both Calves, purposely feeding flakes of the flesh onto its feed, both in water and in its fodder.


    ---


    "He deceitfully fed Habafant to a Calf? That is most vile." Liliyan winced.


    "What is a Weakened Wand? Isn''t that just broken Arcane Amp?" Samantha asked Iris.


    "No, a broken wand would be ''Cracked'' rather than ''Weakened'' Samantha. These wands are actually a kind of tool some mages used when they need to cast certain spells but not at its typical full strength. It is a tool for precision rather than power. Often used by Healers, Constructors and even Druids." Iris explained. "There''s still some more on the last page¡­"


    ---


    Again, as expected, the normal Calf began to show signs of the Evil Essence trying to enrapture it, soul. A Fever formed, but as a blessing from heaven, it progressed no more than that On the other side of the wall, the ''Miracle'' Calf had no effect on its temperament. Both Calves were healthy after several of days observing. It seems that Lehsol, upon weakening the Evil Essence, allowed the Miracle Herd to stand a chance against this Invisible Evil.


    And I have recreated this Miracle!


    Farming more of this milder Evil Essence while long casting Scorching Ray spell all day however is a tiring process. I risk burning my entire lair using such a spell, already I had to quench 4 times a fire that nearly devoured my table. Fortunately, I have a managed a work around with single casting of Necromantic Spell ''Inflict Wounds'' for every batch of Tainted Habafant flesh. Using my Weakened Wand, I was able to create a facsimile of the ''Scorching Ray'' milder Evil Essence I had previously broiled to submission. But now faster, quicker and less likely to burn my cottage down.


    My next attempt to vitiate the tainted Habafant flesh onto the Calf through a variety of different methods. But to finalize onto my little journal here, the most effective means of inoculating my milder Evil Essence is by cutting open a wound onto the Calf''s leg and inserting a sliver of the taint onto the Pure being. It is then, that the soul will be able to defeat the Evil Essence at its weakest possible strength rather than at its strongest and resist future attempts of corruption from that point onwards. It should take several inoculations but it seems I have to poison my blade of the tainted flesh about three times to develop the resilience I seek for my friends.


    I must try again¡ª


    ---


    "It ended here." Iris concluded. "He stopped mid-writing¡­ I fear that at that moment, he was killed by that brat Faithleann." She bitterly bore her fangs.


    "My Brother did all of that behind mother and I? Gods we really should not have let him leave out of our Estate on his own way when he asked." Liliyan lamented. "Mother always said that chasing those big furred beasts would get him killed. Yet he is a fool to never listen to us¡­"


    Samantha recollected her thoughts as the Captain retreated to rest upon one of the Sanctum''s sitting stools. She reviewed what clues she and her team had witnessed so far. The Infected Walkers were devolved beasts that is a fact, hungered starving beasts. Although they do look and act like a feral Zombie, the Magically Conjured ones were too dull and obedient to lash out wildly against others as their necromantic conjurer commanded. And that''s not regarding that Zombies should be filled to the brim with Negative Life Force, of which these Infected were not. As Iris, regarded, they are still ''alive but feral''.


    In regards to Ratimir''s Journal, the way he described his procedures with the late Calf sounded something familiar to her. Something she had read in a History Book back at biology classes back home at Boucherville, Quebec Prefecture.


    "That ''fool'' Ratimir pioneered a life-saving procedure we call Vaccination using Liliyan. Using ''the evil'' Necromancy magic no less. Uh¡­ uh¡­ Inactivated¡­ Live¡­ something but weak¡­ Vaccines?!" Samantha''s eyes widened across each side of her corneas. "Guts¡­ your Cow-Hugging brother is in a whole other level of smarts." She turned to Iris and Liliyan.


    "W-what kind of tongues are you all speaking about?" Liliyan asked confusedly.


    "Vaccines? Oh Liliyan, I think you need to know of this." Iris tapped her. "Its like¡­ a Shield or more of maybe a Trainer¡­ it is like¡­ uh¡­ uh¡­" the Vampire Witch Stuttered, struggling to remember what Dr. Lee Haneul talked about her.


    It was related to a ''Medical Examination'' as they call it that she was forced to go through when she agreed to collaborate with the Federation those many months ago.


    "It''s like a Trainer, an Instructor of sorts for your body. It helps you be able to resist the disease so you don''t have to be sick." Kayin moved in Iris'' behalf. "Often made by¡­ fiddling around with Ratimir''s ''Evil Essence'', or what we would call it a Virus. He was likely trying to make a weaker version of the Virus so that the body could easily resist it."


    "But if its weakened, how could it fight against the Evil Essence at full strength?" Liliyan inquired.


    "Your body is much more hardworking than just that. Even if the opponent is weakened, the way the Virus¡­ I mean¡­ ''Evil Essence'' will still act and look the same nonetheless. Imagine your body like a¡­ City Gate. Whatever comes in are the ''Good Essences'' like Merchants and¡­ uh¡­ Villagers. But the Guards will remember to keep an eye out for a known Criminal Bandit. Imagine what Ratimir is doing is posting the Wanted Poster of the Criminal Bandit. The Guards would be told what he looks like and what he will do so they remain alert." Samantha explained through an analogy.


    "Guards would be ready to find and capture him." Kayin added. "That''s the idea how it should work."


    "Like ''the Ballad of the Wise Knight''." The Courtesan lowered her head, realizing her brother''s analogy. "My Brother¡­ Oh Ratimir¡­ I¡­ am so sorry¡­" Liliyan mourned over Ratimir''s corpse once again.


    "Your brother died, trying to help people and those Habafants despite them hating him for what he does. Yet even still, it never stopped him from trying." Samantha knelt down with Liliyan and held her by the back.


    "And that brat Faithleann killed him." Iris cursed.


    "Samantha¡­ those villagers in Egni, killed my brother." Liliyan clawed the stone floor. Her teeth clenched to the verge of being crushed by the weight of her ire. "They do not deserve any of my brother''s kindness! They killed him by sending those Adventurers to kill him and handing Maresh over to be burned at the stake. I want you¡­ to eviscerate¡­ every man, woman and child in that damned village until none are left!" she accentuated, beating the floor with her closed fist.


    "No! Don''t say that Liliyan. Killing them will not bring back your brother." Samantha stopped Liliyan.


    "She is right, the Arferol hate us enough already. That would only make them want to hunt us down even more. Do you want to end all of us to end up like the Lachtinach''s?"  Iris pleaded.


    "I¡­ I¡­ I don''t want to see my brother like this anymore!" Liliyan wailed.


    Iris closed into her kin-sister, and held her back up. Together they proceeded to respectfully put Ratimir''s body onto the conjured body bag so that Ratimir can be taken back to his family.


    "Hold on¡­ if Faithleann and those Adventurers killed him in the middle of his writings then¡­" Kayin raised. The Engineer pulled down his visor, still turned on to Infrared mode, and re-examine the specks of dead microscopic on his lenses.


    His face froze catatonically as he sees that the highlighted traces led outside of the Lair, to the direction from where they came in.


    "The Adventurers must have taken out his research." Kayin quickened his pace as he followed the trail. Passing over the exhausted trap rooms the group, after carrying Ratimir''s corpse virtuously onto the conjured body bag returned to the lair entrance.


    "Trail leads outside. What happened to those Research Samples of his?" Kayin c.o.c.ked his shotgun as he unlocked the door. Gently he peeked over to see if the Infected were still around but found nobody waiting for them that wasn''t another UFEAF Soldier.


    With a thumbs-up gesture, he signaled to his companions that the coast is clear and together they quietly left Ratimir''s Cottage.


    "Where does it lead to now?" Samantha asked the Engineer.


    "No¡­ No¡­ No¡­ they didn''t." Kayin shuddered as he jaunted over to the creek.


    In his visors, the trail of the tainted Habafant samples ended by the edge of the flowing creek.


    "Where do these waters lead to?" Samantha asked Liliyan.


    "To Egni before moving out to the rest of the Duchy. We use the water for bathing, washing and drinking." The Courtesan explained.


    Samantha looked at Iris and Kayin who in turn looked back at each other. The puzzle finally came together now.


    And the picture it formed was a ghastly image, even more sinister than the Infected Walkers that had attacked them earlier.


    "We need to get back to Egni. Now." Samantha ordered.


    They advanced southwards along the forest road taking care to remain alert if any of those same Infected individuals were nearby. As they moved, Samantha and Kayin could hear gunfire in the distance.


    "Looks like the Twelfth arrived quickly." Kayin commented.


    They could see over the distance a rising smoke cloud from Egni, causing Samantha to grow concerned about her detached squadmates. With further progression, they began to see several bodies littered around the floor. Dirtied, mangled, and hollowed Gliesian Natives. It took a quick look on their mouths to realize that these people were Infected with the Habafant ''Primal Boil'' Plague that the late Ratimir described.


    "Look over there. Soldiers of yours?" Liliyan pointed out across the dirt road.


    A squad of ten soldiers appeared amongst the corpses of Infected Individuals before them by the road. To the Gliesian unfamiliar to the concept of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Unit or CBRN, they seemed to be the Otherworlder''s pre-conceived equivalent of their own Knights in regards to their distinction that they emit among even the regular forces. That and their rather twisted take on the travelling Physicians of non-magical ability that peddle their services and remedies to those who could afford (or trust them). They held their heads tall and proud with large protruding eyes and bore two to three kinds of black beaks in a strange mix between a Doctor''s herbal infused, avian-shaped Mask with a Knight''s Bascinet. Their armor was in actuality a thickly protective olive-green mesh cloth that protected them not from physical blows but of the chaotic elements. By the time they are within visible by the n.a.k.e.d-eye distance to the Soldiers, Samantha''s NETT Warrior Communications from her visor reveal them to be belonging to the 12th Infantry.


    "Halt!" one of the Hazmat-suited Soldiers hailed Samantha. "Do not move!" he ordered.


    "We are not one of----" Liliyan tried to reassure the soldiers with her beguiling tongue forward but Samantha and Iris f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y pushed her down.


    "Do what he says." Iris urged the Courtesan as she firmly held her still.


    "Scanning!" the soldier commanded a giddy UAV Drone to hover above them.


    Its cyclopean eye scanned ominously over the four companions for a tense moment before it returned to its master. Like a hawk returning to its handler, the knightly CBRN Soldier nodded to the bird before returning the mechanical animal into his back.


    "Captain Samantha Rose. Prepare for decontamination." He informed her.


    "De-co¡­" Liliyan''s eye convulsed on the alien word her kin-sister speaks of.


    "Just bear it. Don''t do anything." Iris pleaded.


    The CBRN Soldiers brought out another one of the Otherworlder''s Mechanical Creatures. Twins in fact. Both were four-legged about less than a size of a steed with a large snout over its body. Beneath its torso protruding 4 large testicle-shaped tanks that hung around the being. The first creature wasted no time dispensing white foam across Samantha and her companions, nearly burying them in cold bubbling disinfectant foam over their bodies. The next creature immediately prompted suit, began showering sterilized water to wash down the disinfectant foam over their bodies. This left Samantha and her companions'' bodies with their clothes and gear soaked and shriveled. It was a rather unpleasant yet ultimately necessary experience overall for them. But Liliyan has taken these measures the worse as her delicate Courtesan robes were ruined to the point of decay and her usually vulpine aura soured into a disheveled glare at these Olive-armored Knights.


    "This is no way to treat a Lady!" She scowled to the Otherworlders as she covered her voluptuous features with her hands. The water that dampened her clothes aired off a visage of a nymph mid-bathing. Immediately, one of the CBRN Soldiers placed over her head a thick-clothed black towel to dry and cover her body up.


    The Soldiers ignored her complaints, turning to face Samantha and saluted her.


    "Ma''am. Lieutenant Fred Feldchrist. C.O. of Twelfth Infantry''s CBRN Team. We came in when you blasted those Bio-Hazard detes all over the Warrior NETT. It''s an honor to meet you." One of them announced. "Forgive me, but this is all standard procedure." He apologized immediately.


    "At ease Lieutenant. I would have done the same too." Samantha nodded. "What goes the situation back at the Village."


    "Your squad is doin'' al''right. Your second-in-command, a Staff Sargeant Crocker managed to hold most of them off at his position. They took some beating when the Natives punched a hole at their garrison but by then, our Fjord arrived and we mopped them up quick. About two hundred or so dead and about thirty captured when the fighting stop, still counting."


    "And the Civvies?" Samantha pressed.


    "The rest of the boys are now rounding up the Refugees by their camp as we speak. All pre-cautions and everything are now being deployed. We''re taking no chances even if we have an idea what we''re dealing with." Lieutenant Feldchrist answered. "Eh¡­ what on earth are you carrying back there? Did you take a casualty?" the CBRN C.O. pointed to the Body that Iris was carrying over.


    "Oh¡­ uh¡­ that is¡­ not of your concern now¡­ but it is imperative you know two things." Samantha rolled her tongue. Her team is caught in an awkward situation. Chem-Troopers were infamous amongst the UFEAF for their reported ''chauvinism'' as stated by many reporters. Taking little to no pre-cautionary empathy on their duties resulting in several public relation scandals that are still being felt to this day.


    "Here, give this Journal and make sure it gets to Inspector Reid or Agent De Sardet for official''s sake. It contains all the gist of the detes I broadcasted earlier. Get the nerds and wigs to read through and get everything contained now." Samantha explained.


    "Affirmative." Feldchrist nodded.


    "Also, this body bag here? It is imperative that I must return it and its contents to a classified location as it is a matter of State Security." The Captain explained.


    The CBRN soldiers peeked over, but unfortunately the Commanding Officer only shook his head.


    "That corpse I''m afraid has to be disinfected and be disposed of separately. A Corpse is a Corpse. I also regret to inform you that you are to be quarantined within Egni until further notice." Feldchrist informed her.


    The bureaucratic delay agitated Samantha. They were in a strict time limit by the Eildearan to return Ratimir but the CBRN Team is stopping them. If they don''t reach them on time, it could spark a catastrophic diplomatic incident amongst these shadow aristocrats.


    "Samantha, what of Ratimir?" Liliyan''s eyes darted to the Captain.


    "We can''t do much right now but do what they say. Just give me some time, I will try to work something out." Samantha hovered over. "Now be quiet." She hushed her.


    "Be gentle with these folks, not for my sakes but for theirs Lieutenant. The Natives don''t know what kind of danger they are all in." Samantha appealed.


    "We will." Feldchrist nodded.


    His soft nod however, was not at all reassuring to the Captain. Even if she is deemed a ''Chosen One'', Samantha knows that the coming days ahead will be a difficult hill to climb for the Federation and Amelioration forces to overcome without any scathes. The Gliesian Pacification Campaign is about to heat up into a whole new kind of battlefield.


    The Battlefield of the Heart and the Mind.


    [-]


    It was horror displayed in broad daylight, or at least as much as the afternoon Lehsol descended below Kalmte''s horizon as the Federation set their foot firmly on the Village of Egni. Despite their valor and faith, the remnants of the Duchal Guards and the Inquisition were simply no match for even a small band of the Otherworlders when they tried to assault their position, cutting them down before they could even lay a glancing blow onto them.


    Mita the Crow Master had to reluctantly quell the aching on her dead heart to see the victory drunk Otherworlders had their way with the Refugee''s in the camp. She nearly forgotten about her mission of tailing the Share Holder.


    But instead of a wanton slaughter, what befallen to them was much worst.


    She saw the invaders corralling the refugees off their tents into enclosures like Cattle in a twist of irony to the region''s famous livestock pastures. Just like livestock, the Otherworlders brought out a plethora of their vile gizmos that allowed them to brand, pick off and prob the refugees to an unsettling variety of extractions. From their mouths, the glimmer of their eyes, and worst of all their blood as if grading these fresh captives for what use they will have for them in the future. A lordly Overseer directed the flow of human traffic to several zones that the Otherworlders partitioned amongst the clearing where the Refugee camp was. Many families were split apart amongst the refugees, pleading for mercy to not be separated from their loved ones but their begging fell on deaf ears. Those who attempted to resist the Otherworlders when they came upon them attempted to futilely resist, but were beaten down and carried off in force away to their fates. Some, even killed. Such a instinctual reaction, only goaded the Otherworlders to tighten the leash on their new Livestock.


    In all likelihood of her observations, from years of study of Demonic Myths from the Archives within the Grey Order''s Grand Lodge paints a sickening picture. These livestock breeders, shepherds, farmers and tanners were ironically, to the sight of these demons, the very products they had peddled before the invasion, Cattle. And in all of her years as a Rogue, it sickened her. She may had been an orphan and her career required her to be absent of emotions. But those times were of professional contracts. Today was different, as she saw these poor people become nothing more but Cattle. Corralled, graded and then sold for their blood, bones and souls to the ravenous consumption of the Demonic Hordes.


    And there was not a damn thing she could do but watch it all happen.


    "Halt!" She heard a voice from below the perched tree she was in.


    The Crow Master''s heart froze, had she been caught?


    She peeked over the thick branch she hanged herself around and realized that there were several Otherworlders were walking past by her position. She couldn''t decipher their language much but they seemed to be amiably babbling to each other with their pompous bravado.


    Thankfully her invisibility cloak shielded her from their n.a.k.e.d eyes. Her experience in observing the Invaders made her much more adept in evading them ever since her misstep back at Tyr Rian those many months ago. She observed that when the Invaders pulls down these flat-shaped pieces of eyewear onto their faces, they gain the ability to see through the dark, illusory enchantments and whatever forms of surprises that would meet them their way. Despite said ability, deemed ''Gods'' Eye'' ability as she and her surviving Crows would call them, the Invaders took a significant amount of their energy to channel the gui needed for the ability. They seem to grow uncomfortable, if not fatigued the longer they use Gods'' Eye. A weakness she could exploit.


    Her fellow Crows, as few as they can be, were being tested and dare says being tempered within the fires of this invasion. They came up with several clever tactics to goad and ambush isolated Otherworlders in combat, managing to inflict several casualties as they did. Already, Tweeting Birds have been conjured to all over the known bastions of Imperial Resistance still left of their insights. They rely heavily too much on their strange magicks it seemed in addition to their chronic need to herd thousands of Souls for them to be shipped away to grim fates.


    But just then, several more figures appeared below her. Lying still and slowing her heartbeat, Mita closely observed them. To her astonishment, she recognized two of them. One being the red-headed Corrupted Chosen One, the Share Holder, and her Sochairfuil Mistress. Despite not being a mage herself, she could sense their unique scent of Mana flowing throughout their bodies as she was familiar with both of theirs back at the Ostalrocs.


    There were two other people following them that she couldn''t recognize but are likely her escorts. The Share Holder and the Vampire Witch shared a few words to these Demonic Soldiers before both parties parted ways in opposite directions. A few dozen meters away, the Share Holder stopped by one of the Horseless Carriages that seemed to trailblazed their way across the Imperial Lands with impunity to whatever terrain it seemed to encounter.


    Mita took a deep meditative breathe for moment before she refocused her eyes. Zooming past the fog and smoke through the fazing distance away. Thanks to a mix of her training and natural talent, she had an exceptional ac.u.men in being able to see through far distances. Something her teachers were astonished to witnessed being able to do, alongside her uncanny abilities to climb atop any elevation regardless of difficulty such as the tree she now hides herself upon for her reconnaissance being of the more treacherous varieties. Additional features, almost unique to her was that she had an uncanny ability to scent Mages from non-magically adled people. Not even herself could know how she is capable of this skill, whether it''s a sign of divine favor, her own talent, or something more. But she could tell the air amongst people who is a Mage among them which in her career gave her a niche albeit decisive tactical advantage. These abilities she passed down to a subpar extent to her fellow Crows.


    One Demon emerged from the Horseless Carriages anus and threw her a roll of cloth. The Share Holder unfurled the cloth and began to dreamily c.a.r.e.s.s its soft surface. It must have been a Sleeping Mat of sorts by the looks of it. She most likely intends to stay within Egni amidst the devastations being carried out across a field away. Likely to personally witness and gloat over the suffering of the capture Slaegian Imperials.


    "Well¡­ look who decided to rest upon the Troll''s Cave." Mita smiled.


    An idea sparked in her head. A plan that could allow her to slay two or maybe even three with one arrow if all fell into place. She could be able to not only capture the Share Holder, set back a sizeable battalion of Otherworlders but even gain the gratuitous bounty of rescuing the captive Egni Refugees who now lay hopelessly locked into the confines of their isolated corrals.


    It will require her to gather what remains her remaining Rogues and their collected Arsenal of subterfuge to vanquish the sword with the beguiled cunning of the Crows.


    Chaos always opens the door to opportunities for those who are bold. As so the Ballad Proverb says.

 Chapter 61 - Manifest Amelioration

    The ashes of Siege''s destruction over the many burgs across the old Imperial Capital of Haringpoint began to die down as Prince Clovich''s forces consolidated themselves into the city''s hearths. Temporary segregated housing between the Amelioration forces and Haringpoint''s citizenry were erected as the Third Laniyea Rifle Battalion was, for the time being de-mobilized into a Labour Force to help rebuild the damaged capital. Picking up rubble and repairing the damaged houses and Haringpoint''s canal crossings that dotted the city. Yet alas, the UFE''s Fire Storm like artillery had for better or for worse had done irreparable damage to the fair Slaegian Imperial Capital''s many timeless monuments.


    A lamentable disappointment for Prince Clovich, the leader of the Ysanigrad Amelioration. But an inevitable price he had paid to see his manifested vision of a new Gliesia take shape.


    Of other such prices spoken was the losses his own forces had suffered too.


    Compared to previous wars that they had faced in battles past, Clovich''s Laniyea suffered a 40% Mortality Rate amongst his 2000 strong forces. Precisely 806 brave men fought for his and their collective Dream for a New Ysanigrad. Only the Third Battalion of his newly modernized forces were at the end of the campaign remained relatively intact of his directly commanded forces of the fledgling Tyr Rianni Laniyea. Such reapings for Tivna was a result of the Laniyea''s relative inexperience using their new Rifles during the battles of Operation Haymaker and tragically, UFEAF''s own healers would often prioritize mending the wounds of their own soldiers rather than his men regardless of severities or rank causing many deaths to occur by accident, neglect or both. Adding to the Amelioration''s casualties were 223 casualties from his Federation Allies to a total of 1049. A rather meager comparison against the vestigial Slaegians and their Second Alliance of the Light that suffered a catastrophic rout of all of their 380,000 strong forces.


    Immediately, he ordered those new replenishments of manpower from back home and the extension of their training be immediately put forth by his decree in response. Targeting unit specialization in a variety of modernized battlefield roles such as an Artillery Regiment, Motorized Infantry, and even their localized Special Operations forces designed to Combat Magicks with their own breed of Magicks and Federation Technology. For the time being of 4 months, however, he has to rely on the Federation Soldiers and the Masnachwr-Dug or the linguistically translated Merchant-Duke Megacorporation Mercenaries to maintain his power base amongst the Knightly Warrior class of his regime. This won''t work well in the long run of having the former Slaegian realms integrate under his rulership as long as the foreigners are the de-facto face of his Amelioration and not flesh and blood Gliesians such as his Laniyea. Yet alas, the child must remain within the tutor''s shadow. There is much more to learn before they can become the worthy Protectors and Knights of the new Gliesia.


    He sighed and coughed the excess ash off his lungs for temporary relief under the weight of his Amelioration''s underlying problems.


    Although buildings for the most part can be repaired and replaced with new stone and freshly cut wood, the human was the true scarring the city had endured. Many of the burghers of Haringpoint who had not escaped the city before its capture were rounded up by the UFEAF''s soldiers and taken within the City where they now sit at the present in squalid temporary housing and meager nourishments if they even accepted the generosity of the Federation Soldiers at all. Not even the recently passed Ashfall over the Continent had caused several of the peoples to whiff several coughs from the impure air that still permeates around the war-torn continent. Such miserably repressive conditions are a virile breeding ground for restless dissension amongst the Haringpoint Burghers who suddenly become both homeless and prisoners in their own city at the same time. Many of the city folks do not recognize his authority ruling over them due to the recent violence, many seeing him as ''the Puppet-Emperor'' for the Invaders to dance around their yoke. Already Clovich had to reluctantly order several riots attempts amongst the captive civilians with a few grim crackdowns of his forces to quell any further damage to the city and the people. His advisors counseled him that this situation must be addressed soon before it festers into cancer that could unbalance the divide of power his Amelioration brought forth.


    But how does help another who refuses any form of help?


    Victory for his part in breaking through the siege was perhaps more demoralizing than if he had failed. There were records of witnesses from among his troops that several of the Haringpoint City Folks had prior committed suicide in their despair, ''Not wanting to let the Demons have them and their families.'' as they said before taking their lives. He had to evacuate the First and Second Battalions out to the city outskirts as their morale lowered for every roof toss, hanging and self-sliced throats that happen by the dozens in Haringpoint. Just the other day, the Amelioration witnessed a grisly scene of a famous artisan of whom Clovich wished to source his talents and connections only to be found his entire household hung on the neck by ropes as they entered his manse. The answer of removing any dangerous items that could be used for suicide and patrols by the rooftops only seemed to further rile the captive citizenry.


    The Free Food Programs, a reactionary measure formed during the Ostalroc Eruption fared no better. Despite using rationed crops sourced from the food surpluses from Souviel and Tyr Rian. Barely anyone at all dared approach their Stalls and Mobile Kitchens, refusing to eat the ''tainted'' food provided by the Demons. It was only when their hunger and thirst besieged them for too long that they would sneak by and run off without another word or eye sight a few handfuls of nourishments. Those that do so happen to eat up the food from their free will were unfortunately among the ''At-Risk'' of Suicide demographic, having given up being ''human'' no longer and being ''corrupted'' already so adding much more taint was no different in tipping the scales off their conscience.


    Clovich''s eyes rolled aside as his fist tightened over this display of the famous ''Slaegian Adamantine''. Such stubbornness that had turned the desolate and wild Ysanigrad Continent would soon become their undoing the more they continue.


    "Clovich." Mr. Sight lightly bowed as he entered his room.


    "What is it now Thomas?" the Prince asked his Liaison.


    "Several affairs for you to put in order" He explained his intrusion.


    Quietly he placed a stack of doc.u.ments below onto his desk. A new evolution of his Amelioration is the transition of using bleached white paper and metallic ''ball pointed pens to sign bureaucratic doc.u.ments. Clovich had his most gifted scribes and lawyers learn the Federation''s languages of English and then transcribing said legal papers into Vaikuri for his and his court''s official usages. Thanks to the additional reaching powers of the Ethernet, he can extend his authority to the farthest reaches of his realm and beyond making him and his company of viziers and ministers if not more efficient than the old Imperial llywodraeth. He could be anywhere whenever he needs to be where.


    One of the new duties he has for the Amelioration is the approval or disapproval of several initiatives brought forth by his foreign advisors in modernizing the Gliesia up to par with the Federation. This included the approval of several new construction programs that aims to rebuild, repair or establish the battered Duchy of Tifrait and the Ostalroc Mountains back to their former industrious glory. He will need the earth of the Dwarfen Mountains and the Lumber of the Forest to help materialize his expansive vision for the Empire. For his own people, he will need to revive the food supply, which had been buried beneath the ashes. Osei Korporasie has offered to assist in this urgent endeavor of developing the modernized Agrarian Sectors of Gliesia with their expertise in this new technology known as ''Vertical Farming''.  And lastly, to truly carve his mark onto Ysanigrad as the one true Lord of Lords, he will have to enact his sweeping reforms. All in that order.


    "The Merchant-Duke, known as ''Max-sim-off En-Djinn-nearing'' is asking for approval to go to the Ostalrocs? Yes." He wrote down his signature and stamped his seal, the Shield of the House of Rian onto the paper. "Expedition to the South Lands, with Laniyea troops? No. Not until Ghana''s Wall has fallen." he nodded.


    It was a relief that despite the difficulties here at the front, he can rest assure his homeland is faring well in these ever-changing tides.


    "Baby-Steps. Even the greatest of empires began with a few single steps." Thomas reassured him.


    "More Rifles? Or New Armor? I have the final say¡­ My men took a beating against those Black Elves¡­ Armor." He reads another paper, it was from his Captain, Ser Maghe.


    "Ah, Miss Eden and her Gifts of the Fey? Food for all? It shall be done." Clovich smiled. "We have to move fast and quick if the Tree I plant can grow tall."


    "Indeed, you must." Thomas approvingly nodded.


    Just as he was about to leave however, he was stopped by a heavy-breathed Clerk, one of Clovich''s own who relayed him a message from the Frontlines in a Datapad.


    "For both of you." The Clerk explained himself.


    Grabbing the Datapad he looked over the Messages to read for himself. His eyes paled, stunned when his ice blue cyborg eyes saw the red-colored font that spoke over a dreaded word that made the machine-like bureaucrat''s fingers quiver as he turned to the Prince who looked on curiously of his atypical about-face.


    "What happened?" Clovich asked Mr. Sight.


    "There''s an Epidemic, a Plague in the Duchy of Kalmte." Thomas'' breathed heavily as he spoke.


    [-]


    If there was one blessing amongst the forsaken slopes of the post-volcanic Ostalrocs had brought forth was an opportunity.


    Vadim Yohantov had eyed hungrily to the survey results, what the drones were producing was promising, so promising that their four mining drills may as well be children in a candy store. There were several deposits of the usual valuables needed to make many electronics, weaponry, and tools ranging from Iron, Silver, Gold, Tungsten, and Platinum. After getting off the info from the Government Scientists who had arrived prior, the Industrial Vadim is now turning his gaze on the applications of the unique minerals of Scandanite, Actocolite, and Mana, specifically Red Mana Crystals, for his corporation''s interests. Right now, in his mobile headquarters, they will need to get their affairs in order before he can begin exploitation.


    "Boss? What do you mean your only sending just a hundred?" Vadim''s nerves pulsated from his brow.


    He was talking with his superiors from Mars who


    "The Other Corpo''s, especially Aparo are already ahead of us. Knowing them, they are probably making their move to send you and every one of you packing before the year-end. We are trying to play it safe Mister Yahontov ever since Osei Corp. took our best fields." His superiors said.


    "But this is probably the greatest discovery we since Pavel Maximov founded Chrome on Mars." He argued, attempting to appeal to the company''s centuries-long history of pioneership.


    "It''s not the two-thousand and sixty''s anymore Vadim." The Martian-counterpart explained himself. "We have been in the red for the past Nine Years straight and if we don''t want to start downsizing everyone and everything of our company, we have to play it safe until we can make our move. You have to make do with the smaller than normal staff. This meeting is over."


    The Corporate Executive cut off his communication feed leaving Vadim to sink back at the comfort of his leather chair, his personal air conditioning unit at his side providing the only comfort to his heated debate. His typical bravado contrasted by his present despondency. His salesman-charisma in public was a mask, intended to hide Maximov Engineering''s weakness of their decline in profits for the past decade. This expedition into the Frontier was already a significant risk for the Corporation''s Board of Directors, their limited resources to mount this spearhead was significantly downsized compared to normal. They can thank their recent failures of past years that resulted in them selling one of their most profitable Real Estates to Osei Korporasie to recuperate.


    100 Staffers plus his 30 On-site men are nowhere near enough to be able to fully secure Maximov''s Interests amongst the Ostalrocs for the foreseeable future of the company. Sooner than later, the Board''s risk-averse decisions of scaling back their support on him will see them be forced to become a shadow of their once industrious selves, an inadequate inheritor their vanguard founder, the Geologist Dr. Pavel Maximov who standardized the Full-Planetary Geographic Survey now used by successors, followers and Scanning-Drones alike. Osei, Aparo, and H.S. with their superior numbers and resources at hand as his Business Intel Analyst told him will simply outmaneuver them in every turn unless he could find a way to turn 130 Men into a Legion of a thousand!


    The Board wanted the stars without forking the cash to buy them. Those lazy chair-warmers be damned.


    Vadim, heavy with frustration, turned by his window and yelled. He yelled loudly as the roar of his voice echoed across the metallic frames of his Corporate Mobile Trailer. Tossing away his office pens and papers underneath the privacy of his office. His Secretary, Interns, and Supporters hearing his anger across the room knowing that they too share in his grievances, yet too afraid to speak up further to their superiors about it. Quietly continuing their work to maintain the fa?ade of all of Maximov''s systems were green and going.


    He now walks a thin line as a Maximov Representative from this point onwards, one wrong move and his foray into the new world will be liquidated like the gushing geysers that sprouted out of his office. In a post-Phoenician Corporate World for men like Vadim, red of Poverty is a greater dread than red of bloody death.


    Then a glimmer shone across his eyes as he looked onwards to the window.


    Over his line of sight, the Maximov Corporate Compound was laid below an edifice of a towering rock, at least roughly the height of a ten-story building, its surface rippled with rock, tree and left-over ash yet to be swiped away or be swallowed onto the soil. A lone fissure is within view. Shards of stone edge from its sides into the passage like spears from murder-holes in the mountain''s walls. There was a makeshift pathway leading upward before passing out of sight around a bend. Earlier this weekday, the Maximov Employees created several roadways leading around a 10-kilometer radius from their Compound to allow supplies and the brave adventurers to pass through easily.


    His eyes caught several of the Natives, ones classified as the stout-bodied Dwarves running down the hills by the entrance of the Compound just by the baselines of the Ostalrocs. They wore some of their old armor across their mining gear but were tattered from the taint of the black earth the new Mountain Range cloaked itself under. They were running down the hills towards him whilst being chased by several insectoid monsters.


    Vadim rushed towards his phone and contacted his Security Team. "A-Antony! Someone is trouble! Code Red!" he yelled.


    Immediately, red-tinted sirens began to blare across the compound as a crack team of 18 Security Guards ran outside with their weapons drawn and ready for a fight.


    "Get in quick!" Antony, the Chief of Security cried to the Dwarves as the Main Gate of the Maximov Compound opened.


    He sported his heavily-armored Exo Suit and his Mili-Tek M143 Gatling Gun and began to open fire upon the swarm of bug monsters that harried the Dwarves, carefully aiming their shots over their smaller buddies as the squat-sized Natives dashed towards the sanctuary of the Compound as fast as their stunted legs could take them. Crashing themselves onto the Cargo Bay as their Otherworldly saviors drew the line on the sand against the insectoid monsters.


    Maximov maybe profit-driven yes, glory be the risk-takers they are. But they are fully Selfish that they ignore the cries of help from beaten Travellers as this day has shown.


    The Seven Dwarves that reached the hearth of the Maximov Compound exhaustively collapsed as they breathe their tired lungs of the Camp''s safety. Witnessing the Chief of Security, Antony fending off the Monstrous Insects with his Minigun singlehandedly. Depleted 7.62x51 millimeter tore through the monsters with ruthless efficiency, coating the mountain slope in their turquoise blood, their bodies are broken into a mush-like paste of hard and soft cartilages and guts.


    "S-such Magicks!" one of the Dwarves spoke in awe as Antony''s Minigun powered down. His ears still ringing from the sudden hailstorm that became his and his companions'' salvation.


    "All Hostiles are clear." Antony sheathed his weapon away.


    With safety assured, the rescued Dwarves were immediately given warm thermal blankets, a cold round of spring water, and a warm soup from the Company Mess Hall to facilitate their new guests warmly as best as a Mining Compound could.


    "You are all okay?" Vadim came down from his office and questioned the Dwarves. He took care to turn on his automatic translator to communicate with the Dwarves from English to Vaikuri. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    "And what are those creatures?" Antony added.


    "I-I shall speak¡­" One Dwarf slowly emerged from his thermal blanket, his voice still trembling to catch his breath. Sweat escaped from his damp white shirt and off his brow as his face glistened upon the lamplight of the Compound''s Cargo Bay. "I am Robren Sternkith. Oh, great Knights from the Stars above, we thank you for saving our lives. I and my friends braved the journey to the remains of our mountain homes to see if there was anything we could reclaim any of our lost relics or anything of value." His breath still attempting to catch up from his unfortunate predicament. But there was a relief on his bearded smile as he humbly bowed to Antony and Vadim.


    "Thank you, but we''re not ''Knights''. We''re just like you, looking for something to make money out of." Vadim acknowledged a soft smiled escaped from his wetted lips. "So how did you end up like this?"


    "We were by the basin beyond those hills that you seen us descend screaming down from. While we were there, we found a cave that sprouted a rich vein of Silver as far as my eyes could have seen¡­ then they came¡­" another Dwarf stood up.


    "Those bug monsters?" Vadim asked.


    "They are called Horaxes. Or Deep Worms by those of the Flatlands of the old Empire. They are these giant bugs who burrow their nests deep unto the earth and prey on whatever their mouths could feed their hives. Mushrooms, Critters¡­ even People." Robren explained, his voice quaked after every word. "Before the Cipag passed his anger against us, the Hold Dwarfen Geomancers and their Warriors would keep us Thralls safe from those monsters so we can continue our work in peace. But now that they are all gone, their nests were allowed to fester. Strange however it maybe that they would reach the surface. I thought the Volcano would have wiped them out too.


    "We were just twenty of us, but the monsters took us by surprise. We are likely all that is left. If they continue to harry us we may never be able to reclaim our homeland nor continue mining the Mountains as long as those Horaxes continue to run amok." One of the other Dwarves reported.


    "Damn, that''s tragic. I am sorry you had to go through that¡­" Vadim shook his head. "Wait¡­ did you say you say ''a vein of Silver''? Just by your lonesome?" his eyes sparkled when he heard Robren''s account.


    "By our lonesome yes. What a fool I was to not have someone to protect us from them as we work. Many minerals, enough to rebuild our old lands whole if only we could reach them. Not like you¡­ with your giant golems and Magical Knights on your side. You slew those beasts with such ease." Robren flattered.


    A glimmer of light broke from within the Maximov Representative''s eyes. A light that sparked beneath the pride he had when he and his co-workers first touched down on Gliesia. He smiled; his teeth honeyed in charisma as puffed his c.h.e.s.t upwards.


    "It is good, very good to hear that people appreciate our work already. Consider our hospitality a token of our gratitude." Vadim''s bravado oozed out of his tongue.


    "Milords¡­ I mean¡­ well¡­ I¡­ Ser''s¡­" Robren stuttered. "We are both correct to know that we both wish to unlock the hidden treasures of the Old Mountain. Your Great Machines and Knights you pale in comparison to us Dwarves of which we stand humbled by your diligent prowess. Able to fight and take whatever you please yet have enough to live each and all of you like Godly-Kings"


    "Oh, enough of those. I know¡­ but tell me more about you and your hardy people." Vadim vented off the flattery.


    "It is with my most earnest of pleas that may you grant us your blessings." Robren asked.


    "Blessings?" Vadim''s brow furrowed. "Is this not enough?"


    "No, I mean¡­ with your Great Machines and Knights you could be able to restore our homeland once and for all, bigger brighter as the shining jewel of the Continent once again. No longer wracked in the blood of those ill-fated birth like the Law of Old where the Old Masters took all of our harvests and left us with the scraps, but one where all of the Dwarfs may rejoice and their ancestors be Glad. We wish, on behalf of all of us seven companions that we lay prostrate unto you and take us under your banner. Teach us the secrets of your Great Machines and your Knights so we may make the Ostalrocs whole again." Robren replied. His eyes sliding curiously towards Antony''s Minigun. His eyes marveled at the ingenuity of its design, specifically its rotary barrels that seemed to float around its motor with fey-like grace.


    "Have you?" Vadim''s throat croaked. Such an offer was too much, to have these stout-height natives work for him. "I am sorry but I must decline. Our¡­ the Scale of our work and responsibilities maybe too much for you Dwarves to come into. I will be no better than your previous Masters. It is more than just pickaxes and shovels unlike what you do." He declined.


    "But we are willing to learn your ways. We have been miners of this old mountain for generations. We are strong and hardy people. I-I can prove it to you!" a dwarf leaped from his seating. He dashed towards a pile of heavy boxes filled with supplies and lifted a stack of cargo boxes that a normal human would need the help of several of his peers or an exo-suit to carry stably. Using his impressive Dwarfen strength he glided the heavy boxes over to the other side of the cargo bay without breaking a sweat.


    This physical display intrigued Vadim away from his doubts about these seven Dwarves. They may be inexperienced at least in the deeper intricacies of industrialized mining compared to their past as manual laborers. But they were Eager.


    Eager enough that they are willing to step up to the plate. Likely for much less than any Federal Human would ask for.


    "You Otherworlders too are much like them thin-boned human outside of your Armors. But us Dwarves got strong legs that even the most of you can even push us down without using that powered suit of yours." Robren stated as he challenged Chief of Security, Antony to push him.


    The Security Guard obliged and jostled with the Dwarf, to his surprise, Rorben was able to stand on his own against the weight of his Exo-suit even if it was at its minimum power output. Typically, his mechanized suit would have tossed anything lesser of strength like loose furniture and toys. But Robren remained in place if sweating considerably to maintain his balance.


    "Do not take my words ill¡­" Robren added, his cheeks blushed. "We can be invaluable additions to your Guild. With our knowledge of the Ostalrocs and your Tools we could carve deep into the Pits of the Abyss itself."


    Vadim looks at their demonstration and his eyes become bright. These dwarves had potential to be an invaluable indeed despite their inexperience. Being people of stronger built than other races in Gleisia able to if minimally match against their strength with exo-suits and but also retain the stamina and will to keep working extreme if not outright dangerous environments. With enough training invested to fill the gaps he needs for their general knowledge on all Maximov Mining Technologies, they can both a resilient yet plentiful workforce that he can churn out to allay the Megacorporation''s lack of manpower in Gliesia. He doesn''t even need to have them equipped with as much upkeep and ''benefits'' as those pesky Worker Unions would demand before they could even touch a single pebble back home at Federation Space. Hiring more of these Dwarves he can assign them to the roles he needed in order to neutralize whatever hostile fauna they encounter lurking beneath the mountains but also extract whatever hidden caches of precious metals he could beneath the Ostalrocs. Their familial ties being an advantage to network hire dozens if not entire family''s worth of men to be converted for the Maximov Corporation''s interests. No need for Maximov to ship workers from Core worlds to here, just pay the minimum for their efficient output of all the minerals Maximov would need to turn the blackened Ostalroc Mountains golden-green with Credits raining down on his wallet.


    "Robren, you and your six friends are hired." Vadim grinned his teeth. His eyes gleamed greedily.


    Time to start rolling those Drills. The mountain shall be tamed by Maximov Engineering alone. Just like their red-handed Founder.


    [-]


    They say a cornered cat is the most dangerous, yet a bounded habafant meant for the sacrificial plate knows that it is helpless. Like a gnat caught on a spider''s web, the citizenry of Haringpoint tried as they might to resist the temptations of their Otherworldly captors and their traitorous kinsmen from the south. The harder they defied the worst their depressing conditions became. F.o.r.c.i.b.l.y prisoners in their own homes as blaring voices echoed primal words of ''Food'', ''Water'', ''Healing'' be spoken by the Invaders.


    "Do not attack any longer! The War is over. The Federation has come only to be friends with us. They are our friends. They will help rebuild our country back." The passing iron cart of an Otherworlder with a booming voice spoke in Vaikuri across the streets of Haringpoint every day from sunrise to sunset. He besieged them with appeals and urges to those stubborn of Burghers to yield. Most closed the doors of their homes and windows as he approaches but his verbal bombardment remained consistent, cracking several burghers if gradually day-by-day.


    Some Slaegians tried to continue the fight, attempting to assault their occupiers with stones, kitchen knives, and pitchforks only to be made swift examples of.


    "A hundred curses on you!" One such hot-headed youth alongside a band of his mates cracked towards the Federation Soldiers. Their vicious mockery not enough to fully provoke them into action but still expressed their distaste even if they couldn''t fight back.


    Young men like him did their own forms of aggression against the occupiers. Many of the Youth of Haringpoint used to be playful and outgoing lots but the strict restrictions the Otherworlders had placed upon them enraged them. Although they weren''t as trained of a fighter as a Legionnaire or as hardy as their country brethren still out there fighting the Invaders, those devious rascals had their own tricks up their sleeves. Such tactics divulge machinated to the greatest generation of grief inflicted upon their occupying Otherworlders and their traitorous Tyr Rianni kinsmen than designed to hinder rather than do any actual damage. The brick roads of the city were uprooted from the ground as the restless youths of Haringpoint turned the bricks upwards to the sky and smearing filth and refuse onto the streets that were frequented by their roaming Occupiers before disappearing into their homes.


    Others attempted to flee some never heard from again, or were thrown back the whichever district they came from. Their bodies bruised and shaken as they described the Otherworlders smiting them with clubs that lashed painful shocks of lighting onto their bodies as they sadistically subdued and beaten the rebellion out of them.


    To those whose despair overcame them, choose to end themselves in their own terms than damned-and-devoured by the Invaders.  Yet like the Master of the Ranch, the Otherworlders will not tolerate those cattle who shows belligerence. Even a self-inflicted death was denied. Those that tried were taken away from them to an unknown but likely terrible fate.


    For those adamant souls who wished to keep hope alive, prayed to the Gods for Salvation, some of the remaining Clergy in the capital leading such prayers in secret. Below the subterranean under-city known as Kobold''s Hollow, they prayed for the Imperial Legions, the Chosen Ones, or any Divine Intervention. They keep quiet beneath their however, fewer shadows prey upon them from the safeties of their hidden chapels. Reluctantly, the Clergy had made a makeshift alliance with the under-dwelling sc.u.m that festered beneath the city from Crime Lords to Smugglers for protection.


    From around Noon to Sunset, some brave souls would venture out of their homes to barter for foodstuffs. Most supplies came from the old food stocks that Haringpoint was meant to storage for a Siege but during the Evacuation, most of it was either taken by the retreating Legionnaire and Nobility. What was left were the scraps of grain, dried meats, and nuts that were easily hoarded by those with the avarice enough to secure it. Not helping the matter was the abysmal harvest that same season panging the stomachs of the Haringpoint Burghers. Oddly, there was in actuality no famine as Prince Clovich had prepared an abundant cornucopia of surplus food from Souviel and Tyr Rian to help in the short term quell the hunger problems of accommodating the Slaegian Citizenry.


    "Please have some Bread brother." A Tyr Rianni Aid Worker from the Laniyea''s Support Squadrons handed out to several of the passing bystanders who walked about at the battle-torn ruins of the once flourishing Markets near the Grand Cathedral of the Capital.


    The loaf was freshly baked from an oven, made with tender-handed volunteers.


    But the tempting piece of nourishment was swatted off to the grimed stone floor of the Markets by a resentful burgher. "You will not destroy us Traitor!" he spat at the Tyr Rianni to the disheartening cheers from his fellow Haringpointers.


    "Destroy?" the Tyr Rianni''s cheek twitched. His head boiling red. "You Slaegians burnt my home when you took your armies and your Adventurers to Tyr Rian. For what reason? He raised his voice, pitch set to a mocking tone as his barbed tongue lashed out to the resentful Slaegian. "We are trying to show you that the Otherworlders aren''t the Demons of Old but you chose to attack us instead. If you do not wish to listen to Prince Clovich or us , then starve! Suffer like what we had done before their arrival. Then let me pass this loaf to the Slaves, the Beggars, and the Rats. At least they don''t care where their meal came from." The Aid Worker turned the other cheek and turned away.


    "The Comet! The Grandmaster told us the End Times approach and the Fall of the Empire would come." The Slaegian yelled back.


    There was resentment amongst the Laniyea and Tyr Rianni over the Slaegian Atrocities that they had inflicted on their home. A betrayal of centuries and their dogmatic stubbornness drove a wedge that split between the former subject and its master who now find themselves reversed in statuses. A mix of anger, confusion, and dismay against the Empire, made to refocus by the Clovich''s Amelioration Mandate had made them looked down upon their now insolent kin. Refusing to let go of their old ways.


    "No. You have brought this on yourselves" the Aid Worker ticked his head. "The Grandmaster was a Fool. A fool to try and stop the Otherworlders. Demons or not, you brought all of the strength of the Empire upon them onto our Realm and you have lost. You can either accept Prince Clovich''s Amelioration or wait for your Emperor''s ''Return'' that will never come."


    "They will Return. And they shall smite holy judgment for allowing these¡­ these Otherworlders to desecrate our land!" he spat at the Laniyea Worker.


    The Army man maintained his discipline, but his hand inching closer to his Electric Club was starting to become very tempting to use. However, his UFEAF Attache Commanding Officer will only let him get away with it if this hooligan attempts to physically waylay him.


    "The Grandmaster? He is a fraud, a cheating fraud, a fool-hood. He cheated his way to becoming a Grandmaster of the College and murdered the rightful successor. Your Emperor? An Idiot Tyrant, your Alliance of the Light? A cabal of selfish crowns trying to hold on to a dying pup." The Worker snarled. It was repeated proselytism from Clovich and his UFEAF Attaches of just how vile their adversary is and how determined to destroy their newfound Amelioration.


    "Lies Traitor! Lies! How dare you!" the Slaegian lunged at the Aid Worker, a move that the Tyr Rianni expecting to see. With his colleagues and their Electrical Clubs, they easily subdued the troublemaking ruffian


    It wasn''t the first time Humanitarian Aid was turned down by the locals, many giving dogmatic bombardments against them of how their food was ''tainted'', that they will ''be seduced'' into the wiles of the Demons, refusing to consider eating it and go by with scrounged morsels. Only those of desperate of rats such as the urchins, the lost and of nothing to lose, such souls who were below and above religion and politics took the food from the Tyr Rianni.


    Haelioni Elussenol''s hood shielded her scarred face as she glided past the weary crowds of city folks on her way back to the Orphanage. The remaining clergy struggled to keep their charges of the 14 orphans under their care during the occupation whilst balancing the spiritual upholdings of the stubborn citizenry of Haringpoint. It was to their relief that one of their most successful discharges when one Orphan becomes of age 18, the now-former Knightess Haelioni was still alive had urged her to help the children inside the Orphanage as they know to struggle to keep them fed and not cause trouble at these trying times. Haelioni after the failed defense of the capital she was released from captivity but with all of her arms and armor confiscated by the Invaders. She walked the now battered streets of her city, seeing such familiar architecture be reduced into rubble. Nothing became the same to her anymore. But just as she was about to join the choir of the city''s weeping of their humiliation, she was chanced upon by one of the Nuns of her former Orphanage. With barely much thing to do but to try as she might do something of worthy virtue as they wait for the Legion''s liberation from the north she accepted. Sinking her once an idealized form of Justice into the equity of making those less fortunate of birth such as her be able to have a chance for the coming dark times ahead.


    "I only managed to get two, two, one-week-old loaves from Ol---" Haelioni entered through the clandestine back entrance of the Orphanage behind the Cathedral. She had swallowed her breath earlier, readying to speak about the grim news that her scavenger yields produced less than favorable amounts of food for the Orphanage''s needs.


    Only she was greeted by the smiles of both the Orphans and one of the sisters.


    "Gods blessed us Haelioni." Cleric Adamis smiled at Haelioni. "A kind soul today passed over us and gave us fresh bread and vegetables."


    "Another ''blessing'' that you speak of?" Haelioni''s eyes kindled with a sliver of her old faith. "From who?"


    "I did not see. The basket just lay there for us outside." Adamis answered. "But he left us with this letter, he calls himself ''the Father'' and he told us that his gift is for us to stand strongly for ''the coming trials ahead.''. He even left us this holy symbol on top of the food he gives. We know it was blessed."


    Adamis reached into his pocket a thumb-sized wooden object that lay feebly on his palms. It was an upright symbol with two pieces of wood intersecting around each other. Haelioni recognized the symbol as a Shepherd''s Crook, the sacred item of one of the pantheons, the God Yher, child of Neneth, who holds dominion on Family, Love and of the Hearth. The holy symbol design was simplistic unlike the more ornate relics the Cathederal possessed but Yher''s symbol was arguably the most recognizable of the sacred items of the Gliesian Pantheon.  The God''s name was sung the most from the children''s prayers in the orphanage, being an invisible yet present force in the continued well-being of its inhabitants.


    "So, the Gods haven''t abandoned us, not just yet¡­" Haelionni eyed the sacred emblem. "What now?" she asked.


    "All we can do now is Pray child. Pray what signs may come ahead of us." Adamis answered. His voice heaved with a hint of uncertainty. Yet the Cleric tried to maintain a buoyant aura, just for Haelionni''s sake but for the 14 Orphans under their care.


    At least they could eat their fill for a while, knowing that something or someone is silently watching for their well-being. Such deprecated people such as these vulnerable souls must remain strong within their meek abode. For they now inherit the ashes of the old Empire. All they could do is stand tall within its decayed body and try to continue onwards until the Lehsol''s light shines once again unto the Slaegians once again.


    Still, for Haelionni and the other remnant Clergymen, when will the darkness from this tunnel return to the light.


    [-]


    "3¡­"


    In a dark room, Lutheor Mirrien stood alone. Yet even if blinded, he could still feel the weight of a thousand souls bear down onto his stocked shoulders. Today marks an end and yet a new beginning for the enterprising Dwarfen Merchant.


    "2¡­"


    A great leap forward he was about to do as he placed his hand onto a table where a red giant Seelie awaited him. His palms sweated as his hand hovered over its spheroid shape. Once he grasps it, there was no turning back for him. An old era will end, a new one shall begin for him.


    "1¡­"


    And so¡­ he placed his hand onto the Seelie and held onto his new future.


    "Let there be light!" proudly declared Governor White as the room became engulfed in brilliant luminescent light revealing before an audience whose eyes became enraptured by the great giant glass orb that hung above the room.


    Like moths to a flame, they were stunned by how bright and powerful the glass orb shone to them. Gleaming like a grand jewel making its official debut after months of painstaking artisanship lay before the first Tyr Rianni Power Plant built by the Osei Corporation for the Amelioration''s budding Modernization Project. This Power Plant, powered through the might of exploiting Lehsol''s strength onto these special metal shields that generated into an unquenchable bright light. This light not only now illuminated the homes and shops of every Tyr Rianni but gave them something that they never knew they could possess, the power to fully shape their future.


    Such Electrical Power was the first stepping stone to further the Amelioration''s progress. With this Power Plant working tirelessly, the Tyr Rianni can springboard their efforts to more endeavors.


    Before the arrival of the Federation, Tyr Rian had to rely on the hand-crafted creation of Tallow-made Candles from Tifrait and Souviel, Oil from the Eastern Suzerainities, the enchantments of the Candlelight spell or simple wood torches. For most cases except for the Magical Spell, they were a significant fire hazard if one is so clumsy enough to set ablaze their home, and in the tightly packed Citadel of Tyr Rian spelled a disaster waiting to happen. Clovich, after his return from the Otherworlder''s Home Plane written down a step-by-step guide on how to fully modernize Tyr Rian.


    First, which is already accomplished now, is to harness the power of Lehsol to provide ''the Flameless Light'' known as Electrick-seetee. When such a marvel was first introduced, many dismissed the so-called Mana as some ''Illusory''s Trick'', but today those doubts evaporated when the glass orb shone its angelic brilliancy down upon them. An ever-burning hearth fire able to be summoned in the palm of their hands. Crystalline clarity their eyes saw each other, every soul, every detail, and every flutter as those attendees leisured themselves amongst each other. The echoes of their revolutionary war against the Slaegians were only the softest of whispers, only discussed by those who had family or knew someone involved within Clovich''s Laniyea or llywodraeth. Most social exchanges were an infusion of the typical town gossip mixed in with whatever insane wonder the Otherworlders they had witnessed with their own eyes.


    As the crowds mingle, they were attended by flight-footed servants who handed out complimentary aperitifs of crackling bread toast adorned with pasted meat, fruit, jams and/or cheeses with refreshing drinks from local and foreign favorites. Those of comfortable pockets were self-segregated into their own social circles whilst those of the Commoner Blood feasted their eyes upwards towards the glass orb their eyes singing visual poetry to forever etch into their memories. Yet despite the differences, the people of Tyr Rian could agree, this Electricity was a divine star, one as forthcoming like Geltagar''s Comet, a forthcoming of a new era.


    Once the Energy is assured to Tyr Rian, the Power Plant is destined to illuminate the way forward for Prince Clovich''s Modernization Agenda. The second step is to connect Tyr Rian towards the Empire''s Core Territories and more with a grand project of newly built highways made from this new material learned and created for themselves by the Otherworlders called ''Ass-Fault''. It had shared a few laughs amongst the Teamsters and Peasant Laborers for its silly-sounding name but this innocent black powder could ''bring the world together'' as described by Governor White.


    Once the Amelioration obtains complete mastery of Ysanigrad''s soil, the third and final phase is what will wrap the Amelioration nicely on a bow between the western Draguitoise Coast to the eastern Verden Valley is a brand-new form of Aqueducts. Typically, Water must be stored in Wells or were relied upon the movement of Aqueducts sourced from the Ostalrocs to be able to spread about from top to bottom to use in farming, sanitation, and thirst appeas.e.m.e.nt. But they remain vulnerable to acts of spoilage and were laborious to maintain even with the usage of magic. That and not everyone could be able to reach out for water for themselves, especially the peasantry and some of the Dwarfen Diaspora. But now, these new Earth-made Aqueducts or ''Plum-lings'' can guarantee all who lives under Clovich''s realm shall never be thirsty nor never be seen unclean. Water can truly become everywhere as the books of myths spoke of Tolios assisting the Goddess Neneth in forming Gliesia from her flesh with the Water God''s blood. This marriage between Water and Life would become the bridge that allowed civilizations to flourish and become symbiotic to one another.


    As Electricity creates the first torch alight to the long shadow hall, a second Jewel, one also making its debut on the Grand Opening was given its maiden appearance.


    A Great Ivory Worm, its length as prideful as a Galleon sat below the luminescent glass orb at. A nativity that heralded a new age of reach for Ysanigrad. Known as the Tanchozoru Maglev Train, its royal metal carvings represented the pinnacle of the Federation''s mass-transit technologies. Made from a CSP-affiliated Zaibatsu, the Maglev boasts exceptional bullet-like speeds without having to worry about what amount of tonnage it carries behind its deceptively slender back. It can move at sub-sonic speeds to rivaling several civilian-designed aircraft using its magnetic tracks.


    "It''s like a Castle in here!" smiled a Noble Lady. Inside the Tanchozoru''s sleek exterior was an equally palatial marrow. Thrones of softest cotton and windows of the clearest crystal set apart with generous spacing for passengers to make themselves at home in during their travels.


    "How could it move?" one Gliesian questioned. The locomotives magnets being a curiosity amongst the erudites of Tyr Rian.


    "Is it magic like Levitation? It has no wheel!" It hovered freely above its elevated yoke yet was still somewhat enchained to its will. Dumbstruck they were that to move ''faster'' one needs to let go of such archaic contraptions such as wheels and legs.


    [-]


    Dr. Mahelona stood in front of Major Holyfield and Colonel Polonsky, his rotund body reduced thinly of weeks of endless diligence. But his diligence, he prayed that will work come to fruition today.


    "You know Doc, you don''t have to do this? I can just ha¡ª" Polonsky attempted to back down but he was quickly silenced by the Holyfield


    "Semper Fi Marines like me would say!" Benjamin interjected. "You spoke so highly; you must learn to face it highly."


    David walked into the Testing Chamber, where one of the Major''s own Marines carried a MAR-A5 Assault Rifle fully loaded with live ammunition. Unlike previous tests, today was the day to put all of the acc.u.mulated knowledge Estsygol, ''the Scholar'' Chosen One has to the test on his understanding of Gliesian Magicks.


    Holding on his palm was a handheld device, compact enough to conceal within the pockets of his lab coat. The gizmo may be small but the Scientist embedded his heart and soul to this invention, hoping his efforts bear fruit today. For he believes the first mass-producible hand-held Kinetic Shield. Based on the magic spell of the same name, a Gliesian ''Shield'' Spell is conjured around in a large ovoid shape that can fully protect an individual from physical harm from bullets, blows and barrages of arrows. The device on hand is still a working prototype, no more than a tinkered laser pointer modified with an Unbinillium-Actocolite Battery enchanted with Iris Cadohagan''s Runic Magicks of the Abjuration Rune of ''Shield''.


    Today is a Field Demonstration Day, many prominent scientists, lobbyists, Industrial Criteria Juries, and even an Agent De Sardet were being live-streamed an Ethernet Broadcast to witness the latest bleeding-edge of UFE Technology. Those of the more monetary of interests were all CSP-aligned Interests, this demonstration being under the shadow of secrecy, less their Privatized adversaries listen into their current machinations. The latest arrivals of three of the Kesserheim''s conniving Gang of Five: Aparo Corporation, Osei Korporasie and Maximov Engineering (with Mili-Tek and Zhuming expected to arrive in Gliesia) have caused Chairman Bousquet to worry about their interests within Gliesia. Unlike their privatized cousins, they needed to be transparent of where they would throw their money at to the Auditors. They will need something, anything innovative that would entice the Government-Holdings to steamroll the ball of much-needed financial, intellectual and material support less the Gang of Five outmaneuver them with their more liquid capabilities of lesser required transparency. Today could be the breakthrough they need.


    He stood against the UFEAF Marine ten meters away. Both holding their respective tools at hand. The c.o.c.k of the MAR-A5 and the unsheathing of his shield. It glowed a brilliant cerulean field was projected across his entire body. David smiled confidently, already creating such a conjuration without having the unique ''Wizard-Gene'' was a scientific breakthrough in itself. He could theoretically be able to project mana without being born of one of natural talent.


    He bent his knees as he readies to brace, signaling the UFEAF Soldier to begin.


    "Firing!" the Marine declared as he raised his Assault Rifle.


    900 Rounds per minute of 5.56 x 45 millimeters of standard military ammunition unloaded upon Dr. Mahelona. The bullets struck the Scientists artificially conjured barrier, each time they impacted, the Mana Energies rippled and cause prismatic sparks to fly across the Shield but Mahelona remained unharmed. The force of each of its piercing blows still could be felt, however. Even as stubbornly as he tried to maintain his posture, for a physically below-average built man such as David, the bullets impacting his prototype were of Olympian levels worth of weights that broke his balance to pushing him away violently to the ground.


    "Seizing!" the Marine yelled as he sheathed his Rifle. There were only just 4 of the 30 rounds of ammunition left on his MAR-A5''s magazine counter.


    "Doctor!" Polonsky cried as he, the Marine, and Holyfield rushed to the flattened David. "Medic!" he cried for the standing-by Lifesaver to attend to them immediately.


    David''s head wrung as he felt his soft-boned head concussed as Polonsky immediately looked for any wounds that the Doctor could have been struck. It was a dangerous experiment yet the daring Doctor insisted he personally test his creations even if he runs the risk of grievous injury or death. Fortunately, other than a bruise on the right side of his forehead, he was ultimately unharmed.


    "Get up." The voice in his head urged him.


    Again, that same voice pushed him further, seductively it pushed onwards when most of his colleagues would have demanded respite. It was maddeningly seductive in tone. Often, he would neglect basic needs such as food and sleep until he had to be f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y made to rest for a few days. Already he lost several dozen kilograms of the fat on his body. But the thrill of discovery the more he tinkered with Unbinillium and all things Gliesian ''fed'' him. There were talks by his own Laboratory Assistant that he has become more workaholic day by day that it began to unnerve his colleagues, not that his result-demanding Paymasters are complaining.


    "Yes¡­ Yes¡­ did¡­ did it worked?" Mahelona hazily worded his next sentence as he was helped up by the newly arriving Combat Lifesaver.


    The group looked towards the screen where the Holographic displays of the Government Vested Interests were looking onto him.


    Then one of them clapped his hands... followed by an applaud of his fellow peers.


    "This... This is promising. Very promising Doctor Mahelona. Once again you have outdone yourself and exceeded all of our expectations." the Investor lauded ecstatically. "Outside of your Shield. What else are you working on?" He asked.


    "Well¡­" David exhaled, venting out the pain away from his recent falling. "This Shield is just an Off-branch Project that I could spin up for Demonstration to you within short notice."


    "Off-Branch? This isn''t your main project?" the Lobbyists questioned.


    "Yeah, I got a Unbinillium Generator on the drawing board which in a way, this Shield is like a mini-version of it. We also got some Weapons Experimentations with Magic and a side-business of excavating and studying rare Gliesian Artifacts whatever the Troops managed to pass along to me." David answered, gesturing to his Prototype Shield gadget.


    "Have you written down a blueprint for your device already?" A Contractor asked. "Do you have plans on upscaling this Shield to not only Infantry?"


    "A sure yes from me for the Blueprints and a theoretical Yes for the upscaling. I will need some more time to work on the finer details of it. But if I continue to study under Abacus I should be able to create a shield capable of protecting even a Warship from a Nuclear Blast. But for now, once I get the imperfections out of the way, this Infantry-sized shield should be good enough to withstand several shots from a full-auto .50 Caliber anything. I guess if you want to have this Shield get field-tested soon then I believe I will have to enlist a volunteer who works with an Exo-Suit all day. I mean¡­ if my fat little legs alone can barely hold of a clip of standard fifty-six¡­ then just imagine what someone in like a Hercules Suit could take." Mahelona answered. "I know a few candidates."


    "How many can you make in a month with your current capabilities?" An Industrial Criteria Jury member asked.


    "I guess by next month once I get the finer points across five to seven Kinetic Shields with my two Atomic-Fabricators." He answered.


    The Interests Group whispered amongst themselves. A tense sweat fell below in what seems like forever down Mahelona''s cheek. Will they or will they not bankroll his experimentation?


    "If I send you over five more Fabricators? Can you bring that number up to one-thousand by the Year''s End?" a phone-wielding Lobbyist calculated.


    "As soon as I can hire some Technicians for them, yes¡­ if that''s an Order?" David bunglingly smiled.


    "For those Shields. Consider those Fabricators be shipped to your Laboratory soon Doctor Mahelona. Blue-Sea''s Industries shall get your project up to speed." The Lobbyist approved.


    The other Investors nodded in agreement. This brand-new technology, Kinetic Shields can revolutionize Defense and Asset Protection. In days gone, one of the best ways to fight someone who wielded a big club is to find a bigger club or make a shield to block it. From the first evolution of weaponry now culminated to Electronic Countermeasures, Explosive Deterrents, and Nano-composite Alloys. But none had ever dared to compare against Dr. Mahelona''s Gliesian Kinetic Shield.


    "T-thank you very much!" David humbly shed a tear of joy.


    He was going to be set for ten lifetimes.

 Chapter 62 - There are Predators and there are Prey

    Rainfall drenched the soil of Kalmte today as the start of the Autumn weather phenomena known as the Drwg Mynd. Translated to ''bad going'' from Vaikuri to English, this even of time between median period of the Gliesian harvest season is when rainfall begins to fall down upon the northern territories of the Slaegian Empire. The rainwater wets the ground into a mushy paste causing any form of traffic, wheeled or footed to be severely hampered. Conditions of the ground aside, the sky is no better as the once shining Lehsol was blanketed in robes of gray clothes heavy with precipitation, covering the land in a soft shroud of mist. Most UFEAF''s activities in Kalmte have been kneecapped with Drones and Supply Chains operating in sub-optimal capacities, but it was a temporary setback. Once they retrofitted themselves for the coming change of seasons ahead, the Northern Sweep will continue onwards as schedule.


    Already he has ordered the Engineering Companies in charge of the Gold Arrow Express supply line to start paving the earthen-clay roads with asphalt as his soldiers tighten the noose on the last Slaegian Holdouts on their way to Ghana''s Wall. Although expected to finish before the Gliesian Winter''s arrival, it is a fatal mistake to not come prepared in case the adversary decides to enlist the help of General Winter to their advantage. Major Holyfield took precautions to prepare to be behind schedule for the operation in case the insurgent Slaegians decides to draw out this war longer than expected. The Wigs back home on earth can tolerate a hill-hiding Insurgency since the political objectives achieved during the previous Operation Haymaker has satisfied the Party''s Ends for the time being, but ultimately, he and Colonel Polonsky must decisively cut the head off of the resistance at the soonest in order for the Gliesian Pacification Campaign is to be seen to fruition. For now, all of the participating UFEAF Troops across the Front must make do with temporarily frustrated supplies and support. Light to Medium weight vehicles will have to pick up the pace in their heavier variants absence which means no Ullrs and Cataphract Tanks doing the heavy fire fighting for the advancing infantry.


    It wasn''t the first time that General Mud proverbially disrupted the Armed Forces of the Federation but even in spite of their advancements, there were places Mother Nature still held mastery over those who attempt to tame her. Even more so when it comes in regards to the strange plague that began to slowly enrapture the former Imperial Region as reports of hostile ''walkers'' began to roam around the region assaulting refugees, soldiers, or even themselves alike in a blind haze of rabid cannibalism.


    Stryder Group hunkered down for the past two days at the ruined Parish Temple that centralized within the village of Egni much to her chagrin. The plague had forced her team under quarantine as official bureaucratic work was being made to accommodate Samantha and her squad''s exemption from the Egni Containment Zone hosted by the 12th Infantry''s Captain Fred Feldchrist. The CRBN Company overseeing this measure wasted no time in studying their invisible enemy much to the unnerving chagrin of their Native Charges. Many of them were probed, f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y separated from their loved ones, and yelled into slum-like conditions as the Hazmat-Suited soldiers separated the infected from the non-infected.


    "Looks like you are in the clear Captain. Doctor Lee Haneul just came in now with all the papers you need for me to legally let you out of the Containment Zone." Captain Feldchrist removed his Gas Mask as he put on his reading glasses. He looked over a Smartpad over written Data as Samantha stood up from her cot.


    "So, what exactly these poor folks are suffering from?" Samantha asked.


    "I''ll skip to the straight stuff here so here goes." Feldchrist swallowed his breath. "This ''Primal Boil'' as the locals call it, is actually some kind of the functional hybrid between Rabies and the Roto viruses, Genome mapping, Reproduction and all. This new virus is making them act all zombie-like without actually getting shot of those Necromancy Magic that exists here in this reason, scary enough that I just said all of that." Captain Feldchrist explained darting his eyes towards Iris with his stiff prejudiced gaze. "Doctor Lee got this very ancient detes dating back before the Federation''s founding. For formalities sake, the Docs are treating this as a wholly new Virus¡­ with similar characteristics to Roto and Rabies."


    "Roto? Rabies? What are those?" Obediah asked.


    "Colonial." Samantha informed Feldchrist. "Just keep it simple."


    "My team has been getting samples and sending all the data back to the Doctors back in New Albany from the local infectees we are getting. It is getting easy to single each of the infected out as time passes. But the number of cases only seems to keep piling up." Captain Feldchrist turned his Smart Pad towards Stryder. "Symptoms Rabies and Roto, two diseases that used to be prevalent before the Federation but now extinct included, to cut it down for you, Zombie-like demeanor and your body becoming malnourished due to your digestive systems not working properly to absorb all the nutrients, respectively speaking."


    Education differs greatly as humanity spread out from Earth, some of the old Historics being often neglected for industrial-based skill generation the farther one leaves the Core Territories of the Federation. The legends of old malaises that had once plagued humanity being distant memories easily buried in niche subject textbooks. Still, galleries of their roguish terror and how they were beaten were archived thrice over by the Federation so that future generations could remember their predecessor''s experience in case one encounters a similar adversary one day along the line.


    "What does this Ray-Bee''s and Row-Toe have to do with my brother?" Liliyan questioned.


    "From his notebook right, he mentioned of some kind of ''Something Truly Evil Essence'' he found on the Habafants, right? ''Small in size'' and ''invisible to the un-aided eye'' that''s what is happening to them and the folks in the village. An invisible killer, like Poison but it jumps between people to people." Samantha explained to Liliyan.


    "Waterborne Virus to be exact." Feldchrist interjected. "Throw in crappy sanitation that would give the Health Minister a heart attack and boom. An easily-preventable plague¡­ becoming a monster today."


    "What the Meds figured outfitted perfectly with Ratimir''s Notebook we found Captain." Kayin grasped his head with a strong grip, epiphanizing what the puzzle pieces now fully speaking together to him. "F.u.c.k.i.n.g damn¡­"


    Putting together Ratimir''s previous attempt to create an archaic vaccine foiled by the Chosen One Faithleann''s prejudice against Vampire had painted a vivid yet grim picture of one man''s archaic idea of romanticized chivalric ''heroism'' has spiraled into untold amounts of the suffering of the very people he was sworn to protect.


    "And those virus traces we found on the creek that goes down to the village." The Engineer turned to Samantha.


    And now the Amelioration, Stryder especially are forced to patch up the breaking pieces.


    "A thousand Curses more upon you Faithleann again." Iris bared her fangs. "That¡­ that¡­Ax¡­uh¡­ Jumping Brat!" the Vampire Witch''s animosity pushing her to acts of sordid jargon.


    "Who would dare poison Habafants? Ratimir would have torn the rogue into shreds if he knew." Liliyan curled her fingers as her nails lengthened into razors.


    "Actually no one poisoned the Habafats. The ''Evil Essence'' or what we call it a ''Virus'' is a creation of nature itself." Rose answered. "Have you ever wondered why we sometimes get sickness?" she turned to Liliyan with her question.


    "The Sages say that sickness comes from the imbalance of life force, Positive and Negative within the living body. Magic and herbal remedies and alchemical elixirs are meant to restore that imbalance" Liliyan stated.


    "You are wrong actually. Sickness is caused by three types of tiny creatures that cannot be seen by the n.a.k.e.d eye. They are called bacteria, virus, and parasites. You can say they are monsters in a sense Liliyan, created in nature much like all the monsters Dragons, Bulletes and Trolls who in the order of all things have to harm other living beings like Humans, Elves, Dwarves and other races as well as animals like the Habafat by invading their bodies and cause it''s to deteriorate even if it means killing them. You saw the picture Captain Feldchrist showed you about the round spiked beings? That''s what a Virus looks like when you look inside them with some special¡­ uh¡­ eyes¡­.", Sam explained as simplified as she could to Liliyan.


    "Are you also a Doctor Samantha? How do you know all of this? Did your Elf companion taught you more everything about Elven Curatives?" Liliyan pointed to Aliathra.


    "I dare say, that you are wrong again." Aliathra humbly bowed. "The Otherworlder, again I dare say but for all of my people''s proficiencies in Curatives, Samantha and her people have proven themselves to be more knowledgeable of Neneth''s Mysteries than I myself as a Cleric of her." The elf answered.


    "Still, your brother and Aliathra here, it is foolish to not regard their achievements about their individual study and practice the about the body and disease." Samantha acknowledged both points.


    Liliyan nodded approvingly as she turned over to the vacuum-sealed bag containing her brother''s body. Sad, but attaining a newfound tenet of esteem to his otherwise aloof kinsman.


    "The good news is that now we know how exactly we need to do beat it. Unfortunately, the bad news the best we can do within the foreseeable future is just simple damage control. The infected water is connected to the Empire''s River systems means that it could spread out amongst the people of the Empire by now. Some of my men are already dropping chlorine onto the rivers and filtering out safe drinking water to the refugees but it seems like we are encountering the same problems on ''Demon Food'' like our Laniyean counterparts back south."


    "Damn it all!" Kayin yelled. "These were like the stories my grandfather used to tell. Travel miles to get water that won''t kill him or his sister." He kicked the loose rubble of the temple.


    "There''s not much that we can do here now other than letting Captain Feldchrist and his men handle the Plague while we continue on without mission. We¡­ have to salvage what we can still save right now." Samantha reminded her squad. "We need to get back to the Tyhela and try to work what we can with the Vamps."


    "Pack it up lads, we moving out within the hour." Crocker grabbed his rucksack.


    [-]


    "Tad, I am scared." Mewled a small boy as he hid behind the skirts of his parents.


    Strange people who walk upright with dead blank eyes had cornered his family as they attempted to flee the Imperial Province as by the decree of the Duke.


    "Stay close to me¡­" his father comforted him.


    He knew that these were the doomsaying heralds spoke about, the Otherworlders. He tried to have his family leap away with their relatives and friends at the soonest but alas, he was too slow to catch up with the many northward caravans that left leaving towards the Northern Frontiers. Instead, he and his wife and son were thrown out of their homes as men in blank-eyed helmets with beak-like mouths began to pillage his home, throwing away all of his yields and tainting them with their vile secretions. To their sorrow, they were taken, along with their neighbors en masse to a newly emergent settlement that broke off from their main horde. A great corral of tents, as if like a Tent City was the destination for this hapless faithful of the Empire, like a herd of Habfants they were forcefully flocked. Fear gripped the family; they stood no chance fighting these Otherworlders and also the thought of losing even one of each other is too much blow to their sanctimonious sanity for them to even bear. All the Father could do now for his son aged five summers and his wife is to stay together and pray for salvation. They must not lose hope for it''s what they only have left.


    Upon arrival to the Tent City, the Slaegian Family was herded to a large orange yurt, a kind of tent he had heard was often used by savage tribes who roam the eastern deserts. There, five shapes in great gleaming suits stood before them. Behind the Otherworlders were two doors, one to the left and one to the opposing right. The left door is where the ''Bad Ones'' go to, whilst the right-sided one was where ''Good Ones'' are destined to. He saw several people be sorted swiftly amongst their judging gazes between these two openings. He couldn''t tell what they mean by ''Good'' and ''Bad'' as these Otherworlders describe, as if by some unknown character, invisible from himself, but of perfect clarity to them was present upon each Soul subjected to their judgments.


    Like Cattle being appraised they were all sorted one by one.


    "You! Come over to me and show me your mouth!" one of the Otherworlders ordered.


    The father grasped his son as he moved together towards the Demon.


    "Together?" the Demon paused. "Fine, but the child goes first." The man leaned over to the father. His coal-colored insectoid-like eyes piercing down upon him.


    "No!" the boy cried, as he bawled before the Otherworlder.


    "Do what I say and you will be back with your father soon."


    "Bachgen, make it quick. We need to get away from here¡­" the Mother urged her child to obey. Her disheveled hair contrasting her kind yet weary eyes as the boy quietly obeyed and bared his mouth.


    The insectoid-eyed Otherworlder grabbed a probe from his hand, knelt down, and placed it upon the child''s open mouth. A loud click noise came out ominously as the Alien stood back up quietly as he turned to the father. Another loud cl.i.c.k.i.n.g noise from his probing device was emitted. The moment was tenuous as the boy held onto his father''s protection of his lumbar legs.


    "Go on ahead." The Otherworlder nodded, stepping away and allowing the boy and his father to move forward.


    "Let us wait for mama." The father whispered to his boy.


    They moved forward, slowing their pace a few steps in as the father turned his head towards his beloved wife as it became her turn to be graded by the cattle-herding Otherworlders.


    Her mouth was probed, but instead of the loud cl.i.c.k.i.n.g noise that likely must indicate that they are of no exceptional quality to the Invaders, her probing triggered a continuous clanging alarm. The noise, roused the other Demons around the tent of their feet as they swiftly, like predators cornering their prey, descended upon the mother.


    "Got one!" the Otherworlder yelled. The Mother jolted and screamed as the Otherworlder''s Demonic Knights seized her by the arms.


    "Let her go!" The Father thrust himself to reach his beloved. But the blanked-eyed foreigners thwarted him mere inches away from each other''s grasps.


    "Take those two away to the ''Good Ones''." An Otherworlder, one who seemed to stand himself in high distinction barked. Father''s eyes seethed through his blanked ones, recognizing him as this Demonic Warband''s venerable leader.


    "That is my wife! I will not let you!" The Father growled.


    "Hurry up! We still have dozens more to sort through!" The Warband Leader continued to exact his will.


    The Father and the Boy were dragged off f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y, their faces struck by the butts of their crossbows as they were taken away from the Yurt. Into a metal fenced area, designed like a common livestock''s pen, or more accurately a prison for cattle they found themselves inside of along with dozens of men and women. A chorus of prayers, lamentations, and fear ampliated the despondent gathering as the Drwg Mynd rainfall began to pour onto them. There, the fractured family watched to their dismay as the Wife disappeared amidst into another side of where they came from.


    "What is happening to mama?" the Boy whimpered to his father.


    "I¡­I¡­ she will be fine¡­" the Father instilled a soft, if not half-hoped reassurance to his


    "Brother¡­ Ghana give you strength." A hand appeared behind his shoulder. His voice was silken, a tone that awes respect of religious lore. "And may Yher shield your child. Please listen to me¡­ but leave the boy out. He may not wish to hear it." the Father turned around to a hooded pilgrim, of weakened posture and frail of the face.


    "Son, just see if¡­ maybe you can find any of our friends or neighbors here right now. Tad needs to handle an affair." He dismissed his child.


    The boy nodded and dashed away leaving the Father and the old pilgrim to each other''s whispered company.


    "What drivel you speak of traveler?" the Father turned to the frail-faced man.


    "Shush¡­ listen¡­" the pilgrim told the Father.


    Into the distance, amidst all of their holding pen''s depressing gallery the Father''s ears attuned themselves.


    A loud thunder, an ominous crack of an unnatural roar blared across the Demon Camp. Unlike the Autumn Rain''s that brought some light, yet ultimately harmless quivers among the fainted of heart every Autumn and Spring. However, this thunder crack caused the souls of some of the imprisoned Duchal and Legionnaire Soldiers to loosen their bowels. The Father heard of the doom-saying heralds of the Otherworlder''s Crossbows having the power of thunder and lightning that can whatever prey they aim true upon. One crack can equal the end of one life as those men who survived an encounter with their invading adversaries.


    "That sound, so what they spoke is true." The Father''s eyes shuddered, fearing the worst for his wife. "One crack equals One soul. How many have you heard when you were here?" he asked the pilgrim.


    "I counted¡­ twenty-eight or so¡­ then that one." He answered. "Have you heard what those Demons spoke of us? That we are the ''Good Ones''?" the pilgrim discoursed.


    The Father nodded. His quavers seeking an answer of any sort of what is happening right now. He and his family were confused.


    "We are just cattle to them all. To be rounded, sorted, and butchered. "Good Ones'' will be saved for their feasts while the ''Bad Ones''¡­ they¡­ they are lucky they just end you out of your life as soon as they do." The pilgrim spat.


    "But what can we do?" the Father asked of him.


    "Hold on¡­ look over there." The pilgrim pointed behind him.


    The Father saw two of the beaked-mouth Otherworlders carry off a linen cloth bag towards a cleared hollow onto the ground where many more similarly wrapped clothed bags were being thrown unto. Then one of the Otherworlders stumbled down, his grip letting goes of the bag. The cloth became slightly unfurled for a brief moment, but the Father recognized the contents, or more exactly, recognized the person. One of the people ahead of him from the line on their way being appraised by the Demonic Cattle-Herders back at the Orange Yurt earlier. He was one of the ''bad ones'', as their leader spoke off.


    He realized¡­ They were burning the bodies of the unsuitable ''cattle''. To ashes, scattered to the winds as their bodies were piled upon piles of dozens if not hundreds of brothers, sisters, friends, and neighbors.


    "Damn you!" the Father dashed towards the fence''s barrier, his hands curled around its metallic net. His eyes blood red in anger. His wife and many more of his people could end up just like him. "Damn you all! Let me out! Let me out!"


    Another loud and unnatural crack echoed into the camp, alas no lightning bolt struck or flash seen. Another soul, snuffed out, discarded for the glutinous machinations of the Otherworlder''s Soul Harvests. Panic, Anger, and Fear gripped him, and then soon another bystander joined his impassioned song.


    "We have to get out of here now!" the pilgrim roused the other imprisoned Slaegians.


    A spark of defiant hope flickered amongst the hearts of each of them, emerging from the now slowly forming quagmire of their animalistic prison. Men, Women, Children, Commoners, Soldiers, and Noble rose from the mud and began to yell their voices towards the rainy sky.


    "Remain calm!" one of the Demonic Cattle-Herders yelled at them.


    "Let us out! Let us out! Let us out!" the emerging mob raised their fists. Hands slinging mud and loose stones towards their captors. Some pushing their weight on the fence realizing that it can bend down low enough to allow escape. Other braves charged towards their captors as to overpower them.


    It was either liberty, death, or damnation now.


    [-]


    Mita the Crow Master''s hands clawed through the tree branch she hung herself on, threatening to snap the wood like a twig. Even as the day passes, her witnessing of the cruelty of these Otherworlders continues to exceed her and her Crows horrors further and further. But she must not allow emotion to befuddle her judgment, she has devised a plan and anger will only blind her. The Crow Master''s contract still stands: To aid the Empire''s war. Such objectives now came upon the altruistic action of rescuing captured commoners from the clutches of the ever-hungering Demonic Hordes. People are people, even if she is a shadowy rogue with questionable principles and devious deeds. But even then the commoners were simply a professional courtesy and a means to an end for a much larger prize.


    Speaking of devious deeds, this could be her most duplicitous caper yet.


    Mita reviewed her equipment, mostly scrounged together improvised items due to the severity of finding any finer supplies for her missions but she had succeeded with far more unusual sets of preparatory materials before.


    A bushel of wild nuts and local funghi, common ingredients if not the whole meal for various livestock that ranges freely around the Duchy of Kalmte. Good to be eaten by both men and beasts. The mere scent of them aroused excitement among carefully ''prepared'' animals hung around with a few pounds primed pouches of Uzeagon necklaced around their necks to wreak some havoc around the Otherworlders.


    Even with an ebullient stampede of farm critters running amok around their defenses, Mita would not be the Crow Master if she doesn''t add a few more tricks up her sleeves. Half-a-dozen of Whipping Mist, an alchemical bomb made from the pollen of a particularly eye-tearing flower native to around this region of the Empire. Used by the crows on many occasions for concealment and modic.u.ms of escape from the five senses of their pursuers. Just enough for her to be able to get in and out with her quarry. Plus, a special gum that she must embed in her mouth and chew upon usage since she rather keeps to her own set of the five senses rather than wear a protective mask. She is more of a purist after all.


    Speaking about plants, she also remembered to douse a piece of cloth with special herbal oil from Saihan. An item she had to expend the last of her pre-war black-market connections to secure before being cut off from the Kobold Hollow''s Underground. The dissolved-in-oil essence of the sedative Yaohu, or Lung Slumber Plant. Used in small quantities as a cure for sleeplessness and as a potent pain killer if one goes beyond the typical pharmaceutical prescriptions.


    Then, of course, there were her prime essentials. The tools of the trade of any rogue: Twin short-blades curved slightly for maximum slashing, a set of throwing knives, her lucky lockpick, and finally her custom Dwarfen Mechanical Hand-Bolt Thrower.


    All of these tools, to the less cunning of minds, would have been overlooked as local knick-knacks and mercantile curiosities. But to the Crow, it was all that was needed.


    All needed to do accomplish one task:


    The Capture of the Share-Holder.


    The playful whistle of a Nut-Jacker bird, four w.h.i.n.es of the pipe to be exact in slow beats was then heard from Mita''s vantage. It was from one of her mellow-beaked Crows. It was the signal that they are all in position around the village of Egni. Some hidden amongst the houses and fields surrounding the settlement, others deep within the proverbial heart of darkness¡­ All of her crows, about fifteen of her including herself, were in all likelihood the last of their order of which they know of each other''s survival. They all had a part in play for the Crow''s Plan to spirit away the Share-Holder.


    Mita coordinated her remaining Crows of their goals, only using a mere few hours of scouting the Egni Village atop of her treetop vantage. They did not have much time before this golden opportunity of potentially turning the tide of the war around before it eludes them, if not forever. The Share Holder had spent the past day within the now derelict Temple at the center of the village. Such a position was quite overtly extensive across the main force of the Demonic Armies pushing in from the north. At first, the other Crows she rallied couldn''t believe that the Share-Holder is in Kalmte so soon, thinking she would have bathed in the despoiled lights of the Imperial Capital miles south but it has seemed the Demons have intended to use her as a vanguard against what remains of the Empire. Her touring presence across Kalmte had been according to the Inquisitorial Agents having a demoralizing effect on the soldiers as any battles that involved her personal attendance had always resulted in an utter rout of the Duchal-Imperial Forces. Any sort of relief could mean the difference for the survival of the Empire if they could either stop any of the Demon''s Elites or allow more people to escape their voracious path.


    An orange glow followed by the gales of the autumn winds swept past the Crow Master, spurring her ears and nose. She could hear her tingling ears the crackle of fire and anger from her disguised Crows who infiltrated the Demonic Herding camps.


    Her nose titillated on the perfumed scents of blood and anarchy that followed suit.


    "The die has been cast." Mita shrouded her hood atop her ebony short hair.


    She leaped down from her tree and landed gracefully onto the ground, hardly making a sound even if there were no Demonic Sentries nearby to affix their gaze upon the southwestern approach to Egni now that their attention has been diverted to the rioting commoners at their Herding Camps. Her nimble feet skimmed through the bemired dirt roads of Egni, the Harvest Season''s Drwg Mynd being the perfect veil to mask her silken glissade. Typically, she would often avoid large groups of five or more Otherworlders whenever possible. She was not up to prolonged combat, using her Whipping Mist Bomb''s to evade the clutches of any soldiers she comes across. Occasionally she would encounter an isolated or two Otherworlders that she was forced to tangle with her hands reddened with their blood. Aiming for their heads and necks, the most efficient means of eliminating any potential betrayers, especially of armored dress, to her presence with her blades and Hand-Bolt Thrower. Despite their fearsomely distinguished semblances, they bleed just the same from the dripping thirst of her twin blades.


    As she journeyed closer to the Village Center, she could already see the pandemonium quicken across the village''s narrow pathways of frenzied refugees pommeling their Demonic Captors for their arrogance alongside her Crow-Initiates who stoked them. Such fighting had become so great that the Herders were now resorting to lethal force in a bid to cow their cattle and re-assert their domination, firing their Black Staves towards them. The Crow Master churned if not for a mere flash when she saw a couple of her Initiates become martyred by the Demon''s weapons. Yet, she knew that their mission was just. Though they could all potentially die in such an attempt; all that matters is the contract be honored between them and Emperor Uldin. As so it has always been for the Crows. Their tradition of Honoring those who down the right price for their services. Themselves only a secondary consideration.


    Still, even in the midst of overwhelming force, there were some Crows who didn''t confront the Demons, instead of leading away as many of the refugees as they could from the fighting northwards away from Egni. Mita had mapped out several escape routes they could use and arranged a means of departure for them and the refugees should they make it away from Egni. She had to save them not just because it was the just action to do, but she needed them to spread what horrors the Otherworlders are now inflicting upon those unfortunate enough to not escape their grasp. Yesterday was Haringpoint, today Kalmte, tomorrow could be all of the Empire.


    "Captain! We got orders from the Major. Deadly Force is not allowed! Use Non-lethals! We can''t let them pass us any further or they''ll all escape!" a dirt-kicked Demonic Otherworlder yelled.


    Mita slowed herself, knelt down, and stalked forward, she could hear the fighting becoming more discordant. Her observing the Otherworlders beginning to start digging their heels deeper down to the muddied floor.


    "Where are the Non-Lethals? At this rate my gun is going to break!" another Demonic Otherworlders, rather atypically protested in a rare display of hesitation as he clubbed one rioter with his stave.


    "We got some by our Motor Pool near the Temple! Samantha and her team are close by! We need her help!" the previous Demon ordered.


    Samantha.


    That was the name of the Share-Holder. She is indeed still here and just as she had scouted, still inside the Temple.


    Flanking her way around the beleaguered defenders, Mita infiltrates the deep heart of the Otherworlder''s Camp, behind their backs. The front door is way too obvious for an entrance for her to march in, alongside the large hole the Temple had suffered during the doomed Legionary-led counter atta. In her own honesty, could have actually succeeded in overrunning the Otherworlders on their lonesome. There was, however, one more entrance she could enter from, the Bell Tower. The stone construction of the Temple wasn''t of smooth-surfaced quarry stone but rather glued together patches of stackable rock. Mita was confident that she could, with some moderate effort, quickly able to climb up the tower and enter through the tower without the inhabitants knowing she was coming from above¡­ but how would she get out of the Temple, however? Would she have to whisk away the Share-Holder with the Otherworlders in Hot Pursuit as she feared?


    "Alright! Alright! I am getting them." A familiar lithe voice burst out of the front door mid-thought as Mita''s eyes caught red. Red Hair.


    "I got our screen covered. Hurry now Samantha!" an Otherworlder declared.


    "Got it! Cover me!" Samantha slung her demonic stave and rushed forth.


    It was the Share-Holder herself, Mita recognized her distinctive armor and red hair hung around in a playful ponytail in all of her unmistakable visage. Her face was flushed with sweat as she ran forth around the corner of the Temple. Mita hid behind a pile of haystacks as she observed her target returning to her comrades with several heavy boxes back and forth. Blinding magical light from the Demonic''s own arms ensorcelled all eyes in its dazzling flashes as their staves ripped through the Riot with wild abandon, knocking down each person who charged forth with wounds suddenly being bolted upon their bodies.


    It was now or never for the Crow Master. This could be her only chance to capture an invaluable prize for her contract. And she would be damned if she let this slip away from her fingers.


    Samantha was a dangerous adversary, her magical prowess decimating those who dare confront her head-on. A single rogue, even as skillful as Mita herself would not stand a chance if she manages to get her spells off her hands. Undermining her ability to fight back of any means would be key. The Crow Master opened her pouch and where the Yaohu Oil she kept tucked comfortably in. Unfurling its protective cloth, she took hold of the coal-colored glass bottle and poured its intoxicating contents across the cloth. The sedative fumes were tempting for her eyes to fall but Mita bit her lip hard to stay awake. The potion may be potent, but it diffuses quickly when exposed to air for too long.


    Once the cloth has been fully doused in Yaohu Oil, Mita leaped away from the hay with her head lowered as she made her way around the Temple. Like a wolf finding its prey, Mita saw Samantha carrying over boxes of the Demons supplies all on her lonesome. Sweat poured and her muscles bearing signs of laborious diligence. Alongside the fighting only mere inches away from her, she was completely unaware of the Crow Master''s presence.


    "My baby in the cradle, ready for bed.~" Mita pounced on Samantha. It was an old folk lullaby, its length tailor-made for the most efficient usage to drowse one victim to sleep, whether its through a choking garrote or the forced inhalation of hypnotic fumes. "Done for the day with sweet dreams in your head.~"


    "Mmmph!" Captain Rose struggled, her body shifting to break free, but the Yaohu Oil held true to its name. The more the Share-Holder fought, the heavier her body weighed her down. The sedative effects of the Saihanese herb liquefying her resolve as it was f.o.r.c.i.b.l.y taken to sleep.


    "Mother will help you fear no dread.~" Mita pulled up the now unconscious Samantha over her shoulder. "Mayari''s smiles over your little head.~"


    With her target in tow and her companions none the wiser of what had just happened, Mita spirited the Chosen One away from the battle right beneath their noses.


    The Predator has become the Prey! The Crow Master''s plan had succeeded.


    [-]


    "That''s odd¡­" one of Project Hecate''s Specialists looked on Samantha''s biometrics.


    "What is it?" Dr. Mahelona, coffee cup in hand walked towards him.


    "Asset: Le Fay''s heartbeat monitor just suddenly fell down." The Specialist reported.


    "What do you mean¡­ ''went down''?" Mahelona''s peered down on the Specialist. Concern beginning to pour out unto his pudgy face.


    "I am sorry, but I meant¡­" apologized the Specialist. "It''s just her heart rate¡­ and brain waves just went down to¡­ uh Sleep Levels? Isn''t it¡­ just Four P.M. right now? Protocols say she must take her rest cycles at arou--" the Specialist questioned.


    "Sam probably had a rough day today Specialist." Mahelona dismissed his concerns. "The Captain is a smart girl. She knows when she should get away with a few minutes of shut-eye or two. Let''s just cut her a bit of slack just this once." Mahelona smiled as he finished the last cup of his coffee. "You should get back to work with digitizing those Spell Books from the College now at the meantime. Sam is gonna love what Agent De Sardet fished up." He spoke.


    The Specialist shrugged, minimized the live monitoring of Samantha''s on-suit Biometrics, and followed the Doctor''s orders. Still, the mention of the Bureau Agent''s name still sent many cold shivers down many of the common pencil pushers and even a few of the grunts around New Albany. Outside of video calls to his husband and his blatant addiction to Banana Pistachio Muffins, he was one of the bleakest men to ever dare walk the green earth. His actions with the Adventurer''s Guild and several Mages¡­ or at least what was left of them anyways speaks louder than whatever posh fran?ais rolled off his tongue.


    At least there''s Inspector Reid to keep him somewhat in check.

 Chapter 63 - Mara

    Mita sighed in relief as she stripped off most of the Share-Holder''s otherworldly items off her. It was quite the challenge for even a lithe-handed rogue such as herself to peel them off of Samantha as she slept. Although the Yaohu Oil kept her red-headed hellion lulled into a deep slumber, it was difficult to separate her from the Otherworld items that she passed over to her fellow Crows onto a table. She couldn''t get rid of the Share-Holder''s skin-tight Silken bodysuit in particular. Her best Crows concluding that it was probably some kind of embedded under-armor of sorts that the Demons had bestowed to her as a sign of her allegiance to their designs. She would just pass them off to what is left of the Empire''s Arcanists to see what they can do about it upon her delivery to Ghana''s Wall.


    She and about five of her remaining Crows had made camp of about 5 or so miles north off of Egni. Of the thirty Crows who assaulted the Demonic Butchering Camp, only eleven remained alive. Of the eight, five proffered to escort the refugees they forge ahead with rescued to safety and report back to Marshall Huguet of their findings. The other five stayed with Mita and continue their clandestine actions around Kalmte and continue scouting and performing any subversive actions against the invaders in the meanwhile.


    At the present at their Camp, Mita''s Crows were in a mix of calm and a consoling elation that they have survived so far. Sharing, drinks, stories, and their rations with each other whilst expecting their roguish tools. One of them, a more industrious minded of Crow, was put to work by the Crow Master to tinker with the Chosen One''s strange paraphernalia. He had accounted several of the items already on his logbook with rudimentary descriptions and drawings of what he observed.


    "Some kind of Leather Cuirass? Pockets everywhere¡­ like ours feistiri." The Tinkering Crow showed Mita the amber-colored vest.


    "And that Blue Banner¡­ with the rings? They look like they form¡­ a flower. Strange." one of the Crows eyed curiously on the Vests flag patch. "Does the Demonology Books match this Hex?"


    "I don''t think it does." Mita nodded. "All is this too strange for me¡­ You have to be careful with those. Who knows what could happen to you?"


    The Tinkering Crow dropped down the amber vest away and laid his hands onto the next piece of alien contraband: Samantha''s peculiar ''Black Stave''. Unlike the typical magical staff seen by many of Battlemages and scholastic Wizards, it had an artiste-like design of sleek metal furbished into delicate separate parts. There was a handguard, much like a crossbow at one side of the Stave whilst their were several curious holes that were noticeable upon an erudite examination of the device.


    "So, they hold them like this or¡­" the Tinkering Crow''s fingers glided across the alien weapon, holding it upright as his eyes peered over its hollow focus¡­


    BANG!


    A thunderous crack sent the seclusion of the Crow Camp into disarray. The Crow somehow causing the Stave to discharge its magicks onto him.


    Mita and the rest of the Crows looked on in horror as the Tinkering Crow stood still, eyes once alive with curiousity become limp as he turned slowly to them to reveal that his throat began leaking blood. The accursed magicks of the Stave had smited him!


    He looked on in horror to his fellow Rogues as he collapsed onto the floor, eyes fading into tears. The grasp of Tivna''s hand slowly enrapturing into her deathly embrace. The Stave he held followed down to the floor, causing the stave to again discharge its invisible missiles one more time as it collapsed to the campground, its speedy missile, slinging away a chunk of wood from a nearby tree with its piercing gaze.


    "No!" one of the Crows rushed towards his bleeding comrade, frantically trying to grasp his pockets in a panic to find something or anything to seal the bloodl.u.s.t, finding a lonely and crumpled up hankerchief on one of his least used pockets on his leather cuirass. But as he placed the cloth onto his wound, it was too late, the Tinkerer''s hands grew limp and his eyes twisted back. Tivna has taken him away to her garden.


    "This¡­ this Magicks is cursed! The Clerics were right! We should toss this away before it claims another one of us!" The now bloody-handed Crow''s eyes seeped red with grief gnarled, flinging an accusatory finger towards the Black Stave that had taken his fellow''s life.


    Mita swallowed her throat, she knew the risks of handling the items of the Demonic Invaders but there is nobody except her that she knows of that is brave enough to try and study their adversary. The rest fled, broken into terror by the might of their arms. But not her, she must know thy enemies so she knows what thy herself and her Crows could do to fight back.


    With her head lowered to respect her fallen junior, she walked around the Tinkering Crow''s corpse and cautiously picked up the Share-Holder''s Black Stave. Remembering that her late aide''s death was caused when he peeked through its ''Hollow Focus'' she took care her face was not meeting its gaze.


    "As we had observed among the Otherworlders, the way they use their staffs are like Crossbows." Mita held the Stave stead as one of a Tyr Rianni Arbalist.


    When she looked over, her eyes peeked through with great enhancement that it unbalanced her for a moment until she realizes that she was looking through what looks like some kind of monoscope attached to atop of the Stave. Although it may be shorter in length than her own spyglass, the magnification of one''s vision was a great improvement for a remarkably terse gadget. She noticed that the monoscope she looked towards was perceptively aiming the said stave towards a nearby tree in their camp.


    "So, if this is like an Arbalist then I should pull the trigger mechanism¡­ that is¡­" Mita muttered.


    Using her knowledge of firing Crossbows, she held her breath, steadied her aim and pulled the trigger.


    BANG!


    Another crack discharged from the Black Stave. Fortunately, it only struck a single tree.


    Mita sparked with a coy smile. Her hypothesis being correct, the Stave sharing the same mechanism of a Crossbow. The Crow Master had also observed that the Crossbow didn''t require one to manually pull up the rope cables, if there were any inside this Stave to fire the Stave for successive shots.


    She squeezed the trigger again.


    BANG!


    The stave struck wherever the monoscope''s gazed upon with Elven-like accuracy.


    "Could you keep on¡­  I wonder?" Mita questioned the Stave. Whenever she squeezed the trigger, it fired one shot¡­ if she pulled the trigger mechanism again, would more come out?


    BANG!


    She squeezed a second time, resting her arms steady from the recoil of the Stave''s discharge.


    BANG!


    Again, she squeezed the trigger.


    BANG!


    Curiously, she noticed that every time she fired the Stave, a brass-colored shell erupted from the back of the rifle, lightly tapping her feet.


    She knelt down and grabbed the brass shells. They were shaped like darts about as small length short of her middle finger. Mita turned over the Stave and discovered that there was a hollow chamber beneath the rifle that gave her a glimpse of the Arcane Secrets the stave possessed inside of it, of which there was nothing Arcane in its nature. The craftsmanship inside the hollow shell chamber was intricate, precise and linear like her own Dwarfen Hand-Bolt Thrower. Her sharp eyes further examined that the dart-shell or at least one similar shaped to the one she held is now resting itself upon a circular chamber with a hammer set aback as if waiting for some hidden mechanism, a trigger to release its potential energy onto the dart-shell to discharge it off of the Stave.


    "This is how these Otherworlder''s weapons must work like?" the Crow Master curled her lips. Mind storming with ingenious thoughts of this Otherworlder Weapon.


    "Master!" a voice cried. "Are you okay? Did that Accursed Devilry spoke whispers to you?" a concerned Crow pleaded to her.


    "No¡­ I¡­ I don''t ''hear'' anything¡­" Mita answered. "I¡­ I don''t think this is a Magic Stave¡­ is Magical at all."


    "How so?" the Crow asked.


    "I saw what is inside it¡­ there''s nothing but moving parts within it. I believe these are merely¡­ VERY well-made Repeating Crossbows these Otherworlders are wielding. L-like my Hand-Bolt Thrower." Mita explained to her adjuvants.


    "Are you saying this isn''t Magic the Demons are using?" the Crow asked her.


    "In all my years as your Master. I have seen it all when it comes to Magicks." Mita sighed. "This is not one of any. Daosne, Elven nor of the Colleges." She hovered the Black Stave to her Crows. "The Demons powers rely on forged Steel, of breakable, finite and temporal Steel."


    "If it is made, then we can break it! There is hope!" A Crow leaped, her mourning of their lost friend no longer being a tale of tragedy, but a twisted canon of martyrdom.


    "Oh¡­ my head¡­ was so¡­" Samantha groggily arose from her slumber. The loud cracking of mage (or Boltfire now that Mita deduced) had pulled her away from the effects of the Yaohu Herb.


    "The prisoner. She has awoken." A Crow affirmed to her fellows. "Did you not put enough of that Sleeping Oil onto her?"


    "Absurd. The Smuggler assured me that the Share-Holder would be sleeping like a babe for three entire days under its effects while we carried her off." The Crow Master protested.


    Little did she know that Samantha had a Nanite Enhancement embedded into her bloodstream. They were intended to compensate for the instabilities in her body ever since she became the Share-Holder. The Nanites gave her enhanced strength and resistance, especially against drugs and toxins. The augmentation also doubled as a regulatory body that helps enhance Captain Rose''s constitution. Although the Nanites in all of it being the bleeding edge of the Federation''s technology, there was a first time for every encounter with anything of foreign-descent, the Yaohu Herb being a particular test for to the Nanites'' proficiency in tackling immunity responses. Alas, there was always a first time for everything as those cybernetics learn from their newfound enemy onto their microscopic databases.


    "Pri-ser¡­ What!?" the Captain''s voice raised her voice as if she had just awoken from a drowning dream.


    There were few fragments she attempted to recollect herself unto on those waking moments beforehand but it was like seeing through a rain-dropped window. Of how just before she left for Dimera, there was an attack on the Quarantine Camp. Stryder Group paused what they were doing and assisted with its Defense and then suddenly, darkness.


    But as her body restarted, it came to her horror that she saw her hands bound by heavy Ghyranite Handcuffs and the hateful gazes of ten eyes, of five cowled rapscallions surrounding her. She struggled to free herself, but her wrists only felt the cold embrace of the Ghyranite metal bruising her clanging with the metal bits of her restraints. She found those same restraints being leashed securely onto a tree binding her only a few steps away from its tether preventing her from running.


    Her eyes fluttered red with tears, breathing heavily as she realizes this was no longer a dream. Samantha was effectively their Prisoner of War. She turned her gaze to her captors, recognizing one of them amongst the hooded rogues.


    "Damn, it''s you again Crow Master?" Captain Rose cursed, her mind racing to remember her captor''s name. The Memory of the Arhaf Square Incident was still etched into her. "Let me go right now!" she shook her bindings.


    Mita may not be wearing her roguish Leather Armor right now, instead wearing clothed u.n.d.e.r.g.a.r.m.e.n.t that shielded her front torso while exposing her many seedy tattoos around her the rest of her body.


    Samantha composed herself but the Captain''s heavy exhales betrayed her fear.


    "Fear not, Share Holder." Mita declared in a calm voice. Emerging from her colleagues to step closer to her. "Once we reach Ghana''s Wall we shall finally have you return to the side of my Masters. As you should be."


    " ''Rescue'' me?! By putting me in these chains? Was that Attack you doing?" Samantha sneered. Using the infected villagers to divert the UFE Forces in Egni away to capture her was a devious scheme only capable by either her friend Agent De Sardet or the Crow Master. "Don''t make me laugh. You will get nothing from me, no matter what you do or try on me, it will not work."


    Samantha attempted to stand up, to turn face her captors on equal levels¡­


    The crack of a rifle firing point blank, her FBR-20 Rifle, in the hands of Mita. A searing bullet landing meteorically a few inches onto her feet causing the Captain to jump sideways in reflex and enchaining her back into docility.


    The Crows around the camp chuckled. It was amusing to see the Invader''s weapons being used against them. To dance like a sideshow skink in a travelling circus.


    "This ''Black Stave'' of yours? Quite a weapon is it not? A mighty fine weapon." Mita smiled coyly.


    "Don''t even try." Samantha''s eyes locked onto the Crow daringly. "You wouldn''t dare."


    Captain Rose knew that thanks to her Status, the Natives wouldn''t dare harm her. But it doesn''t stop them from attempting to tighten the leash around her neck.


    Mita fired again, purposely aiming near Samantha''s feet. Once again, the captain''s reflexes caused her to strafe sideways. The rifle continues to discharge until eventually, the once-proud Share-Holder was reduced to drunken-like dancing for her captors'' growing amus.e.m.e.nt.


    "Look at her go!"  one Crow cheered at her. "You Demons are powerless without your weapons! Ho-Ha!"


    "Better than that wench from that Tavern back''in Millhelm!" another smiled, grinning his eyes towards Samantha''s Hecate skin-tight Bodysuit that left little to the imagination for him.


    "You will pay for this!" Samantha breathes seethed, her green eyes beginning to leak. It was a nightmare she couldn''t wake up from. To be reduced to this.


    Mita indulged in this light-hearted moment, holding Samantha''s FBR-20 up high like a hero of myth.


    "Oh, it is I¡­ the Great¡­ Mita the Crow Master who captured the mighty beast and taken its horn as a trophy!" She rested her laurels, only to forget that the ''Black Stave'' being in actuality a repeating crossbow.


    BANG!


    BANG!


    BANG!


    Click!


    Click!


    The soft chink of the FBR-20, a far cry to its thunderous roar was heard from the camp. The Crow''s festive chatter reduced to silence as the Black Stave suddenly failed to discharge its thunderous roar. Disappointment fell upon Mita as Samantha cackled sardonically.


    "You''re out of Bullets now. It''s useless. Crow ''M-M-a-aster''." Captain Rose poked fun at the turnabout in this caricature.


    The Crow Master rummages through Samantha''s paraphernalia to search for more magazines to reload the Black Stave. She knew her hypothesis on the alien weapon having the same magazine mechanism as her Hand-Bolt Thrower.


    "Don''t bother, that is the last mag in the Rifle, I used it all to make killing a lot of your dumb-ass thugs back at Egni." The captain continued to berate her and the other Crows much to their irritation in an attempt to keep up her aplomb spite for her predicament. "All thanks to your ''brilliant'' plan of yours¡­ Crow ''M-M-a-aster''.~"


    Mita didn''t hesitate to defend her and her Crows'' Honor. It was a daring plan yes, a plan that will result in casualties but to have her captive mock those who have sacrificed their lives in order to secure her capture was a mirror the Crow Master shattered. She threw several punches towards Samantha, three on her head, and one to her gut.


    "What a sharp mouth you have their child." Mita gently curled her fingers onto Samantha''s chin. "It looks like it needs to be taught a lesson on respecting your Elders."


    The Crow Master pulled out one of her knives from its scabbard. Prying the Captain''s mouth open, Mita impaled inside her mouth. The right side of her gums drew blood and sharp pain causing Samantha to yowl. Crows aren''t afraid to facilitate strong-armed techniques to get in their way, knowing several of such to maximize the extraction of compliance and any sort of information out of whoever came their way. But it takes a special individual, if perhaps with a hint of sadistic delirium such as the Crow Master herself to have the Talent of even making the bravest of souls crack under her palms.


    Mita knew she could not significantly harm Samantha as per her contract, but there was some wiggle-room within all the law jargon that she and her Crows get away with. The Marshall can tolerate a few visible ''battle scarring'' such as the one on Samantha''s mouth as long as it doesn''t cut too deep enough. She could explain to her paymasters that it was a result of a ''rough'' capture and not worry about compromising her fee.


    "Are you still Axe-Headed now Share-Holder?" Mita smirked.


    Captain Rose spat away the saliva-mixed blood on her mouth towards Mita. Fighting back her tears, the Share-Holder headbutts her causing to recoil back with a bleeding nose.


    "f.u.c.k. you."  Samantha faintly cussed.


    Her bravado now shattered by this unusually feisty captive. Mita c.o.c.ked her knees and delivered a despicable strike to Samantha''s abdomen. That quavering blow and the ones before it threatened to crack her resolve but she couldn''t give up. Her mind was still willing but her flesh now lay squirming beneath the Crow Master''s feet. It was one thing to endure the intense physical training she endured in West Point, it was another to experience firsthand.


    "My! My! Take your Magicks and Weapons away, then a few punches in, and already you''re a sniveling mess. Perhaps this will be easier than I thought." The Crow Master crossed her arms, haughtily laughing alongside her fellows.  "You know, the way you look me in the eyes, I quite like you better than that brat Faithleann. If I had done what I did to you to him? Oh, he would be crying for his mama all the way back to whatever hovel he came from." Even the most craven of Gutter-Men from the Kobold''s Hollow would last longer than the Share-Holder. The other Crows roaring into laughter.


    "Well, I find him as a brat too." Samantha venomously spat back. "Maybe we could actually be friends¡­ After all huh?" the Captain''s sarcasm reeking from her teeth.


    "Your quite a cheer do you know Share-Holder?" Mita humored her. "Better than that Brat could ever be."


    "I do wonder, there''s anything worth much with this stuff?" one of the Rogue deciding to pilfer Samantha''s Combat Rig, managing to grab a green-colored sphere with a metal topper shaped like a thin handle. It was her Fragmentation Grenade.


    Samantha could only breathe in fearful gasps, in a futile attempt to steady her cool as her Captors fondled with the object. If that Grenade explodes whilst the ignorant Native is still near her, she would be vaporized into smithereens.


    "What is this? Some kind of Poultice? A one of those¡­ eh¡­ Dwarfen things? A Flask?" the Crow asked.


    "I think I have seen something like that once with the Otherworlders? They are like Uzeagon Shells. You put the powder in it and a fuse then when you want something gone you light it." Another Crow answered.


    "No way, it smells too nice to be a Dwarfen Bomb." The Crow sniffed Samantha''s grenade. "It must be some kind of Flask!" he declared.


    The Crows fingers began to inch closely


    "Oh¡­ are you saving this for yourself? Ha! Selfish." The Crow teased Samantha''s Grenade, still thinking it was a harmless doo-dad.


    "I wonder if this is some great stuff you drink! I grow tired of water." The Crow smugly grinned as his fingers figured out the mechanism to ''unlock the Flask''. It didn''t take too long until his hands curled over to the grenade''s pin to realize it is loose enough to pull out from.


    The soft click of the grenade pin being removed by the crow causes Samantha''s heart to sink. She was right point-blank range within the Grenade''s Kill-Radius. And the fuse is one-second short of five-seconds.


    "Strange¡­ is there anything in¡­ GAH!" the Crow turned the ''Flask'' upside down, expecting a liquid to flow out. But instead, in a last-ditch effort to save herself from a grenade explosion, Samantha kicked the grenade off his hands.


    The grenade flew about five meters away, Just barely far enough that she could theoretically survive the blast. It landed amongst three other Crows who stood by at the scene.


    "This bitch!" the thirsting Crow growled.


    "Maybe we ought''a teach''er a lesson ourselves too!"  one of the Crows who hung back cracked his fists.


    As the three approached menacingly towards the Captain, eager to have their vengeful way with her, It did not take a single step further did the grenade finally detonated. The blast blew away everyone in the camp, with the three sadistic Crows being vaporized immediately into unrecognizable charred bits.


    Samantha''s ear rang like the clanging of alarm bells and her eyes saw blinking stars as she crawled away from the blast. Her desperate gamble that maybe the Grenade Blast killed all of her captors was tragically dashed when she felt a pair of hate-filled hands grasp her by the throat.


    "You¡­ killed them!" a vengeful-fisted Crow pressed his heel onto the Captain''s back. "You conniving little she-devil!" he cast a straight shot onto her, bruising her already wounded lips further.


    "He pulled the fuse from my Grenade. If I didn''t kick that ''flask'' away we would all have been dead." Samantha discharged onto the soil another bile-blooded mix of her saliva.


    "Enough!" Mita stopped her underling from harming the Share-Holder any further. "The Share-Holder was right. These weapons of theirs are powerful as they are dangerous to be used. We are not suited to unknown for us to handle such dangerous artifacts so recklessly! Just look what happened to Johrah earlier. Just leave this be until we can give it to our arcane specialists to inspect. We have lost more than enough for one day. What matters is we have the Chosen One now? With her, we can turn the tide of this war." She ordered.


    The punitory Crow reluctantly acceded. Lowering his hands and stepping off of Samantha''s back.


    "Ha¡­ Ha¡­" Samantha crawled her humor to a hysterical chortle. The Natives were truly a theater to behold for the Captain witness. "You guys still cling to all of that¡­ Chosen One bullshit?"


    "What are you saying Share-Holder? You are a Chosen One too." Mita rebutted.


    "I know, but that''s not what I found so funny. You think just removing¡­ me! Would ''turn the tide'' of the War? You listen to me¡­ listen to me." Sam turned herself around and faced the much-confused Crows. "The ''Otherworlders'' you speak of? We go by the Federation of Earth you see. He-Ha¡­ Have you heard of what we did to your armies? All shattered and in retreat. Little Hill? Tifrait? Marnia''s Bluff and your Capital?  Their walls and gates toppled. Not even with all of my powers combined I could accomplish what they had done with our Armies. So tell me, how can one person, a ''Chosen One'' like me turn this all around for the Empire, Huh?"


    The Crows lay there, stunned into silence. Mita hated to see the writing spoken by Sam that she and Faithlean powers so far can never match the mighty Steel Beasts of the Demons that pulverized the Bastions of the Empireto dust.


    "And those ''Traitors'' you speak about all the time? Clovich? Aliathra? The Terrace-Dwarves? Thibaut? Karliah? Even the Vampires? Your ''g-glorious'' Empire mistreated them, burn their villages, killed their Families, cheating their way to becoming a Grand Master, and neglecting them when they ask for help?! Yet your Emperor has the gall to act surprised they came to us when we extended our hands to them? All for what? To keep whatever, you have at the cost of those you see are beneath you? If this is what your idea of ''Civilization'' then there is nothing more I want to speak of to you savages." Samantha called out the Slaegian Empire''s hypocrisy.


    "Lies all Lies¡­ Wait¡­" Mita expectedly denied Captain Rose''s accusations. But paused. "H-how did you know about the Cheating?"


    "Holy Shit." Samantha muttered. "So it really was you! You killed Kemar Silverdane didn''t you?" she exclaimed.


    Mita unsheathed her knife and mounted atop of Samantha, the cold steel of her blade now c.a.r.e.s.sing her throat.


    "Kemar was timid and lacked ambition. He was content to sit down on his desk and fiddle his quills all day than truly bring about the Empire''s greatness. Unlike Owyne, his exact opposite in every way." The Crow Master eyes, now gazing closer maniacally at Samantha''s.


    "And now look at where it all got you now with him? Owyne''s dead, his co-conspirator Mogul Dolmond is also dead. Karliah is sitting real nicely under the Federation''s protection and all you have to show for it is an Empire crumbling all around you. Stop lying to yourself Crow ''M-M-a-aster'' and think for a second, can you? Why would the Tyr Rian, the Terrace-Dwarves, Aliathra, the Vampires, and the Daosne? How do these of some of your worst enemies and your most ''loyal'' subjects threw their lots on us? Is that your so-called ''Alliance of the Light'' are no better than the Demon''s of Alboen your legends oh-so spoke so much about."


    "The Empire has brought Peace, Prosperity, and Order to these lands for hundreds of years before you came!" Mita argued. The Share-Holder, just like Faithleann was starting to crawl unto her skin. More described as a fire-branded zealot compared to his childish naivete.


    Yes, the Slaegian Empire had to do several unwholesome acts to ensure their position and their future.


    Yes, there are some squabbles, cracks, and loosened ties. But to exchange the balance that the Slaegians brought forth will only invite chaos. The Crows may be of the darker side in the eyes of the Law yes. But they still prefer the intermediaries, the trade, the progress, the mintage, and the roadways the Slaegians had constructed in their five-centuries of rule compared to none of those at all. Her illicit organization, as black, as it seems, couldn''t have been possible without the foundation the Slaegians had built.


    "More like Repression, Plutocracy, and Tyranny to me. You still don''t figure it out don''t you Crow M-M-a-aster?" Captain Rose balkingly rolled her eyes.


    "That there is no such thing as ''Enthrallment'' or ''Corruption'' by you, isn''t there?" Mita placed the pieces together.  "You appealed to their anger, their resentment, their embittered spirits? The Dwarves with their Castes, the Elven Princess being just a pawn for her people, Clovich''s Ambitions? That is why they joined you." Mita answered.


    Samantha nodded, confirming her humanistic divination.


    "So everything we had done up until now¡­ was futile? Our attacks, our armies, and even all the Spells we threw at you? All of it¡­ was futile? All of what we thought we know of you? All for naught?" Mita sputtered. "This changes¡­ this changes¡­ everything."


    "What do you mean Master?" one of the Crows queried.


    "I think¡­ we are fighting a new kind of Enemy, a new kind of Demon. One much more terrifying than Alboen of the Legends ever been." Mita concluded.


    "So, what are you going to do me now?" Samantha asked her.


    "We are still taking you to Ghana''s Wall alive¡­ a Contract is a Contract¡­" the Crow Master grimly answered. "If we can never prove you of the error of your current path because of your sympathy to those traitors and abominations, then we will have to break the treachery out of you. One way, or another."


    "No! I won''t let you!" Samantha struggled. She thrashed and she screamed as Mita attempted to subdue her, attempting to even try to cast a spell in desperation. But the Ghyranite Bindings had made any form of spellcasting difficult to impossible to conjure.


    "Best we hurry to Ghana''s Wall. The Marshall is probably goin''to need every little bit he cou---" One of Mita''s Crows


    BANG!


    "Take''em out!" cried a familiar voice amidst the trees.


    It was her second-in-command Crocker and the rest of Stryder Group, emerging from the forest shrubbery surrounding the camp. "HVT Alpha and Bravo are on sight. Diaz, Bag''er!"


    There was nowhere to run or hide for the Crows as Samantha''s squadmates picked their targets and as swift as the twilight breeze, Stryder Group stormed the Crow Camp.


    The Crow Master attempted to use one of her smoke bombs for a tactical retreat to run but her hand is shot, the bomb flinging away from her by a red blast of light. She was then blindly tackled to the ground as her eyes met with even mor crimson of that of the infamous ''Red Slayer'', Vincente Diaz.  They intended to capture her alive rather than slay her like her fellow Crows.


    Not giving up so easily on this sudden setback, Mita drew her Hand-Bolt Thrower only for Diaz grabbed and crushed it into splintered dust without even breaking a sweat, or even shedding a drop of blood. In one last-ditch effort to escape, Mita slipped onto her hand one of her knives and attempted to thrust the blade by Diaz''s neck.


    "Nice try. But too slow!" Diaz parried the attempted sneak attack. He grabbed Mita''s knife arm firmly with his Cybernetic Hands. "Make a wish!" the Corpo chuckled before closing his palm, tightly.


    Blood, pulp and bone fractures burst forth like a popped fruit on Mita''s hand. She yelped in immense pain, dropping her now mangled knife onto the floor.


    "Like it rough huh? Well, I can play that too!" Diaz curled his hand and fired a mechanically augmented fist onto Mita''s head to subdue her.


    One strike from his Aparo Mercurio Arms was enough to knock out Mita away from trying to shake herself free. He could swear to his own exhilaration that he might have managed to crack a few bones around her jaw from that single punch alone. Diaz augmentations may not be designed for raw strength, but any Cybernetic Arm, whether it''s those designed for Strength or Speed was physically superior in all ways compared to flesh even at its weakest kinetic output setting.


    The elusive Master of Crows, the Queen of all Roguish feats, was now reduced to a helpless prisoner of the UFEAF. Ironic is she become one herself like those whom she had taken before. She was no better predicament to resist than a fish brought out of water.


    "Relax! De Sardet will make sure that all get healed up¡­ so he can break it again! That Spook is not gonna be mad at me right?" Diaz snickered to Mita as he turned to Sergeant Crocker.


    "No, just disappointed." Crocker shook his head. Diaz and Obediah promptly flipped the Crow Master around, making her lie on her abdomen to the floor whilst Diaz folded Mita''s arms behind her so as to zip tie her. He clapped off his hands triumphantly and whistled a playful tune as he stepped away.


    "It looks like we got them all. Clear!" Clay secured the scene.


    Kayin and Aliathra hurried to Samantha''s side. The Engineer using one of his tools to pick off the locks off of the Captain''s bindings whilst the Elven Cleric soothed her wounds.


    "H-how did you guys find me?" the Captain asked her second-in-command.


    "We figured out something was wrong when we couldn''t find you anywhere in Egni after we dealt with that attack." Kayin fiddled with the lock. "We called up Doctor Mahelona when it was all over and one of the Technicians told us that your vitals were ''lowered''. Doc over-rid your GPS Beacon and Visor on your suit so we can track you here."


    "The loud noises helped," Aliathra added as she placed her soft Healing Hands-on Samantha''s cheek, repairing the knife incision from the Crow Master earlier.


    Captain Rose sighed in relief; the nightmare was over. She stared into the darkness and she managed to swim back up to the light.


    "Looks like the Crows did a good job taking care of most of the works. Stupid shits." Obediah spat at the Crow''s corpse who had earlier accidentally discharged Samantha''s FBR-20.


    "Cap, sorry if we couldn''t march in sooner before that Crow Bitch nicked ya''. The Wigs Upstairs told me we needed to get Mita''s confession of that murder on Kayin''s tape for Clovich to sway public opinion of his back at Haringpoint. Your visor recorded everything. The Crow is going away for a long time." Crocker knelt down to his superior.


    "I knew you would do that. I would have done the same too¡­" Samantha inhaled a deep breath. Her words were calm, lowered unlike her sanguine self that her squad was used to seeing her be.


    "Are you still okay Samantha my friend?" Aliathra mulled.


    "I-I am fine! I am glad you guys came in time or I could have been much worse." Samantha waved off.


    "Say this Crow Bitch  have neat''o tattoos on her back. Takes me way back to Kesserheim yeah?" Diaz smiled as he looked over the intricate tribal-like tattoos inked over Mita''s bareback.


    "Halt just one moment Vincent!" Iris loomed closer to examine Mita.


    Her eyes scanned the black ink slowly as her eyes expanded into merriment.


    "I think I recognize these tattoos," Iris answered. "I had read them when I used to study from the Monastery. Daosne Runic Tattoos. Used to bless their warriors with power if memory serves me truly. I can still scent the faint traces of magicks within them." She explained. "It is best I dispel it for our safety," Iris suggested.


    Diaz agreed as he and Obediah let off the weight of their knees on the captive Crow Master as Mita flowed magic out of her hands. It only took a minute for her to fully disperse the Runic-Tattoos from the Crow Master, disappearing and fading away into dust flown across the autumn winds.


    "Alright, let''s just pass her over to some Bureau Boys back at the Field HQ and get back to Di¡ª" Crocker rallied the squad.


    But just as Stryder was about to pick up Mita towards their Land Cruiser. The prisoner began to violently spasm, then convulse violently.


    "Iris!? What did you do to her?!" Samantha yelled.


    "I just dispelled her Magic Tatoo!" the Witch explained.


    "You two! Put her back down! Aliathra check on her quick!" the Captain ordered.


    Diaz and Obediah lay the shaking Crow Master to the ground as Aliathra ran to her side.


    "She is experiencing an extremely violent surge of Mana flowing into her body." The Elf was diagnosed.


    "Impossible! She''s not a mage is she?" Samantha raised.


    "No. Not of what everyone in the Grey Order speaks about her." Iris nixed, shrugging her shoulders.


    As Mita convulse, the wounds in her face and hands began to start heal rapidly. Reforming the pieces in a inhuman degree of speed. A pair of canine fangs protruded from her mouth as she gasped for breath. Her nails sharpened like swords as the Crow threw her hands out, ripping her zip tie bindings into plastic ribbons. Aliathra barely dodged Mitas newly grown claws as the Crow Master awakened. Her eyes flushed in blood arose from her resting place and swung drunkenly her hands like a feral beast displaying its ferocity.


    "S-sh-e¡­ She is a Vampire?" Kayin''s eyes froze open.


    "Did you just turn her into one Iris?!" Crocker screamed.


    "No!" Iris shook her head. Confused about what had just happened before her eyes. "I don''t know what that Rune did to her. Was it some kind of seal? We are not capable of turning humans into vampires. They have to drink the Phial Of Immortal Power or be of blood with by someone who did."


    Stryder Group distanced themselves a few paces away from Mita as the Crow Master regained her clarity. She looked at her now animalistic hands and gasped. Her breathe shaped different as she licked her lips to realize her newly born fangs formed on her teeth. Her now adrenaline-fueled brain now lay besieged with a nigh-sensory overload from her mouth, ears, and nose with a sudden, previously repressed primordial hunger growled at her.


    "Y-You! What have you done Witch!?" Mita shrieked. "Y-Y-You turned me into¡­ into¡­ like you!" she accused Iris, raising her sharpened claws towards her. Her blood-pulsed legs shambled as she twists and writhes madly.


    "I did not. The Runic Tattoo., it is¡­ impossible how can¡­", Iris answered until her mind paused. There was something she had seen many months ago as she looked over Mita''s the snake-shaped marks on her right shoulder.


    "Where did you get that mark on your shoulder?" Iris interrogated her. Unconsciously stepping forward closer to the feral Crow Master as she pointed over the Rogue''s b.a.r.e shoulders.


    "Change me back to human now!" Mita demanded. Eyes narrowed madly as her newly s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e eyes adapted themselves.


    "Alie, tranq'' her now!" Samantha ordered. "Iris step back."


    "I asked¡­ Where did you get that mark?" Iris spat back. Disregarding Samantha''s words.


    "I always had them. A Crow found me in the Solp Creek as a basket-babe." Mita answered pointing to her snakish birthmark. "Now change me back Witch!"


    The Solp Creek was an arm of the large distributary river in Kalmte that was the Sugea. It was farther west nearing the southwestern most borders of the Imperial Duchy. The Sugea was also the place where she was exiled by her kinds and then banished East when she hesitated to do an unspeakable act. Connecting her past to the present, Iris, in a rare display of deviation from her choleric confidence began to cry.


    "I cannot change you back¡­ because you were always have been a Vampire." Iris tears contrasted with her jubilant smile.


    "I am nothing! Nothing! Like you!" Mita screamed.


    "I am sorry Mita¡­ no¡­ Mara¡­ But that is what you are! I thought you were dead when my mother threw you in that river! Please, I can¡­ I can help you." Iris pleaded for her to yield.


    "Is this¡­ some kind of insidious scheme to¡­ to get me to surrender to the likes of you?" Mita lashed, her voice mixed with confusion and anger.


    "What is going on here?" Kayin asked, his sweating brow creased.


    "Everyone! The Crow Master is my long-lost half-sister, Mara Cadohagan!" Iris explained to Stryder Group.


    "Is this for real? That bitch is your ''dead'' baby sister?" Sam asked.


    The rest of Stryder were equally left aghast by this sudden discovery.


    "Sister or not¡­ they are still coming with us." Samantha mustered everyone.


    "I am not your sister you witch!!", Mita wailed as she lashed her claws away to push her apparent Corruptors away.  All she could think was to see her enemies burn away into ashes. In revenge for slaying the last of her Crows, in one madness-induced flail of her arms, the ground suddenly combusted A bubble of fire expanded outwards in an infernal implosion. Iris, Aliathra, and Sam reacting quickly, created a Warding Shield around them to protect the squad from Mita''s flames.


    "Get down! We got a mage!" Crocker lowered his hand, palm facing downwards and tipping up and down. All of the squad retreated into the Shield and braced. They came off unharmed with only a few singes to their garbs to show.


    "I-I I have magicks?!" Mita stepped back looked at her smoking hands. Her eyes widened realizing what she had just done.


    "Damn it all!" Obediah hugged a nearby rock. "With family like this? You scared of the Slegs?"


    "Sister or not, the Crow Master is a Mage. I could sense¡­ even taste all the locked-in power she has inside her. Gulgui, they are angry." Aliathra''s ears fluttered, wiping of the dirt off her cheek.


    "Mara, I know this is too much of for you to understand now, but if you come with us now, I will do everything to protect you and help you understand your powers." Iris attempted to appeal to her sister again.


    "Never! I had enough of your lies Vampire!" Mara coldly continued to deny herself. Just with a mere thought, the Crow Master once again unknowingly casted An ice spike towards her. It was wild and rage-filled but such elemental manipulations were easy for the Witch to shield from with a quick cast of her Arcane Abjurations.


    "I lost you once! I will not lose you again. You and I are the last of the Cadohagan.". Iris tearfully pleaded with her sister.


    "This is getting useless¡­" Samantha cursed. The diminishing hiding space had reduced her to faceplant to the floor once again. "Alie hit her with the Tranquilizer now." she ordered.


    "Get that buck-toothed bitch!" Obediah cheered.


    As Alianthra prepared her hands to cast the Sleep spell, conjuring her mana into her fingertip to touch Mara. When Elf grabbed hold of the Vampire Crow Master, Mita began to feel the effects of drowsiness besieging her body. Her d.e.s.i.r.e to escape her pursuers and not bear the shame of being captured alive became the pillar that shielded her from yielding to defeat.


    "I had¡­ enough¡­" Mita''s mouth bled as her fangs gnashed. Arcane Energies began surged within her and her veins glow bright with brilliant blue.


    "Now stop her with my cuff''s quick!" Samantha threw her old pair of Ghyranite Shackles to Aliathra.


    "I said¡­ ENOUGH!" Mara declared.


    The ground began to quake with an ominous blue hue surrounding Stryder.


    "Her mana is becoming unstable!" The Elf''s eyes widened realizing what was about to happen. "Watch out!" Aliathra swiftly retreated.


    But it was too late, a huge surge of mana energy enraptured the temperamental Crow Master, and blasted the Stryder Group of their feet with impulse of Magicks.


    She looked around her and by instinct as a Rogue, concluded that she has lost any advantage in the situation, even with her newfound Vampiric Powers. It was time for a tactical withdrawal from this tragic turn of events and lick her wounds. Taking advantage of Stryder''s trying to get back on their feet, Mita rushed to what remains of her supplies. She grabbed her Knife, a few days'' worth of supplies and weapons to escape. She even managed, with blinding reflexes, snatch Samantha''s Hand-Bolt Thrower shaped Gladius Pistol and one last Smoke Bomb.


    "Don''t let her get away!" Diaz shouts as he stands up and trying to rush at Mara only for her to use the enchanted smoke bomb to turn herself into smoke to quickly vanish from his sight.


    "We lost her. Damnit!" Crocker stomped his hand.


    "Chwaer!" Iris fell down on her knees. It was like her youth once again, having her family be torn away from her.


    "Iris, we will find her!" Samantha kindly knelt down to her level and gave her a warm embrace as the Vampire Witch wept.


    The Witch let go of her once-proud aura, releasing her sorrow until her voice grew horse and her tears ran out of water.


    "I-I Ca-nnot lose her again¡­ she was my sister. Half, yes! But still my kin. I¡­ thought I was alone in this cruel¡­ cruel world." Iris confessed.


    "You have us and Kayin." Samantha comforted her. "We will figure something out Iris, we will one day." Samantha released her heartfelt lock.


    "Much as I don''t want to interrupt Captain. But we still have a job to do." Clay reminded her.


    Samantha bit herself in the lip, she forgot why was her squad out her in the first place.


    "Ay! Sitrep please. Give me the full story what happened." She ordered.


    "Well, Egni is secured but we took a bit of a beating. Feldchrist lost seven of his Chem-Troops from sneak attacks¡­ and¡­" Crocker coughed. " ''Suicide Animals'' during the raid. Optimists say that in all likelihood attack hurt the Opfor more than it will ever hurt us. Nineteen Crows and¡­ a lot of¡­ Farm Animals." The Sergeant explained.


    Aliathra breathed heavily, trying hard to avert her ears away from ''Farm Animals''.


    "Farm Animals?" Samantha asked.


    "They shove explosives up their necks and loosed them on the Quarantine Tents to ''Free'' the infected people we got locked up there," Crocker answered.


    "At the Quarantine Tents! Are you saying they managed to escape?" Samantha recoiled from the bewildering news.


    "About a third of them, I guess give or take a hundred-fifty managed to flee when reinforcements arrived. Drones say they heading northward like the trend many Refugees are fleeing away from us are seeing. Likely Ghana''s Wall." The Sergeant concluded


    "Those idiots are just going to spread the Plague up north." Samantha clasped her hand frustratingly.


    "I say, let them all shit themselves to death. Saves us all the trouble when we finally kill them all." Obediah ragged as he wiped off the dirt from his olive jungle hat.


    "Ratimir and Lilliyan?" Samantha pressed. "What of them?"


    "In the Land Cruiser with us. We best ough''ta get to Dimera now. Our MRAP is an LTV, nott''a Hearse." Crocker stuck his tongue out in disgust.


    Samantha sighed, there was nothing much left to do but keep moving forward. "Stryder move out!" she retook command of her squad from Crocker.


    [-]


    The Character of the Dimera Tyhelas today soured when Ratimir''s body was abruptly placed atop of the Lodge''s dining table. What was meant to be a formal arbitration for the congregation of the Vampire Families became a Funeral. The Mairrinnas Eildearan, upon seeing her son''s lifeless body wailed loudly with her daughter Liliyan there to comfort her.


    "Ratimir is dead, his vote will have to be voided." Ivetana callously folded her arms.


    "Mother!" Iris protested. "You cannot do that! Already many of you have seen what the Federation is capable of. Did you not witnessed what happened Colobonne? It fell in one day!"


    "Silence Child! The Eildearean has made it clear about the decision." She chastised her daughter. "And with the Duke and his insipid Inquisition gone we are free to rule Kalmte as we please!"


    "Ivetana! You should be silent." The Duinnioth Eildearan roared his voice.


    The Vampires turned to the Elder as he puffed his c.h.e.s.t forward, preparing to make an announcement.


    "I, as the honored one of my family, the Duinnioth. Hereby reverse my previous vote. I shall consent to Sister Iris'' proposal. Otherworlder, we shall accede to your proposals." He bowed.


    "What by Telin''s breathe are you doing?!" Ivetana flaked.


    "Ivetana, I am tired¡­ we are tired¡­ all of us are tired of hiding. The secrecy, the seclusion, the fear! Every day we could never dare speak to another soul like ours on pain of our lives and our families because of our old laws forbid it. What the Otherworlders offer us is an era where we no longer have to fear persecution no longer Ivetana. Don''t you see it?"


    "But our Tomhas?" Ivetana argued back.


    "What is the point of it all? The Empire we feared for so long is about to die? And already these Otherworlders know of us and most of our secrets already. Faster than their ''all-seeing'' Inquisition could ever hunt us down. At least Clovich, as much as we still curse his family''s name offers us a chance of rapprochement." The Duinnioth Eildearan rebutted.


    "Is all of this chaos now Ivetana any better for all of us?" the Tuilelan Eildearan added.


    "Three votes, the majority wins rights?" Samantha questioned.


    The Vampires nodded to her enthusiastically.


    "Well then, with the change of vote from the Duinnioth Eildearan, this Silens has made a final decision; We will join the Amelioration." the Tuilelan Eildearan declared.


    "We did it Iris!" Samantha cheered, embracing Iris to celebrate. Yet the Witch was not much at the truests of after what had happened earlier, despite giving the fa?ade of purging a few teardrops of cathartic relief.


    "Yes¡­ we did." Iris gently smiled.


    "Share-Holder, Samantha¡­ a word with you." The Mairrinnas Eildearan wiped her tears away and approached Captain Rose. "When you and your soldiers finally cut the head off the Empire once and for all, I ask for one humble request. That you find the whoreson named ''the Bane'' and drag him dead or alive to me." her fangs bristled for reprisal.


    "No problem, in fact, knowing my superiors, they might pay for the privilege." Samantha snickered.


    "But there is one thing I must speak of, about our outing earlier. Some news that everyone must know of." Iris stepped forward, growing her spine upwards. "Mita the Crow Master, is none other than my half-sister Mara Cadohagan." She disclosed. It had taken her a considerable amount of bravery to get herself to state such shocking news.


    "That wretched legacy of your treacherous father still lives? How can that be?" Ivetana''s nerves pulsated.


    "Mita¡­ Mara¡­ the Crows found her basket floating along the Sugea and adopted her. They¡­ suppressed her Vampire Bloodline with runic tattoos and made her into one of them."


    "Then finish what you had started Daughter. Be rid of this stain on our bloodline once an---"


    "I will not!" Iris interrupted her mother. "She is my little sister! We are the last of the Cadohagans. She is only just a child now that her powers had awaken. Mara is right now lost and confused now that she found out she is one of us." The Witch beseeched.


    "Sister Iris, we may have agreed to allow our fullest collaboration with the Otherworlders¡­ but sparing the Crow Master, even if she is one of our own is¡­ I am afraid we must all differ. She must die." The Tuilelan Eildearan disputed.


    "The Crow Master has been a menace to us Sochairfuil. We will never rest easy until she, the rest of her Crows, the Adventurer''s Guild, and the Inquisition still haunts us. Whether she is one of our Kin or not, the Crow Master is nothing more but another tool, a very bloody-handed tool of the Empire''s ire against us. The Empire will only die for us when they all perish." Duinnioth Eildearan divulges his Demands. "This is no longer about our Tomhas anymore, but our right to exist."


    "I will not let y---", Iris tearfully protest but Samantha butted herself in. Iris for all of her merits wasn''t the ideal person to handle the delicacies of Diplomacy.


    "I understand everything about the issue with Mara. Rest assure we will take care about it moving forward. Consider that no longer a problem for all of you." Samantha stated.


    "Maybe you are not as dumb as you look, unlike my daughter." Ivetana pouted.


    "Whether we end her life or not, it depends on my superiors and Prince Clovich, they will ultimately decide her fate," Samantha reassured the Vampires. "Still, however, all I ask is for your time. It''s not going to be easy to catch someone whose whole life lives or dies by being¡­evasive. We will decide this when we successfully capture her. From now on, you are will enjoy your newfound freedom and better society under the Ammerlioration."


    "We will accept this." The Duinnioth Eildearan nodded alongside the rest of the Vampire Elders. "Now give us a week so we can journey to Clovich and your Lords to discuss our new role under this new¡­ ''Amelioration''."


    "Then it is settled then. To the Future!" Samantha toasted.


    "To the Future." Several of the Vampires toasted.


    A blur of celebratory drink (of fortunately not Blood) was poured out of their Tyhela''s reserves as a flurry of festivities was mixed with a conference of curious chats about Samantha and her Federation masters of which the Captain answered as best as she could. Iris was able to liven up her spirits if slightly, but the thought of her estranged mother''s presence and her similarly elusive half-sister still loomed over her eyes. Even when she debut Kayin to her old Vampiric kinsman.


    "Captain, you got a call. Command needs to talk to you right now." Clay politely maneuvered to Samantha.


    The Captain sighed, it was likely Colonel Polonsky had heard of what happened to her. Another verbal beat down she will have to endure once again. She excused herself and followed Clay outside where some privacy could be attained. Still, there was the silver lining of what she had accomplished today.


    With a moment to catch her breath, Samantha grabbed the Radio.


    "Colonel Polonsky, the Vampire Situation has been secured." Samantha informed him.


    "Captain, I heard everything that happened." The voice of Colonel Polonsky shivered down her ears.


    There was no point of lying for Samantha as she cleared her throat.


    "I take ful---"


    "What you''re about to say is no longer important now son¡­ I mean daughter¡­ I mean you get, what I mean." Polonsky awkwardly twisted his tongue. "You and your squad are being immediately re-assigned west of here. The situation with the Plague is much worse than we thought. And more." Polonsky grimly informed Captain Rose.


    "What happened?" Samantha raised her interrogative.


    "Primal Boil''s spread has gotten several villages south of us in a panic. More of those infectees are popping up and attacking several of our Men are being cut off from each other by angry mobs of civilians. I need your team to reestablish order from chaos and ensure a group of Engineers can reach the water sources." Polonsky explained. "The 23rd''s Rear Echelons will be there to assist you from there. Get those boys and girls back home."


    "I¡­ Affirmative Colonel." Samantha nodded.


    "Good, you''re the only good news I have been hearing all day right now. I will get some MP''s to escort attend with those Vampires from this point onwards. Shield-Father out." The Colonel dismissed his broadcast.