(1442, Kantara, Cyprus)
“Ah, Hello, Vercilius here. Is anyone on the main Line right now? I think I could use a little assistance here. Okay, I’ll give up; I’m to blame. I fell into a trap. Help me, please. Over.” I yanked back my comms as I struggled to find a way out of the sophisticated trap that had been specifically designed to trap the Vercilius.
Unquestionably humiliating, the constant need to request aid from headquarters was a blot on my otherwise impeccable reputation as one of the highest-ranking Netrian—and a hero class at that. But I wasn’t fully to blame. They never gave me my own grappling hook because every time I used it, I had an unusual propensity to break my own arm. This was the main reason for their decision. What other options did I have, though? I had little time due to the constraints of my task which gave me no time to practice.
“What?! This is hardly the time for humor, Master Aries! We urgently need your assistance. Hero harbingers haven’t reported much yet, and the dragon slayer class is already engaged in combat on the outskirts of Kantara,” said Miss Hayes as she took in my report.” However, the truth is that the dragon slayers are in the lead. That’s why we can’t call them back yet. Also, the Mage division is infiltrating the territory from the west. They are busy too.”
And Deniz and Nora’s support from a distance seemed unlikely.
“I had been following the slave carriage from the port. My bad but it was to gather intelligence from various perspectives, before my division and I diverged from Point A. By the way Miss Hayes, Have you heard anything new 3rd division.?”
“Not yet, no. I am keeping up with the mage-class divisions, their most recent message described preparations for building dune bunkers in front of the main gate in the south. The newest we are aware of is that. Where are you, though? That is our first priority.”
I responded, “Ah, certainly, the slave carriage was a trick.” I retorted. “Despite my horse almost escaping the same fate, I was by myself in this pit. And as if the situation wasn’t intriguing enough, this chasm is inhabited by skeletal remains. I think this facility was a detention center before or something.
The battle had already begun when the distant sound of building destruction and the rattling sound of fire magic became heard.
“The cathedral is the only way to get to the jail facility. It’s unlikely that you are in a celler so far from the castle. The Land has these small details like cylinder pits from prior battles near Kantara I think. Which one do you belong to?”
“I’m inside one of them, so I don’t know. Why not dispatch a cavalry force from the docks to my aid?”
“The issue is that there are many pits in the region. Wait a minute…,”
“Hello Miss Hayes, please don’t leave me here. Madame Hayes?…..
“Hey! Why are you quiet, Miss Hayes?” I’m worried that if I stay here, I might lose more people. All of them are hyper-genus humans, and Urui has sent them to combat in an occult stronghold after we lost half of them in the sea. I sometimes believe that I am the only rational person around.
“Apologies Master Aries, I compared various patterns on the map with the locations of some post-star constellations and discovered some patterns that were similar. Camadore, Hambylon, and Nart Oxylia all fit the pattern of where these pits are located on the map.”
I see this looks like a clue. I was also interested in it.
“What a coincidence, the nart oxylia is visible from here like bright daylight. These trenches, in my opinion, were constructed in accordance with the constellations that can be seen from various points.”
“That could be the situation, yes! It’s nice that nart oxylia only has 3 Stars because it will cut down on the amount of time we need. I’m sorry once more, but I have to pick up the communications from the 6th division of Dragon Slayer.” she said, cutting the line.
Wait, Deniz’s team is in the fourth division, “Master Aries! The 4th division told me that although they haven’t dispatched yet, Lieutenant Ifrit and your friend Deniz were close by and could potentially arrive at your place at any moment.”
“That’s fantastic; once again, I appreciate your help.”
“Master Aries, please don’t think about it too much.”
As soon as the link with Miss Hayes was broken, a huge thing in the shape of a star descended from the Sky, creating a stunning spectacle in the sky. I fell onto my back amid a flurry of dust and crashing boulders. A large, intimidating armored person wielding a massive sword emerged from the haze. A brown-colored head seemed almost little in comparison to the majesty of the armor that came into view.
“After a long break, we meet again on the battlefield,” He said
I picked myself up and smiled as I met Deniz’s arrival. “Yeah-yeah, Deniz, though I advise you to refine your landings,” I said. We got to our feet and crossed our arms As a greeting.
“I am not without struggles. Balancing precision while navigating hard terrain is a challenge, and the weight of this armor compounds my woes,” Deniz admitted, a chuckle escaping his lips as he ruffled his hair.
“Truly, you reap what you sow. Perhaps the mage division should have been your calling,” I quipped,
Observing my simple clothing, Deniz queried, “You are of hero class, are you not? Yet you wear these normal garments.”
“A necessity born from experience. Bulky attire hampers my transformations, weakening my combat effectiveness. So, I choose comfort over attire. The lighter, the better,” I explained.
“Ah, I understand now. Past actions are immutable. Let us focus on the present. The battle has begun,” Deniz expressed, his concern extending to our comrades. Many hyper genus, encompassing the age range of 13 to 23, participated in this confrontation. Youthful as they were, some faltered quickly in this long journey.
“Agreed,” I affirmed, fully aware of the responsibility resting upon my shoulders. Deniz pivoted on his knees, catching my attention to two handles affixed to his armor.
“Come On! Grab onto these handles. We will fly to our destination.”
“Fly?” Vertigo wasn’t a stranger to me, but I thought to not bicker and followed his instruction, gripping the handles and placing my feet upon the hilts of his dual daggers. “Do you genuinely believe you can bear my weight?”
Deniz’s gaze met mine, unwavering. “Trust in your old friend, Aries. Well, That’s specifically what we are trained for.”
His enormous greatsword suddenly came crashing down, sending us hurtling toward the sky’s starry canopy. “Wooooooahh!” My speech was laced with panic as my face twisted, the wind tore at my features, and tears poured from my eyes. A sudden spurt of motion propelled us forward as we ascended but at a more bearable speed.
“There, the whole view of the battlefield,” said Deniz.
“It seems rough out there.” Even from our outer vantage point, the battleground was alive with incendiary bursts and electrifying clashes. Tremors coursed through the air.
“It comes as no shock that the dragon slayers are in these kinds of combat. Though their expertise lies in defeating colossal beasts, this terrain places them at a disadvantage against smaller yet equally tenacious targets.”
” And your assigned location?” Deniz inquired.
“At the defense wall, to catch the enemy unawares.” A somber realization settled in; upon reaching the rendezvous,
” Deniz? Do you bear any regrets?”
He took a little pause as he thought about my question. “Regrets linger but don’t consume, as the saying goes. Like the armor we wear, our decisions shape who we are. Well, I receivedt, a letter from Jerich and others was delivered. She seems to be headed in the direction of marriage as a result of the course you have chosen.”
A wry chuckle escaped my lips, tinged with a hint of offense. “Indeed, such is my fate. Well, I am Norah are a thing probably?”
“Really, but would you abandon everything if you could go backward? Could we all go back to the simple life we led on the island, now as we can protect ourselves? Would you try to live a normal life after all these?” The query was posed by Deniz.
“Ah-I…” One year since Nova genesis dawned upon us, every day and night had been steeped in unease. Moments of panic interwoven with time’s passage. A toll of losses endured. But had I retraced my steps, would we have journeyed this far?
“Our hopes, dreams, and future were all turned the ashes long ago by the fire of war. The wrongdoings we have done and the lives lost while they were in our care are unchangeable and irreversible. Even now, I can still hear their echoes pleading for Justice.”
“Are you referring to the dead, those who appear in your dreams?”
“Yes, exactly. Life is slipping away miserably and fearfully somewhere in the world every second, and those people long for the light of hope to save them. They are looking for a way of life that their families can endure even in the absence of luxury. These people also possess powers, but the powerful grasp every opportunity to enslave and rule over them. Their pleas for vengeance and longing for the world they picture never stop echoing inside of me.”. . . . . . . . . . .”
“Therefore, withdrawing is not an option. Aisha can live a life free from this conflict in England It’s best if I keep the stress off of her. Because there is nothing but bloodshed from now on, only war can result from it.”
So, as we drew nearer to the outskirts of the city, my heart was getting pumped.
“Therefore, when this saga is over, I’ll visit them someday. The Imperial Legion is responsible for all of this tragedy.”
I let go of the grips, then leaned back and stabilized myself on Deniz’s armor.
“Vercilius, Then give me the honor of seeing you make it happen for us.”
Deniz’s unflinching commitment could be seen in his unblinking gaze. “And demonstrate to them the fury within you.”
I jumped off from Deniz and dived towards the line of guards at the top of the border wall.
“Manifest!” It wouldn’t be long before this agony was over, and maybe my terrifying nightmares would stop. Then, no, I have to concentrate. I’ll find a way to redeem myself after this. Time was pressing upon me as the struggle raged on. This was the chance for my Power I had not yet used: the art of “Vessel Transformation into Vercilius,” which calls upon increased power and dexterity.
“Vercilius!” The incantation escaped my lips, reverberating across the battlefield. A torrent of energy surged within me, a current that pulsed through my muscles, my very being. Catching the attention of the sentry positioned atop the wall. A deep hue of green suffused my skin momentarily before receding, accompanied by the materialization of my revered weapon, REIDE, A sword upon my back. Power coursed through my veins, invigorating my senses.
I counted the enemies as I landed on the ground and hid behind a pile of cannonballs, “Four, five, eleven.” Instead of attacking, the guards noticed my presence and started alerting their allies. I could see their movement as they threw a torch toward a pile of hay from where I was standing, probably signifying the presence of an intruder on the walls.
Lacking armor, and with my equipment rendezvous with Mathew and the squad still to come, the seriousness of my vulnerability loomed big. I was prepared for the worst-case situation; one shot may decide my fate. I sent one of my summons to the front with my left hand, and it quickly returned, demonstrating its skill in the region of suspended time. A whole battalion of guards patrolled the perimeter of the wall, each holding a torch ready to light haystacks to warn their fellow guards.
Seizing control of the narrative, I rose from my concealed stance. My hand extended toward the incendiary haystacks.
“Sigh,” I breathed out, gathering myself. Kneel, face front, and extend your arm. A combination of whispered instructions and deliberate breathing guided my every action as my chant rang out in the thick of a melee. My mental focus turned to the current task, and my imagination helped me.
“On the target, pay attention to a single opening.” My heartbeats were doubt rushed through my body as I focused. “Control yourself… Refine, confine, and… release!” The result of years of preparation came together as my psychic energy surged inside of me, my fail-safe attack.
In my hands, a powerful weapon known as the Battler Lance manifested in an ethereal form that was the result of my pure mental abilities as an Esper. My area of expertise used to be restricted to perucolysis, but mastery has given me the power to direct psychic energy as I like. The burning haystack was impaled by the invisible spear that was created from this psychic tapestry, which also started a chain reaction that destroyed the other haystacks lining the wall. Chaos reigned among the dust and ash, and the strongly defended wall was in disarray. The enemy’s ranks had become chaotic, which presented an opportunity to strike.
I quickly drew my dual-wielded matchlock pistols and pointed them towards the guards who had detected my plan of attack while dodging the smoke screen. As the enemy sentinels fell, the sounds of gunfire—”Bang” “Bang”—resounded throughout the battlefield.
I mumbled, “That’s two,” The frontal fortifications needed to be completely destroyed in order to open the way for the battalion, therefore time was of the essence.
“Master Aries, this is Hayes speaking. Harbinger confirms your position. We request the elimination of the frontal defense; your cover presents an ideal opportunity. The Musketeers in the battalion will provide suppressing fire on the opposing wall.”
“That aligns with my original plan,” I acknowledged. Discarding my pistols, I swiftly exchanged them for a discarded rifle found in the hands of a fallen guard. One of the guards persisted in firing a cannon, a futile endeavor as his vision was obscured by the remnants of my smoke screen. Dispatching him, I shifted targets to a nearby crate, anticipating the presence of gunpowder. My judgment was validated as an explosive detonation sent shockwaves through the area, felling both the artillery and its operators.
The guards retreated, rallied, and adjusted their formation. My smokey cover started to disappear, and the guards reorganized to put up a strong defense. My curiosity aroused, and I caught a glimpse of an unattended cannon, noting its potential. I lit the fuse with the third matchlock I had stashed away in my boot. The thunder of the cannon echoed, slicing a path of carnage through the lines. The earth shook, and among the bloodshed, cries of agony could be heard.
I jumped across the burning crater and moved over the wreckage of the dead. The remaining guards sought cover behind the Musketeers’ obscuring fire. I rushed forward from the opposite direction. With a loud clash and a shower of sparks, my blade ripped free from its sheath. My intended victim was in front of me.
I charged at the Enemy with my blade ready to strike, only to encounter unexpected resistance as my stroke was parried with a loud clang. It got me off guard and I leapt straight towards the axe-wielding guard unintentionally. He launched a deadly assault and I realized that I had to use my special Ability—the only trump card of the Vercilius—a Time Stop.
The universe around me stopped moving. In this time of frozen seconds, my breath and eyesight were both suspended. My summon, a companion beyond the grasp of time, stood by my side and shared its vision.
I shifted my body’s course, evading the axe wielder’s trajectory. In the starting of time’s flow, I positioned myself adjacent to my adversaries.
In the world of stopped time, I am unable to attack any creatures, even humans, because I will also be repulsed by the damage. One of the limitations of this divine power is this. Time begins to flow, and I have to wait five seconds before I can strike. I examined the guards’ structures and my surroundings. My ability to stop time is inversely correlated with how long I can hold my breath. Time then returned to normal. The guards were all surprised, and they began to look all about them for me.
Seeking refuge behind a sizeable cannon crate, I wait for my time to strike, allowing a cooldown of five seconds to elapse. This time, With Calmness and not haste. Swift and silent, I closed in from the rear.
My first strike was aimed at the bigger Axe guard from a non-confrontational angle. His demise was assured with a fast, lethal strike. But, my sword stuck in his neck so I had to leave it as it is. I quickly moved toward the ledge while drawing my knife to be ready. My opponent’s parry demonstrated his skill as our blades clashed again, resonating off each other. Two guards entered at the same time, their intentions obvious. I instinctively reached for the dagger that was fastened to my waist, using it to repel their twin danger while keeping an eye out for the archer.
The arrow from the archer was headed for my throat, but I took immediate action to block it. Dropping my knife, I grabbed the guard’s arm and used it as a makeshift shield threw him towards the twin danger. Both attackers fell to the earth below as a result of the impact. And swiftly i threw the knife straight at the archer’s head.
There was only one enemy left, supported by two novice recruits. I changed my approach, launching two phony blows at the guard’s head before striking him with a series of blows to the torso. But his armor stood up well, having been reinforced twice to withstand the attack. Two blades were hurled into the air toward me amid this, forcing me to use time stop again. I changed my course, and time marched on, allowing me to evade their deadly path.
I took advantage of the momentum and avoided my enemies, hoping to gain the upper hand. I kicked the guard in the shin with a quick kick, forcing him to lean over toward me. The timing was right; my knife sliced through his throat at just the right moment. Two inexperienced people flanked him, terror shining in their eyes.
With a spear in hand, one of them lunged aimlessly. I used the dead guard’s body as a shield to block the spear’s path.
“S***!, It’s stuck!”
“Too bad.”
Eventually forcing the spear-wielder off the ledge with the body. The final rookie sped ahead. I heard a gunshot followed by a hollow thump as he came closer to me. The guard’s lifeless body lay on the ground with its eyes gazing voidly upward. A pool of red that was expanding at his side was the only sound in the unsettling silence.
My hazardous situation was saved thanks to the battalion’s powerful weaponry. I looked over the damage and saw that the majority of the guards had perished at the battalion’s hands, not mine. It didn’t matter, though; victory was close at hand, and one last ritual—the combustion of the Imperial banner that had formerly flown from the walls of the stronghold—would seal our victory.
The imperial banner, a representation of evil, met a fiery end as its cloth burned away into smoke and ash. As our men charged into the city with pride-filled Greek and Eblistan banners and raised swords, a chorus of triumph resounded. A loud chorus of victorious cheers signaled the Requiem for the master of the stronghold.
I took advantage of the break and sat down on a chair that had blood spatter all over it, the unexpected but unavoidable result of my efforts. The depth of the seat could feel my exhaustion and the weight of my acts. I allowed my thoughts to wander during the peaceful interval in the middle of the fading war echoes.
The guards, who had been enemies but were now faceless victims of war. The potential and dreams of youth were prematurely quenched by the fire of conflict, mirroring my own age. Like me, they too carried unrealized hopes and dreams that had been shattered by the cruel hand of war. My thoughts were consumed by the realization, which was an unpleasant reflection of the dual lives we had led and the choices that had been entangled in the web of confusion.
Perhaps they had also left behind loved ones, leaving their kin without guardians. As I thought about our shared fate—a group of innocent, passionate adolescents caught in this mess.
They were not the only ones responsible; there were other parties as well. The war’s masterminds—the old and bitter—fanned the flames of hostility, their hunger for power sustaining the cycle of bloodshed. I recognized myself as a reluctant player in that story who was motivated by a desire for vengeance.
Vercilius, I was aware of your reflection. Even if our journeys were separate, they converged at the point of sadness. The young are used as tools by the cunning, and their wrath is channeled for ulterior political purposes. However, I also had a portion of the blame for the instability and bloodshed I brought about.
My commitment was dampened by this unpleasant understanding. Time was a valuable resource and an ally who still had some mysteries to fully understand. There would be no giving up on my quest until the task at hand was completed. The name Lucifer represented my cause for traveling and the judgment that lay ahead for him.
I strengthened my resolve during the fleeting pause since I knew the road I was traveling was paved with paradoxes and that my decisions would determine its course. I couldn’t afford the luxury of kindness until that aim was achieved.
NORAH:
“Status update,” I demanded, seeking confirmation that preparations were in place.
“Mam, all the gears are packed,” a voice responded
“The patrols outside are seemingly unaware of this our presence,” another voice chimed in
“Excellent. This shows that we have successfully entered their domain, I said,
“We’ve made progress. Now, be on the lookout as the Dragon Slayer division approaches the armory.
The voice affirmed, “The armory has been breached, Mam,” marking the beginning of a crucial phase.
I gave the order, assigning duties for the operation, “Rayan, maintain your position along with the others here.”
“Samara, take up a high position. I’ll sneak up on the guards.
“Yes, Mam,” they responded in unison, a synchronized acknowledgment of their orders.
I repeated in a stern voice, “Remember, we shall not move further until safety has been established. And none of you are allowed to leave your fellow comrades today, under any circumstances. If there are any unforeseen circumstances, the rest of the crew will offer only cover fire. Dismissed.”They quickly raised their hands in a salute to their leader.
.”AYE! AYE! MAM!”
——————————————————————————————————————————–
“All right, I’m ready to go. Please all keep a low profile inside the structure. Over,” I said
“Noted, Ma’am. We’ll help in any way that’s required. Three targets are in view and prepared for engagement. Over,” was quickly acknowledged
“I’ll neutralize the other three. Your commands, Ma’am. Over,” a second voice interjected,
“I said to stay low, dammit!” My tone was harsh
“I’ll handle it myself; your top priority is to let me know if anything changes,” “But-Bu-“
“But-wut, nothing. STAY QUIET!”
“Ah, Ok. (Scary!!)” Their voice with anxiety, made their reluctant compliance clear.
I experienced a surge of regret for my blunt response to their offer of help, which caused an internal conflict to erupt. When did I become so… Strict?
“Chloe reporting, Mam. There’s a fully armed battalion mere moments away from the alleyway you’re positioned in. Please seek cover. We will approach from the opposite direction,” Chloe’s voice interjected
“Affirmative!” My acknowledgment was swift, though there were some miscalculations. The dice were cast; time had betrayed my intentions.
As the alleyway stretched out before me, I knew I was in for a fight. The seven men blocking our path were all burly and menacing, and there was no way we were getting through without a fight. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself.
Not losing a Second, I lunged at the first man, delivering a powerful punch to his jaw. The man stumbled backward, stunned, as I quickly spun around to face my next opponent. The other six men charged at me, swords flying, but I was ready for them.
As they closed in, I pulled out a grappling hook from my belt and shot it right through the skull of the stunned guy lying on the guy. The hook crashed into a crystal shop, fixed on the wall. I flipped a switch and now it was ready for a second shot.
I aimed at the top of a one-story building behind the other 6 attackers and with a little friction toward the slanted rail, the gears started to reel up the hook and I grabbed the edge of the building. I took out the hook from the wall and reeled it in and again flipped the switch for another shot. this time I deployed the hook at the left side of the attackers so that they can be tied up by this hook and the one I shot before in the crystal shop. The second hook struck the wall just a little left from the previous one. I ejected the whole hook from the grappling device and flipped the switch for Shrink.
‘Click’
The men were momentarily thrown off balance by my acrobatics, but before long they were tied up and crashed straight into the crystal shop. aligned on the walls where the hooks were stuck and with the constant shrinking of the hook their torsos fell off with a bloody stream.
I hoisted myself up from the ledge, having a comprehensive view of the scene.
“All Enemies have been neutralized. Form an ambush formation, Fast!” I ordered
“Affirmative,” came the immediate response, confirmation that the team was prepared to execute the tactic.
“Negative, Chloe reported. We’ve gained an advantage. the enemy battalion remains unaware of our presence, enabling us to strike a decisive blow,” Chloe interjected, her voice brimming with confidence.
“No, wait! CHLOE!” My exclamation was charged with concern
“MANIFEST!” A boom erupted from the lateral alleyway
“CHLOE! CHLOE!” My voice reverberated through the comm
Any answer from Chloe was quickly replaced with an obnoxious buzz. It happened frequently whenever Augustus used his special power, which was a familiar occurrence. He was the lone Hero-class person among us.
I ran toward the edge of a smoke-filled tunnel, a rush of fear coursing through me. This obscuring veil was definitely created by magic. A scene beheld, that showed a number of heavily armed soldiers steadily losing the fight against an unknown attacker.
Augustus’s prowess unfolded before my eyes—a complex ability that manipulated light and hues. He had mastered the art of rendering himself and his companions invisible, the ultimate advantage in covert operations.
As the dust settled and the chaos subsided. With a flick of my wrist, In a flash of electrifying brilliance, effortlessly all remaining enemies were defeated, leaving them awestruck and quaking until they took their last breath.
“Norah? I thought you were ordered to breach the armory?”
“Em, shut up for a moment, okay? I need to catch my breath before I pass out.”
Chloe’s eyes widened, and she slapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my gosh, sorry, Norah! I got carried away. Breathe, take your time.”
As I focused on inhaling and exhaling, soon my comms started to ring and me and chloe answered it.
“Piers here. The armory is empty. To all Mage units and divisions, the armory is empty. Proceed to assist the Main army entering from the southern gate.”
Chloe responded “Again? This happened last time too. I thought we would catch them this time.”
The ambush had been executed with precision, logic dictating that the enemy should now rush to their armory to replenish supplies. The unexpected turn left us confused.
“Headquarters, Norah speaking. Connect me promptly to Harbinger,”
“Affirmative, connecting now Beep,” the response acknowledged.
Mathew remains in the air, keeping a watchful vantage point. I came to him because of my worries because I wanted to know if anything strange had happened.
“Hello, Norah? Any issues on your end?” Mathew’s voice resonated through the comm.
“No, I think we’re dealing with sabotage, in fact. This time, I made sure that the Dragon Slayer and Mage divisions were the only ones to know about the ambush. However, it seems that the Enemy already knew about our strategy.”
“What? I mean, while it’s possible, I didn’t anticipate another mole following Adhivaar’s exposure.”
“Since Adhivaar’s betrayal, I’ve been extra vigilant. You’re still airborne, correct?”
Mathew, a Hero-class soldier, derived his abilities from the legend of the Sapphire Harbinger. Through a divine artifact infused with draconic power, he can soar freely through the skies.
“I was. I was ordered to scout the area and relay intel from a higher altitude. Strangely enough, the southern region remains eerily quiet. Only the Western team seems to be engaged in combat. This deviates from our initial strategy,”
“I see,” I acknowledged
This development called for action. I suddenly realized that I had to prevent Aries and the others from entering the main gate. I then realized that the Enemies might focus their efforts there with the intention of trapping Aries.
“Wait a second. From my vantage point, I can observe the train resuming movement. I thought it was incapacitated. Oh no! Don’t tell me *&%%,” Mathew’s voice trailed off, the connection severed abruptly.
“Mathew! Mathew!!” I called out for him yet the comm remained unresponsive.
“Emergency, all units in the south. The main battalion is under ambush. I repeat the main battalion is ambushed. Converge on the location immediately,”
“Thought so,” I muttered to myself, this is not good.
“Norah, what’s our course of action?” Chloe’s voice sounded, seeking direction for our next move.
“Chloe, gather your team and provide cover from a distance. Employ your bows, abstain from using magic to avoid detection,” I instructed, my words infused with urgency.
“Alright, Norah. But where are you headed in such a hurry?” Chloe’s curiosity compelled her inquiry.
Pausing momentarily, I cast Chloe a secretive smile, . “Don’t worry, Chloe. I’ve have a plan.”
Chloe’s eyebrow arched, “A plan? Mind sharing the details?”
“Nah,” I responded with a confident grin, Without another word, I turned and hastened away.
ARIES:
(some time before the ambush on the main battalion)
As the dust settled on the battlefield, the battalion began the task of regrouping and recovering. Soldiers moved about the small armory nestled within the Defending walls. The mood was a mix of relief and exhaustion.
Captain Cecilia from the Greek army stood at the entrance beside me, her armor battered and stained from the fight. She watched her soldiers with a sense of pride, knowing they had overcome a formidable defense.
I and other netrian gunmen were looking out for an enemy ambush.
Inside the armory, soldiers were exchanging their battle-worn gear for fresh supplies. Swords were being sharpened, armor mended, and arrows replenished. The room was alive with chatter, the tension from the battle giving way to jokes and laughter.
Amid the organized chaos, Sergeant Sebastian, a seasoned Greek warrior, was giving pointers to a younger recruit about how to properly maintain his shield.
“Remember, lad, a shield’s like a second skin. Treat it well, and it’ll save your hide when you need it.”
Nearby, Private Margaret was carefully inspecting her Crossbow, her brows furrowed in concentration. Corporal Vincent (he’s also a hero class, he derives power from Hermes) approached her, a grin on his face.
“Margaret, you were a storm of arrows out there. They won’t be forgetting you anytime soon.”
Elena looked up, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Oh, stop it, Vincent. We fought as a team.”
Heh? What a simp. Did Ares and Hermes really get along in the past? I doubt that.
“Aries stay alert, it’s strange how there is no further resistance from the enemy even though their main defense is destroyed.” Captain Cecilia shared a comment on the situation.
“True, there’s also no major intel from the headquarters yet.” The Square right after the Main gate was where executions and sacrifices were being done. Amidst the solitude, an air of tragedy lingers, as if the very ground holds the weight of the suffering that was inflicted here.
Meanwhile, at a table strewn with weapons, Lieutenant Eric (hero class: derives power from Hephaestus) was cleaning his sword with a meticulousness that spoke of his dedication to his craft. He glanced up at Captain Cecilia, who had entered the armory.
“Captain, we’ve secured the armory and begun preparations for our next move,” Eric reported, resuming his task as he spoke.
Cecilia nodded, “Good work, Lieutenant. Let’s ensure every blade is sharpened and every shield is strong. We may have won this battle, but the war isn’t over yet.”
The soldiers exchanged determined glances. As they continued to ready themselves for the challenges that lay ahead, the armory buzzed with the sound of metal against metal and the echoes of victory mingling with the clangor of preparation.
“Aries, let’s go.”
“Yes, mam”
Captain Cecilia at the front and all of the people soldiers behind me followed her lead. The team was divided into 3 groups. One will go straight for the castle and the other 2 both will head towards the east and west gates to deliver supplies to the other soldiers.
Our seasoned warriors marched in formation through the narrow cobblestone streets of the town. The sun had yet to fully rise, casting a soft, silvery light upon the landscape. The town, once bustling with life, now stood eerily quiet and abandoned.
“Keep your guard up,” Captain Cecila’s voice carried back to the group, her words a mix of caution and encouragement. “We don’t know what may lie ahead.”
“And Aries,” she called out to me, I hustled near her and-
“Take a closer look at the doors of these abandoned houses. Something doesn’t add up. It looks like they were opened recently.”
I nodded, Well she was in a stealth division before, my curiosity piqued. I turned my attention to the nearest door, the wood worn and weathered, yet standing slightly ajar. I moved cautiously, trying to make soft steps. With careful fingers, I pushed the door open a bit wider, revealing the dark interior of the deserted house.
“Halt!” I raised my hand to stop the marching. “I suspect that someone’s inside, there are footsteps here. I want to check it out, your orders Captain.”
“Alright! you can check it out”
With her confirmation I picked up 3 soldiers, one of them holding a candle to assist me inside if any enemy do seems to be hiding in.
I led three of the soldier allies along the dark hallways of the abandoned house, which stood in eerie silence with its rooms cloaked in darkness. Each footfall made a sound in the deserted hallways, and the creaking floors added to the tension in the air. The soldiers remained in their cautious formation, scanning every angle for any indications of enemies.
After a second we heard a strange creak below the bed in one the room.
We approached the bed, One of the guy swiftly lifted the edge of the bed, revealing a small, frightened mouse that had sought refuge there. A collective sigh of relief escaped us.
“Just a little mouse, it seems.”The female soldier chuckles softly, and we shook our head.
We ascended a narrow staircase that groaned softly beneath our weight. The air grew cooler as we climbed. The stairs led to an upper floor that was even more shrouded in shadows than the rooms below. Dust danced in the slivers of light that filtered through cracked windows.
I gestured toward a door at the end. My allies nodded in understanding, and the soldiers positioned themselves strategically around the entrance. With a determined nod, the protagonist pushed the door open slowly, revealing a room bathed in dim moonlight.
The room was filled with remnants of a forgotten past – faded tapestries, cobweb-covered furniture.
It doesn’t seem as if anyone is here, right, Sir Aries?” The soldier’s voice wavered, his gaze shifting between the empty room and the lone female soldier who stood nearby, visibly shaken. She pointed a trembling finger toward a tall, ornate armoire in the corner of the room.
My expression remained stoic, a facade of calmness that belied the unease I felt beneath the surface. The room was dimly lit, shadows clinging to the edges like secrets waiting to be unveiled. I cast a quick glance around the abandoned room, my senses on high alert.
The female soldier’s voice trembled as she spoke, “Someone, someone’s in there.”
My hand instinctively moved towards the hilt of my sword, fingers tightening around the grip. The atmosphere shifted, a thread of tension weaving itself into the air. I exchanged a swift nod with the soldiers beside me, silently acknowledging their readiness.
“I’ll check it out,” one of the soldiers volunteered, his voice steady despite the uncertainty that hung in the air. He moved forward cautiously, approaching the armoire with deliberate steps. Every footfall seemed to echo like the ticking of a hidden clock.
My gaze remained fixed on him, muscles tensed, as he reached for the armoire’s handle. Just as his fingers brushed the cool metal, the door swung open on its own with an eerie creak. My heart skipped a beat, and my hand moved instinctively to the hilt of my sword, ready to draw at a moment’s notice.
But before anyone could react, a figure emerged from the darkness within, a white veil concealing their features. In their hand, a wand glinted ominously. Time seemed to slow as I realized the danger we were facing. With a swift, practiced motion, the enemy flicked the wand, and an icy breath seemed to fill the air.
The soldier who had approached the armoire froze, his body transforming into a statue of ice and stone. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched, helpless, my sword gripped tightly in my hand.
My attention snapped, my senses detecting movement behind me. But before I could react, the very wall itself seemed to explode inward, a monstrous brute bursting through with a deafening crash. Its eyes gleamed with malice, a wicked scythe glinting in the pale light.
In a horrifying instant, chaos erupted. The brute’s scythe swept through the air, cleaving through another soldier. Blood splattered across the floor, and the room seemed to close in around us, trapping us in a nightmare.
I tightened my grip on my sword, adrenaline surging through my veins. The odds were against us.
Cursing under my breath. “S***, both an assassin and a brute,” my mind raced, trying to process everything. The room had transformed into a battleground, and the female guard’s panicked squeak didn’t stop either.
I knew that further casualties were unacceptable. I had to act, and I had to act swiftly. Without hesitation, I stopped time and everything around me froze.
I moved with efficiency, swiftly grabbing the waist of the trembling female soldier. In an instant, we were behind the brute, ready to escape through the shattered window from the adjacent room. But my foot snagged on the jagged debris of the ruined wall, and my momentum was disrupted. I stumbled to my knees, and the flow of time resumed its course.
The world surged back to life, and the female soldier’s expression shifted from surprise to bewilderment. “Come on, stand up! We gotta go!” I urged, my voice sharp with urgency.
The brute’s head snapped around at the sound of my voice, and I could feel his malevolent gaze boring into us. The female guard, her knees shaky with fear, struggled to rise from the ground. My heart pounded as every second counted.
But then, a wet sensation brushed against my face, and a dread realization gripped me. The female soldier’s body remained stationary, as though trapped in an invisible vice. I turned to my side in slow horror, my eyes locking onto her. A spear had descended from above, impaling her head. My breath caught as the spear retracted, tearing through her head and spine followed by a fountain of blood, leaving her lifeless to slump to the ground.
As I retreated, the sound of splintering wood and crumbling plaster echoed above, and the ceiling gave way to reveal the ominous figure of the spear-wielder. Tall and imposing, he gave a chilling aura.
In the span of moments, I was encircled. The mage, the brute, and the spear-wielder formed a trinity of adversaries.
Rage surged within me. “YOU FUCKERS!”
I unleashed the power of my battalion lance without a hint of restraint. The force of the blast ripped through the room, obliterating everything in its path. The floor disintegrated beneath our feet, and the world blurred as I raced to the shattered window. With a leap of desperation, I burst through the frame, the wind whipping past me, and the sensation of freefall enveloped me.
As I plummeted toward the ground, all the mages in the battalion took out their wand and pointed out toward the building, ready to blow it up. Some soldiers accompanied me in standing up and in the distance, Captain Cecily and her trusted officers approached. “Aries, you’re alright?” Cecily’s voice was worried, her gaze searching mine for reassurance.
“Mam, ack,” I managed to reply, my words accompanied by a grimace as the pain in my knee throbbed.
Cecily’s attention shifted to the building I just escaped. “There might be other enemies hiding in the houses too,” I warned. “We gotta move before we get surrounded. There might be more in other houses.”
Corporal Vincent, chimed in with a chuckle, teasing. “But hey, hey, how did the mighty god of war end up stumbling to the ground?”
Cecily’s gaze shot to Vincent, her eyes narrowing slightly. “It’s not time for that childishness, Vincent.” She swiftly shifted her focus back to the situation at hand, She ordered the battalion’s mages into action, their wands aligning with their targets.
As spells came together, a cacophony of magical energy erupted, building into a power storm. The focal point of this magical assault moved to the structure in front of us. Mummer of devastation resulted from the magicians’ combined incantations. They coordinated a motion to cast their spells, and the building burst into pieces.
But the aftermath was far from serene. Gunshots rang out, Soldiers staggered, the force of the enemy’s counterattack catching them off guard.
I struggled to my feet, the pain still radiating from my injured knee. Two soldiers rushed to my side, supporting me as I stood. The agony was sharp, but I knew it was not the time for vining.
“Cover! Cover! Get into the houses fast!” Cecily’s command cut through the disarray. Soldiers moved some diving for cover, others rushing toward nearby houses seeking shelter from the storm of bullets and arrows.
In the midst of the confusion, enemy soldiers started to emerge from houses’ interior hiding places. They ambushed soldiers who were trying to find cover, slicing through the air with their blades. Rounds fired from improvised vantage points above the houses erupted in gunfire.
A complex dance of chaos and survival erupted on the battlefield. Cecily, her lieutenant, and her private formed a barrier around me in the midst of it all. Soldiers defended us from arrows and gunfire with shields and weapons, adjusting their formations as they made an effort to protect us from the deadly attack.
Cecily’s voice crackled over the comms, “Headquarters, Cecily here. We’re in trouble, it’s an ambush. We might not survive until help arrives. Do something fast!”
“Acknowledged. Sending all available forces towards your location.”
The promise of reinforcements was a glimmer of hope amidst the fight. We were battered, surrounded, and outnumbered, but we had to make our next move fast.
Cecily’s voice stood out in the midst of the commotion. “Mages, build an ice barrier! “Soldiers at the front, advance!” Our only option was to advance constantly as enemies closed in from both the rear and from vantage points above.
The Mages wasted no time in weaving complex patterns in the air with their wands. A towering wall of ice made of frost materialized, acting as a formidable barrier to the bullets and arrows. the wall was strong and thick. As we started to move behind the protection of the ice wall, soldiers formed a protective circle around us.
But despite our best efforts, the enemy’s constant firing on us left a trail of bullets and arrows along the wall. The enemy had a clear advantage due to their position, and although our soldiers fired back, most of their bullets appeared to be deflected before reaching their targets.
We moved as one, a tightly knit unit, the ice wall providing precious cover as we navigated the treacherous road in front of us.
A brief break in the seemingly endless barrage was provided by the railroad line, which loomed ahead. We had a chance to reorganize and plan here because there were fewer houses and more open areas. In order to use the alleyways beyond as potential counterattack routes, our objective was to get there.
The sound of an approaching train was audible along with a ground tremor as we got closer to the tracks. As we became aware that time was not on our side, panic swept through us. We were held back by the enemy soldiers’ elevated shooting, which made it difficult for us to advance as the train drew menacingly close.
The train’s rumble intensified with each passing second. We fought on despite the terrible circumstances, though. I gritted my teeth and entered the fray with a borrowed rifle, my bullets finding their targets amidst the chaos.
The train approached as we were moving. Some of the front-line soldiers advanced, with Cecily leading the way forward. Quick action was necessary. Corporal Vincent tried to help pull Private Margaret away from the railroad tracks and some soldiers with him did the same as it was better than going backward than being crushed by the train. However, time was not on our side, and some soldiers were still wedged between the rails with Lieutenant Eric.
“Move forward quickly!” Cecily shouted the order, pleading with the soldiers to clear a path for those ensnared in the dangerous situation. Her voice was tinged with desperation. All other sounds were drowned out by the train’s mechanical roar as it plowed down on us.
My heart raced as I desperately tried to pull soldiers from the tracks, sweat mingling with my pain. Yet, despite our efforts, it wasn’t enough. The train surged forward, its metal bulk striking the soldiers in its path with merciless force.
The environment was a nightmare r. The oncoming train’s weight crushed the bodies as they were flung into the air. The momentum of the train propelled it forward, and the groan of metal and screech of brakes marked its grinding stop.
The devastating loss served as a reminder of the brutality of war as our team was utterly destroyed. One-half of our forces were on the opposing side of the train, and some of them were injured in the collision’s aftermath. The line of fire from behind the enemy had been cut off, but the relief came with a tragic price.
As we came together, motivated by the need to survive, grief and tenacity coexisted. We moved forward once the path was briefly clear, using the opportunity to retaliate against the last few enemy soldiers who tried to confront us from their homes.
Even though the chaos persisted, as we advanced, a glimmer of hope appeared within us. The back alleys called out as a possible route to change the course of events. We couldn’t afford to fumble right now. If we get there then we can attack the enemies unguarded.
“Mam!” My voice was ragged, breathless my words were. “The alleyways!”
Cecily’s response was swift, her command cutting through the chaos. “Right, soldiers, head towards the alleyway. We have to retreat for a better plan.” The order was met with immediate action as the surviving soldiers began to navigate their way toward the alleyways.
As we approached the corners of the alleyways, hope flickered. But that hope was swiftly dashed as we discovered the alleyways were barricaded, and gunmen awaited us. Desperation gnawed at the edges of my consciousness as I realized we were screwed.
The enemy’s onslaught was unrelenting. The gunfire was fierce and deadly, bullets whizzing past us. Our attempts to shield ourselves were met with limited success.
A new wave of enemies entered the fray, emerging from the alleyways with ferocious intent. Their presence only deepened the sense of hopelessness that had settled upon us. Despite our efforts, our numbers dwindled from 11 to a mere 6.
The intensity of the firefight was almost overwhelming, bullets brushing past my ears like whispers of death. The desperate need to find cover drove us forward, inching closer to a lone house that seemed to offer a last refuge. But even as we neared it, our assailants showed no mercy.
Five mages in red robes leaped from the first floor of the opposite house. A spell was cast, and instinctively, we raised our shields. But it was a trap, an explosion spell that detonated upon contact. The force of the explosion was immense, the shields disintegrating in a cascade of shrapnel and smoke. We crashed right into the house behind us.
I was engulfed in chaos. Smoke and debris clouded my senses, the searing pain of burns radiating through my hands. My vision blurred, and the world around me seemed distant and surreal. All I could hear were the echoes of soldiers’ footsteps.
As the haze began to clear, I saw it – a silhouette of figures approaching. Some held swords, others had wands. Their intent was clear, and the situation was dire. I braced myself.
But then, in an instant, the air crackled with energy. The sound of lightning sliced through the chaos, followed by a blinding, brilliant light that seared through my closed eyelids. In an instant, the world turned red, an intensity that was almost overwhelming. Heat washed over me, the temperature rising to an uncomfortable level.
With a rush of wind and an explosion of energy, the scene transformed. The world was engulfed in a sea of white, And then, a sudden coolness enveloped us, a stark contrast to the intense heat that had preceded it.
My senses were reeling, and my body shivering uncontrollably. The abrupt shift was disorienting, and I struggled to make sense of what had just occurred.
As the frosty silence enveloped us, a sense of wonder mixed with gratitude washed over me. Then, I heard it—a sound both familiar and heart-stirring, a sound that held the power to evoke emotions from the deepest part of my soul. It was a sound I could never forget, even if I tried.
Before the sound even fully registered in my ears, tears began to well up and trace a path down my cheeks. I couldn’t help it; the emotion that welled up within me was too overwhelming to be contained. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted, and a flood of relief and warmth flushed me away/
Amidst the frozen world, one of the most important people in my life emerged. Her voice called out to me, a barrage of my name firing on me. “ARIES! ARIES! ARIES!”
She rushed towards me, closing the distance between us in a heartbeat. As she held me tightly in her arms, I could feel the tremors coursing through her body. Her shivers were not from the cold but from the sheer intensity of her emotions.
“Norah,” I managed to whisper, my voice choked with emotion. “That’s you, right? Hey, but seriously, why keep all this under wraps? I never realized you cared so deeply, to the point of being moved to tears.”?”
“Why do you always insist on getting under my skin?” Her voice trembled, a mixture of frustration and concern coloring her words. “Just look at the mess you’ve landed yourself in by going off on your own. Wasn’t my warning clear enough? I told you this could happen.”
My lips curved into a half-smile, even in the after seeing all that. “Now, now, it’s not like I planned for all this to happen.”
Before we could settle into the familiarity of our banter, the urgent calls of guards pierced the air. More reinforcements were on the way, and we couldn’t afford to stay in this vulnerable spot for long.
“Norah!” I said a sense of urgency in my voice. We locked eyes, a silent understanding passing between us. We needed to move, to regroup, and find a safer position.
She nodded, With her support, I managed to rise to my feet, the cold ground biting into my skin..
Norah again flicked her wand and blast away a path away from the enemy. Leading us outside in the alley and we started to sprint following the path in front of us.
In the middle of a frantic pace, I couldn’t help but express my awe. “I didn’t know that you had mastered Ice magic to such an extent,” I exclaimed
She shot me a glance, her lips quirking into a sardonic smile. “Well, maybe you’ll take notice once you decide to leave behind your piratical ways and actually start completing your missions without causing a ruckus.”
Her retort struck a chord, and I couldn’t help but wince at the truth behind her words. “But, you know my expeditions tend to bring in more gold and divine artifacts,” I countered with a lopsided grin, hoping to lighten the mood.
As we zigzagged through the maze of alleys, our trajectory shifted with each corner we turned, each decision we made in the heat of the moment. The buildings around us acted as both obstacles and stepping stones, guiding our path as we ducked, dodged, and dashed forward dodging enemies. The sharp scent of magic lingered in the air, blending with the acrid scent of burnt wood and the distant echoes of battles. I also informed the headquarters about what happened, so now everyone was heading straight toward the castle.
Soon, we stumbled upon an abandoned house, its façade weathered by time and neglect. Norah’s instincts guided us inside, and as we ascended the creaking stairs, the view from above revealed a potential route to escape. We reached the rooftop, the city stretching out before us.
We leaped from rooftop to rooftop, our movements fluid despite the danger that lurked below. The occasional sound of bullets whizzing past served as a warning to not go in that direction. Norah’s jumps were graceful, her landings controlled, and I followed her lead with every ounce of agility I could muster.
“All forces, we’ve got intel that the stronghold master is at the topmost tower of the castle. The dragon slayers are reaching him so try to clear out the way for the dragon slayers. We have to avenge the loss of our Greek allies! Piers out.”
Roger that
The chaotic journey led us to a wide open square, a temporary respite from the narrow alleys that had confined us earlier. Ahead, on the opposite side, loomed the grand offices that were connected to the imposing castle, our ultimate destination. The path to our goal seemed straightforward, but experience had taught me that appearances could be deceiving.
As Norah and I descended from our rooftop traversal, our pace quickened, fueled by the knowledge that our destination was within reach. However, a sense of caution urged me to glance over my shoulder. The enemy forces were relentless in their pursuit, and among them stood the enigmatic white-veiled magician, the one I had seen before .
In an instant, the air crackled with energy as the magician conjured a spell. A bolt of thunderous energy surged toward us with incredible speed, its destructive potential evident. Reacting swiftly, I activated my ability to manipulate time, freezing the world around us. I pulled norah with me and we dodged the attack.
With the imminent danger thwarted, I watched as the thunderous attack struck the office building across from us, reducing a portion of the first floor to rubble. The debris cascaded down.
As the time freeze lifted, Norah’s voice cut through the chaos. “Aries, you need to reach the castle! I’ll handle them here!”
My heart raced at her words, . “Wait, Norah, no! I can’t leave you alone here. And I can’t simply reach the top of the tower – I can’t fly!”
A calm certainty tinged her voice as she responded, her gaze unwavering. “You can reach there.”
I opened my mouth to retort, to protest her insistence, but something clicked in my mind. Yes, I could reach the top of the tower, but doubt still lingered.
Her tone softened as she persisted, “Trust yourself, Aries. You can do it.”
Her words resonated within me, triggering a realization that dispelled my uncertainty. “Still, I can’t… we should go together,” I stammered
Just as our conversation played out, our chivalry forces emerged from the east, a welcome sight signaling victory on that front.
Norah’s grin was triumphant. “See, Aries? I won’t be fighting alone. Now go!”
I swallowed hard, “Alright.”
I dashed toward the fallen debris of the office building, the shattered remnants forming a makeshift staircase of sorts. I scrambled upward, driven by the urgency to fulfill our mission. The debris shifted and groaned beneath my weight, but I persisted, driven by the knowledge that every step brought me closer to the castle’s tower.
I reached the first floor of the building, my breath ragged from the effort. The challenge wasn’t over – there was much more to overcome before I could reach the castle’s tower, but Norah’s words echoed in my mind.
“Let’s go MANIFEST VERCILIUS!!” My chant again gave me a boost of my already equipped energy.”
With newfound energy, I charted a path toward the pinnacle of the tower, the castle drawing nearer on the horizon. But my advance was abruptly halted as an enemy dragon slayer swooped down from the skies, landing with a fierce roar. My stance shifted into one of readiness, every fiber of my being prepared for the clash.
Before the heavily armored enemy could fully regain his footing, I seized the moment. Closing the distance between us in an instant, I struck with precision. However, his response was swift – he unleashed another thunderous attack from his massive sword, propelling himself into the air once more. His movements were calculated, his intent clear: to keep me off balance and at bay.
He soared above me, a threatening presence that circled and taunted, descending with crushing force whenever I attempted to close in. His strategy was effective, leaving me little room to maneuver or counter. As I made an attempt to approach, he deftly landed nearby, his sword crackling with electricity as he aimed another attack directly at me.
Dodging his strikes became a dance of survival, each evasion executed with split-second timing. Amidst this chaos, a second dragon slayer emerged from the fray, mirroring the tactics of the first. But this time, fate intervened. The new enemy crashed headlong into the office building, his impact creating an opening for me to exploit.
Seizing the opportunity, I leaped into the hole created by the collision, landing amidst the debris and shattered glass. My sword was an extension of my will, guiding me as I zeroed in on the stunned dragon slayer. Before he could fully comprehend what had transpired, my blade found its mark, piercing his head with lethal precision.
Leaving the fallen dragon slayer behind, I moved forward through the library. Its shelves of books seemed untouched by the chaos that raged outside, and I couldn’t help but marvel at the stark contrast between the serene stillness within these walls and the frantic battle beyond.
As I advanced, the windows lining the wall caught my attention, offering a view of the ongoing clash both in the skies and on the land. The sky was alive with the spectacle of dragon slayers engaged in combat, their movements a dance of elemental power and strategy. On the ground, the chivalry and mages fought valiantly against their enemies.
“All units, we’ve learned that the enemy has their own dragon slayers. Our mobility is compromised, making it difficult to reach the tower. Dragonslayers, it’s up to you now to breach their defenses and make it to the top. Piers out.”
“Hello, Mr. Piers! Actually, I can reach the top of the tower. I don’t know if I can make it on the first try, but I’ve got a plan.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before Piers responded,
“What? Master Aries, you can?”
I affirmed with confidence, “Yeah, I can. I’m actually quite near the tower. Just give me some time, and I’ll get there.”
Piers’ tone shifted from surprise to encouragement. “If that’s true, then, Master Aries, I’ll inform all units to hey, wait. Hayes, I’m talking… Master Aries, are you alright?”
I blinked, momentarily taken aback by the interruption, before responding. “Miss Hayes? Yeah, I’m fine.”
Her voice held a tinge of concern as she pressed further. “Master Aries, where are you right now?”
“I’m in the office’s library,” I replied.
Without missing a beat, Hayes relayed the information to the units. “All units, assist Vercillus! He’s in the office’s library! He can reach the tower, so give him all the support you’ve got!”
The eagerness in Hayes’ voice was unmistakable. I couldn’t help but offer a grateful response. “Thanks again! I appreciate it.”
I moved forward. The tower, once a distant goal, was now within reach, and I was determined to overcome whatever challenges lay ahead
Norah:
With a resigned sigh, I wiped the blood from my wand. The pungent scent of blood mixing with the remnants of the dragon’s skin was an unpleasant experience.
Amidst the stench of blood, the voice of Miss Hayes crackled through the communication device once more. “All units, assist Vercillus! He’s in the office’s library and on his way to the tower. Give him your full support!”
I couldn’t help but chuckle softly to myself, “Heh, I told you, you could do it, you dummy,” I muttered under my breath, addressing the doubts that had lingered within me earlier.
Aries:
In a swift dash, I surged across the library, my eyes fixed on the far end where the gate was opening. Hope surged within me as I anticipated the arrival of my allies, but my optimism was swiftly shattered as a relentless hail of bullets rained down upon me.
“S***, another blockade,” I muttered under my breath, It seemed that the tide of battle was unpredictable, turning allies into enemies with little warning. Fire spells were conjured and hurled at me in a parabolic trajectory, each projectile aiming to engulf me in searing flames. In a desperate attempt, I wielded my battler lance, attempting to deflect the projectiles, but my efforts were in vain. The flames consumed not only the dangerous spells but also the precious books that adorned the library, heartbreaking collateral damage that stung deeply.
“At least leave the books, you bastards!!” I yelled in frustration. But my words fell on deaf ears as the barrage continued unabated. The enemy was relentless, deploying a range of attacks to corner and overwhelm me.
As if the situation couldn’t worsen, the windows of the library shattered, allowing three dragonslayers to descend upon me.
Amid the battle, a thought crossed my mind – a suspicion that the communication lines were compromised, leaking our plans to the enemy. But time was a luxury I couldn’t afford to indulge in at that moment. One of the dragonslayers surged forward with the speed and fury of a raging storm, breaking through the window and soaring outside in a relentless pursuit to end my life.
Two of the dragonslayers chanted incantations, summoning bolts of lightning that crackled with raw power. Their precision strikes targeted not just me, but the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The chandeliers, intricate and ornate, held beauty and danger in equal measure. With a deafening crash, the lightning-imbued bolts struck the chandeliers, sending them crashing down toward me. They knew my movements were swift – too swift to be directly targeted – and thus they aimed to catch me off-guard with their calculated strategy.
But I wasn’t about to be outmaneuvered. I leaped towards another chandelier, determined to engage the dragonslayers head-on. I ascended higher, making my way to the middle chandeliers. Seeing me approach, the dragonslayers took to the air, breaking the chandelier in their path, but I had anticipated their movements.
Grappling onto one of the dragonslayer’s armored handles, I maneuvered their massive form like a skilled matador guiding a charging bull by its horns. The forceful collision was a devastating spectacle, the dragonslayer’s head smashing into a sturdy pillar with a bone-shattering impact. As the dust settled, only silence remained, broken only by the groan of metal and stone.
The other dragonslayer, witnessing their companion’s fate, fled from the scene, crashing staight to the ceiling window. In the aftermath of the clash, I caught my breath, my pulse racing.
Amidst the relentless fires that raged around me, I was gripped by a realization – my fever had taken hold, casting a haze of weakness and discomfort over me. The pounding headache and the vertigo-like dizziness seemed to be another obstacle. My vision blurred as if a veil had been drawn over the world, and no matter how hard I tried to focus, the clarity I sought remained elusive.
I was enraged, and it showed in the fruitless punches I threw at the impervious ground. My eyes started to tear up as a result of my frustration and sense of helplessness. I couldn’t, however, afford the luxury of time. The fever’s hold over my senses continued to cause the environment around me to appear as a warped blur.
Through the haze, a familiar voice pierced the disarray
“Aries! Aries! It’s Deniz.”
My attempt to respond faltered, my voice a mere rasp. “Agh – ah.”
“We’re at the library. Leave the dragonslayers in my unit. Beep“
Another voice followed, Vincent’s, a mixture of gratitude and awkwardness. “Vincent here. I heard you needed help. I saw some gunmen entering the library, and I’ll hold them back. It’s… just my way of thanking you for that one time. Don’t get the wrong idea.”
I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally, a sigh escaping my lips as I thought, Shut up, Vincent. I know, I know.
In those moments, my perspective shifted. The realization hit me that I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Warriors from different factions were united in this fight, all working towards the same goal – protecting our land and our people. We were a collective force against the imperial legion.
“Thanks, Vincent. You’ve already helped me just now,” I replied, a note of genuine gratitude in my voice.
My vision cleared, and I surveyed my surroundings, seeking a way out of the chaotic mess. Then, I spotted the sword of the dragonslayer that had crashed into the pillar nearby. It was heavy, but I knew it might hold enough energy to propel me out of this dire situation.
My fear of heights made an unwelcome appearance, but I pushed it aside. I couldn’t afford hesitation. My resolve had grown stronger – I was fighting for more than myself; I was fighting for a greater cause.
I gripped the dragon slayer’s sword. I pointed its tip towards the hole in the ceiling left by the earlier dragon slayer’s exit. I pressed the button that would normally require elemental energy, but the sword was already charged. With a resounding thunderclap, the sword launched me skyward, propelling me through the opening like a bolt of lightning. I soared into the sky alongside other dragonslayers, my heart racing with exhilaration.
But my newfound height induced a surge of vertigo, threatening to overwhelm me. I ignored it – there was no time for fear. I was determined to seize every opportunity that presented itself. I clung to the sword as I had to my convictions, but a sudden loss of balance caused me to drop it. I was now freefalling from a considerable height, a heart-pounding descent that could easily spell disaster.
Yet, even in this perilous situation, I saw an opportunity. I spotted an enemy dragonslayer flying beneath me, calculating their trajectory as if solving a puzzle. I used my ability to manipulate time, landing on the dragonslayer’s armor as they hovered in mid-air.
As time resumed, the collision sent both of us crashing into the office building, the impact absorbed by the armored suit. I held onto the enemy dragonslayer, manipulating his movements until the allotted five seconds were up. With a final punch, I rendered him unconscious.
Without hesitation, I propelled myself forward, my comrades rallying around me to fend off the pursuing enemy dragon slayers. Their combined efforts shielded me from the onslaught, allowing me to focus on evading attacks, parrying blows, and dashing toward my goal – the towering stronghold that loomed ahead.
As I neared the tower, a new challenge emerged. Four more dragon slayers leapt from the top. Despite the chaos, I caught sight of the target I had fought so hard to reach. The stronghold master and his four guardians awaited me.
The dragonslayers’ landing near me momentarily caught me off guard, and I stumbled dangerously close to the edge of the office building. A narrow ledge saved me from a potentially fatal fall, granting me a second chance to press forward. Ignoring the dragonslayers’ proximity, I resumed my sprint.
With each step, I deftly dodged the projectiles hurled at me, my movements a dance of evasion. Thunderous attacks crackled through the air, but I navigated the chaos with a singular focus. The stronghold master’s unease was palpable, his gaze fixed on me as I closed in on my target. A signal passed between him and his guards, and in an instant, a deadly machine gun was deployed – a weapon capable of inflicting swift and unrelenting destruction.
But even that formidable weapon was no match for my resolve. I zigzagged and weaved, my speed and agility pushed to their limits as I narrowly avoided the barrage of bullets. With a sword in hand, I pushed my limits further, increasing my speed until the world around me became a blur. My grip tightened on the hilt, and with a sudden halt, I channeled every ounce of strength into a single throw. The sword left my hand with such force that it dislocated my right arm.
The sword soared with astonishing speed, outpacing even the quickest dragonslayer. It raced toward the tower’s summit. It reached its destination, striking the ceiling just above the stronghold master. The blade embedded itself in the ceiling.
A triumphant grin spread across the stronghold master’s face, a cruel laugh escaping his lips. “Heh, you fool!”
But I had one final card to play – a trump card that could turn the tide of battle in an instant. With a swift movement, I triggered the teleportation ability I had kept in reserve. The world around me warped, and in an instant, I stood atop the ceiling, above the stronghold master. His laughter faded as realization dawned and he heard his last words.
“I am nimble with my left hand too, you son of a bitch.”
THE END
