Chapter 50: Secret Colony

Notes on Xothican Weather

While Xoth is home to the same weather types as Earth, the magical properties of Xoth gives it some extra storms that do not occur on earth. While rare, these storms can be very vicious.

War Gales

Battles that used a large amount of magic and resulted in many deaths creates a phenomenon known as War Gales. They are magic winds that carry the sounds of a battle. While not actually dangerous, the winds do disturb anyone who hears it.

Gravity Wells

This weather usually occurs during thunderstorms. Gravity will randomly fluctuate. This phenomenon can be especially fatal to a person as they could accidentally launch themselves into the air with a single step, or they can get crushed under a large increase in gravity.

Rain Globbing

Instead of water droplets, rain will come down as softball-sized balls of water.

Fire Rain

Instead of rain, sparks or fire comes down.

Tempest

A horrifically violent thunderstorm. Its rainfall and winds are hurricane-like, but what sets it apart is the lightning. The lightning generated by this storm will strike the ground in rapid succession to the point where the majority of damage from the storm is by it as oppose to the winds or floods.

Mana Rain

This is considered the most beneficial and common magical weather Xoth can have. Pure liquid Mana rains down from the sky. This will cause crops to instantly grow to full size, heal wounds of any person or creature, or allow magic abilities to become more powerful while the user is being rained on. Many make a business out of collecting Mana Rain and sell bottles of it as an alternative to herb-based Mana and Health potions.

Flash Freeze

Temperatures instantly drop, resulting in an area to freeze. The books and my Xothicans companions cannot give me a specific measurement of temperature since Xoth does not have a temperature measurement system. Considering that the temperature drops faster enough to freeze an area, it would have to be at least minus 60 Celsius.

Flash Heat

A reversal to Flash Freeze. Temperatures can get high enough for fires to form.

Ice Shards

Similar to hail, but ice comes down as shards. In its most minor form, the ice shards causes discomfort and scratches. In its worse form, Ice Shards can be fatal by slicing up or stabbing people caught in the storm.

Acid Rain

This is different from the acid rain that Earth had in the past from its pollution. There is no water in this acid rain, just pure acid. This acid is extremely strong and will melt everything it falls on; more so than our acid rain. Thankfully, it's long-term effect on the environment is minimal as it will become inert within an hour after its fall.

Consumer Fog

An unusual cross between weather and a creature. This fog intentional makes people or creatures get lost within it. Eventually the victim will die from either exhaustion, hunger or thirst. Once its prey is dead, the fog will consume the body. The only way to get rid of a Consumer Fog is using fire or wind magic to burn or blow it away.

Mana Stream

A magical phenomenon very similar to the Aurora Borealis. Mana traveling through the sky at night to create a visual of lights that will change into many colours. These lights often foretell the coming of Mana Rain.

UNDF Definitions

Enemy Of Humanity

A new definition created to act as the highest classification of a threat. It describes an enemy that threatens the very existence of the Human race as oppose to a threat to a civilization or government. This term cannot be used lightly as it requires the immediate attention of the UNDF forces to neutralize. Currently Hastur, Hastur's family, and his highest ranked officers are classified as Enemies Of Humanity. Reward for any one of their deaths is set by the UN at a minimum of 75 million USD. The reward for Hastur's death is set at 500 million USD.

Excerpts from Thunder's Recommendations Report

->Laws and organizations to protect Xothican from predatory businesses

Reason: We want Humanity to have a good reputation with Xothicans. I won't name names, but we have a good many businesses in different sectors that do not have the most stellar reputation for ethics or customer service. We cannot have these business taint Humanity's reputation with the Xothicans. We need to make sure that any deals or arrangements that Xothicans make with Human businesses are done with their full knowledge of our economic laws and regulations.

VVVVVV

Tom and his companions teleported into the grassland of Hellisgerði Lava Park. They were on edge the moment they arrived. They wore their armour and had their weapons ready for any attack.

"I think we're good," Sylmae said. "I don't see any signs of hostiles or anyone else."

Hearing those words put them all at ease.

"Then we didn't walk into a trap, good," Tom sighed. "I like Tep, but at this point I'm not taking chances. Especially since I found this in Hafnarfjörður."

Tom pulled out a newspaper with the headline "UN Spokesperson Reveals Identity of Thunder and Companions After Rumours Of Identity Leak".

"We're exposed and we cannot afford to take chances. I really hope Tep is right about this colony."

Tala pulled out an atlas and looked at a post-it note she had on the sector they were in. "The coordinates we were given by Tep line up right about... there!" Tala pointed towards a cropping of rocks. "According to Tep's data, the entrance to the colony is right there. The only way through the doorway is a magic panel that responds only to elves. Tep helped the elves set it up to give each of their colonies protection."

"So let's introduce ourselves," Vivian said as she walked ahead.

The group walked over to the entrance-way. Under the full moon light, a foot-long section of rock glowed slightly green with Xothican text.

"Here's goes nothing," Sylmae said as she placed her hand on the panel.

The panel flashed brightly and then vanished. A slab of rock next to it juddered and then sank into the ground.

"It worked!" Reia cheered.

"Alright, let's head in," Tom said. "Stay alert. These Elves haven't had any real Human interaction in probably forever."

They entered through the doorway and found that it led to a stairway that was lit by blue orbs of light that were situated in the wall. The stairs went down for about several hundred feet before it opened up to a large open area. The center area was an area roughly several acres in size that hosted a garden and several trees.

The area around the garden was separated into different elevated levels. Each level was filled with buildings that were made from stone and mortar. The streets in front of the houses had street lamps that were lit with similar light source as the light orbs in the stairway. Tiny twinkling lights decorated the ceiling like the night sky.

"W-Where is everyone?" Tala asked out loud.

"You'd think they would have some guards around," Vivian said.

An arrow suddenly impacted the ground by their feet. They looked up and saw many Elves drop their invisibility cloak. Each level of the area had entire rows of archers. A dozen warriors, armed with spears, appeared within a couple meters all around them. The Elves looked slightly different than what Sylmae was familiar with. The Elves before her were shorter than what is considered average for her kind. Their skin was also extremely pale.

"You had to jinx it, Vi," Reia sighed.

Directly in front of Tom's group was an Elven guard with armour that was better designed than the others. While the others had basic leather armour with some iron plating, this guard's armour had designs embedded into the leather. Several gems were slotted around his collar.

"Trespassers," the Captain hissed. The language he used was similar to Xothican common but it was a different dialect. "How did you enter through the gate...?"

The Captain saw Sylmae and a disgusted expression came across his face.

"You brought the Human here and betrayed your people?"

"You're not really my people," Sylmae said. "I wasn't born on Earth."

The Captain was befuddled by her remark but then his eyes went towards Reia and Tala as they stepped out of the shadows.

"Naga? Beastkin? How?"

"Just how up-to-date are you of the current events of Humanity?" Tom asked.

The Captain took a step back after he heard Tom's voice.

"We don't concern ourselves with the Human world except to sabotage any metal machines that disrupt our way of life."

"Oh..." Vivian muttered as she held her head. "Oh, wow."

"They don't know," Sylmae said.

"Don't know what?" the Captain demanded.

"We can explain, but we need to speak with your leader," Sylmae said.

"You're not going anywhere near our Elder! You brought a Human into our colony! An unforgivable offense."

"What the fuck did my race do to your people?" Tom asked.

"Your kind attacked our ancestors and forced us underground hundreds of years ago. We rarely leave for the surface and so we live under the fake light of our subterranean world." The Captain raised his hand to signal the other guards. All of them raised their weapons. "We cannot allow your kind to learn of our world."

"Look, man, you really don't want to do this," Tom cautioned. "We're not here to fight. Our world is facing a crisis and we need your help."

"There is no way I'll help a Human," he growled as he raised his spear for an attack.

"Kannon, stand down!" a voice roared.

All the guards immediately lowered their bows and spears. A woman dressed in a sky-blue robe walked down the steps from the upper area towards the garden area that Tom and the others stood. The guards were quick to move out of the way of the woman.

"E-Elder Kassa," Kannon said. "He's a Human, he cannot be allowed to leave."

"You can't sense it but these individuals are extremely powerful," Kassa said. "Your weapons wouldn't scratch them. If they wanted to, they could easily destroy us."

Tom was surprised to see that the woman before him was fairly youthful for an Elder; probably in her thirties.

"I am Elder Neva Kassa," she said to Tom and his companions. "Welcome to the Erlonian colony. The largest Elven colony."

"Uh, thank you for your greeting," Tom mustered out. "I'm Thomas Everett."

"I'm Reia Zyer."

"I'm Vivian Terrabane."

"I'm Sylmae Lyvan."

"I'm Tala Mau."

"Erlonian colony?" Tom said. "This colony is named after the continent?"

Kassa's eyes widened and said, "That's exactly it. Each of our colonies are named after the continents of Xoth, our homeworld. I'm surprised you know that. I'm sorry for this hostile welcome. We are not used to having Humans visit any of our colonies." Kassa's eyes were then drawn to the Xothicans such as Reia, Vivian and Tala. "We also have never had another Xothican race visit us. Please follow me, it seems like we have much to discuss."

Tom's group followed behind her up the steps while the other guards watched. They could also see other Elves peaking through the windows of their homes after hearing the commotion outside.

"Kannon is not a fan of Humans," Kassa explained. "Very resentful of them since we can only go to the surface while wearing invisibility cloaks. He sees Humans as the ones responsible for keeping us trapped underground."

"How are your people able to get vitamin D without more exposure to sunlight?" Tom asked.

"I don't know what that is."

"The sun's light provides some nutrients for the body. Mainly making sure you have strong bones."

"We have magical items that can heal any illnesses or injuries, so we make due. Here we go. The Colony Centre."

They all went through the doorway into the building and into a room with a large table. There were other elves who sat at the table. All of them were dressed in robes like Kassa.

"So these are the 'intruders'," one of the Elders said.

"Were you all expecting us?" Tom asked. "It seems odd that you're all gathered here at the same time we get here."

"We were in the middle of a meeting when you arrived," one of them explained. He raised a hand and a magical screen appeared next to the table. The screen displayed a view of the entrance area.

"We saw your group and I immediately went over," Kassa said as she sat down. "Please sit down."

Tom's group her took up on her offer and sat down. Sylmae made subtle glances at each of the Elders. Despite putting on a calm demeanor, Sylmae noticed each of them were shaking. She deduced that they knew exactly how powerful they were.

"As I said before, I am Elder Kassa of the Erlonia colony." Kassa then began gesturing to the other elves. "Elder Mikal of the Bohalen colony. Elder Tyrole of the Sogen colony. Elder Yven of the Eviska colony. Elder Serral of the Almawt colony. Elder Likass of the Misakeh colony. And Elder Gerag of the Tanin colony. We would like to formally welcome you all to our own little world."

Tom and his Xothican companions reintroduced themselves to the Elders.

"Now onto business," Kassa said. "I've been to all our colonies and I know you are not a member of any of them, Miss Lyvan. Also, we have not seen any other Xothican races since our kind first came to Earth."

"I was born on Xoth," Sylmae said. "As were my girlfriends here."

The Elders looked to each other in confusion.

"A lot has happened in the past half year," Tom said. "If you listen, we'll explain everything."

Tom and his companions went on to explain all the events that have occurred in the past half year. The Elders remained quiet and listen with great interest. During the explanation of their association with Tep, Tom gave them the message Tep left for them along with an Elven crest to prove the message was from him.

"And that leads us to now. Umbra is a threat to the entire world. To end it, I need the sword that Tep left in your care."

The Elders were quiet as they digested the information they were given. The tension built up from the extended silence was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Tep..." Serral said. "We owe a lot to the man. He has provided us with resources and relics that helped kept our people hidden and allowed us to thrive. Centuries ago, he gave our ancestors that sword to keep it safe in case it might be needed to strike down his friend. It seems like that time has sadly come. Shame."

The Elders looked to each other and nodded like they had a silent conversation.

"With Tep's endorsement, we will provide Clarent to you," Kassa said.

"Thank you," Tom positively said. "Look we will take care of Umbra. With them out of the way, I can speak to both the UN and Iceland's government and get your people recognized and given its dues. Your people will no longer be forced to live underground."

"Would Human society accept us?" Gerag asked.

"It would be naive to say Humanity will accept you one-hundred percent," Tom admitted. "There's likely always going to be mistrust. Fear. Hatred. There's still that going on between different religions and skin colours of Humanity. But there will still be Humans that will accept you. And more will accept you each day. That's all I can promise."

"Before current events, Tom has worked tirelessly to make sure Xothicans have the same rights as Humans," Sylmae added.

Kassa leaned over to Elder Yven and whispered something into his ear. She got up from her seat and said, "The Elders are going to discuss this matter. I have already given them my view on the matter. While they are busy, I'll take you all to the vault. Please follow me."

Tom, Reia, Sylmae, Vivian and Tala followed Kassa out of the building and onto the street. By then, many Elves had left their homes to see what was going on outside. All of their eyes had fallen upon the outsiders that walked next to their Elder. A couple of the guards approached Kassa and, without a word, walked by her as an escort.

"If you don't mind me asking, what was your opinion on the whole public disclosure?" Tom asked.

"Ironically, the meeting we were in was the annual meeting we have on this exact matter," Kassa said. "As you can probably deduced, the vote always resulted in a 'no'. The other Elders are very conservative and even went as far as vote down my suggestions to have scouts to check on the Humans. Being the youngest Elder in our people's history doesn't really help things as well."

"A lot of Icelandic people do believe your people exist despite your best efforts to keep out of sight," Tom said.

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. I mean there are a ton of stories about Elves in Iceland. It's even part of the culture. The government has even officially set aside land for your people due to worries of enraging your people by encroaching on your people's territory."

"That is actually good to hear. This will have an impact on our debate."

"I mean you might as well if all of Xoth is going to fuse with Earth. Why stay underground?"

Kassa giggled. "It nice to hear someone else with my opinions. I'm afraid there will still be some resistance. It won't last long once the populace finds out about this." Kassa's giggled became a more sinister laugh.

"Someone seems to be enjoying their moment," Tom muttered.

"It's just nice to see the other Elders find some humility after scoffing at many of my proposals."

As they walked, more buildings lit up as more people woke up to the news of visitors.

"This city is incredible. How do your people reach the other colonies?" Tala inquired.

"In the old days, we travelled by night so no Humans could see us," Kassa replied. "As Humans became more populous, we realized that we wouldn't be able to travel like that for long so we, over the years, created a network of underground tunnels to connect our colonies."

"Wouldn't those tunnels span hundreds of kilometers?" Sylmae asked. "How could you possible make them?"

"We have been blessed by the luck that Iceland's underground is riddled with caves and lava tunnels. It required only minor digging to connect us all."

"What about the ceiling?" Reia asked. "It looks like the night sky."

"Well, we covered the ceiling with light orbs. During the day, we use a massive magic screen to create a day sky complete with sun. It helps remove the feeling that we're underground." Kassa saw a look of concern on Tom's face and said, "I can tell something is on your mind, Mister Everett."

"Well, if you don't mind me asking," Tom said. "How were you able to tell we were strong? Are you able to use the SYSTEM?"

"Only our ancestors that were born on Xoth had access to the SYSTEM. Everyone born on Earth did not have access to it. Those of us who are more magically inclined can see an aura around a person. In your cases, each of you are almost exploding with energy. I had to quickly get to the garden area before Kannon escalated the situation."

"Well honestly, we wouldn't have killed anyone," Tom said. "Like you said before, their weapons wouldn't really have scratched us. We would have just restrained them."

"That is reassuring to hear. Ah! We're here."

The building they stood in front of had no distinguishing features other than it was made of stone that looked stronger than the stone of the other buildings in the area. The building had no windows and had just one door that had four guards in front.

Kassa approached the guards and said, "The time to hand over Clarent has arrived. Please step aside."

"Yes, Elder," one of the guards said.

The four guards stood aside and Kassa's escort joined them. Kassa placed her palm against the door. The door lit up with glyphs for a moment before it faded away. The door slid downwards into the ground.

"It's just inside," she said.

They went inside to find a small room with a large pair of doors on the other side. Kassa approached the two doors and placed her palm against a section on the right. Like the entrance door, glyphs briefly appeared before vanishing. The two doors groaned and then slowly swung inwards.

"Whoa," Tala gasped upon seeing the inside contents.

The interior was an enormous area filled with unearthly treasures. There were gems, gold, weapons, armour and various unidentified artifacts. All these items were organized on shelves and mannequin stands.

"This is equivalent to a kingdom's treasury," Vivian said.

"We have had Tep visit us over the years and every time he came, he always brought items for us to hold in our vault," Kassa explained. "Treasures or weapons, we accepted it all and kept them stored away."

Tom was using Identify on the various items they walked by. Each of the weapons, armour and accessories had magical enchantments such as improved defense and resistances. Nothing stood out as a rare item. What really stood out for him was how much money was in the vault. There were literal mountains of silver and gold coins.

"Your people are probably going to do okay on the surface world," Tom muttered.

"Why do you say that?" Kassa asked.

"Looking at all the gold and silver you have here, it would be without exaggeration to say that you have billions of dollars worth here."

"I really don't know what a dollar is."

"It's a unit of currency. Billions is a lot. Looking at the amount of gold and silver here, you are looking at your people's nation becoming one of the richest nations on Earth when it comes to per capital wealth. Assuming this wealth belongs to all of your people."

"Oh. That's... interesting." A brief grin came to her face.

Tom's group could swear they saw a glimmer in her eye. They approached the back of the treasure room where there was an additional pair of doors stood in front of them.

"This is it," Kassa announced.

"A vault within a vault within a vault," Vivian said. "Now that's security."

"We took our duty seriously when it came to protecting Clarent. We wouldn't dare allow anyone to wield a weapon that held so much power."

"And now it needs to be used against something of equal power," Tom said.

"I don't envy the duty you were given. Excuse me."

Kassa lifted both of her arms in front of the door. Her index fingers pointed upwards and began to glow with a blue light. Kassa then started to draw various shapes in the air in front of the door.

"This is a rare magic!" Tala said. "High Security Glyph Magic."

"Oh?" Tom said.

"This magic has to be precisely applied to an object and precisely used again in order to disarm it," Tala's tone quickly went into a whisper while she pointed to Kassa who was concentrating on her magic.

"And if it's not?" Tom whispered back.

"Depends on the security set. It could give the intruder a curse, cast a magical spell, or other terrible effects."

Kassa finished her spell and her fingers returned to normal.

"In this case, the magic would cause an explosion that would engulf this entire building," Kassa said.

Everyone cringed at the revelation. The doors in front of them opened to reveal a sword inside of a scabbard. The sword had a cross-style cross guard and a round pummel made from a green gem. The handle of the sword had carvings of warriors in armour with dead dragons under their feet.

"This is Clarent, the Sword of Peace," Kassa announced. "Please take it."

Tom cautiously reached for the sword. He felt a spark of power strike his hand when it got close. Tom grabbed the sword and felt like he was going to explode. All the power of the sword rushed into him. The feeling overwhelmed him and forced him to his knees.

"Tom!" Reia yelped.

"I-I'm okay," he grunted. "I-It's just s-so much power."

"And that is why we don't handle that sword," Kassa sighed. "The last one to do it was knocked out for several days."

As the power began to normalize within himself, Tom forced himself to his feet. He panted from the sudden exertion his body was put through.

"I-I think I'm good," Tom said.

"You sure?" Sylmae asked. "You have blood coming out of your nose."

Tom reached up and wiped and found blood on his hand.

"Yeah. I'm sure. Let's have a look at what we have here. Identify."

Clarent, Sword Of Peace Rank SSS Durability -/- Physical Damage - Element Damage - Effects This sword's power increases in conjunction with the increase in power of Excalibur. The sword user's power increases with the sword. Created by Lalu Nimue as a back-up plan in case Artorius goes mad with the power of Excalibur. This sword's purpose is to destroy Exclaibur through repeated strikes. Both swords will be destroyed in this process.

This sword contains the power of the following:

-31 Dragons

-17 Great Dragons

-2 Ancient Dragons

-51 Beastkin

-17 Elves

-13 Demons

-7 Dwarves

-67 Naga

-713 Humans

-2 SYSTEM-enhanced Humans

"Dear god," Tom uttered. "This isn't a sword. This is a weapon of mass destruction."

"Let us see!" Vivian said.

"Whoa..." they all said at the same time.

"I hope this will help you," Kassa said. "The way you describe him, Lucas Draig sounds like a problem."

"Understatement of the year," Sylmae said.

"Now I believe this concludes our business. The Elders and I will continue to debate using the information you have provided us. I'm afraid it won't really go anywhere until you are successful in your mission. Until you are, I would like to ask that you keep our people secret."

"Well, if I come back in a few days, then you'll know I was successful," Tom said.

"Glad to hear."

"Elder Kassa, thank you for your hospitality and assistance in this matter. I assure you I will do everything to make sure your people are treated fairly once this business with Umbra is dealt with."

"I look forward to it."

Tom and his team teleported from the area. Kassa collapsed against the wall and sighed loudly.

"Thank the goddess they left," she muttered. "They were so powerful I could barely stand in their presence."

VVVVVV

UNDF Headquarters

Commander Steele had the files of Tom, Reia, Vivian, Tala and Sylmae on his desk. He has been in a melancholy mood for the past couple of days. The world has been in a panic since the disappearance of the five before him and morale in the UNDF has dropped.

Steele still bemoaned the decision of the world governments to quickly reveal their identities before any sort of investigation could be made. For the time being, he has being going through their files for any possible clues where they could have run off too. He refused to believe that Tom could have been killed in an attack like that. Steele needed to believe it.

A knock came across his door.

"Come in," Steele said.

The door opened and a young man walked in. He was dressed in UNDF battle dress uniform and standard beret. The man saluted the Commander and announced, "Corporal Frank Crawford, sir. I am here to deliver a message on behalf of Captain Laura Garza."

"Corporal Crawford? I'm not familiar with you."

"I was recently transferred in from the USMC, sir."

"And the message?"

"She believes that she might know where Tom and the Xothicans might be, sir."

"And why isn't she here herself?"

"Because according to her, it's not safe to say around here, sir. Captain Garza has requested that you meet with her in the construction site of the newest hangar. She requires to meet with you right away, sir."

"Very well. You are dismissed."

The man saluted one last time. "Yes, sir."

Steele quickly got up from his chair and walked out of the office. The distance to the new hangar would take him roughly ten minutes. He took a jeep and drove the distance. At this time in the evening, the construction workers had left making the area completely deserted.

Steele parked the jeep and was unnerved by the darkness and isolation of the area. Something in his gut told him to keep guard. He checked the pistol at his side. After checking it, Steele put it away and entered inside the construction site. The hangar was half built with only it foundation and half of the structure set up. He was surprised to see every SYSTEM-enhanced UNDF soldier also there. When they saw Steele entered the area, they all stood at attention and saluted him.

"At ease," he said. "Now what did you want to tell me, Captain Garza?"

"Me?" Garza repeated. "I was told to meet with you."

"By who?" Steele demanded.

"Corporal Crawford."

"Crawford said you had information concerning Tom and the Xothicans."

"Crawford said you had an important mission for us."

"I'm afraid I lied to both of you to make sure you all would come here," a man said as he entered the area. They all saw it was Corporal Crawford.

"You better have a good reason to bring us all here!" Steele roared.

Crawford's face and body changed to reveal Tom in his place.

"Tom!" they all blurted out.

"Keep it down!" he said.

"How the hell did you survive that attack on your home?" Li said.

"Where the hell have you been?" Steele asked. "Everyone thinks you're dead."

"At the moment, it's best that continues."

"Where are the Xothicans?" Smith asked.

"We're here," Reia called out as she and the others dropped their invisibility.

Steele sighed in relief. "I'm glad you're all alive, but why did you all remain hidden for the last few days?"

"I reported back in as soon as I could, sir," Tom replied. "We have uncovered a conspiracy that threatens the future of Humanity. One outside of Hastur and Phoenix, I mean."

Steele pinched the ridge of his nose. "When it rains, it pours for you, doesn't it? What do you have?"

"The suspect you have in custody for my apparent murder is innocent. He was framed by Lucas Draig."

"As in the Draig Corporation, Lucas Draig?" Jones spat out.

"One in the same. Lucas Draig runs a shadow organization with enough power to influence every level of government across the world."

"That sounds like some Illuminati bullshit," Smith said.

"I'm afraid every rumour of shadow organization stems from the very real organization that Lucas Draig runs himself," Tom said.

"And where did you... get... this information from?" Garza asked.

"Lucas Draig's second-in-command: Tep." Tom paused for a moment before he said, "I would like to request that that name remains just between us. In exchange for the Intel he has provided me and for future Intel, I somewhat promised to let him go."

"You what!" Steele yelled.

"Tep was the one who provided us the Intel of Phoenix's attack on the nuclear facility and he saved my life by warning me of the drone attack on my home," Tom reasoned. He pulled out multiple data pads from his Inventory and handed it over to Steele and the squad leaders. "He provided me with all of this information on Umbra's history, structure, activities and membership. I'm sharing this all with you all here because I know you're all clean. Please thoroughly read over the information as it will change what you know of Human history."

Over the next several hours, they went over the tablets Tom provided. Tom's group answered any questions they had about the data. During that discussion, Tom revealed to Steele about Kara and the uniqueness of Reia, Tala, Sylmae and Vivian. He also announced their new titles as Elementals. Tom did make sure to avoid mentioning the Elven colony, at least until Umbra has been dealt with, out of deference for the colonists. While Steele wasn't happy about being lied to for so long, he understood the necessity of hiding away the celestial origins of current events.

"Mother fucker," Jones cursed as a conclusion to the discussion. "All this time, this guy kept our specie on edge."

"So what do you suggest we do, Everett?" Steele asked.

"Draig currently thinks I'm dead and that the girls are missing," Tom replied. "We plan to surprise attack Draig at his mansion and use Clarent to take him down. He cannot be allowed to live."

"You do realize you are asking to embark on an assassination mission. On a civilian no less. You have any idea of the consequences of this endeavour?"

"I completely understand what I plan to do. I think at this point, the evidence we have is sufficient enough to warrant the immediate removal of Lucas Draig. Even if he plans to turn against Mordiggian and Wendigo, he still gave them aid and Intel they can use against Humanity. Even ignoring his current behaviour, he is responsible for making sure our species always faced one war or conflict after another. He is the very definition of an Enemy Of Humanity."

Steele took a moment to think on Tom's words. He then looked to the other soldiers.

"This is a mess," he plainly stated to the other soldiers. "You all have seen the data. Lucas Draig, this... Lucius Artorius Castus is responsible for bringing misery to Humanity for hundreds of years and further risks its future for personal power. The world gave us the power to fight any threat to Humanity, but this situation is the first where the enemy of Humanity holds power in every government around the world and its leader is a civilian with financial influence. Embarking on this mission may see everyone here face Court Martial if they participate in this mission. I won't issue any orders. This is strictly voluntary."

"I volunteer, sir!" Garza replied.

"I volunteer, sir!" Smith followed.

"I volunteer, sir!" Jones said.

"I volunteer, sir!" Li said.

One by one, each of the UNDF soldiers declared their intention to join the mission. Not one of them hesitated.

"You guys are the best," Vivian said with almost a tear coming to her eye.