The conference room was flurry with activity. After all, the painful wait was finally over and war has officially broken out between Nirvania and Miran, with Miran launching an invasion on Nirvania's western border.

Amidst all the panic, King Stormfury tried to keep everyone calm and mission-focused by concentrating on asking the vital questions solely, trusting his men to do the rest. He asked, "Can someone update me on the status of our western border? How long can they last until we send one of our divisions there to reinforce?"

General Hargreaves replied, "Thanks to our preparations, we have already mobilised a substantial number of troops into that area prior to the war. From our intelligence gathered by eyes on the ground, pitting their strength against ours, we should be able to defend our border city for at least a week without reinforcements."

King Stormfury heaved a sigh of relief, "Good. That's more than enough time to mobilise one of our 5 divisions to our western border thanks to the teleportation gates that the Research Council has prepared. However, we need to be cautious. After all, the enemy might use a similar technology to ours or go all out by sending one of their 5 Pillars to lead the front. Marcus, are your men ready to move out?"

Baron Marcus, who was appointed Commander of the 1st Division, replied calmly, "All preparations are complete, my liege. I'll personally lead my forces and the soldiers of the 1st Division to the western border immediately."

The King nodded in appreciation as he enquired, "Marcus, who would be taking over your intelligence duties when you're out in the frontlines?" The Baron smiled and replied, "Rest assured, my liege. My wife Janna would take over me as Head of Intelligence while I'm away. She would coordinate the information obtained from our scouts and report directly to you, my liege. After all, she would be stationed here, sir."

The King nodded once again before turning to ask General Hargreaves, "Are there any other military movement by Miran or the Sylph Kingdom for that matter?" General Hargreaves shook his head and answered, "Currently, it seems like there's only one front we're fighting against. However, given that none of the 5 Pillars have been spotted yet, it's safe to assume that they might consider a multi-pronged approach against us."

The General paused for a moment before resuming, "Thus, I suggest sticking to the plan that we've designed initially. We would have the 1st Division led by Baron Marcus covering our westernmost border, the 2nd Division led by Duke Ken covering our South-Western border and the 3rd Division led by Lord Van covering our North-Western border.

The 4th and 5th Divisions led by Ray and Sariel respectively would stay put as of now as the reserve divisions, only to be mobilised in case Miran pushes beyond a certain line or the Sylphs launch an attack against us. What do you think, my liege?"

King Stormfury nodded and replied, "Alright, we shall stick to the plan. I would like to add that the 6th Division Commander, Arkad, has already been briefed on his duties to ensure the security of the capital against acts of terrorism and infiltration by our enemies. Finally, I would like to thank everyone for your contributions to this cause. For Nirvania!" The entire room erupted in cheers and applause as Nirvania's war machine started working against the clock in its final preparations.

A City Guard was shouting, "Everyone, stay calm! War may have broken out but so long as we have all of your cooperation, we can ensure your safety! I swear that on my life as a member of the 6th Division, and I believe that many of my fellow men would do the same! Please, I need you all to remain calm, yet vigilant of your surroundings. Everybody plays a part in the security of our country!"

The masses of citizens previously gathered to enquire more about the situation of war failed to disperse despite the explicit instructions of the City Guard to remain calm and carry on life as usual. Perhaps the incident that took place 2 months ago with Night Wing had shattered any faith the people had of the City Guard.

Suddenly, a voice which sounded amplified could be heard throughout the capital. "Everyone! Please don't worry, our soldiers would do all they can to defend our country and its people, now look towards my right!" The voice belonged to a young woman with an alluring figure. She had short brown hair that made her look like a tomboy.

One of the passers-by shouted, "T-That's Giselle! A member of G.E.M.S!" Another passer-by nudged him with an elbow, "You fool! Look at what's more important! Our army is moving out!" The crowd turned their heads to look towards the incoming soldiers, with cavalry men leading the contingent. Their leader was Baron Marcus, and this group was the entire 1st Division, which comprised of a total of 2000 men.

The crowd started cheering his name when they realised that one of the 10 Saints was going to march to the front and defend them. Giselle continued cheering into her microphone, "Behold the might of our Army! We'll not cower in fear against those who threaten our way of life! As we speak now, the 2nd and 3rd Divisions are also mobilising to their respective defensive areas, and they're led by members of the 10 Saints as well!"

Giselle continued, "To further allay your worries, the 4th and 5th Divisions, led by Ray and the strongest and most beautiful Mistress Sariel respectively, would be stationed near the capital as of now as reserve forces. Thus, I beseech you all to have faith in the strength of our Army! Maintain your current way of life with added vigilance to show these clowns who we are! We'll not be trifled by these warmongering jokers! Thank you all!"

The crowd started murmuring excitedly as the mood seemed to change for the better. Smiles of relief appeared on their faces as the crowd began to disperse. Giselle smiled, proud of her accomplishment before she heard an annoyed voice, "Put a pretty lady as a spokesperson and all your problems are magically solved! Whose idea was this? Arkad's?"

Giselle turned around sharply to come face to face with Shaw. She replied sarcastically, "Well, at least I succeeded in doing something for the war, unlike you, who's been skiving all day long! Humph! Is the 4th Division even ready for combat? Led by happy-go-lucky losers like yourself, I don't think so!"

Shaw growled angrily, "You little b-" before he was restrained by Keith who was smiling apologetically. Giselle remarked, "At least not all members of your group are uncouth and boisterous louts like you, Shaw."

Keith laughed and advised, "Ms Giselle, I apologise that Shaw isn't very good with his words and he may seem a little rude at times. However, I feel that your provocation is not helping too. From afar, it really looks like a lovers' tiff."

They both shouted, "What! No way!" before turning their backs towards each other and crossing their arms. A light-hearted voice echoed, "There you are, Giselle! I was looking for you all over the place!"

The voice belonged to Sariel, the Child Saint. Accompanying her were the rest of G.E.M.S, Elise and Melissa. Giselle squealed in delight as she ran towards Sariel and hugged her tightly. She cried, "Oh, my mistress Sariel! It's been ages since my eyes feasted on your beauty! Your radiance has helped heal my eyes scarred by uncivilised people." as her eyes insidiously shifted towards Shaw.

Shaw was about to withdraw his pistol when another voice resonated through the streets, "If it isn't Sariel and G.E.M.S! Great seeing you guys here getting close and comfortable!" All of them turned to face the source of the voice. It was Ray accompanied by Frost and Nikki.

Sariel waved amicably and replied, "Ray! How are your preparations!" Ray responded, "Everything's going well. The only thing I don't comprehend is the fact that a certain Princess has been attached to my division instead of the 6th Division where she should be."

Nikki grabbed Ray's arm tightly, bringing her body closer to him, "Well, who knows why? I don't have the power to decide the allocations." as she whispered guiltily while looking away. Sariel laughed as she quipped, "Glad that all of us are doing well. If only we can meet together again and be just as cheerful when the war's over…"

Ray replied, "Sariel, don't worry too much. No point fretting about an unknown future. Let's just focus on doing our best to protect this wonderful place we call home while staying safe." Sariel's mood lightened considerably as she said cheerily, "Guess you're right! Shame on me, having a junior remind me of all these, hahaha!" Ray smiled as they all looked towards the horizon where fierce battles would begin to ensue…

Kai was amazed by just watching the size of the army moving past him. He knew that in recent days, due to the war, troops from neighbouring cities had amassed within the capital to join one of the 5 frontline divisions. However, as the influx of the troops was gradual, Kai didn't realise that the capital was teeming with that many troops.

Kai quickly realised that he had more important things to do as he quickly inspected his belongings to ensure that he was ready. After all, it was a real headache deciding how much stuff to bring since on one hand, as they could be out in the field for weeks, it would be better to bring more water and food. On the other hand, a greater load would impede their mobility, and time was of the essence in this mission.

Kai's chain of thoughts was disrupted by a voice calling out for him. Adeline shouted, "Kai, we're here! You should see what Rachel can do! She's amazing!" Kai briskly walked towards the group just in time to see Rachel pull out a sword from mid-air before depositing it back where it came from.

Rachel boasted, "Well, this is my Enigma Ability, [Dimension Storage]! It basically allows me to store a huge amount of stuff that I wish within my own personal dimension. Pretty convenient ability eh! That means I don't have to carry huge backpacks to contain my necessities! You guys are free to use it as well!"

There was a huge chatter of excitement as everybody started storing more items within Rachel's pocket dimension. Kai thought, "What a handy ability! She definitely doesn't suffer from the dilemma I did earlier!"

When everybody was done loading all their stuff, their team leader, Keane, spoke, "I hope you guys have brought everything you need. I must warn you guys again, this would not be a trip to the park. In this mission, I want you guys to fight with your lives on the line, for I guarantee your enemies would do likewise. This is not a simulation and there are no rules. The victors would be the survivors. Lastly, I expect you guys to obey my or Shen's every order without question. Is that clear?"

Everybody responded, "Yes sir!" before all 9 of them departed quickly from the Northern gate. Hiding behind a corner and watching them was a man dressed in a thick white coat covering the bottom half of his face all the way down to his shin. He was wearing a pair of sunglasses and had a bow hat atop his head.

The man spoke in a muffled voice, "Nirvania's special team is moving out towards our target location. Please advise the next course of action, sir."

Psycho held the communication device close to his mouth as he spoke calmly, "Continue tracking them down and monitor their every movement. I'll send a team shortly to intercept them. We won't want them interfering with our plans, would we, mate?"

The person on the other end replied coarsely, "Roger, wilco." before he hung up. Psycho sighed as he remarked, "Well, things won't go as planned ever, would they? All we desire is a little bloodshed and destruction, is that too much to ask? War is perfect to amass negative emotions such as hatred, fear etc. The ingredients necessary to resurrect our master, Lord Astaroth!"

Psycho turned around and faced his fellow comrades, Jake and Erik among them. Psycho scrutinised the men before him. A lot of them were eager newcomers who had lost their way in life and hence are ready to offer their lives if it means a chance to fight against their cruel fate.

Psycho shook his head and sighed. He wasn't supportive of gathering so many people as he felt that quality was more important than quantity. However, even in an organisation like the Chaos Legion that defied rank and order, there was still some sort of hierarchy.

Psycho himself was a senior executive, just one rank below the highest attainable rank within the organisation. Therefore, he was still forced to obey the orders of his superior, one of the Seven Chaos Generals. Try as he might, he could never hope to match the strength of Amon, the General of Wrath. These Generals were beyond them after all, and were said to transcend even demons and celestials.

Psycho winced when he heard a booming voice, "Psycho! Are you guys done with that annoying barrier? Or do you really need me to do it personally!" Psycho sighed as he replied the towering figure lumbering towards him, "Lord Amon! You should rest and not worry about such petty matters! After all, you're not at your full strength yet as you've just fully awakened not long ago."

Amon stepped out of the shadows, revealing a heavily built red demon who towered over Psycho. Amon wasn't like any ordinary demon though, lacking their rumoured horns and wings, for the body he resided in was originally human. Amon grunted, "Hmph! That better be the case! I overheard your conversation earlier, seems like we may be expecting some unwanted guests right? How do you intend to resolve this?"

Psycho replied, "Don't worry, Lord Amon, I intend to send Cold Steel and his squad to take care of them. They should allow us to have a good grasp on the strength of the enemy squad."

Amon frowned and exclaimed, "Cold Steel? Ah, the leader of the Metal Skull gang if I'm not mistaken. Pretty decent fighter with an interesting Enigma Ability. If he fails, I expect you to assemble our A-Team and inform me. Nothing piques my interest more than powerful fighters, hahaha!"

Psycho forced a smile as Amon continued his frenzied laughter, signalling his excitement for the times to come.