Volume I Scions of Destiny - Chapter 2 Part II: Past and Beyond

Nethaniel, Bready, Mech, Korah, Lyns, and Sinac rode on warhorses known as Fortuna warhorses, one of the fastest breeds in the realm.

The horses were equipped with a platinum shaffron, covering their whole head while leaving orifices for their eyes and ears.

The Fortunas were adorned with a platinum scaly crinet and crupper, covering the horse's neck and rear respectively while the crupper displayed the FTC’s banner on both sides.

Nethaniel and co rode with maximum haste spurring their horses to full speed.

The horseshoes rhythmically clanked in sync upon contact with the dirt road as they swiftly advanced towards Velika’s north gate.

From afar, they spotted several streaming clouds of gray smoke rising from Velika and heard some minor explosions.

Upon hearing this, Nethaniel and co already elucidated part of the situation transpiring within the city from their past experiences and well-honed instincts.

“We must hurry! Haa!” Nethaniel shouted as he jolted his horse bridles, pushing his horse to the limit.

Forthwith, everyone followed Nethaniel’s action, jolting their horses’ bridles to the limits.

Regardless, Mech was barely paying attention to the big picture going on in front of her eyes, as a good part of her focus was on what happened to her two months ago.

Since then, many inexplicable visions tormented her mind in her sleep; immersing her in slight fatigue and concern.

After the apparition of that unknown magician, Mech was unable to see the world the same as before.

On the other part, Nethaniel and co were still far from Velika, though sounds of swords clashing dimly in the distance reached their ears.

Thus, making them eager to arrive as soon as possible and help their allies and people…

… Before it was too late.

Two months ago.

The provinces of Arcadia, Velika, and Val Aureum under the FTC were finally free of the long-lived Iron Order’ invasion on the Arun continent after years of protracted clashes.

However, the Free Traders weren’t alone, as the Pora Elinu Nation from the Poporia province and the Castanic Clan from the Ostgarath province came to their aid and support upon the news reaching their lands.

Not only that, but they even received support from the other continent, Sharan; as the Enlighten Union deployed its troops to Arun and supported the campaign to expel the expansionist Iron Order out of Arun.

Thus, ‘peace’ slowly settled in the Arun continent and for its inhabitants after the Iron Order’s forces defeat and expulsion off the mainland.

Upon this, the Enlighten Union’s forces also retreated off Arun, returning to Sharan as the Iron Order also did.

Yet, unnoticed by the majority, the dark hands of oppression were stealthily constricting everyone’s hopes…

Slowly palpating their wishes and expectations in their hearts, stroking them before wildly ravaging them, and then tear them ruthlessly apart.

*** *** *** ***

Velika, Northgate district.

Mech alongside the Princess Caut, Korah, and Lyns were sent to Velika to deliver some secret blueprints regarding classified Noctenium applications by direct orders under Adiar.

These blueprints were under the codename of ‘Steady Starfall’, developed by Mech and Lyns and the recipient was the Pora Elinu Nation’s Queen.

Mech and co knew that their mission was simple and concrete, safeguard the blueprints till they deliver them.

With this thought in their minds, they entered Velika without any problem, despite the strict guard on the Northgate implanted by the Shrouded Rose Sentinels.

On the other part...

Since the arrival of the Master Clan Castanic’s elite sentinels and the decree of the martial-law within Velika by Adiar, the security within the city and its streets highly increased.

The Shrouded Rose Sentinels (Elite sentinels) were deployed by Nethaniel’s instruction to help on Velika’s stabilization and allow a smooth progress while the whole situation was regularized.

The sentinels instilled fear to the delinquents and the mobsters within Velika, as the sentinels were fierce, cold and willing to kill without a pinch of hesitation.

Day and night, the Castanics elite sentinels composed by men and women, patrolled Velika’s street in small but numerous patrols, spread through all the city.

All of them were wearing similar a black cape, ebony heavy plated armors or either its light variant; while a horned, slightly skull-shaped black helmet covered their heads.

Their weapons varied from long swords, short swords, and dual swords; all of them properly sheathed and hanging from their armor belt, held from its scabbard locket.

Their armors often clanked while they calmly walked through the streets, while their stern gazes watched every detail around them, wary of anything abnormal.

Thereby, they quickly nurtured their reputation throughout the lands, earning themselves the name of ‘skull patrols’ by their enemies and citizens, referencing their skull-shaped helmets.

Meanwhile, after Mech and co climbed the wide concrete stairs upon entering Velika through its north gate.

They reached the Velika Northgate district’s business center, as there was a crowd of people walking around, seeing different stalls of many varieties.

Each of the stalls was selling their own unique wares, ranging from medical supplies, clothes, food, armors to exotics alchemy potions with a questionable origin.

All of these wares were being displayed on large wooden tables, as their own peddlers and merchants shouted promoting their products.

Others haggled their products with their clients, fiercely trying to convince them to purchase their merchandise.

The ambiance in those streets was rowdy and suffocating, while the buildings surrounding the wide streets also had their own business, as several placards were hanging on their doors, advertising their stores.

Often, a patrol of three to four Castanic sentinels walked through the streets, imposing a broad sense security to all the citizens as these avoided the patrol as much as they could.

Not considering this fact, Mech and co walked warily, yet oblivious to sentinels’ activities or presence through the crowds heading towards their meeting point, which was at the ‘Plaza of the Huntress’, on the other extreme of the city.

The Plaza of the Huntress was a spacious place, displaying its elaborated decoration on its surroundings; it had several important adjoined buildings, as the Pora Elinu Nation’s embassy was there.

A few meters in front of the embassy, there was a high, light-gray marble statue on a detailed, of four meters width and two meters high concrete slab.

This statue displayed a long-haired humanish female, wearing a light huntress armor and armed with a longbow in her hands.

Thereby, representing the ‘Goddess of the Hunt’, Velik; the guardian of the human race and their city, Velika.

Also, this slab exhibited thousands of silver plaques adhered to its lateral surfaces, each one with a name, a date of birth and date of death inscribed on them.

These plaques paid homage and obeisance to the thousands if not millions of deaths of soldiers and civilians alike during the five years which the ‘Argon War’ lasted.

But way before Mech and co could reach here, they halted their advance as a patrol of Castanic sentinels stopped them when they were about to leave the Northgate district and enter to the Velika’s central area.

Forthwith, the patrol leader spoke with a female, stern voice, which Mech and co managed to hear clearly despite the rowdy Northgate district’s streets.

“I am Lieutenant Zekka. I haven’t seen your faces around here, may I know what such jolly faces, an arrogant long-ears, and a rocky one do around here?”

Zekka spoke while slowly and threateningly placed both of her hands over her dual swords’ hilts, with each of her blades sheathed in identical metallic black scabbards.

Her swords handles were completely black, entwined in a plait yellow rough fabric and ending in a single tassel.

Unlike the majority of Castanic sentinels; Zekka wore no headgear, revealing her smooth pale-red skin along her short white hair and sterling gray eyes.

Her ebony light armor covered her body’s vital points while highlighting her attractive build and small chest while revealing her upper thighs and portions of her stomach.

Thus, exposing her skin and seductive figure to any prying public eyes, although none dared to look at her more than for a few seconds fearing the worst.

Zekka’s cursory gaze analyzed every detail of them in a second, as she waited for their response.

Both male Castanics behind Zekka were actively surveying their surroundings with a serious expression, as the people walking on the street avoided to pass too near them.

At the same time, Korah and Lyns remained calm despite Zekka’s actions, while Mech and Caut just looked up to her unfazed, as the female Castanic was twice her height.

“Greetings Lieutenant, we’re here for an appointed meeting on the Huntress Plaza,” Lyns spoke after half a minute, shortly explaining with his deep, calm and slow voice.

His rocky, rough gray skin was barely visible from his long brown robes as his clothes almost entirely covered his corpulent body, excluding his face.

Moreover, Mech, Caut, and Korah were wearing their usual armor, although all of them were disarm.

“With whom?” Zekka asked soon after Lyns finished his words.

“Hey! Just let us pass, we are not enemies you kno-!” Mech eagerly blurted before Lyns could even answer back to Zekka.

“Mech…” Lyns turned and chastised Mech, quietly intervening before she worsens the situation.

He tried to convey Mech, that it was better to stay in silence in these situations, as both knew that most of the Castanics were well-known for their volatile temper.

“Hm? What did you say?” Zekka said slightly upset, as her unfriendly gaze lowered to Mech, while Mech’s wolf ears quivered fleetingly, detecting a slight hostility in her voice.

Even so, Mech still retorted back in her usual tone with courage, as she was upset like Zekka from this situation.

“We were just heading where Lyns said. *Sigh* These Castanics, always suspicious of even the tiniest things! *Sigh* They should put a little of that energy on Nature…”

Zekka clutched her swords’ hilts, trying not to let the anger control her actions.

“You…men, take them so we can have a pleasant talk later,” Zekka ordered her men behind her, as these unsheathed their swords loudly from their scabbards hanging from their waists.

*SHIIIN!*

And then proceed to follow Zekka’s order; moments later, the rowdy streets suddenly became silent upon noticing this situation.

Meanwhile…

The civilian bystanders crowding the streets fled the streets, while the merchants quickly closed their stalls and hid into their stores.

In a minute, everyone either left the area or fled far enough to safely spectate the sentinels’ detention or hid within their respective houses or stores, closing their doors and windows.

The Shrouded Rose Sentinels had their reputation, as they were problematic whenever it concerns a detention, and due to this, it was better to not be near them when it happened.

“Eh?...Eh?” Mech turned her head left and then right, quickly noticing that there were just...them and the Castanics left alone in the street.

On the other part, Caut, Lyns, and Korah just sighed in defeat from the problematic situation they were now involved.

*Tap-Tap-Tap-Tap Tap-Tap*

From afar, some low heel shoes clacked on the cobbles, as two Elins were unhurriedly drawing near them, but none noticed this, as Mech and co were looking at each other, wondering what they should do to get out of their current situation.

While they looked at each other, the Castanic sentinels approached to them, ready to take them in custody.

But before the Castanic sentinels could put a finger on Mech and co, everyone heard a bright feminine, soothing voice coming from a few meters behind Zekka.

“Lieutenant Zekka! Stop, right now!” The feminine shout echoed through the street, as Zekka’s shoulders slightly cringed upon hearing the nagging voice.

“Nnnn...” Zekka shrank her shoulders shortly, clenching her fists in the process and then added.

“*Sigh* Let them go, guys…” Zekka said silently, controlling her temper.

Forthwith, her men abruptly stopped, proceeding to give a step back from Mech and her party, sheathing their weapons back immediately.

“Representative Feremi...what’s the matter?” Zekka asked after turning around to see a short white-haired Elin of around 4’53’’ in height standing a few meters in front of her.

Feremi’s ivory white cat ears almost camouflaged perfectly within her short white hair, as they didn't even twitch once despite Zekka’s unfriendly tone and the tense ambient atmosphere.

Thus, displaying her solid mentality and personality, worthy of a top-class senator and representative of the Pora Elinu Nation.

Feremi, standing in a tranquil posture, stared at Zekka serenely as she kept both of her hands resting over her cardinal red full skirt a few centimeters down her waist.

Her high-class Victorian dress covered almost all her body, excepting her neck, part of her shoulders, chest…

…and a hole enough to let her white tail move freely outside the elegant Victorian dress.

The dress had black hemlines in every edge, and a black choker around Feremi’s neck, matching perfectly with her harmonious brilliant turquoise eyes.

But…

“The Q-Queen?!” Zekka exclaimed and then slightly bowed, downing her head in respect to the Elin next to Feremi for a second.

The Elin next to Feremi was Queen Valentina, donning a friendly smile on her young and joyful face like every Elin, while her unseen black cougar tail wagged energetically behind her.

Her long black hair with a side ponytail hairstyle waved delicately along its platinum, lightly netted tiara decoration while her black cougar ears scantily moved.

On the other part…

Valentina’s dress was lighter and simpler than Feremi’s dress; it was a white spring countryside high-class dress, with a full gathered skirt with some blue lines and other details on it.

She also wore white low-heel shoes; although she wore a less elegant dress, all her presence irradiated a royalty and delicate appearance.

Her beige skin was soft and carefully cared, as her blue eyes looked around the place, seeing her daughter, Caut and her Priestess, Mech.

Valentina’s attire remarked her whole figure and bolstered her beauty, making her look bright, pure and clean while radiating a noble aura despite her simple outfit.

Yet, she stood in silence for the moment, observing the situation carefully as Feremi exclaimed.

“We’ve spoken about this already, Sergeant Zekka. We highly appreciate your dedication, but this is crossing the line.” Feremi exclaimed keeping her voice calm and then added.

“Also, if you haven't noticed yet...you have detained our Princess and our Priestess, so...having that in mind, would you let them go?”

While Feremi spoke, she sharply looked at Zekka, without flinching even a second, keeping her elegance and calmness.

Meanwhile, on Zekka’s side, her eyes widened in surprise, quickly turning her head back to see Mech’s group for a second.

“W-what?” Zekka then turned back to Feremi and the Queen.

“*Sigh* You are just causing so many troubles lately. I should report this back to Adiar and advise him to-” Feremi was suddenly interrupted in the middle of her words.

“I think in a different manner.” The Queen interrupted with serenity while giving a few step ahead as her white low-heel shoes dimly echoed through the street and her dress weakly fluttered.

Upon Valentina’s interruption, Feremi bowed respectfully towards Valentina, keeping her words and opinions for herself while giving a step back regardfully.

Many citizens were observing from their safe spots how the scene progressed, while Valentina and her sharp cougar’s senses could hear their expectant hearts beats when she walked upon Zekka.

Upon getting near of Zekka, about two steps of distance between both, their heights’ differences got even more remarkable, as Zekka was around 40 centimeters taller than Valentina.

“Zekka’s work has been exceptional, although she often ends in problematic situations, it just means that Velika is progressing adequately.” The Queen said with a soft smile, slightly looking upwards.

Zekka by her side looked at Valentina with respect and then lowered her gaze to the floor, as she and her Nation was the sole real ally of her race, the Castanics.

“This was just a slight misunderstanding, right Sergeant Zekka?” The Queen exclaimed, still wearing her soft smile and graceful presence and attitude.

Zekka quickly gazed to the front and stood firm, as her armor clanked once by her energetic movements, and then replied.

“Indeed, Queen Valentina. Sentinels!”

After hearing Zekka’s words, her men quickly ran and stood firmly by her side, their eyes turned stern with a grave expression on their faces, thus displaying a solid discipline and training.

Zekka and her two other Sentinels then gave a short martial greeting to Valentina, as their heavy armor clanked altogether.

“Hahahaha...it wasn't necessary at all. Keep up your good work, Sergeant Zekka.” Valentina said in sotto voce, giving a slight bow to the Castanic Sentinels.

“It is an honor, Queen Valentina. We will be going now then.” Zekka replied respectfully to her bow.

“I wish you the best of luck.” Valentina expressed elegantly, as her brilliant turquoise eyes then fixed on Mech behind Zekka and her men.

“Thank you, Queen Valentina.” Zekka declared vigorously.

“Men, follow me!” Zekka ordered and promptly left the area with her men as their clunking boots echoed through the streets, while the citizens spectated their slow departure.

At the same time, the merchants quickly established their stalls back up, thus filling the streets with bustling life once again, as the people started to crowd the street again.

“My Queen.” Mech and Caut exclaimed in unison obsequiously while bowing with etiquette, placing their right knee and hand on the floor while bending their heads respectfully.

Meanwhile, Korah and Lyns slightly bowed to Valentina, without showing any big surprise to Mech and Caut’s actions, as it was normal within the Elin’s Nation.

“Completely unnecessary, girls. You both know that I don’t like such formalities that much; I am just an ordinary Elin like any of you.” Queen Valentina said and then silently giggled.

*Tap-tap*

“Majesty, I advise searching a suitable place for us to chat. The matter to discuss is essential to our Nation and the alliance with the Free Traders.” Feremi recommended.

Queen Valentina and Feremi were their mission contacts, which surprised Korah and Caut for a second, but they disguised their surprise almost perfectly.

On the other part, thereafter Feremi’s recommendation, Valentina asked Mech and co, while Caut and Mech stood up from their loyal bow.

“I see, are you alright with it? I know a good quiet place nearby. I will invite you all, of course.”

“I agree with the Miss Feremi; we will follow your lead, Queen Valentina,” Lyns replied casually with his usual deep voice representing the group in his decision.

*** *** *** ***

After a few minutes, Mech and co were led by Valentina and Feremi to the Pora Elinu Nation’s embassy which was adjacent to the Huntress Plaza.

The embassy, as Korah and Lyns could quickly notice, wasn’t well-guarded despite being a valuable place, as there were just two Elin royal guards at the embassy entrance.

Both were wearing a gray heavy plate armor, with a sword sheathed hanging from their waist.

These guards gave a short martial-greeting to the Queen, and then the whole group entered the embassy.

Upon entering, all of them walked down through a large hall.

The hall had a clean high-ceiling architecture, with simple white marble walls alongside black-white polished stone floor distributed as chess, giving a stillness environment.

Also, every now and then, elegant windows dimly lit the embassy’s interior, while the walls were decorated by variants of the Pora Elinu Nation’s flag draping from them.

Caut and Mech followed the Queen and Feremi without saying a word while Korah and Lyns were astonished by the Elins’ high-quality architecture.

“This is indeed wonderful,” Lyns exclaimed while he walked.

“Haha… this embassy was designed by mostly Poporis and Castanics architects since our style is a little more...simpler.” Valentina spoke a little of the building history while she kept walking.

“I see...but I thought Elins dislike killing the nature, for make this building…*whistle*,” Korah said carelessly, although every Elin animal ear within the embassy’s hall perked up upset.

“*Cough-cough*” Valentina coughed to keep her composure while Feremi gave a short sigh.

“Watch your words Korah…” The Princess Caut said slightly upset while Lyns laughed silently from Korah’s imprudence.

“We protect it! But we also need nature sometimes, but it is a big difference between what we do and what High Elves did.” Mech said coldly towards Korah, as he rubbed his back neck nervously.

“I am sorry, I am sorry…” Korah said silently when the group suddenly stopped.

At their right side, there was a large brown doubled oak door, custodied by two Elins maids, both wearing a typical black maid uniform with black and white frills.

““My Queen, it’s an honor to see you.”” Both Elins spoke in unison while pushing the oak door open.

“Thank you,” Valentina replied back with a smile and entered the room as the other followed her up.

After opening the door, the maids quickly ran to serve tea and cookies at the round table while Valentina and the others waited for a minute.

“My Queen, the table is ready. Do you need us for anything else?” One of the maids asked while the other stood next to her.

“Not for now, thank you. You two may wait outside, if we need something, we will call you.” Valentina said serenely.

““Understood, my Queen.”” Both maids replied back and went to the door with quick steps and slowly closed the oak doors from outside.

…

Valentina, Feremi, Mech, Caut, Korah and Lyns then seated themselves in high-class oak chairs, around a round walnut carved table, as before them, there were classy porcelain teacups served.

“*Sip*” Valentina slowly sipped her tea in intervals with well-trained etiquette and manners, while observing Mech and Lyns seated before her in the round table.

Feremi was at Valentina’s left side, while Korah was at Lyns’ right side along with Caut, drinking tea, and grabbing some cookies served on a plate at the center of the table.

Suddenly, Queen Valentina spoke after placing her teacup back on a flower adorned porcelain saucer.

“Our people within the 9th laboratory already started to work on the blueprints you sent two weeks ago Lyns. I must say that they were quite shocked by the complexity of the idea.”

“Yet, the Pora Elinu Nation have given the order to build a prototype along the other blueprints you sent a while ago.” The Queen informed.

“But…there are a few problems that our scientists and engineers encountered in the latest prototype,” Valentina added.

Then, she took her teacup again and brought it near her lips, sipping a little of the sweet light magenta tea again.

This tea was common within the aristocracy and officer ranks of the Pora Elinu Nation and almost every other country, a delicious and sweet herbal tea highly favored by those with refined taste.

It was directly taken from exotics plants just found within Poporia, making it an exclusive product only for Elins and Poporis.

While Valentina took a sip, she briefly gestured with her free hand and gave the word to Feremi.

“Exactly. There are parts within the blueprints that seem to have no current or significant functionality or importance, which just add more complexity to the project.”

Feremi added casually upon noticing Valentina’s gesture, moderately relaxing her etiquette while helping the Queen explain the current situation with the ‘Steady Starfall’ project.

“What do you mean exactly?” Lyns asked confused about their words, as he still left his tea untouched, while Korah and Caut were eating some chocolate cookies.

“Are they fillers?” Feremi asked back, making her point more evident.

“Our people define them as ‘fillers’, without any usage or function within the prototype model. Saying that, what are they exactly?” Feremi added and then took a sip of her tea.

Lyns stood in silence unable to answer her question, as he stealthily glanced at Mech for a second.

For Lyns, it was a tough question. In reality, he never made any of those ‘fillers’ in the blueprints or either discovered the Noctenium; yet, the credit was given to him.

Lyns was smart and energetic when was about researching, but many of his ‘achievements’ weren’t completely of his own efforts as everyone thought it was, he was always aided in his research.

Helped by Mech, or how he called her, his Master.

She was the one who actively helped him work through his ideas and research, giving him useful guidance, although Mech took no credit for it.

Onto the last of Lyns’ project, she was the one who placed these ‘fillers’ within Lyns’ blueprints, yet her idea wasn’t completed yet at that time.

Even so, Lyns allowed her to do it for some reason and delivered the designs anyways, leading him to the current situation.

“Uh? Do you not know your own blueprints?” Feremi questioned Lyns’ wisdom and expertise.

“Eh…it is not that,” Lyns replied back with his usual deep tone, yet Feremi could detect nervousness from his voice, as she was used to sensing hidden emotions alongside Valentina from their diplomatic experience.

“Then what is it?” Feremi inquired a second later, slightly distrustful of Lyns as she fixed all her senses and also her gaze onto Lyns; leaving no room for excuses.

“I…” Lyns looked at Feremi and then the Queen, now helpless like a vulnerable lamb before a wolf.

“Those ‘fillers’ as my Queen and Feremi have referred, are not fillers. They are cutting-edge alloy-magic technology under development by Lyns.” Mech exclaimed.

Hearing this, Queen Valentina and Feremi looked at Lyns and Mech impressed, as it was a whole brand new concept for them and probably everyone uninvolved in the research.

But behind Valentina’s impressed expression, her brilliant turquoise eyes were unnoticedly fixed on Mech, seeing how Mech was holding her left hand with her other hand.

Mech’s hand was shaking for some reason, although she quickly controlled this before others could notice her anxiety.

“Alloy what?” Caut asked baffled from Mech’s words as Korah just looked at Mech interested in the new concept Mech just said.

Then, Mech shared a fairly brief information about Lyns’ project alongside taking out four blueprints off her dress and put them on the round table.

“Allow-magic technology. We are using noctenium alloys which are extremely reactive and compatible with magic. Thus, developing a viable magic network for our prototype.” Mech explained.

These blueprints on the table displayed every section of the ‘Steady Starfall’ project with exhaustive details to build it, under the name of ‘Timberwolf’.

“As my mast-*cough* Mech says, this network will give the prototype better control and enhance its systems along with other exciting features.” Lyns complemented further Mech’s explanation.

“Wow…” Caut exclaimed with a smile, proud of Lyns and Mech while Korah smiled at Mech.

“I see, that sounds interesting saying the least,” Feremi exclaimed, her face was then decorated by a soft smile, displaying her renewed trust towards Lyns.

*Clap*

“Now that this issue was fixed, your mission have ended…I thank both, Lyns and Mech. I am happy to have such talented individuals within our Nation.” Valentina praised.

Thereupon, she stretched her hand and took the blueprints, delivering them to Feremi and then added with her usual calm tone.

“I also thank you, my daughter. And of course Korah too. Thank both for guarding such an important mission.” Valentina added as Caut smiled and Korah limited himself to nod.

Then, Valentina ordered.

“Feremi, take these blueprints back to the laboratory so they can start working on the details that Mech, and Lyns have just given us to finish the prototype.”

“It will be done, my Majesty.” Feremi took the blueprints and slowly stood up.

“I am leaving then. The laboratory needs these blueprints as soon as possible…farewell everyone.”

After saying this, Feremi bowed shortly and tidied her full red skirt once before she opened the door and encountered the same two Elin maids from before.

Both were a few step before the door, patiently waiting for any request their Queen or guests would have.

Upon seeing Feremi coming out the Queen’s private meeting hall, both maids bowed comely.

““Miss Feremi.”” Both maids said in trained unison.

“Keep up the good work girls.” Feremi praised as she took her leave through a large hall.

Her heels clacked softly on the polished stone floors, strolling gracefully under the sunlight glistening through the windows, towards the exit down the corridor leading to the Huntress Plaza.

On the other part…

“I think we solved and accomplished everything for today, good job everyone. You now have the day free.” Valentina said with a soft, happy smile.

“Really?! Thank you, Val!” Mech exclaimed happily disregarding any formalities while standing up from her chair, as her ocher wolf tail wagged happily.

“Good,” Korah said silently as this would mean more time with Mech as Lyns nodded, agreeing with Valentina’s words.

“Thank you, mother,” Caut exclaimed shortly; although all could feel some tension between her and Valentina, none mentioned anything at all.

Valentina smiled to them as she stood up from her chair and slightly inclined herself, bowing towards Mech’s group gratefully.

“I am thankful,” Valentina exclaimed as she then straightened and added.

“Now you are dismissed, may Elinu be with you all.”

“Thank you, Val! What should I go to see first?” Mech exclaimed, thinking aloud as she and her group left after giving a short, polite bow.

‘What are you plotting Mech?’ Valentina asked to herself after everyone left, as she could notice Mech’s anxiety.

Then, she took her seat again thoughtfully.

*Tap-tap*

“My Queen, do you need anything?” A maid asked politely.

“I just need a few minutes alone…” Valentina said silently and thoughtfully.

“Understood.” The maid replied as she left and closed the doors, leaving Valentina alone within the meeting room.

‘What are you hiding?’ Valentina thought in her mind, curious about Mech’s earlier abnormal behavior.

*** *** *** ***

A few minutes later, the Queen Valentina closed her eyes to rest a moment, trying to calm her mind and body…

But whenever she does it…the same nightmare bounce into her mind…forcing her to reopen her eyes.

After that happened, Valentina just sighed helplessly and kept thinking on Mech’s abnormal behavior, trying to evade the guilt feeling flooding her mind…

Suddenly…

*Poof*

A stealthy eminence purple puff arose before Valentina, more precisely next to the bottom wall of the meeting room.

Upon this, Valentina fixed her gaze on the cloud of smoke, frowning upon feeling a familiar presence behind the smoke, then...this smoke faded away seeing...

An Elin leaning her back against the wall, with her arms crossed and her left foot over the marble wall.

Her long dark purple horsetail style hair remarked her light peach skin tone along with her keen dark orange eyes.

“Lhya,” Valentina murmured as her sensitive eyes could see dark purple-blue undulating strings stealthily placed all around Lhya’s body, conjointly spreading around the room.

Valentina’s wolf ears were unable to hear its magic frequency…or even Lhya’s heartbeat at all, neither her regular human ears could at all.

‘Dark mana?’ Valentina thought for herself upon recognizing the dark mana around Lhya and the room, hiding her shock from Lhya’s skills.

Valentina didn’t know what skill Lhya was using concretely, yet she knew that it was an isolating ability to prevent any sound from going out of the room, a low-level stealth measure.

It was enough to not alert the maids and guards at all, although her maids and guards were already used to leave Valentina alone for hours.

Then she relaxed her sensitive eyes to not overload her own senses and heard a female voice.

“Valentina,” Lhya spoke with a serious tone as she fixed her threatening gaze over Valentina

Lhya was wearing a white sleeveless blouse with bare shoulders tied up at her neck, which gave her a graceful yet simple looking.

Also, she had a dark brown iron armlet on her right arm besides her dark brown iron bracers around her wrists.

On the other side, her blouse had a red flower ribbon tied onto her blouse around her chest, while a brown asymmetrical skirt covered her tights.

Finally, wrapped around her left arm, she had a refined white sewed tape displaying a black lotus.

Both stared at each other for a few seconds as Lhya by her side showed a more rebellious presence, antagonizing Valentina’s serene presence.

These two Elins’ gazes reflected their extensive experiences and suffering which forged both opposite personalities besides a pinch of resentment on Lhya’s presence.

“You look so serene and well-hearted even after you are in front of an abyss, about to throw all your people on it, just by your desires.” Lhya broke the silence, throwing spiky words.

“You have no voice to say that, you are not one of us anymore since you decided to abandon us. I didn't force you to leave.” Valentina replied back as both were immersed in a tense atmosphere.

“Tsk...really?! Haha...that’s why we left, all of you are so blinded by the light, that’s why my people embraced the darkness. We had embraced balance before it was too late, even so, that meant…” Lhya retorted.

After saying that, Lhya sighed while lifting her right hand to her chest and clenched it with impotence, yet she kept her serious gaze, still looking at Valentina.

Lhya was still silently hesitating of the motive she was doing this; after all, she just came to spoke with her mother because a strange Eidolon told her to…but to speak about what?

The Eidolon didn’t specify anything before it disappeared.

‘Is this worth it?’ Lhya asked herself in her mind and then heard…

“Balance? There is no such balance, and you know it more than any of us.” Valentina exclaimed as she had both of her hands clenched guiltily over her white gathered skirt lap.

“Think what you want but…you know that those ‘Free Traders’...no…those humans are just using you, Valentina…” Lhya warned from her own point of view.

“It’s none of your business, Lhya.” Queen Valentina answered coldly, looking away.

“Also, the Free Traders are fighting for peace and nature, so we have missions in common, both sides win. They do deserve a chance.” Valentina spoke as she closed her eyes for a few seconds as if she was trying to convince herself more than convince Lhya.

“What? Hear yourself, Valentina! That’s what we thought last time: that they were our allies! And look what happened! Don’t you remember?” Lhya exclaimed upset, almost yelling at Valentina.

“Enough!” Valentina yelled and then sighed to calm herself down, and returned to her usual serene voice, although still slightly cold.

“I am your Mother still; I am not going to accept your disrespect,” Valentina added.

“Kh…” Lhya gritted her teeth angrily.

“Then I should hold that your decision killed thousands of ‘Reapers’? Of our-...my people?! Those humans don’t deserve a chance!” Lhya yelled helplessly.

Meanwhile, Valentina kept looking away, unable to look Lhya directly in her eyes.

“Many of you became monsters; and you can not say that didn’t happen...they were afraid, we were afraid…” Valentina murmured, as every time she spoke about this, she felt immensely guilty; although Lhya heard her anyways.

Right away, Lhya spoke with a softer, yet upset voice while closing her eyes, reminiscing the betrayal.

“Yet we helped them, we made them be what they are now, but that’s how they paid us! None gave us a chance…even you…you and your-…our own people gave us the back…calling us monsters...calling us Reapers despite we are Elins just like any of you!”

“I MADE A MISTAKE!” Valentina yelled loudly, as a tear slid down her cheek as Lhya now looked at her in silence, unable to come up with something to say.

“Mother…” Lhya murmured as she gave a step forward, as her eyes softened upon calling Valentina her mother…

It had been years after the incident; and since then, Lhya never called her mother again…until now.

After a second, Valentina exclaimed roughly.

“Enough! You made your choice; I made mine. That’s all Lhya, end of the discussion.” Valentina exclaimed as she dried her tear off her cheek, trying to regain her composure.

Lhya just clenched both her fists again…unable to comprehend Valentina’s stubbornness.

“Fine. Do what you want then, but you know you are wrong…” Lhya replied coldly and distant and turned away.

“You cannot say that I didn't try it…” Lhya murmured as she then disappeared in a puff of eminence purple smoke which quickly vanished away too, leaving no trace of her presence.

*** *** *** ***

After the blueprints had been successfully delivered to Valentina, Mech and her party were given the day free…

Mech’s group was now at the Freedom Plaza, although they’re divided looking for their own objects of interests, as they decided to separate for a few hours before go back to the FTC’s hall.

Bready, Korah and Sinac went to a known nearby tavern at Velika’s Northwest district known as ‘Desire’; while Mech and Caut toured the numerous and diverse stores and stalls within Velika’s commercial center: the Freedom Plaza and its surroundings.

Caut was checking on every stall and shop with a happy smile as Mech followed her with a soft smile.

They saw from clothes to weapons, vegetables, perfumes, potions and even rare alchemy materials…

“Look, Mech! Those leather gloves are fantastic!” Caut pointed to the stall before her, more precisely to a pair of pink gloves.

“Hahaha…They wouldn't really match with your armor, ya’ know?” Mech gave her opinion giggling of Caut’s preferences.

“I will buy them anyways! Uh…where is the seller?” Caut asked Mech.

“Haha. I don’t know…we should go and check the other stalls. I... I-I want to buy some earrings…” Mech shyly said as Caut looked at her surprised, as her amber wolf ears perked up.

“Really? Hehehe...who is the lucky one?” Caut said with suspicion, narrowing her gaze on Mech; while Caut’s amber wolf tail wagged with curiosity.

“Eh? Eh? None…” Mech replied silently, looking away as her cheeks slightly blushed.

“Ohh. I see I see…hehe…no problems then! I will help you to choose the best earrings in Velika, give me one minute to find this sneaky trader…he is probably near here…” Caut exclaimed as Mech’s eyes shone for a second.

“Really? Thank you, Cautie!” Mech exclaimed happily smiling as Caut smiled back and then went to find the trader, as he wasn't in his stall.

Suddenly, after a few seconds; while Mech was waiting for Caut to be back…her wolf ears managed to pick up someone weeping without end, showing no signs of stopping…

Mech, without thinking it twice, left to investigate the source of the cries, as she walked through a crowd of people, following the weeping sound till a corner of the plaza.

Upon reaching there, Mech found a little human girl of brown hair and pigtails and a pale skin tone.

She wore a one-piece red dress and was crouching in the corner, covering her head with her hands…as if afraid that someone will hurt her…

Yet, none of the crowd even bothered to look at or help her at all, leaving Mech as the only one who approached to her.

“Hey…hey, are you alright?” Mech asked softly, slowly approaching to her, trying to show not even the slightest hostility, yet the girl kept sobbing.

Mech smiled upon seeing this, as she reminded her of herself years ago, back in the days in Pora Elinu.

‘She is probably lost and afraid of everyone…’ Mech thought to herself as she was one step away from the little girl.

Then, she slowly stretched her hand and softly caressed her brown hair, trying to calm her down.

“Hey hey, I will help you out, what about I help you to find your mama?” Mech offered with a friendly voice tone.

Suddenly, the little girl stands up and hugs Mech, although she kept sobbing…

“Haha...everything is going to be alright; tell me, what happened?” Mech asked softly as she gave back the hug.

Suddenly…

“Hihi…” Mech heard the little girl giggling awkwardly and then jumped away, standing a few meters in front Mech…

‘Impossible!’ Mech quickly thought to herself as the magic presence of the girl abruptly increased, as the surroundings started to banish away quickly...

“What?!” Mech said aloud, but it was already too late.

“Crap...What did you do?” Mech asked aloud to the little girl, knowing that she was trapped within an isolation skill.

More precisely, both were standing over a huge light blue arcane circle within what it seemed...a white chamber.

It was impossible to Mech to know if she was floating or not within this chamber, either if it had an end or not.

“Mhmhihihihi...nothing nothing, all I can say that my job is already done here, bye bye Bloody Priestess.” The little girl said with an innocent voice before suddenly disappeared, swallowed by an arcane black circle.

“What?! Who are you?! Explain yoursel-” Mech exclaimed, demanding for answers but it was to no avail.

Mech now activated all her senses, wary of her surroundings but there wasn't much she could do...without her staff, many of her magics would take too much time to activate.

“Tsk…I must get out of here.” Mech said aloud since most high-level isolation skills always ended up killing whoever was within it when it expires.

Or at least, that was one of this spell’s usages she knew.

Without any delay, Mech started to conjure a spell to break free, as the mana began to arise through her body, instead externally like everyone…

At the same time, various convoluted runes and numbers appeared in a flash around Mech’s right wrist like a narrow bracelet, executing a magic sequence.

Forthwith, it promptly spun around her wrist, initiating Mech’s dispel magic.

Mech could sense the smooth but brisk mana flow going through her body, as her spell was soon prepared.

‘It may not be strong...but just enough to work.’ Mech said to herself when her spell was ready, while she raised her hand in the air and then slapped the ground with her right hand, trying to dispel the spell sequence.

However...

*CRASH*

Mech's magic sequence shattered followed by a sharp bursting sound, overwhelming her wolf and human-like ears.

“Ahhh!” Mech cried aloud, involuntarily crouching and covering her wolf and human ears as much as she could and closing her eyes while feeling her right hand trembling in pain.

‘Condensed interference?!’ Mech barely processed what just happened while the reverberating sound slowly died out.

Suddenly...

“Hehehehehe...I'm sorry I'm sorry. I must admit that this arcane pattern is indeed at a God-level, thank you, Efra.” Mech heard a male, mocking voice before her.

Upon hearing this, Mech lifted her head and saw none.

Baffled, she stood up confused about all this sudden turn of events; and for worse, there was not even a single sign of a magic presence or either any mana trace.

“Efra? Who is she? What’s happening?” Mech mumbled to herself, standing up wary of her surroundings.

“Khaa!” Mech yelled in pain upon feeling a sharp pain on her back, throwing her a few meters forward, forcing Mech off balance and drop on the arcane circle which was the new ‘ground’ within this ‘room’.

“Tch…” Mech tried to stand back up, but her condition was already weakened, her arms were trembling, rendering Mech unable to stand up.

Mech slowly turned and fixed her gaze over her previous position seeing…

A man of around 6’29’’ of height, emanating a mysterious unruly aura...yet familiar for Mech by some reason and other two individuals behind him.

He wore a black top hat over his head, covering part of his groomed blonde short hair.

On the other part, his face covered by a white mask with a sinister smile and joyful eyes holes on it, and through the eye holes his evil light-blue eyes could be seen.

The man also wore a black frac suit with a white shirt underneath along a black bow tie around his neck, as well as white gloves and black trousers and black loafers.

His smell was…similar to a human’s, yet his aura was beyond what Mech have ever seen…

On the other hand, these two subjects behind the mysterious man were wearing long brown tunics, and white masks with a diagonal red line on it weren’t an exception either.

Mech could say that their heights were similar to hers, but she couldn't say anything else about them, as their presences were being heavily interfered by magic, preventing Mech’s senses from detecting anything more than what she was able to see.

“Hehehe...you seem nervous of our magic auras, don’t you?” The mysterious man said with a mocking tone and then laughed shortly while placing both of his hands behind his back.

Mech just kept looking at him with an unfriendly gaze as she gathered her strength and slowly stood up.

“Hehe...sorry. I just find it funny. Your aura is by no means different than ours; you are just holding back…hehe…am I wrong, my dear Bloody Priestess?” The mysterious man spoke with a serious tone, remarking his final words intentionally.

Upon hearing this words, Mech’s expression suddenly filled with fear, giving a few steps back while her hands started to shake.

*Flash*

The image of several severely mutilated bodies, irregularly sliced as if they exploded from the inside out, feeling her body completely soaked in warm crimson blood.

*Flash*

“Ahh...Who are you? How do you know that?! What do you want from me?!” Mech shouted several questions in despair as a cold sweat slid down her cheek …and then she desperately...

-[BURST-FIRE ENGAGED]-

Mech saw those flickering red warning within her sight along the system robotic-female voice echoing in her head, as she swiftly prepared two magic sequences in each hand in parallel, making a total of four magic sequences activating all at once, something impossible for a normal being.

Four small and unnoticed particles near the mysterious man were targeted by Mech’s magic, abruptly increasing its temperature.

“Uhm?” The mysterious man vocalized, looking at his right despite already noticing her intentions and then…

*BOOM-BOOM*

Two explosions occurred, clouding a few meters with gray and dense smoke as Mech kept looking at the same place, as she was unable to feel their presences anymore.

“I think I did it-” Mech mumbled as suddenly the dense gray smoke was blown away and upon seeing the results, her eyes widened; impossible to process what she was seeing.

There they were, the mysterious man and the other two individuals were standing still, completely unharmed and unfazed; then one of them blew away the dense smoke, fluttering their robes from the air stream.

“Impossible!” Mech exclaimed baffled of the unexpected result.

“Hehehehe…that was unexpected. You keep holding back, such a shame...hehe hehe…” The mysterious man exclaimed carelessly.

“Who are you?” Mech demanded, unable to process the situation, as the reason of her ‘abduction’ was left unexplained.

“A monster, created to kill with absolute obedience, hehe. Does that sound familiar?” The mysterious man exclaimed with his usual mocking tone as Mech clenched her fists.

And then Mech replied back with a weak voice.

“You are lying.”

“I see I see…” The mysterious man said calmly as two light-blue arcane decagons with a start inscribed within them materialized together floating between him and Mech.

The decagons were barely separated horizontally; and immediately after their materialization, these pulled themselves apart creating a short flash from where a hooded human female emerged with a magic aura similar to the mysterious man regarding power but...

Yet...she was somewhat similar to Mech in her magic presence...

“It is enough, Quote. You have perturbed her too much already.” The human exclaimed with a mature, yet soft female voice.

She held a long and cylindric slate-gray high staff on her right hand; there were two azure unpolished gems on each end of the staff while the tip was covering one gem in an arc.

On the other part, Mech looked at her, seeing her black hair streamed down till her chest, adorned in a royal purple armored tunic as her thighs, along with high leather black stockings.

Mech can clearly hear her black low heeled boots clacking the ground as the human approached her slowly, fixing her emerald green eyes on Mech.

“Hello, Mech…” The human exclaimed calmly as she stopped a meter before Mech.

“...” Mech stood in silence, wary of everyone around her, unable to calm herself down from the bizarre situation.

“I know you have a lot of questions…but before you ask any…you must hear me.” The human exclaimed

“Why do you know my name?” Mech asked despite hearing the female human’s words.

“Call me Sayune…but explaining everything would take too long…” Sayune said as she stretched her right hand forward.

Mech on her side, just looked at her, suspicious of Sayune’s words.

“You already know the consequences if you do it, Sayune,” Quote warned, standing his ground.

“Trust me, believe...my daughter...” Sayune exclaimed to Mech, ignoring Quote’s words.

It’s not that it was impossible for a Human or any other race to give birth to an Elin...but it certainly was uncommon since Elins are true spirits given flesh; the Elins used to choose their mate by their maturity and stable magic temper…

Not only that, despite the Elins’ childlike appearances, their personalities were remarkedly more 'mature' than the other races and stable with their own powers and senses.

Thus, most of the Elins ended up mating with another Elin after seeing that the others races were unable to achieve their standards.

On the other part, for giving ‘birth’ to an Elin, a piece of an Elin’s fragment of life and another Elin as a ‘catalyst’ was needed.

Knowing this, Mech still could not accept this fact so easily as her mind was focused only on hundred of unanswered questions swimming in her head.

Thus, within her fragment of life and mind, Mech closed her eyes, trusting Sayune’s words despite her suspicions, and allowed Sayune to place her right-hand palm over her forehead.

*Gasp*

Upon Sayune’s touch, Mech felt a short, acute headache, as thousands of uncontrollable images appeared through her mind, seeing them pass one after another endlessly.

‘Goddammit Ryiah, don’t do this!’

‘Please, Mech. Don’t leave me…’

‘Help m-Agghh...my arm!’

‘This is way over your head, Valentina.’

‘Monster! You…all of you!’

‘You killed her! Why you saved me and not her?!’

Mech heard different voices within her head as the images continued flashing and flashing as a tear slid down her cheek involuntarily…

“Everyone…no…” Mech mumbled, shocked of what she was witnessing within her mind, overwhelmed by the amount of information she was receiving.

Yet, Mech embraced herself and kept looking at these…‘visions’, at this ‘gift’ that her mother has just granted her as Mech heard Sayune’s voice close to her human-like ear.

“You must believe…the answers you seek are within you, my daughter…” Sayune cooed as she delicately caressed Mech’s cheek with her hand, as her face was decorated by a slight proud smile.

“Your choice has been made, Sayune! Hehehehe! Wonderful! Tremendous! I look forward to seeing this!” Quote vociferated with a remarkable excitement and then added calmly.

“Well well, I must get going then…let’s go, Iri. Qoo.”

““Yes, master.”” Both replied in unison; although their mask muffled most of the sound, even so, their soft females voice were heard anyways.

Then, he snapped his fingers, as he and the other two individuals disappeared leaving no trace of their mere existence.

But Mech couldn't see anything, as she was still seeing all those images flashing in her mind.

“Mech…”

Suddenly she heard a voice from afar…

“Mech...Mech!” The familiar voice kept echoing in her head, every time louder and louder.

“Mech! It’s not the time for daydreaming!” Mech heard Korah’s voice next to her left, as well as the horseshoes rhythmically clinking in sync.

“Mech! Are you alright?!” She heard again, and turned her head to the left, seeing Korah with a worried expression on his face while riding his horse.

Upon noticing herself daydreaming, Mech shook her head a little confused, although not really surprised that she left herself get carried away easily within her mind; it was something common for her lately.

‘Uh? Focus Mech…focus.’ Mech scolded herself mentally and then replied.

“I am all good, no worries, sorry!”

“Alright! We are about to reach Velika’s Northgate, be wary of your surroundings! We will be going into Velika by feet, be ready!” Korah shouted back to Mech and then looked to the front.

“Understood!” Mech shouted back, turning her head to the front seeing Velika’s fortified walls as her other companions riding their horses.

Meanwhile, her ocher wolf ears were able to perceive some swords clashes though in reduced numbers, defying her expectations.

*** *** *** ***

A few minutes later, Nethaniel, Bready, Mech, Korah, Lyns, and Sinac were on their foot, walking through a street within the Northgate's district.

“What happened here…” Bready mumbled to himself as there were numerous corpses of citizens, FTC soldiers, and Shrouded Rose Sentinels, all with wounds in their chest, stomach, back and head…

Upon seeing this, Nethaniel and co scattered, forming a small perimeter to do a quick investigation without saying a word.

The current scene and atmosphere suggested to any magic sensitive being that the magic flow along with the situation was in complete chaos, as the magic flow was still trembling which only meant one thing: death.

The blood dyed the gray cobbles of the road crimson red, as there was aftermath wherever they could see, making evident a battle within the streets, as mostly all of the stalls were destroyed and their merchandise spread around.

“Nethaniel!” Korah shouted as Nethaniel approached him quickly.

“Look…” Korah pointed down to the floor, indicating a corpse behind a wrecked stall.

It was a soldier, wearing the Enlighten Union’s uniform exposing a large wound on his left torso, most probably done by a sword.

Nethaniel crouched next to the corpse unfazed by the reek and examined it silently, touching his wound, which was still slightly warm and checking the uniform pockets, finding nothing of importance

“Nethaniel, this is the Enlighten Union, right? Why are they attacking us? We are supposed to be allies!” Korah exclaimed, unable to comprehend what was happening.

“Calm down, kid. We must investigate this deeply. Otherwise, we will make this war bloodier than what already is.” Nethaniel replied back while he kept thinking about what was happening behind all this.

“But-” Korah exclaimed.

“No buts, we must calm down, we are about to finish this war, we must be more cautious than ever.” Nethaniel abruptly interrupted Korah’s words, and then he just stood in silence, understanding Nethaniel’s message.

Nethaniel knew well that this information was capable of starting a whole new war if handled incorrectly, bringing panic and fear to the people.

Meanwhile...Mech was approaching to every corpse she found and crouched next to it, giving a short prayer to their souls; thus the Elins believed that the mana flow would reassure back faster.

The bouquet of stenches was almost unbearable for Mech and her sensitive nose, as the stench of death stalked her nose constantly, yet she kept going on her task as Pora Elinu’s Priestess.

“Som til Gudinnen Pandora...” Mech mumbled trying to appease the turbulent magic flow within Velika and its surroundings while Bready looked at her curious of her ritual.

He was unable to understand Mech’s words at all due he never wanted to learn magic or either Elins original and ancient language as it was too complicated for him.

‘Pandora...is not she...’ Bready was thinking about the only word he comprehended while walked forward scouting the surroundings with his bow ready just in case, walking towards a street cross when suddenly...

*SHIIN*

“Hey you, furball!” A female Castanic exclaimed threateningly with both of her swords in her hands.

She was wearing a black light plated armor which covered her most important vital points, giving the Castanic excellent flexibility.

*Clank-Clank*

“Stand your ground, Sergeant Zekka.” Bready heard Nethaniel's voice behind him as the sergeant nimbly sheathed her swords back to their respective scabbards while the others also arrived.

“Master clan leader Nethaniel, you came as I expected,” Zekka exclaimed showing nor the slightest surprise in her voice, more likely, she spoke with her usual sensual tone.

“It is my duty to be here along with my comrades. Anyways, what’s the situation?” Nethaniel asked, directly to the matter at hand.

“We have been attacked by the Enlighten Union, or that we think. After their first attack, we managed to fend them off for a few minutes,” Zekka explained while inspecting Nethaniel’s group.

“So, next we swiftly establish chokepoints in the middle of the city with our people and the scattered FTC’s forces,” Zekka added, informing the current Velika’s situation while resting her hands over her swords’ pommels and then added.

“And during the numerous but short fights through our chokepoints, we captured an enemy soldier so we may have more information about all this mess. That’s all that I know.” Zekka concluded her report,

“So that’s the situation. Where is our command post settled?” Nethaniel asked upon hearing Zekka’s report.

“I was heading there, follow me,” Zekka immediately replied while turning, leading them to the makeshift command post.

Meanwhile within the Free Traders Hall, around one hour had passed since the Princess Caut was sent to go for reinforcements.

*SHIN-CLASH*

The whole hall was engulfed in chaotic metallics clanks provoked by numerous sword collisions and warcries.

The FTC’s forces were combating against the Enlightened Union’s soldiers, every single individual fought with all their forces, trying to achieve victory for their band.

*SHIN-CLASH!*

Adiar was in the middle of the now chaotic Free Traders Hall; its cornsilk, octagonal marble slabs were splattered with the enemy and allied’s blood, along with numerous corpses lying on the floor.

On the other part, some moribund soldiers were crawling over the floor with severe wounds, trying to find any help before their last drop of life ran out.

*SHIN-CLASH!*

“Aghh…” Adiar successfully blocked a High Elf swordsman’s downward slash, quickly pushing the elf back with his sword and then Adiar quickly sidestepped to his right moving behind his enemy.

Without thinking it twice, Adiar impaled the High Elf’s back with his sword, and then he pushed back the lifeless body with his left feet and released his sword in a bloody, metallic sound.

“Fight together! Alone we gain hope, but together we will gain victory!” Adiar shouted upon his execution to his people, trying to raise the morale of his men and women, as these shouted back vigorously.

Yet...their numbers were being slowly reduced by the numerous enemy...as they were now not more than 500.

Adiar knew that it was nearly impossible to win this battle without reinforcements, but these haven’t arrived yet.

“Keep holding! Agh!” Adiar shouted to his men when suddenly an arrow impaled his left shoulder.

“Executor! Protect the Executor!” A soldier shouted upon noticing that their leader was damaged, as numerous soldier surrounded Adiar, protecting him.

“We must hold! Don’t worry about me!” Adiar shouted, pulling the arrow out of his shoulders with his right hand.

Meanwhile, deeper in the hall, which was now a real battlefield.

‘I cannot retreat after this much...I must finish my commitment! After all...’ Misty thought to herself as she looked at Panchuk with a serious expression, both separated by only a few meters.

‘...none will believe me.’ Misty added.

“This doesn't need to be like this, Misty! You’re not like this!” Panchuk shouted to Misty with an angry expression on his face.

At their surroundings, the chaotic battle was still going on, but none dared to intercede in their ‘duel’.

“Hahahahihihi…the Free Traders are lying to us Panchuk, open your eyes!” Misty shouted back slightly annoyed.

“But killing your friends is not the way to do it!” Panchuk shouted back also annoyed.

“Not my problem, all of them are as corrupt as Adiar! That doesn't exempt you, Panchuk.” Misty said carelessly, indifferent of the deaths happening.

“Ahh! Enough!” Panchuk yelled as he unsheathed his platinum greatsword and rushed towards Misty.

Yet, Misty didn’t move and waited until the last second to sidestep to her right and avoid Panchuk’s vertical swung attack, ending up with his greatsword stuck on the floor by the excessive force he used.

“So brute…” Misty said silently as underneath her brown tunic she took a reddish dagger with a trailing point and stabbed it on Panchuk’s collarbone, easily penetrating Panchuk’s light armor.

“Checkmate, my friend,” Misty said silently as it was a deadly blow...or that she thought.

Yet…

“Hehehe…” Panchuk laughed as his eyes shone with an overwhelming murdering intent, as he took Misty’s hand before she could remove her dagger.

“What?!” Misty exclaimed baffled before receiving several direct punches on her face, knocking her down on the floor.

Then, he removed the reddish dagger out of his collarbone and pierced it on Misty’s chest, right on her fragment of life.

“*Gasp*...” Panchuk woke up of his sudden battle trance, as he noticed he was holding a dagger in his right hand, and he was on Misty.

“Panchuk…” Misty said weakly, as a few tears slid down through her face.

“No no no...my friend…” Panchuk said silently as his battle trance took over his mind again, just like a few years ago, when he was young and incredulous.

“*Cough*...*Cough*...promise me that...you...will gain control over it…” Misty spoke with difficulty, as she was breathing with evident difficulty while coughing blood out her mouth.

*Boom-boom-boom*

“I will...I will…” Panchuk repeated, as his expression softened by the guilt, as he didn't notice the floor suddenly shaking along some distant explosions.

“Please…end my suffering,” Misty said silently, asking him to end her pain.

“Ahhhh!” Panchuk yelled as he slightly rotated the dagger.

*Crack*

Misty’s fragment of life broke from the torque while the light in her eyes faded away along with her life and soul.

“Return to the main line! Our front line was decimated!” An enemy officer shouted as the Enlightened Union’s soldiers started to retreat out the hall, but then…

*Ahhhhh!*

The FTC’s soldiers shouted upon seeing their enemies’ retreat, their hard earned victory; lifting their fists and weapons in celebration.

“Our ally is here! Pursue the enemy!” Adiar shouted as everyone followed his orders and ran behind the enemies in retreat, as their morale was at their highest.

Ten minutes earlier.

The Timberwolf…the most revolutionary creation between engineers and magicians was exhibited for the first time, flying over the nearest skies of Velika…coming for Velika’s liberation.

Meanwhile, the Pora Elinu Nation’s forces arrived, marching down the hills next to the Free Traders Hall; starting to form up and then stood their ground, awaiting their next orders.

The Elins’ nation was capable of mobilizing this enormous quantity of troops thanks to the Queen’s smooth coordination and a new massive teletransportation method introduced alongside the Timberwolf construction.

On the other part...

The Timberwolf was a galleon-shaped aerial ship; it had 42 meters long, 31 meters high and 10 meters wide; with an arched main mast and white long veils placed on the prow and an array of nine 239mm noctenium cannons on both sidewards.

On its main mast, the Pora Elinu Nation’s flag was being proudly displayed while softly levitating above the Elins’ forces; while the ship, laterally positioned, aimed its cannons forward at Enlightened Union’s forces.

In addition, the Timberwolf’s sturdy design was made of brown iron and wood to add flexibility to the ship’s structure.

All of which was evidently powered by a noticeable large noctenium steam engine at the stern, linked with a jade green, rune-patterned network inscribed within visible wide noctenium wires spread within the whole structure.

Thereby, the fluid and pioneer design of the flying ship and its engine embodied the first hybrid engine between magic and steam, allowing the magic to flow through it.

Thus, its extraordinary engine reinforced via a new magic sequence enfolding the ship’s framework, allowing the Timberwolf to fly without flaws.

In brief, the Timberwolf was able to ‘sail’ throughout the skies at medium speed, armed with 239mm noctenium cannons whose firepower was theoretically stronger than any other known weapon.

On the other side, the Enlightened Union’s soldiers looked up to the sky while grouped in single-block formation, baffled of what their eyes were seeing.

Such technological monstrosity defied their common perspective of magic and technology as the ‘flying magic’ was deemed impossible by generations, only possible by the gods.

But there the Timberwolf was, imposingly flying while aiming its 239mm cannons at them.

On its deck, many Castanics and Humans running around, preparing themselves for receiving their Queen’s next instructions while its engine dimly echoed through the outskirts of the hall.

Not only that, under the Timberwolf; there were now three blocks, each block containing 6000 troops composed of mainly Elins and Poporis and some Humans and Castanics between the ranks.

All the Pora Elinu Nation’s forces were formed up in the east of the FTC’s hall, on the plains right after the end of the hills near of the hall’s outskirts, around two hundred meters away from the Enlightened Union’s enemy line.

The three blocks were arranged in an arrowhead formation before their enemies, ready to charge against the Enlightened Union’s single block formation.

Each and every soldier in both sides stood in silence, awaiting their next orders from each of their respective commanders and officers as they gazed at their enemies carefully.

The silence was deafening, so much that even the fluttering of their respective flags being proudly displayed representing their factions can be heard.

The tension and anxiety on the battlefield were clearly palpable within the lines, while the cold autumn-winter breeze gently brushed the green grass of the plains, waiting to be stained with blood.

Behind the blocks, the Queen Valentina along her generals were seeing their forces, the battlefield, and their enemies from high ground, planning their next strategy.

Also, behind her there were three royal Elin sentries aside the generals, actively guarding Valentina.

Simultaneously, an Elin Officer of sky-blue short hair and eyes along white bunny ears and tail was approaching her, and when arrived, she stood at her side and then exclaimed sternly.

“My Queen, your forces are ready,” Ryiah informed although Valentina remained in silence, thoughtfully while standing her ground along with her generals, looking forward towards the plains.

Ryiah wore a heavy plated platinum armor, armed with an axe of about 1.8 meters on her back.

At that time, Ryiah range was Colonel, leader of the Valentina’s Royal guard and also her right hand, as she was the one who communicated most of Valentina’s orders.

Standing by Ryiah’s side, Valentina was now wearing an elegant lunar-blue chest plate while short-sized shoulder pads rested on her shoulders along with a medium-length pleated white armored skirt with several lunar-blue liner plates.

Furthermore, she wore long lunar-blue greaves along her boots and large close-fitting gauntlets of the same color.

Also, her long black hair was still decorated by the same platinum-netted tiara and retained the same hairstyle, although Valentina now wore a lunar-blue circlet with a waxing crescent moon symbol on its center.

And complementing her attire, hanged a black scabbard from her waist belt, holding a cerulean hilted sword.

After a few seconds more, Valentina broke the silence and then ordered with her serene, yet commanding voice.

“Excellent work, Ryiah. Inform the Princess she can give the signal to the Admiral Elion; then she can advance with her chivalry.”

Upon hearing next Valentina’s orders, Ryiah bowed and immediately ran towards to the front line commanded by the Princess Caut to pass the message.

Meanwhile at the same time, on the rocky top of a mountain there were two Elins standing still, or better said, Reapers; witnessing the impending clash between the Elins and the Enlightened Union’s forces while undetected by all.

Both were around the same height, slightly higher than the average of 4’4’’.

Their presence was being heavily interfered via magic spell, making even the most sensitive Elins unable to perceive their presences.

One of the Reapers was Lhya, wearing her shoulder-bare white sleeveless blouse tied up to her neck besides the sewed white tape, exposing a black lotus, around her arm; and a brown asymmetrical skirt around her waist.

Next to Lhya’s left, stood another Reaper, Tyat; wearing a black samurai-style breastplate coupled with a medium-length armored knife-pleated skirt of the same color.

In addition, completely covering both her arms were rerebraces and imposing black gauntlets, both of the same black color and style.

Moreover, her left heavy shoulder pad was shaped in a panther-head with yellow eyes while her right one had yellow tassels hanging from it.

Not only that, she had two sheathed swords on each side of her waist, hanging from a black belt around her waist, with each sword’s black hilt wrapped in a rough yellow braid.

And on her upper half, a black samurai helmet with a yellow waxing crescent moon symbol on its top rested on her head.

Tyat…she was known as the finest strategist among her people, since during her 279 years, she has never lost a battle nor retreated; described as a natural leader, yet heartless towards everyone.

She was observing the scene with her usual emotionless deep green eyes, while her dark blue hair streamed down till her neck, remarked by her white skin.

Unlike Tyat, Lhya was observing the scene with a stern gaze, evidently upset.

“Lhya, what are we supposed to do here?” Tyat asked almost without tone, turning her head to the right.

“Just observing,” Lhya answered shortly without turning her head.

“Want me to help them?” Tyat asked back without much interest, fixing her gaze back onto the scene, although now up in the sky, inspecting the flying ship.

“No, you did enough saving that Castanic already,” Lhya answered back immediately.

“I apologize for that…but are you sure?” Tyat replied uninterested.

“Yes. This conflict’s not of our concern.” Lhya replied back coldly, although Tyat could see how Lhya clenched her fists by some reason.

‘Dammit…’ Lhya said to herself in her head, softly clenching her jaw.

“I see…” Tyat mumbled and kept witnessing the scene.

“I wonder what does that thing do.” She added right after, with unshown curiousness.

Then, from afar, the Princess Caut who was leading the Elins’ nation frontline, took her bow from her back while she was sat on her horse mount.

Forthwith, she swiftly set up a magic sequence and then conjured a magical arrow between her fingers, then stretched her bow string along the arrow and shot it into the sky.

Suddenly, they saw a blue flaring arrow rising in the sky, shining brightly during its remarked elliptical trajectory.

Lhya knew well who shot that flare arrow.

‘Caut...I hope you can help our mother.’ Lhya said to herself.

“We will soon discover what it does,” Lhya replied back to Tyat as then both stood in silence, expectant of what would come soon.

“The order has been given! All men and women to your battle positions! Prepare all the cannons to fire at my mark! ” The Admiral Elion, a male Castanic of around 5’87’’ height, ordered with a loud and robust voice to all from the deck bridge.

Immediately after his words, the officers on deck started to instruct their fellows as everyone got ready.

Elion was wearing a white admiral uniform which matched with his reddish skin, his short gray hair and blue eyes.

On the other part, his facial expression was stern and harsh; after a few seconds later, he took out a small pocket watch out of his inner left pocket of his suit.

The small pocket watch seconds-hand was about to mark the 2 p.m and when it did.

“Mark!” Elion shouted again with his firm loud voice while keeping the pocket watch back in its pocket and then placed his hands on his back.

“Fire!” The Officers shouted upon hearing his order and then...

*BOOOOOM*

The simultaneous explosions of nine cannon fires echoed through the whole battlefield.

At the same time, the Timberwolf shook by the discharge, yet Elion didn’t even flinch while almost everyone else on the ship needed to hold something to not be knocked down.

*KABOOM-KABOOM*

A thundering sound was achieved heard by everyone, along with flashy explosions before them.

The Enlightened Union’s forced were hit accurately by the cannon discharge made by the Timberwolf, decimating their forces and breaking up their formation.

Without no delay, the Princess Caut shouted loudly.

“First Battalion of chivalry! Follow me! Charge!!”

Straightaway, Caut jolted her reins, hastening her horse as it started to quickly gallop towards the enemy; while its horseshoes clanking rhythmically with each galloping on the ground.

Moreover, while the Princess rode her horse skillfully, she was already aiming her arrows and firing them at the enemies recovering from the shock, leaving them no time to breathe.

Meanwhile, the Enlightened Union’s forces were trying to desperately recover their formation while their Officer shouted orders in the middle of chaos and cries of agony.

But it was no avail, as the Princess and the first battalion were already on track, ready to kill off any resistance left.

And not just that, as the second and third battalion, were on the move, right behind the first battalion.

Yet, the scattered enemy barely formed up and tried to oppose resistance to the Princess Caut advances, but she ignored them and went through their wide open lines without much difficulty.

Conversely, the first battalion right behind her kept following her up, but this killed and stomped them with their horses to whoever stood in their way,

“Ahhh!”

“Aghh!”

The enemies helplessly cried in pain after being cut by swords or pierced by spears of the Pora Elinu Nation’s forces, as these cries of pain mixed up with the cries of agony of the moribund left by the cannon discharge.

“Impressive,” Lhya exclaimed upon seeing the results of the bloody and uneven battle.

“This is something not seen every day. It seems like your mother got an interesting toy for her Nation, Lhya.” Tyat exclaimed emotionlessly, softly putting her hands over the small yellow pommels of her swords hilts.

“Ha, she doesn’t know what she is doing, she keeps helping those humans,” Lhya exclaimed back still slightly upset while crossing her arms.

“The cards are already played, Valentina,” Lhya added as she was no longer able to change Valentina’s mind.

“It is a shame,” Tyat said uninterested.

“Let’s go, we have nothing else to do here,” Lhya said coldly as then she disappeared in an eminence purple puff which quickly dispersed, leaving no trace of her presence.

“Understood,” Tyat said silently, following her up, leaving exactly as Lhya did; thus, both left not even a single trace of their presence.

Credits to I4MD347H for editing. Thanks a lot!