Two days later, the four found themselves in a different, but nearly as large metropolis. Within the South American continent, on the mouth of the Amazon river, there sat the bustling city, known as Niopolis. Serving as the center of the former colony's power since. It had a very long history. It was prosperous, and it was clean. These facts, and many others, are why most gave it the name of the crown jewel of Santa Maria. Though that was something the four did not focus on, after all, they were just there for business, it wasn’t as if they were here to enjoy the sites. As they walked, weaving through the crowded sidewalk, Arctaius glanced at Kazimir.

“Aren’t you worried about that airship of yours getting stolen or something? You didn’t have much in the way of security.”

Kazimir glanced at him.

“Don’t worry. I happened to have a Camouflage Distributor on hand.”

Arctaius raised an eyebrow.

“That’s military tech. You can’t get that legally anywhere, and they sure as hell keep track of it. How did you manage to get that?”

“Just went and borrowed some from the Empire back when it still existed…”

They soon fell back into silence. All things considered, there was not much for them to talk about. After all, they barely knew one another. They simply kept walking in silence, or, at the least, three of them did. Kazimir, as he took notice of something in the corner of his eye, began to quietly break away. Something that they did not take notice of. Eventually, the shortest among them spoke,

“Right... Without further ado, We should resume our investigation…”

Zhao stepped in front of the two, stopping in front of them.

“We should do that, but, first, I must ask, Where is Rhuskov?”

It was only then that he took notice of the fact. He soon began to look around in his search for the man. He was not nearby. Though, given his track record, he could only assume what he was doing right now. He sighed.

“That idiot again... I know exactly what he's doing right now. Alright, let’s go.”

Alarick turned on his heel, as did Zhao and Arctaius. They began to retrace their steps, until Alarick looked to the left, with the two doing the same. It was then that they saw Kazmir leaning on a wall, a smirk plastered on his face, and his eyes closed. However, the youthful, green-haired girl next to him, simply leaned there, seemingly uncaring about the Youth. As he opened his eyes and turned his attention to her, she simply continued looking forward. seemingly around the same age. As he opens his eyes and looks at her, she simply continues looking forward.

“Perfect.”

“So… Just wanted to ask, you come here often?”

Even with his words, she did not spare a glance.

“Well, yes... I do live here…’

“That’s the case, huh.”

He removed himself from the wall, as he began to stroll toward her. And, it was only then that she spared a glance.

“Ah, I suppose you can show me around then, The name's Kaz-”

Before he finished, however, the girl walked past him. Passing by the three as she made her way back onto the sidewalk, walking away. Kazimir stood unmoving, mouth agape at what just took place before he yelled.

“Gah!! She left that quickly?! I didn’t even get to finish my line!!!”

His yelling did not go unnoticed, as the gazes of many of those around him went toward him. Zhao was silent, as he pulled a small book out of his pocket, and put his gaze onto it. While Arctaius and Alarick placed their gazes on Kazimir.

“Well, that was just sad. Didn’t you say you were popular with the girls?”

Kazimir’s gaze shot over to him.

“I am popular with the girls, I don’t know what you mean. I had her on the hook. I just had second thoughts, decided to turn her loose…”

The expressions of all three were unchanged. They were clearly less than convinced by the man’s words.

“Sure you did... We especially saw that when she walked past you.”

He pointed at him

“You too?! Zhao, Help me out here.”

His finger soon shot over to Zhao, who briefly looked up from his book, his gaze moving between the three, before his gaze moved back down, as he flipped a page.

“No comment…”

Even so, it was quite clear what he actually meant. Kazimir’s arms fell to his side, as he began to walk toward them.

“Alright, alright on to the mission.”

Arctaius nodded.

“Fine with me, but before that, I have but one question to ask you Grayhelm.”

“And what would that be?”

“If we are to find the Kaemerge here..how shall we do so? Unless we have any leads. Then we will be here for quite a long time; there is no telling how that will affect us. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is fight on the enemy's terms.”

One could not deny what he said, but, of course, they were no fools. Zhao closed his book and placed it back into his pocket, as he looked up at his allies.

“Well, see that's where my plan comes in. If nothing else, why not go to check with the people who know what the populace doesn't. And who else would that be, the royal family, House Çeron.”

“An interesting choice... But how do you know they'll even listen to us? Considering we’ve essentially popped up out of nowhere.”

As his words came out, Arctaius went deep into thought, going silent for quite a bit. It came to him, as he looked up.

“Let’s see... the attack on Niopolis back in 2000. they still haven't found the culprits despite the damages, And the Kaemerge could be the ones they're looking for, we pin them for it. You said it yourself that they have no problem dragging mass amounts of people into their schemes... So it's a likely choice.”

Zhao nodded.

“ That's what I was aiming at…”

Part B

In a location unknown to the four, within the depths of an underground structure, was a large harshly lit room, the floors lined with gray metal. Armored soldiers made their way throughout the room, while mechanics continued their maintenance on the HAUS and tanks scattered throughout the room. There was a lot of weaponry, to say the least. Though that only made sense, considering this was one of the largest fortresses in the region. And within it, was a valuable asset. A proto-human with a detection range that stretched across miles at a time. Sat on the floor, with his eyes closed, his spiky black locks ran down his head. Though at first, his expression was blank, it would soon contort into a smirk, as he opened his eyes, revealing his yellow orbs to the world. Something to which caught the attention of a youth standing to his side. He looked as if he was around his mid-teens. While his hair was spiked as well, it was comparatively neater, pointed downwards.

“I sense them. A total of 4 Proto-Humans have arrived... 3 of which that we've seen before, and one unknown… It's very likely the 4 tides.”

Edgar began to chuckle as he turned his attention to the second. Still, his gaze remained on him, as well as his expression of apparent disinterest. Yet another one of the kaemerge’s proto-human soldiers, Bijan Lafeyah.

“So they’re the ones central told us about. I’ve heard that they were able to do in Yuutaro… that'll be fun.”

Bijan scoffed, as his gaze moved back up, to the soldiers who walked past them.

“It's nothing to get excited over… They managed to defeat Cannon fodder like him, so what? It's not that impressive.”

Edgar stared at him for a few more moments, before he stood up, stepping into Lafeyah’s path.

“Why so serious, lafeyah- Not good to be like that so young…”

Even with his words, the youth’s expression remained unchanged.

“ I simply take my job seriously. Unlike you, I kill my enemies without playing around.”

The two stood in silence for a moment, before Edgar walked around him, making his way toward a steel gate that lie behind the two.

“Yeah Yeah, Say what you want... I'm going to go observe them.”

Bijan Scoffed

“ “Observe” Them, Hah. We all know you’re just going to play dress-up again.”

Edgar stopped in his tracks, as he looked over his shoulder.

“Your insults become stale Lafeyah.. besides why would I abandon this persona I’ve taken on… It’s entertaining to see their reactions.”

He began to chuckle once again, recalling the fearful expressions, the scrambling to escape his pursuit, the screaming, and the begging.

“Misericordioso, Misericordioso!!”

Even so, Bijan remained silent. As he usually was, he was indifferent to the man’s actions, and his words. After all, he didn’t care that much about the man himself, and it wasn’t as if he didn’t have any blood in his hands. Who was he to care about what the man did outside of missions? All in all, he had more important things to focus on. Lafeyah began to walk away from his spot, to make his way to another gate, as he began speaking.

“No matter; I'm going to inform Lord Ito of their arrival…”

Soon, both of them were out of the room.

All the while, the four continued making their way through Niopolis, unaware of the impending approaching enemies. Instead, they stood in front of one of Niopolis’ many shops, standing on the sidewalk in a circle. Though the unusual nature of one of their members… More specifically, the one who looked to be balding as a teenager, they got the occasional passing glance, and nothing more, most simply walking around them. So, they stood in silence uninterrupted. Though it looked as if they were idle, that was not the case. Their eyes darted around as they searched for an enemy, prying eyes, and whatever else could be a detriment. Something that looked to be a habit among them all. As their gazes returned to one another, Alarick spoke.

“We'll wait until night. We’ll use the darkness as cover.”

Kazimir put his hands behind his head.

“Well, stealth isn’t my forte, but… Alright, How long until the sun sets, Corde?”

Arctaius reached into his pocket, pulling out his holo-phone, and tapping the side, bringing up the display. With the date (9-2-16) And the Time (3:25 PM UTC-3).

“It's 3, So I assume we'd have about 3 hours until it begins to get dark. I suppose we need to occupy ourselves until then.”

Occupy ourselves until then…. Words that were, not advisable to say to this one. A smirk found his way onto his face, as he slowly turned on his heel, drawing their gazes.

“If that’s the case. I suppose my schedule is set then. time to show these girls the power of that Slavic Charm..!”

He soon began to dash away from them, weaving into the crowd. The three watched as this took place, Alarick the first to speak.

“Oi, Rhuskov! We're setting a rendezvous here- 6:30. Don't cause any problems!”

“Of Course, Of Course.”

Just like that, he disappeared into the crowd. Arctaius’ gaze soon fell upon Alarick.

“Something tells me we’re gonna have to go looking for him later.”

Alarick sighed.

“It’s likely.”

Now, once again caught in silence, their eyes wandered. Zhao in particular looked at a man sitting on a table, looking at a holo-phone display, his expression distraught, perhaps, even a bit fearful. He soon tapped the two, catching their attention, as he gestured at the man behind them. Arctaius and Alarick looked over at the man. at the man.

“Ceifador un vusa más ha yelopos co up emporia cavada vesa mas!” (The Ceifador has once again struck, This only gets worse and worse!!)

Alarick began to lean on the wall behind him.

“I didn't pick up most of that.. but I did hear them speaking of “Ceifador”

Arctaius moved his gaze away from the man.

“I've happened to pick up a bit of santanada before coming here... but if I'm correct Ceifador means reaper of the skies. A former so-called hero that fell from Grace a few years back, He's been causing deaths all over…”

He went silent as he thought back to what he’d heard about the man, and his actions beforehand.

“It’s strange, you normally don’t see anybody claiming to be a hero or anything like that.”

Zhao began to tap his foot in thought.

“Well.. perhaps he could be related to our investigation.”

As alarick took note of the statement, he turned on his heel, as he began walking away from the two.

“We should keep that in the list of possibilities then.”

With two of them gone, Arctaius and Zhao were the only ones left there. Soon, Arctaius would break off as well, crossing the street. Zhao, however, simply stood there in silence…. 3 hours passed, and they all found themselves closer to the center of the city, where tall concrete walls laid. Just outside of these walls, however, there lay trees on both sides, tall, and dense with vegetation, a good hiding place for the four proto-humans who monitored the walls from between the trees. As well as the weaponry that lined it. The top of the wall was lined with towers, built from Zycrium Alloy. Many of which held spotlights, moving across the ground, doubling not only as lights but as a scanner, the movement controlled by AI looking for any intruders. If that were not enough for the would-be invaders, inserted into the top of the walls, as well as slits within were defensive guns. Ready to fire Sigma Particle beams, or railgun rounds when the situation required it. All of this weaponry to defend the head of Santa Maria’s administration, House Ceron, and the building known as Ceron manor. The four remained silent as their eyes darted around, in an attempt to assess their battle strength. Arctaius glanced at his allies as he spoke.

“Heavy defenses, like I expected... We could just bust in, but then they’d move the Ceron elsewhere. There’s also the issue of how strong their proto-humans might be. How do we sneak in?”

Alarick put his hand on his chin, going silent for a moment.

“Well… Considering when this castle was built, or rather, rebuilt. There should be an underground tunnel escape system. A trend I took notice of in the keeps I’ve visited. And If they're making the same mistake my family did, Then it should be less defended.”

Arctaius nodded.

“Then we search for a side En-”

He was soon cut off, as Alarick began to step toward him, a frown forming on his face.

“Alright.. before we begin the Operation... I must ask you this. You just joined us, Yet you act as if you lead us. Explain that.”

Arctaius frowned as well.

“Just what is that supposed to mean? If anything- I’d say you’re guilty of that. And Why should I have to explain anything to you, Half-Pint…”

The two went silent as they stepped toward each other once again soon beginning a staring match. With their intense expressions, it was almost as if sparks flew between them. All the while, Zhao and Kazimir glanced at one another, though, they did not intervene.

“Just who are you calling Half-Pint..?”

“You, Who else?”

They soon furrowed their brows as the staring match resumed. At the least, until Zhao stepped between them.

“Alright, Come on you two, Let's just calm down.”

The two went dead silent for some moments, and their gazes did not move from one another. For what felt like minutes, the two continued to glare at one another, but, they soon moved their gazes away, saying but one word.

“Fine”

As the two backed away, Kazimir continued his search across the base of the walls, until he took notice of a light at the bottom, he soon pointed forward, catching their attention.

“We’re in luck, I see a side door…”

They turned their gazes to the door and observed the man standing there, with his rifle slung over his shoulder. His black armored plates covering his features, and a visor hiding his face. He stood tapping his foot, unaware of the four watching him.

“Why did I have to get night shift... I could’ve been out getting a drink, but no, I get to stand out here, where nothing ever happens… At least my shift is over soon”

Though they heard their gripes, it was nothing that they were interested in. Zhao stepped forward as he straightened his fingers.

“I'll handle this.”

Zhao bent his knees as he dug his feet into the ground. Before he leaped into the air, something the guard took notice of as his eyes shot up.

“What the-”

But his statement would go unfinished, as the blur of a man landed behind him.

“Guo Art: Paralyzing Strikes!”

Soon, his hands began to move across the guard’s body, poking through the armor, and reaching the skin. Within a few strikes, the man fell to his knees, and then, facefirst. Zhao looked at the three, nodding. They then began to walk toward him. Arctaius walked past, looking down the doorway, which, in turn, led to a flight of stairs. He soon descended the stairs, looking at the metal gate that lay there, before he took notice of a display that popped up from a panel as he took close. He tsked, a troublesome measure, hopefully, his way to circumvent it would work. He glanced back at the three.

“Retina Scanner. I have a way around it, I believe, bring his body over.”

Zhao eyed the man before he picked him up, throwing him over his shoulder, and walked down the stairs as well, with the others following. He soon removed the Guard's helmet, and held an eye open with his hand, Arctaius stepped aside, as Zhao walked past him, putting his eye to the display. For a few moments, a green light began to move across it, confirming that it was indeed, one of the guards. With a chime, the doors began to part, and the state of the walkways was revealed. The walls, floors, and ceiling were built of stone, much of which was mossy, and cracked, though, more than stable, given it could support the electrical equipment, letting the lights on the ceiling run. It was unimpressive, to say the least. Especially considering how easy they’d gotten in. Though, in the end, that only worked to their advantage. Soon, the four made their way inside, as the door shut behind them.

To Be Continued