Orchid trudged along Perfume street 3 days after their meeting at the Rusty Bucket, lugging a jute sack over his shoulder.

Dressed in a long grey hooded cloak that was covered in patches, he faked a slight limp and hunched back.

Perfume street was one of the major thoroughfares in the Red District, filled with hawkers of all kinds. The deeper he walked into the district the items that were sold became more and more illegal, ranging from weapons to drugs. He stopped at a small stall selling some rare plants that was run by the evilest looking woman he had ever seen. She was scarred and wearing a blood colored eyepatch, grinning at him while showing off her wares. Purchasing three small sprouts of what appeared to be blood lotus the woman thanked him in such a gentle tone of voice that he felt guilty that he’d called her evil.

He passed the Sisters of Sin trying not to stare at as he walked by, before turning into an alley and walking up to a nondescript building. Knocking on the door in a rhythmic fashion he waited.

Peering through a slot in the door a woman asked suspiciously.

“What do you want?”

Raising his hood, Orchid showed his face.

“Boss? What did you do to your hair?” The woman asked in surprise while opening the door fully.

“Purple hair is too obvious. So, I dyed it.”

He nodded at the guard from the Banner as he headed up the stairs to the second floor.

The house that the Rat had acquired was rented from a friend of hers who was willing to defer payment until the end of the month. Only a short walk from their main target, the building had previously been used by smugglers as a small warehouse so there was plenty of space in the basements which now held 9 squads of the Blood Banner. That was one more squad than Erben had planned, the additional men having reached the capital in the morning because the merchant caravan they were guarding had returned early.

Dropping the sack on the floor of the room they had set up as their main command post with a loud thud, Orchid undid his cloak and stretched his stiff back.

Captain Weber looked up from the map spread on the table in front of her to look at the noise and did a double take when she saw his hair.

“What did you do to your hair boss?” Now that she was his employee she had taken to calling him boss refusing any other forms of address.

“I said yesterday that everyone should prepare disguises, and my hair is far too noticeable.” Orchid explained.

“Your disguise was terrible.” Rat said softly from behind him, Rock beside her. “We followed you for the last several minutes.”

“That’s not possible. No one should be able to recognize me.”

“True. I didn’t know it was you until you turned into this alley, but a hooded figure limping in broad daylight would draw anyone’s attention. When you paid that woman at the stall your hands became visible. No person who has the injuries to walk like that could possibly have such smooth hands.” She shook her head. “The important part of a disguise is not only to hide your features, but to make sure that you’re not so noticeable that you get attention anyway.”

Orchid felt irritated that his well thought out disguise was disparaged so much.

“Fine, but how is that any less conspicuous?” He pointed at the ridiculous moustache on Rocks face. “Even though he’s so big, no one could think that he’s old enough to have one of those.”

“Rocks fine.” Rat said defensively.

Rock ran his fingers through his new facial hair clearly proud of it.

“What did you tell your family, little Purple?” The Professor asked him

“I told them I was staying at your place for some research. I’ve done that so many times that it’s nothing new.” Orchid replied. “Everyone’s here so let’s get ready, tonight we move. I’ve brought the devices we discussed so Anna distribute them accordingly to the Banner, it’s all in that jute sack. Captain it’s all up to you now.”

Weber nodded and gathered her squad leaders and Orchids group around the table to go over the final plan.

“We’ve identified 4 storehouses and 2 brothels, in addition to the Sisters of Sin and Black Eyes headquarters, that are directly controlled by the Fiendhand’s. The storehouses are all located near each other with maybe a dozen thugs guarding them so the 1st squad is responsible for securing them. The brothels don’t have much in the way of defenses so the 3rd squad will use Lady Anna’s potions to disable the occupants and remove any Fiendhand’s that you find. The Sisters of Sin is our main target to secure so the 4th and 5th squads will oversee the operation there under the Vice-Captain. After securing the targets, maintain a small guard and redeploy to cover the Headquarters and reinforce as necessary. 6th squad will surround the headquarters building and stop anyone from escaping while the rest of us move in to secure it. Black Eye and his 3 Captains are the only significant dangers we’ve discovered in their organization, and all of them are decked out with heavy equipment and at least average magical capacity. The headquarters gave off an unknown mana signature, which… Rat, you explain it.”

Rat came forward to the table and pointed to the dot that was Black eyes sanctuary.

“During our scouting, I felt some strange mana resonance so along with Rock I went to study it, but we couldn’t determine what it is, only that it’s powerful. I think it has something to do with how they are able to control the Red District. It’s too tightly guarded for me to get close enough, although we can tell it’s in the basement.”

She looked frustrated at not being able to discover what was going on. Rock patted her on the shoulder while Weber continued her orders.

“There’s nothing we can do about it so the boss will handle it personally. Jensen you’ll take your squad and protect him while he does whatever he needs to. This is the first job we have under the new boss so anyone who messes up….”

Weber’s voice trailed off and a sinister smile flickered on her face. Erben looked at the squad leaders with a stern expression and they all paled.

Seeing that everyone was aware of the plan Orchid spoke up.

“Professor you’re responsible for communications and defending the command center, if any of the squad leaders have trouble with the Pendants make sure its resolved now. I’ve provided each squad with the wand that we discussed before, make sure that it’s held by someone who has at least enough magic power to cast elementary Manipulations. Anna you’ll be responsible for manning the command formation that I’ve set up. Don’t hold back. Rock and Rat, you’re with me.”

He looked around at the group in front of him.

“Even though we’ve discovered that they have almost twice as many men...”

“And women” Rat interjected.

“And women as us.” Orchid frowned at the interruption. “We are better prepared and will strike so quickly that they won’t know what hit them. Remember the key to victory today is speed.”

He took a deep breath.

“Strength for the homeland!” He roared, saluting.

“Strength for the homeland!” They all shouted back returning his salute.

* * * * * * *

Jacob fiddled with the new wand he’d just received. He was born in a small village in the west of Eich as the third son of a farmer. Knowing that he wouldn’t inherit any of the farm he decided to join the army. Setting out for the western army training camp at the age of 15 he was tested to have enough aptitude in magic to work towards a position as a device-specialist. Proudly passing the required training he joined the army at the age of 16. After 7 years serving on the peaceful western front, he was extremely bored, not living the life of excitement that he had imagined.

On a routine patrol, he came across the soldiers of the Blood Banner in a fight against what he later learned were troops of some local noble. Seeing them risking their lives for money lit a spark of excitement within him showing a way of life that he hadn’t even known existed. Having completed his term in the army he approached the Blood Banner and joined up within the week. Since then he’d had one contract with the group as they escorted a merchant caravan into the capital, where he learned that they’d taken on a permanent assignment with of all things a child.

Twisting the wand through its various settings he channeled some mana into it to check whether it was working properly. Seeing that it worked as advertised he slid it into a pocket on the bandolier attached to his armor.

“Squad leader Jensen, what was the captain thinking?”

Jensen was talking through the communication Pendant to the command post. Jacob was really impressed with the Pendant. It allowed instant transfer of voice between the child and command pendants. He hadn’t seen anything like it within the army and when he’d asked about it, learned that it only worked in a small area, so it was useless on a battlefield, only in this sort of close quarters combat would it serve a purpose.

As Jensen finished his conversation he sat next to Jacob and started the final check of his equipment.

“What do you mean Jacob?”

“Following a child. I know that I’m new but which mercenary band will sign a permanent contract with anyone at his age?”

“I understand what you’re saying Jacob, but you have to trust the Captain, she’s seen a lot. Plus, the boss is about to join the Academy.”

“It’s true I’m impressed with him but this whole thing is so strange. Why are we attacking a criminal syndicate?”

“That’s for the boss to know and us to follow. We’re mercenaries, and the blood Banner above all else will follow orders as long as we’re paid.” Jensen finished checking his shield and went through his throwing knives one by one.

Disgruntled, Jacob checked his war stave focusing on the spells that were input in the crystal matrix. Satisfied that the stave was in order he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes with a frown on his face.

“It might not help that much, but since we’ll be guarding the boss I don’t want you to do something dumb. So, I’ll tell you a little about why the captain is willing to follow him. At least from what I know. The captain is whimsical at the best of times so who knows if she just didn’t agree out of boredom.”

Jacob opened his eyes to look at Jensen leaning forward, eyes lost in unknown memories.

“Among the mercenaries and merchants in the capital the boss is actually very well known. Not only is he well known, people pay very close attention to his actions.” Jensen said quietly.

To that boy?

“They call him the Princes Fool, the Money mage, the Trickster and I’ve even heard someone call him the Lord of Pranks.” Jensen smiled as he repeated the titles.

“That doesn’t sound very important.” Jacob ventured when Jensen didn’t continue.

Chuckling at that comment Jensen nodded.

“Yes, that’s true, but all the names I told point to certain aspects that terrify influential figures. You have to understand that his generation is filled with talented people whose names are told across the country such that even you would recognize them.”

“You mean like Count Leon Savoy or Lady Ilse von Hohenzollern?” Jacob asked.

“Good examples. The Star of the West and Disciple of the Ice Witch are exactly the type of people I mean.” Jensen nodded. “Even then, I can tell you the guild masters in the capital are more interested in the boss.”

“Why?”

“He’s the princes right hand man. The nobility considers him to be solely responsible for strengthening the princes position in the line of succession above his various cousins to the point that it’s basically confirmed that he’ll be the crown prince. He’s gathered powerful talent behind the prince and pioneered some revolutions in items that made insane amounts of money. I have a friend in the Merchants Guild who once said that the boss’s greatest ability is turning what others consider trash into treasure. More importantly the devices you’re holding are probably personally made by him.”

Touching his bandolier Jacob felt a huge shock.

This may not be master grade craftsmanship, but its durability and functionality are things I didn’t think a child could make.

“We’ve actually worked with the boss before you know. It was two years ago, I think, and Count Muller and his cronies were causing trouble for us while we were working for the Merchants guild. They’d hired dozens of experts to….” A high-pitched whistle emanated from the Pendant around Jensen’s neck and cut him off.

“That’s the signal people! Final checks!” He bellowed. “When the boss comes, I want to be out of the door immediately.”

Moving around and getting everyone ready, Jensen was a flurry of activity calling out orders.

Pulling out the wand again and studying it, Jacob ignored the Squad Leader’s screams as he thought about the last few years.

Looks like this will be exciting at least.

He smiled.

* * * * * * *

The 1st squad quietly moved through the streets and split into 4 teams, heading to the different warehouses.

Approaching the first of the targeted warehouses the team slowly spread out, a mercenary pulling out a heavy crossbow and targeting the entrance. Slowly cranking a specially designed heavy bolt into it, the mercenary crouched out of sight behind the corner of a building and waited. The rest of the team spread out. They drew their weapons and set their stances while they studied the guards around the warehouse.

A blue flash lit up the sky suddenly and they exploded into action.

Bursting into motion the mercenaries rushed forwards.

Short spears streaked into the guards with such force that it looked as if they’d just magically appeared in their bodies, hurling them backwards.

Screams rent the air as several guards fell. The remaining guards who were jerked out of their routine, drew their weapons and rushed towards the warehouse gate.

The crossbowman fired his bolt and holstered the crossbow on his back without looking at the result of his shot. Drawing his short sword, he rushed forwards to join his comrades.

The bolt crashed against the gate and exploded into a sticky jelly that sealed it shut.

Unable to get in, the guards turned to face the silent mercenaries who were charging them.

Two of the mercenaries split to either side and dashed around the sides of the warehouse and smashed through windows to gain entry.

The leader of the guards shouted orders to form ranks and raised his sword and shield in defense.

The mercenaries charge hit the half-formed ranks with a massive crash of steel against steel, forcing the line to collapse and they tore into the gap they had created. The furious melee exploded in a storm of slashing weapons and limbs as the guards fell, unable to mount a credible defense. The guard leader fought tenaciously but was unable to resist for long as two mercenaries pincered him while he faced a third and plunged their swords through his unprotected body.

Screams sounded through the warehouse for a short while before suddenly cutting off and the two mercenaries from earlier came out.

Seeing their hand signal the crossbowman took out a tube from his belt and raised it over his head while channeling a spark of mana into it. A swish from the tube led to a red light flaring in the sky. This was swiftly followed by 3 more from various other locations.

“Looks like we were first.” The crossbowman remarked, knowing similar scenes had played out at the other locations.

The earth shook and sounds of fighting reached them from the direction of the brothels.

* * * * * *

Seeing the blue signal flash, Erben gestured with his Greatsword and the scouts surrounding the Sisters of Sin tossed the bottles they were holding through various windows around the building. They waited for a while before shouts of distress came from inside the building and they saw people start running out screaming about various horrors.

Erben shook his head while staring at the panic before him. Lady Anna had compounded several flasks of a substance that she said would induce hallucinations in anyone who inhaled it. He’d doubted its efficacy and Orchid had just said that this would be the best way to clear the building quickly.

“Never doubt the Mistress of Poisons.” Orchid said.

“Who are you calling the Mistress of Poisons, Fool?” Anna frowned.

“What’s wrong with that title? It’s what you’re good at.”

They started to quarrel, for a while looking to Erben like the children they were.

Whenever a person wearing the colors of the Fiendhand’s came out they were struck by multiple arrows. Bowmen from the Banner dotted roofs around the building and their orders were clear, if there was even a shred of doubt as to a fleeing person’s identity they were to be shot on the spot. Better to be sure none of the syndicate got away.

As the numbers fleeing reduced to a trickle Erben ordered the Banner forward and they charged in, weapons at the ready.

As expected he saw several guards and guests still upright per Anna’s preparation.

“Anyone with resistances, or a certain amount of mana capability won’t be duped by the concoction but for what Orchid described this will be plenty.”

“Anyone not of the Fiendhand syndicate lay down with your hands on your head. If you’re still standing by the count of three, then your lives will end.” Erben bellowed.

The people inside stood, dazed.

“One…” The squad leader on his left called. Several people fell to the floor in a rush, crawling aside.

“Two…” The Banner mercenaries stepped forward threateningly and even more people lay down.

“Who has the nerve to mess with the Fiendhand syndicate!” A man roared from the top of the stairs in the hall. Wielding a Gigantic double headed Axe, he charged down towards them as dozens of syndicate members poured out of the rooms on the upper floors.

Why is one of Black Eyes Captains here with so many men?

“Banner! To arms!” Erben called as he strode forward. The Banner mercenaries formed into two separate shield walls to either side of him and marched forwards in time with their squad leaders calls.

“Do you know where you are?” The axe-wielder called.

Erben closed his eyes and concentrated, setting himself up to strike.

Being ignored enraged the man and he roared, swinging his axe with bulging muscles.

With an expulsion of breath Erben swung his blade down.

EARTHSPLITTER STRIKE! FIRST FORM! MOUNTAIN BREAK!

The Greatsword smashed the axe down with massive force, screaming as it halted, tip of the blade resting on the floor, a rush of air pushing back everyone within 10 feet.

The clang of their weapons meeting signaled the start of the fight and the Fiendhand’s crashed against the Banner’s shield wall.

Arrows howled through the windows, punching through the criminals and shattering their charge.

The Squad leaders called an order and the lines of mercenaries stepped forwards, blades stabbing and slashing, reaping lives with each move.

The axe wielder staggered back trying to stabilize himself, surprised that he’d lost in a contest of strength.

Erben had reset his stance, Greatsword angled horizontally, mana swirling along the blade. Not letting the enemy captain go he stepped into his second swing.

EARTHSPLITTER STRIKE! SECOND FORM! SPLIT HEAVEN AND EARTH!

The Fiendhand Captain tried to defend but the slash tore the axe out of his hands sending it spinning backwards with such force that it decapitated several men of the syndicate before it was lodged into the floor. He scrambled back horrified at what he’d just faced, hiding behind his charging men.

Erben stepped forward again, light swings of his blade breaking bones and rending the flesh of all who faced him, creating a circle of death.

Can’t let him get away. This is a good chance to try out Orchids new toy.

“Specialists forward! Wand, 1st setting.” He called while pointing at the fleeing Captain.

Two specialists dashed to either side of Erben, Orchids new wand raised and directed at the target he’d indicated. Erben channeled mana into his Striker boots and set himself to strike again.

The specialists channeled mana into the wands and depressed the activation button.

The fleeing captain froze for a second and fell to his knees, his eyes swimming in confusion.

“Most magicians block magical and physical forces like impacts that are directed against them.” Orchid said while he was scribing formations on the floor. “The Professor showed me a toy that drives certain animals to severe confusion or frenzy using sound. Well, long story short, on the first setting it should deliver sound that can confuse a person to the point of unconsciousness if they’re weak. Since most people won’t even know to defend against it, it should be highly effective.”

That boy really does deliver!

Using the powers of his boots he Blinked and appeared in front of the fallen axe-wielder, Greatsword already slashing.

EARTHSPLITTER STRIKE! THIRD FORM! SHATTER THE EARTH!

The blade passed through the captain’s shoulder and body not slowing at all, leaving two halves of the man on the ground and rending even the floor underneath.

Raising his Greatsword for another swing Erben roared.

“Strength for the homeland!”

The banner echoed his cry and charged into the now demoralized syndicate forces.

* * * * * *

“Face the Blood Banner dogs of the syndicate! None shall escape my blade!” Weber roared as the blue flash appeared in the sky.

A soft sigh from one of her squad leaders was followed by a remonstration, while the squads of the Banner charged at Black Eyes headquarters.

“Captain, this was supposed to be a secret attack. The boss will dock your pay at this rate.”

With a comical expression of horror on her face she said. “My pay? Oh, Fallen Gods, No! Charge my minions! Charge! Let our time not be wasted by even one as magnificent as I.”

The squad leaders around her jogged forwards to join the assaulting troops.

The foolish expression slid off her face as she surveyed the assault. Specialists used Orchids new wand to punch holes in the walls of the massive building creating new entrances for Banner mercenaries to pour through.

“The second setting sends a cone of force strong enough to break walls or throw several people hard enough to break bones. The third and final setting just concentrates that force into a circle about as wide as a finger. That will punch through almost anything.” Orchid explained while demonstrating on a target.

Watching as more of her forces poured into the building Weber felt a thrill of excitement.

Orchid, oh, Orchid! The Guildmaster was right to watch you. I knew you’d provide me with the greatest thrill. You hide it, but this is just the appetizer, I can feel it. You’re going to tear the world apart in the name of your Prince and I’ll get to fight till my thirst is satisfied.

“You’re such a good boy.” She whispered, striding forward and entering the building.

The Banner and syndicate were engaged in a swirling melee of blood and steel, shouts and screams filled the air and dozens of people fell every instant, the syndicate losing several men for every mercenary they took down. Occasional thrums of sound echoed through the building as syndicate troops were hurled around by specialists using their wands. Despite their overwhelming advantage the Banner was unable to press further into the building.

The Banners scout leader pointed upwards and a specialist blasted a hole in the ceiling through which the scout leader jumped and led his scouts to open a second front in the fight.

As more syndicate forces poured down the stairs the Banners advance was halted and they struggled to maintain their position.

“Suleisa!’ Weber called as she unsheathed her twin blades and started channeling mana.

A squad leader retreated from the fight and joined Weber. Weber started to regulate her breathing and nodded at Suleisa while readying herself for attack. The battered figure of Suleisa whose weapons and armor were heavily damaged breathed heavily and shouted.

“Seventh Squad! Form up!”

Mercenaries disengaged from the front line and arrayed themselves behind the mana charged figure of Weber.

The Banners lines reformed to replace the gaps that were created, leaving a path from Weber to the stairs through which syndicate forces started to charge.

Weber’s face lit up in ecstasy as she saw the charging figures.

She took a step.

RYLENS SYMPHONY! THIRD MOVEMENT! HUMMINGBIRDS WINGS!

Her figure blurred and swept right up to the foot of the stairs, a trail of decapitated bodies and dismembered limbs behind her accompanied by howling as her very speed tore through the air.

The 7th squad charged into the broken assault of the syndicate and drove a wedge into the enemy lines, the Captain at their head using blazing fast sword forms to tear through her enemies and charge up the steps.

The Fiendhand’s were stunned watching the devastation a single person had just unleashed.

Banner mercenaries attacked with renewed vigor, decimating enemy lines and surrounding pockets of enemy forces in manageable groups that were quickly dispatched.

The battle Lines slowly shifted upwards as Weber kept charging forward, leaving the Fiendhand’s in disarray, the sound of her laughter echoing alongside the clash of steel.

* * * * * *

“I’m off” a shaky sounding Orchid ran out of the room, Rock and Rat hot on his heels.

Anna calmed herself and started channeling mana into the formation she was sitting in. A dozen Orange crystals floated around her glowing to show they were full.

Watching Derek communicating with the various squads and updating the map in front him she waited for the drain when the fighting started.

Two of the crystals dimmed a little and she directed mana to recharge them.

Suddenly 9 of the other 10 crystals started dimming at varying rates.

Gritting her teeth Anna struggled to keep recharging the crystals as quickly as they were drained. After a few breaths of doing this she realized she wouldn’t be able to keep recharging using this method, calculating the loss and varying the pulse of mana that went into the crystals was too taxing on her. To complicate things each crystal wasn’t able to hold the same amount of energy, there were minor differences in their capacity.

“Derek, I need your help.” She called, her voice strained.

“Mark the half-way points on the crystals.” She said as he came over. Not questioning, Derek gestured and rings of light appeared around the center of the crystals. As each crystal depleted to that mark she calculated and replenished the energy. After all 9 crystals had cycled like this once she determined the lowest capacity crystal and used half that amount as her baseline. Any time the crystals energy depleted to the halfway point she replenished that amount, removing any need to calculate the energy variations.

“Impressive.” Derek said.

“Only the Fool can control energy to the degree necessary for the other procedure. This method should be useful for any formation that he designs like this. Can you fix the positions?”

“There will be many Anna. He’s changed the world with this.” Derek replied while solidifying the marks on the crystals.

“Yes. For all his foolishness, he really understands how to use formations beyond anyone who lives in Eich, I think.”

“No need to give him too much credit. We’ll never hear the end of it.” Derek remarked.

The problem with the use of magic in the military, had always been the application of magical force. Large spells served specific purposes, but the fluid nature of battlefields and the fog of war meant that quick and targeted magic strikes could mean the difference between victory and defeat. However, generals were restricted by the simple lack of mages of adequate skill to deploy them at the tactical level.

That is when device-specialists came into existence. Mana wielding soldiers who could trigger magical devices allowed for tactical flexibility. The problem they faced was that they could not recharge the devices they used fast enough to continuously utilize them, once the charge was gone they became regular soldiers.

Orchid approached the problem from a unique angle. He had skilled device-specialists but an inexperienced child-mage, so he reversed their importance and created a formation that provided his special wands with mana at a distance, protecting the mage from the enemy while allowing judicious use of the mages power on the battlefield. The only problem it had was the effective distance was only a quarter of a mile meaning that the formation and mage had to be very close to the frontlines.

The last crystal started to dim and Anna prepared to calculate its energy capacity, worried for her friends, knowing that the activation of this crystal meant Orchids group had engaged the enemy.

* * * * * *

Black Eye stared at the reports in front of him feeling growing frustration as he looked at all the money slipping away from him. Working his way up from the streets he’d spent massive efforts in building the Fiendhand syndicate. Once his power base was secure he planned his rise to power and control over the red District and almost perfectly executed it. Now all the activities in the district were either run by him or paid him protection fees. Yet somehow, he was losing money.

Growling he smashed the table with a clenched fist.

“More losses boss?” his Captain, Skolda asked, biting his fingernails like a squirrel.

“Those spawn-loving fiends, how can we be losing this much money?”

Skolda looked at his colleague Bentei, the Fiendhand’s third captain, but neither of them said anything. Black Eye knew what the problem was, he’d made too many deals with people that couldn’t be broken easily. Deals that cost him.

“I think it’s time to remove our erstwhile allies from the basement.” Black Eye said slowly.

Skolda smiled happily. “Can I kill them boss? They were mean to me.”

The building shook and Black Eye frowned. The building started to shake heavily as if it was being hit repeatedly and he stood up to look out of his window.

The street was covered with clouds of dust and his frown transformed into a scowl.

Turning back, he froze and strained to listen to faint sounds coming through his door.

Someone’s attacking me?

The door burst open and a shabbily armored man ran inside panicked.

“Boss we’re under attack!” He screamed.

Rushing out of the door with his Captains, Black Eye could hear the sounds of fighting coming from the ground floor. The intensity of the screams increased and dull thumps resounded right out of the floorboards and Black Eye felt fear.

“Get your weapons ready and meet here as fast as you can. Something’s strange about this attack.” He said as he ran to his room to collect his war spear and armor.

Coming back to the head of the stairs he could hear laughter coming up the stairs, growing ever closer. As his Captains came he stood together with them ready for whatever would appear. A woman trotted up the stairs two thin blades still dripping with blood, light laughter echoing each of her steps.

Black Eye backed to a spears length from the landing and had his Captains prepare to either side.

The woman reached the top step and calmly looked around at them.

“Still have that stone in your eye, don’t you?”

“You… Mad Dog! Why are you attacking me?” He was terrified after recognizing the woman.

“You know me Black Eye, I have a contract.”

“I’ll pay you double if you just let me go Frederica.”

“You can’t pay me more than my new boss, Elijah. It’s a permanent deal this time.” She blushed slightly a look of ecstasy on her face.

What Monster could control the Mad Dog of Lubek? Cursed Lords of Silver, I must kill her.

“Kill her!” He shouted while driving his spear towards her heart, his Captains slashing towards her at the same time.

Weber erupted into a blur of motion and the next thing he knew his spear was driven into the floor. Skolda clutched his arm that now ended at the elbow, screaming on his knees while Bentei tried to seal the tear in his throat as blood poured through his hands and bubbled out of his mouth.

“Try and entertain me for a while Black Eye.” Her soft silken voice caused him to shiver as he pulled his spear out.

* * * * * *

“Corporal! Something’s happening in the Red District.”

Ghent followed the reporting Guardsmen and saw the flashes of various signal lights. The roars of fighting and screaming drifted across the river unfiltered and his gut churned as he heard the familiar sounds of a gang war.

“Ready the squad and call for reinforcements. We move out as soon as we’re ready” He ordered as he broke into a run towards the armory.

* * * * * *

Jogging towards the damaged Sisters of Sin, Orchid trotted behind Jensen, keeping his eyes open for any surprise attacks on the way. Reaching without incident they stepped over arrow-filled corpses and walked through the entrance into a scene of carnage, sounds of fighting echoing from the floors above.

Staring at the dead people, limbs and viscera staining the interior, he crumpled and vomited.

Emptying his stomach, he heaved, struggling for breath.

This is what a war looks like.

A hand rested on his shoulder gently squeezing.

“Relax boss, these guys had it coming.” Jensen said softly.

Orchid nodded, not trusting his ability to speak and moved towards the basement, the squad fanning out in protection at Jensen’s signal, Rock to his right his spear readied. Rat silently glided behind him moving in random directions her hooded figure seemingly fading into shadows.

Verifying that the basement entrance had no defensive spells they proceeded downstairs. The atmosphere was horrifyingly oppressive and as they reached the bottom of the stairs a strange buzzing sound like a thousand muted voices pressed against their ears.

Shaking his head to try to clear it Orchid touched his gear for confidence and gestured towards the only door that they could see.

The mercenary walked up to the door and waited until everyone was positioned correctly before kicking it open.

As the door flew off rusted hinges a wailing sound poured out of the room and Orchid stared in horror at a strange chamber. In the center an idol stood, surrounded by 6 kneeling suits of armor that had longswords driven through the ground in front of them with hands on the pommel. The walls were painted with blood in between sickening manacles. To one side an old man was strung up within the manacles, his belly slit open and blood dripping into a trough at his feet.

“What is this?” Jacob whispered from behind Orchid, his wand drawn and pointed into the chamber.

“Knights of Silver!” Rock shouted, everyone’s expression congealed and Jensen roared orders to prepare for an assault.

Rock started chanting a spell starting to create earthen spikes around him.

Orchid began creating lightning orbs.

I should have made them before we opened this door, big mistake.

The air around the idol started to ripple looking as if an illusory hand was trying to reach out to them struggling to pass through something. The suits of armor stood and the eyes of the now visible knights started glowing an eerie silver.

“Blood of the Descendants of Kale for the Lady of the Moon.” They chanted, swinging their swords like they were warming up.

“Rock! Left! Metal Thread!” Orchid shouted and Rock pointed towards the left most figure hurling the spikes he’d created.

The magic tore through the armor turning the Knight into a pincushion and Orchid fired his lightning into the spikes, channeling it directly into the Knight and burning it from the inside out.

The remaining Knights keened in sorrow and charged towards them moving at blinding speeds.

The Banner mercenaries encircled Orchid and Rock, weapons facing the charging Knights.

The Knights struck the mercenary line and flung five of the men to the ground with the weight of their strikes.

Jensen roared and directly engaged one of the Knights, forcing it back.

The remainder of the squad entangled another two Knights by striking wildly in an attempt to overpower them with numbers.

Jacob fired his wand on the third setting and stared in shock as the magical force sent the Knight he was facing flying instead of punching through its armor.

That left the remaining Knight charging at Orchid.

Channeling Mana and shifting into his preferred Wind stance he deflected the first strike with his palm and lashed out with a kick that forced the knight off balance towards Rock who was already swinging his spear in a lightning fast strike.

The spear struck the Knights arm that was rapidly raised in defense with a deafening sound. The Knight was spun around, its arm hanging limply at its side while Orchid darted in from its uninjured side and struck at the elbow joint.

HYMN OF THE GUARD! FOURTH STRIKE! HAND EXCEEDS BLADE!

His mana coated hand severed the Knights arm just below the elbow. As the Knight wailed and fell back a silver Radiance shot from the idol and sealed the injury, stopping it from bleeding out.

The Knight that had been sent flying by Jacob Blinked in front of Orchid, its blade thrusting towards his heart.

He started to sidestep and sent his fist tearing into its sword.

HYMN OF THE GUARD! SEVENTH PARRY! SEVER THE BLADE!

The attack was slightly off angle and instead of breaking the sword Orchid felt something in his hand snap causing him to scream and stagger backwards. Rock shot past him, his spear spinning and a massive spike shooting past him from above his shoulder.

Defending against the rapid spear strikes the spike punched through the Knight, pinning it to the ground and it screamed. Its companion that was short one arm charged towards Rock only to be met with a flurry of short sword strikes that seemed to materialize directly out of the shadows. Unprepared, the combination of strikes severed its uninjured arm and it stared in shock before a blast from Jacobs wand caught it directly in one of its eyes killing it instantly.

Almost half the squad had already fallen and three Knights remained. The Knight facing Jensen had knives protruding from its body but Jensen was shuffling and dragging an injured leg. Of the other two Knights one acted as if it was blind while the final one appeared uninjured.

“Target the idol!” Orchid screamed.

Sensing his intent, the two Knights not facing Jensen retreated to stand in front of the Idol of Astrea.

We could probably kill them, but I don’t know how many of us will survive that. Alternatively, I can try something risky and hope I can sever their connection from beyond the Veil.

Pulling a dagger out he hurled it towards the idol, focusing and casting a Manipulation while creating three quick lightning orbs. The dagger tore through the air but a Knight Blinked in front of the idol to block it. As the dagger neared the Knight Orchid concentrated and forced the dagger to tear through space and appear behind the Knight.

As the dagger struck the idol he fired off his bolts of lightning which were drawn towards the dagger and shattered the idol.

The air froze and an ancient voice howled in rage. The light left the Knights eyes and they collapsed.

Ripples of force emanated from the remnants of the idol and Orchid stared in shock as the ripples suddenly burst into a massive magical explosion that hurled everyone against the basement walls.

He could feel his whole arm, and ribcage shatter with the force and he collapsed sobbing as he struggled to breathe.

A blur appeared before him and he could hear Weber’s voice.

“Just relax Boss, we’ll get you fixed up really quickly.”

He reached out and grabbed her collar and fought to speak.

“Seal… building… no one … in…. hide the basement… tell Derek…. Church of Silver… You’re in charge.”

Having finished he let the darkness claim him, free from the pain.