Iris Eloclipse walked through the rocky corridor. Kariah-Belle, Aya, and Kaden followed behind her, the hoods of their cloaks pulled over their heads as they observed their surroundings.

Kaden and Aya had been here​ before. Kariah-Belle on the other hand took in everything with curiosity.

Twelve months had passed since Kariah-Belle had taken the gauntlet. Nearly a year since she became a Knight. She had completed many missions and proved herself time and time again. Now Iris thought she'd introduce her to a place she'd have to visit often during her career.

The Underground.

A place where all creatures meet to do business both legal and illegal. The place where heroes and lowlifes alike gather for various reasons. Drifters, mercenaries, Knights, even Vympiri gathered here under one law.

No violence.

Of course, The Order wanted to raid this place. With so many enemies of the Order in one place, it would make for the biggest bust in history. Luckily she and the other Seven Swords were able to convince the council it would be a valuable place to gather intel.

The four walked the corridor. Torches lit the long walkway walls. Along either side were booths dug into the rocks. Vendors and merchant sold weapons, tools, and other rare goods. Some selling illegal merchandise​. Others offered mercenary. There was also trading for information.

Which was what Iris was here for.

She looked among the faces of vendors until she spotted a familiar elderly man with salt and pepper hair. His skin was dark and his eyes a deep blue.

The old man smiled at Iris once she grew closer. He stood with his arms outstretched.

"Iris my old friend. It's been too long."

Iris returned his smile. "Jaheb." she said reaching over his worn wooden table to wrap her arms around the old man in a hug. "Indeed it has. Life treating you good?" She added as she pulled away to look at him.

"As good as it can for someone of my age." The two sat and Iris noticed Jaheb watching the three master Knights position themselves around the back of her chair.

"Young Kaden. Young Aya." The man greeted. "Good seeing​ you alive and well."

"Thanks, old-timer." said Kaden. "Nice to see you haven't bit the dust."

Jaheb laughed at that. "Oh, not yet my young friend. Hopefully, I have a few more good years left in me."

Aya nodded her greetings. "Likewise." Her sharp silver eyes still scanning her surroundings.

Violence wasn't permitted here unless one wanted to face a fatal consequence. Still, Iris knew Aya didn't feel comfortable letting her guard down in a place full of criminals and bounty hunters. Iris didn't blame her. Both Aya and herself had bounties on their heads.

Iris looked to Kariah-Belle who was still taking the place in. Iris knew seeing Vympiri here had to be a both frightening and hard on her. Vympiri had attacked her home after all. It probably didn't help that every Vympiri had their eyes on her. Iris figured it was time to get down to business.

She turned her attention back to the elderly man in front of her, her expression was serious. "Okay, Jaheb." Iris said placing a wanted poster on the table. "Tell me what you know about this man."

Jaheb picked up the piece of paper and scanned it. "Tyrule Culdan." The elder man thought for a moment before speaking again. "As you surely know this man is an ex-Knight. After being imprisoned for smuggling weapons to a small time gang, he escaped. Now he often does work for gangs.

"Which gang?" Iris asked, leaning closer.

"Talon," Jaheb answered. "From what I hear, he often does his business in a small kingdom just north of here."

Getting to her feet, Iris nodded and placed two golden crystals and three Crystion jewels on the wooden table. "Thanks, old friend."

Jaheb gave the woman a nod. Concern was clear on his face. "Iris, be careful." He warned. "Culdan is valuable to Talon. If you take him out of the game, they may come after you."

Iris smiled at the man. A dazzling smile that said she knew the risk and she wasn't worried.

Jaheb sat back in his chair and chuckled. "That's right. You're Star Titannia. Nothing fazes you. Good luck, my dear."

"Thank you Jaheb. I appreciate the information," she said, turning away to leave and signaled to her disciples to follow.

"Do we have a lead?" Asked Aya.

Iris nodded. Now she was starting to feel uneasy. The Vympiri were giving Kariah-Belle the occasional glance. Aya had told her the day the students went on their evaluation how Marclus made quite the fuss about her life force.

The Vympiri, Marclus had said something about her having an exquisite Life force.

Could it be because of the Nadire bloodline? Or what was possibly inside of her...?

Regardless of the answer, no one would dare attack in here. Still, Iris wanted to get Kariah-Belle out of here as fast as possible.

"We have a lead." she said picking up pace. "Let's move before we lose it."

"Ma'am." The three master Knights answered in unison.

The sun greeted them with brightness.

Vympiri greeted them with red piercing eyes. Thirteen pairs in total. There had only been five Vympiri in the corridor. Back up must've been called.

"What business do you have with us?" Iris asked calmly.

"Not with you, Star Titannia." One of them said. He pointed to Kariah-Belle. "Only her."

"Haven't even been a Knight for a full year and you already​ have a fan base," Kaden said as he nudged Kariah-Belle​. "Nice."

"I'm flattered," Kariah-Belle said to the Vympiri. "But I'm a little too busy for autographs right now."

Iris couldn't help the small grin her lips formed. The two had become quite close during their short time together. They thought it was due to facing life-threatening dangers together and Iris knew they were suspicious of their bond. She could never find the heart to tell Kaden the truth though there was more to it than that.

"You know who I am, yet you still approach me with such a ridiculous request?" Iris questioned. "I don't know whether to be shocked or amazed at your guts."

"Well I'd say amazed." said another Vympiri with confidence. "If you don't give us what we want, we'll give all the bounty hunters in the area you're next location."

So they had been listening in. Impressive that they had gotten past her three students undetected. If someone who wanted her bounty came during the bust, things could get catastrophic.

"Master?" Kariah-Belle called. Iris knew what the young woman wanted. She always welcomed any chance to challenge her skills.

Iris gave Kariah-Belle a smirk. "Very well. Show them what you can do, Riah." Iris encouraged, using the nickname she gave her way back when her parents were alive.

Not that Kariah-Belle or Kaden could remember back that far.

Kariah-Belle stepped forward. Her fingers wrapped around the hilt of her sword.

"I'll give you one warning," she said brimming with confidence. "If you don't back down now, I can't be held responsible for what happens to you after the dust settles."

"Insolent human!" Hissed a Vympiri. "You dare challenge us, child! I'll teach you terror!"

The mature Vympiri lunged for Kariah-Belle's throat. He used black mana to augment his physical attributes.

He was quick but not quick enough to evade Kariah-Belle's sword that stabbed his chest. She yanked out her blade and in a fluid movement, twirled and lobbed off the leech's head.

Kariah-Belle stood over the headless body, streams of lightning running rapidly around her body and her sword had lightning currents that danced around the blade.

Iris had put the young woman through intense training just as she'd done with Kaden and Aya. This along with her Nadire blood produced amazing results. Now Kariah was able to create a lightning cloak like Kaden and was able to augment her sword with lightning.

Still, the young Knight did have her limits. She'd only have minutes in that state.

"Well?" Kariah-Belle taunted. "What're you waiting for, an engraved invitation? Come get some."

The Vympiri looked amongst each other. Uncertainty and a hint of fear on their features. Iris guessed that none of them could keep up with that speed since they were premature.

Too bad for them.

Some of them turned to flee but a wall of stardust shot up from the floor, stopping them in their tracks. It quickly formed a large dome that trapped everyone inside.

"You challenged my friend," Aya said, arms folded. "I'm a firm believer in finishing what you start."

The white-haired younger woman had become quite adept with using Stardust.

The Vympiri attacked and Kariah-Belle lunged. To the untrained eye, it would look as if the master Knight had taken a single step before two of their head were taken off.

Iris' eyes could track her every move.

She watched the girl spin on her heel then kick another Vympiri into the Stardust barrier. He cried out in pain as the stardust burnt him. Kariah-Belle then backflipped over two Vympiri who thought they had the drop on her. An instant later their heads popped off.

The young Knight went on to slaughter the group of Vympiri that had gathered to capture her. Iris knew how Kariah-Belle felt about killing. She didn't like the idea of taking a life. However, she had learned that in the life of a Knight, it was often kill or be killed. She had learned that truth only days after becoming a Knight.

She hesitated on a kill and Aya was there to cover her fault.

The bout lasted a minute. Kariah-Belle stood, her Lightning Cloak dispelled. She twirled her sword before sliding it into the sheath on her hip.

Kaden let out an impressed whistle. "Our little rookie is all grown up."

Kariah-Belle looked at the carnage she'd created. A look of remorse on her face.

"They weren't anything special." she said. "I could've taken them without lightning cloak... or killing."

Aya made her way to Kariah-Belle, being sure to step around the gore. She placed a hand on Ri's back. Aya's presence had a calming effect on her. The two developed a sisterly bond and Iris was glad for it.

"That may be," Aya began. "but we couldn't risk any interface. Culdan cannot be allowed to escape."

Kariah-Belle tried for a reassuring smile. "I know. Master," she said to Iris. "I'm ready when you are."

Iris nodded. "Alright, gang. Let's move out!"

With that, the group of Knights headed south. The closest kingdom north of the Underground was called Nylin. It would take over a few hours to reach by foot. Iris decided walking would be better than riding Sasha. If someone saw a dragon heading to the kingdom, suspicion might be drawn and could end up alerting their target.

An hour had passed before they could see the kingdom of Nylin. They were a ways away. Luckily, they crossed paths with a traveling merchant who gave them a lift in a wagon that hovered using mana.

Aya sang a tune during the ride. She had a magnificent voice.

Iris knew the young woman spent days learning the song to change Kaden back after a rampaging transformation. The song was in the language of the dragons. The theory behind it was that the song spoke to the dragon DNA inside of Kaden.

The holy Knight knew it wasn't just a theory. Kaden's father was part Stoneheart.

The kingdom was bustling with noise. Nylin was one of the many kingdoms that stayed current on the latest technology. People chatted on phones that used hologram projections. The latest hover automobiles glided across the metallic road. While the buildings weren't that tall they were kept polished and clean.

About forty minutes went by when the group found an inn and got settled. They put down their traveling bags.

"Geez I need a shower," said Kariah-Belle as she pulled off her breast plate.

"Same here," said Aya already out of her armor. "Shall we?"

"Yes, yes we well. Master, are you joining us?"

"Kaden and I are going to see if we can gather any intel on Culdan. You two come find us when you're done."

"Roger," Aya said.

The two girls left for the inn's bathhouse, leaving Kaden and Iris to themselves.

"So where should we start?" Kaden asked.

Iris thought for a moment. In her years as a Knight she had learned that the place to gather info in a kingdom is the place where rum and booze could be found.

"To the bar!" she exclaimed, already heading for the door.

"Oh boy." She heard Kaden mumble as he followed behind.

About an hour later Iris lifted a mug full of the local tavern's strongest booze. Three injured men lay groaning at her feet. The crowd cheered as the veteran Knight lowered her mug to gulp down the rest of her beverage. If not for her high amounts of life force she wouldn't be able to function at all.

"Alright!" Iris said holding her mug again. "Who's next!? I can do this all night!"

She stumbled but reached out to grab a chair with swift reflexes. She spun the chair and sat in an effort to play off the fact that she lost her footing.

Kaden stood against the wall shaking his head. She winked at him and the young man lowered his head into his hand.

Iris giggled then released a hickup. The young man had witnessed her drunkenness many times. It was her favorite thing to do after all. Then came beating up so called "tough guys" that thought she was just another pretty face.

"So," Iris began, kicking over one of the men she'd dished a can of ass kicking to. "Ready to tell me what I want to know?"

The man groaned but nodded. "A-A old mine." He croaked out. "Just outside of town beyond the cemetery. T-that's all I know. I s-s-s-swear."

"S-s-s-swear?" Iris mocked.

The man nodded frantically.

The Knight stood. She knelt beside him. "Now was that so hard?" She patted his cheek. "I won't charge you with harassment this time since I'm in such a good mood. However, I'll be sending Knights to routinely visit this bar. Hopefully, you'll think twice next time you think about disrespecting a lady."

Some time later the sun had gone down when Iris spotted Aya and Kariah-Belle.

"Hey you two!" she said, waving.

"Oh boy," said Kariah-Belle. "Is she—"

"Yup," Kaden answered the obvious.

"Only a little," Iris giggled.

"A little my ass," Kaden murmured.

"Did you guys get anything?" Aya asked.

"Yeah. After causing a ruckus, master found out there's a mine not far from here. He may be there."

"I didn't start it, but I damn well finished it." Iris took a long chug from her mug.

"Okay no way she's going with us like that is she?" Kariah-Belle asked.

Kariah-Belle knew Iris liked to drink... A lot but she had never witnessed the woman fight while under the influence. The girl was right to be worried.

Oh Riah. Iris thought. You look so much like your mother.

"She'll be fine," Aya said. "She won't be doing any fighting."

"Yeah," Kaden added. "She might end up killing the guy. We need him alive."

"Got it." Kariah-Belle said enthusiastically​. "Let's go catch us a bad guy!"

Sometime later, the group was wandering inside the mine that was just outside the kingdom of Nylin. Iris noticed the place was lit with torches. She had warned everyone to stay vigilant. Culdan could be inside.

Eventually, the gang came upon an enormous cavern. Miner equipment decorated the area. Weaponry​ was piled up in different areas of the cavern.

In the center was their target, Tyrule Culdan. He stood when he saw them.

"You're not Jaco's men. Who are you?" He questioned. Eyes peering at them.

So he's working for Jaco, huh. Iris thought. That bastard. What's he up to now?

Aya stepped forward. "Tyrule Culdan," she said calmly. "We have come to claim your bounty. The Four nations—"

"Screw the four nations!" Culdan spat. "I have some important customers coming soon. Get lost. The lot of you."

Kaden and Kariah-Belle unsheathed their blades.

"If we refuse?" Kaden challenged.

Iris moved out of the way. She leaped onto a bridge where she would have a good view of what was about to take place.

Culdan narrowed his eyes. "Then you'll die, boy."

"Not likely," Kaden said.

Both he and Kariah-Belle activated their lightning cloaks. Aya pulled her dual SMGs from their​ holsters.

Culdan cracked his knuckles. An orange mana hull surrounded the man. A large war hammer formed in front of him.

"This place will be your graves!" He shouted before dashing at them.

His speed impressed Iris.

He was upon them in nearly instantaneously. He slammed down his hammer, but the master Knights dodged, leaving the mallet to slam into the ground with enough force to form a crater.

"Like your getting away!" he shouted.

The man planted his heel in the dirt. A large hand made​ of dirt and stone emerged and chased Kaden.

The hand moved fast as it formed a fist. He had just enough time to put up his guard as the fist crashed hard into his sword. The impact sent Kaden sailing across the carven and crashing through stone.

Kariah-Belle was behind the man, her sword masked in mana. She swung her blade but the man's skeleton was tough enough for him to deflect the attack with his arm. Her attack was deflected, then a swift kick landed on her abdomen. She tumbled along the ground and crashed through a boulder.

Aya was in front of the man. Blades of ice under her SMGs. She swung but he dodged. He tried to backhand her but Aya was fast. She ducked and tried to trip the man but he was prepared.

He leaped then brought down his hammer fast and hard.

Aya would've taken a lot of damage if she hadn't warped beside Culdan. She twisted her body mid-air, before kicking him in the jaw.

Iris was surprised the kick hadn't sent the man flying. Instead, he only stumbled a bit.

Tyrule​ recovered quick. He tried to grab Aya before she could land but her guard had increased since seeing the man's combat prowess. She warped a few yards away from the man. Kaden and Kariah-Belle joined her at her side.

"Well I guess we can't play nice anymore," Kariah-Belle said. Lightning started to dance around her blade.

Kaden activated his partial transformation, black dragon scales forming on the left side of his body. He also conjured his lightning sword and held both swords in a reverse grip.

Aya had replaced the ice in her SMGs with Stardust element. Her armor was coated with stardust and five stardust firearms floated at her back.

"Not bad, for children," Culdan said.

He then ripped off his shirt and began to roar loudly. The cave started to shake. Then a large rocky arm reached up from the earth and with moments, Culdan was standing in the massive hand of a giant made of stone and metal. The other three hands held large axes of stone coated with orange mana.

Three more giants emerged from the ground. The mana coming from them was high.

"You girls ready for this?" Kaden asked, cracking his neck.

"I was born ready," Kariah-Belle said confidently​.

"We'll follow your lead." Aya aimed her weapons.

"Let's do this!" Kaden moved so fast even to Iris he seemed to have vanished.

The booze had dulled her senses somewhat.