"What did you just say?!" Maxwell stood up, slamming his hands on the table, causing quite the ruckus as all eyes were now on him. He displayed a face full of surprise, unable to believe those few words that came from the messenger's mouth.

"Give us the full details," Laruse said, ushering the scout inside for all to hear. Laruse also felt the same way as Maxwell, only he chose not to show it, seeing as he anticipated something to happen, but not on this type of level. No, a league ahead of that.

"Yes! If you'll allow me," the scout cleared his throat, presenting himself in a dignified manner in front of the leaders. "As you may all have known, Farron had arranged for an attack at Lagalice, a city that stood on the borders of the Farronian kingdom. They had prepared many of their strongest soldiers, marching at a steady pace, maintaining a good amount of morale for the soldiers, enough for them to be called a force to be reckoned with. it's when they arrived from the outskirts of Lagalice that they met the enemy defenders, those of which never stood one step outside their city, instead, sending out one man to fight them. We are not sure who the man is as he wore a tattered cloak, wielding a sword that seemed to bask in a dark glow. And with not even an hour passing, the Farronian advance of an estimated amount of ten thousand men fell, massacred single-handedly by the unknown man, not even sparing anyone. That concludes my report."

The room fell silent as they thought deeply about the sudden changing of events, including Laruse, whom based this chance of a meeting while the Revolution fought a drawn out battle against Farron. But now that there has been a sudden change, he was stuck on thinking of a new plan.

"This can't be true. One man against tens of thousands of men. Sounds like fabrication to me! They must be using propaganda to boost morale, taking this chance to have his other armies take over the cities they have no control of yet, using that morale advantage to its fullest potential," Caspian said, crossing his arms and thinking to himself, trying to discern whether this was true or not, basing most of his knowledge from his time as a full-fledged commander in an army.

"I don't think that's likely," Marco interrupted. "It's too farfetched for a plan like that, and even without us noticing. I know since I've sent out various scouts at chosen locations where it'll be easy to report any signs of movements. Though the possibility of them doing that is still there, that would only mean that they could travel in small groups, not enough to take a city down."

"Well then, let's stop arguing amongst ourselves and figure something out. Nothing can be done if we do not act. So, I suggest that another scout be sent to prove this. But just to be sure, I think I'll need to get back to my City," Devin stood from his seat, approaching Laruse. "I'll join the alliance. let us meet once more after I've secured my city. One cannot be too sure of anything," he patted him on the shoulder, leaving with a wink at Cecil.

"Well, what about the rest of you?" Laruse asked those around that were left.

"I am confident in my city's governance. But we can't continue the meeting if one of us is absent. That would prove meaningless of having an alliance in the first place. I shall follow Mr. Hartford's example and return to my city. For now, you have succeeded in gaining a bit of my trust. inquire for us again when we are needed," Maxwell left, and along with him was his imposing aura.

"My City's the closest, so maybe I'll spend a bit of time unwinding here, then return. But as they've said, there's nothing that can be done unless we are complete. You have Kausten's support as well. I'm looking forward too many more of your triumphs," he gave a wide grin; his stout and stoic figure leaving the room with Ophelia's assistance.

"... Well it seems that only I remain. Maybe we can start by filling out the lines, right?" Marco stayed seated, smiling at the three, obviously wanting an explanation for why Charles is here, and Laruse is the leader of resistance.

"It has been a long time since we've seen each other, Marco. I'm glad that you look well as always. Besides Laruse, you're the second one from our old group that I've laid my eyes on after a few years. And might I say that this is heartwarming for me as it is to you,' Charles said, extending his hand out to Marco, whom shook it with a glad smile.

"Yes, it is. But that doesn't answer my question. Can someone please explain?"

"I guess I'll start from when Cecil and I first met Ophelia, the leader of the resistance," Laruse heaved a sigh as he sat down on a chair near Marco, explaining everything from the day that they left to train, and to the day that he coincidentally met Charles in Harrick, excluding the hows and whys as much as he could, keeping things that were rather tedious to explain to himself.

"I see. You still seem to get yourself in the most complicated predicaments, Laruse. And I thought that you didn't want to work with anyone but yourself, and Cecil for a special exception," said Marco, trying to pry more into what he's hiding, knowing that there is always something to his closest friend.

"Who knows. It just came to mind, and I really had nothing else to do."

"But still, you've changed quite a bit. Even your attire has changed as well. And from what I can see and sense, you've become much stronger than before. Are you trying to return to how you were before we disbanded?" Marco pointed out, figuring Laruse out completely without having the need to hint at anything.

"That's beside the point. But tell me, who did you bring here? I saw some escorts from the other leaders, but I don't think I recognize anyone from Zeal."

"I'm afraid I came here alone. I think I'm very capable of protecting myself from anyone seeking to harm me in the dead of night. Besides, the three of them are needed to ensure that even without me, they can manage through most of the problems that arises. And Remuil's group had not waned as well, improving day by day with you as his inspiration. It seems that you have yourself a fan, just like in the past."

"You always like to bring up something from the past, don't you?"

"They are precious memories. I can never hope to forget them, nor do I want to. We've been through a lot during those tumultuous times, but we've managed. And now that we're here, I can think back and say with confidence that those memories of that past are some that will stick to me for my entire life, isn't that right, Charles?"

"Couldn't have said it better myself," he smiled, agreeing with Marco like it were second nature.

"But, who would've known that there would be three of us in the same place again. The thought never crossed my mind since it seemed impossible after what we went through. Imagine the things we can accomplish with us three together," said Marco in wonder, knowing the heights of their abilities and what that could bring for them.

"We were always treated as divine beings back then it was almost embarrassing. If you did something that transcended human possibility, they would brand you as something else, a higher being. But they don't know that there are more than many out there capable of the same thing. It's a shame when they underestimate themselves. But you're right, Marco. I think we can accomplish many things with us three. I think we can even destroy the revolution without much effort, like back then," Charles gave out a devious smile, one that would no-doubt terrify someone even if they said it was only a threat. The smile said that he would do it.

"But we're not like back then anymore. We've changed, a lot of us have. If we were like us back then, there would be no doubt that we can do it by ourselves. But this time getting too confident only kills. Let's take it slow and steady. I won't fail anyone, not anymore. That much I'll say with confidence," said Laruse.

Meanwhile, Cecil looked at the three, seeing a familial bond among them. But most of all was the imposing aura they all had combined. It was petrifying, as if they emitted a special aura whenever they're together. Cecil couldn't even find the timing to break their discussions, let alone make a sound as she felt that overly imposing aura.

But suddenly as they were speaking, a thunderous roar came from outside, one that echoed throughout the land, like the thundering drums of the gods, beckoning to his servants to listen to him and be in awe of his tremendous strength.

The four of them exited the room, flooding into the streets where many have already formed up outside, also wanting to see what the sudden ruckus was about.

Every single one of them looked up at the blood red sky, covered by dark clouds. The silence seemed to last an eternity as the earth rumbled more, and the sky began creating a spiral of wind, turning into several devastating tornadoes from a far distance around the base, far enough to not harm the area where the organization was hidden. It was as if hell was forming from nothing, emerging into reality as a nightmare.

The air felt stagnant, uneasy even, like there was something hiding around them which seemed to eat at their fears.

"What in the world is happening? This surely isn't normal. I’ve never even seen anything like it before. And this feeling, it's as if an uncomfortable presence is nearby, stalking and lurking. Almost like a demonic presence," said Marco with a grave tone and a serious expression, looking cautiously around him to make sure that the area was safe.

"You're right, but I don't feel any concrete presences in the area. This is foreboding, and I don't like it," said Charles, also uneasy.

"Everyone, be on guard! I don't know what's happening, but we'll find out. For now, make sure to keep a sharp eye out on every perimeter of the base. Report anything unusual and suspicious to me," Laruse began commanding those that were present, breaking loose from trying to figure out what the anomaly was about. "The best thing we can do now is try and find out what's going on here. Cecil, find Ophelia and come back to the office with her. We need to do something soon. I don't feel good about this too."

But before anyone could come to grip of the situation, an alarming call was heard from the distance; coming from soldiers whom guarded the entrances to the base.

"Monsters! I can see monsters charging here! I need help! There's a lot of them!" he called out desperately, alerting everyone with his voice.

"Here too! We need help! A horde's emerging from the south side! We won't have enough to defend with!"

The people from the organization all began panicking, blocking out the sounds of everyone else's voice as they ran in every direction, terrified as all kinds of monsters started appearing from nowhere, swooping in from the sky, pouring in from the forests.

"Damn! Just what is going on here?!" said Laruse, unsheathing his sword, formulating a plan from within his head. "Cecil, come with me! Charles, cover the southern entrance and take as many fighters as you can along the way. I'll do something about the other entrance."

"Right! I'll do my best and drive them away if I can," said Charles, leaving with haste.

"Marco, if you don't mind. Go to the other gate and help hold the monsters, or better yet, kill them all. I'll do what I can here and put the people somewhere safe."

"You've grown, Laruse. You're even giving me orders now. You can be assured that I'll perform well since it's you that said it," Marco left with a grin on his face, disappearing within the crowd.

"Hey, everyone! Listen to me! Head to the hospital and hole up as many as you can there! You, keep repeating the message and have people go there," he told an armored soldier, obeying him without question, but is clearly astonished at what was still happening.

"You. I recognize you. Take your unit and some others and escort as many of the people back to the hospital. Then guard it. Don't let any monster get near, understand?" he called on one of the familiar faces, the leader of the red unit, a tall, lean man with a mustache, wearing a red armored uniform.

"Ah! Yes! I'll do it, Sir!" he ran with a certain gust, acting right away, knowing full well that any questions he had wouldn't be answered at all.

"What do we do, Laruse? The number of monsters appearing are beginning to grow. If we don't do something drastic, then we'll be overrun," said Cecil, firing bolts of lighting and arrows made of flame at the monsters flying in their vicinity.

"Let's go find Ophelia and Caspian first, then think of something!" he ran, slicing at the monsters that managed to get through due to their speed. He ferociously cut them down if they stood in his way. But still some of the crowds continued to roam the open streets, falling prey to some of the monsters that were lucky enough to snag them.

Laruse would charge at them at an amazing speed, narrowly saving some lives while those that were unlucky were eaten alive by the stray monsters.

Cecil would provide him support, easing his work substantially as magic proved to be effective against most of them. Though no matter how many they tried to save along the way, there were those that were unlucky.

"Damn! How are they pouring in like this? I never thought a large amount of monsters like this lived in the forest. I would've seen at least one if that was the case!" Laruse complained as he continued to cut down monsters in the vicinity; their numbers now terrifyingly immense.

It was then that Laruse caught sight of Ophelia, who was being surrounded by monsters, fending them off by casting a flurry of flame projectiles. Caspian was behind her, taking cover as he could do nothing against them due to his age.

"Go, Laruse! I'll hold them here!" said Cecil, facing the approaching monsters from behind them, casting a variety of spells that took a large group down for the time being, allowing Laruse to breathe easy for a bit.

It was then that he saw a large monster, a lizardman with a long neck, wielding a sharp looking cutlass, leaped towards the unaware Ophelia, going in for the kill.

Laruse filled his lungs with the stagnant air, forcing his legs to move faster and faster, his legs feeling the worn-out sensation of running anxiously. His eyes trailed right and left, but his sights were focused on beating the Lizardman before it could reach Ophelia.

He raised his sword to his right side, leaping as he passed Ophelia, who was absorbed in stopping those trying to surround them, not noticing Laruse as he met the Lizardman, bringing him to the ground as he clashed blades with it, proving to be a formidable foe as its impeccable speed and strength denied Laruse the luxury of slaying it without a problem.

It hissed at him, sizing Laruse up as its yellow eyes were glued on him, anticipating every move with an uncanny amount of focus.

"Laruse! What are you doing here? And what's happening?! Why are monsters attacking us all of a sudden?" she barraged him with questions, not taking her eyes off the monsters as she continued casting spells, those of which were adequate enough because of her lessons with Cecil.

"I don't know. Just keep focusing. I'll handle this and get both of you out as fast as I can," he said, engaging with the Lizardman, trying to get him to break his guard while trying to find another opening.

"There!" he said, fiercely swinging his sword all the way diagonally from his right, forcing the sword away from the reptile as it dropped its sword to the ground, allowing Laruse to move in and finish it off. He returned the direction of his blade from below, slashing across its body, forcing the reptile to reel from the wound and back away, still not enough to go down with. He finished it off my leaping and impaling his sword down the helpless Lizardman's heart.

After dislodging it from the reptile, he proceeded to clear the way for Ophelia and Caspian, not meeting any more challenging monsters along the way, to his relief.

"Here, head to the hospital! You're acting as the leader for now, Ophelia. I've managed to set up a guard perimeter, but it's up to you for now," Laruse said while distracting more incoming monsters, shielding Ophelia's back.

"What are you going to do, Laruse?!"

"I'll see if I can find any stray survivors and bring them back. But what I want to do is drive them away from here. Now go, there's no time to lose! Cecil, go with her and keep everyone safe. I'm counting on you!"

"Right. Leave it all to me!" Cecil replied, guiding Caspian and leading the way for Ophelia.

With Ophelia and the rest out of sight, he was slowly being surrounded by even more menacing looking monsters. He breathed in and out, trying to think while he regained as much energy back. "Out of my way!" he roared, charging through the monsters, heading towards the residential area of the base.

As he arrived, slightly covered in the blood of the monsters that he had slain, he came to the grueling sight of a slaughter. Soldiers of the organization against monsters that outnumber them five to one. They desperately fought, already in the midst of crumbling. But what caught his attention more was the sight of another familiar face, Cedric's whom looked exhausted while fighting.

Laruse charged the immense number of monsters, breaking through them from behind, cutting their numbers substantially, drawing inspiration as the soldiers looked at him in awe.

"Keep moving! There might be more survivors nearby. rescue as many as you can and bring them to the hospital!" Laruse yelled out, opting the soldiers to hustle and move despite their injuries and fatigue.

A massive tremor forced Laruse back, seeing a giant wielding a club in front of him. He cursed the thing from under his breath for impeding him in his efforts to rescue those still alive.

The giant shifted its sights to one of the men Laruse has ordered to find survivors, raising its club to flatten the poor, unaware soldiers.

"Like hell I'd let you!" he yelled, impaling its foot, forcing it to cry out in pain, backing away, but not falling to the ground as he wanted it to.

"I'll help you. You can't handle this alone if you want it done fast," Cedric came from his side, wielding his weapon anxiously as he looked up at the giant, clearly astonished by its size and intimidated by the fear of being flattened by it.

"Alright. Take your chance when you see it. I'll bring it down," Laruse said, dashing with his weapon pointed at the giant, passing its two legs, drawing the monster's eyes there. Laruse then sliced at its left ankle, resulting in the monster to be sent down on one knee. He continued by reaching for the monster's right knee, slicing behind it, forcing the intimidating giant down.

As he did this, Cedric watched in awe, forgetting to do as he was told until Laruse yelled at him. Shaking his head, he ran for the giant, piercing its tough skin with his sword, barely even impaling its heart.

But Laruse finally brought it down by climbing its back, then leaping off its shoulders, finally driving his sword down the giant's skull with the momentum of his gravity.

With the beast brought down, there were less monsters around, enough for them to resume their primary goal.

"Cedric, listen. Try to find as many survivors as you can, and I'll do the same. When you're done, head for the hospital. Ophelia, Cecil, and many others are there, holding back the monsters. I have a feeling that they'll need all the help they can get. I'll explain everything once we're done. Got it?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I understand."

"Good, then go," he pushed him, urging Cedric to move, leaving Laruse to think to himself.

"Just what in the world is happening here?" he whispered to himself, running off to resume his task, all the while thinning out the number of monsters, which to his dismay, has not whittled down at the very least.

As time passed, the skies kept on getting redder and redder, intensifying the dreadful feeling in the air. Its source is unknown; it may very well be the only reason for the monster's surprising advance on the secret base.