Imperial Occupied Territory, The Polar Knight Kingdom city state formally owned by Numa Seika...

Upon the Northern lands of the Polar Knight Kingdom, General Esdeath's personal army garrisoned the territory they conquered from the so called Hero of the North.

While their general did the majority of the work, these handpicked soldiers enforced Imperial Will by holding onto this fortress city for a rumored invasion of the north that'll be set to start once the Revolutionary Army is dealt with.

Speaking of, there have been a number of rebel spies that attempted to cross deeper into Northern territory. Most likely they aim to forge an alliance with at least some of the various clan run city states that made up the Polar Knight Kingdom.

Each spy has been caught by the wide net of Imperial Patrols. Each interrogated and executed.

While the majority of the Imperial Army have suffered from relaxed standards due to the corruption of the Capital and lack of any recent major war to draw experience from, this is not the case of the Esdeath Army.

These soldiers went through a hellish training regime comparable to the Imperial Civil War 500 years ago, or so those that survived claim and have served with the general for years putting down revolt after revolt.

These men and women of Esdeath's personal army are professional soldiers.

Only the Norsemen scouts, slang for the Northern People, have evaded their patrols with their superior maneuverability and obvious familiarity of the geography.

The soldiers of Esdeath's personal forces have been dealing with scouting probes into their defenses ever since the general was recalled to the Imperial Capital.

None have gained much information as they were chased off almost immediately. Still, the constant state of high alert for as long as they've been here without relief would take its toll upon even the greatest of soldiers.

And they were certainly among the best the Imperials had to offer.

"Sure is quiet today..." One of a pair of Imperial watchmen said. These two were held up in one of the few buildings that weren't frozen by General Esdeath when they first attacked this city.

Given the constant cold and usual durability of her ice, most efforts to remove the blockage to use the fortress city for themselves were limited in success.

Luck would have it that the four corners of this mighty fortress city each have buildings that are at least partly unmolested by Esdeath's attack, thus vantage points were available without the need for the construction of towers.

The soldiers of Esdeath's army went about building three layers of trenches for their outer perimeter defenses, with several lesser trench formations and other fortifications constructed within the city. Some of these fortifications were supplemented with an ice forged bunker here and there, thought not nearly as much as their should be.

They could've done more or even included more of the urban structures into their defenses if the city wasn't so thoroughly blocked off by the giant pillars of ice. There were many dead ends thanks to these pillars. The officers mapped out each one and had the entire force memorize the new layout.

Which is why they all agreed; defensive action in the city was almost unattainable.

That said, for what they had to work with, they made the best they could out of a now poor defensible position.

"Aye..." The other watchmen replied, her breath seen in the cold air.

It was a bit odd.

Almost everyday the Norsemen had launched limited recon in force missions against their defensive lines, all at different times and different points of the line. Yesterday however, was the first day and night the Imperials of Esdeath's Army found themselves in a deeply concerning peace.

Had the Norsemen gained all the intelligence they desired despite being driving off so quickly at each attempt, or had they finally gave up realizing they couldn't gain much insight into their defenses?

Optimists would believe it was the latter.

Realists would plan for something to happen. Something big.

Now if only the snow would let up a little. It was hard to see anything beyond 15 meters in all directions. On lighter days, 25 meters. Today wasn't one of those days.

Which is why it was alarming when one of the watchmen saw constant movement that without the shadow of a doubt wasn't some trick of the eyes.

"We got movement." He said to his partner, grabbing a binoculars and focusing on the disturbance.

"What do you see?" The other Imperial asked, grabbing her own binoculars and looking in the same direction.

"Got several shapes moving in the blizzard. They're big, probably Danger Beasts." The 1st watchmen answered.

"That's a lot of movement." The 2nd commented. "The Danger Beasts round here move in large packs?"

"No clue. There's a lot about the North we don't know."

"For our neighbor, they might as well be nations across the Western deserts."

The two continued to observe the suspicious movements for a number of minutes before shadows formed high in the sky. These shadows were round in shape, and growing larger with each passing moment.

"What the hell is-" The 2nd watchmen cut herself off as the moving objects became close enough to see.

The 1st Imperial watchmen ran to the left wall where an improvised and primitive communications device: A series of pipes that stretch down the side of the building to the couriers on the ground, local front line command points, and to their battalion HQ.

Their normal method of communications were spotty in this weather, so they had to resort to these methods.

The watchmen flipped several lids covering the pipes and yelled as loud as he could.

"INCOMING!"

The round shadows they spotted earlier were dozens upon dozens of incoming projectiles: Large balls of snow, ice, and rock.

The warning came in time for the Imperials to see the incoming threat, many rushing to whatever cover they could before impact.

Some of the far reaching artillery impacted all over the occupied city, harmlessly crashing into ice covered buildings, the streets, and a few hitting the inner trenches. The majority of the balls of snow-ice-rock hit the Northwest, the direction they came from.

The bombardment was as relentless as it was eerily silent for the first few moments. Rounds impacting every moment exploding in chunks of rock and ice.

They were mostly soundless on impact, barely making a crunching sound. Only when they hit buildings or solid objects did they make more of a glass shattering like sound.

Dozens of snowballs scattering chunks of rock and ice upon impact. Soldiers above the trenches were hit, mostly by the secondary projectiles but some unfortunately by direct impact, disappearing beneath a now red ball of snow.

There was only one wave, though there were enough projectiles that made it feel like they were hit by three at least.

A few minutes of calm passed before an Imperial braved to move out in the open. He moved around here and there, looking to the sky for a few moments before calling an all clear.

NCOs got their men to work surveying damage, manning defenses, and grabbing equipment to remove some of the blockage that bombardment created in their lines.

One soldier ran over to the building where the two watchmen whom 1st spotted the attack are stationed. She open the pipe connecting directly to their station and asked for a status report. Several minutes passed before she tried again, then several more before backing up to look up at the observation post.

None of the snowboarders impacted anywhere close to the building, least as far as she could tell. The soldier squinted her eyes, focusing on some movement she could see from the floor the watchmen should be. She heard something but couldn't catch it.

"WHAT?!" She screamed, focusing on her hearing.

"The pipes have been hit!" The barely audible watchmen shouted. "My partner's already heading down to report this to HQ!"

"UNDERSTOOD!" The soldier shouted back, visually confirming what the watchmen had stated.

Indeed, several chunks of shrapnel from the unique artillery rounds have impacted along several spots in the pipe line. "Damn cold made them fragile." She muttered, spinning around to report the news to her superior.


As the Imperial rushed about to restore what they could before the highly likely follow up attack began, a lone figure watched them from above the cliff edge.

She rode a top a massive dark furred wolf like creature. She had beautiful, long black-purple hair, blue eyes, and a beauty mark off her left lip. She wore white, light armor with a pink silk sash between her shoulders, underneath a purple yoroi hitatare.

This is Akihiko Seika, younger sister of Numa Seika, the "Great" Northern Hero now known as the Great Fool of the North.

The same Akihiko Seika that Senator Jast Ritterlichkeit proposed to marry in a move to forge a political alliance between the Polar Knight Kingdom and the soon to be reformed Imperial Empire.

"The audacity of it all, offering us back this territory if we take it with our own hands." Akihiko Seika stated, petting the head of her trusted Dire Wolf Danger Beast mount. "This soon to be husband of mine best prepare for the earful I'll give him once we meet."

"How did the opening act go?" A cool voice called from behind.

"As planned. Their lines of communication are disrupted. Now this section of their defenses won't be able to call for reinforcements so easily." Akihiko replied with a hint of annoyance. "Why are we going through all this trouble? Its just a stupid, useless fortress belonging to my foolish older brother."

"That is irreverent." The voice called out. "It is your birth right. Your inheritance, and thus we shall take it back from the thieves who stole it from the hands of your brother."

"I don't want anything from that dumb, dead hero." Akihiko replied with the shake of her head.

"Regardless, the fact remains that this is Polar Knights Territory. The Imperials cannot be allowed a foothold into our home, for we all know that once this rebellion is over they will be coming for us. We will beat them back now, link up with our newfound allies and remove the threat of Imperial Invasion once and for all."

"As you say, oh wise general." Akihiko let out a sigh. "Seriously, isn't it a joke how much effort we've put into this sideshow?"

A hearty laugh, followed by heavy footsteps answered. "Sideshow or not, this is how we Northerners reveal to all that we are taking things seriously." The giant Norman stated, coming to a stop within arms length of Akihiko.

"All the pieces are in place, fearless leader! We need only act and send these Imperials of General Esdeath's Army running!"

"If we had known that Ice Witch had left, we would've done what we're doing now long ago." The cool voice said in reply. "Thank you for this information, Giant Slayer."

Norman let out another hearty laugh. "Clockwork is whom you should thank for this opportunity. I am simply the messenger."

"A messenger about to lead the vanguard into this battle." Akihko added in.

"Indeed! Most benefiting for a messenger such as myself hahaha!" Norman spun around, heading back to his starting position for the battle to come. "The time to act is now, fellow countrymen! Let us rid ourselves of the Imperial Invaders!"

"With that, I shall take my place on the line." The cool voice stated. "We're relying on you to relay troop movements Seika."

"Yes, yes. I'll be roaring from my seat like any good sports fan."

"Akihiko."

"Its only a joke. I'll do my part like everyone else today Vind." The woman warrior crossed her arms. "Better I'm up here anyway. I don't have the motivation to fight these fools."

Vind, the owner of the cool sounding voice didn't reply. He simply let the moody royal woman be.

Several minutes passed as Vind moved to his place in the line. His men, the full force of the Polar Knight Kingdom's standing army, stood behind him. All were determined men and woman, eager yet professional.

The Northern Territories have made many harden killers unafraid of sacrifice. Few would die in this battle if all went according to plan, but when had a plan ever gone accordingly?

In mattered little, so long as the end result was as they desired.

The Imperial Invaders had to be pushed back, that's all there was to it.

Vind took in a breath, extending his armored arm out as he yelled the following command:

"Signal the Vanguard units! Begin the attack!"


10 minutes after initial contact...

All was quiet on the western front. As long as it was to last.

Troopers stationed thought the trench lines awaited the enemy they knew were out there. Bunkers manned by heavy gun crews scanned their limited field of view slowly.

There was a stillness in the air, as if the very planet has held its breath.

"Just come already damn it." An Imperial muttered under his breath. "We're waiting here, why are you hesitating? Come get us Norsemen."

NCOs made sure to check in on individuals on the line that seemed out of sort while officers inspected the defenses. They were as ready as they would ever be for whatever the Norsemen had to throw at them.

And that whatever was nothing like even their most creative minds imagined.

Movement beyond the fog of war picked up at a singular point off to the left flank. Shadows moved, large and small, too fast to tell how many other than a lot.

"Contact!" One Imperial shouted. All eyes focusing on the movement they saw through the falling snow. Soldiers gripped their swords, spears, axes, guns, and whatever other weapons of choice they had as the awaited the approaching shadows with baited breath.

The shadows continued to move, seemingly faster and closer with ever moment. Minutes passed, enough time for a runner to make their report to the FCP without any changes on the front line.

All of a sudden, all movement stopped. The shadows all disappearing in the snow. All save one.

The Imperials held their positions, waiting with calm professionalism as the watched the area beyond.

After a dramatic spell, the shadow moved forward. Soon the shadow became a giant of a man with a heavy beard and long wooden axe resting on his right shoulder.

"Halt!" An Imperial Officer shouted to the man. "Identify yourself!"

The giant let out a heavy laugh. "Imperials, have you never heard of Norman the Giant Slayer? No? I find this not surprising, as you seem to know so little about our ways in the North! If you had, you would have never constructed such defenses! So sad to see, so sad to say that you will all find your occupation of our lands has ended. Take this chance to leave willing, while you still have your lives!"

The same officer replied with a laugh. "General Esdeath told us to remain here until she returns to lead the invasion force to take the rest of the North! If you think someone like you can scare us off with a few words of petty dread, you got another thing coming!"

"Ah, I see." Norman nodded. "You are very loyal. I respect that. Oh well, can't say I didn't try to save your lives." The giant man extended his free hand, hand open toward the sky. "Very well invaders! Let's give you a taste of how terrifying the North can be!"

On que, the mass of shadows returned. Pressing forward, they formed up around the Norsemen revealing to the astonishment of Esdeath's men their true identities.

Danger Beasts of all shapes and sizes, so many they covered the entire open area on that left front.

With the wave of his hand, Norman yelled aloud as he began to charge forward.

"Polar Knights Vanguard! ATTACK!"

Lead by the giant man, the horde of native Danger Beasts rushed into the defenses of the Imperial forces. Many easily passed by the giant man, rushing towards the Imperial lines much faster than the men manning them realized.

Gun fire opened up along the line, but did little to delay the tide of beasts coming to overtake them.

Creatures with spiked backs and tails looking like a fusion of a blue reptile and a jaguar with the bulk of a great ape lunched into the trenches, pouncing upon individual soldiers tearing into them with claws, spikes, and teeth. These creatures, once done with their 1st victims, moved along the trenches with deadly speed, quickly dying these defense lines red.

Orders were given to abandon the trench lines as they quickly became kill fields, a smart move if not for the next type of enemy they encountered.

Sentient Snowmen with sharp rock arms accompanying giant Icemen swung their massive arms freely along the exposed soldiers, sending all they hit flying. The overwhelmed Imperials fell back to their second line of defense, many where cut down by the Danger Beasts that pursued them or friendly fire as officers made the hard choice for the heavy guns to open fire on the approaching horde.

Some Danger Beasts fell, enough to give a few of the retreating soldiers time to reach the trenches. The enemy force quickly recovered their momentum however andthe second line of defense suffered the same fate as the 1st. Soon the call was given to abandon this line of defense once again.

This time, small, bearded monkey like creatures ran between the bigger Danger Beasts, outpacing their bigger counterparts to quickly run up the legs of fleeing Imperial soldiers to claw, bite, or otherwise annoy their victims. These creatures were meant to delay all the soldiers they could and they succeeded greatly.

These unfortunate souls caught by the small beaded monkeys would then be killed by the larger beasts at their heels.

Upon reaching third defensive line, every space in the trenches were occupied by Imperial forces. The horde of Norsemen Danger Beasts regrouped at the second trench line. Some Danger Beasts moved along the two claimed Northwest trench lines hunting down any Imperial stragglers.

Once more, the hearty voice of Norman echoed across the field. "I told you, didn't I? Trench works are death traps for the defenders here in the North! Why do you think we build such tall buildings? The only effective way to fight here is from above!"

"Noted." An officer replied. "You ready to offer terms of your surrender?"

"HA! Unfortunately, I no longer have any to give for YOUR surrender! My offer was ignored at the start, now all that awaits you are a frozen grave for whatever remains of your bodies are left once my kinsmen are done with you." Norman replied with a touch of regret in his voice.
"No, what I have for you is a gift. The last gift you shall receive aside from a quick death."

As he spoke, the snowfall ceased. The sky brightened, light peaked through the now breaking clouds.

"Behold, Imperials. A rare sight in the history of our nation!" Norman shouted aloud, grabbing the full attention of the Imperials before him. "Bare witness to the pride of the Polar Knight Kingdom!"

Areas once clouded by snow and shadow now fully revealed to the private army of General Esdeath exactly what they were dealing with.

Banners of the Polar Knight Kingdom flapped in the cold winter-like breeze. The sun - a rare sight in the North that lasted only a few sparing minutes- cast its light upon the vast numbers that lay posed to take back their land from the invaders.

This wasn't a small, deadly force of tame Danger Beasts facing the mighty elite Imperial forces; before them was the standing army of the nation, supplemented by forces from every clan, every city state.

Thousands, tens of thousands. An army that no one aside from the highest echelons of the Polar Knight Kingdom knew existed in such quantity.

Here are the very Polar Knights thought to be myth by Imperial Intelligence, the elite core of the army, equip in jewel colored armor. Each armed with emerald lance, ice steel sword, and bow riding upon their tame Polar Bear Danger Beasts.

Here are the Clan Tribesmen with each bringing weaponry unique to their individual city state, all equip with skis and gas powered 3D Maneuverability Gear.

Here are the Skirmisher Corps, aimed with sniper or marksmen rifles. These cool-killers are known for disappearing into their surroundings and their great accuracy..

Here are the giant Mammoths, equip with shooter platforms for harpoon guns and javelin throwers on their massive backs.

Here are the White Wyvern Riders circling above the formations, equip with bow and arrow, harpoon gun, and/or handbombs to rain death from above.

Here are the tamed Danger Beast Shocktroops and their handlers, with all manner of Northern based creatures in their ranks and who's vanguard punched a hole in the Imperial defenses just prior.

And here lays the Supreme Commander of the Combined Forces of the Polar Knight Kingdom: Prince Vind Lyn, wielding his ancestral great sword forged from black steel and wearing his dark green armor, riding upon a mystical Dander Beast: Hail, a Triceratops like Danger Beast.

Vind Lyn -a man with clear blue eyes, long dull blond hair, and has a very youthful face- rose his voice so all whom could hear would.

"Children of the Polar Knight Kingdom, hear me now! Correct the embarrassment of half a year past! Drive these Imperials off our lands!"

And thus the Great Tide of the North surged forward. Unrelenting in its march, as merciless as the eternal snowstorms of the land.

Danger Beasts clashed head on with Imperials within the trenches. This time, they fared better as they had the bodies to make an iron tight wall of steal and spear.

Wyvern Riders attacked from above, virtually unchallenged as they dropped bombs, shot arrows and harpoons into the Imperial lines. Slowly, these aerial forces opened gaps in the defenses for the Shocktroops to slip in and begin their bloody work.

Along the whole of the Imperial trench system, sections of defense collapse one after another. Soon, the entire 3rd line crumbled, barely lasting 20 minutes since the main enemy force showed themselves.

Norman led a bloody charge through the now retreating Imperials, completing the destruction of the Imperial left flank. Afterword, he lead the entirety of the Danger Beast Shocktroops on a flanking mission to the Southwest entryway.

The Skirmisher Corps shot at every out in the open target they could set their sights on, inflicting massive casualties upon the Imperials attempting to regroup inside the city.

Elsewhere, the Imperials set in the Northeast through Southwest trench lines were pulling back, marshaling their forces in the city.

White Wyvern Riders skirmishes from above, picking off handfuls of Imperial soldiers all across the fallen fortress.

From the Northeastern entry point, elements of the Skirmisher Corps and Clan Tribesmen along with several dozen Mammoths marched forward.

Upon encountering scattered enemies, the Skirmishers with their long rifles quickly dealt with them. Once they meet with the main concentration of enemy forces within the city center, the Skirmishers arranged themselves in 3 line formations. The first two rows firing in turn while the third swapped rifles with the row that previously fired before focusing on reloading, insuring a constant stream of fire.

Row upon row of Imperials where struck down trying to charge the enemy, any that came close where struck down by the harpoon guns or javelin throwers within the Mammoths that held overwatch positions behind the 3 line formations.

To the Northeast, the famed Polar Knights charged through the mostly abandoned streets. In the Southwest, the Danger Beast Shocktroops quickly took ground as they raced towards the enemy strong point.

Clan Tribesmen, utilizing their 3D Maneuverability Gear to place themselves upon the sides of buildings awaiting the chance to pick off Imperials isolated from the main force.

As the sight of the various Danger Beasts of the Shocktroops and the mounted Polar Knights grew closer, the Skirmishers opened up lines in their formations to allow the Mammoths behind them to shuffle forward.

Danger Beasts, Polar bear mounted knights, and Mammoths all collided into the Imperial forces from three sides.

The Danger Beasts slashing, blasting, biting, stabbing and otherwise savagely carving their way through.
The Polar Knights collapsing line after line of Imperial Infantry, as it appeared they had no proper defense against cavalry of any kind.
The Mammoths thoughtlessly crushing and ruthlessly knocking aside dozens of helpless Imperials as the Norsemen above rained down javelins and harpoons.

The end result: A total collapse of any sort of resistance from the Imperials, who's experience only applied to enemy infantry. Rare was it, even for Esdeath's personal army, to find themselves fighting a dedicated cavalry force and not simply mounted infantry.

To say they were ill prepared is a gross understatement.

Combined with the fact that they were hit from three sides in formations that only worked against infantry and the result is obvious.

As pockets of Imperials broke off from the one sided slaughter, Clan Tribesmen sprung to action. Moving far faster than the average person can see thanks to their revolutionary gear, these Norsemen maneuvered skillfully between individual Imperial soldiers delivering death blows with their choice of weapons.

These weapons varied, reflecting the tribe they belonged to and could include any number of daggers, hand axes, one handed swords, short spears, maces, hammers, handguns, and other one handed, easy to wield weapons.

These Tribesmen inflicted much more psychological damage to an already wavering enemy as the speed of their attacks made them appear to be everywhere at once.

The cycle would repeat for the next hour; the three main striking forces of the Norsemen Army would wreak havoc upon the main concentration of Imperials, pocket would break off to be slowly eroded by Clan Tribesmen. Any leftover forces or those fleeing towards the open Southeast would then be picked off by Skirmishers or Wyvern Riders.

When all was said and done, the entire private army of the fearsome General Esdeath was annihilated to the last. The most elite field army the Imperial Armed Forces have to offer lay decimated upon the frozen field and ice grave of this former city state.

Occupied territory for half a year, now finally reclaimed.

Clansmen collected weapons and equipment.
Danger Beasts piled bodies, setting some aside for consumption.
Skirmishers and Wyvern Riders patrolled the inner and outer limits of the city, looking for the unlikely Imperial survivor or returning patrol. Not that the Imps seem to send out patrols before their assault, there was no reason to doubt that they send out some the night before.
The Polar Knights retained their simple line formation, awaiting their next orders as did the massive Mammoths.

"The city is secure, the battle won." A Norsemen reported the supreme commander. "After combat operations are in full swing."

"Very good." Vind Lyn said, dismissing the messenger with his hand. He turned to his left, rubbing the back of his mount. The Danger Beast let out a low grow, pleased by the act.

"You preformed you role well, Akihiko." He said as the latter slowly approached from the left.

"All I did was shine light here and there." She dismissed with the wave of her hand. "Even a child could do that."

"Perhaps, and yet you let us know they abandoned their outer defenses in a gamble to overwhelm us with their full might." Vind continued. "Informing us on their mistake allowed us to encircle their troops, making this battle far less costly then we expected."

"Seems the army of the Ice Witch are a bunch of children without her hear." Akihiko said with a shrug.

"They were more competent then what we expected out of Imperials." Vind Lyn countered. "True, they couldn't bring about their full strength. That was due to their lack of intel. Had they known how our army operated, their defenses would have been vastly different. It is a sad thing when an otherwise elite army combats another force they simply aren't prepared to fight."

"You make it sound like you pity them." Akihiko tilted her head a tad.

"I pity the failed opportunity to fight my foe at their fullest." Vind Lyn stated. "That said, I am no fool. I will gladly take this victory. To regret that is asking for failure to come. Its simply that my expectations were failed to be reached by the enemy is all."

Akihiko Seika crossed her arms. "I swear, it sounds like all you want is more work in the long run."

"As I said, I'll take any victory we earn. I simply yearn to combat a foe that would test me to my limits. To bring out my best and see if I measure up to them in the end."

Akihiko shook her head. "Careful, oh great general. That mentality could get you killed."

Vind Lyn let out a short laugh. "If that is to be my fate, so be it."

Akihiko said no more, just let out an frustrated sigh.

A hearty laugh drew the attention of both Polar Knights.

"That was a good fight, no?" The Giant Slayer called out as he approached. "Never had I thought I would command a group of Danger Beasts! And ones that perfectly understood me! Who would've thought?! Hahahaha!"

"You can thank the Dolic Clan, for their efforts over the generations at taming the numerous creatures of the North have produced a vast horde of loyal Danger Beasts. "Vind Lyn answered with a nod. "Your help is much appreciated Norman the Giant Slayer."

Norman gave the man a nod. "Its been fun, my fellow compatriots! Glory to the Polar Knights!"

"Glory to the Kingdom and our Ancestors!" Several Norsemen within earshot replied, finishing their national saying.

Norman gave them once last laugh, patting a shot on his chest. "With that, I shall take my leave. Threat not, as I shall deliver your reply to the senator with all haste! See you upon another starlit sky!"

The giant man headed off to the Southwest, bidding goodbyes to his kinsmen as he began the long journey back to the Imperial Capital.

Vind Lyn watched the man fade from view before returning his focus to the princess before him. "Akihiko, this territory belongs to your clan once more." He said, tilting his head. "I know it will take time to make this city inhabitable again, thus your clan is more then welcome to remain in my territory until the work is completed."

"I am most humbled by your generosity." Akihiko replied with a bow of her head. "I know not when the time will come when we can clear this demonic ice. Perhaps we would be better off building a new city."

"Perhaps you are right." Vind Lyn smiled as he said this next part. "Though that will be something you can discuss with your future husband."

Akihiko rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me."

Vind Lyn allowed himself a chuckle, then commanded his mount Hail forward. Vind rose his head, raising his voice so all could hear.

"Once after action operations are complete, all clan forces are dismissed to return to your respective city states!" Vind Lyn declared. "The next time you are summoned will be when we march south to get our revenge against the Imperials for all the humiliation they have brought to our glorious nation!"

A unified roar replied to this declaration.

The hearts of these men and women in the frozen wastelands of the North still burned hot.

Fueled by the flames of vengeance.


One month after the assassination of Bolic...

"You're serious about going?" Najenda asked in response to the determined young man.

Tatsumi, soon after Night Raid had returned to the Capital, stated his request to meet with the Revolutionary Army's leadership. Given that they were on indefinite standby, awaiting the Path of Peace to rise up against the Imperials, along with waiting for wounds to heal, there was little reason to turn down the request.

Najenda sent the request via a smuggling network set up by the revolutionaries. Only two days ago did they receive a reply.

"I have questions that need answers." Tatsumi answered. "There are things that make me question if the Revolutionary Army really are the good guys or not. Not that I don't know everyone here at Night Raid isn't a good guy."

"That's sweet, but you should know by now that we're all bad people." Najenda stated. "We might be doing evil for a good cause, but we are still all scum by society standards."

"You know what I mean boss." Tatsumi replied, to which Najenda nodded affirmation. "Anyway, I need to figure things out. To make sure that the leadership is truly doing what's right for the people."

Najenda let out a sigh. "I agree that that some of the calls by the Council have been...questionable as of late...Be careful what you say Tatsumi. These people that you want to meet can very easily brand you or all of us as enemies of the revolution."

"I understand." Tatsumi nodded. "I'll do my best to stay on my best behavior."

Najenda nodded, then turned her attention at the map set up between the two.

"The route you're set to take is a series of trails and back roads that avoid many of the Imperial forts in the South." Najenda said, pointing at the route in question. He had didn't quite more the way it should have, a sigh that she still needed time to heal, but manageable for the time being.

"It won't be easy, and depending on a few factors, it might take you a month or two for a two-way trip. If only we still had our Flying Manta, we could send you there and back in a week at most."

"Nothing we can do about that, besides I'll probably be back with new orders for us anyway." Tatsumi added with a smile. "It's not like I'll be alone either."

Najenda nodded. "I don't know what to make of Walker's stubborn desire to escort you there. Though it's better this way in case you run into any patrols or bandits."

"With the two of us, we won't run into anything we can't handle." Tatsumi gave Najenda a thumbs up. "Well, I best say goodbye to everyone before we head out. Can't keep the old man waiting too long."

"Travel safe Tatsumi." Najenda smiled, extending her hand in farewell.

The young man left, on his way to say goodbye to his new family before making the long journey South to the Revolutionary Army's HQ.

Najenda's gaze fell upon the location of the encampment on the map. It was one thing to merit enough credit to request a meeting with the Council, but for them to accept it so readily...

It was her paranoia talking, but the former Imperial general couldn't help but have a sick feeling in her gut.

Najenda hoped it was little more than her yet to be healed wounds causing her trouble.

In spite of Najenda's best wishes, in the months that followed, it would be remembered that this moment was the start of a new dark turn for the group known as Night Raid...


2 months after the assassination of Bolic. South, en route to the final Imperial fortress before traveling into Revolutionary Army territory.

It took Fuyu and his party a tad longer than planned to get to the last fortress along the path to the revolutionaries stronghold.

The two strongholds after Shisuikan were straight forward affairs.
Both lords of the castle confided in the Chairmen of the Senate that they have been tempted to allow the revolutionaries passage through their fortress. Fuyu gave his word that he would keep his mouth shut about the whole ordeal as long as they continued their duty as expected.

Fuyu knew that their word was worth less then the dirt underneath his feet.

However, their betrayal was according to plan as he intended these two fortresses to act as sacrificial lambs in the months ahead.

The next fortress proved more trouble than its worth. Upon meeting the lord, Fuyu was bombarded with the man's frustrations towards the Capital. All the years of grief and anger boiled out in that moment and Fuyu intended to hear the man out.

He intended to talk at length with the man and honestly convince him that things would be better as soon as the Prime Minister was removed from office, as Fuyu scouted this lord as a willing ally long ago.

That plan went to shit fast.

The fortress lord of this 4th stronghold spoke with greater venom than expected. With greater disrespect than he predicted.

It had gotten so out of hand that Flora killed the man for his insolence.

Flora Gainey, a woman known for her temperament and level headed nature killed a man for venting decades of grief.

Fuyu didn't expect that at all. Thought, it goes to show how much the former general respected and love him which was very flattering.

Still, it put a wrench in his plans.

Flora apologized numerous times after Fuyu had to clean that mess by brainwashing every member of the fortress with his Conqueror's Hand, which made the whole ordeal several hours longer than he'd like.

Then that night, he made very passionate yet rough love to the former general, both as a sort of punishment and stress relief for the both of them.

After installing a new lord, they moved on to the fifth stronghold.

Here the lord of the fortress tried to bribe him with women and money. He took the women for the night, enjoying himself to the fine selection the lord had prepared as they spent the night.

The following morning, Fuyu brainwashed the lord thus securing his loyalty.

Then, the 6th and 7th lords outright tried to kill them.

Fuyu had to get creative with these two, as he couldn't kill too much of the garrisons to sell the lie he intended to spell to the Revolutionary Army.

For the forward, he knew from previously gathered intel that this particular woman had a soft spot for a particular pet bird she kept in her chambers. Fuyu snuck inside, took the bird, and threaten to kill it unless she surrendered without conditions.

To the horror of her men and to the great amusement of the Flash Demon, the lady lord of the 6th fortress surrendered obediently in a fit of childish crying.

The Chairmen brainwashed everyone in the stronghold soon after, instructed them on how to proceed from here.

The 7th was a bit tricky, as the garrison was bolstered by members of the Revolutionary Army disguised in Imperial uniform. Fuyu had little choice but to brainwash several of the garrison and had them fight as he worked his way to the castle lord.

Then to his astonishment, the 7th lord committed suicide. The man issuing orders to all his men to fight to the last before jumping off the ramparts.

Fuyu let out a massive sigh and, once again, had to spend hours brainwashing everyone alive.

Those that died were buried, official records stating that they died on patrol in a series of freak accidents. Given the ungodly terrain of that part of the South, it was a plausible explanation so long as one didn't dig too deeply.

The 8th fortress, their previous stop, had a more compromising lord.

The man had a reputation of a womanizer, as well as having a sadist streak. Thus, he offered to willingly follow Fuyu's commands as long as he could sleep with one of his women.

Celina gladly accepted, having the time of her life at the expense of that particular lord.

With both his maid and the lord satisfied, the latter agreed to act as Fuyu instructed. Given that there was low risk on his part of the plan, there was no reason why he wouldn't obey and less to brainwash the man.

At this time, news of the event of Kyoroch reached their ears via a shinobi sent by Serpentine.

This news came later than the chairmen had planned, and he now knew why.

Raryu was damaged in his fight with Pyro.

Burn wounds took time to heal for the immortal undead, and thus for the time being removed him from the board. While those possessed by Serpentine still functioned, the sentient Imperial Arms had to give some priority to which puppets could function as much of the ancient being's energies where being spent healing his host.

Fortunately, this snag didn't prevent the parasite from carrying out his key tasks this past year.

More bad new followed.

Pyro is missing, and from last sighting broke his mind control.

Fuyu always thought that Jast's call to alter Pyro's memories was a risky move. Turns out, it became a worse case scenario.

Pyro is a key figure in his plan. He is needed to fight and kill General Esdeath! Without him...

Fuyu would have to fight her himself, with the help of Commander Budo. A doable match up, however... his dear sister had a tendency to keep growing her already monstrous powers by leaps and bounds.

Prime example was this new ability to freeze time itself. Even with all the speed he could muster, Fuyu knew we couldn't outrun time.

This is a major problem, one he hadn't a solution to at this time. The Chairmen of the Senate had no choice but to focus resources toward finding Pyro.

Good news was, he had a girlfriend. A girlfriend who they knew exactly where she was and thus could be watched for signs of Pyro's return.

At least everything else seemed to be going according to plan. Most interesting was the report from the North. The Polar Knight Kingdom was far more capable than anyone predicted by wiping out Esdeath's army to the last man.

That helped ease the newly formed stress he felt surging over these latest developments. They would be vital allies in the times ahead. He would have to thank his dear friend for such a good call. Still...

Plans rarely ever went accordingly after all.

Fuyu instructed Serpentine on alterations to the plan and how to go from here, then dismissed the puppet to carry out his orders.

Fuyu and his party only had an hour or so left before reaching the last stop on this journey before heading back to the Capital. As they went, he decided to pass the time by picking Flora Gainey's brain a bit.

"Do you know the core reason why the Imperial Army had no chance against the full force of the Polar Knight Kingdom? Why even my dear sister's impressive army failed so spectacularly?" He asked the former general.

Flora looked to her left, thinking. "Part of the reason is the lack of information of the Norsemen, without any viable intel one cannot form a sound battle plan."

Fuyu nodded, allowing her to continue.

"The main reason why the army failed is due to the negligence of developing military doctrine. An issue I tried to change to no avail." Flora turned her head to her master.

"The Empire has a tendency to use overwhelming numbers in mass infantry charges. While we have recently developed some long range artillery and possess guns, on mass the Imperials relay on a majority of melee equip troops."

"Almost every major conflict the Empire has fought in over the past 500 years has rarely seen the usage of horse mounted troops other than in the use of mounted infantry. Thanks to the lack of experience and the obvious deterioration of administration, it stands to reason why an infantry dominated military fails to properly counter a significant cavalry force as they have no uniform method of countering such a formation."

Fuyu smiled wide, nodding with enthusiasm. "Just so! It is exactly as you said! The Empire has been lazy with developing countermeasures against forces they have barely fought up till now!"

"The military is locked in a dangerous state of mind. They have stuck to using mass wave tactics for centuries and we have a terrible habit on relying too much on super weapons such as the Imperial Arms! We might have the manpower to throw thousands of soldiers into the meat grinder of war without batting an eye, but that doesn't mean we should!"

"Yes we have guns, but those are considered special equipment and only given to a select few. I find it a miracle that we have artillery, but those pieces are reserved for the Capital. We should be mass producing guns, stepping away from the heavy reliance of melee weapons, and focus on developing small unit tactics."

Fuyu frowned as he spoke this next part.

"Instead, we remain deadlocked in the inefficient ways all to save money. They say we don't mass produce guns as they can cause so much more damage and thus dangerous. That's the most idiotic excuse I have ever heard! Weapons dangerous? Yes, and the sea is made of water! We all know the real reason such production is denied! It's thanks to the pompous assholes in the government refusing to spend their wealth on anything beneficial to the nation!"

Fuyu let out an evil-like laugh. "Oh just wait! When my armies mobilize, those bureaucrats will realize their folly before we kill them all!"

Flora smiled. "My lord, your habit is showing."

"Ah right." Fuyu relaxed, shrugging with a smile. "Sorry bout that, but we're so close I just can't help it you know?"

"Indeed, Lord Fuyu." Flora looked ahead, their destination in sight. "I, too, cannot wait to see this world you desire to create."

"I assure you, it will be thousands of times better than the current state we find ourselves in!" Fuyu smiled, grinning his teeth. "One last fortress, then we can return home and await the start of the end!"


3 months after the assassination of Bolic, Path of Peace HQ in the heart of Kyoroch.

Lord Fairchild stood before groups of armed members of his following. Off to his left stood Rook, ever watchful in his job. To his right stood Bolic's replacement, a devote priest in his own right.

They have gathered here as the culmination of many months of preparation. Of a decision to do good by commuting evil.

Tonight, the Path of Peace shall rise up in armed revolt against the tyrannical Imperials.

Tonight, picked men shall take over the governor's manor and raid various storehouses holding food, weapons, and taxes collected for their eventual transfer to the Capital.

Tonight, there would be no turning back.

Thus, the leader of this religious organization stood before the unit leaders of said picked men. He would be sending them to death, be it there or others.

Lord Fairchild wanted to avoid this outcome, he desired so desperately to resolve this peacefully.

However, he knew now that those at the Capital would never hear their words. Not when they have powerful pieces at their disposal.

Yes, it was the Jagears that finally made up Lord's mind to take action.

Especially when he glanced at their leader...General Esdeath, a monster unlike any he had seen.

Lord Fairchild let out a breath, closing his eyes as he steeled himself for what needed to be done.

He gazed upon the crowd, and while each armed member before him had their face covered by cloth Lord could still see into their eyes.

They were scared but determined, nervous but proud. They knew what they were about to do would change the nation for the better. They saw this as their calling.

And who was he to deny them justification in the evil they were about to commit? To persuade them from committing sin to being about a just world?

"Brothers and sisters," Lord began. "we are about to embark on a quest to correct the evils of this land. You, the chosen few, have been personally selected to lead our first actions towards the goal of setting this nation on its rightful course. I wish there was another way aside from shedding blood, from killing our fellow humans."

"However, all other options have been exhausted. The leadership of the Capital have ignored the cries of the people of this land! They have forced unbearable hardships to all citizens of the Empire! We have been patience, waiting for the government, the Emperor to realize the evils they have committed and return to the righteous path! Alas, it was all for nought..."

Lord Fairchild turned his gaze to the ground, a look of deep sadness etched onto his face. "We could have waited for hundreds of years, and still find ourselves no better off then now." He rose his head, taking in all before him as an intense aura seemed to consume all within the area. Lord Fairchild had a look few had ever seen upon his face.

A look of such serious determination, of such ambitious hope and the unrelenting confidence that he could do anything he set his mind to. Many before the Lord of the Path of Peace didn't see the man before them as their peaceful, easy going leader anymore.

In that instance at least, they recognized him as a determined to carry out whatever was necessary to do what's right. As a man who can do no wrong and lead them all through this harsh times.

As a hero.

"Our patience has run out with the current regime! Words cannot move them, alas we must now fall to violence to change this world for the better! While it saddens me greatly that is has come to this, the powers of so called greater men have left us with no other choice!"

"Tonight, we take action with our own hands! Tonight, we show the corrupt Imperials that we of the Path of Peace shall no longer abide by their unjust practices! Tonight, we strike into the heart of evil itself! Tonight, we deliver hope to the masses and show them the path toward everlasting salvation!"

A unified roar answered Lord Fairchild. Every member of the armed forces of the Path of Peace gathered their rose their fist high into the air, yelling as found as their lungs can handle, giving their all to their lord whom lit a fire in each of their hearts.

To their lord who removed any lingering doubt in their minds and reaffirmed to each and everyone of them that they were on the side of justice. That no matter how much blood they were to spill, that they were doing the right thing.

To free this land from the corruption so deeply rooted in her heart. To kill all whom sided with the evil of this land, and fulfill their duty to make the world a better place.

The new High Priest dismissed the armed forces before them, setting each of the leaders loose unto that night. To lead their men and do what is absolutely necessary for the procurement of a new, just world.

Lord Fairchild exhaled deeply, not knowing he had held his breath. He turned his head toward his loyal bodyguard.

"Was that a bit much?" He asked Rook. The latter smirked. "Not enough if anything."

"Truly?" Lord asked, blinking in bewilderment. "Are you saying I did poorly?"

Rook let out a laugh. "Not at all. Even I found myself inspired. Simply wanted you to talk on a little longer to see how big of a fire you could've set off. That said, I think you lit a pretty big blaze in the hearts of those soldiers."

"Of course he did," The new High Priest cut in. "Lord Fairchild is the voice of God. One such as he can easily inspired his loyal followers."

"I only pray that our actions tonight don't needless waste the lives of our brothers and sisters." Lord Fairchild added, rather grimly.

Rook took a step forward, placing a hand on his client's shoulder.
"Lord, none of those that die tonight or in the days to follow will be needless deaths. Each of them are willingly sacrificing themselves to bring about a better world. There is no cause for sorrow with a goal that grand. Besides, we aren't alone. Many citizens across the nation will surely follow our lead."

"That, is what I am afraid of." Lord Fairchild answered with a sad smile.
"I am not foolish enough to believe that others won't follow in our footsteps to strike out against the corruption of the Capital. I know the masses will rise with us, fight with us, and ultimately die with us until this is all settled. I know this is inevitable, yet it still saddens me that so many will have to die to change this world."

"In one hand, I welcome those that are brave enough to rise in open rebellion with us. To change the nation for the better with their own hands. In the other, my heart weeps with each additional soul added to our ranks as they will likely die or face injury in the coming battles. That those we face off against will too face injury or die."

Lord Fairchild looked at his friend/bodyguard, eyes watering as he gave Rook a smile. "I am conflicted Rook. I feel joy and sorrow at what the future holds...I know not if I have the strength to weather the coming storm."

"Hey now, you think most leaders of armies don't feel like you do now?" Rook patted Lord's shoulder. "
Everyone feels conflicted at first, wondering if they are doing the right thing or if its worth it at the end. Now, I'm no physic but I know for a fact that we are fighting for the right reasons. Never doubt that. As for the losses we will face, well, harsh as this is, that's war my friend."

"People will die, they will fight, get injured, and suffer. That doesn't mean we can give up when the losses become to great to bare. You owe it to everyone that stands up to fight under our banner. You are the leader, and we will support you as far as you can go, drag you up when you think you can't take anymore and push you forward for more. Bet on it."

Lord let out a laugh, closing his eyes as he wiped the tears pooling in his eyes. "So I just have to put up with it huh? You'll be dragging me along regardless of how I feel as it's my duty to see this to the end huh? Thanks a lot."

Rook let out a laugh, slapping his friend's shoulder three times. "This is nothing compared to what I had to do for Walker from time to time. Trust me, you're getting off easy!"

Lord Fairchild nodded. "I'll take your word on it."

"My lord." The High Priest said, drawing Fairchild's attention "We must move on to the Grand Hall and await the reports of tonight's operation."

"Of course." Lord Fairchild replied as Rook lowered his arm. "Lead on."


Tonight, the armed forces of the Path of Peace, operating in units from 10 to 96 members strong, hit various points across the vast city of Kyoroch.

Each target was taken with minimal casualties, all within the warehouses captured by these victorious forces and most importantly, the Imperial Governor was taken alive.

With the first step taken, the Path of Peace mobilized its full force and headed West towards the Capital.

Word spread like wildfire of this uprising and, as predicted, citizens all throughout the Empire rose up in revolt. The Imperial forces of the East would be spread thin by these numerous incidents as they struggled to contain the inferno.

However, this was but half the opening act.

To the West, barbarian tribes allied with the Revolutionary Army invaded. This unexpected act of aggression took the Imperial forces of the West completely by surprise.

Border forts fell within days to the unexpected tenacity of these invaders fueled by their determination to reclaim their lost lands.

Counterattacks from the Imperials were often disorganized and insufficient in numbers, thus adding easily avoidable casualties. The inexperience of the Empire's military was showing for all to see, and her enemies capitalized on it to the fullest.

To the South, the Revolutionary Army prepared to mobilize. In a month at most, this massive army would march nearly unopposed towards the Capital at an alarming speed.

Least that was the plan set in stone due to years of preparation.

Preparation that has been altered drastically by one ingenious man.

In the days to come, a youthful assassin will discover the true face of the Revolutionary Leadership and make a choice that will change the fate of this nation forever.

And soon, the destructive 4th force taking part in this grand conflict will reveal itself in the Capital under a new name and authority.

As of now however, all across the Empire, one thing is known for certain by each civilian whom have heard even a fraction of these recent events.

The Revolution has begun.

And the Imperial Empire is powerless to stop it.


And here ends another entry to Akame ga Kill: Clockwork und the start of the Wild Hunt and Revolution Arcs!

Also I'MMMMM AAALLLIVVEEEEEE

Sup ppl, been awhile. Over a year actually, but like I said I'm not stopping my writings. It just takes longer than I like cause life be like that.

Anyway, I should have more time to write now that I switched jobs again and can ACTUALLY HAVE A LIFE. That do be important.

Also DAMN WE AS OVER 22K VIEWS! Thanks everyone for the support!

Back to the task at hand, how bout this entry eh?

We dropped a lot of bombs today.

From the Polar Knight Kingdom to the beginning of the Revolution, many parts are in motion as we approach the end game of our story.

I felt that the Northern Kingdom needed a moment to be properly explained in terms of military. We only get hints in the manga, but they seem to excel in hit and run tactics. I've taken the liberty of expanding their military and nation, providing us with a picture of an army that is part professional and permit supplemented by militia from all the collective city states of the nation.

The numbers shown in the battle is the full strength of the Polar Knight Kingdom, roughly over 10,000. Keep in mind, this number is the response for a battle within their territory. When invading, the army size is significantly smaller as its usually pulled from a single city state to several city states.

Rare is the call for invasion answered by every clan in the nation.

However, given the current case of revenge, its more likely to be answered by a majority of the city states.

Finally we have Tatsumi heading out to meet the leadership of the Revolutionary Army. The Council, as Najenda 1st mentioned, are a collection of high ranking, former members of Imperial ministrations, military, and in some cases foreigners. These men and women decide everything through simple democratic means and are, in theory, equal.

In reality well...you'll find out hahahaha.

Lets just say for now without spoiling too much, is that everything should be seen in shades of grey.

The status of Night Raid here vs the manga is that they have already returned to their hideout, resting their wounds that aren't as serious for some of them and awaiting the word from the higher-ups to begin killing HVIs and whatever else needed to support the revolution. Thus since they're just twiddling their thumbs anyway, we let the young boy Tatsumi learn that even the "good guys" can be scumbags.

Then we have a summary of the events happening with the majority of the other Imperial fortresses in the South as Fuyu visits them.
For the purpose of the story and for several bits to make sense to me, we have it where a trip undisturbed from the Capital to the Revolutionary Army's HQ takes about a month.

Factor in the need to make stops along the way, deal with any disturbances along the way, and so on und you see why it took Fuyu about 2 months to reach the last fortress. It'll be easier on the return trip of course.

Now you maybe asking why I left out the last fortress visit. There is a reason and you will find out in due time :D.

Lastly, the official start of the Revolution with Lord Fairchild giving a speech to his followers before their armed uprising began.

Again, I feel for characters that have at least decent development that get thrown aside like trash and/or forgotten. Thus I felt the need to bring up this well meaning man on the night everything changes.

He regrets that is has come to bloodshed, but knows that there is no other choice.

A man conflicted but steals himself to do what is necessary yet still finds himself torn between what is just and what he desires. In many ways, for a hybrid, Lord Fairchild is much more human then the average character you see in this universe.

We'll be seeing a bit more of this character and the Path of Peace in the future before the end comes.

Now the Revolution has begun, how will things turn from here? The Empire finds herself engulfed in flames, will Esdeath and her Jagears be able to piece together the fallen pieces or will Clockwork take center stage to restore the Imperials to their former glory? How will Tatsumi react once he discovers the true nature of the Revolutionary Army's leadership? And what will the forces residing in the darkness do in this growing chaos?

Find out the answers to these questions in the coming entries as the official start of the Wild Hunt and Revolution Arcs concludes!