Volume II: Unforgiving Kingdom

Chapter VIII: Running In Goldenia

Location: Throne Room, Castle Vallera, 18th Floor

"O' great citizens of Goldenia, I come to you all with a national emergency."

The new Queen, Freesia von Bismarck, had returned to the throne room after going over the incidents and new task that she's taken on while on the seventeenth floor. Inside the throne room, several guards and magic users had set up several small portals around the Queen. Using these, Freesia was currently able to address every floor of the kingdom from the comfort of the throne room. As of now, she intended to use this in order to fulfill her task.

"As your new ruler, I would hate to have to do something like this so suddenly, especially in the midst of the night." She continued to say. "But I have come to address all of you today with a grave problem that will concern not just the Imperial Army, but all of the residents of Goldenia. I ask that you all listen very closely, and give me your full attention."

-x-

Location: 15th Floor, Goldenia

As the Prime Minister spoke the people all halted what they were doing across various floors. They all looked around as several magical glyphs had appeared all around the floor, where Freesia's voice could be heard coming from each and every one of them.

"Not too long ago, a prison break happened on the Imperial Dungeon within the seventeenth floor." Freesia continued. "The prisoners that escaped were considered dangerous as upon their encounter on the eleventh floor. With the efforts of myself and Prime Minister Alexiel, these two prisoners had been subdued. This was about two weeks ago. As of now however, the Imperial Army of Goldenia now has a traitor in its rank. This individual managed to escape capture and break out the prisoners who were held for execution. These three are now at large and have escaped the seventeenth floor."

The people all looked around in shock and in fear as Freesia continued to explain to them. Immediately, the sounds of worried chatter began to appear from the people.

"Escaped prisoners and a traitor?!" One person said.

"H-How dangerous can these people be?!" Another one said as well.

-x-

Location: 13th Floor, Goldenia

"All civilians and other personal that lack fighting strength or any abilities in combat whatsoever, you are advised to keep your distance if these individuals are seen around anywhere within the Kingdom." Freesia continues. "And as well, it will be your responsibility to report any sightings of the to the Imperial Army. However do so safely. Whatever information you have isn't useful if they were to end your life."

On the thirteenth floor, several soldiers has been sitting around listening to Freesia addressing the kingdom. Some of them laughed upon hearing this.

"Ah those royal guards are too soft anyways." One of them said. "We see these convicts, we'll round them up before the others can get any action at all!"

"You're damn right we will!" Another soldier exclaimed.

"Don't underestimate them."

All of the soldiers looked over to see that it was Juri who had addressed them.

"If Her Highness has to alert the entire kingdom about these three," He said. "Then there's definitely more to them than you all think. So don't get all cocky, all of a sudden."

-x-

Location: 1st Floor, Goldenia

"The three individuals are one male and two females." Freesia's speech continued on. "The man in question is distinguishable by his white, spiky hair, as well as the fact he's normally seen wearing a red jacket, and carries a large cleaver sword around with him. Both women are former lieutenants. One is a blonde haired woman, formerly an admiral before stepping down from her position. However, she still dresses as if she's an airship commander. The last one is a black haired woman. A former mercenary and recently a lieutenant before her betrayal. She always carries around a ranged weapon such as a bow or crossbow with her as well."

On the first floor, the rest of the people had been listening to this as well. Though unlike those above them, they weren't much fighters or capable to stopping them. They were sore afraid. At the same time on the first floor, Goblin Mage had managed to sneak out of the abandoned house safely, and had been listening as well.

"Feena..." She said softly. "Good luck."

-x-

Location: 8th Floor, Goldenia

"All soldiers on each floor is to be on high alert." The Queen had yet to let up on her announcement. She continued to talk. "These three have last been seen traveling together, and would be dangerous for one to approach alone. Keep your distance, and attempt to strike in groups. Do not get yourselves killed over this."

On the eighth floor, there was a young boy wearing a large hat who was standing around as the announcement from the Queen rang throughout the floor. As he listened, he was simply flipping a coin up and down.

"As for others. This goes for criminals, vigilantes, and mercenaries that are throughout the kingdom. The Imperial Court is willing to allow your help and cooperate with the Imperial Army in this endeavor. Any of you that aid us in capturing these prisoners shall be given a handsome reward. Money, possessions, the Imperial Court will grant you one thing that you desire."

As this was said, the boy suddenly stop flipping his coin and smiled.

"Perfect." He said grabbing a cane that was behind him. "That's all I needed to here."

-x-

Location: 15th Floor, Goldenia

"For the Imperial Army, any commanders or other soldiers that manage to bring these three into custody shall also be given one request that the Imperial Court shall fulfill. This goes for promotions as well."

On the fifteenth floor, the was a lavender haired female officer that was standing there as she heard this. Upon hearing the reward for bringing in the three in question, she looked down slowly and placed a hand on her chest.

-x-

Location: 3rd Floor, Goldenia

"The convicts in question will most likely be trying to flee Goldenia by heading out from the first floor. Our goal is that we must stop them before they can reach their escape point! The Imperial Army will be working as best to our ability in order to capture them, but this will also rely on the entire kingdom's input in helping us with this endeavor!

Within the third floor, there was a young, blonde haired man in a dark red jacket sitting down at a water fountain as he heard this announcement. He then sighed.

"I just hope Mina and Mona don't get themselves involved in this..." He said.

-x-

Location: 14th Floor, Goldenia

"Each and every one of you who provides aid to us as best as they can will be appreciated. This shall be my main announcement over this matter, as I see no need for another until we have succeeded. As the Queen of Goldenia, I as well will be giving it my all to capture these three. As loyal citizens of Goldenia, I expect you all to do the same!"

Soon the glyphs that were scattered across the kingdom began to disappear in bunches. The Queen had concluded her announcement and the people could return to their daily lives.

"Damn it. That woman's really going all out to find us."

Currently hiding in a back alley on the fourteenth floor were the three in question; Ragna, Monika, and Feena. Having followed Feena's underground pathway, the group of three managed to evade detection for the time being and were currently hiding inside of a back alley during the announcement to avoid detection.

"We haven't even been out a day and she's put this place on full lockdown." Ragna said.

"Security around the floors can only get stronger from here." Monika commented. "We need to move quickly if we want to get out of this floor without being spotted. Feena, where's the next tunnel?"

"Unfortunately, it's on the opposite side of this floor." Feena said with sigh. "We're not getting there unless we can get over to the opposite side without getting caught."

"You mean we've got to find a way to sneak around in the open?" Ragna asked. "I doubt there's enough alleyways for us to not get caught."

"Calm down. It shouldn't be that hard if we play our cards right. Look, all we have to do is know when and where to move in order to avoid the guards. Besides, you have the two of us, who used to be part of the Imperial Army. That should help!"

"Judging by what I've seen from both of your past actions leading up to this, I'm not so confident in your former positions leading us to safety."

"He has us there." Monika sighed as she nodded in agreement. "Besides, we aren't members of the Imperial Army anymore. There's no telling how they'll change up for something like this." Monika placed a hand on her hat. "I knew we should've ran for it while she was making her announcement."

"Listening was still a good idea Monika." Feena argued.

"If she had mentioned something about the tunnels and we missed it, all of this would go down in flames." Ragna said in agreement with Feena. "You've got
to admit it, but staying here was a good idea for now. All that's left is to figure out where to go from here."

"We could always-"

Feena suddenly stopped talking as the group could hear footsteps approaching their position.

"It can only be more soldiers." Monika said quietly. "I'm sure of it."

"Any ideas?" Ragna asked quietly. "We're out of time. We need to go."

"Dammit... Just run for it!"

"If we run, we're at a better chance at being seen." Feena said quietly.

"If we don't, then what's the point of breaking out in the first place?" Ragna asked. "Come on. Let's go!"

"We can discuss this later." Monika replied.

Not having any other choice on how to escape their current predicament, the group of three quickly took off running down the alley, out of sight of anyone that may come in from behind them.

"How long is this alley anyway?" Ragna asked.

"Not that long." Feena said. "We'll have to stop, climb up one of these buildings, or take our chances and run through the streets and then hope that we don't get caught

"All of those options are risky." Monika commented. "I say we take our chances proceeding on the rooftops. Even if we're spotted, I doubt that any of them could reach us fast enough."

"It's better than nothing, then."

"No time to waste then!"

Feena then shot up a gust of wind from under her and propelled herself upward into the air.

"Here." Monika said as she looked over and held out her hand towards Ragna. "You can't use wind like the two of us, so it'll be harder for you to climb up. Take my hand. I'll take you up with me."

Ragna nodded and grabbed the woman's hand. Soon Monika formed a small gust of wind under her feet that propelled herself and Ragna upward to the building next to them, slowly but surely. After several seconds of sailing up, the two had managed to reach the building. Ragna then stepped up first, letting go of Monika's hand as the girl followed after him. Soon, all three of them had managed to get on top of the building, and were ready to move just about anywhere.

"Come on, let's get out of here." Monika told to the two. "We need to get over towards the other side of the floor if we're gonna get out of here quickly."

The two nodded as Feena started running off on the building. Monika and Ragna took off after her. The three ran off and did their best to stay out of sight, despite them being on top of a building.

"It's quite impressive. To see how far she's going with this."

Location: Unknown

From inside a dark manor somewhere far way, there was a young woman wearing a purple dress sitting on a comfortable chair in the middle of the room, her eyes closed as she sat there tapping her foot. She slowly started to open her eyes, revealing an amethyst purple glow in them as she did so. She held out her hand and summoned a staff in it, which she proceeded to bang the end of it on the ground. Suddenly a purple glyph appeared in front of her. As of now, the woman could now watch Freesia's speech to Goldenia from all angles. The woman then sported a mischievous smile on her face as she watched.

"Openly declaring them criminals and then placing such high rewards for their safe capture." The woman said with a giggle. "You're even letting the lowlife scum of your kingdom get involved with subduing my prize." The woman crossed her legs as she continued to watch. "Freesia von Bismarck... You truly know no bounds when it comes to achieving your goals."

"She also doesn't seem to know how badly she's underestimating them, am I right?"

The woman giggled as she heard a man's voice from behind her. The sounds of footsteps walking up to her could be heard from behind. However, the woman did not turn around to see who it was at all.

"Come now." She responded. "Even with everything that she's recently executed, you don't see any reason to give Freesia the benefit of doubt?"

The man behind her chuckled.

"Even with all of that, I already told you that Ragna isn't meant to be underestimated." He said to the woman. "After all, he's got quite the name for himself back in our universe. If you let that beastkin keep underestimating him, then..." He chuckled once again. "You may very well just let your prize slip out of your grasp."

"That may be true. However, Goldenia has a name for it as well. Don't expect them to go easy on him, or any of those girls that's with him. With a prize like that on the line and knowing the wealth and fame of Goldenia, every soldier and mercenary there will be searching for them. And let's just say that there are certain ones who can put up a fight."

"But you did say it yourself. While he's there that redhead woman, Alexiel I believe she calls herself, is probably the worst opponent that they'll ever have to face. And even then, they've managed to kill her what, like two of three times?"

"Reckless but resilient. If Freesia hadn't taken her away from this, then she wouldn't have let them escape from the seventeenth floor without another fight. Don't you think?"

"I suppose so. But do tell me a few things.; What do you plan to do if. . . when she fails? I mean, I'm sure Belial and the others are gonna want a shot at Raggy before you reel him in."

"Fair enough. But need I remind you that you're the one who gave me this idea. Therefore, I'm entrusting you to be the one who make sure everything goes successfully for me after all."

"Oh don't worry about me. I'm sure that I'll be able to handle myself just fine."

"Fine then. Anything else, you want to ask me?"

"One more thing and that should be it. Consider me curious when I say this; Why did you choose to wait though?"

"Elaborate."

"Elaborate? What more do I need to say? Ragna was chained down, you had guys all over the place. There's no way he could've ran easily and you know it. But still, you chose to wait till after they've killed the blonde chick. Why is that? Who the hell is she anyway? What made her so special that you'd wait until she's dead?"

"That, my friend, is merely because I didn't feel like wasting my valuable time on her." The woman then closed her eyes and now had a more serious look. "Besides. She would've been a nuisance to kill if I stepped in. Hell, I'm surprised that she didn't notice my presence at all. I would've expected someone of her capability to know that I was there."

"So, I was right. There's more to her than just watching her shoot a gun."

The woman chuckled. "You have no possible clue."

"Well then. That's all I wanted from you." The man chuckled as he could be heard walking off. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my leave for now."

"Very well. I suppose. But one more thing."

"Oh? And what might that be?"

"Simple really..."

The woman turned around in her chair and soon faced the man. The man that she had been talking to was a rather tall man. He worse black pants and a black dress shirt that had been opened at the top, and worse a yellow overcoat that covered the top of his face, making only his eyes visible.

"If he does leave Goldenia..." The woman continued. "How do you plan to handle this... Terumi?"

In response the man simply turned around and chuckled, before bursting out into loud and crazy laughter. As he looked up towards the woman, she was easily able to see the crazy look in his eye. That crazed look belonged to none other than Yuuki Terumi.

. . .

"By doing what I do best."