The four men walked into the underground lab, their eyes scanning the room. Their chainmail armor was under a cloth tunic, with a symbol of a red and white circle or sun. Their hands were covered in brown leather gauntlets. .
"You sure about this, Richthofen?" One man asked, with an American accent. He was a Caucasian, with light brown hair and a moustache. His face, besides some dirt and dried blood, was clean of any scars.
"Yes, Dempsey. This will allow us to finally live a normal life. We just have one more loose end to tie up," answered the leader of the group, a German accent being present in his voice. He was of Caucasian descent, and his hair was black, with a small moustache. He had a large scar on his right cheek, alongside some dried blood and dirt. His eyes were blue.
"Whatever you say, German. I have my eye on you," a third man said, a deep Russian accent was in his voice. He was a Caucasian as well and also had blue eyes, with a brown, thick goatee and moustache. On his head was a narrown haircut.
"Do not worry, Nikolai. While Richtofen has lied in the past, it was only to get us to do what must be done. Ever since the start of the Second Great War, he has told the truth," responded the final man, with a Japanese accent. He was of an Asian descent, and he had black hair that was tied in a bun. He had a small beard and a moustache. He had brown eyes.
"I know, Takeo, I know," the Russian, Nikolai, responded. The German, Richtofen, walked around the lab, looking for one of his inventions. The other three looked around, keeping an eye on the entrance.
"Hey, Richtofen," the American, Dempsey, called out. "I found one of your books," he walked over, carrying a large leather book, "this looks like that evil book thing. You make a copy of it?"
"Let me see," Richtofen said. As he looked at the book, his eyes narrowed. "'The Records of the Four Cardinal Heroes'? This isn't like the Kronorium. I don't even remember obtaining this. I suppose one of you could read it, while I look for the device," He said, before looking at the other two. "Takeo, if you would be so kind," the German said, handing the book to the Asian. He looked at the title, his eyes narrowing.
"I am surprised that you were able to read the title. I was not aware you could read Japanese so fluently," Takeo said offhandedly.
"What do you mean, Takeo? It's in German," Richtofen responded, walking over to his Japanese friend.
"Let me take a look at this," Dempsey said, looking over the two's shoulders. "Well, Doc, looks like you're both wrong. It's clearly in English," he responded.
"That doesn't seem possible. Hey, Nikolai!" Richtofen called out. The Russian peaked his head around a corner. "Tell me, what language is the title of this book in?" The German asked, handing the book over. The Russian looked at the title, before handing it back.
"It's in my mother tongue. What is the meaning of this?" Nikolai asked.
"I do not know, my Russian friend. I believe the book itself might hold the answer," Richtofen answered.
"Well, let's crack her open," Dempsey responded.
"Wait, shouldn't we look for this device Richtofen mentioned?" Nikolai asked.
"It will be fine. At worst, it will be a slight diversion," Richtofen responded, before opening the book. "In a world that is ravaged by the Waves of Catastrophe, four heroes are summoned. Each wielding a Legendary Cardinal weapon. A sword, a bow, a spear, and a shield,'" Richtofen began.
"Wait, a shield? Is that his weapon?" Dempsey asked.
"Quiet, Dempsey!" Richtofen said. "Now then," as Richtofen turned the page, he froze.
"What is it, Richtofen?" Takeo asked, looking over the shoulder of the German. "What, what is the meaning of this?" The other two looked at the page Richtofen was stuck on.
"No way."
"This, this must be a mistake."
The book showed four heroes, standing on a hill, surrounded by cheering knights. Each wore chainmail armor, with a symbol on their chest. In each of their hands was a large staff. In each corner of the drawing was a face. The four looked in shock, as they saw themselves from the Great War. They saw their title.
Primis.
"How?" Nikolai asked, breathless.
"I wish I knew," Richtofen asked.
"W-well, it could just be a placeholder for the heroes," Dempsey said, not believing a word he said.
"I suppose we can find out," Takeo said, his voice uncertain. He took the book from Richtofen, who gave it up without a fight. "'However, if the world ends up in true peril, then four other heroes will be called upon before the arrival of the Four Cardinal Heroes. Each of them wielding an Elemental Staff. They will assist the Cardinal Heroes in combating the Waves of Catastrophe.'" An alarm suddenly began to ring out.
"What the hell is that, Richtofen?" Dempsey asked.
"That would be the alarm indicating Interdimensional travel," Richtofen answered, his voice shaking.
"So, someone is coming here?" Nikolai asked.
"No," Richtofen responded. The book suddenly began to spark with electricity. Wind began to roar around the four. "We're leaving!" Richtofen yelled, as he tried to leave the laboratory. A bolt of lightning stopped him in his tracks.
The four noticed something glow in each of their pockets. They reached into it, and pulled out a glowing crystal. Dempsey's crystal was glowing purple. Nikolai's was red. Takeo had a blue crystal. Finally, Richtofen's crystal was glowing green.
"Why are they-" Richtofen began to ask, before he was cut off by the book. A sudden bright light flashed from it, enveloping the four. When it receded, the four knights of the Great War were gone.
Hey everyone. I'm back. For those who are wondering, yes, I deleted my old stories. I didn't have any motivation to continue them. Anyways, if you have any suggestions about this story, let me know. Thanks for reading, and I will see you next time.