SS Chapter 2: Ada, and the topic of Justice Pt. 1
Randall. In a place of lodging where it was not uncommon for Summoners to set out on Raids from.
At night, this place was usually so rowdy that the staff could never keep up with its influx of customers; however, it was relatively tame in the morning. Energetic patrons left early to start on a whole day of raiding, while those who had been partying rather hard the previous night slept the morning away. At the moment, only one customer was at the bar.
Ada sat in contemplation at the table with Elise behind the counter, a near perfect reflection from the night before. Sitting on the counter before Ada was an empty plate with the remains of her breakfast and her half-finished drink. The latter's cloak lay folded on the table underneath a large coin pouch Ada usually carried around with her. Elise stood before the sink washing a few cups, watching Ada with concerned eyes.
While usually the designated Raid Adjutant of the inn, it had become a common sight to see Elise helping around with chores. As a diligent worker with charming looks, she was popular amongst the patrons - much to the ire of a certain warrior who also frequents the raids.
Elise thought that she was used to that attention now. So what was with this awkward atmosphere?
Ada squirmed in her seat, the words at the edge of her tongue as if wanting to say something. She glanced in Elise's direction, but quickly averted her gaze when she noticed Elise was watching her. Elise recognised her body language and fondly recalled how, while usually loudmouthed and outgoing, Ada was always shy to ask for help or advice. It always took Elise to ask her what the matter was before Ada even came close to opening up.
Well, it was not unexpected. Ada had become a Summoner by her own strength. Her family came from the lower castes, so she had no connections to call upon. After defying all odds to become a Summoner by herself, she was not going to just start asking anyone around her for help when she needed it. It was simply not part of her nature, that and the fact that she prided herself in succeeding with her own power.
Seriously, what was Elise to do with this girl?
"Ada, if you have something to ask… shoot now."
Ada lit up for a moment, but retreated from her joy and looked away. Her face reddened slightly.
"I-It's nothing."
Elise smiled kindly at Ada, she thought this side of her was cute too. Feigning resignation, she came out from behind the counter.
"Really? Well, if that's the case... I have to get back to work now."
"Eh? So soon?"
"It's not exactly that early, you know? People are going to start waking up and they'll be wanting the Raid Adjutant at her desk. Well, then. I'll see you-…"
"Wait! Elise-chan!"
Elise turned to face Ada, the latter's face had darkened to a deep scarlet at this point now. Elise moved closer to her plopped herself down onto the seat next to Ada, waiting patiently. After a moment of silence, Ada relented.
"...I'd like your advice on something."
Elise smiled.
"Sure, what's up?"
Ada reached into her breast pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
Slowly, Ada placed it on the table and Elise picked it up. Opening it, Elise read the contents of the letter. When she saw the bold words at the top of the form, her eyes widened with surprise.
"Ada! You want to start a new Demon Slayer's Division?"
Ada rubbed the back of her head, her hand brushing against her crimson red, shoulder-length hair.
"I know it hasn't been that long since Commander-chan and you decided to disband the Knights. But, working alone… I've come to realise that my time with the Silver Knights was the happiest in my life. So much so that I can't go back to working alone, anymore."
Elise smiled fondly.
"Ada…"
"I wanted to ask you about it last night, but Commander-chan appeared. I figured he might say something like… 'Have you no pride as a Silver Knight!?' and get angry like that, so I didn't mention it."
"Ah, that's why you asked if Noah was around."
Ada let out a small laugh, turning in her seat to survey the entire inn. Following her gaze, Elise found that Ada was looking at the various decorations displayed within the inn. Some were trophies from the Raids, while others were flags carrying the insignias of various Demon Slayer Groups, old and new. The Silver Knight's flag was among them, plastered to the wall just above the entrance.
"I know that the decision to end all activities was between you and Commander-chan, so there's no issue if I just start anew, right? I can go back to those glorious, wonderful days, right?"
Silence filled the inn once more as Ada sat face-to-face with Elise. Ada's eyes met hers, searching for approval. Elise smiled, how could she not give it? She placed her hand on Ada's hair and patted her on the head.
"Yes... Of course, Ada. How can I help?"
A genuine smile escaped onto Ada's face. In her heart, all was well again.
"Well, I can certainly talk you through the process. Afterwards, there will be lots of administrative work you'll have to do… Oh, you'll also need a referral. Well, I suppose I could do th-… "
"Really? Thank you, Elise-chan! Ah, I'm glad I came to you! Well, because of this I'm in a good mood today. Maybe I'll do some raids then."
Before Elise could continue, Ada leapt off her seat and flew to the far side of the room where multiple large bulletin boards were located. Paper notices of various sizes filled the wooden frame, pinned to the surface by thumbtacks. Some notices had been ripped off by Summoners who had taken up the job, leaving a small, torn up memento stuck to the cork-like surface underneath.
"Don't thank me just yet, Ada. There's still lots to do and you'll be doing most of it. First thing's first, do you even have anyone who'll join your new division?"
Ada remained silent for a while, deep in thought as she glanced over the various missions on the wall. Elise hoped she was actually thinking about that question and for a moment, questioned Ada's resolve. To her credit, Ada was also thinking about that, while in the midst of trying to find a good payout.
"Well… I suppose I could find someone from the Silver Knights. Although I think most of them are already in Guilds or have gone solo."
"What about someone from the Honourlytes?"
"Definitely not."
Ada felt the presence before the voice and spun around to meet it. Elise, on the other hand, just noticed that the other person who stood watching the both of them at the other side of the room. The stranger was clad in a large, heavy set of armour that made him an imposing presence in the room.
The suit was a shining white colour with gold linings that marked out the massive pauldrons and plated armour that covered him. He also had golden runic symbols lining the bracers he wore on his forearms. A massive red gem was embedded in his breastplate and lined with gold in a similar manner. A similar, smaller gem was also in the greatsword sheathed to his side. Ada maintained eye contact with the new arrival, whose face was obscured by a winged helmet.
It took great skill or magic power to be able to hide oneself so thoroughly, especially against Ada's honed senses. Ada clicked her tongue at the new arrival, cursing her carelessness.
"What's this, Adelaide? Please, let me in on the conversation."
Elise felt tension build in the room once more, but this tension from Ada's awkwardness. This time, hostility filled the air. Elise had a bad feeling about this.
…
"Ada, who is this man?"
"His name is Alex and he's part of the Imperial Guard." Ada stepped away from the bulletin board and walked to stand in between Elise and Alex. "He has no business being here."
"Don't be so cold, Adelaide. I just came here to pass my free time slaying Demons in service to the Empire."
The figure lifted the winged helmet from his head and held it at his side. Underneath, Elise discovered a young man almost too young to be a Summoner - sporting neat white hair that ended in tips of red and a young face, the man seemed almost non-human. His head was bandaged in such a way that his right eye was covered, but even so, there was a strange intensity in his gaze. His blue left eye maintained eye contact with Ada's golden ones.
"Pass time? People stake their living on jobs like these; not exactly an activity to pass time on."
"The Demon Slayers are highly inefficient, and it's a mistake to allow them to work so independently from the Empire's leadership. Regardless, by being here I help to do their job and it benefits everyone, does it not?"
Alex took a step closer to the counter, only to be blocked as Ada stepped forward to stand in his way. Elise was surprised at how resentful Ada was of this person. She was known to pick fights with other Demon Slayers, but this went beyond playful hostility. The Imperial Guardsman did not seem concerned, however, keeping his cool.
"So, Adelaide. I heard you were starting a new Demon Slayer's Division?"
"What's it to you?"
"Nothing. It's just good to know what my colleagues are doing. If you are starting a new Division, do make sure that it does its job, will you?"
Ada shrugged.
"I've never let anyone dictate how I live, you're not going to fare any better."
Alex smiled in resignation. Either he was too dense to notice Ada's hostility, or was simply brushing it off, Elise could not tell.
"I suppose not. Can I offer you a drink, instead?"
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid I'm not so keen to accept courtesy from Federation slime."
Elise thought she heard a sharp intake of breath. When she saw that Alex's expression had hardened into a more serious visage, Elise started to think she didn't imagine it. Composing himself, Alex simply smiled again.
"Adelaide. As an Honourlyte, I thought you'd be an ally of truth! A champion of fact! History is what you Honourlytes treasure the most, is it not?"
Adelaide scoffed. It looked like there was a bad taste in her mouth and Ada looked like she needed to spit.
"While it is true that I was part of the Elgaia Federation at one point as a sleeper agent, my loyalties have always been to Lord Eriole and the Randall Empire. I provided vital information from inside the organisation to Lord Eriole while keeping my identity a secret. In fact, my part was so convincing that I was even given a chance to spar with the great Zelban of La Veda legend! But alas, it was time to leave and I returned to Randall a lesser noble and offered a place in the Imperial Guard. Your accusation is quite unjust for the service I have provided."
"Agent or not, you are a traitor. A schemer and a coward, just like your Master."
The sound of the helmet bouncing on the wooden floor echoed in the empty room. The blur of white and green ended in an instant in a stalemate. Alex's gauntlet was on his sword hilt, the blade had barely been drawn before Ada jammed her boot on the cross guard keeping the massive blade in its scabbard. Sheer anger exuded from Alex, manifesting itself in a red and black miasma.
"Tread carefully, Adelaide Hata. There is a limit to my patience, I will not have you insult Lord Eriole so."
Harsh mocking laughter escaped Adelaide and was seemingly the last straw for Alex. The miasma of fire and darkness erupted forth in a wave of violence. The force sent Ada flying backwards and shook the surrounding furniture but otherwise did not damage them. The screech of metal signalled the unsheathing of the greatsword, which came down in a wide arc. Instead of flesh, the sword collided with something hard and smoke burst forth from the point of impact. Alex coughed and sputtered in surprise and he recoiled. Staring into the Smokescreen, he saw no sign of his quarry.
"What was it that Lord Eriole sought to bring about in the Empire? Justice for all?"
Alex spun around violently to find Ada at the entrance of the inn. Her green cloak was draped over her head and she juggled her coin pouch in one hand. A triumphant grin broke out on her face, clear for all to see. The hood hid her eyes in shadows, but the glint of malice was clear to anyone who could see.
"Let me tell you something interesting… An absolute truth in this world."
Ada kept her coin pouch in her cloak, maintaining eye contact with her adversary. She spoke clearly and to the point, the calm facade barely hiding the contempt she had for Alex.
"Nobody in this world seeks justice for all. Those who seek justice do so for themselves because it benefits or satisfies them. Would you care if someone was framed for a crime they did not commit? Was wronged and put in jail for it? You would feel sorry, but that would be the extent of your concern. Sympathy isn't justice."
Ada's grin turned into a look of scorn. She spaced out for a moment, seemingly reflecting on some memory before continuing.
"Tell me, Alex. Does Lord Eriole need the Imperial Guard to seek justice for the masses? Or does he really want power? Only those with power can decide what is just. Only those with power can enforce their 'justice'."
"Insolent girl!"
More harsh laughter escaped from Adelaide. She turned around to face the door and swung it wide open. The smoke that filled the inn began to dissipate and it fled through the doorway into the open air.
"Well, I don't know the details… but just stick around and watch… That man will show his true colours eventually. I can only hope that you and Paris snap out of your senses before that happens."
The smoke was clear enough now for Elise to see what had occurred. Her expression of confusion turned to horror when she found the floor, ceiling and surrounding tables now covered in the particles of Ada's smokescreen.
"Ada? Where do you think you're going?!"
"Sorry, Elise-chan! I've changed my mind about the raid! I think I'll go for a walk instead. I've already placed my payment for the meal on the table, thanks for the food! Bye!"
With that Ada disappeared through the door and vanished into the backstreets of Randall. Alex stared at the empty doorway, seething in anger. He considered chasing her, but Ada was craftier and faster than he was. Calming himself down, he sheathed his greatsword and reached down to pick up his helmet.
As he was about to leave, however, a tiny set of fingers tapped him on the shoulder. Alex turned around…
And he beheld the true face of anger.
"I'm going to have to discipline Ada later. But for now, how about I make you pay for the trouble you've caused me, hmm? What do you say, Alex of the Imperial Guard?"
The patrons of the inn were very fond of Elise and very familiar with her quirks. They, as well as anyone from the Silver Knights, knew that they would rather face the wrath of a Demon alone, than hers.
…
Down the Dark Road Universe Insight: The Honourlytes.
The Honourlytes (Also known as The Acolytes of Honour Summoning, or The Honour Guard) are an order of Summoners who have the ability to summon Units from the Honour Gate to reinforce their ranks. Units from the Honour Gate have lesser strain the Summoner, allowing the Honourlyte to mass a significant force of weaker "Honour Units" to overwhelm their opponents.
Summoning from the Honour Gate is different from summoning from the Golden Gate (Rare Summon). In the latter case, Summoners bind the Units they summon to their service using the Gems. This bond is permanent and the Summoner will not need Gems to resummon the Units they have.
However, Honour Summoning does not make use of Gems. Instead, they call for assistance from the spirits in the vicinity, and the spirits manifest into physical Units. This allegiance is temporary and the Units are released from the Honourlyte's charge after the battle. The spirits are fickle, and only answer the call of those who have impressed them enough with feats of strength and bravery.
This ability is more than just a means of battle, but also a means of income for the Honourlyte. They Honourlyte may fuse the Honour Units into their own collection of permanent Units, strengthening them. Alternatively, they sell these Units to weaker Summoners in exchange for Zel. These Summoners use these Honour Units as fodder until they assemble a full team of their own Units, or alternatively, to fuse into their own Units.
Due to the nature of how they summon their Units through the Honour Gate, Honourlytes are more attuned to the spiritual realm of Grand Gaia. They can detect Units from afar and determine their elemental alignment. As a result, they are used as scouts and trackers. In combat they can also fuse and strengthen their allies' Units, making them powerful support troops.
All Summoners have some capacity to become Honourlytes. When Summoners go out on quests Units impressed with the Summoner's strength gravitate towards them, adding themselves to the Summoner's library. The Order only accepts those with a great talent for the art to become an Honourlyte, however. The Honourlytes headquarters are located in the Imperial Capital, Randall. Most of them serve under Lord Eriole as part of the Imperial Guard.
Hello, once again! EnShirushi here!
OC Alex courtesy of Lord Commissar Bernn. I've tried my best to flesh your character's backstory out the best I can. Hopefully, I've done a satisfactory job in your eyes.
For those who lack context, I was sent a submission for an "enemy" to Adelaide. This character was described to me as a noble in service to Lord Eriole. Other significant factors included a half-human status, a history of Veda fencing and a rather mysterious backstory. I did not want to undermine the strength of a character who was supposed to be a powerful foe, so I left the conclusion of the battle to be a draw.
Well, if you don't include the raging demon that is Elise.
I've done just a bit more world building with the mentioning of the Elgaia Federation and my first reference to Lugina (Other than Chapter 1 of Down the Dark Road). To supplement the world building in this world, I've included a Universe Insight in this chapter. I'll admit that it's a pretty lame way to introduce an aspect of the Universe, but I enjoyed writing it and I figured that I'd share it. Can you spot the game mechanics within the lore of the Honourlytes?
Ada's speech and behaviour take on a much darker tone in this chapter, compared to the usual childish/cheerful depictions of her character. This two-face is deliberate, especially when it comes to the topic of justice. More on this when I gradually unravel Ada's backstory and her rags to riches story.
Thanks again to Lord Commissar Bernn for his contribution, and thank you all for reading Down the Dark Road SS! I'll try not to delay the writing of the next chapter!
Regards,
EnShirushi