The Trip to Formosa was more of a formality than actual business, but in a sense, there's actual value in going there. If my idea about Brazillia changed by going there and looking around to a degree, what of a Nation that once had a firm ally in Akitsushima, but now is surrounded and at risk from all sides?
While initially Germania and OZEV Initially took a more distanced approach to a Formosa with too heavy of a Shu's hand in it, once a CSR commie, then the Purges that killed his family made him into a very hardliner Anti-Commie, the problem he brought was being clearly in the desire to Burn the Communist China, by having the world waste money, men, and materials on the task.
That had to change once the perpetual infighting, flaws of Communism, and as the last nail, the Russy side backstabbing them, leading to the CSR purges on them (which somehow were blamed on me for the domino effect started by the death of the sole NKVD guy keeping them under CSR control). It did get me on action only when a Bioweapon attack from them caused fatalities in Germanian soil. The end result of the whole fight was nasty for the communists.
That had been the ever so chaotic Cold War days, post that? Shu dead, and a more sane and stable Formosa government, tired of any more BS, happily allied with Germania since my Policy never wavered about making us a country worth making deals and agreements with, and outside persistent bitter foes, Paul's period was easily forgotten or sidelined as a fluke of a bad substitute.
Surprising no one, even me, Church of Tanya DID find ground to settle with little resistance, part of why Akitsushima considers them a liability is how firmly entrenched this Religion of mine is there, but let's not mention to them that Tanyaism is still very much PRESENT in the ever so prideful Archipelago Nation. They just play underground nowadays.
And while this trip is very nice, the comforts of such a luxurious quarters for myself and my Adjutant being one positive, not all is well, in a sense.
"KMS Kaiserin…"
"Yes Mother?"
Sitting at my private Office room of the ship, trying to deal with some paperwork related to this trip's objectives, emphasis on trying, I am now having to deal with something is never once thought would happen regarding me and relationship related things. Why? Because this dear ship's AI has taken physical form, just to sit on my lap.
"I need to work, and you're slowing me down."
Oh fucking Mike, she's pouting, why can't things remain away from these situations?
"I haven't been with you for months, and you spent a month or more with all of them, in YOUR HOME even!"
Is this the Superb skilled and professional Germanian Armed forces or some Harem romcom boarding house? The FUCKING FLAGSHIP of my Nation's Navy is feeling neglected and envious. Just wonderful.
"Unfortunately, you still are essential to the Navy, and I am proud of you for keeping the seas safe for our people, there… there… better?"
She blushes as I pat her head, and I can see her eyes are starting to get itchy for something and unfortunately the KMS Tanya doesn't ship that kind of cargo. I half believe nowadays whatever this new reincarnation back to this world did to me, being a magnet of excessive lovestruck Women looking abnormalities was slapped on me.
"Mother…. So can I be with you when I get decommissioned?"
"My home is no retirement home you cheeky AI."
"So what if I marry you?"
My face must have been something because she stays silent afterwards. A bit of persistence and she did acquiesce, by being allowed to sit by my side, her head resting on my shoulder however wasn't part of our deal, but I let that be, no harm no problem. A few days later, I took off in a Carrier Transport Plane, my escorts coming along, the air security were two wings of SF630Xs and an additional Mage squad.
Unknown Coordinates
We have been doing the same task for weeks already…. And eating only Rations Ms. Anya had her Formosa Secretaries stow into a modified Commercial Ship.
"I'm bored…"
Next to me, one of my sisters. Trying to sleep somehow.
"Me too, now shut up, Mother asked us for this job, so be ready to do your very best."
U-152 and me, U-165, Arrived a few weeks ago, and began scouring the Formosan Ports and nearby waters for any hint of enemy sabotage or infiltration into the Island. Mother orders, so we did come, but what a boring and stagnant job…. Then, our comms lit up.
[152, 165, Fae has detected some anomalous signatures, go check the coordinates sent.]
Readying up, we activate our Special suits, different from our Surface sisters, we are subs, and so our Riggings are a bit different, a shame they demand we be in these not cute swimsuits. Once at the Modified Bottom of the ship, that has a deployment Hatch at the Bottom, a special Airlock had been modified in this area so no unauthorized surprise issues may come from here either. Out in the sea, our Riggings are summoned, Submarine Bikes, 152's is a large, blackish painted one with an Y decal at the Frame sides, Mine is a sleeker and more maneuverable model.
A few minutes in, and we arrive, and it couldn't been more Obvious, just a small look at the bottom a small distance away from the Port docks, and we see a SDV ditched, made unusable even. Nodding, we resurface and get out the water, going back to our "Land uniforms", the area is one Anya's Girls noted was a prime insertion doorway, blind spot for most cameras, low traffic, and Frogmen have even Stairs in easy reach.
[Z-46, Fae hit the mark, enemy infiltration, less than 2 minutes ago.]
Priming into Mage enhanced mode, while they had their perks as subs, the trade-offs were obviously their weaker physical durability, which meant surface combat required the two to keep a powerful hull enhancement and Mage shell suite. That done, they use enhanced vision spells to track their prey steps. Following the blind zones any wannabe infiltrator would follow, praise those Secretaries abnormal competency at their jobs, they soon found their tails.
Five enemies, ready to leave the Port area and mingle at the Urban areas, not on our watch. 152 comes from ground level, I from the roof. They notice her very fast, no Mana, so maybe Magicians? Whatever, they're dead anyways. One moves to strike first, light particles form on his arm, a CAD, so Magician infiltrators, threat confirmed. Hmmm… finally, some good shit in this job. I know 152 is smiling just like me, time to make Mother proud!
…
"Heeey, 152!"
"What's it, 165?"
"Weren't they supposed to be dangerous or at least good?"
Damage to the Facilities was minimal, mother made us, and she didn't raise barbarians or law breakers, still, we were the ones holding back a lot, all the damage done to the place was those buffoons going as wild as some Le Main Bleue Frogs did in Germania back in those disturbing years. Still, we caught one alive, and my sister is the one good at interrogation. So for now I am just keeping watch, Z46 arrives as well.
'Got anything, 152?"
Z-46 calls the Interrogator at the job.
"He's being a tough nut…. Well… don't say I didn't warn you."
The poor Akitsushiman man can't even process what she said when he sees her set two metallic Dishplates keeping something hermetically sealed, and from those, some gross black mist oozes out of, and then the Tentacles come, yay, best part. They're Dark, as if they were eating the little light available that hit them, and then those suckers, they did all the job of an Octopus sucker, but with an eye present, my my, he's already pissing himself!
He's begging, pleading, that he will tell everything, 152 doesn't stop, those things start covering his body in disgusting slime, embracing him, wanting to drag him whole to the deepest abyssal hell, then, just before his soul and sanity is about to leave his body for good, she has them release him, leave, and stop the hellish scene.
"So…. You'll tell us everything?'
How cute, his frantic nods and begging for mercy….. it isn't much that we glean, but enough to be worth sending to Mother, two other teams of those bastards are inside already, and one of his team slipped as they bought time, just before we would deal with him, Erina, one of Anya's contacts for us here, intervenes, so as per her wishes, we leave the idiot with her, cleanup would be her job as well.
Formosa Airport, A Day later
Tanya POV
Our arrival was like any high-profile public figure whose arrival was made a festival level event, The Prime Minister of this friendly nation was present to greet me and my committee, it was a well publicized event, journalists and people were present, cheering, taking photos and recording this reception. Before both Me and the PM left towards the venues of this meeting, a short Q&A interview with a few journalists picked from the crowd.
The first one, one look and it's clear she's part of the FNC, the state funded news media.
"**** from FNC, What's your Opinion on the ongoing problems in the USNAM?"
A political question? I guess the Formosan government is probing me, and by result, OZEV's stance, since despite my sole power being of effect in Germania, the land that worships me WILL align themselves with mine. I can sense it; the situation is of unease for them.
"It's my hopes the rogue elements are dealt with and judged for their treachery, and also that this whole mess ends as soon as possible and with as little innocent blood spilled."
The second one, a classic move, AMP was a heavy anti current government platform, and been pulling quite the muckraking on the PM who had won because his policies were SANE and pro Formosa instead of either a "Submit to the Asian Feds" or "Make a Tilted alliance with Akitsushima" of the other sides, so a classic move, only an idiot would take the bait made through FNC's question. I would those idiots rather NOT put me in this crossfire.
"**** from AMP, there's been rumors of Germania having sent more than just Material aid to the USNAM, namely Mages that have been the cause for a lot of structural damages to the American lands, is there any truth to it?"
And the idiot just ate the damn bait. Whoever has been making the Hiring at AMP would be FIRED by US if he had been under US as part of HR.
"No comments."
The last one, PM having had his fill from the looks, was a more modest one.
"I'm ***** from OMG independent journalism, many are calling you the Argent Silver, Tanya von Degurechaff herself, your opinion?"
"I'm back, for good this time."
Cameras snap photos and flash us on the way out, would be blinding if an eye protection spell hadn't become a simple affair to me even without tapping on the Type105K silent casting. Once in the Car, our groups separated, Formosa's PM in one, Me in another. Light escorting even, in a sense, my Security has Two T-Doll teams, one BB and Four Cruisers, Mike has sent Aurum Battalion to keep a covert security on me, for now, I only had a glancing view of Matt and Vickers, the battalion's leaders, so they were present.
Today was more of a goodwill public tour, so me and the PM made some good walking around the Sole City and Capital of this little nation, taking part in showcasing a peaceful and calm visit of me to this region overfilled with tensions due to their neighborhood. The last thing of the day was a private talk with this VIP of the Nation. Prime Minister Ken Khang, a stout man with an eye for the future and hands on today, his policies are very moderate and peaceful, a well-prepared Formosan Self Defense Army, but Politics aiming never needing their deployment.
Once in the soundproofed room, I put a Privacy spell as a gesture of goodwill.
"Holy Kaiserin, your visit really is in a time of need and turbulence for this humble nation."
"Pay no mind, Germania during my Chancellorship did help you when you're in need and under the turbulent times of the out-of-control CSR, this isn't very different of then."
Letting a sigh, we begin in earnest.
"An alliance would be very welcome, but our side hasn't been in shape to be an Obstacle for neither the Numerically superior Federation, nor even the Akitsushiman forces, The few Mages left are ill Trained and equipped to make a difference against their Magicians."
"While not yet there, Germania's Navy is likely to have the leeway to keep ONE fleet in the region, once the new Ships get finalized and debut, we may have enough for such investment for your safety. We would like in exchange, access to Ports and if possible, whatever you can glean of intel regarding those Asian powers."
"Generous terms, is there something in the region worrying even you?"
Can't say Anya's review of him was wrong, he has a good sense of how to handle himself, but he also carries the weight he does with a sense of humbleness, even if his Origins were of being old money and a savvy Businessman.
"Ryuuya Ooguro, The Scorched Halloween, and finally, there's been some annoyances doing things that I can't let pass as mere pranks., Asia just seems like a major area for those annoyances to act around."
"I see, everyone has grown uneasy at just how devastating those Strategic Class Magicians are getting to, if your wish is keeping tabs on such a risk, I'm all for that."
"Good to see we can get into an agreement on such, on a related note, would you mind easing up the Microchip tariffs OZEV has to pay? Computation Orb R&D eats a lot of resources after all."
A short hearty laugh from him.
"Ah, damnit, sure, we can arrange a deal for such, if you could help us like you helped the Green Party."
It's my time for a hearty laugh, more ladylike, but still.
"Sure, I will see what our side can supply, but I will make sure you have a Mage to get yours in shape."
A shake of hands, and this first day ends, On the room of this luxurious Hotel, the best in Formosa, I could say I wasn't surprised at how leaving those Ships along a T-Doll team would go, especially the one with G4 SOPII, the hyperactive loyal murder dog. G4 Battle rifle, a successor to the LmG-21, hers was the one made for the Mage Spec Op forces, the block II had all sorts of Optics, muzzle devices, LAMs and Underbarrel attachments, she usually ran with a Basic EO optical sight, Type 55 LAM with IR and Visible laser pointers, an UGL and to finish, a custom Muzzle brake.
The situation? A hotel room that would make easy competition with a Trench in the Rhine on a good day. I clap my hands, enough to get these rowdy ladies their attention on me.
"Alright, while I can tolerate SOME mess, if I don't see those hands and feet moving to repair as much of this mess as possible, no Dining with me."
Whatever the reason, even the T-Dolls prefer sharing time with me, to see the Doggo of Murder and destruction frantically going around repairing everything in a hurry was a new sight to me…. Rather…. As I see them doing the repair…. How the fuck are they RESTORING the damaged walls, furniture, and electronics? Half an hour later and the room is looking BETTER than when I first came here, when it was intact before their destructive behavior kicked in.
"Commander! See! All repaired! I even UPGRADED the TV!"
"Soppo…"
"Yes?"
I point to the TV, that now looks sleeker and even more cutting edge, if you willingly ignored that it now could transform into a Maid Drone on the click of the remote.
"Either you get that back to factory standards or you buy that from the Hotel."
She bought the TV; staff just brought a replacement Unit in short order. How she paid is my wonder… because the T-Dolls take payments in ICE CREAM….
The Diner was a calm affair, the Jiuzhou cuisine was tasty, but Akitsushiman was a step above, I gave my thanks to the chef when the staff came to take out the dishes, I just would like those idiots they didn't use some damn bitter poison on the Sushi for fucks sake, want it or not, the terrible tasting medicine Matt had sent our way through one of his men disguised as Hotel staff was a welcome failsafe. This body is not exactly 100% human after all, is there even poison to Kill a goddess that a modern human can concoct?
"Mother…. Mana!"
These Girls that are Part ship, Part KMS AI constructs, I can tolerate their not so wholesome desires for me, giving them some Mana motivates them a lot…. Now for my T-dolls? Why in Mike would you darlings WANT kissing? I want to be accepted, but at this rate I will rename myself Cera, paint my hair green and go look for some Pseudo Albish megalomaniac to marry.
Streets of Hong Kong, Formosa
"First Infiltrator team dealt with, Stahl 1."
First, we scourge the Asian Federation to root out Hidden Rossartrist cells, then nudge the Bharati and Persian Blocs into kicking the Magian company out their lands, and in a hurry, help Aquamarine Company wipe an Offshore base off its previous Terrorist PMC inhabitants (Along a good scrubbing the blood away) to bait them into that place. And only two days of rest later, he and his team have to Infiltrate Formosa and get ready to thwart whichever assassination ploy they can. Talk about overworking like a black company.
"Good job, make sure their attack is a broad and open act of stupidity, keep as you are Aurum team."
Call closes, my men in arms had just finished cleaning up the pile of enemies that had just tried one on the Hoy Kaiserin, from poison needle umbrellas, chandelier drops, Explosive Rubber ducks, Poisoned food to literally a TV remoted loaded with a Thermobaric charge, he didn't even have to stop the last one, her T-Doll dismantled that whole thing, disarmed it and threw it down the trash chute.
"Alright, change shifts, we are doing this until their Patience runs dry."
Grunts of displeasure, but they do as ordered. At least Vickers is available.
The next day
Waking up to Kaiserin is normal, it's my daily routine after all, it's not much waking up to Three of the T-Dolls that should been keeping security, the sole BB of my shipgirl defenses, and 95, all of them in birthday suits and murmuring what they call me. Some physical enhancement formula and Kaiserin's help got me out this Pile of Lustful metal. Breakfast was fulfilling, and Poison free, Aurum team must have cleaned the staff from infiltrators.
The official agreement was with Germania and OZEV, so the photo shoot with the PM was another goodwill event, tomorrow I would leave, today, I would make a visit to this City's Church of Tanyaism. Compared to Europa's, it clearly made itself stand out, but maintain some harmony with the local customs, so it had that look of the Old Jiuzhou temples that kept its old religion names and patterns instead of a generic, state approved crappy one.
Entering, the Asian influences clearly showcased how Tanyaism in a sense, ran the "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" Philosophy, after all, if one wants to have their customs respected and allowed, they must respect and allow other customs that conflict with theirs, Acceptance and Respect in a nutshell. That people accepted this Religion's beliefs and norms is not surprising, that it IS something the believers apply to life is.
Tanyaism believers are both the kind of person you don't worry about but also the ones that can wreck your ass hard if you give them reason for such, it's not a surprise that Criminals or not so decent people AVOID regions where Tanyaism is strong, this Church of worship of me after all is more than happy to approve reasonable and civilized warmaniac behavior after all, nothing so bad, right?
"Holy Kaiserin! What an honor."
The Church sister's come to greet me, the hair wasn't blonde, but well good luck FINDING a true blonde in ASIA, Blonde hafus are still common in Akitsushima, general behavior nowadays is the good old Archipelago thin veiled xenophobia to them, which they them come to wonder why all Blonde Akitsushiman are devout believers of Tanyaism. Back to the sister, her hair was a very bright brown, veering into Orange even. Her facial structures are that of Jiuzhou ancestry.
"It's nothing, can't make a Visit to Formosa and ignore this Church, right?"
She chuckles, quite an uppity person, but patterns are patterns, she's a good skill with public appearances, whatever she once worked with, dealt a lot with public relations, maybe a PR representative or part of a company's Marketing team tasked with selling their fish to the public. Whatever is in her past, is quite the weight. How ironic, took me so many lifetimes in hellish situations, torn by painful events and even worse things, for me to learn a bit on how to understand people's hearts even if just a bit.
Touring with her guiding, while some of the design is in respect for the local religious aesthetics, the firm rule of the second and third floors above ground being for management remains, the Underground was clearly of the same objective as the Churches in the West and East of Germania lands. Plenty of people live and work earnestly here, in a sense, some have made this a home for which they work to keep standing.
The final thing she presented was the safe only I have access to in these Churches. The walk in was simpler this time, inside, not as much as one would guess. An old Orb, a Hughes M27, An US SAA revolver, markings indicating it had been once the possession of someone of Tsar blood, those picked and stored, I left, and thanked the sister.
"It's been a nice visit, sister Su, if you ever feel you need to talk with someone, I'm always open, it's the least for such skilled and lovely sisters of this church."
"Hm, thanks… I may… want to speak today then."
"Understandable, wherever you may be at home."
Whatever the reason, their dorms seem the go to, given its an area kept separate from any other inhabited area, I can see the why. Seated in the chair, she offers me some green tea, I accept, well made, must be something she likes or has brewed so many times she learnt the way.
"So, Su Mucheng, can we start?"
"Sure. You should know already, I'm from the Asian Federation, a refugee, or a more correct term, a fugitive."
It's no secret My stance with the CSR and any government remotely akin to them isn't on my friend list, so in a sense, only someone completely irredeemable would earn me sending them off to the Federation nowadays.
"By fugitive… you mean you're originally from Dahan?"
"Yes."
Dahan, an independent state that had managed to kick out the Asian Federation, however they were unrepentant Magician supremacists and the kind willing to go as far as Kidnapping and performing medical experimentation that managed to cause even the Federation and RUSS mad scientists to coil in disgust, just rewards that hey earnt the ire of a Magician family fully willing to obliterate them in retaliation for Kidnapping the Heir of the house.
"Me and my brother were just citizens, bottom level, but then Dahan collapsed, and the Federation absorbed our hometown. The situation barely changed, Until the mandatory Drafting came, part of it was…. An aptitude test."
"A mage aptitude test? Why for?"
This is clearly looming into something only Communists do, or religious witch hunter Zealots for the matter.
"Both Dahan and the Federation had a clear Policy on Mages, death. My broter… he tested positive, but a kind person had decided to intervene, with luck and that timely intervention, he avoided the death sentence. That made the start of a long and nice friendship…."
"… until something happened, right?"
A nod, classic, a bit more and we may have a Joseon Drama tv show crying scene, and if you want more fire in this cliché furnace, amplify with Mexican tv drama show.
"Our friend wasn't of poor upbringing like me and my brother, but he was in disagreement with his family views. I don't know the details, but one day he had us hurriedly get to the Port, go with a trustworthy smuggler that would take us both to Formosa…. However his family caught to us three, a fight broke out…. "
"…. Your Brother took a lethal attack, likely to keep you safe…. And your dear friend ended caught by his family and killed, is my guess, right?"
A nod. Geez, talk about shitty situation… still, I want something clarified…
"About your Dahan Origins, you likely are a Mage, but is there MORE to that time?"
"Our town… was part of a test facility…. I don't know what exactly they sought with experimenting on us, but of all who were imprisoned there, only me and brother managed to flee when the Federation forces came in-force, they must've gotten data with our profiles, because staying safe forced us into the not-so-great areas for fake IDs."
Just a hunch, maybe, maybe not.
"Can we hold hands briefly? Mages can sense if someone is a mage, what I'm about to try is similar."
This is kind of an invasion on her inner self, something tells me Dahan research weren't solely in Magician Bloodlines or whatever. But that something else was being sought after. After some effort, running my mana through her is one thing, using it to fully analyze her at the cellular and Mana source levels is something way past what is humanly possible.
"You have heard of the Collapse matter problems, right?"
A Nod, for a girl whose life had been this plagued by poverty and staying away from the authorities, until their FAKE IDs put them into Mandatory Military drafting, she is a well-read person, or at least keeps up to the news or important regional issues.
"I can't tell exactly what they're truly after, but you seem to have a very high capacity to handle Collapse matter infection. And if their mismanagement of the Collapse Red zones in the Borders with Mongolian mountainous lands is anything, it could be anything."
"So they chased us merely for that? Treat people like cattle for some stupid research?"
"Communists and those who believe the ends justify the means will always find some reasoning to call their actions just or in the right…. They're THAT unrepentant."
The talk was calm, who knew there're some young people with such baggage already, and still going strong.
"I have to go, but remember, that's the past, keep it, and make a future, not to chase some past happiness, but to instead make a new one, who knows? You will find a new love or something to fight for. Live, for life always have something worth your effort, so look for it."
She smiles. Quite the charming one, a photogenic person if I dare say so.
"Seeing you in person and having your popular talks, I may have just found one."
"I'm that popular? And you heard of those?"
"While most Global internet is shut tight, there's many networks that run globally, Your Church has a very secure and talkative net we sisters use."
"Is that, so? Anyways, lead the way sister."
Back to ground level, as we approach the main door, a racket clearly was happening, while I can understanding HATING me…. Can't those assholes NOT ATTACK A RELIGIOUS STRUCTURE? The Arene bombing severely damaging the cathedral was from collateral of the engineered fires or the explosive shockwaves, hard to control both to not damage such buildings…. This? Gunshots and portable explosives? Have some manners you idiotic barbarians.
[Lmg-11, report.]
[Commander, Federation operatives initiated an assault trying to breach the Church perimeter, Aurum team reported they dealt with a team about to enter by a backdoor.]
[Copy, seize whoever you can, but Safety is the priority, make sure enemy won't harm civilians.]
[Roger.]
I ask Sister Mucheng to stay inside, once I exit, I clearly see how lopsided the situation is, most enemies tried one on the Ships, a BB's armor is naturally tough, so when they ganged on her, the surface physical enhancement was enough to make it too sturdy, so half the attackers had been KO'ed as soon they started, the other half was half-decent, by one, the commander was seasoned and knew a decent degree of Hand to hand, had an unique and dangerous Sword, and most of all, those were likely part of an Elite task force.
But alas, T-Dolls, more so those ten, all had been upgraded with new Bodies, Neural Cloud structures as well as Doll custom Mana Generators, so their combat capacity was far above what mere Human troops could deal with. Only two dead, as they had tried to shoot or throw explosives in areas where civilians had been clustered, damn assholes. Leader seized, no soon LmG-11 pulls his helmet and Balaclava out, a voice shouts from behind me, crap.
'YE QIU!"
Before she even does something stupid, I trust the data the Church link to me gives, but I'm not foolish enough to let an emotionally upset person get too close a trained Killer, so I grab he and firmly keeps her with me.
"So… he's of the family your friend was from?"
"Yes…. And he is his twin brother, as well the one who dealt the decapitating blow to him once they captured him and the boat was too far for them to intercept….. these damn eyes saw all…. No matter the darkness or distance."
A scoffing sneer, from said culprit.
"And? He's a traitor, and scum, hid his damn Taint from his very Family."
Tensions are high, but I can see some helpless mad ramblings…. And honestly…. I had enough of bad apples making shit hard for everyone, I had enough of those in all these Lives I was forced to live through after all, never make me take care of farmland, because bad crops will be aplenty in my hands.
'Yes, well? Done believing to be alive?"
"What are-"
Last thing he sees is his own heart in my hand, once my Darlings confirm his death, I just Carbonize this rotten piece of meat, with such bad hearts, I can see how bad things may be to the ones just wanting a peaceful life and aware enough of their Government's BS rule. But as always, my luck is ROTTEN when it comes to how stable the situation really is in the Tactical level. The sole respite is that since no more Bitch X interference is coming, most problems are at human level…. Usually.
Pulling Sister Mucheng my way, I amp the Mage shield and even apply a layer of defensive reinforcement in my clothing, but if the cut on it is an indication, my foe has come armed properly. A Mythril Alloy blade, and the sheer shape and visible quality of the metal makes it obvious, a masterfully made custom Odachi Sword. So the Akitsushiman ace who will try one me is a high end swordsmaster, can't be helped, this is just sweet candy…. My smile comes out.
"How rude, an attack on a Church sister? Never thought I would see those from the Honor bound Samurai lands to stoop so low."
"Shut it, she's a wanted criminal first and foremost, just like your death warranty is a priority."
[Stay off, I doubt firearms will do the task, and his weapon isn't a joke.]
At that, Kaiserin gives me the weapons I trained for quite a while once I mastered the Katana, Two Short blades, Courtesy from ARMS TRIGGER Blacksmithing division, Masamune Series even, a high-end pair of blades made by some of the best in the trade. And he of course went full ahead on me. An overhead strike? Dicey.
KLAAAANG
Crossing my blades, I take the strike, heavy, he enhanced the Kinetic force via CAD, too bad, however. Sparks come from the crossing blade, unable to keep the challenge, a backwards jump and he regains the stance. My time then. Finally, some good shit to fight me.
Flight is a kind of cheating, but since this new life back here, I never forgot Goliath 1's talent with that Party trick way of flying, and once I lived in enough worlds lacking any form of firearms and even flight, his more traditional style of swordsmanship was a thing is envied. So I think it makes sense the idiot fighting me is surprised the way I use these short blades isn't like my Mage style would warrant, but a more traditional method, one some assassins of old would be skilled at.
The disparity in reach, speed and motion range is extreme. But he has experience, clearly has a talent for the weapon, and is wary. Kaiserin is keeping the sister safe, and my orders were for no intervention, I am sure Aurum team's Matt and Vickers are doing a fine job to be close enough to intervene if I somehow mess royally.
Parrying the blade was easy, clearly there's some disbelief in his face, no way I have such skill in actual martial arts, or that these weapons of mine are winning in the durability competition. The Odachi screeches as each hit, swing and thrust that I meet with my own weapon, desperation mounts, reports come to me, his pals have all been dealt with, he must have realized the same. Only explanation for him to try such a Stabbing Thrust with a weapon not exactly fit for that motion.
You know I am getting bored or in need of some creative BS in the middle of a fight when I start pulling stupid shit, but what can I do? I can say that sword of his IS a good weapon, but it's a far cry from mine that has a few Centuries of ARMS TRIGGER piled up R&D in blade manufacturing and led by one of their BEST in that field. So little wonders my mental question of HOW great is the disparity comes, and I test it by…. Cutting his sword in half, the whole length, from the end pointed at me to the Hilt.
"What?"
No time to be this shaken, dumbass.
"!"
Ah? You Cheeky Little shit. A memory alloy blade, his last-ditch weapon, or one of many. Holstering my own, quality aside, having this kind of Body HAS its issues, one being that my far above Physical capacities makes things my past self would have to tackle with care, not as dangerous, poor enemy, this may be mockery, but I am really NEEDING some Adrenaline for fucks sake.
These last ten Minutes were us two being in this pitiful dance, his attacks come, I parry, deflect, or evade by a hair's breadth, and retaliate with some Martial arts strikes, at the rate things were going along, three more minutes before damage collapses him. Anger, frustration, and pride show clearly on his face, in disbelief he is being manhandled by me, not fighting as a Mage, but as a Martial arts practitioner. Three minutes tops, I slam him on the floor face first.
"Stay down, and we may be lenient in the interrogation afterwards."
Formosa's Police and Special Operation squads are already coming, from the looks, they all were too dazed by my performance until now. Oopsie doopsie.
Kids will be kids, especially the ones with bad sense of danger, things are still a bit of a mess, no wonders she ended slipping the cordon, before I react, dear culprit makes a mad dash on her, hostage or just one bloody victim to spite me, whatever, enough "playing" around. Shortly before I'm in hands reach to him, he turns, blade swinging, fuck it. mage blade deployed, it's cut to nothingness, along his right arm in its entirety. Grabbing him by the neck, I make a 180 turn, and slams his sorry ass on the floor with enough force to CRACK the Concrete, winding him.
Before he even recovers, I slam my Left Foot on his chest, the impact cracks five ribs, the core of his ribcage, and force him out of breath again. Struggling, desperate for air, the pressure is kept, as his eyes meet mine, I make it clear.
"LISTEN HERE YOU ASSHOLE. STAND DOWN OR I WILL MAKE SURE A TERRORIST LIKE YOU WILL BEG FOR DEATH. UNDERSTOOD?"
A nod, I slam his chest once more and kick his Right side, Police immediately restrain him. KO'ing him.
Back to Kaiserin, with Sister Mucheng in tow.
"Sorry for the outburst earlier."
"It's nothing, I had once held a similar grudge. Just… don't live for it, ok?"
A hug and we are finally off to rest. The last day and just before leaving off for KMS Kaiserin through the airport, I had to give a Speech, Formosa for once has awoken to how terrible their situation had become, a Rush order had been sent telling OZEV and Germania to deploy friendly forces in the Formosan seas.