AN: Sorry for the wait! But as the Holiday comes hurling in, I shall give ya'll a gift!

Now this Arc is coming, shockingly, and mesmerizing!

I hope y'all remember that I have a busy and anxiety filled work week and a lot of times I cannot respond to reviews at times. And indeed I can suffer from a 'depression filled' week, thus slowing down at both work and writing. So I hope everyone understands my circumstances.

But here it is!

Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Kwanzaa! Feliz Navidad! Happy Birthday Winter Solstice!

ENJOY!

Arc Five: The World War

Chapter 24: Blue Morning, Blue Day

Subaru flew straight through the rising plume of white smoke, panicking uncontrollably and face covered in blood. In Subaru's arms, he was cradling, as carefully as possibly, a person very dear to him.

Even though she was what she was, she had blood escaping the top of her head, and her clothes were completely burnt up badly.

Her elegant blonde hair was charred and truly unruly. Her eyes tired, her speech not coming through well, Subaru held her as it began to snow, typical for an arctic like environment.

He opened the Blood Portal, with great haste in actions.

"Please. Please."

And he went through, with the same urgency.

"BEATRICE PLEASE! PLEASE!"

Pleading with the unforgiving world, as her life was beginning to fade.

Ovidius rammed the side of the building with a tidal wave construct, smashing it to pieces. Cecilus ran across the wave, but had to dodge beams from Sagittarius. He then deflected one of the beams intending to hit Frederica with it, but her ring's aura broke it apart. She then aimed her ring and fired her own barrage of beams. Just then, Sagittarius turned around, her entire being covered in rainwater and soaked to the bone.

"WAH! WAH!"

Due to them not being adept in real speech, they would mostly make animalistic noises with the throat, of different volumes and patterns to alert the others of given situations.

This got Ovidius' attention, who saw a small platoon of men charging at them.

"Damn!"

He created a construct of a first generation gatling gun, firing it into the men, easily killing most of them.

However specialty spies were among them, wearing dark blue thieve attire, hoods keeping their faces unseen. Ovidius realized the severity of the situation at hand, hearing the rain pounding on the corpse of Roswaal, he knew he had to act.

"Retreat! We've lost the initiative, there's no reason to continue! Fall back!"

Hearing their orders, Pisces tossed a sack behind herself, one serving guard skipped over it, but it exploded and fired pieces of metal, razorblades and chipped glass. It killed the guard and finished off anyone who laid injured.

Frederica launched a spinning elbow strike, which she armored with a spiked elbow guard, clashing with the Blue Lightning's sword. He flung her back, as she had planned. She landed right next to the Lewes Clones, right as Ovidius slided across the wet ground. They all saw that Roswaal was laying there, feet away from them, but as Cecilus charged with electricity surrounding his entire figure, it was realized they had no time to retrieve it.

They opened a Blood Portal and escaped...well...not exactly…

"Huh?! Ovidius-san look!"

Sure enough, four spies hopped in after them.

"Fuck!? They did follow us?!"

In this space of red blood like liquid swirling around them, Ovidius had to stop the transporting, and soon they found themselves in free fall over the capital marketplace.

"Frederica grab them!"
"Got it!"

Frederica flew over to grab the clones, while Ovidius skydived to a spy. The spy used chains to try and strike the Red Lantern, who instead opened a flap in his metal helmet and spewed blood, melting it.

The thief used illusionary magic, trying to bend his vision...only to be stabbed in the throat by a long spear construct, Ovidius driving it in deeper. The spy was utterly confused staring in frightened unawareness as to how Ovidius had overcome his quite powerful illusion magic.

"Psst, hey listen…"

Ovidius whispered, as he pointed at his goggles, a red twinkle shining in the lenses.

"AH!"
"See? You get it? Take the info with you to hell, scumbag."

He kicked him off his spear, watching as he fell to his death, Ovidius was proud of himself...including his Metia goggles, made specifically to 'see' magical deposits and grant himself immunity to illusionary spells.

However he had not time to gloat, as he sped himself to face the last two spies. The spy tossed an orb, which erupted into spiraling mass of mana, which could rip through even steel. Ovidius maneuvered around the blast, only to see several more lobbed at him. He zipped, dashed and simply flew over the blasts, making it look as if he was dodging anti-aircraft fire, even if it was magic based.

Ovidius made it over to the spy as he pulled out two long daggers, which had purple blades.

"Poisoned blades, huh?"

Ovidius got his Metia Rod ready and traded strikes, the two weapons creating sparks, as they were still falling down to earth. The other spy created a giant kite, which helped him begin a descent down back to the ground.

Ovidus then snickered, as the spy failed to notice that he was not using his electricity metia, but instead another one. Ovidius tossed the rod at him...which let out a shockwave, made from the collective built up energy sustained from the strikes it absorbed; crushing the spies face in, making his eyes bulge out and teeth sink into his lips, puffing up his cheeks till they popped. Now Ovidius caught his Metia, slapping away the dead man as he followed the kite riding enemy.

Landing well, the spy tossed back the kite...Frederica on a rooftop let down the Clones as she flew after him. Ovidius reached where the spy dumped the large kite...only to notice strange bags attached to the base of it, which had magical incantations woven onto it.

"Oh no!"

He stopped his momentum and flew up, right as the bags bursted open, releasing yellow gas to spread onto the block.

"Damn bastards! Poison gas?!"

He created a half gas mask construct over his face and flew down into the gas. He flew around and entered the houses, markets, saloons and more in that gassed up block. He began a quick rescue of anyone he could find.

He kicked down a door...and saw an entire family lying unconscious at the dinner table, apparently caught in the fight as they were having lunch. All of them drooling, sweating, mucus escaping their noses and even urine under their feet. Their smallest son, was struck with complete dread and fear. Ovidius flew them out of there, letting them rest on a rooftop clear of the gas, along with other rescuees.

"Don't worry, you're gonna be alright."

He held the boy's hand, his eyes staring at him, bloodshot, teary eyed.

"Don't be afraid. Everything is fine, you hear me?"

"..."

"We're gonna kill them all."

Ovidius made this declaration as he heard the commotion blocks away. Hoping Frederica could handle this, he saw the Clones heading to him, so he created full gas mask constructs for them.

"Begin evacuating the citizens, understood?"

They nodded and continued with their attempts to recuse the innocents caught in this fight. They would not allow another Priestella tragedy to occur.

Frederica reached him just as he entered a quiet avenue, filled with markets and businesses, but with the pouring rain, it was much more empty. The patrons noticed this noise and a familiar green haired merchant, one Subaru knew quite well, was with his adorable daughter, looking out their window.

"Huh?"

The spy launched a wind slice, as Frederica dodged it, breaking apart the side of a building, officially putting everyone in their homes into a state of panic.

Kadomon grabbed his daughter, right as Frederica tackled the spy through their homes wall. He used a sickle to try and cut open her eyes...but she used her teeth to clamp down on the blade and break into pieces. The spy grumbled seeing this and had a wrist blade pulled out, seething with his own anger he swiped at her several times, before ducking under him and uppercutting his jaw. Then she grabbed his head and hopped up, proceeding to knee him in the face, the sound of falling teeth accompanying it.

He summoned a dome of wind around himself, making her back off, but at the same time she fired a beam from her ring, splitting open his entire arm.

Liters worth of blood leaked out of his wound, and a construct of a large blacksmith hammer got inside his wind dome and whacked him across the face. His magic broke and Frederica grabbed his torn arm and yanked it off, before slapping him across the face.

He got thrown out of the house and back onto the street.

Though his home was a disaster, Kadomon hid in the back kitchen with a terrified Plum.

He looked around the corner and saw Frederica stomping her way to the injured spy, who tossed a dagger at her, just for her to tilt her head and dodge it. The blade struck the ground behind her, and she readied herself to end his life.

Then his body began to glow a orange hue, mainly his chest.

"A bomb?!"
"DIE RED DEMON!"

As he began to explode, Frederica used her ring to contain the blast on him, smothering him in the heat and pressure of his bomb, all he could do was scream in horror and agony as the explosion that should have been an instant death...became elongated into torture.

But the dagger behind her, infused with magic, popped into a stream of magical slices, attacking her from behind.

"AGH!"

It didn't exactly hurt her per say, but distracted her, a dangerous thing at the moment. She instantly lost control over the holdings of the explosion, and seeing it about to leak out, she flung him away, down the block...right as the explosion was freed.

Now, this resulted in the explosion smashing windows, setting trees on fire and sending parked carriages flying through homes. The damage was intense, three buildings were heavily smashed, and the screams of people who were inside, proved that.

Frederica shook her head, before she rushed off to help them. First using her rings radar system to find lifeforms, then began digging them out of the wreckage. Her ring was put to use, grabbing rubble and or safely moving the injured aside.

Several knights finally came by, making Frederica point at them.

"You! Get reinforcements, I need help securing these civilians!"

Unable to understand what had occured the knights just stared back, shocked.

"C'MON! Now or never, it's a matter of life and death!"
"Y-Yes!"

One rushed off, while the others began to help out.

Ovidius checked over the injured folks the knights were gathering, showing concern over their conditions.

"Poison, let's see, loss of consciousness and convulsions. Runny noses, excessive sweating and drooling, plus uncontrolled urination and defecation. Their muscles are over stimulated, nerves are acting erratically; damn, this is just like that poison Natsuki-san told me about, what was it? Sarin, right, he said his country faced an attack with this kind of poison."

He checked over them carefully letting his ring scan them, then it beeped and he began writing down instructions as fast as he could.

Handing a high ranking knight the note.

"These are ingredients needed to quell the poison, just long enough for healers to help them out. Go! The more time lost, means the same for lives here! Remember to remove their clothes and destroy them! Wash their bodies down thoroughly and no drinks or food, they'll just throw it back up!"
"Yes, right away!"

Quickly taking the note, the knight rushed off as Ovidius got a call on his ring.

"What is it?!"
"Ovidius! It's me! It's Nijino! Please help! HELP! This is really bad!"
"What happened!?"
"...IT'S REM! SHE. SHE!"

She didn't need to continue that sentence, far from it...he knew it.

"Rem-chan? OH CRAP."

He hurried and opened a Blood Portal, flying in as fast as he could, hoping to make it, he had to make it.

Nijino roared, tears flooding out of her eyes as she kicked at Halibel at insane speed, all the while helpless in saving the horribly injured Rem. Emilia and Puck fired countless icicles at the Halibel who cut them to bits, rushing at them, just in time for Ram to kick at him, but he grabbed her leg and slammed her to the floor. Coughing out blood, Ram shrieked at him, even shocking him, making her launch windstrikes at him...then forcing her to pull out her horn. Her eyes began to bleed, so did her nose, ears and mouth; an effect of using her destroyed horn.

Though her strength, speed and magic were heightened massively, it was still not enough to take on Halibel. Yet this was the chance Emilia needed to grab Rem from the floor, leaning her on her shoulders. She made a run for it, right towards Nijino.

"Nijino-san!"
"Emilia!"

She drop kicked away from Halibel to be next to her, right as Ram got away as well and twirled in the air, landing next to them.

A Blood Portal opened and they proceeded to escape...but not before they all sneered at the two Halibels.

Emilia looked away from him, too angry to stare any longer, Puck did as well.

Nijino growled, making blood float out of her mouth.

Ram kept her eyes on him, sharp and distinct, like a serpent's.

And she grumbled…

"Next time, I'll kill you."

The Portal closed, and they escaped.

"Awwwww, I messed up."

The clone went back and merged with Halibel, making him one again.

He then received a call on his conversing mirror, new orders to return to Kararagi, before the other Red Lanterns return.

"Looks like none of them died, being that hard to kill, makes this seem so troubling. Man, I wish they could of let things be, could've had some sake or ale right now."

He sheathed his sword and made his way outside, even going as far as to notice the charging Guiltylowe had also vanished.

"Hmmm, this ain't looking so good."

He bit on his pipe and continued out of the forest, finally noticing…

"Ah, it stopped raining."

The massive army continued through the woods, making sure to keep the head guards, who had the gems that kept Ma-Beast at bay, safe. However they reached out of the woods and found the trail. Keeping their pace, they saw that the trees became fewer and fewer, indicating the village was getting closer. Riding on Ligers, carriages filled with weapons and their men outfitted in traditional, almost japanese shogun era armor, they saw their first house.

And something shot out of it, smashing apart a soldier's face. The ground being covered in mud and more, he fell gracelessly onto the wet stuff. The soldiers aimed their arrows, only for more shots to begin descending upon them, coming from further into the village.

"Hold fast!"

The beams of bluish light continued being fired on them, cutting down men easily. Some began to notice some beams came out in bigger clusters and faster. A general watched as half his platoon were shot down, leaving him with only one injured man. As some of the men tried to go around the trail and tried to sneak up on the attackers, something exploded, making one man disappear into the rising mud and one other to split in half, his colleague got his leg blown off.

"AGGHHH! WHAT THE FUCK!? MY LEG! NO! NO! NOOO!"
"Get out of there!"

The generals saw they were pretty much stuck, but staying there could mean a death sentence, especially since they could see magic was being used.

"Goddamn intel! They never said there were magic users in the village!"
"Is this is really just some village?! How are-"

The man who asked this, got half his face shot off, lying onto the dirt.

Not getting them more into a losing streak, he ordered them aggressively.

"Move forward! Move forward! We have to press down on them!"

But as some men did move up, trying not to get shot by the oncoming fire, a group of men practically hugged the muddy ground in complete fear.

"Get up! Damn you! GET UP!"
"...Augh, no, I, Ugh, no!"
"If you stay here you die! Move forward!"

An explosion erupted close by, which killed three more of his men, that got their attention and made all of them rush forward. The rush did get them away from their deadly spot, but it did still get a good amount of their men killed. Using some houses and bushes, they had to hide as the firing stopped. Looking back, the generals saw the devastation; with smoke, craters and a whopping quarter of this army dead on the mud.

Making their way into the outskirts of the town, they noticed it.

"Nobody's here?"

So they kept moving, carefully, trying not to stay out in the open for too long. Soon the army was sweeping through the town, making it a quarter of the way into the village.

Only to see some men up ahead lined up and aiming white colored rods at them.

"FIRE!"

They did, and sprayed them down with beams, killing at least twenty men and injuring a few others.

"Back! Back!"

The villagers did so, and they ran back, reloading their rods with mana stones. Unlike the Metia Sagittarius could use, these ones were mass produced by Ovidius and the citizens of Dunharrow, meaning they could only be fired once, before needing to be reloaded.

Once back into the square, the villagers rolled out makeshift barricades, covered in spikes and barbed wire, it went circular, meaning the army would have to go around instead of forward.

"Get those barricades down!"

The soldiers charged, firing arrows and tossing fireballs into the houses, not sure if someone was hiding in them. But sporadic shots from the town square, made the men anxious and panicky, each shot would make their mark and either kill someone or grisly injure them. Quickly, the Kararagians used the houses as cover, while some of the others tried to go around the barricades. A magic user lobbed a ball of light at the barricade, destroying some of it...but in retaliation a barrel flew over them, and smashed into the ground.

Starlight Flames.

It engulfed half of the men hiding back their, their screams of misery further making the men panic.

The general continued his orders, trying to get the jump on the villagers who were embarrassing him. The green flames spread behind them, as the soldiers who went around met resistance, beams being fired at them. Some used magic to strike back, killing a few village men, but...heard a noise next to them, shuffling through the bushes and trees.

A wolgarm.

No.

An metal armored Wolgarm.

With steel padding and armor covering its body, the sight confused and horrified the men.

Only for the Wolgarm to jump up and bite the man on his face. Soon, the rest of these armored, domesticated Wolgarm swarmed out of the forest, numbering at least a hundred.

They overan the soldiers, eating them alive.

Now the general saw the Wolgarm running at them, at frenzied speed.

His men, trying to keep their courage going…instantly fell apart as the Wolgarm made it over to them.

"ARROWS! FIRE THE ARROWS!"

Magic tipped arrows fired out at the Wolgarm, with some just bouncing off their high grade armor or indeed killing them.

The soldiers engaged into combat with them, all the while the villagers kept shooting at them, adding more stress to their mentally exhausted wits.

Some men would kill their monster, only to get shot somewhere, injuring them enough for another Wolgarm to take advantage and kill them.

The general watched as one of his men pleaded for him to help, his arm dangling, as it was damaged from a random shot...just for him to get bit in the leg, dragged off and eaten brutally by the Wolgarm.

He yelled out as his samurai instincts kicked in, so did the other samurai in his division, slicing apart several Wolgarm before they saw a single girl running through the chaos, straight at them.

Orlena made her grand stand.

Tossing a magic stone at them, he simply cut it in half, the two halves exploding behind him. The mud made her almost slip, but she was able to keep herself planted as she fired from her own Long Metia Rod.

It missed and the general along with his other equally powerful commanders, charged.

...Making Orlena smile at them.

She pressed her belt, making a floating orb of electricity float at them, landing between the group, and sparking.

They soon found themselves attached to each other, almost by some unseen force. That was the magic of this metia; due to their armor being made of metal, they became attached to the orb of energy...in Subaru's world, this was called magnetism.

Taking advantage, Orlena aimed her signature staff, and it blew a huge plume of magical fire, swirling with bright sparkles. The general witnessed the flames careening at him, and could only scream.

"LUGNICAN DOG-!"

He and those, oh so powerful men, quickly became engulfed in fire. Orlena was satisfied, but got shot in the shoulder by an arrow, falling back onto the mud. Covered in it, she struggled to get back up, but sure enough her assailants who were charging at her, were instantly killed by various shots. Her fellow villagers came out to support her and began firing firing onto the disorganized Kararagian soldiers.

It would seem that not only did their fight get turned around yet again, but with the tamed Wolgarm chasing down enemies left and right, this fight was soon to be over.

However…

"Look! To the east!"

A villager called out, and sure enough, another army was headed straight for them in the distance. With armor akin to that of heavily armored centurion warriors, with some having fierce lion fang half masks; it was obviously Vollachia.

Orlena wiped some mud off her face, as a house burned next to her.

"No! I heard the Vollachians have the toughest soldiers of all the kingdoms! This is reaaaaally bad!"

Spears bearing the flag of their nation over them, and magic cannons in the very back of their marching army, they aimed to wipe out the village.

Making Orlena smirk, as she tapped a man on his chest…

"Give me the conversing mirror."

The Vollachians got their orders and began charging, ready to engage the storming group of Wolgarm; with the front infantry wielding magic bouncing shields, they were ready for the projectiles as well.

But as their general, same armor and all, but with larger shoulder armor and a wolf pelt as a cape...noticed it.

"Everyone, GUARD!"

Even the sternnest warriors saw the balls of light fly up in the air and curve into the air right above them.

Believing it was the usual long distance strike, they made a mad dash to get out of the range...until the balls popped like fireworks and the remaining streams of light descended rapidly, catching them by surprise.

The hits landed, sending some men flying, while smashing others to bits.

At the Sanctuary, having received the distress call from Irlham; the men trained to do so, were using the magic cannons provided in their defense, to help their fellow brothers out. In the middle of the village, there was an even more massive cannon, three times the size of the usual one. As they filled it with to the brim with magic stones, they also stuffed a magic scroll into it, before closing it shut.

Getting away from it, they aimed their palms, providing it the mana needed, and once it was enough...fired. The blast sent smoke everywhere, but they pressed on, watching as the gigantic orb of orange light flew up into the dark cloudy sky.

It curved and the Vollacian army noticed it, making sure to try and reach the village, engaging in battle with the Wolgarm. The villagers not wanting to leave the Wolgarm to die, began firing, having to get cover with barrels, wooden carts and chicken coops.

It once again became a heated fight. But as the orb descended, they noticed it did not explode, and just landed on the ground. It rolled slightly, with the brightness being only slightly distracting, they chose to ignore it, thinking it was a dud.

Then the general noticed symbols swirled around it, and tried to yell out orders, before it cut itself in half and sent a sharp flat wave of light. It only went for a small distance, but it did the job, slicing almost half the soldiers there in two, disemboweling or dismembering them. The general fell off his now dead Ground Dragon, rolling on the mud. Getting his face up, he saw his men, proud Vollachian ground soldiers, struggling to push back the Wolgarm and taking fire from the village. One man was set on fire by Orlena, who then quickly picked up a Metia Rod from a dead young man and fired it at an injured soldier who was crawling to her. He raised a throwing axe, intending to toss it right at her face.

Then he heard loud stomps, the sounds made the villagers in the distance cheer and roar in applause, making the Vollachians wary. The heartbeats seemed to match the storming pounds that were coming right at them.

Straight through a house, Carolus Rex stormed into the battle.

Using his claws, he carved his way through the men, who began to truly scream in horror, Carolus even bit into one and slammed his corpse into the more men. The general screamed, pointing his axe, and the remaining magic cannons fired, but Carolus was fast, dashing between the attacks, saving the time by continuously slicing apart men all around him, and even using his tail to swat away men directly toward the Wolgarm, who eagerly ate them alive.

The general made his axe glow neon green and tossed it, the magic making it so he could control it telepathically. It became a light struggle to Carolus, who simply bobbed and weaved against it, before kicking mud at the general, who side spun to dodge it, and had the axe dance around the Ma-Beast...who scoffed at him.

Infuriated the general lobbed a nearby spear at him, only for Carolus Rex to dash past it, use his tail to splendidly slap the axe away and into a soldier's back. He then made it over, and bit down on the General, blood spraying everywhere as his blood curdling screams sinked into his men's minds.

He wagged his head around, slamming the prey's body down, before further pressing his teeth in and choppin him in half, Carolus growled.

A group of men made a brave charge against Carolus Rex, most even preparing to fire magic against him, yelling out the words needed to place strength in their magic. Carolus simply took in a deep breath.

"GROOOOARRRRRR!"

And hurled out a heavy storm of blue fire, mixed with yellow flames, engulfing them to death.

The ability of firebreath was his own.

Now struggling, the soldiers heard something new...cawing.

One of them looked up, crouching as he had his shield protect him. Staring up, he saw a rather large red eyed crow...and when it came again, he saw it.

"What?"

It flung feathers and those discarded feathers began transforming into clones of itself, until there were at least seventy of them.

They then descended onto the town fluttering around a barrel, as if it were succulent meal, before they soared up into the sky and flew right over the battling army.

Then they dropped something, all of them. The very same soldier noticed a small thing fall behind him...it was a magic stone.

"OH FU-!"

It exploded, killing him; making his charred up, broken body, flop through the air.

Other magic stones exploded, and this became nothing more than an organized airstrike, even destroying the enemy's last remaining magic cannons.

Now the crows truly descended and began pecking and clawing at the soldiers, getting aid from the Wolgarm.

Like that, the soldiers screamed to run away, seeing their numbers lowered to the point of being pathetic. Sadly for them, Carolus and Ababil would not allow this, chasing them down and wiping them down, only to leave one single man alive in their slaughter, Carolus dragging him by his broken leg, using his fangs.

Even with the man pleading for death, he was ignored.

A barrel flew overhead and released white powder, putting out the Starlight Flames, just as several men aiming their Metia Rods, forced their captured Karagian prisoners forward. Any injured aggressors were set upon by the surviving Wolgarm, biting them and eating victoriously. Ababil returned to normal, his clones turning into feathers, now perching himself on the top of a house.

Orlena was helped up and she saw the shocking sight, and Petra looking out her house window, guarded by a few men, saw it too.

The muddy battlefield, houses and trees on fire, smoke pillars rising, and the horrendous number of enemy corpses everywhere. The injured man captured by Carolus, was dragged away, awaiting his own terrible interrogation. As the moon hung high above them, even with dark clouds still in the air, Orlena smiled.

"We did it."

She then raised her fist.

"WE DID IT! WE WON!"

An overwhelming cheer of victory, accompanied by the howls and screeches by the Ma-Beast followed suit. Petra could only see that half her village was destroyed, people she knew died, and that it was ugly sight to behold.

All she could was shift around her bed, stare up at the ceiling...and contemplate, as her emotions, began to stifle, slowly eroding.

Petra was no longer the same girl.

Battle of Irlham Village

Irlham Casualties: 37 Dead, 42 Injured

Vollachia Casualties: 402 Dead, 1 Captured

Kararagi Casualties: 427 Dead, 32 Captured

The first battle had ended.

Meanwhile, the results of the incident in the Capital…

Battle of the Capitals

Lugnica Citizens killed in battle: 75 Dead, 102 Injured

Vollacian Casualties: 30 Dead, 7 Injured

Kararagi Casualties: 18 Dead, 21 Injured

Even with the rain gone, a storm was brewing in Lugnica.

Ovidius rushed through the halls, and found the three ladies huddled around Rem lying on bed. He pushed through and checked Rem up and down. Feeling her breath begin to wane and her eyes losing light.

"Su...ba...kun…"
"Fuck! Hang on Rem! Please! We can't lose you!"

He searched around using blankets to close up the wound, but it was too late, so much blood soaked it. He had one last ditch plan.

"EMILIA!"
"Yes?!"
"GO TO MY LUGGAGE! IN THE BROWN SUITCASE, THERE IS SOMETHING I NEED YOU TO GRAB FOR ME!"
"Huh?"

He tossed off his helmet onto the ground, letting Emilia and Ram see his face for the first time.

"Listen carefully…"

Wilhelm and Genau arrived at the cabin only to find it broken and abandoned.

"Ssssister Emilia! Sssssister Rem! Sssssister Nijino! Pink Haired Rem?!"

Genau sniffed around, panicked, scared and worried.

"Ssssister Emilia! Ssssister Rem! R-RAM! NIJINO! WHERE ARE YOU!?"
"Genau, look around, it's obvious they used a Blood Portal to escape. Please calm down."

He put a hand on his head, helping just for a while to calm the Wolgarm down.

"Let us follow them."
"Yeah."

Opening their own Blood Portal they went through as they both hoped.

"I hope they are okay."

Subaru stormed through the halls, carrying a Beatrice that was beginning to crack, light shining through her.

"H-Hang on Beako! Beatrice, we just have to find Ovidius, he'll know what to do!"
"O-okay, I-I suppose…"

Her voice weak, and his eyes frantically searching, he heard a noise in a room and kicked open the door. There he found Ovidius washing his hands at a bathroom sink.

"Natsuki-san?!"
"Ovidius! Please, Beatrice is! Beatrice is!"
"Oh...Oh Damn!"

He hurried over and touched her.

"Beatrice-san's corporal being is damaged, that which keeps her energy put is not going to last!"
"C-Can we heal this?!"
"No, unlike a normal wound, she must've used her Od excessively and further damaged herself! Normally, this is an instant death."

Subaru stared at a tired Beatrice and trembled in fear.

"No, I don't-"
"Give her to me!"
"Huh?!"
"I might have an idea in saving Beatrice-san, so please trust me!"

He did, and Subaru handed her over, waving weakly at them. Beatrice waved tiredly as well, with Ovidius nodding and flying away. As he used his ring to smash through a window, he looked at the still cracking Beatrice...and whispered.

"Honestly, it's a good thing Roswaal-san, isn't here...he'd hate to see what happens next."

Subaru stumbled around, desolate to his own swirling thoughts. He felt as though being a sucker was on point.

Falling for such an easy trap and splitting up his forces so callously, his need for revenge led to this moment. Now he was near a door...hearing something.

"No...NOooooonoooooo!"
"Oh no! No! No! NOOOOOO!"

He quietly opened the door and saw the three women he left behind, crying as they huddled around a bed.

Silently, he stepped closer and closer, hearing the brokenhearted cries of Emilia, Nijino and a clearly mindbroken Ram. Ram rocking back and forth on her knees crying to the ceiling. Wilhelm and Genau stormed into the room, but found Subaru walking slowly, only the ladies turning to see them.

"Subaru?"

Nijino and Emilia called out to him, only to walk past them, stop right next to Ram and witness it, the entirety of his sacrifices in vain.

A gentle blue haired girl, laid there, covered in blankets, as if asleep...though it was evident what the truth was.

"No."

Even if he didn't believe it at first.

"No."

Whether he did what was needed or not.

"NO."

All the visions, all the loops, the cave, the snow, the deaths; all to save this pure girl, a bright guiding beacon, that which he could not live without.

"NOOOOO."

In the end, it was pointless.

"NOOOOO."

….Rem was dead…

"NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Subaru rushed over and onto the bed his knees on it, he hugged Rem's lifeless body, rocking back and forth, weeping so loudly, his throat was becoming hoarse.

Glass was breaking, but not in reality, it was the fragility of his mind, the sound was the same.

"NO! NO! NO! REM! REM! MY REM! MY REM! REM! REM! PLEASE! NO! NO! NO! NO! PLEASE, DON'T LEAVE ME! NO! NO! UWAAGGHHHHH! AGGGHHHHH! NOOOOO! UWAAGHHHHH!"

Frederica finally returned with the Lewes Clones, in that very same room, but seeing the atmosphere...she put two and two together.

"Rem-chan."

Her eyes became teary…

Wilhelm looked away in sadness, but also a silent understanding.

Genau hopped away.

"Genau, where are you going?"
"Where else? I am going to find Ssssister Rem."

Instantly Frederica and Wilhelm became stunned when they saw his nonchalant tone and attitude. As Genau hurried off, Wilhelm turned to Frederica.

"Frederica-dono! Please go after him!"
"But-!"
"-We both can see it, both of can see what's wrong with him!"

Frederica understood, wiped her eyes and hurried off to find Genau.

Once outside, she saw him, running off into the direction of the forest.

"Genau! GENAU STOP!"
"Hm?"

He did so, but quite confused.

"What'sssss the big deal?"
"Genau, you are not well."
"The hell isssss that sssssupposed to mean?"
"You...Where are you off to?"

Genau let out an annoyed sigh.

"I told you. I'm gonna go find Sssssister Rem!"
"...And that lies the problem."
"Huh?"
"Genau, you've been through too much. You….You're not accepting what is actually happening."
"...You sssssee Sssssister Rem said that when we came back she'd make us some apple pie."
"Genau."
"And I couldn't find her in that esssstate, sssso sssshe probably ran back to the mansssssion to get ssssupplies, sssshe issss kinda diligent like that."
"Genau."
"I mean, ssssshe hassss to deal with her haughty sssssister, ssssso I can ssssee why sssshe issss sssso good at that. Anywayssss, I'd really like to ssssee her right now."
"Please, Genau."
"Sssso...You know...I jusssst...I jusssst...I'm going to find her, and bring-"
"-GENAU STOP IT! WE BOTH KNOW REM-CHAN IS-"
"-DON'T SSSSSAY IT!"

Even Frederica was surprised by his pleading, the scared tone, his legs almost buckling and his eyes wandering around.

"It'ssss a lie. Everyone is trying to trick me. Right? Hahaha, funny, what a funny joke, such a good prank!"
"No one is lying to you, except yourself."
"No, causssse, that'ssss impossible...I jusssst ssssaw her just a while ago."
"...Genau."
"Jusssst a while ago."
"...Ah."
"Jusssst a while ago. Jusssst a while ago. Jusssst a while ago. It'sss impossible, right? Right? Pleasssse. Pleasssse. Pleasssse! PLEASSSE! TELL ME! SSSSAY SOMETHING! FREDERICA! PLEASSSSE!"

Genau scrambled around, digging the ground, shaking his head, using his paws to kick his head.

"Help me! Help me! HELP ME! FREDERICA HELP ME! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THISSSS ISSSS! IT HURTSSS! IT HURTSSSS! FUCK! IT HURTSSSS! MY HEAD AND CHESSSST!"
"...oh…"
"I don't undersssstand! Why?! WHY?! WHY?!"

He scratched the grass, before he sat down and firmly looked up at the cloudy night sky.

"Rem...Rem."

Finally, for the first in the years he became a Red Lantern, even with the shreds of sadness he had shown, with the guilt or regret he has displayed in the years since then, this was the first.

The first time…

"Aughhh...Rem…"

Tears flooding out of his eyes, eyes closed shut.

This was the first time, he had ever cried.

"UWAAAAGHHHHH! UWAAAAAGGGHHHHHH! I'M SSSSORRY! UWAGGHHH! I'M SSSSORRY! I'M SSSSO SSSSORRY! UWAGGHHHHH!"

Frederica bit her lips, tears flowing down her cheeks and she ran to him, hugging the weeping Ma-Beast...both of them drowning in their sorrow.

Ovidius returned to the room, seeing Subaru continuously rocking back and forth...until he stopped, letting Rem lie down and getting off the bed.

"Nijino."
"Yes?"
"What happened?"
"Th-This guy named Halibel, he showed up o-out of nowhere and-"
"-THE FUCK UP."

Nijino was terrified with his tone, his bloodshot eyes staring back at her, and his hands clenched into fists.

"You are going to explain to me...I LEFT THEM WITH YOU! I TRUSTED YOU TO KEEP THEM SAFE!"
"But I-"
"-How did you let this happen!?"
"I tried…"

Angered by her teary eyes and her meek appearance, Subaru raised his fist.

In time for Emilia to stand between them.

"Emilia?"
"Please stop, it isn't just her...I was also there! I could've helped save Rem, but none of us could do a thing."

Emilia, still crying, faced him with a weakly determined stare.

"Please stop."

Subaru put his fist down, gazing over at Nijino.

"I'm sorry."
"It's okay, I know how much Rem meant to you."

Then, as he tried to understand what to even feel next, they noticed Ram begin to fall back. Wilhelm hurried over and caught her.

"Ram?!"
"Not to worry Subaru-sama, she has merely fainted."

He carried her into his arms, the sight making Subaru hold his head.

"We've lost Rem. I have tried so hard to avoid this, damn it, what do I do? Just-"
"-Natsuki-san."

Ovidius walked over and handed him, a sapphire jewel, attached to a simple black necklace.

"What the hell is-"
"-Put it on."
"And just-"
"-For the love of!...Just put it on, trust me."

He did so, letting it around his neck, and Ovidius grabbed his shoulders.

"Focus, like you would trying to...form a contract."
"What?"
"Do as I ask, please."

Subaru nodded and he focused hard, the jewel glowing for a few moments.

Afterwards nothing happened.

"So what? What the- The...The…"

Everyone saw Subaru completely stunned into silence and staring at his own palms.

Then they heard him, speak to himself.

"Rem?"

Like that, he heard her.

"Subaru-kun?"

"Rem?"
"Subaru-kun, Rem is glad you are okay!"

He could hear her whimpering voice, but he couldn't see her anywhere.

"Rem! Rem! Where are you?! Please, don't hide, come out!"
"Rem is not hiding, Rem is there. Rem can see Subaru-kun, hear Subaru-kun...but I can't touch you or feel you. Rem is confused, scared even."
"What the hell is this?"

Turning his bewildered face to see Ovidius, the genius sighed.

"Rem's body was done for, she was on the very brink of death. In order to save her, I was able to use that place in the Sanctuary, the one that housed the original Lewes Meyer, the power source of the barrier that kept it secluded."
"...And?"
"Using principle techniques used in the creation of various items that belonged to the Witch of Greed, I had figured out her original goal was to store her soul inside of that spirit. Utilizing the exact same Magic Runes and the crystal I acquired in Priestella...I have made Rem's soul bound to that crystal."

Subaru rubbed the crystal, and went wide eyed.

Rem's voice expressed shock.

"Then Rem is...Rem is...a ghost?"

"She's a ghost?"

Ovidius nodded.

"More or less, due to you being the first one using the stone, you have essentially formed a contract of sorts with her."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning...her spirit is connected to yours. The day you die, she will as well."

So much information to take in at one moment, no one there was thrilled to hear it. Emilia walked over and tapped the crystal...letting her speak with Rem. It would seem that a person would need to physically touch the crystal once, allowing them to connect telepathically with Rem, but it was up to Rem whether she would talk to them or not. And Rem could not speak with anyone that was six or so meters away from the crystal.

She could not touch anything, or had a body to speak of at all.

This was her new fate.

"Are you feeling alright Rem?"
"Yes Emilia-sama, Rem is doing fine, even with the circumstances given."
"But...you don't have a body anymore."
"It is alright, as long as I am by Subaru-kun's side, I will face any and all adversity. It is a maids duty."

Emilia nodded sadly, but she noticed Subaru cover his mouth, facing Ovidius again.

"This is not possible."
"...I know."
"I can't...I can't make a contract with another spirit. It goes against my pact with Beatrice! One of the rules states I cannot make contracts with other spirits, as long as I am with her!"
"...I know."
"...Where is Beatrice?"
"Come with me, leave Rem with the others."
"Leave her?"
"Yes, she can be worn by others, she may be directly connected with you, but she can be fine with or without you nearby."
"Okay. Emilia, take it."

Emilia did so and wore it around her neck, hearing a sad sigh from Rem's voice.

"Please be okay, Subaru-kun."
"I will."

Nijino and Wilhelm nodded to each other as they guarded Emilia.

"We'll stay with Emilia-sama and R-Rem. You head off to find Beatrice-dono."
"Subaru, I promise I won't screw up this time! I'll watch them! Even if I have to pee or somethin! I won't move from this spot!"

Subaru looked away, making Nijino panic, even if Wilhelm patted her shoulder.

"Okay, I trust you Nijino."

Hearing those last words, he made his way out, leaving Nijino more than glad.

He could see through the hallway windows Frederica sitting on the grass petting Genau, comforting him as best as she could, the dark ambient sky filling him with a troubled stress.

"Natsuki-san, we'll head to the Sanctuary."
"And Beatrice?"
"You'll have to see."

So they left, heading to the Sanctuary to find Beatrice...at least, that was the case.

Once in the Sanctuary, they made their way through the town, noticing the heightened alarm within the citizens.

"What happened?"
"Apparently Vollachian and Kararagian forces attacked Irlham Village."
"WHAT?! ARE THEY FINE, WE NEED TO-!"
"-Rest easy Natsuki-san! These fine people and our Ma-Beasts defeated them, we've captured some to interrogate further."
"Then, did anyone-?"
"-Naturally, there were some casualties, but nothing too horrendous. Petra and the remaining children being among the survivors. You should be proud of that village, they accomplished so much."
"Y-Yeah."

But as they walked...Ovidius whispered to himself, unheard by Subaru, nor would it ever be known to him.

"The outcome was excellent, my Metia was tested so wonderfully! Hehehehe, this upcoming war, will yield such exquisite results. All for the day, the day, yes, the day we wage war on the Watchtower..."

Now, they had made it inside the Tomb, which had begun gathering dust, cobwebs and the like. Making their way, they were down the stone hall and saw the door open.

Once it did, Subaru saw someone stumble out and hold their head in ache.

His heart raced, his blood boiled, everything in his soul flared up. The sight he had to behold, made everything around him inconsequential, save for the heated rage he had due to the entire days events.

This was because…

"WHY ARE YOU ALIVE?"
"S-Su-Subaru?"

Standing before him was someone, he was sure died.

Mocking him further than any other insult, Subaru flew towards her, bearing his molars and flaring up his eyes.

This was because…

"WHY ARE YOU HERE, ECHIDNA?!"

Subaru grabbed her neck, slamming her to the stone wall, ready to snap her neck at a moments notice. But he was shocked when Ovidius wrapped his arm around his own, stopping him.

"Let me go! She's supposed to be dead!"
"She has been dead! But that is not who you think it is!"

His grip loosened, she was freed, and Echidna slumped down, landing on her behind, trembling in fear.

"Natsuki-san, listen to me!"
"Why is she here!? Why is Echidna-"
"-LISTEN TO DAMN IT! THAT IS NOT ECHIDNA!"
"HUH?!"

The words came, and Subaru's world, truly fell apart a little more.

"IT'S BEATRICE!"

The strength leaving his struggle, Subaru flung his arms down and stared, with the same expression she had.

"What is this, I suppose? Why?"

Beatrice stared at her hands, noticing the difference, brushing her hair, then gazing at the white color of it, she covered her mouth.

"Subaru what has happened to Betty?! Please, why does Betty look like this?!"
"Beatrice. Oh god, how the hell is this happening?!"

"Subaru please, Betty recognizes this hand, this hair, all of it, I suppose! Mother! This is mother's body isn't it?!"

Subaru hugged her, Beatrice cried, screamed and yelled obscenities at Ovidius, claiming he had defiled her mother's body. Yet Subaru had to know.

"Ovidius how did you do this?"
"The compatibility was there. Echidna crafted Beatrice with her own mana, and even a piece of her Od, which meant her soul was able to bond with the remaining Od within Echidna. Using the same process I did with Rem, I housed her soul inside that perfectly preserved body."
"And why not Rem?"
"Her soul and that body hold no compatibility, essentially she would struggle and possibly even suffer in a body not her own. It was only Beatrice I could do this with. It was the only way I could save her."

Subaru rested his chin on her head, but felt her move and stared up at him.

"Then Betty is now mother, I suppose?"
"No, you are still Beatrice, you always will be!"
"And what am I to you now?! We are no longer contracted with one another, I suppose. Am I going to be tossed aside? Is Betty being in Mother's body, detrimental to Subaru?"
"OF COURSE NOT!"

Subaru had his forehead touch hers, enchanting her.

"I promised to take care of you, no matter what! I won't leave you, I won't abandon you! Beatrice, will you stay with me, with all of us?"
"...Y...Yes of course! Betty's Subaru is the only one she needs!"

Beatrice hugged him around his neck, crying profusely in her brand new body, it was something they all had to get used to.

"Roswaal is going to hate this, I just know it."
"...I guess we won't have to worry about that."

Both of them heard his response, stared at him, and completely understood what he meant.

"How?"
"Cecilus Segmunt, we ran into him...Roswaal was just unlucky."

Now it became clear.

Beatrice, trapped in the body of someone she loved so dearly.

Rem, her body destroyed and trapped as an unseen entity.

Roswaal, his life taken away by the enemy.

Rom, the same fate.

Petra, her legs robbed from her.

So many others, their lives snuffed out, and homes obliterated.

Subaru had enough, no more would he take this quietly.

"Everyone, head back."
"Then we're going through with it?"
"They're gonna fucking pay for this, EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM."

His eyes glimmering red, Subaru sought retribution, and he would see it through the deaths of those responsible for all this misfortune.

The world, would feel his wrath.

Taking Beatrice with them, everyone was stunned to see her new body, which of course made her uncomfortable. But it was Emilia who ran over and gave her a hug, comforting the girl enough that the others gathered around. It would be by their help they would have to help her get accustomed to things she had no reason to commit to as a spirit.

Eating, showering, exercising, even more physical obstacles, such as going to the bathroom, and experiencing her first period.

It was all new and shocking to her.

Beatrice stared at the forever slumbering body of Rem, and let out a small noise from her throat. Still, her learning about her soul being housed in the jewel, gave her some clarity, but it was still distressing.

Genau, who had come back with Frederica was the most shell-shocked by the fates of Beatrice and Rem. He was glad they didn't leave him...but guilt racked up in him, being unable to save them from their outcomes.

"I am glad you are alive, Ssssister Beatrice!"
"Me as well, Genau."

But Genau had other ideas.

"Brother Sssssubaru! When do we leave!?"
"Hang on, we have to take this one step at a time, we're essentially taking on the entire world at this point. We have to be careful."
"We have to make them pay for what they have done!"
"I know, but if we to inflict as much damage as possible, we have to make plans, right?"

Genau hung his head down, but agreed.

In the end, it came to reason by Wilhelm that the Sage Council would need to be talked into it.

"Subaru-sama, we have to convince them to declare war on the other kingdoms."
"So the soldiers and mercenaries can get involved?"
"Even if we went ahead and fought them alone, we'd leave Lugnica undefended. Not to mention that their people are proud and stern, they'd fight to the bitter end."
"Okay, alright, I see. So like any other war we have to beat them down so badly…"
"That they'd have no choice but to surrender."
"Wilhelm, you saved me a bunch of time, thanks!"
"My pleasure."

It was true though, all of them had their reasons to participate.

Wilhelm, whose most important significant other, his wife, was taken from him; could connect with this situation. He could understand the pain Subaru was going through, and entrusting his leader, he would help avenge the people harmed in the reckless and insulting attacks perpetrated by the other nations.

Frederica loved Rem like a sister, and was becoming acquainted with Petra. She felt it was necessary to punish these aggressors thoroughly.

Nijino was a rival with Rem, and grew to become friendly with Beatrice and Petra. Seeing them face such horrible outcomes, made her want nothing more than fight to the bitter end against her enemies...especially Kararagi, the home that she hated more than anything.

Genau had nothing but hatred for everyone involved in these attacks, he would see to it that everything outside the border of Lugnica, burned, and all his enemies died choking, screaming, crying and as painfully as possible. He would avenge his friends.

Ovidius did have his honor bound pledge, to avenge the comrades who lost their lives in this grueling event. However, deep down was his own desire to prepare for a coming battle, thus he wanted his Metia and various other inventions tested out. Not on just captured individuals, but on the battlefield itself...this was a golden opportunity.

Mimi would agree with this, as she would never forgive anyone who would try and harm her Anastasia or her siblings.

Beatrice was forced to steal her creator's body, lose her very being, and she would get payback on those who forced this upon her.

Subaru….he was all for it.

Emilia showed hesitation in accepting such an idea...but looking at the results of what peaceful endeavors yielded, even she knew that the only way to resolve this was through the coming conflict. It pained her, knowing people were going to die, but it was sadly, for her at least, a necessity.

As they got ready to leave, Subaru picked up Rem's body and flew off with it, no one stopped him. At the top of a plateau, where there were yellow daisies covering most of the top region; Subaru gave Rem's body a proper burial…

Subaru returned to the Estate, but saw everyone else had left, per his orders. So he ventured around seeing if they left anything behind.

Going to the main lobby, he found someone sitting on a sole chair waiting for him.

"You came back, Red Lantern."
"...Ram."

She hobbled to her feet, tossing the chair away, storming her way to him. Eyes filled with pure rage and depression, she reached her arms out. Subaru could see this but did nothing, only for her, to grab his collar instead.

"Why? Why?"
"...We know why."
"No, obviously not! Because I'm looking at the reason here!"

She hung her head down, tears dripping down at a fast rate.

"You being here is the reason. My little sister, who trusted and loved you, is dead. My master, the one I loved so much, is dead. You've left me with nothing."
"Rem isn't dead, I'm sure they explained to you where her soul-"

"-THAT ISN'T EVEN BEING ALIVE! DON'T VIEW IT LIKE THAT!"

She gripped harder, Subaru never left his sights off of her.

"All this happened, because we allowed you into our lives, why couldn't you have just stayed in your world? Why did you have to come and curse all of us, to begin getting us all killed?"
"I wanted save you-"
"-SHUT UP! You goddamn liar! Look around you, look at the death and destruction you've done nothing but contribute to! So what if you had Return By Death?! So what if you say you died over and over and over and over again to SAVE US?! WHO CARES?! YOU'RE A FUCKING LIAR!"
"Ram."
"I know why! I KNOW WHY! You enjoyed it didn't you, seeing us all die?! Right?! You death worshipping beast, that is the real reason isn't it?!"
"Stop it."
"It thrilled you to be the hero! And when things went awry, you could savor the consequences that befell all of us! You sicko! You creep! MONSTER! You wanted this didn't you!?"

"Stop it."
"ADMIT IT!"

The eerie, crazed smile she gave, cheeks drowned in tears, startled Subaru.

"You want us to die, DON'T YOU?!"
"STOP IT!"

"Then go ahead, please, kill me! KILL ME! GO AHEAD! DO IT!"

She began grabbing at him, pulling his hair, scratching his cheeks, wrestling with him.

"FUCKING COWARD! DO IT! YOU SON OF A BITCH! KILL ME! DAMN YOU! YOU'VE TAKEN IT ALL FROM ME! GO ON, DO WHAT YOU DO BEST! KILL ME!"
"STOP IT PLEASE!"
"KILL ME THEN! NATSUKI SUBARU, KILL ME! KILL ME! RED LANTERN!"
"STOP IT!"

SMACK!

Ram fell back, as Subaru stared at his open palm. Shaking, eyes wide open, he walked over to Ram.

"Ram, I'm sorry. Ram I am so sorry!"

She began crawling to him, a big red mark on her cheek, crying wildly.

"Why are you doing this? Do you enjoy ruining my life?"
"No! NO! I CARE! I DO!"
"Please, I just want to-"

With a loud thud, Subaru had a construct of a hand, karate chop her in the back of the neck, knocking her unconscious.

He panted and huffed, tears forming in the corner of his eyes, but he shook his head, catching his bearings.

"What an audacious way of treating a lady."
"As if my day wasn't bad enough, an asshole like you shows up?!"

Peeking over, there was Julius, making a displeased expression.

"I came to see how your actions botched it all this time, and even I can say I am amazed how much you've squandered things, yet again."
"Shut up."
"I warned you of the possible consequences your misguided bravado would yield, yet here we are."
"Fuck up, I know shit went wrong, but I'm sure-"
"-Sure thing will work out?! Why can't you think these things through?! Everytime you say that, it produces the kind of results reminiscent of your war against Priscilla! People are going to die because of this!"
"People have already died, people I was allies with, people I was grateful to! I am going to avenge them!"
"Nonsense, you will breed only more hatred!"
"And that hate is what drives us! Forget what Corps we are?! We'll turn that hate back around and burn them all up!"

"I have tried my hardest to show you what you're attributing to, even Ram-dono here has as well. But that power of yours has blinded you, corrupted you into something far more dangerous than I can imagine."
"Ghost, hallucination, whatever the fuck you are, get the hell out of here, I've got work to do!"

Subaru picked up Ram, but as he did…

"I hope Lugnica, my home, can survive being spun by a demon like you."

"I can save it."
"Last piece of advice. You will need Reinhard, just letting you know out of courtesy….PRIDE."

Subaru turned around, and Julius was gone.

He clicked his tongue and opened a Blood Portal, finally leaving the Estate.

It was at the Astrea Hideout, that after a deliberation, and knowledge of what Subaru and the others went through that the other two Camps agreed.

"We need ta' convince the Council of hitting them fast, before they catch us by surprise."
"I agree with you Hoshin, but those tight asses might not see eye to eye with the rest of us."

Reinhard tapped his chin, then looked at the window of the dining room they were in.

"If what Ovidius said about the battle in the Capital is accurate, the people might side with us."

"Making the populace wish for a war?"
"I think that is the case Ezzo, if not, things will only remain unfulfilled."

"Your father might not be willing to work with that."
"My father is one thing, and the fate of the Kingdom is another, he'll have to get with the situation at hand."
"Yes indeed, then that's it, the people are our key then."

It was accepted that could be the case, and possibly the only true way to get their backing. With that, everyone had begun moving out.

"Emilia."
"Yes Subaru?"
"Can you give the necklace to Ram, I think she'd need it right now."
"Sure thing."

Subaru watched as Emilia walked off, and he sat on a chair. Gazing out the same window, he noticed an orange light...it was the sun, rising up slowly.

The new day was about to begin.

As Felt was about to reach her designated room, she stopped.

"Reinhard?"
"My lady."

He was right behind her, ready to guard her, protect her, and fight for her. In all semblance, it was indeed his duty as her knight. Yet…

"It's funny."
"What is?"
"The idea that the Sword Saint would be working for me, trying to push me into being the ruler of the Kingdom."
"I think it is a noble endeavor."
"But that's just it...you pushed me to it."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Reinhard, all I ever wanted, was to live long. Maybe not easily, maybe filled with struggle, but I wanted to survive, with Rom-jii."
"Felt-sama..?"
"But you took me away, forced me into this goddamn Royal Selection and brought me to this point!"
"I was doing my duty."
"And what about me?!"
"Ah."
"Did you for once think about what I wanted, or what would happen to me?! You said you'd keep me safe, but my life is less important than...than Rom-jii."
"...I…"
"Not once did you think about saving him, and I'm sure that day when he got caught in the castle...you wanted him dead, just to cover the tracks of my past, didn't you?"
"Felt-sama."
"ADMIT IT."

Felt still did not face Reinhard, staring at her door.

After a moment of silence…

"There was, a part of me...that did."
"The honorable hero, the Sword Saint. Like Rom-jii said, in reality, you're just a stuck up Astrea pig."
"Hold on!"
"Shut it, I made my decision."

Finally facing him, a shallow smile, that which made Reinhard actually scared.

"I am dropping out of the Royal Selection."

"Wait, don't be so hasty!"
"Reinhard, I want to give a final order, one that takes precedence over everything!"
"Anything...but I...No, I will accept to my very soul, Felt-sama."

He bowed, his usual uptight prevalence, which Felt was both impressed with and annoyed by.

And like that, she gave him one, final, order.

"I want you to help Subaru-nii chan. Help him win this war and get us payback for Rom-jii and everyone else harmed in these attacks.
"...Ah-"
"-No excuse, you're the Sword Saint, you have a duty, so please just do as I command!"

After a moment, Reinhard emotionlessly nodded in his bowed position. With that, Felt did as well.

"Soon, Emilia-nee san and Anastasia nee san will help find me a new home in the capital, I just can't stay here anymore. I'll probably join one of them, as a Camp member, but not be a leader, that's not me. But I have to say Reinhard; it was fun while it lasted."

With nothing being said by Reinhard, she quietly went to her room and shut the door behind her.

Reinhard raised himself, walking a few feet, before headbutting a picture frame. It destroyed the frame, and damaged the wall, but of course did no harm to him whatsoever. And he stumbled away, a face indicative of disappointment, sadness and pure regret.

In another room, sitting on a chair, his feet on a desk...Ovidius was reading a book, but kept his sight at the closed door. With his helmet off, anyone would be able to see his face and the putrid smile he was giving off.

"And with this…"

He shut the book closed, the snap of the bindings, echoed in that eerie dark domain.

"Congratulations, Emilia-san."

There was a mission.

Flying above the world, this red light flew to the very end of the world, which became a waterfall. Flying under and through the heavy stream, he found a large cave, filled with large crystals, larger than one could imagine. Zipping around, maneuvering through the hazards, one would see the red vine or vein-like marks growing underground. What were these?

In reality, a funny thing occurred.

Subaru had buried the two Red Lantern Batteries underneath the ground, deep enough that pretty much no one could find it, and in response the Batteries dug their influence into the core of this world.

So they could absorb the very rage that was being executed by the populace of this world. So until the Red Lanterns could find a way to fully connect with the Butcher and fully attain their own Core Battery, this was their only option.

Finally, as he landed on a single rock...Genau narrowed his eyes, the area in front of him was bright white, as if it were another dimension.

"Not too busy are you?"
"Concurrently, I am too stressed to even get the slightest work done."
"Heh, hearing that and sssseeing you give me different impressionssss."

Raising his head, was a giant dragon.

Grey charcoal skin.

Eyes like the fiercest flames.

Sharp teeth, sharp two horns and using his two wings as arms.

Spikes on his back.

When Subaru first got a mention of how he looked, he compared this being to the dragons he saw in a film called, 'Reign of Fire', claiming they sounded identical.

Who was this dragon? It was obvious.

Volcanica.

The dragon that helped seal Satella, and was the one who forged the covenant with Lugnica. He was discovered during a secret meeting between the Red Lanterns, a year ago, and they made sure to promise one another to stay out of each other's way, but still, messages had to be delivered.

However, here he was so huge, so massive...but quite unfulfilled.

"And what do you wish to see me for, Genau?"
"You sssshould have an idea of what'ssss going on, right?"
"A war between the kingdoms is erupting."
"We want to know where you sssstand on thissss."

Volcanica fixed his neck and stared down at Genau.

"I created the covenant with Lugnica to ensure that peace would be kept between all nations, a deterrent from a world war being caused."
"Well, you didn't do a very good job."
"I agree, I always knew humans were so arrogant that they'd be blinded by trivial mortal temptations and plights, that it would lead to this someday."
"Why not ssssettle it?"
"If I did, I would merely postpone the inevitable. Especially with your Red Lantern Corps around, their growing influence would only boil over the resentment and fear, thus a world war would still happen."
"Sssso? What? What are you planning to do?"
"I will sit and wait."
"Typical."

Genau yawned, as Volcanica affixed himself to be in a better position, his large tail behind him laying down.

"I would wait to see, if you and your cronies bring a about an apocalyptic situation."
"We won't, well, maybe for the other kingdoms, but not our home."
"But if it does, I will act. Sadly, because you, in a way, represent Lugnica, you attacked and became the aggressors. My contract only was to be defensive in nature, thus it cannot be used in this circumstance, that is my final thought on it. In reality, I would've acted, had the Watchtower become under threat, but with the Algol Tree destroyed, Satella...is essentially dead, and my powers have waned slightly, thus that is not an issue."

"Bleh, just ssssay you don't wanna fight, jeez."

Genau turned around and began floating up.

"Well thisss issss where I ssssay buh bye for now, sssee ya around Volcanica."
"Wait, one last thing."
"Hmmmm?"

Volcanica's eyes sharpened greatly, which would bring fear to anyone elses hearts, but not Genau's.

"Should the Red Lantern Corps, prove it...if you become a threat to all life in this world; I shall become your enemy."
"...Whatever you say, just ssstay put and sssstay out of our way."

Genau flew out of there, leaving Volcanica alone, as he stared at the almost pulsating red veins in his lair.

"Was what caused the Tree's destruction, the same origin for your existence?"

His eyes glared at it.

"I am not sure of anything, anymore."

Now, with a sunny morning welcoming all, everyone had gathered in the Palace to discuss with the Sage Council, two important subjects.

The dissolution of the Felt Camp.

The plead to start a war with the Triple Alliance.

They adamantly refused the second subject, especially Bordeaux.

"Have you any idea what a war of that scale would cause in the end!?"
"Let's see, larger borders, greater strength and much more influence in the political something or whatever, right?"
"Natsuki Subaru, it was you and your Red Lantern Corps that has thrust this burden upon the Kingdom! We should work to engage in negotiations with them, instead of just outright devolving into a full scale conflict."

That was when Reinhard pointed outside.

"I think that may not be so easy, great Council."
"Huh?"

A fully armored knight stormed in, bowing to the head Royal Knights, Gildarts.

"What can be so pressing, that you are interrupting such an important meeting?!"
"Sir! Outside, the populace of the Capital...they are the main gates!"
"What?!"

As said, several stationed guards and knights were being overwhelmed by a humongous angry mob, numbering in the thousands, demanding their voices heard. Waving around banners demanding justice, holding up burnt up replicas of the flags of Vollachia, Kararagi and Gusteko, as well as some holding up portraits of deceased loved ones resulting form the recent fighting.

"My shop was destroyed, those Kingdoms gotta pay for that!" "My son is dead! We need to avenge him!" "My wife and son are dying! Vollachia is gonna burn for that!" "What is the Council doing?! Quit stalling!" "Let us through! We need to speak to those old farts!" "Let the Red Lantern Corps take charge!" "Let our Red Heroes take charge!" "Let the Crimson Tide, Natsuki Subaru command the armies, I'll fight!" "Let's get them!" "Fuck Vollachia! Screw Kararagi! To hell with Gusteko! The Red Lanterns! THE RED LANTERNS, LET'S JOIN THEM IN KILLING THEM ALL!"

This was all to voice their support.

Support to the Red Lantern Corps and to get revenge for the ones lost.

"Sir! What do we do?! At any moment, they could try and break through the gates in a riot!"
"Damn, is everyone that eager?!"

Subaru yawned so loudly, that it caught everyone's attention.

"C'mon, we can all see this not going to end well. No matter what, even if this ended peacefully, the people out there, the ones who suffered and the ones who have had the burdens put on them; they'll lose faith in you guys. Is a civil war something that could happen, I'm not sure really."
"We are in hostile relations with THREE NATIONS, how do expect us to win?"
"This beautiful bastard will get it done."

Subaru patted Ovidius on the back.

"Council, I do concur with my leader here, that in a few months time...I will have this nation at a point of preparedness. Yes, I can have this Kingdom in a state of production and training that we can mobilize a army that can rival the entire world!"
"Big claims there Ovidius Loman, but what do you intend to do about the Triple Alliance and their forces?"

The Red Lanterns eyes darkened.

"I can promise you...that can be done, easily."

Outside, Jolokia and the Tzatziki brothers were speaking with another, among the yelling mob.

"Jolokia-san, what do you think of all this?!"
"Well, Grrrr, I think we have to side with our fellow Chosen Ones! If the other nations are being aggressive against us, we must act!"
"Yeah, I gotta admit, this upsets me! My best friend was killed in the poison attack, and I want get my hands on a Vollachian!"

"Let us pray that they allow us to get vengeance, GRRR!"

His twin brother Moussaka meekly nodded in agreement, making his brother pout, however Jolokia chuckled.

Then they heard a commotion up ahead...and then, the news spread, along with cheering.

A man with an almost mohawk haircut, raised himself up so the ones nearby could hear.

"IT'S OFFICIAL! WE ARE GOING TO WAR!"

The entire mob erupted into applause, as the news was exactly what they wanted. As this happened, a brown haired cute girl pointed up.

"LOOK!"

Seven streaks of red light flew up into the air out of the palace, and separated into different directions, one of them flying over them. This only further brought joy to the populace, knowing that their heroes were moving out to engage in the defense of their home, and on the attack against their enemies.

A group of knights exited the gates, and with a longhorn, announced to the crowd.

"We are now accepting all able bodied men and women into service! Please follow a designated knight to a recruitment center! Please have information ready!"

Like that, the angry mob, became organized and many men and even women, of both human and demi-human ancestry, followed.

Jolokia was pumped, raising his fists into the air, as the brothers followed him. The brown haired girl went to the opposite group and several Church members went to another.

What they did not know, was that depending on what group they followed with...would mean where they would be the determining factor in where they would be deployed.

At a Vollachian Knight Barracks, everyone had gathered in the training grounds.

Their commander, an orange haired muscular man, wearing black armor and a long mustache, stood in front of these hundreds of men.

"Men! I have come to inform you, that last night, the Lugnican thugs, 'The Red Lantern Corps', had attempted an assassination on our Emperor! As we can all tell, or just feel hearing such a thing; we cannot Lugnica to get away with this! That said, it has been brought to my understanding, that we will not be alone in this! Kararagi and Gusteko have joined in an alliance with our Empire...all with the joint goal of ridding the world of the Red Lanterns and suppressing the violent Kingdom that houses them! Like this! We are unstoppable, indomitable, empowered, we Vollachians will push and push, never yielding to them! Together, you beautiful boys are gonna help us take them down! That's right men! WE ARE GOING TO WAR!"

The men roared in applause!

Excitement filled their hearts and thoughts of victorious battles and the ever so close triumph over their long lasting rival...it was there.

They raised their fists, as the morning sun shined brightly. On this beautiful day, this glorious blue day; the sun shined even brighter.

Actually...it seemed to be too bright, way too bright; blindingly.

"Hey, isn't that-"

In an instant, the entire barracks was destroyed, struck by a meteor. The surrounding buildings shook, commuting people flew into the air and windows for miles and miles, broke from the shockwave.

Not just that, this wasn't the only barracks. Two other ones in Vollachia were struck by meteors.

And not just Vollachia!

Kararagi was struck three times and Gusteko was hit twice.

Calculated, coordinated and effective.

All the leaders were quickly informed at the casualties, and how this would set back their mobilization by months.

The Great Meteor Storm

Vollachian Losses: 1,720 Dead; 12,000 injured

Kararagi Losses: 1,912 Dead, 14,500 injured

Gusteko Losses: 1,602 Dead, 6,000 injured

Vincent stared out his castle window and saw the humongous plumes of smoke in the distance.

"Then we have a war."

Lugnica was in full swing as people began prepping for the insane tribulations that would occur, mostly getting training, watching as strange items were being pulled by carriages.

Orlena left Irlham Village, putting her trust in those that remained.

"Take care of Petra and the others, I'm off!"

She waved goodbye, as the villagers did so in return, the Wolgarm sitting in compliance as they would soon continue their work rebuilding.

But Orlena was not leaving alone, a few men from the village also wished to participate in this war, and as they headed down the trail, noticing a few demi-human able bodied men and some women, all from the Sanctuary met up with them. They continued as their final compatriot...Carolus Rex, followed closely, their carriages coming to pick them up.

Orlena would become a Metia Specialist during her short training...and be shipped out to Kararagi.

Her fellow villagers would be sent to Vollachia, as well as Carolus Rex.

Ababil would remain in defense of Lugnica.

Three Lewes Clones would stay and two others, mainly Sagittarius and one named Scorpio would leave for Vollachia.

Jolokia barely needed any training, but helped the brothers with theirs, toughening them up as much as he could. Though grueling, the brothers accepted it, wanting to be reayd to fight.

"That's it, Grr! Show em' how it is done!"

In the end, while Bougatsa was ready combat wise, being given a Iklwa to use as his signature weapon. His brother, Moussaka showed to be quite docile in many regards, so he was made into a Wolgarm Special Unit, they would use a given Wolgarm to fight, search and even scout, and use Metia Rods to assist others in combat.

"Grrrr, they look tough, so don't let a Wolgarm overtake you Moussaka!"
"Y-Yeah, thank you for the advice."
"Make sure to get practice with your Metia too!"
"Oh yeah, sure thing!"
"Atta boy! GRRR!"

Moussaka was given his Wolgarm, who seemed to be docile enough but never liked to get pet. He was not given a name, not yet.

The man with the mohawk they saw at the announcement, named Stanley Berbers, was actually a mercenary who worked in the Bloodstained Roses War, fighting for the Emilia Camp. He had great enthusiasm about the war, having survived one before. His dark blue eyes accentuated his rugged face and black tank top, a muscular build for sure.

He'd wield a curved sword and shield for his venture.

"This'll be a breeze, trust me!"
"Why do you say that, we are up against a pretty big force, you know?"
"Ah c'mon, Bougatsa-kun! We got the Red Lanterns on our side! I think this war will last two, hmmm, three months tops!"
"Damn, even I want that enthusiasm of yours."

"Hahaha! Keep dreaming, drink more booze, get in a bit more fights...maybe get into a few more ladies beds, and you'll get my level."
"Uh sure...I guess?"

In the corner of the training room, the dark brown haired short girl from before, with yellow eyes and a cute face, who was named Juel Thahn, was made into a Metia Specialist, using Metia weapons for combat. She remained somewhat quiet, but would always give a thumbs up when needed and had a good sense of humor.

"Hey."
"...Moussaka."
"...Did you say my name?!"

"M-Maybe I heard things, sorry."
"...Heh Heh."

All these people, including a proud woman with purple hair, a man with slicked back hair and handsome build, a lizardman with scars all over his face, and a childish woman with a pink rose shaped hair bun, and so many others; would be sent to Vollachia.

Everything was being set into motion.

In Vollachia, the Emperor sat on his throne, enraged to no end, glaring at those gathered.

"Cecilus, defend me, the rest of you goes and crushes any sort of invasion that should come."

They agreed, as Vollachia's strongest warriors...The Nine God Generals, corresponding by numbers, from the strongest being ONE, who was Cecilus; and the rest leveling downward in strength by accordance, met in attendance, ready for war.

In Kararagi, the Sultan: Tojiro H. Kazuo, had his councilman meet and pointed his finger at the ones assembled.

"We will defend Kararagi, no matter the costs."

Halibel nodded, as the rest of them, the six most supreme warriors this country had to offer obliged...the Warriors Elite were on the move.

"And make sure to get the last member out of jail! If he aids in the defense of our nation...I will absolve him of his crimes!"

And deep in a underground jail, locked away from prying eyes...wrapped in chains...a certain muscular grey skinned man, looking dry to the bone, smiled.

In Gusteko, the Crazed Prince tapped his sword onto the floor, and the assembled men nodded.

A lucky number, seven, and these guardians were more than prepared.

Gusteko's Holy Squadron of Death, were together again.

Emilia sat down, gazing out the window, watching as time began to march forward with Puck worryingly laying on her shoulder.

"Lia, I hope this works."

Anastasia laid on her bed, in a purple nightgown, feeling her head ache when thinking about a certain somebody.

"Do I really feel that way...about HIM?"

Ram sat on her bed, hair disheveled, eyes tired and pajamas ragged. Around her neck was the necklace housing Rem.

"Nee-sama, please...Please…"
Ram just stared, lifelessly onto her sheets.

Felt chugged back an ale, and slowly, sadly, put the cup down.

"I'm sorry Rom-jii."

The Three Stooges put on makeshift armor, ready to venture into Gusteko.

"COOOL!"

Ezzo Cadner, given the title of Magrave, was instructing magic users in expert training.

"Magic combat is exhausting, so be prepared for that!"

Heinkel had to get sober quick as he worked with Gildarts in splitting Royal Guards into teams that would stay to defend Lugnica and those who would leave to the frontlines.

"This such a pain in the ass, but we gotta get on with it, I GUESS!"

Beatrice slowly accustomed to her body, and now wearing a long red scarf, which dragged onto the ground, motioned to some mining men.

"We need more gems for these parts, I suppose! Make haste and search for these specific ones, it is crucial, to the war I suppose!"

Tivey and Hetaro gathered men and ordered them to begin training the conscripted civilians.

"Let's get a move on! We have not that much time!"

Liliana sang a song for a relaxing garrison, offering them a moment to rest.

"And we shall be as one, let's got fellas!"

Russell Fellow scribbled notes onto stacks of papers, as he kept finances in check.

Orlena kicked a sandbag before spinning and stabbing it with a knife, wiping the sweat off her face.

Bougatsa spun around his Ikwa.

"Okay! C'mon, a little more!"

Moussaka had aimed his Metia Rod and whistled, his Wolgarm charged forward, bit the leg of a mannequin as he fired, blasting the neck apart.

"WOW! Alright! We did it!"

"Groooar!"

Jolokia did a one handed handstand, trainign his large muscles as he did dumbell exercises with his other arm.

"GRRR! Must get stronger! Have to keep these little cubs safe, so we can see the victorious red dawn together! C'mon! Grrr!"

Juel meditated, sneezed, and then rubbed her nose, hoping nobody noticed.

Stanley sipped on some water and then got up, before doing push ups.

"Ladies, don't like a flabby guy, I should know!"

The purple haired woman, named Bertha Giles practiced her swordplay, as the other handsome man, named DuPont Saison winked at her, but she only raised a brow, before resuming training.

The fumbling girl with pink hair, named Lisette Monterrey, tried her best to fit in. Yet one would wonder why on earth such a ditsy girl, even as cute as she was ,or how big her chest was; had the bright idea of joining the war.

"Gotta do my part for my home. Right. Well, um. Plus...um, I kind of got kicked out of my parents place, so I got nowhere to go! Waahhhh! I had nowhere else to go! I got fired from two other jobs, and this was all I had left, or I'd be out on the street! Wahhh! Just wow! WAHHHH!"
It was then decided she would be sent for Medic Support, just to ease everyone's nerves.

The general for Vollachia's team, a dwarf with black hair and a huge bushy red beard, named Midge Ure, raised a barrel over his head.

"Drink now lads! After this, we train till our balls sink in and our throats become parched! But if we win, there will be plenty of women and booze awaiting us back home, and things will be just alright! DAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Gazing out at the parched men and women, taking in the rewards for some hard work done.

"Poor little fellas. It'll be sad when I see some of them get eaten up by the jaws of war. Welp, let's drink until then."

The Suwen Family, organized material to be sent to the Capital, hoping the war effort would do well.

An adorable elderly couple, both owned a shop in the Capital, it was also a restaurant and inn, all the same large building. Luckily, they saw that their business was to do well, as soldiers, knights, and advisors came and went.

"It'll slow down once the fighting starts."
"Yes dear, though I hope it'll be not too long."

The old man rubbed his fine elegant curly beard and asked.

"By the way, where has our my loyal employee gone?"
"She went shopping for bit, she'll be back."
"She seems more stressed out than usual, the poor dear, so young."

"I wish she had more luck."
"The poor dear has no home, she was lucky enough to be able to rent one of our rooms for a year now."
"Quite right my love, but other than her excellent work ethic and her first name, I feel though, we should know more about her."
"She'll tell us more when the time comes."

Walking through the crowd, wearing a dark blue hooded cloak, concealing most of her face.

This green haired woman glared out to the bustling world, ever so fuming about the state her home was in.

Like that, she knew who to blame.

"Damn you, Natsuki. Subaru."

The old woman at the inn, smiled in contrast with this.

"We'll know more about our dear Crusch-san, when the time comes."
"I suppose you're right, my dear."

Their innocent smiles, directed towards a friend; a woman, truly forgotten by this now chaotic world.

Everyone got their bearings, trained, and months passed.

Three months came and went, like a blink of the eye.

At the Vollachian border, the wall that separated the two nations was under heavy alert, men guarded it top and bottom.

Then, one heavily armored man noticed something in that grassy flatland, a shining light-

His head was shot apart.

Instantaneously, all the men screamed that a attack was underway.

Only for Wilhelm to land next to them, slicing them apart bit by bit. Then a curved beam shot from the horizon, smashing through a section of the wall.

"LET'S GO! RAGGGGGHHHHH!"

"Charge!"

A boisterous charge of men on Ground Dragons, covered in flexible armor, and with thousands of men running alongside them. The Vollachians had their stationed magic cannons pummel them, but a floating Mimi shot them apart with her ring, resulting in massive explosions, covering some unfortunate Vollachians in smoldering white phosphorus.

At a good distance, some men got on a crouching position, while others stood behind them. They aimed their Metia Rods.

"FIRE!"

They did, and hails of blue beams littered the area they fired, killing many Vollachian soldiers. Then a commander raised his sword, and...A huge metal square like structure, roared past them, no, many of them. They had metallic spider like legs, many of them, replacing the usual wheels found on...on...TANKS.

They were designed based on descriptions made by Subaru on one of the Witches he saw during the Trial, most likely Daphne, the Witch of Gluttony. He noted the spider like legs that carried around the coffin she rode on. Using this, and the description and specs of a tank from the 1st World War, Ovidius crafted these machines to be used for full on attack. They were one of his magnum opus' of his tech career, anyone who kept directly feeding the machines mana, would be able to move them with their mind, while others inside provided actual combat support.

They pushed through, the men inside this hulking contraption firing their own Metia rods through side , the main cannon on top fired, and blasted a hole in the wall. Several Vollachians that could use magic did and fired wind slices, fireballs down onto the invaders. But were met with the attacks of the Metia Rods, the roars of men and the clashing of steel echoed far. The tanks, known as Conquerors, blasted through the flat grass, their metal spider legs kicking up dirt and providing cover for the men, then one slammed through a wall, allowing those inside of it, to fire at the ambushed men. The hole also provided an entrance, of which Jolokia jumped over and used his battle axe to cut through two men. He was about to be snuck attack, but Katarina fired her Metia Rod, and shot him through the stomach, making keel over in agony. Jolokia stomped his head in.

"C'mon GRRR! Take these Vollkers down!"

After yelling the slur made for the Vollachians, the men charged through the hole and made it into the country..marking the .Lugnicas first time being an actual invader, and the first time in hundreds of years that foreign aggressors stepped into Vollachian territory.

Mimi flew throughout the halls within the walls and used a mace construct to crush and smash many soldiers. Wilhelm had his first Revenga Art stab through a window and kill six men in one shot. Explosions continued as Lugnica was now pummeling the struggling defenders. Soon, only a fraction of the Vollachian guards remained, even when two carriages filled with reinforcements were arriving, they got obliterated by Conqueror cannons.

In a matter of half an hour, the Vollachians were down to their last man...and he was stabbed through the head with a curved sword by Stanley.

He raised his sword, as Bougatsa and his brother helped take down the Vollachian flag.

There they raised the Lugnica flag, in defiance of all odds.

Cheers and applause were aplenty, but they had still lost men in the struggle.

They placed blankets and tarps over those that died, but were vigorous that more Vollachians died than them.

Wilhelm and Mimi landed close by, he spoke into a Metia.

"Ovidius-dono, the invasion was successful, and we are at the border."
"We're sending the rest of the men, but get their instructions ready."
"Understood."

Mimi hopped up and down in excitement, as the soldiers gathered behind them, all ready for the coming days.

The Vollachia Campaign had begun.

Battle of Ladrima "The First Offensive"

Lugnica Casualties: 192

Vollachian Casualties: 2,890

Vollachians Injured/Captured: 1,012

The Kararagian soldiers waited across the river that separates their two countries, expecting an amphibious assault, as it was the most likely scenario. But just in case, they had divisions on the ready to defend any kind of invasion, all across the borders, some even near the Gusteko border.

Then their commander got...a concerning call.

"COLONEL! GET YOUR MEN BACK!"
"Huh? We are awaiting the possibility of an invasion, what-"
"-THEY'VE ALREADY INVADED!"

Shocked the commander yelled back.

"HOW?! NONE OF OUR PLATOONS HAVE REPORTED ON SUCH A CIRCUMSTANCE!"
"...They've...went around."
"Huh?!"

A commander stationed as a mere guard at the Tomiko shore, the very end of the country due west, with only the slightest nautical miles before the Waterfall...saw it. Giant metal rectangular ships, not being drawn by Water Dragons whatsoever and having light blueish steam escaping from the top of them.

Ironclad Warships.

Though they were called Iron Serpents.

They rode with expert precision, just near the edge of the waterfall and actually went all the way around, with the help of several Blood Portals. Like that, they caught their enemy by sheer shock, as there was hardly a military force their to defend that mere coast.

An opportunity not wasted.

These Iron Serpents fired cannons from their gun ports, and these magical beams struck upon the towns built there, causing massive devastation. Once the area was shelled, and there was no resistance left, they docked near the shores, anchors landing perfectly and allowed all their men to dismount.

Orlena, wearing a more sturdy metal armor and holding onto her provided Metia Rod, ran forward, noticing the smoke and screams of death all around her. But they still made a beeline for the area, they had to make a base for further occupation.

Her first taste of fighting far from home.

Subaru, Frederica and Nijino flew over them…

"Halibel, just you wait, when this country of yours is destroyed, I'll have the pleasure of snuffing out your pained, miserable fucking life! YOU'LL PAY FOR HURTING REM, YOU BASTARD!"

Now, the Kararagi Campaign had begun.

Battle of Tomiko Shore

Kararagi Casualties: 1,235

Kararagi Injuries/Captured: 125

There, among the dead Gusteko border guards, the Guiltylowe known as Attero Dominatus, crunched on some dead men. Then a supremely cold breeze blew by him, so hurried along. Further and further he went, up hills of snow, hopping on top of rocks, before catching up with the massive army that was marching across the tundra.

Leading the way-

"I hope this could be a short war."
"Well, knowing how human ressssilience issss, I bet thissss'll be awhile."
"Even so, I hope the cost of life, is minimal."
"I don't."

Reinhard Van Astrea peeked down at Genau as he walked alongside him, both leading this massive specially trained army. Specifically they were trained in combating others in this icescaped nation, well as best as they could. Even outfitted with fur coats over their armor and wearing beanies to help protect them from the cold.

With all the water magic and earth magic users creating mock landscapes for their training, these men and women were hopefully prepared for what would come in this offensive.

"Then shall we?"
"Exactly, let's go!"

These two led the charge, into the blistering cold, both unaffected, as all charged to a battle in the most egregious conditions possible, had been set.

The Sword Saint and the Beast of a Hundred Graveyards, pressed on, to deliver their JUSTICE.

The Gusteko Campaign had begun.

Battle of Hauteur

Lugnica Casualties: 5

Gusteko Casualties: 435

As the leaders of all four nations were bracing themselves, for a war unlike anything they had seen before, news came that shocked the Triple Alliance.

Apparently, well according to eyewitnesses spying from afar, they claimed that, closely behind the Vollachian Invasion in particular, were floating balloon like structures, metal carriages underneath them, high above, nearly past the clouds.

While they did not what they were, the rest did, anyone with modern knowledge would.

Blimps, more accordingly, ZEPPELINS.

With Natsuki Subaru's knowledge of his modern world and the ring that could construct the schematics of such ideas; it was combined with the Metia Mastery and engineering insight that Ovidius Loman could provide.

Utilizing Magic stones of fire and wind, they created these balloons and wove magical runes onto them, for better protection. Six main cannons and three Panther Guns for assist, the ultimate weapons of this war.

Together, these two would use the Total War attitude Lugnica was now found under, and forge weapons never before seen in this entire fantasy world.

And yes, yes, truly, this world could no longer be the same.

Victory or defeat, it didn't matter, SO MANY WOULD DIE.

Promises of coming home broken, families torn apart, going to hell and back, Minds shattered, innocence no longer recognizable, the lines between honor and disgrace blurred, legends born...and legends die.
Nothing anyone would have hoped for or even dreaded, would be fit to describe what was about to occur.

This was not just any war, this was more.

Not just a skirmish.

Not an annihilation.

Not a simple fight.

This was it.

This was all fear.

This is what the power of rage, hate, scorn and pride would breed.

This was the accumulation.

Yes.

THIS
WAS
A
WORLD
WAR.

And it just started, here, on this beautiful blue morning.

TO BE CONTINUED…

AN: Voice thoughts? Not really?! Well too bad! SURE!

Stanley: Nobuhiko Okamoto (Voice of Katsuki Bakugo of Boku no Hero Academia)

Juel: Yukari Tamura (Voice of Jibril of No Game No Life)

Bertha: Ai Kayano (Voice of Diphda Alisha from Tales of Zerestiria X)

Lisette: Rie Kugimiya (Voice of Taiga Aisaka of Toradora!)

DuPont: Kappei Yamaguichi (Voice of Kaito from Detective Conan)

Midge: Cho (Voice of Brook from One Piece)

Volcanica: Jouji Nakata (Voice of Kirei from Fate/Zero)

Echidna (Beatrice's New Voice): Mamiko Noto (Voice of Sawako from Kimi no Todoke and Ai Enma from Hell Girl)

But seriously! Here is the beginning of the big scale battles that I have read, watched and heard about from various sources...put into a fantasy setting!

And for info's sake, I had a teacher who toured in Vietnam, he never told us what he did, but the scar on his arm and the fact that his wife once offhandedly told us, that he sleeps on a flat futon instead of a regular bed...told us all we need.

So prepare for some screwed up stuff to happen! YAY!

Each chapter in this Arc, will show the happenings of each campaign from various points of view, so we get see how each campaign is different and what legendary battles take place. So some characters will get a chance to shine, while others ill get wiped out by the war. That's how it is, in war at least. It'll be fun, I guess?

Anyways, hope you all enjoyed!

NEXT TIME: Chapter 25: "I'll Get Even With You"