I don't own Arknights or Type-Moon content.
Special thanks to LightningEveningDawn for beta-reading this chapter.
Ursus Empire's Western Heartlands / June 14th / 9:00 AM / Cloudy…
Summertime away from the tundras was always a refreshing experience for the members of Reunion previously living in those lands, even though adapting to the new environment comes with its challenges. The Yetis, having acclimated to the heat through rigorous training and missions, have become accustomed to it and found themselves embracing and relishing in its warmth.
The majority of them followed their usual routine on the training grounds, though a conspicuous void was felt in the absence of Yelena. Their elder sister had become increasingly elusive, engrossed in spending time alone with Agnessa. FrostNova maintained an air of mystery around their shared activities, yet the siblings placed unwavering faith in their eldest sister and grandmother. Recognizing Yelena's steadfast dedication and Agnessa's remarkable strength, the siblings readily subscribed to the notion FrostNova was engaged in an intensive training regimen.
Determined not to lag behind, they wholeheartedly immersed themselves in training, displaying remarkable tenacity. Their dedication was unmistakable as they engaged in spirited sparring sessions among themselves and alongside seasoned veterans. Guiding them with a firm hand, Igor and Lazarus assumed the roles of stern instructors. At the same time, Hoederer and Ines generously shared invaluable insights and tactics which significantly contributed to furthering their skills. Petrova held a special sense of accomplishment, having successfully persuaded the two Sarkaz mercenaries to act as their teachers. Her persistent appeals gradually wore down their resistance until they eventually acquiesced.
Evading Ines's slashing attack, Petrova found herself panting, her daggers clenched tightly in her grip. Oddly enough, the mercenary displayed no signs of fatigue, her sword resting casually at her side while her unwavering gaze remained fixed on the young Kuranta. "Your agility is commendable, and your parrying technique is decent. However, your stamina requires further refinement." Without much ado, the mercenary lunged forward once more, her blade aimed at Petrova's flank. With narrowed eyes and a resolute stance, Petrova braced herself, her dagger scraping against Ines's weapon as she skillfully deflected the strike, managing to slip away just in the nick of time. Despite her efforts, the young Kuranta struggled to exert any meaningful force against the taller, unyielding figure of Ines, whose imposing presence remained steadfast as she exerted pressure.
Petrova emitted a grunt of effort as she slashed at the swordswoman's hand, a deliberate attempt to target her fingers. Already anticipating the attempt, Ines's lips curved into a knowing smirk as she deftly adjusted her grip, her unoccupied hand adeptly seizing Petrova's arm. Swift as a fleeting thought, Ines smoothly executed a leg sweep, catching Petrova's leg before her surprise kick connected. In an almost fluid sequence, Petrova found herself forcefully driven to the ground, Ines's foot firmly planted on the Kuranta's abdomen, while her poised sword hovered dangerously close to Petrova's throat.
"Your instincts are sharper now," Ines remarked, releasing her grip on Petrova's leg. Deliberately disregarding the curious look Hoederer directed her way, Ines extended a hand to assist the diminutive Kuranta back onto her feet. A fleeting glint flickered within the mercenary's eyes, noting the persistent enthusiasm blazing brightly within Petrova's shadow. With an affirming nod, she added, "Your training is paying off. Keep it up."
Gently tending to her sore back, Petrova let out a sigh that carried a tinge of disappointment, stemming from her undeniable defeat. "I still have a long way to go." She admitted. However, her youthfully vibrant smile remained intact as she directed it at her instructor, the evident joy causing her tail to wag in a playful rhythm. A mischievous spark danced in her eyes when she observed the slight bruise on Ines's arm. "I want to be like you one day, Miss Ines." Petrova declared, her confident expression accentuated by a subtle smirk, a testament to the contentment she drew from her current progress.
'Adorable.' Ines thought, her throat clearing as she shrouded her inner sentiments beneath a veneer of severity. A measured nod followed, concealing her impulse to affectionately pat the top of the Yeti's head. Instead, she opted for an assuring pat on the shoulder, an ephemeral smile gracing the countenance of the battle-hardened warrior.
"She must never know." she mused inwardly, aware the sight would become a cherished source of endless embarrassment if W were to catch wind of it.
Their brief moment of respite was abruptly shattered by a sharp cry. Petrova swiftly diverted her focus toward the origin of the disturbance, only to discover Nina sprawled on the ground as she desperately tried to grasp her scimitar. A small group of infected assailants stood menacingly before her, under the command of an imposing Ursus. His gaze seethed with enmity as he loomed over the young woman, casting a palpable aura of hostility.
Nina appeared exhausted and bruised all over, weakly holding on to her weapon with whatever strength she had left. Pushing through the pain, she managed to raise herself into a sitting position, her resolute gaze unflinchingly locking onto the hostile stares of the infected adversaries.
"It appears that you've yet to grasp your position, worm." The leading Ursus taunted, his fist poised to strike, his words dripping with a blend of disdain and nonchalant disregard.
His impending strike came to a halt when Petrova stepped between them, the substantial difference in size proving insignificant to the Yeti. "What do you think you're doing?" Her gaze bore down with icy intensity upon the assembled group, her siblings hurriedly rallying beside her.
"That girl is unwelcome in this place," the leader declared, his eyes cold and detached as he directed his gaze towards Nina, looking down on Petrova. "I have no patience for traitors such as her in our midst." His words were stark and delivered with ruthless conclusiveness, bearing an unyielding and indifferent tone.
"Who died and made you king, asshole?" Petrova shot back swiftly and sharply, utterly unmoved by the imposing figure's presence. Her father stood taller, her elder sister held a more fearsome demeanor, and her older brother was both. "This training ground is open for all," she continued with a biting edge, unloading her words like arrows. "If you have a problem, find another spot." Her voice dripped with disdain as she delivered her retort, while Ofnir and Zack stepped in to assist Nina, the trio paying no heed to the group as the Yetis guided the injured girl away.
The Ursus watched the combatants in silence, a flicker of fury dancing within his gaze. "I had higher expectations of the formidable Yeti Squadron," he remarked, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of anger and disappointment. "To believe that the infamous veterans of the tundras would amount to a collection of gullible fools." The snarl on his face accentuated his disdain before it gradually gave way to a smug, condescending smirk. "I suppose it's inevitable, considering who your leader is," he added with an amused tone, his eyes attuned to the subtle shift in Petrova's demeanor, her pace momentarily faltering.
"After all, everyone knows the reaper is nothing more than a pitiful loser."
The Yetis abruptly halted, pivoting on their heels with evident ire, their expressions registering clear anger. Their demeanor, however, wavered slightly as their gazes locked onto Petrova's. "Loser?" The word seemed to catch in the Kuranta's throat, her heartbeat quickening against her ribcage. With deliberate slowness, she pivoted around, her entire being seemingly saturated with lethal intent. Her eyes zeroed in on the man who wore a smug expression, his words having ignited an all-consuming fury within her. "Take back what you just said," Petrova's voice was a measured, unfeeling command, each word laced with tightly controlled rage.
Zack wrestled with his emotions, inhaling deeply to prevent his sister from succumbing to the blatant provocation. "Petrova, he's trying to get under your skin. Don't let his words get to you," he implored, yet his appeals seemed to dissipate into the air. Petrova brushed off his hand with a shrug and continued her purposeful stride toward the man.
"Why should I? Afraid of the truth, brat?" The Ursus man scoffed, crossing his arms casually with an irritating smile. "It's quite sad when you think about it; he was born a noble, above innumerable people, his every need tended to, only to fall to dust in the lowliest pit." He snorted, eyes alight with mirth as he continued. "Skirting along as a mere second fiddle to Patriot, he willingly keeled over and became Talulah's dog despite the power he possessed. There's no denying Patriot's reputation as the Aegis and Talulah's achievements as leader of our movement. In comparison, what glory does the reaper hold?" Sneering, the Ursus remained unperturbed by the growing hostility leveled his way.
"Stop." Petrova's hands shook, her daggers unsheathed.
"Then again, I guess he never had any intentions of making something more of himself." The man's hands uncrossed, his eyes focusing solely on the approaching girl with ill-concealed pity. "He was probably satisfied being looked up to by clueless kids and gullible morons who didn't know any better, thinking their admiration made him some kind of hero, which makes me laugh." The men behind him snickered, their mirth fueling the young Yetis' fury. "With his strength, the reaper could have achieved heights unimaginable for most people but settled for being the lapdog of others. Hence he shall always be a loser, with or without his betters here." The man's demeanor shifted ever so slightly, his condescending voice turning furious.
"I told you to shut up." Petrova's eyes narrowed, her voice frigid the closer she got to her target.
"There's no better proof of my words than her." The man pointed towards Nina, face shifting to disgust with a snort. "In the end, his little play at hero was rewarded with him getting stabbed by that foolish girl, the very person he saved. Yet he not only chooses to ignore it but is willing to die to protect her. What is that, but an empty life?" He snarled, his irritation evident.
Nina tensed and averted her gaze from everyone around her. Looking at her sword, she could only grit her teeth with frustration and regret, unable to shrug off the shame festering in her heart.
"Big brother gave us a home. Punks like you can't understand his greatness!" Petrova screamed, her brewing anger boiling over.
"Your brother will live and die a loser! It's the only fitting end for someone who chose to be a burden beast for others!" The stranger also seemed livid, the blatant insult and challenge making him furious.
"My brother is a hero who shaped this movement!" Eyes bloodshot, Petrova's steps turned into a sprint as she dashed to her target with all her might.
Her brother was the one who raised them, protected them, and took on everyone's burdens with a smile on his face. He shouldered everyone's pains and took on the threats by himself to shield them, willing to lay down his life for every one of them.
"Don't you dare make fun of the man who saved our lives!" Heedless of the calls of her name, the Kuranta stabbed forward with a roar as the man's fist barreled toward her. To the shock of everyone, Petrova's dagger could only pierce the man's skin before it shattered under the punch's strength. Blinded by rage, the Kuranta attacked with the remaining knife, aiming for the man's eye despite the impending threat.
A hand firmly gripped her clothes, throwing her back towards her siblings with ease before the blow landed. Petrova's eyes widened when Mudrock's figure came into view, the silent sarkaz's clenched fist slamming against the infected assailant's blow. Their clash echoed in the training grounds, the earth cracking and shattering under their feet as the two pushed against each other.
Murmurs of shock and awe were exchanged as the two fighters sized each other up. The man appeared shaken for a brief moment, expecting a completely different result from the exchange.
"Boss's enhanced strike didn't work…" One of the man's underlings looked on in disbelief, the incredulous look plastered across his face mirrored by the others near him. Their leader's strengthening arts and strong body made it almost impossible for him to lose in a physical struggle, the sight of someone so casually matching his blows giving them pause.
Mudrock took advantage of the momentary lapse in judgment, her hand trapping the man's fist in a vice grip and throwing a punch of her own. The man quickly blocked with his free arm, pain flooding his limb as the blow struck him with the force of a wrecking ball. His feet dug deep trails in the ground as he was pushed back, staring venomously toward the armored mercenary.
"This does not concern you, sarkaz." The ursus man ignored the numbness coursing through his arm, his eyes carefully assessing Mudrock. Even though he didn't put all his strength into his strike, seeing it shrugged off without the least bit of discomfort brought a frown to his face.
"They are my friends." Mudrock stood protectively in front of the Yetis, picking up her mallet and staring down the squad in front of her. "I will protect them." Weapon in hand, she stood unmoving before the group, the unspoken threat of violence easily discernible by her tightening grip.
Hers was not the only figure to stand between the two groups as Ines and Flamebringer joined in, multiple gazes from the sidelines growing sharp with the promise of violence. Tensions flared as both sides observed each other until the ursus sighed and turned around, his men backing down silently. The ursus shifted his gaze shifted from the three sarkaz and the Yetis behind them to the silent Nina sheltered between them. "Fools, the lot of you." He turned around and left, his men following after him.
Ines turned to the Yetis to see them struggling to hold Petrova in place, the Kuranta's ceaseless struggle fueled by fuming anger. Breaking free of their hold, she found herself spent of energy, falling to her hands and knees on the ground.
"Sister…" Ofnir reached out to her, only for his hand to be shrugged off as the Kuranta got up and walked away in silence. The group reluctantly watched her leave, unable to console her frustration. "I'll talk to her." Ines sighed and followed after her, her brows furrowing worriedly when she noted the sudden absence of Hoederer. 'Weird. He was here earlier.' Shaking her head and putting the question aside, she hurried after Petrova.
Nina looked around at the young fighters around her, gritting her teeth at the sorry state she was in. "You shouldn't have stepped in." She whispered, her words catching Ofnir's attention while he checked her injuries. "You'll be the laughingstock of the camp now for protecting the person who stabbed your leader."
"It's not a big deal." The vouivre brushed off her words, his tone cold compared to his usual cordial self. "We did what we thought was right." He carefully treated her wounds, his siblings only nodding and snickering in agreement.
"We have nothing but courage anyways, so why would we fear the words of others?" Zack quipped with a grin, sitting with a content sigh as he finally got a chance to rest. "It's not like we did it for you anyway." He carefully added as he lay down, eyes pointedly ignoring Nina's flinch.
Even if their brother forgave her, they would never forget such a transgression.
Once he finished patching her wounds, Ofnir turned to the retreating forms of Mudrock and Flamebringer. "Hey, Mudrock! Flamebringer!" Once he caught their attention, the vouivre beckoned them to join their group. "We're going to eat together. Come join us."
The two mercenaries exchanged a look before they joined them. Sitting awkwardly between the Yetis, Nina watched as the children of the tundras merrily annoyed the fearsome swordsman while the other took off her helmet and smiled demurely while the fighters around her mimicked her punch with enthusiasm.
Approaching the forest, Hoederer schooled his features as he sat down against one of the trees, his eyes vigilantly surveying the area for any people. His instincts urged him to grab for his sword the moment he sensed the rustling of the grass behind the tree, the distinct sensation of imminent danger strong enough to make him freeze up momentarily.
He expected this to happen sooner or later, but it remained difficult to bear the presence of the agent. He didn't expect the agent to be one of them.
"Things are not going as planned." A voice spoke from the cover of the tree, the slight muffle indicating the usage of a mask made Hoederer even more apprehensive. "Explain." It ordered, the low tone chilling to the experienced mercenary.
"Garcin overextended. He was discovered and killed along with his subordinates. Luckily we weren't caught in the process." Hoederer kept his briefing short and simple, doubting the confessarius cared about further details. "We managed to convince Reunion to hand over leadership to us."
"You have not reported any of this." The confessarius noted, their tone increasingly cold.
"We were under strict surveillance, and still are to a lesser degree. Any attempt risked a high chance of discovery, and our forces could have been wiped out." Hoederer replied, keeping his cool under the increasing pressure. His life, as well as his comrades, hung in the balance.
The hostility seemed to lessen, a soft hum echoing in the shadows. "Why did the surveillance lessen?" The confessarius probed further, his questioning more curious than accusatory.
"The ursus who killed Garcin and the others, Edward Akhmatov, left for a city called Flore in Syracuse. He is set to return in November." Hoederer remained steady under the monstrous sarkaz's scrutiny, choosing to distract himself with the peaceful scenery in front of him. "His combat prowess was beyond what any of us could face, so we chose to feign compliance with him to safeguard the operation."
The confessarius remained silent, the lack of response making Hoederer's skin crawl. The mercenary didn't dare to shift his gaze or think about breaking the uncomfortable silence, silently praying for the agent to disappear simply. But he didn't, his voice snapping Hoederer out of his wishful thinking. "Your performance is sufficient. Play along for now until you receive further instructions. All is for the future of our people." With his parting words said, Hoederer felt the danger dissipating as the presence left, the mercenary shuddering as his tensed muscles finally relaxed.
Gazing at the skies, the mercenary sighed and contemplated his current state, Agnessa's words ringing in the back of his mind. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, he felt increasingly crushed by the helplessness of it all as all the paths presented to him were equally bad. Try as he might, his options only got worse as time went on.
"Here I thought your face couldn't scrunch up any more than it already is. Turns out I was wrong." W's voice made him tense once more, his eyes looking away from the ashen-haired pyromaniac. She always seemed to see right through him, and he had no intention of adding her to his list of worries. "It's not too late to change lanes, you know. They're the fools who'd trust lost causes like us after all." Her words made him halt next to her, indecision flickering in his eyes before he forced the intrusive thoughts back. Letting out a tired sigh, Hoederer began his trek back to the camp in silence under W's mirthful gaze, the amused vixen shrugging casually before continuing on her merry way with a nonchalant whistle.
"Look! It's Uncle Hoederer!"
Lost in thought, the mercenary barely had any time as the children flocked towards him with frightening excitement. His bulky frame bore through the small bodies tugging and pulling at him whilst his legs were weighed down by the ones hugging them. His eyes turned to Alina, the elafia giving him a sympathetic smile while Kutcha cawed in what Hoederer swore was mirth.
"We've been waiting for you all day! Come play with us!" The children pulled him by the hand, their carefree smiles making little work of his attempts to harden his heart. He thought his resolve was already set and his determination honed, but he couldn't bear to look them in the eyes.
His stoic mask faltered for the briefest of moments before he quickly caught himself and forced a small smile, bearing with the barrage of incessant noises. Hoederer was used to dealing with hostility and mistrust of all sorts, he never imagined being trusted by anyone other than a select few. Faced with such unguarded and sincere smiles, he couldn't find the same dedication to his mission.
'It would've been easier if you hated me.' He thought bitterly as he sat between them while one of them began explaining the rules of the game. His subordinate's words plagued his mind, fueling his hesitation and tempting him with a better future despite its uncertainty.
The leader of Reunion's sarkaz corps would remain trapped in his turmoil throughout the day, wordlessly looking to the skies for an answer which never came. He sat alone, wordlessly eating his meal until someone sat next to him.
"You look like you could use some company." Igor gave a nonchalant smile, taking a sip of his drink.
Hoederer didn't mind the interruption, somewhat glad for a break from his thoughts. "Is there anything you need?" He asked, curious for the reason behind the former Ursus veteran's approach.
"The lass with the bombs thought I should talk to you." Igor explained as he stroked his beard, letting out a sigh as he met the swordsman's gaze with a knowing smile. "Looking at you now, I can see why."
"I don-" Hoederer was confused, yet his words were cut off.
"I can see right through you." The soldier interjected, his eyes unflinchingly regarding his companion as he extended his flask to the mercenary. "I know the look in your eyes all too well. A struggle to choose the cause you wish to fight for, not knowing which was truly the right path."
Hoederer frowned as he took a long look at the flask and the smile on the veteran's face. The mercenary grasped the flask and drank deep from it after a brief moment of hesitation. Looking over to the former officer next to him, the Sarkaz felt some relief to have someone who understood his pain.
The two of them sat together, the content of their conversation a secret none but them would know about.
Syracuse's City of Flore / June 14th / 10:20 AM / Sunny…
Sitting in a cafe, Edward sighed whilst reading the latest news. The destruction of the factory being covered as a gas leak felt amusing to the magus, already used to such excuses from his time working with Shirou. His eyes briefly shifted to the court building in front of the cafe, remembering his brief discussion with the judge of this city after hypnotizing him. His story was similar to the goons he interrogated in the factory and the information Wu'an uncovered from the stolen data.
An unknown individual had convinced the judge, as well as other high officials to move the city to its current location and has been using the underworld to conduct the experiments. The files pointed to a deal in which the bioweapons would be sold to the Famiglia sponsoring the research, the grim picture only growing darker once Wu'an's contacts notified them of said Famiglia's eradication today.
If the destruction of their leads wasn't bad enough, he also had another, deeper issue to deal with.
"You're just going to keep ignoring me? I didn't raise you to be so unfilial, Amorino." The lady, dressed in a resplendent suit, sitting beside him pouted, her head leaning against her palm as she gazed lovingly at him.
Edward gritted his teeth and resisted the urge to look at her, her gentle admonishment sending shivers down his spine. She was a result of his carelessness as the wound he suffered against the abomination allowed the unidentifiable substance to contaminate him, a simple hallucination which refused to leave him despite Eden's efforts.
Claudia Akhmatov sighed and stood up from the chair, moving gracefully behind her son and gently placing her hands on his shoulders. "I hoped you didn't get any of my bad quirks, but you ended up very stubborn like me." Her hands gently caressed his minutely trembling arms, exactly as she used to do when he was a child.
Taking a deep, calming breath, Edward carefully banished the sensation, his eyes lighting up with relief at the sight of Wu'an's message telling him to meet up with her in the bar. He left the cafe and rode his bike, not waiting for the figment of his imagination as he raced through the roads.
Delicate hands pinched his ear, eliciting a wince from the magus as he bit back a curse. "You shouldn't drive so recklessly! And never leave a lady behind so shamelessly!" Her scolding rang loud and clear in his head, despite the roaring engine of his bike and the bustle of traffic.
"Then leave me alone!" He spoke through gritted teeth, taking a sharp turn and receiving another ear-pulling for his blunder. Cursing his bad luck, Edward acquiesced to his 'mother''s demands and drove more responsibly.
Claudia smiled triumphantly and hugged her son fondly, the smugness in her grin palpable to the irritated bear. "That's my bambino." Her playful words made Edward squeeze the handles tighter, the cheerful tone rubbing him the wrong way. Sensing his turbulent emotions, she frowned worriedly and tilted her head to see his face. "You shouldn't repress your emotions so forcefully, my child. It will leave your mind clouded." Her advice carried sincerity, her motherly smile disarming and welcoming as she gave the magus an understanding look.
"It's hard to do so when you have a hallucination screaming into your ear." He noted mirthlessly as he entered a highway, focusing on the horizons in an effort to limit his exposure to the lupo sitting behind him.
"What makes you so certain I-"
"Because they've never answered!" Edward cut Claudia's question with a shout, the repressed sadness and anger spilling out. "Every night I've spent putting all my energy into seeking them, seeking you…but my inquiries remained unanswered." His eyes narrowed as he sped up further, his sights shifting to the side mirror to look at his mother's figure. "I've tried countless times, hoping for the slightest hint you were somewhere out there."
"Edward…" Claudia's face shifted in sadness, pained by the sight of her son's defeated face. "I understand…You don't have to say more." Her voice cracked as she tried to soothe his spirit, only to receive a cold rejection.
"Silence." Edward's voice felt weak and depleted, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly as he drove on. The magus felt his heart constrict at the sight of her, the constant reminder of her nature as a hallucination offering no reprieve from his pain. "I know…I know I don't have the right to have what I really want." He whispered, his mind haunted by the vision of their hanging bodies. Their sacrifice was a price for his overconfidence, thinking his powers would overcome all obstacles. "I just wanted to know you were at peace."
Their forgiveness would forever be beyond his reach, nor could he find it in him to forgive himself. It was the sin he bore.
Claudia did not speak, her warmth seeping into him as she wrapped the magus in her arms. Any words she wished to say were put on hold when a biker drove passed them, the wolf insignia on their jacket's sleeve gaining their interest.
'A member of the Covenant.' Edward's eyes focused on the rider, even as they turned to him and motioned for the magus to follow them.
"It seems you're being invited," Claudia noted, her face contemplative as they drove further and further away from the heart of the city. "It could be a trap. Be careful." She cautioned, her sights never leaving the biker's figure.
Edward carefully followed after the stranger, his chase taking him into a desolate part of town before stopping in front of what appeared to be a recreation area if the worn-out, rusty sports equipment was anything to go by. The biker silently got off their ride and motioned the magus to follow, the two heading further into the area until the stranger stopped.
"I didn't expect you to follow me." Turning towards Edward, the red-haired Lupo crossed her arms as her gaze sized him up. "This could easily be a trap for all you know, brother of Enzo." She remarked, a glint of curiosity peaking through her indifferent crimson eyes.
"It's possible, but inconsequential." Edward ignored the way his mother circled the young woman with interest, preparing for any sudden movements around him. "Where is your leader? I wish to speak with her about Enzo."
"Our boss is also curious about you, but we can't let a stranger like you meet her so easily." Her hand reached out for the knife strapped to her thigh, pointing it towards Edward as more gangsters gathered behind her. "I wish to have a measure of your strength. If it proves lacking, then you do not have the right to see her." Her comrades brandished their weapons, ready and waiting for the battle to start.
"I don't have time for this." Edward frowned and shook his head, unwilling to entertain such a loss of time. He could sense a sharp gaze on him, hidden from view but intense enough to distinguish given the unsettling feeling it gave off. EMIYA's power coursed through his body as the armor shimmered into existence, the magus took a few steps forward.
If the presence didn't feel like showing itself, he'll force them into action.
'Let's see how you'll handle this.' Buldrokkas'tee's halberd appeared in his grasp, and the magus held it tightly as he twisted his body for a full swing. Channeling his arts into the polearm's reinforced blade, the magus didn't flinch at the collective wave of enemies rushing towards him. The pressure continued to build up until the weapon began to groan, its limit fast approaching.
His enemies sensed the danger but were too late to retreat. The redhead's eyes narrowed as she used her arts, her increased speed allowing her to reach Edward before he could strike. Her knife descended upon him, aiming for his arm, only for a blade to appear out of thin air and block her blow. Her instincts warned her of danger, and she protectively crossed her arms in front of her before a warhammer struck her with great force, sending her flying back to her comrades.
"You alright, Lyudmila?" One of her subordinates worriedly checked her arms for any fractures.
"I'm fine…get away from him. Quick." Lyudmila coughed as pain flooded her trembling limbs, eyes wary of the power gathering in the magus's polearm. She didn't expect her opponent to possess this kind of power, believing an open area would give them an advantage over a single person. Their intel only mentioned basic Telekinesis, No one mentioned him being able to make weapons appear from nowhere. Now they were bereft of cover, with a powerful shockwave heading their way.
Why did she think following her boss's idea was a good course of action again?
With a loud warcry, Edward swung the large weapon with all his strength. His eyes widened once he caught sight of a blur boldly barreling toward him, a steel-tipped boot slamming against the halberd's blade with incredible force.
The shockwave swept across the recreation grounds, the old benches and sports equipment bending and breaking under violent pressure. Everyone could hear the deafening sound of glass shattering as the windows of the nearby buildings broke, the impressive distance the attack crossed surprising the casters present.
Lyudmila braced against the torrential winds, relief washing over her and the rest of the gang members when they spotted the imposing woman standing in front of them. "We're saved." She could only deadpan as her comrades plopped down on their rears and began to make themselves comfortable, wondering how the Covenant even survived with such nonchalance.
How could they even be so calm after a close call like that, anyway!?
Edward glared intensely at the tall and lithe lupo standing before him, her shimmering cold blue eyes mirthfully observing him while her boot remained immovable against the halberd's sharp edge. It was the first time the magus encountered a lupo with such distinct wolf eyes. Garbed in a black sleeveless midriff-bearing sleeveless top along with a leather jacket hanging loosely on her shoulders and casual leggings, she struck a fearsome figure. Flame-patterned tattoos covered her right arm and the right side of her body, the intricate design adding to her intimidating frame.
The magus's arms ached from the collision as if he struck an impenetrable wall. He channeled more of his arts into the weapon, releasing another shockwave at point-blank range.
The woman didn't move an inch as the violent torrent slammed against her body, her jacket flew away and her wild black hair fluttered violently as her smirk widened. "Quite a bold move you pulled there. Had I allowed you to wreak havoc, my guys would have been in serious trouble. However," Her voice was sharp and commanding as she put more strength into her leg, overpowering the magus and stomping the halberd deep in the ground. "You're not my match, boy." Her excited grin and intense stare reminded Edward of a snarling timberwolf.
Edward winced as his muscles strained against the lady's monstrous strength, his eyes wide in shock at the ease with which she dealt with his attack. Alarm bells rang in his mind as the lupo's fist came at him and the magus channeled his arts into his metallic limb and threw his own punch in response. Their clash was just as destructive as the previous one, with much the same result as Edward was sent flying back across the open space. Rolling across the ground, Edward used his momentum to propel himself in the air, EMIYA's bow appearing in his grasp.
"Nice reaction." A boot slammed into his side before he could search for his opponent, knocking the air right out of him as his body was sent flying into a building. "But not quite fast enough."
The lupo's eyes narrowed, her body twisting in the air as multiple arrows flew towards her. Displaying inhuman reaction time, she caught the last arrow in her hand and threw it back into the building only for the arrow to disappear mid-air. Her face brightened once Edward jumped from the hole, spiting the blood in his mouth. "You're decently durable. Better than your brother at least." She quipped, cracking her neck and straightening her fingerless gloves. "My name's Lupa. It's nice to meet you, Edward Akhmatov." The leader of the Covenant introduced herself, taking a stance and egging Edward on. "Now come, I'm fired up and I want to release some steam."
"I think you should retreat, Edward." Claudia cautioned, worriedly fretting over Edward as he traced another arrow. "You're at a disadvantage in close quarters. You can't make any distance with her speed either."
Edward didn't acknowledge the warning and kept the entirety of his focus on Lupa, keenly aware of the danger any lapse could be given his broken rib. He could feel the tears all over his shoulder, the force of Lupa's punch almost ripped the metallic limb right off. "I have questions for you, and I'm not leaving until I have them." His grip tightened around his swords as more circuits flared to life, swords forming around them aimed at Lupa.
He had to keep his distance.
'An ancient creature lurks in her shadow. Exercise caution.' Eden commented, his tone somber and equally cautious.
'Is it the reason behind her ridiculous strength? I don't sense anything unusual.' Edward frowned, his eyes shifting to the she-wolf's shadow before shifting his focus back to her. Lupa was busy taking in the sight of the blades around her with no worry, amused by the encirclement more than anything.
'It is not, neither is she using arts. This wolf is using pure, extreme violence.' Eden seemed intrigued by her capabilities and Edward could practically hear the gears turning in his companion's head. His statement left the magus baffled regardless, having never seen someone with such ridiculous physical power before. He didn't have time to dwell on it as Lupa finally stopped gazing at the weapons and turned her attention to him.
"Impress me enough and I might just humor you." Lupa stomped down, the ground cratering under her foot before she disappeared in a burst of speed. Weapons rained on her from all directions, her incredible agility and speed allowing her to duck and weave amidst the sea of steel without a scratch. She tilted her head, allowing Edward's arrow to go harmlessly past her before slapping down an incoming greatsword.
'Great, she's a freaking monster gymnast too.' Edward frowned as the she-wolf casually performed an Amanar using one of the blades flying her way, her flexibility proving to be as incredulous as her other physical capabilities as she flawlessly transitioned into a front aerial with ease.
Arrows aimed at her blindspots flew amongst the floating weapons, their speed much faster than the rest of the armaments keeping her busy. The leader of the Covenant remained composed and unperturbed, breaking through the web of steel weapons with pure violence.
Edward tensed when his foe vanished into a blur. Following experience not his own, the magus ducked under the kick aimed for his head, his retaliatory strike with Kanshou was met with a fierce stomp Lupa flawlessly transitioned into. The magus felt his palm burn in pain as his skin was peeled off, the beautiful blade flung violently from his grasp. With a burst of arts, Edward jumped back with great force and fired another volley of swords.
Edward knew his situation was dire, the disparity between their speed and strength growing more prominent as the fight continued. He couldn't kill her lest he lose the leads she had as well as the support of the Covenant, leaving him with the sole option of enduring her assault until an opportune moment for a counterattack came. Without a weapon to glean her habits and strategies from, he was left entirely in the dark. Landing on top of an abandoned shop, Edward's eyes narrowed as he stared down the smiling Lupa, his traced weapons lying in pieces around her.
"You're more fun than I thought. However, now I've got your weapons' speed down." Punching away an axe coming from her blind spot, Lupa got into a set position. Edward's eyes widened when he saw her muscles tense, an unease grasping his heart as he immediately flooded his arrows with magical energy and took his shot.
Lupa's sprint cratered the ground under her feet, a deafening bang echoing in the entire place as her figure all but disappeared to the average eye, leaving only a violent gale in her wake. Lyudmila and her comrades could only gawk in awe as Edward's arrows managed to keep up with their leader's blinding speed, the resulting explosions proving futile against the indomitable she-wolf's speed.
Edward grunted as the entire building shook violently, his body freezing up for an instant when he sensed her behind him. He rushed to put up a defense, but any projections he made on short notice were shattered like cheap glass against her ridiculous strength. Her fist slammed against his stomach, penetrating his protective barrier and cracking his armor as he was sent crashing to the ground. Edward dry heaved as he pulled himself from the crater, his vision blurry with the blood spilling from his forehead. Bits and pieces of his armor fell to the ground as he made to stand, his rattled mind fighting through the haze clouding his senses as he saw another punch coming his way.
His mother's figure stood in front of him, her arms spread out in a futile attempt to shield him. Edward wanted to dodge, to do his best to avoid a physical struggle with Lupa, but the sight of his mother placing herself in harm's way forced his body to move. Thus he stood in front of the incoming blow, reaching out with his hand as a pink flower bloomed before him. "Rho Aias." Channeling all of his magical energy into the shield of Aias the Great, Edward grited his teeth and braced himself.
Witnessing the manifestation of Seven Rings that Cover the Burning Heavens, Lupa's eyes shone for a brief moment before she put more strength into her arm. Her fist rammed through the first three layers, before losing most of her momentum on the fourth one. "I'm not done yet!" With her first blow halted, Lupa began unloading a relentless flurry of punches, piercing the fifth and sixth layers with the sheer number of hits. With the last layer before her eyes, the monstrous wolf let out a warcry before driving her knee through it.
In a blink, his enemy's fist was an inch away from his face, a violent gust of wind traveling behind him. Despite his persistence, Edward fell to his knees, the damage he suffered proving too much for his body to take as the card's install was dispelled. He could barely hear the voice of his mother, calling out to him with worry. He could see the Covenant's leader standing before him, the last thing he saw was her smiling down at him before he lost consciousness.
Syracuse's City of Flore / June 14th / 7:20 PM / Clear skies…
Waking up, Edward could only sense numbness throughout the entirety of his body. Groggily opening his eyes, the magus found himself in an infirmary of sorts. Noting the presence of the Covenant's insignia, he concluded he was in one of their strongholds.
"You're finally awake." A hand gently caressed his cheek, Claudia's face coming into view. She began to fret when the magus flinched, her eyes darting over his body. "What's wrong? Are you hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine. Better than I expected in fact." Edward whispered, his hand rubbing his aching head whilst he began to examine his injuries, or more importantly the lack thereof. The magus was glad he was saved the trouble of healing them, expecting to find himself in a more precarious state given the Covenant's less than stellar. 'Thanks for the healing, Eden.'
'Your gratitude is misplaced. It was the doctor currently entering this room who healed you when the she-wolf brought you to her lair.' Eden was quick to explain, before quickly falling silent. He seemed to be distracted, but Edward attributed it to a focus on analyzing Lupa's feats and trying to understand the source of her power.
The door opened just as Eden said. A male Lupo, dressed in a crisp white coat, entered the room and smiled once he saw Edward was awake. "I'm glad to see you're awake, Signore Akhmatov." Giving the magus a respectful nod, he quickly grabbed the clipboard next to the bed and sat down. "My name is Vittorio, a doctor of the Covenant." The doctor introduced himself with a cordial smile. "How are you feeling?"
Edward held back from sighing as his hallucination hugged him tightly and glared hatefully at the smiling doctor. "I've felt worse. My body's sore all over." The magus got off the bed before rolling his shoulder, frowning once he noticed his prosthetic needed readjustment. 'Must have gotten dislodged a bit during the fight. The replacement should be ready soon, anyways.' Edward sighed and turned to the doctor, his business with the covenant yet unfinished. "I didn't think the Covenant had a doctor."
"We're a colorful pack of misfits and hotheads of all sorts. Someone needs to look after the guys when they get careless." Vittorio quipped before he brought his stethoscope. "I just need to do a final checkup before I let you go."
"I'm guessing I can't refuse?" Edward playfully asked, only to receive a slap to the back of the head.
"I'm afraid refusal will force me to call my leader. I'm sure you don't want to waste more time lying here unconscious." Vittorio's eyes narrowed once he caught the magus flinching, whatever amusement he would have felt from his irritation was quickly replaced with worry. Luckily, Edward didn't prove as stubborn as the doctor feared and followed his instructions without a hitch.
Once the examination was finished, the magus got ready and followed Vittorio through the stronghold as they headed to meet with Lupa. The people passing by waved their way, some were friendly while others were more teasing and playful. Word had spread about Edward's fight with the leader like wildfire, yet the mafioso around weren't hostile or even cautious towards him.
"Are people around here always so relaxed with someone who fought with their leader?" Edward inquired, brow raised as a group of three Lupos raised their glasses his way with a cheerful grin. The merry atmosphere reminded him of his siblings, his posture relaxing at the fond recollection.
"You would be surprised how many people around here took a swing at Lupa." Vittorio chuckled, eyes leisurely trailing the few figures around them. "From a thug down on their luck to a judge stuck under the dominant Famiglia's thumb, she blasted through all opposition without hesitation or fear." Pride shone on the doctor's face, his grin perfectly matching his friends as they reached a door. "She's the only Syracusan I know who could pull it off. She has taken a shine to you, as she did your brother." Opening the door, the doctor ushered the magus in with a tilt of his head. "Go in."
Edward nodded and entered the room, only to frown once he was met with a plethora of…gym equipment. He turned around to see Vittorio giving him a knowing smirk, before offering a reassuring thumbs up and promptly closing the door.
'Not what I expected, but I guess it could have been worse.' The magus began to walk around the gym, checking out the different equipment before his eyes caught sight of the bench press. Edward stood still, eyes wide but luckily maintaining enough focus to keep his mouth from falling open.
"Caspita! This girl can lift." His mother was less composed, her hands at her sides as she laughed at the top of her lungs. Edward noticed Eden was particularly silent, not even bothering with an analytic remark about the sight.
They stood there, watching Lupa lifting a bar filled to the brim with the heaviest weights they'd ever seen with speed and ease belying the sheer weight she was training with. The Covenant's leader had changed into a sports outfit, arms steady with each lift of the heavy bar. By the time of the twentieth lift, Lupa settled the strained bar back in place before sitting up with a satisfied grin. "It's good to see you finally awake." Putting a towel over her shoulders, she gestured for him to follow as she moved to the shoulder press.
Edward watched nervously as she set the weight to the maximum before she started. "Do you always go so far in workouts?"
"Of course, pushing yourself is the only reason to be here." Lupa remained composed, her lithe arms tensing with each repetition. "Everyone wants to be strong, but no one wants to lift the heavyweights." She snorted as she finished her set with a satisfied grin. She turned to Edward, her eyes sizing him up without a hint of subtlety. "You look like you can handle some serious steel. Do you want to do some sets with me?"
"My body was injured all over because of you." Edward deadpanned, his response met with a shameless grin of the strong wolf.
"What better way to get it back to shape?" Lupa looked even more amused, eyes filled with glee as she started another set. "A good session and some quality protein will get you to top shape quickly."
"You lured me into a fight with your men and then assaulted me." Edward carefully reminded her as he crossed his arms, far from sharing the training lupo's fun.
"Fighting and working out together is how strong bonds are built." The response was immediate and no less entertained, the cable straining under the sheer weight she was training with. "I didn't have a fun sparring partner like you in years."
"You were asking for it by starting so aggressive, bambino." Claudia snickered as her son took a deep breath to hold back from snorting, not bothering to hide her enjoyment.
The magus frowned, the insinuation behind her words not lost on him. He had a feeling she wasn't going for the kill during their battle, but for her to deem it a mere bout forced him to reevaluate everything he previously thought. Her physical abilities aside, Edward was certain the creature hiding in her shadow was a game-changer in its own right.
Her power made him more confident in the answers she could provide. "Let's cut to the chase. I want to know everything you know about my brother's disappearance." Edward got to the heart of the matter, eyes narrowing when he noted the knowing smirk on Lupa's face. "Do you know where he is?"
"At the moment? No, I do not." Lupa stood up and stretched, completely relaxed despite the intense workout. "However, I know where he'll be at the end of the month. He may try to act secretive and cunning, but Enzo's not good at it. So I decided to humor him." She explained before she drank from her bottle.
"Is this related to what you were doing lately?"
"Yes. A few troublemakers went out of town, thinking they'd go goofy on me after they fell for a few empty promises hook, line, and sinker." Lupa made no effort to hide any information, more focused on her stretches than anything. "Enzo's planning on doing something about them before their idiocy causes major problems. With their absence, I cleaned up the place as fast as I could and we're preparing to go after the rest to make sure Enzo doesn't bite more than he can chew."
"So you're going there for Enzo?" Edward inquired, feeling some relief when the she-wolf nodded. Knowing his sibling had someone so capable looking out for him made Edward feel at ease.
"He's a part of my pack. Anyone who messes with mine is cruisin' for a bruising." Lupa let out a boisterous laugh which rung all across the gym, making the magus flinch as his ears twitched irritably.
Everything about this woman was simply absurd.
With a wide grin on her face, Lupa gathered her belongings and headed to change. "Time's up for now, I've got some business to get to. I'll send Lyudmila to pick you up when we're ready to leave. Until next time, Edward Akhmatov." Waving her hand, the leader of the Covenant entered the changing room.
Edward contemplated the information he obtained as he stepped out of the gym and the Covenant's temporary base. Having confirmed his brother was alive and well lifted a heavy burden off his heart, even if Enzo was planning such a dangerous mission.
"You're the last person who should judge Enzo for being reckless." Claudia's voice seemed fainter as she whispered into his ear, a gentle smile on her face as she began to reminisce. "I remember how he used to follow you around like a duckling, getting all sad and pouty when you're out of his sight. You two were the sweetest looking Stelline."
"I know. I just wanted him to have a safer life." Edward sighed, a discomfort pervading his chest as he reached Wu'an's bar. "I hoped he would be the good child you and Dad deserved." Scratching his hair, Edward didn't meet his mother's gaze, rubbing his eyes to keep her out of his sight. "But I guess I ruined him too, didn't I? Made him want to take part in this sort of thing due to my recklessness."
"You know better than to say such things, my child." She stood in front of him, her hands firmly on her hips as she leaned forward. "You blessed our lives more than you know. Holding you in my arms was the happiest moment of my life, and having you as his brother was Enzo's biggest joy, something none of us would trade for the world." Her hand gently grasped his own and tugged them away, her serene face marred by a saddened smile coming into view. "There's nothing that you could've done for us. Do not burden yourself with blame that doesn't belong to you."
Edward looked up at his mother, his eyes searching for reassurance in her kind, understanding gaze. "I just…wish I could've protected you, Mom. I wish I could've shielded all of you from my mistakes."
His mother reached out and gently cupped his cheek, her touch warm and comforting. "You can't control every choice someone makes, Edward. Enzo is his own person, and while your guidance and love have been invaluable, ultimately, he must make his own decisions…as I and your father did." Placing a gentle, chaste kiss on her child's forehead, Claudia smiled encouragingly. "Stop tying yourself with such cruel chains, and walk tall as you always do. You're my son, are you not?"
"Yes, of course I am." Edward couldn't help but chuckle, a wave of relief washing over him as he humored this figment of his imagination. He couldn't resist the selfish desire to indulge in this illusion, to believe his mother was truly with him again, smiling so freely once more. "You don't need to worry, mother. I became much stronger, and have a lot of friends and comrades I entrust my life to." He smiled fondly as he pictured his siblings and his friends in Reunion, before a familiar figure came to mind as his gaze shifted to his ring finger. "I'm also getting married soon. I wish you could have met Talulah, I'm sure you would've adored her." The magus poured his heart into those words, ignoring the way his voice almost cracked, and the looks passersby gave him. He no longer cared for the nature of the apparition in front of him, unable to restrain himself further.
Perhaps an illusion will inflict deeper wounds, but is there anything inherently flawed in embracing fake happiness when there's no one around to partake in it?
His mother attentively absorbed every word with a gentle smile, letting out a soft chuckle upon hearing about Talulah. "I miei cuccioli certainly seem drawn to Lungs. I'm delighted to see that you both have found good partners. Otherwise, I would have haunted them and their families for messing with my kids." She flashed a confident grin, the weight behind her words as true as if she were alive.
"Speaking of which, Wu'an is going to be annoyed after I went silent all day. Let's go in." Edward walked to the bar, before stopping once he noticed Claudia wasn't following him. He turned around, noticing her standing still, watching him with a fond smile. "Is something wrong?" He asked, his tone curious.
"It's time for me to go, that's all." Her words crushed any relief he had, his smile disappearing as he stood still.
"Where are you going?" He asked, hoping her words were meant in jest.
"I'm your mother. I don't have to tell you where I'm going." Claudia offered a cheeky smirk, though her voice was more solemn than before.
Edward gulped, hands clenching inside his pockets as he struggled to maintain his composure. "I know…but you're coming back…right?" His words were more of a plea, the doubt they held unmistakable.
His mother gave him a loving smile, her eyes filled with adoration. "Ti voglio bene, mio adorato cucciolo."
Edward's face paled when she turned around, unable to utter a word.
"Edward." Wu'an's voice broke him from his stupor, her voice notably concerned as she turned him towards her. "Are you okay?" She seemed to overlook his absence in favor of his current distress, but her efforts unknowingly left his mother out of his sight.
"Not now." Breaking free from her grasp, the magus quickly turned around once more, his entire body freezing up when she was nowhere to be found. Grief overcame him as he searched left and right for her figure, his mouth and eyes twitching as he kept his sobs at bay. With his search futile, the magus's arms fell limp to his sides as tears slid down his cheeks.
"Don't go…" His plea was too soft for anyone to hear, carrying a piece of the heart-wrenching pain constricting his heart. Edward stood in the streets in silence, taking the offered handkerchief and wiping his face before turning to Wu'an.
"Let's get you indoors." She murmured gently as they crossed the threshold of her bar and ascended the stairs to his room.
Edward remained silent, wary of his voice betraying the pain that gnawed at him. Seated at the table, he watched as Lung set a tray of exquisitely prepared food before him before making her way towards the exit.
"We'll talk tomorrow. Rest well."
"Wu'an," he called out just as the door was about to close, his gaze drifting absentmindedly toward the heavens. "I need a favor." he continued, his voice tinged with detachment and uncertainty.
"What can I do for you?" Wu'an asked, her eyes narrowing as the magus made his request. She sighed, closed the door behind her, and left briefly. When she returned, she placed an unassuming sachet in front of him and settled onto the sofa.
"Will you be staying?" Edward inquired, his attention shifting to the bag.
"Yes." Wu'an lit a cigarette, turned on the TV, and remained silent. Her eyes occasionally darted in his direction, a fleeting hint of concern washing over them when they landed on the unassuming bag.
"Thank you." Edward said in passing, opening the bag and emptying its contents into his cup. He took a deep breath and calmly sipped the drink.
'Consuming the poison won't yield the same result as the contamination, Edward. It is also doubtful a second exposure to the contamination will yield such a hallucination either.' Eden's words seemed to wash over the magus as he finished his cup. Magical energy coursed through his body, gradually easing the growing discomfort and rising pain of the poison.
Edward's gaze wandered to the room from time to time, his hope flickering as he longed to catch a glimpse of his mother's figure once more. So, he waited patiently throughout the night, only to have his hopes dashed by the first rays of the rising sun. Overwhelmed by despondency and fatigue, the magus buried his pain deep within his heart, closed his eyes, and succumbed to a profound slumber.
Wu'an awoke, sighing as she found him slumped in his chair. Gently, she carried him to the bed, tucked him in, and silently departed, leaving no words behind.
155 Kilometers North of Flore / June 15th / 2:20 AM / Clear Skies…
The camp buzzed with frenetic activity as workers hustled to advance their excavation efforts near the mountain. Despite initial challenges, progress flowed smoothly, yielding promising findings as the workers finally unearthed the long-sought ruins.
The Dons were jubilant, the discovery providing much-needed relief. The looming threat of an attack from the Covenant had left everyone on edge, fearing a surprise assault and the subsequent annihilation that would surely follow.
Now, a glimmer of hope emerged. The belief in the ancient legacy hidden within the mountain not only promised salvation from the demonic she-wolf and her pack but also held the potential for establishing dominance over Syracusa.
Already, Umbra could discern the wheels of betrayal and deceit turning within every mafioso, from the lowest foot soldier to the highest don. Soon, their ambition and greed would overpower their fear of the common enemy. Such was the inherent folly of their flawed nature, cultivated in a realm of so-called Famiglias.
Nonetheless, their efforts were inconsequential in Umbra's perspective. The machinations of unscrupulous thugs were beneath his notice. His focus lay elsewhere, in more intriguing matters.
Umbra stood at the mountain's base, his gaze fixed on the distant city of Flore, an enigmatic smile concealed behind his mask. "An intriguing individual, indeed. To think he absolved himself of my Furor, despite choosing not to overcome his remorse." He turned towards the large cave entrance nearby and entered the camp without resistance.
The Mafiosi kept their distance, visibly wary of the enigmatic figure at the heart of their operation. For his part, Umbra found their apprehension quite amusing. As he stood at the entrance, his smile took on a subtle hint of amusement, and his eyes gleamed with an ominous crimson hue.
"With the pieces in place, let us see whose fate shall be favored," his words resonated within the cavern as he calmly stepped inside, ignoring the terrified looks of those around him as they watched his shadow writhe.
"I shall eagerly await you all." Umbrella in hand, he melted seamlessly into the shadows.
None dared to follow him, haunted by the echoes of roars and agonized screams that tormented their thoughts. Those who dared to tempt fate found themselves trapped within, never to return.
Omake: Wild "Tales" of Eden: Is it Wrong to Protect Monsters?
Finished with her daily duties, Yelena could say her time was especially productive today. She diligently finished her training and instructed her siblings, went on patrol as usual, and even helped around the camp.
With all potential distractions dealt with, nothing is going to interrupt her special downtime. With a proud smirk on her face, FrostNova easily maneuvered her way to the meeting point while making sure no one was following her. trudging through the familiar path, she caught sight of Faust and Buldrokkas'tee waiting for her in a small clearing.
The inconspicuous area was their special hiding place, meant for only the three of them to read one of her brother's stories in peace. Yelena was especially proud to have been able to rope her dad into this, succeeding after multiple failed attempts thanks to her grandmother's special advice.
'He won't resist your puppy eyes, my child.' She said, and she was certainly not wrong. The moment she pulled the tearful, pouting face, her father immediately buckled and surrendered to her wishes. The young lady made sure to thank Agnessa for her wisdom following her success.
Faust joined them not long after when he caught sight of their meeting, taking particular interest in one of the characters featured in the main cast. Although it was unexpected, it saved Yelena the trouble of inviting him later on. The young Pythia even volunteered to bring snacks to make their time more enjoyable.
"Great, you're here already." Sitting down next to them, Yelena pulled the story book out whilst she checked her surroundings one last time.
"I already checked the perimeter and set up some wires to alert us to anyone nearby." Faust reassured the cautious cautus, eyes equally as serious about maintaining the secrecy of their meetings as he is about his missions. "We don't have much time before our absence will be noticed. Let's get to it."
Buldrokkas'tee watched their antics in silence, his amusement masterfully hidden as he waited for them to start. He humored his daughter once he was subjected to her sincere plea, he couldn't deny the interest he gained in the reading material. Something about one of the characters in it felt suspiciously familiar to him, but he still didn't quite pinpoint it yet. "Let ."
Yelena beamed at them before giving an enthusiastic nod, opening the book at their last stop.
Orario…
The streets of the bustling dungeon city were alive with activity, as adventurers flocked to the towering Babel to embark on their hunting quests, while merchants engaged in spirited negotiations with customers seeking the latest equipment and tools.
Amidst this vibrant urban landscape, Bell Cranel found himself struggling to acclimate to city life, still adjusting to its fast-paced rhythms and complexities. The fact he was refused by every Familia he applied to certainly didn't help either, his initial expectations and dreams of starting his adventures and saving damsels in distress were dashed against the rocks quite harshly. He assumed he didn't follow his grandfather's words correctly, but once he had exhausted all his options he figured he was just not good enough.
Until he met his new family of course.
Carrying a bag of groceries, the boy stopped at a ordinary house not far from the tower. "Miss Yelena, I'm home." He happily announced as he entered, smiling when he was met with the lady of the house.
"Welcome back, Bell." Yelena, formerly known as FrostNova in another life, greeted her latest tenant with a kind smile as she busied herself preparing lunch. She was gracious enough to welcome Bell into her home when he had nowhere to go in exchange for helping around the house, providing him with much needed training after witnessing how atrocious his martial abilities were.
Bell couldn't resist wincing every time he thought of the embarrassment his first few sessions were, but it also he allowed him to admire Yelena's own impressive prowess. Such an admiration only grew when she admitted to not having a Falna.
Setting the groceries aside, the young boy hurried to help the rabbit lady with the meal. His entrance was noted by the other residents, as two figures slowly descended the stairs. "Good day to you, Bell." An ethereal beauty smiled at him as she was helped down the stairs by a familiar young teen who gave a silent nod.
"H-Hello, goddess Astrea, Faust." The shy boy immediately stood at attention, almost losing his grip on the dishes in his hands. The goddess and her protector were living here before him, their own teachings and encouragement allowed him to improve his lack of knowledge in regards to the city's structure and its lifestyle.
Astrea smiled gently as she was helped to her seat by the ever watchful sniper, giving a thankful nod to her considerate child. His reassuring presence was a most comforting blessing, especially after the tragedy which befell her Familia. "You seem to be in particularly high spirits today. Is there some occasion?" The goddess inquired, growing curious over the adorable child's enthusiasm.
"Yes! I heard the Loki Familia's aiming to fight with the new grand quest again." Bell's eyes glinted with excitement as he recounted the news he heard in the market, his mind racing at the thought of the various thrilling adventures the expedition team must be experiencing. "The people around the tower are taking bets on their victory."
Yelena and Faust snorted, unmistakable mirth written all across their faces as the table was finally set. Bell remained clueless to their reaction, but the same couldn't be said for Astrea.
"What do you two think? Will Loki's children succeed against the Wendigo's legion?" Her eyes observed the cautus and the pythia, noting the overflowing confidence in their casual attitude as they shook their heads.
The Wendigo's legion, a threat on the level of the One-Eyed Black Dragon. A well coordinated battalion of intelligent monsters led by a creature said to have rose from the darkest depths of the dungeon, chosen by it as its champion. At first, they weren't taken seriously, with only some overconfident adventurers and shady criminals falling to their weapons.
However, it all changed when the legion shifted on the offensive. Perfectly timed ambushes, skilled and disciplined monsters, and careful strategies saw to the defeat of a large number of expeditions as the legion's overwhelming might forced the Familias to stop delving beyond Rivera in numbers for fear of a surprise attack.
With their pride smeared, the Familias formed a coalition in order to subjucate this new danger only to suffer further humiliation as their forces returned defeated and humiliated. Every adventurer shared the same horror tale of a terrifying humanoid beast in armor the likes of which none of them had seen before, standing immovably against the commanders with ease.
His strikes split the earth.
His shield wouldn't buckle.
His very presence made lesser adventurers fall to their knees and beg for mercy.
His image was branded in the minds of every high-level adventurer in the city, a scar to go along with the injuries many of them suffered in their attempt to overcome the monster. It was a wonder they even survived such a horrifying experience, let alone challenge the wendigo again.
"They will lose once more." Yelena stated with absolute certainty, smiling with pride as she tasted her meal. She finally got the right amount of spice. "The current adventurers are not a match for him and his soldiers."
"The experience the monsters gained from their battles only widens the gap." Faust added, calmly eating his meal with indifference. "With Finn and Riveria leading them, their losses shouldn't be serious at least." Taking a bite out of his small piece of cake, the sniper savored the sweet taste. His thoughts drifted to Mephisto for a brief moment, wishing his dear friend was with them.
Bell seemed to fidget in his seat, a sudden worry on his face as he took in his seniors' analysis. "Will they be ok?" He seemed really anxious about their safety.
Faust shrugged and turned to Yelena, knowing she was much more knowledgeable about the subject in question. The cautus crossed her arms and contemplated the situation, before she smiled and nodded. "They'll be fine. You don't need to worry, Bell." She offered reassurance, her words alleviating his worries. She tried to hide the amusement in her smile, pointedly avoiding any further elaboration given Astrea's presence next to them. It wouldn't do if she was caught lying.
Dungeon Middle Floors…
The executives of the Loki Familia found themselves in a dire situation. Their carefully planned ambush strategy against the legion had started well, but soon, the tide turned against them.
Finn's gaze sharpened as he surveyed his comrades, ignoring the searing pain radiating from his broken arm. Riviera, clinging tightly to her staff, looked utterly drained and on the brink of collapse. Bete, Tiona, and Tione lay defeated, bloodied, and unconscious from the fierce blows they had endured.
With determination, Finn pushed himself to his feet, relegated to the sidelines as he watched their ace, Ais, summon every ounce of her strength. The Sword Princess relentlessly slashed and stabbed, fighting through exhaustion as Ariel boosted her speed. Her attacks were expertly met by a colossal tower shield, which bore only minor scratches from her powerful strikes.
"Reckless." a single word halted her momentarily, sealing her fate as the shield slammed into her with a monstrous force that defied any humanoid monster's capabilities.
Ais tumbled, only to be caught by Finn. She attempted to rise again, but her body betrayed her, forcing her to collapse helplessly to her knees. Coughing up blood, she clutched her side, frustration and pain evident in her glare.
"You have lost. Surrender or meet your end." declared Buldrokkas'tee, the leader of the Xenos, nonchalantly holding his halberd and shield. He no longer regarded the Loki Familia as foes, shifting his focus to his own troops, who saw their enemies surrender upon witnessing the fallen leaders.
"Leader, all is as planned. We await your orders." reported his lieutenant, an armored minotaur, with a respectful bow.
Buldrokkas'tee grunted and approached Finn, causing the earth to tremble as he slammed the butt of his halberd down. Finn stood firm, prompting Buldrokkas'tee to turn his attention to the other executives, noticing Riveria's anxious gaze and Ais's desperate crawl toward them.
"You are their captain." Buldrokkas'tee stated, his eyes locked onto Finn. "If you wish for your comrades to return safely, you shall remain."
Finn frowned, briefly considering a surprise attack before dismissing the idea. Even with the small distance between them, he knew it would only result in death. "I accept." Reluctantly, Finn surrendered himself for the sake of his Familia.
Orario would once again witness their defeat at the hands of the formidable and tyrannical monster legion. Buldrokkas'tee watched his soldiers celebrate their victory and sighed as he sensed the dungeon's satisfaction through their connection. The dungeon relished in taunting the surface dwellers, especially when they suffered such a resounding defeat at the hands of its creations.
Exhausted, Patriot chose to ignore the dungeon's gloating and proceeded to negotiate with their captive. His mission was far from over, and this time, he was determined to crush fate's plans.
Name: Ahkmatov Edward Viktorovish. (Formerly Edward Miles)
Race: Ursus.
Age: 24 years old.
Element: Fire, Air, Earth.
Originium-Cell Assimilation: 10%.
Originium blood concentration: 0.17 u/L.
Arts: Telekinesis.
Current condition:
Sore.
Fatigued.
Inventory:
-"Introduction to the field of Alchemy. "
-" Intricacies of Transmutation. "
-" Advanced Bounded Fields. "
-" Advanced Runes and the engraving process. "
-" The paths of Healing magecraft and Spiritual healing. "
-" Holy sacraments "
-" Oriental Spiritual Evocation and Music "
-" Puppets. "
-Ursus weapons and Equipment.
-Food and Rations.
-Flute
-Class card( Archer class heroic spirit designation: "Nameless" )
-Holy shroud.
-Carbon (30Kg)
-Ammonia(5L)
-Lime(1.7Kg)
-Phosphorus(350g)
-Salt(200g)
-Niter(100g)
-Blood sample (Yelena)
-Blood sample (Buldrokkas'tee)
-3500 LMD.
Points: 1000.
Artificial Ursus arm (manufacturing in progress: 98%).
Cautus Puppet Body (manufacturing in progress: 15%).
Wendigo Puppet Body (manufacturing in progress:10%).
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
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Thank you for reading and have a nice day.
Next update will be The Wise King.