Disclaimer:

I do not own the Re: Zero series or anything else relating to it. It is all owned by Tappei Nagatsuki. Any OC found within this story is of my own creation.

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"Do you believe this is a wise thing to do, Lord Sean?"

"Again with that title? And yes, this must be dealt with."

Going against my better judgment, I decided to confront the Deputy Commander once more. To let a dismayed man wallow in misery would have repercussions. I needed to prevent that by reconciling with him. While the wounds were still fresh.

After catering to my needs beforehand, I was going in with a somewhat level head. Even so, an unpleasant sense of anxiety stood to change that. It also didn't help that I had yet to savor a smoke in some time. The urge was immense yet I ignored such enticing desires for the moment. Once the matter was settled, igniting and indulging in the familiar scent of tobacco would be my reward.

"...It's likely he will not want to meet with you as of yet, I'm afraid."

"Hmmm. You're probably right. But allowing someone to grieve on their own takes a toll on one's mind. Whether I like it or not, I'm still at fault for the state he's currently in. It's only right that I fix what I've done."

I massaged my temple as Reinhard looked at me with concern. From back-to-back altercations and pent-up stress, I deserved some leisure, though sadly, that had yet to happen. Now the hurdles in my path were becoming that of my new responsibilities. Oh, the joy of being a Royal Candidate.

"You shouldn't blame yourself entirely for what has transpired. In some way, I too must bear the fault for this confrontation. If only I had been—" Before Reinhard could finish, I forcefully grabbed him by his shoulders. Glaring at his stunned face with silent anger.

"Zip it already. Don't even think for a second that this is all your doing. How many times do I have to tell you?" Reinhard knitted his brows and apologized. "Sheesh. Your dad and I are the main reason this mess happened in the first place. If we'd seen to reason, then maybe we'd be focusing on other important matters," I said.

Reinhard bowed. "As you wish. I'll make sure it doesn't happen again."

"I hope not."

We then resumed our walk up each floor of the manor. Our presence startled the occasional servant as they maneuvered themselves out of our path. To my surprise, each level we ascended to was much emptier and quieter than the one prior. I presumed the lord was the one behind this change in atmosphere. Reinhard's warning sounded all the more credible it seemed.

Reaching the top, Reinhard led me through the final hall. Although he appeared stoic and reserved as usual, the way he occasionally ran a hand through his hair proved otherwise. "He'll likely be in his room. Are you certain that you still wish to proceed?"

As he glanced over his shoulder it was obvious how unsure he was of our situation, but it would take more than that to deter me. I pressed on as I shoved my hands into my pockets intending to go through with this.

"No time like the present, Rein."

"Of course." Right as we reached the middle of the top floor, we came to a slow stop. Reinhard hesitantly gestured to a lone door. "This is their bedroom…Where my dear mother is also kept." That last part came out almost in a whisper. Reinhard and his father loved her so much.

Tortured by the inability to save her.

"Well, here goes nothing." Giving a few light knocks, I waited for a response.

"..."

Nothing. I did so again.

"..."

Only to receive the same outcome.

Having had enough I raised my voice, "Heinkel, I know you're in there. We need to talk." I then patiently waited for the man to answer me; however, an object instead crashed onto the door from inside the room. The sudden cracking noise had to have been from a bottle of some kind.

"Leave m-m-me alone dammit!" Heinkel drunkenly cried out. I tried to open the door but found it to be locked.

"Not until we sort this out like grown men. Open up already." I banged my fist on the entrance. This seemed to only vex him even further.

"Don't dishurb *Hic* me! I don't need your pity!"

"I'm not here for that. I just want to talk with you and sort things out."

"Fuck you! F-f-fuck you! Damn brat!"

I frowned. "I see. Plan B it is."

Stepping back I readied to brute force my way in. Reinhard tried to stop me, but the door nearly broke off its hinges when I thrusted my leg into the once rigid frame. Then, I registered the pungent odor of alcohol flooding my senses. Obscured within the darkness I saw Heinkel slouched at his wife's bedside. I entered the room with cautious steps from the vast array of empty bottles littered throughout.

"You brat." The Astrea patriarch came to a slobbish stand, swaying uncontrollably. "You come here to mock m-m-me even further?! I-i-in front of my own wife?!"

"Not in the slightest. Look, your animosity towards me is justified. I just wanted to come here personally to apologize to you," I admitted. I removed my glasses to reiterate my point.

"*Hic* Then go on." Heinkel sipped from the bottle in his hand as I respectfully lowered my head.

"Forgive me, Heinkel—" But this seemed to further displease him in some regard. I realized why when he poured the contents of his drink over my head, drenching me with the very scent of the thing I loathed most.

"No!" The drunkard pointed to the sleeping woman behind him. "Apologize t-t-to her as well! Now!"

Wanting to avoid further complications, I simply nodded at his demand. "Forgive me, Heinkel and Louanna. Today, I acted out of line and caused unnecessary trouble. My actions and words don't reflect my true character that faces you now. All I ask is that if you could spare—" However, I was interrupted again by him.

Rather than liquid hitting me it was something much more solid. And with it came enough power to hurl me to the wall behind me, choking on my spit when I made impact. I soon registered a growing ache emitting from my entire head. Disoriented and without my glasses, I couldn't make out a single thing. Only the vibrations coming from the floor told me the other two were shuffling about.

"Lord Sean!" Reinhard worriedly shouted. He then frowned at my attacker. "This isn't right, father! He was only doing as you asked."

"Shsut your mouth, y-y-you monster! What I'm doing is right!" Heinkel objected.

Reinhard, the target for his unwelcoming bitterness—turned away and placed a hand over his aching heart.

Debilitated, courtesy of a staggering right hook from the Deputy Commander himself no less. The warm taste of iron was apparent soon after as I spat out a fair bit of it. I could make out several quick, heavy steps coming my way. Suddenly, I was forcefully raised off the ground, being held firmly by the collar of my shirt. Heinkel's foul breath was enough to get me back to my senses.

"The nerve! To come into my home and desecrate it with your wretched *Hic* presence! Expecting me to just accept it? As if! I'm no fool! But that's jusht the b-b-beginning! You wanted *Hic* to oppose me! Do you know who I am?! The a-a-authority I have in this kingdom?!" Heinkel bared his teeth and punched my face repeatedly while Reinhard gasped at the vicious act his father committed. He desperately wanted to intervene, but I held my hand out, halting him.

"B-b-but you couldn't *Hic* get it through your thick skull now, could you? That trying to go against me was stupid! Even as we fought, you had the g-g-gall to look down on me! You really believed you could beat me!" He then clutched at my chin and squeezed. My face bled profusely from numerous places due to his ruthless beating. "But that isn't what angers me the most. No! *Hic* You did something far worse. To speak ill of me is o-o-one thing—but don't you dare talk shit about my family!" exclaimed the Astrea patriarch.

Understanding what came next, I involuntarily flinched as his incoming fist came into view. He struck me to the point that all the feeling in my face vanished. The only choice I could make was to grit my teeth and take it.

After that, Heinkel delivered a few rough slaps to stir me. "Wake up, brat! We're not done! Because," He paused as his harsh gaze drifted away from mine, albeit, as if he was fighting an internal battle. "you're right about me. About everything. I let my…wife…fall into an incurable coma. I was too much of a coward to fight the White Whale, resulting in my mother's death. That led to my father leaving me b-b-behind because of that. And my own son…defeated me." The man struggled to vent out his frustrations as his face contorted with remorse. Heinkel then raised his to fist strike me once more, but it never came.

"What have I done?! How can I live like this?! It's my fault my family is the way it is! I did this to them! I am the way I am because I had no other choice! What was I supposed to do?!" He gripped his red hair with a fist and began to pant from his outrage. "...I don't know, I don't know, I don't know anymore."

His face, in such close proximity to mine, gave me the clarity I had been seeking. For within those azure eyes was a broken, loving man dealt the wrong hand. Although he stared at me with ferocity, tears seeped from the sides of his eyelids. His hold on me loosened until his hands slid off altogether.

I witnessed him fall onto his knees and forearms, releasing the despair and suffering he shouldered for many years. My hand reached out to him almost as if it had a mind of its own, but I stopped it before it could touch him. It slowly came back to me as the sight of Heinkel gnawed at that empathy I had. "...I don't know either."

None of us did.

Looking at Reinhard, he watched as his father shed tears in front of him. This seemed inconsiderate but in his own way, he was grieving alongside him. Because even he too could feel grief and not outwardly show it. However, he didn't hesitate to crouch next to Heinkel in an attempt to console him. He simply sat quietly and waited.

The drunkard's weeping turned to low sniffles. Heinkel tried to regain his composure before once again speaking. "...Why did this happen to me? I-i-i never wanted this to happen! If only…I could hear her voice just one last time…" He pounded his fists against the floor. In such a vulnerable state, he created more of a mess and wounded himself with the plethora of shards littered about.

"Father…" Reinhard muttered.

Life wasn't fair. The three of us knew that quite well. And yet, to see the duo before me with such expressions…

'It's time to set things right…for the better.'

"You're truly an awful person," I grimaced. Heinkel kept silent and clenched his bloodied fists. "But that's what I thought of you before. Because I know, deep down, you can still change." He stiffened up at my change in tone. "That's only if you desire to do so. If you've already given up on yourself now, then what would be the point? You and I both know that fate is unforgiving in determining our lives. So go against it and decide for yourself. Never destroy who you are because of actions outside your control!" I declared, Heinkel eyed me in disbelief.

"I'm sorry for the countless tragedies that have befallen the Astrea family. I truly am," I said. "No amount of pity will ever heal the pain you bear each and every day. That's why, here and now, you're not alone anymore. I realize now that begging for your forgiveness will amount to nothing. So I, Royal Candidate, Sean Wang, vow to save your wife. Only I will do so alongside you until she is reunited with the people she adores once more."

Following my bold claim, the eyes of the two Astreas widened. I knew promising such a thing to them was foolish and outright mad. Still, the warm sensation spreading from within my chest said otherwise.

"Will you allow me to help you?" Extending my hand to the shocked Heinkel, I waited for his answer to my offer. Instead, he sat there with his mouth agape as his shoulders shuddered. The words he needed to hear had been said.

His reddened hand neared mine before it suddenly stopped. I feared a repeat of what he had done just moments ago until something else occurred. An outcome I thought impossible under such circumstances.

Heinkel Astrea, the Deputy Commander, grasped my hand.

"Brat, I should *Hic* really despise you. Though it's clear to me that there's more to you than meets the eye. No one's ever tried to set me straight." Heinkel let out a weak sigh. "People have thought the worst about me behind my back. However, if you plan to do what you claim, then I'll hold you to it. I will never, ever, forgive you if you don't. If you can promise me this, then I'd say we have a deal."

I held my chin up. "Is that all?"

"Hmph. Don't get cocky. Just because you gave your word doesn't necessarily mean I trust you. Prove to me through your actions and then maybe I will consider backing you," stated Heinkel.

"Of course. I'll make sure to do my best."

"Good…I'll be watching you, Sean."

To seal such a promise, we firmly shook our hands one last time.

"Father," Reinhard said. The older Astrea turned to the boy next to him. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. I think I'm better now. Thank you…son." Stunned by his words, Reinhard was rendered speechless, but before he realized it he was brought into an embrace. "I know I haven't been the best father to you, but from here on I'll make sure to do what I can for you. Your mother would've wanted that. Including me as well. We only have each other after all." Finally, the father-and-son bond was reestablished. Watching them coming together...I couldn't help but feel envious.

'Just glad things worked out for the best in the end.'

For once, something good happened for a change.

These corridors, great in length and stature, brought nothing more than discomfort to her. The walls themselves were the exact dull color no matter where she went. Marbled tiles and elegant carpets kept her feet planted, except they disrupted the balance within herself. And the iron-wrought windows, artistically crafted—limited her view and confined her from the outside. Such a place wasn't worthy to call home. Sadly, it was. For a single day filled with tragedy had led her here.

And yet, was it wrong of her to desire her old life? Everything was much simpler back when she lived in the forest. Where the only things she would see were soft, white powder and calming trees. Accompanied by her companions frozen in time that she delicately cared for, it reminded her what she had before this point. Yes, what a time it was.

But she left it all behind.

The mansion she found herself in belonged to Roswaal L. Mathers, who requested her aid in leaving Elior Forest. Hesitant at first—that ultimately changed when he offered her the possibility to free her people. Steeling her resolve, she accepted her fate.

Puck always told her she'd have to leave the forest one day. However, she only wished she had much more experience with social interactions besides him. If she'd done so then conversing with the maid leading her, Ram, would've come naturally to her. But instead, she was welcomed by the sight of Ram's back which was always kept stiff and proper.

"Lady Emilia, we've arrived."

Ah, she knew better than to stare. Emilia shook her head and saw a patient Ram who held an open door. Not wanting to keep her waiting any longer she nodded and quietly entered. Within her room that had been furnished specifically to her needs was nothing but a sense of emptiness. It served as a reminder that none of this belonged to her.

Emilia feigned a smile and tried to give her thanks until Ram spoke again, "If that is all then I bid you goodnight, Lady Emilia." She bowed and closed the door before Emilia had the chance.

It was always like this.

She always felt distant towards the other occupants. Besides Puck, there was no one else she could speak to on a personal level. Day in and day out, nothing changed. They simply treated her like some mere child that needed to be tended to, as though she couldn't care for herself as she'd done so before.

Saddening as that truth was, Emilia too had her own fair share of responsibilities. The life of a Royal Candidate was her new reality, and she quickly found herself bombarded by her studies. Due to her many years of isolation, Emilia found herself playing a constant game of catch-up—one she doubted would help all too much with the challenges that she'd inevitably face down the road.

She sighed and went to rest at her bedside. Nothing in her life ever felt easy. If only she could go back to those once peaceful days…

"What's the matter, Lia?" A familiar voice startled her.

"Puck, it's n—nothing." Emilia brushed the side of her hair revealing her pointed ear.

"Just tell me. You've been acting strange the past few days."

Puck was right. Ever since her return from the Capital, some part of her wasn't the same. No matter the task or activity, they were rather taxing to a degree. Emilia hoped it wouldn't become a constant in her daily routine.

The cat spirit groaned at her silence. "I'm your father, you know. You can talk to me about anything."

"I know. It's just… What happened that day revealed something to me. That I should have known from the very beginning."

"Revealed what exactly?" Puck asked.

The half-elf buried her face in her hands. "I shouldn't have agreed to…to any of this."

Visiting the Royal Capital was initially such an exhilarating experience, but it all spiraled out of control right before her eyes. The insignia, the one representing her official status as a candidate, was stolen from her. She took out the sacred badge and glanced at it as it shined a faint glow of red from within the palm of her hands. Although definite proof of her new status, she couldn't help but feel she was being mocked.

"Lia, don't feel bad about what happened. It wasn't even your fault! I'm just glad we were able to get the insignia back without too much of a fuss."

"...If you say so." Emilia tucked the badge away and rested her hands on top of her lap.

"I know so! Just keep doing what you're doing and you should be fine. I'll always have your back no matter what," declared Puck. In response, a weak smile appeared on Emilia.

Regardless of his reassurance, Emilia knew she was blatantly at fault for the events that transpired. Several lives were put at risk due to her ignorance, including her own. That guilt plagued her thoughts more than the haunting looks she received that day. The two culprits became fearful for their lives until Reinhard, the knight who found her by chance, came to clarify the dire situation. While the matter was handled in a civilized manner, it still weighed on her mind whether it was the right decision.

"You know, thanks to that one human we lucked out in the end," said Puck. He mused from within his crystal, "I'm having trouble remembering his name. What was it again? Sheen?"

"Sean," Emilia corrected, and giggled.

"I totally knew that! But he sure was a strange one. How'd he know what was really going on?"

"Hmm, I'm not too sure myself. I'm still grateful for his help, though. Without him…" She clenched the end of her dress as Puck listened. "But that's all behind us now. It's because of Sean that everyone was able to walk away safe and sound. Now that I think about it, what I saw after the fact doesn't quite sit well with me," Emilia admitted.

"Oh. It's because he's a—"

"Yes. It seems he's been chosen too."

Emilia shuffled her feet and stared at the floor with a glazed look. This revelation baffled her and the Sword Saint when it occurred right before them. Despite that, news of this meant only one thing.

"Then he's the fifth and last candidate. The prophecy foretold by the Divine Dragon has been met."

"Right. Once the Sage Council hears of this, then the Royal Selection will begin. Sean will officially become someone I have to race against."

While troubled by this realization, Emilia knew little to nothing about his character. Only that he was a selfless man willing to risk his life for others, including her own. Something she thought no one would ever do besides her father.

When Sean looked at her, much to her surprise, he'd done so as if she was just a regular person. He even agreed to meet with her again someday. Be that as it may, Emilia knew anyone associating with her eventually led to misfortune. She can't bear the thought of putting him in harm's way again for a mistake she made.

Emilia already had enough guilt to last her a lifetime.

"Sounds like you're gonna have to work harder. But don't worry! You can do anything you set your mind to when I'm around." Emila gave a slow nod at his cheerful attempt. "Anyhow, I think it's time you went to sleep, little miss. It's starting to get awfully late."

"It is. I think I'll stay up for a bit longer if that's alright?"

"I can't ever say no to you, Lia. Sweet dreams!"

As his presence faded, Emilia waited patiently till he returned to his slumber. Soon after, she stood up and headed towards the windows in her room. She moved the weighted, long curtains aside to reveal a vast, star-filled sky. Like grains of sand, countless distant lights burned bright as far as the eye could see. And yet, no matter how hard she tried, the object that always seemed to catch her amethyst eyes was the only celestial body visible: the moon.

Gazing at its waning state, Emilia wanted to bask in the serene light that reflected off its cratered surface. It was this way because it always brought comfort to her in the most difficult of times. Watching her from afar where even she couldn't reach. Like a guardian.

"Regardless if Sean is a candidate, I can't help wanting to know more about him. I only hope the worst doesn't come to pass. For both our sakes…" the lone half-elf brought her hands together and whispered to herself.

Her prayers went unheard as they were carried into the night. Nothing but the rustling wind knew of what she had said.

In this flourishing city, dusk seemed to draw out the shadiest of characters. This was true for one person: a woman. She was dressed in a dull two-piece suit as she disappeared into a nearby alleyway. With caution, she glanced behind herself one last time before resuming to make her way out of the general area.

She not only did this to deter potential threats but to avoid unwanted attention. Compared to the citizens of this city, she was nothing more than another friendly face doing "business". One couldn't be too safe as she strolled along a damp, littered pathway humming a silent tune.

Several minutes passed and she found herself at the foot of a multi-story building. It lacked any unique features to make a statement and ultimately blended in well with the rest of the bland infrastructure around it. Pausing for a moment, she adjusted her vest and tie before prompting to let herself into the establishment.

Her eyes adjusted and she found people dressed similarly to her were present, fully immersed in their duties in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Not one turned to look at the new arrival which didn't bother her. This allowed her to carefully maneuver through their numbers for her sights were set on a particular backroom. Smiling to herself, she opened the set double doors before her and promptly closed them on her way in.

Without a soul in sight, she analyzed the neatly filled office space with a keen eye. This room followed the theme of being rather ordinary with its three-tone color scheme and minimalist decor. Showcasing a large desk, several chairs, and towering stacks of irrelevant paper. But this woman ignored that as her eyes fell on a particular group of curious bookshelves. Oh, she was close, that she was certain of.

Carefully, one of her slender hands slid along the countless rows of books, feeling the different textures of each and every spine. She kept this delicate action going until a particular one brought her to an abrupt halt. Using the tip of her finger, the false item tipped out from its place and crashed to the floor.

Then, she had found what she was seeking: an engraved keyhole.

She reached within her jacket for the key that had been provided to her. As it entered the designated slot, she let out a deep breath and turned. Click. This satisfying noise made her brace against it with her shoulder to finally open it. What was once a mere bookshelf revealed an endless descending pathway into the darkness. She grinned and wasted not a moment more to reach what waited for her.

Although, her cautious walk within the makeshift tunnel was short-lived as she was blinded in an instant from both sides. This action put her on alert, but she calmed down after noting they had been beacons lighting her path. It was then that her ears perceived the audible trace of voices further down below. Each step she took caused the volume to gradually increase in decibels until it became a constant cacophony of chattering and labor. And what did she find to be the source of it all? The place where the "real" work of the organization was done.

"Hey, Rune! Report in!"

At least there was one friendly person she recognized.

"By the Dragon, you look like shit," said a crude voice. He sat behind a curved desk as their colleagues worked diligently in the background. "Did you even consider cleaning yourself up before getting here? Can't believe I thought you would improve when I left the other branch."

Rune simply chuckled. "Now Viddal, that's not how you speak to a dear friend. Especially a lady at that."

"You consider yourself a lady? Just wipe that nasty smudge off your face and let's get this over with."

"Understood."

Unaware of her physical state, Viddal's comment made her aware of how distasteful her image was. Traces of blood were splattered around her cheeks, but she wiped them away with an already densely stained handkerchief. How careless of her.

"Now that you're here, I'm assuming the repossession task was a success?" A somewhat cleansed Rune nodded. "And do you have the proof? You and I both know that your word isn't enough for all of this."

"Yes. I'm well aware of that," she said with a small smile. Reaching for her backside she then presented a tainted bag filled to the brim. Hoisting it towards Viddal, the sound of metal rattled like music to his ears.

"So they actually paid their dues? I'm guessing you had to beat it out of them first, haha. That's so typical of you." Or so Viddal thought until Rune coughed into her hand.

Intrigued, he saw an item held in her opposite hand. Viddal slowly stood up from his seat to retrieve what she wanted to give to him. It was then that he felt his hand become moist all of the sudden. He immediately gulped and turned it over to figure out what absurd thing she had been carrying on her person. To his horror, he found thick lines of crimson leaked out from his very palm.

For within his grasp, was that of freshly severed tongues.

"What the fuck!"

Viddal hurriedly dropped the flesh belonging to her victims. He desperately tried to cleanse the tacky residue and horrid stench that clung to his skin like glue. Meanwhile, Rune snickered with a pleased glint in her eyes.

"Hopefully that will suffice. I made quick work of those fools hoping their associates would learn to not disappoint us in the future," Rune admitted, nonchalantly.

"Next time just fucking tell me you were going to do that!" Viddal barked. He then clutched his head and sat back down. "Anyway, it seems you carried out what was asked of you. This will certainly please the boss when she hears about this."

"I hope it does. She seems to be on edge as of late which is unusual of her."

"I haven't heard from her in some time. I've been too busy trying to organize this damn shithole I now find myself in. Starting to regret taking this damn promotion in the first place."

"If it makes you feel any better then I'll be suffering here along with you~."

"I'm better off dead now."

The bantering duo was then interrupted by a random worker who came to retrieve the acquired mission items. Before the individual returned to their duties, they handed their leader a sealed letter. Viddal pressed his lips as the emblem indented on the wax irked him.

Viddal dismissed the worker and grunted. "I can't catch a break. There always seems to be something going on."

"Another task? How fun. Maybe this will provide some type of challenge for me?" mused Rune.

"Hmph. Let's see if you'll be singing the same tune once I've read it."

Just as he sliced the seal off to decipher the letter's contents, Viddal's ears pricked up as the entrance door opened. There, sweating and struggling to remain upright, was a surface worker who appeared visibly shaken. They clasped their hands over their head and fell to their knees soon after.

"Hey! Mind telling me what's going on?! What's gotten into you?!" questioned Viddal. He went to confront the worker who was prostrated by reasons unknown to him.

"Th...ad…th…ad…"

"Deep breaths. You're safe now."

The disturbed worker's mumbling had sent shivers down the spines of many. Viddal placed his hand gently on their shoulder causing the frightened worker to yelp and clutch their head in desperation. Whether he liked it or not, he had to find the reasoning behind this irregular display of emotion. Eyeing the item he had just been given, this was no coincidence.

"Does this deal with the scroll I was given just now?" The letter was placed before the worker who lifted their head to see it. "I need to know or else I can't help you."

"Th...ad…th…ad…"

Viddal shook his head and leaned in. "One more time."

"They're…dead. All of them."

The leader's body then stiffened. After that, several gasps were heard throughout the chamber at the sudden fainting of their fellow worker. Viddal balled his fists and glanced at the woman next to him. Rune knew full well that his grim expression entailed trouble for the rest of them. With no time to waste, Viddal rose to his feet and faced those under his command.

"Listen up: We're under attack! I need those skilled and willing to confront the intruders. While the rest of you will help with clearing all this shit out clean. Failure is not an option. Understood?!" There were only nods at his direct order. "Go!"

As most of their numbers went up to fight off the sudden threat, a mere handful volunteered to stay behind. One of which was Rune, "Do you know what this means?! The agreement keeping this city in order was violated the moment we were attacked. The boss needs to hear about this!"

"I know that," Viddal said. He turned away and signaled for her to follow. "But right now we need to do our part here. There's too much sensitive information at stake!"

"Fine...Let's just hurry!"

From documents, metias, tomes, to coins, anything holding significant value was collected; however, the secrets belonging to the organization were to be destroyed. And yet, amidst all this, the sounds of death and chaos rang on from above. It was uncertain whether or not the intruders were being pushed back. Their fearless leader calmly reminded them that they had a job to do.

Unfortunately, this resurgence of confidence amongst them vanished when the fighting finally ended. Though their breaths penetrated through the silence, faint footsteps became the loudest note. And when said note multiplied…

"They're here."

Hell broke loose.

A great ball of inferno burst forth from the breached front entrance. Smoke and ash flooded the hidden chamber leaving the remaining souls to fend for themselves. But before the intruders could rush them they were met with a wall of earth blocking their path.

"Dona!"

The Earth spell was cast by Viddal in response. He then glanced at Rune who smiled knowing he was leaving the rest to her. She defended the front as he made his way to inform the others. "We're out of time. I need you to gather what you can and get the hell outta here!"

"But sir! What about the two of you?!"

"We can't just leave you here!"

"That doesn't matter! All of you need to hurry and escape through the tunnel!"

None of them dared to disobey him and began preparations to escape. This attempt proved futile as several murky puddles of black formed around the room. It wasn't long before the small group was outnumbered by mysterious hooded figures dressed in ebony.

"El Fura!"

Seizing her chance to strike first, Rune unloaded a devastating force of wind toward the assailants. She smirked when the spell shredded through a majority of the enemy's numbers and coated the chamber in a new shade of red. But alas, those caught in the attack were merely replaced in an instant by another.

In return, balls of inferno were sent straight at the duo. Viddal reacted swiftly with another wall to shield them, but he knew it wouldn't hold with the number of projectiles thrust directly at them. However, Rune knew this and sent another wave of wind just in time to cancel out some of the enemy's attacks. Their temporary shield crumbled after having been slammed by a sheer amount of Fire magic. The duo redirected their efforts to fight back until a blood-curdling scream was heard from behind them.

What they saw was cruel, an atrocious act done by those driven by pure evil, the likes of which they'd never seen. There, disposed on the floor in a bloodied pile, were the corpses of the group they were meant to protect.

Viddal glared at the numbers around them. "You fuckers! Don't think this is over! I'll have your heads!"

Their opposition instead had other plans. For they brandished their daggers for the duo to see. Before they had a chance, those same blades were aimed in their direction. Low on mana and unable to dodge, the weapons soon hit their mark and left them debilitated.

"Why?! Why are you doing this?! Answer me!" Rune shouted.

Silence. The mysterious figures simply closed in on them which left the two right before their feet. One of the hooded beings pointed at the Viddal which worried Rune. Out of the two, he had received a substantial amount of damage. She watched as one of the murderers stepped toward him with their dagger raised. A wounded Viddal lifted his head to see the one who would deliver his end personally.

"...Go…go fuck yours—" He couldn't finish for their jagged blade sliced his throat open.

Rune froze at the sight of her former teammate being murdered in cold blood. She snapped out of her daze and frantically crawled away from them, leaving a thick trail of crimson behind her. Rune's immense desire to escape from her attackers dulled the agony she knew was waiting for her.

It all was in vain when she felt an intense heat from behind.

In the end, her screams of anguish went on till her dying breath. Rune's attackers stood and watched as the flames engulfed her. When all there was left was a crisp corpse.

The shadows allowed the fire to spread until the entire building became a bonfire for the city to see. With their objective accomplished, the hooded figures retreated and looked on as the citizens began to stir in panic. They had played their part well for such an occasion.

For this was just the beginning.

AN: Hope you all enjoyed the chapter! Expect big things in the near future for Sean and co. during the middle part of Arc 2. Also I am still doing a rewrite of Arc 1 and doing some minor updates to the early chapters of this arc.

Be sure to fav, follow, and leave a review! And I mean it. Your interaction and support lets me know that this story is engaging and entertaining to you. Theorize, critique, or do whatever because it does really help me much more than you think.

Shoutout to TheColourPurple and SpeedCar for taking the time to beta. They helped finish this when I was struggling.

PS: Hope you like the Felp and Rein omake :)

Omake #2:

Curiosity of the Former Thief

Two individuals, one being handsome and tall whilst the latter being rather petite and adorable on the surface, stepped out from a doorway into the glamorous hallways of the Astrea manor. The short teen exasperatedly sighed as the young man accompanying her closed the door they exited from.

"Can't believe I'm stuck with you of all people."

"I'm terribly sorry you feel that way. I will ensure that my presence does not become an inconvenience to you in the slightest."

He placed a hand across his chest and bowed to her. In return, she grimaced and attempted to kick him as he was exposed. Little did she know that such childish acts were wasted on him for he caught her leg without looking.

The irritated female bared her yaeba. "Why do you always act like this?! I swear that's the most annoying part about you!"

"Pardon? Have I done anything to offend you, Felt?"

"Ugh. Red, I don't know how Big Bro deals with you at all."

Felt palmed her face which made Reinhard grip his chin in thought. Unfortunately, they found themselves in this awkward interaction after being excused from a private discussion. It came as no surprise for the knight, but the same couldn't be said for the blondie. A mutual friend of the two, Sean Wang, urged them to exit the room for he had private matters to discuss with Rom, Felt's surrogate grandfather. Though he was someone she respected and admired, it pained her to hear him act so serious with her.

"Welp, smeeell ya later!"

Reinhard watched as the young lady left him with her hands resting behind her head.

"...Excuse me, Felt, but where do you intend on going?"

Felt lazily waved him off. "Anywhere that isn't near you. Maybe I'll bug Auntie and Uncle for a bit until they're done."

"I see…" Red said, quietly.

Neither of the two said another word until the departing teen stomped her small foot in place.

"Tck! Fine!" Felt turned around and glared at the sulking young man. "Reinhard, let's do something! I'm tired of hearing you being so wimpy all the time. It's really starting to get on my nerves." Hearing her insulting yet considerate words, Reinhard's eyes widened.

Then, he smiled.

"Really? Did you have something particular in mind?"

"Well, you can say that I do, hehe."

For some odd reason, the redhead knew whatever she had in mind was full of mischief.

"I don't think Lord Sean will take too kindly to this."

"It'll be fine! Big Bro won't know we were even here."

As expected, Reinhard's intuition was spot on. Felt's suggestion, while harmless, involved entering the empty abode of his lord. She explained to him that there was something extraordinary he had to see for himself.

"Perfect! Time to show ya what Big Bro's got hiding," Felt declared. She twisted the door's handle and lightly pushed it ajar.

Reinhard arched a brow. "Hiding? Is this item of significant value to him?"

All he saw was a mischievous grin aimed at him.

"You bet. It's one of a kind metia!"

"Oh dear…"

"Let's hurry before someone sees us. I've been meaning to take a peek at this again for a while." Before the eager blonde could step any further, she was held back by her shoulder. "Whaddya think you're doing?!"

The knight restraining her sighed. "I cannot allow you to do this. If what you say is true, then it will upset Lord Sean immensely. He is already troubled enough as is."

"Yeah, I know that. But come on! Aren't you at least a bit curious?" Felt eyed the calm, rigid redhead with a single open eye. He merely blinked at her innocent question.

She waited to hear his answer as his mouth began to move.

"No—please give up."

Go figure. He was a total buzzkill.

Suddenly, he hoisted her off the ground from under her thin arms. Felt instantly retaliated by wiggling and kicking her legs out, but Reinhard's hold of her proved far superior than she anticipated. She had to think of some way to convince him. This was her only chance!

"Do ya hafta treat me like some kid? This is embarrassing!" she cried.

"I apologize for that but it has to be done," Reinhard responded. He placed her over his shoulder which only aggravated her further.

"Put me down!" Felt smacked his back and yet it had no effect on him. "You're a monster!"

"That's rather rude of you to say. I consider myself normal in all regards."

"Bullshit! Just put me down for a second will ya?!"

"Fine."

The redhead kneeled and let her down in a gentle manner. Felt glared daggers at him, but she corrected herself to enact her plan. It had to work!

"Listen. I should've told ya this from the start, but Big Bro has more special metias. Back when I first met him I was able to look at them myself. They're stuff I've neva seen before!"

"I see. I do recall him saying he was an inventor of some sort," Reinhard said, crossing his arms, "but the fact still remains that you shouldn't be doing this. If you feel so strongly to observe said metias, then ask Lord Sean for permission."

"Didn't ya hear me? I've already seen them before in front of him! What's wrong with what I'm doing now?!"

"I understand that b—" One moment, Felt was there, and then she vanished.

Consequently, Reinhard had let his guard down around her. This mistake costed him as he heard giggling from within the room he had tried to protect from being entered. He swiftly moved to intercept the cunning teen that had given him the slip, but it was too late as she held a strange, black rectangular object in her gloved hands.

"I found it! Don't try and stop me!" Felt warned, smirking.

She had him there. Although, Reinhard couldn't help being fascinated by the metia as well.

"Is that what you were seeking?"

"You bet! Although it doesn't seem to be working like last time. Big Bro was busy showing it off to that gut-loving bitch."

"Language. And perhaps you're referring to Elsa Granhiert?" Felt simply nodded.

Felt kept messing with the device until she slumped her shoulders. "This is pointless! I can't make it do what I want it to!"

"May I try?" Reinhard offered.

Felt agreed and gave him the metia in annoyance. Reinhard carefully analyzed said item, marveling at its sleek and unique texture. He then looked at the tempered glass embedded in the front, seeing a clear reflection of himself which impressed him. However, he then noticed several minor bumps along the right side of the metia which appeared to be rather important. Sensing a familiar feeling from within himself, he pressed down on the largest one.

As a result, Reinhard was greeted by a vivid light and musical note emitting from the metia.

"Woah!" gawked Felt. "What did you do?! This is the first time I've seen it do something like that!"

"Just a simple trick is all." Reinhard smiled.

"Anyway, I don't remember the frame thingy metia doing that before. Seems there is more to it than Big Bro led on."

"That sounds plausible. This metia has features that make it similar to a Conversing Mirror, but we'd have to ask Lord Sean for more information on that. Now then, what did you want to do with it?"

"Give it here."

Reinhard, though hesitant, handed the metia to her. Felt began to touch the device in many ways to get it to do something. Still, the screen only showed an image of the Bowel Hunter. Perhaps this was truly pointless.

Felt clicked her tongue. "I just want to take a frame thingy! Why is this so frustrating?!"

"Frame thingy? What exactly is that?" Reinhard asked.

"Big Bro did something with this where a flash came out, but said it wasn't Yang magic. He said something about taking a frame of Elsa at that moment." Felt shrugged and sighed. "None of it makes an ounce of sense to me. Maybe we do need Big Bro for this to actually do something."

"I see." Having processed that information, the gears within Reinhard's mind began to turn.

"But it's nice to look at, right? I bet this thing is worth a fortune! Too bad I can't sell it or else I'd get in trouble, heh."

"Felt, allow me to analyze one last time."

"Go ahead. Doubt you'll get anything useful."

The knight used his archive of abilities, calling upon Item Mastery once more, and he uncovered something peculiar. Some form of security measure was in place which prevented unwanted individuals from accessing the full capabilities of the metia. Granted, several features unique to the item were still enabled. One of which, showcasing a strange cannon-like icon, was placed near the lower right corner of the glass surface. Swiping his finger across it, the mirror went black until Reinhard could see through it from the other side.

"Amazing…" Reinhard uttered.

"You figured it out?! Let me see it!" Felt snatched the metia without notice. She eyed it with such giddiness as she aimed it toward Reinhard. "Now hold still. I'm taking a frame!"

Almost as if she'd known, she pressed the white round circle that was prompted.

"Haha! You look ridiculous, Red!" Felt said. She showed him looking like a deer in headlights.

"Incredible. It seems this metia does capture moments in time. As expected of Lord Sean," declared Reinhard. Out of the corner of his eye, Felt was giving him the stink eye.

"Don't be so mushy about Big Bro! How about we take a frame together? That way he'll know we figured it out."

"I suppose there is no harm in that."

Getting down to her level, Felt gave him the metia to capture the moment. Knowing already what to press to reverse the screen, the duo could see their faces in full view. It spooked the blonde teen for a moment as she had to adjust to seeing herself in such clear detail. Then, sticking her tongue out in a cute manner and Reinhard with a bright smile, the perfect image was taken.

They sure hoped their friend would love it.