"Another blackout, warranted, of course, though that won't stop the criminals."
While for most others, a total blackout is seen as an unnecessary precaution, considering the attack by the Iron Eagles left the commercial district almost completely incinerated, I can see why they stopped clamoring as much. Either way, without any Wyvren or proper Ariel forces, there is not much we can do other than hope the little light that is shown is not enough to catch the attention of any fliers.
"Though maybe if the idiots inside the castle actually contributed and also shut off their lights, then we would be safer," I murmured to myself.
That and also with how the gate bearers need to at least have some light to inspect materials being sent in for repair. The need for wood has skyrocketed after they began to drop explosives that can engulf our buildings in flame. Not much we can do other than just try to put them out before they spread and cause a ton of damage.
Even if I'm not stationed near the top of the castle, I can see the extent of the damage and hear more than anything as well. Everyone has been demoralized recently due to it, and not getting any support from the Imperium in the form of Wyrvens is not helping either. Not surprising of course, since the cost of maintaining them is rather expensive, but the benefits for us do outweigh the cost.
"If you want to tell us we are nothing but a pawn… just say it at this point. It's not like the people and the king don't know that already," I sighed.
But whatever, I get paid to patrol around the walls. Even if I do it for basically the whole day and get paid a misery, it's more than enough to support me. It's not like they want to promote me to captain; Windfall already has that position, and I doubt he is trying to give it up anytime soon. It's not that I'm not satisfied with where I am currently; it's just that I'd rather be inside than outside all the time, even if my species comes with better vision in the dark.
Either way, the beauty of the night is something unparalleled, even if I'm not down there to experience it, just gazing upon it is enough satisfaction to get me by day to day. However, it is kind of ruined because a caravan of sorts that wants to stand out is just approaching with the brightest lights they can have.
It might be the special cargo I heard some of the others whisper about, though why would it come here of all places? We always get hand-me-down materials, and the little of the fresh stuff we do get is whatever is left after we pay to the Imperium. Not like King Xiloas cares anyway; he gets paid by the Imperium to live lavishly, giving the impression of wealth. I think if anything, it just alienates him more from us, but it's not like anyone liked him.
His rule should have ended a while ago, but after the last attempt a few years back, the Imperium has now stationed garrison soldiers in the capital. Most are stationed either in the throne room or the outer perimeter of the castle gates, enough to deter any would-be rebels. Even with that, however, talks of dissent remain active; it is a matter of time.
Not that I will take part in such things since… after all… I'm pretty much tied on a leash thanks to… that bastard… whatever. I just need to bide my time, only whenever they don't have collateral on me, then I am finally free of this wretched place. But… until then… working as a guard in the capital is the best position I could have considering my circumstances. Even with my pay being much lower than my peers…
"Liliana! The Captain has a report for us!" I heard a familiar yet annoying voice call out behind me.
I turned my gaze from the approaching caravan to the voice, whose origin, as I expected, was Mon. It's always either him or his friend Glid mocking me or trying to provoke me. I can't report it to Windfall either as he just assumes they are teasing me, and since it is two against one and also because of my position, I simply have to deal with it.
I gave a stern glare to Mon and retorted, "Did I not tell you not to call me by that name here, Mon?"
Mon is one of the most annoying people I have to be stationed with, donning his full suit of armor that he had gotten as a gift from a friend. He uses it to compensate for his small stature as I tower over him. At least his gauntlets perfectly display what it feels like to talk to him, almost as if he was hitting me with them, not literally of course.
He snickered, "Oh- Sorry, what was it again…? Lia? Look at you trying to fit in!"
There was nothing I could do but fume in silence as I intensified my glare; I also adjusted the hammer on my back to make it ready to grab. Not that I could attack him, I would lose my position then, but I could make the gesture that I could if I wanted to.
He calmed down at the sight of me adjusting my weapon, "Anyways, please report to the Barracks near the bottom floor. Windfall seems serious," Mon said before he turned around and began walking away.
"So you can call him Windfall but not me, Lia? Also, is he not on off duty for today?" I scowled at him.
"Both yes, first since he could beat me up and probably kill me if I stepped out of line. Secondly, it's probably something important if he has been called up on his off day, just hurry up," he scoffed as he got out of view.
That little… Whatever, unlike him, I have the advantage of not needing the stairs. I walked over to the ledge of the wall separating the walkway around the castle and the large drop to the ground. I was on the third story or so; shouldn't be any different than normal. I could play it safe and use my nails to slow my descent but last time I got yelled at for doing so and almost ripping a banner so…
I climbed on top of the small wall and planned my fall. Directly below me was the castle garden; there were not many places where I could land without slamming down on the flowers. Recently, though, they cut down a few of the non-decorative trees to make more space for flowers, but they are still in the process of planting.
"A convenient clearing in the garden, the perfect area to land," I grinned to myself.
One thing I always loved was the feeling of the air hitting my face while airborne. Thanks to my training and the naturally given benefits of my species, it makes it so I could jump rather high, fast, and also land in one piece. Sort of contradictory and hard to do with a massive hammer, but I have gotten used to it. That, plus me being only decently armored, unlike the suits of armor some people like Mon have, makes me keep most of my agility.
I crouched, then readjusted and secured any loose items. Whenever I first began doing this, I was rather prone to losing coins from attempting to jump off tall buildings. Ma has already scolded me more than once due to it; after all, losing coins every single time I jump or move throughout the castle town isn't exactly great long-term.
I readjusted my position to be a little closer to my planned landing spot. Better to be safe while trying to land than possibly get more of my payment for the cycle to be deducted due to unnecessary damages. Jumping was the easy part as I was out of control of my actions by that point. The feeling of weightlessness felt comforting almost in a rather odd way; I wonder if that's what the others that could fly feel like.
As planned, I landed near the center of the small clearing in the garden. My sledgehammer used to hit my back rather hard when landing when I first got it, but I used some of my extra money to get a custom-built cushion of sorts to prevent that from happening. One of the few conveniences that Ma and I both agreed on getting for once.
I did a quick check-up on myself and my surroundings. While I'm sure nothing fell off my body when falling, it's better to check than to assume. After my quick check, I began to jog to the barracks. I had to be careful not to step on any of the flowers by jumping over them. I was given some condescending looks by the maids tending to the said garden. I gave them a weary smile and continued moving regardless of their looks.
The meeting point was not far off from the garden, and while most patrols had to take the roundabout way around through the backway, I just jumped down and took the path from the garden. Of course, I get odd or even annoyed looks at me sometimes as I walk, but I have not been reprimanded for doing this… yet.
It felt sort of relaxing, almost. Maybe in an alternate reality, this could have been possible for me to walk through without the stigma. Maybe… But no, that comes with its own set of ramifications that me and Ma already went over long ago. I would rather just hit people with my hammer than have to deal with all the political mess that is happening every day practically inside the castle walls.
I overheard not too long ago about how King Xiloas is stressing over some situation that came up with the Imperium. While he has been increasing his concessions to the Imperium since the nobles have some financial gain out of doing so, it looks like the people are starting to get agitated due to it. Now he is being forced to either continue to give more concessions or give back to the people.
Either or will lead to something going down; after all, the people revolting will lead to the Imperium directly intervening and clamping down on autonomy. However, giving the people what they want will make the nobles use less than favorable tactics against him. I heard that the infamous General Coalnobai is going to be visiting soon. Not sure if that's due to the nobles trying to remind the King or if it's for some other thing.
"You seem rather tense; are you alright, Lia?" I heard someone call out from close behind.
I turned to see it was Windfall; surprisingly, he was not donning his set of lightweight armor that he usually wears. Though the hilt of his katana was still on his person, if not for that and him calling me out, I would have probably not recognized him. Though his signature scars on his wings are enough to attract attention maybe not.
"I'm alright, just thinking about everything going on so far, especially the stuff we are being kept in the dark about," I stated, keeping the last part in a low whisper.
"Hm, I see… You are probably confused as to why I am not donning my armor; I was just called up suddenly, practically out of my nest to help deal with a situation," Windfall said less than enthusiastically.
"That must suck, but not much you can do. After all, we do get paid by these guys, and if we want to be paid we have to do our jobs, I suppose," I shrugged.
"So is the job of the guardsmen, even more so to me as captain; I'm usually the first one to be reprimanded if any issues come up," Windfall said with a chuckle.
Windfall is one of the few people I can genuinely get along with when I am on duty. And by that, I mean he is not actively trying to harass me while I'm doing my job. While he can't reach his neck out to protect me all the time, in some cases, he has come in and intervened when things have gotten too out of hand.
Like whenever someone found some sections of the barrier of the wall that I patrolled destroyed and assumed I blew them off in a fit of rage. And even with barely any evidence, everyone went behind them and tried to get me reprimanded and, executed almost considering how they were portraying it. Windfall, however, wanted to personally inspect the site of the incident and found out the damage was done by an axe; I don't use an axe.
Turns out some person who patrolled whenever I was not on duty had a breakup with his mate that same day, and he wanted to put that anger and grief onto something. If it wasn't for Windfall, I would have gotten my pay cut for a long time to pay it back. The guy, on the other hand, was just given a slap on the wrist surprisingly, though he did quit for some other circumstances down the line some time ago.
"At least you get good pay; I get paid a misery even for all I do," I sighed.
"True, but that's out of my hands to control. I tried to recommend you for co-captain, but I was adamantly turned down from all sides due to it. But I can guess why," Windfall said as he motioned his head slightly to the castle walls.
"Yeah, but again I decided to make that descsion on my own, well mostly. My Ma had a part in it as well, but I'd rather be doing this and getting paid barely anything anyway. I still have enough to pay for my daily needs and occasionally get a commodity or two, so it's not all bad," I acknowledged.
"I guess; we are coming up on the meeting point. I'll run ahead so I can change into my armor, just meet up in the courtyard with everyone else," Windfall said as he flew forward and headed to the barracks.
The courtyard is one of the few luxurious places we guards are allowed to be near. Well, guards of my rank, at least. I know many of the royal guards and sentries stationed inside have it way better, pay included. We are just meant to fill the lack of numbers that the sentries and royals don't have, as they are more skilled but lack the quantity. Though I am pretty sure I could beat a couple in a fight…
I don't normally wear my helmet since it restricts the feeling of the wind going through my hair, but with how everything is playing out, I would rather grab it quickly than be reprimanded for not. I quickened my pace and came into the courtyard; most of the guardsmen had already lined up and congregated in some lines with what unit they belonged to. There was still a number of them missing, so I had time.
Running to my on-base quarters, I grabbed my helmet, which was leaning next to weapon polishers I had purchased a while back. Worn, of course, but still usable, and with their price, I'd rather get what they were worth. My helmet is rather special too, with the earholes for my ears at the top being open and unguarded.
I got this helmet at a discount at a local vendor doing a sale, saying something about how the ear guards had to be worn because of their damage. While normally one would discard them as junk, I took it due to it allowing me to have better vision when worn compared to the standard issued ones we were given. That and my aforementioned love of the feeling of air through my hair make it have many perks in my opinion. However, I have to keep it rather short to avoid attracting too much attention.
While around the castle I usually don't wear it, whenever I am sent out to do tasks in the castle town or whenever I'm shopping for items, I wear it. This is because I want to avoid weirdos trying to harass and stalk me. While maybe in a different life, it would have been a boon, here it's a curse. People here have at least learned not to mess with me for various reasons, but the random person in the streets most likely does not know of my infamy.
This became an issue once I became an adolescent and continued as I increased in height and size. I sort of stick out almost, towering over most people other than a few others who have their lineage known for that. Being a big cat is annoying since unlike the others who are also cats of smaller variety, they are not cursed with needing items built for the opposite sex of much larger sizes. Then again, it's not like they make armor for women here, maybe across the border but here for sure no.
"What was I doing again…? Oh right, courtyard," I recalled.
I put my pouch of coins that I had on my person inside a secure container, as I would rather keep it here mostly safe than on my person in case I lose track of it. I tucked it into a small storage unit that is built into every guardsmen area, then proceeded to lock it. The lock was rather basic, standard issue, and very lockpickable, which is why I had to buy a personal container in which I put my valuables to secure it.
I ran back out into the courtyard, as the barracks were tucked into the side of it. More people showed up, though not enough to constitute being late. Windfall, now donning his armor, was conversating with some man; not sure who it was, it was not a noble or a higher-up as their choice of clothing was rather, uh, peculiar to say.
Windfall regardless of that was listening rather intimately, even if the information was coming from someone who looked like a mercenary; if it was important he still had to listen. Nothing else I could do other than fall in line, the group I was a part of was rather easy to find, near the back of course. I don't know if it was due to our odd cohesion in size and organization compared to the others or if it was due to some other circumstance; who knows?
As time went on, others went and filled the ranks; our numbers were a lot so we filled practically the whole courtyard. Many seemed tired, almost as if they were pulled from their sleep almost. I know something important is apparently going on but is it really that important? There were some whispers among the ranks; maybe it had something to do with General Coalnobai coming. I'll just have to wait and see as I doubt I will get a serious answer by asking somebody nearby.
Eventually, Windfall came on top of one of the elevated parts of the courtyard, alongside him was the previously mentioned mercenary lookalike and a noble. I did not recognize the noble, and he was not dressed very luxuriously like most do whenever they are in front of the troop, so he probably wasn't a high-ranking one. He also seemed rather frantic and panicked to an extent; even from a far distance, I could see his eyes darting from place to place.
Regardless of his demeanor, both Windfall and the unknown mercenary were looking over us, almost as if they were taking count of us. Windfall then turned and whispered something in the ear of the mercenary person as they nodded slowly. Right after that, Windfall stepped forward and prepared to address us.
"Everyone! At attention!" He barked loudly.
Almost immediately, everyone stopped their fidgeting and whispering and stood ready to receive orders, myself included.
"Thank you. Now I know many people here are rather confused as to why we are meeting here, especially in so many numbers, including those who are not on duty today. The matter here is of utmost importance and was something I was only just so recently called upon to act on, I apologize for any inconveniences but rest assured it is necessary," Windfall boomed, before turning to the people on his sides, "Now I will let my friends here both introduce themselves and explain as to what is going on."
Windfall stepped back and gave space for the other two; the first one to step forward was the noble. He fixed his posture a bit, but for me at least, it was obvious he was rather intimidated; I wondered if it was due to us or if it was due to whatever he was about to bring up.
"Hello… um… Hello everyone, I am Sir Heuses. I have come to address you about a coming matter concerning a special cargo that is, um, arriving soon in the capital," He stammered loudly.
Well, that answers nothing.
"This special cargo is rather… dangerous to say the least. It's rather volatile and could at any moment cause large amounts of damage. Luckily, however, we have been blessed so far that no incidents have occurred," He continued.
So this special cargo is very dangerous? So is it like an overloaded mana crystal? Wait, no if it was that then why would they bring it to the capital of all places? They should just be able to give it to a few masters of the arts for them to handle; what does this have to do with us?
"Ahem, sorry for interrupting, but we have to get this procedure done quickly as the cargo is arriving soon," The mercenary person interrupted, "I am Sir Kilpo, I am an assistant and advisor for Legionnaire Coalnobai, or as he is more known as and would rather be called, General Coalnobai."
If the assistant to General Coalnobai is here then I guess that just confirms the rumors of him coming here. Is the cargo that volatile and dangerous that they need him out of all people to help? It might be a dangerous animal of sorts, maybe even a juvenile dragon! But then why would they come here? They should report it to the Dragon Lord first, not here.
"This cargo is also volatile in the sense that it causes any person who sees them a large amount of distress. Which is why we will be needing a select few of you all to escort the cargo from its holding cell to the throne room without directly at it," He elaborated.
Well, I guess that disqualifies it from potentially being a dragon, as I doubt one would not want to keep an eye on it.
"Do not worry, however, as the cargo is rather frail, weak, and small," He continued.
Okay, now I'm not even sure what it could be, maybe an accursed vulture? But those are rather rare, and a mandate from the Imperium already said that they were to be killed on sight. This is getting more and more confusing as he continues to describe it.
"This is all the information I am allowed to disclose for now. Please be sure to do as I said; the cargo is of utmost importance to be delivered to King Xiloas. If you are worried about the handling of the cargo, do not be worried as the men under Legionnaire Coalnoabai have been accustomed to it and can resist its effects. All you need to do is to support said men in transporting them from the cargo," He further explained.
I sense a bit of gloating as he was talking about his men being immune to the effects of the cargo, which again I have no idea what it is. Either way, it seems like just transporting goods if anything; if the goods were maybe layered in ascended gemstones. Though if that was the case I don't understand why they are bringing them here. Actually, why am I even questioning it, I'll just take the job as is anyway; I'm not paid to ask questions.
Windfall stepped forward now before ordering, "Now then, to transport this special cargo, we will need to split into different teams. One small team is going to be personally escorting said cargo; another will be inside the castle to assure a smooth transport, and lastly, one will be stationed outside in the small chance it breaks containment."
…
I, of course, decided to join the team stationed outside. I would rather not be anywhere inside the castle; I don't want to get any perverted looks from some low-rum nobles. I already had that issue before when they held a banquet once before I left that life, dirty looks all around. I rather not reminisce on that memory.
I feel kind of happy, since for some reason they want a majority of us inside the castle, probably for security reasons. Many just wanted excuses to see and peer at the grand halls and elaborate paintings inside; I, on the other hand, would rather sit at my post on the inner castle wall. Windfall also surprisingly decided to be stationed outside, though he was busy flying around the castle so I couldn't talk with him.
The few that did stay outside remained rather silent; the ones stationed on the ground were practically statues with how still they were. They might even be sleeping; I heard a few people have mastered the art of sleeping while standing; the best I can do is sleep while leaning. While not comfortable, it's better than no sleep, especially when being forced on a wagon with no room to lie down.
The supposed cargo is traveling on the caravan I noticed earlier in the distance. I moved to the side of the castle since I preferred the bright lights of said caravan not to suddenly flash my eyes. Two others were standing and leaning a distance on my left and right; they seemed busier polishing their weapons than trying to talk with me luckily.
I still wonder why exactly General Coalnobai is traveling with such important cargo out of all people still, rather odd, maybe he found it on a hunt? But if so shouldn't he immediately send anything of importance to the Imperium capital? But then again, the distance between here and there is rather great; maybe he is just stopping on the way to show King Xiloas? I seem to be going in circles with my arguments once more.
I gave a deep sigh, breaking the relative silence. The cargo arrived a bit ago, so hopefully they can get whatever they need to get done and leave. The spot I was on top of the inner was lower and looking into the part of the castle town I did not want to see. It sort of ruined my view of seeing luxurious housing here and on the other side being a slum, if only the collective cared about its people…
A perfect world is unobtainable anyway, and I don't have the power to do anything about it. I barely get enough to get on my own but that's still better than most I suppose. I can't tell if I'm been blessed or cursed, maybe a combination of both? Watching people suffer in the streets and not being able to do anything about it. I can't even spare a-
A shattering of glass was loud, abrupt, and out of place. It was not nearby but it was enough to make my drooped ears perk up immediately to the source of it. The others near me followed suit and turned to the source; I was unable to see but it sounded like it came from the throne room. Don't tell me… the cargo escaped?!
I grabbed my sledgehammer attached to my back and began to run along the wall to the other side. Whenever I first joined the guard I waited until I arrived at the site of combat to get my weapon ready, having it while running has increased my upper body strength considerably. Now it feels mostly natural when wielding it, though I have had my weird moments when midair and swinging.
I heard a familiar sound as I got closer, a sound of destruction, an Iron Eagle. While normally it was rather faint due to their altitude, it was loud, booming along. As I arrived I could see it; it did not take me much to piece together that it had somehow gotten inside the throne room and had flown out. Close up it looked rather big, imposing almost, near the size of a wyvern.
It was already trying to fly into the sky; I could make out three figures and some metal contraption attached through a rope on its bottom. I don't even know how it's flying with a giant chunk of metal weighing it down, possibly a new invention by those across the border. Either way, Windfall was in pursuit; he was preparing something; he was the best in aerial combat of the troop, and while normally he would never be able to fly high enough to reach an Iron Eagle, now he had the chance.
He burst forth with rapid speed; he was adept in the art of lightning, and along with that, he became adept in the wind with practice. Utilizing a combination he can move as fast as a thunderclap, closing the distance between him and foes in mere moments. The Iron Eagle tried to evade in the last moment, but to no use he hit the Iron Eagle head-on, sending it tumbling down.
It had not gained much altitude so it crashed into a clearing in the more deprived part of the castle town. Windfall and many other of our Ariel compatriots were moving into the crash site; I was not to fall behind. I increased my speed dramatically as I ran on top of the wall before leaping down with my momentum. The drop was considerably shorter so I just needed to roll with my moment to avoid any unneeded damage.
I landed on top of a rooftop and ran across, jumping from roof to roof to have a direct path. However before I arrived I heard a sound, one of something similar yet different, a gun. But it was not a normal one; it sounded harsher and stronger, and it was shooting wildly and rapidly. It wasn't just one as well, the sound of a chain gun of sorts firing was also firing rapidly in multiple directions. That alongside the sound of a thunderous boom every few moments did not ease my nerves.
As I came above the crash site, I peered over from the roof and I saw two small figures, one standing on the back of the Iron Eagle shooting a small gun of sorts. Another was sitting in the back and was firing the supposed chain gun. They were both shooting a dangerously rapid amount of projectiles at my comrades. Even with small figures, they still had heavy damage potential. I don't know why Windfall and the others were not attacking them; I guess I'll be the one to get the first strike.
I may have a sledgehammer but I was not one to let range be my weakness; I primed my arm. Leaned back and heaved my hammer as fast and far as I could, straight at my targets. The one standing noticed me as I was about to throw my hammer, and he tried to warn his female ally but they did not seem to listen or hear. As I hurled it, the one standing jumped to the side to avoid the hammer, the one sitting did not, and in turn got hit directly with it.
They did not keep responding, as their companion tried to shake them to get their attention to no avail. There was no time to question why they remained stationary; I jumped to another roof before attempting to pounce on the incapacitated opponent. The companion saw this and aimed their gun at me; they fired three times, but they missed one shot, with the other two hitting me. Surprisingly, they did not hurt as much as I expected them to.
I noticed as I got closer that they both lacked any significant animal-like features; on top of that, their clothes were odd and ripped, though the female did have a rather intact cloak of sorts. Did they get their animal features severed for some reason? Torture is not surprising considering General Coalnobai's reputation. I reached for my hammer, which lay on the ground near the incapacitated enemy; I could deal with them later, first the foe at hand.
They fired a few more times, but I was able to use the back end of the Iron Eagle to cover myself from it. As I grabbed hold of my weapon once more, I leaped up and tried to close the distance between me and my assailant; however, they seemed to have swapped weapons. Now wielding a longer and larger gun with both hands, they fired a spray of bullets. While many hit me from a distance, none seemed to do much damage, much less than the ones originally fired.
I did not let this deter me; they were only able to fire their weapon once more before I got within striking range. I swung as fast as I could, not so much to deal damage but to knock them off balance. To my surprise, instead of getting staggered, they were flung with the momentum of my hammer at a wall, which promptly crumbled. With such a small figure, I would have assumed he would have attempted to dodge.
With a hit such as that, I assume he would also be incapacitated. I'm not exactly an expert when it comes to seeing if an opponent is knocked out, but I'm pretty sure getting flung through a wall is enough to take someone out. Turning to my side, I saw the giant chunk of metal move around and cause havoc. But luckily the others seem to be handling that. I turned my attention back to the female unconscious on the Iron Eagle.
"Well, that was easier than-"
A rope suddenly burst out from the rubble into which I slammed the male with the gun; it grabbed onto my waist and attempted to pull me. I was stronger, however, and used my nails to cut said rope with one swift slash with my open hand. Right as I cut the said rope, I heard a voice from the rubble followed by a volley of bullets which I was able to quickly dodge.
As I turned to the remains of the wall, I could see a figure emerge, battered and limping, but fierce and enduring. Maybe if they were not on an Iron Eagle a few moments ago I would have respected them. That look of a hardened warrior, while the skills so far don't match it, I can see that they have been through a lot… But it's not my job to worry about that; I have to neutralize the threats.
"You seem tougher than you look," I chuckled.
No response, from the look in his crimson eyes he was mad, real mad, piercing me almost to my soul from a glare. I can't tell if it was anger from my strike or something else, but for sure he was ready to direct it at the closest thing, that being me. I can imagine the rage he is controlling not to just rush at me… Instead, they were focusing… Are they focusing on mana?
I rushed forward; while I may not be the best at using magic, I know what focusing on using it looks like. A long period of focus in odd places is usually what the inexperienced do when they first learn, that or it's a complex spell. While small, he looked mature so he was not struggling with a beginner spell; he must be preparing for something bigger!
As I rushed forward to deliver a swing, he did something unexpected; he moved forward with my swing. While he was still hit, he was hit with the handle, not the hammer, and due to this, they were able to endure the hit and attempt to hit me with their gun. I was not one to be so caught off guard; while unexpectedly their speed was slower, and I delivered a swift kick into their stomach.
This kick sent them staggering back; I followed it up with an upward swing with my hammer, which sent them flying upward in the air. Now that they were airborne, it was my turn to continue, as I leaped and attempted to swing them back down onto the ground. I, however, was not counting on their downward movement, and instead of the hammer, the handle hit them. Nonetheless, they were still sent spiraling downwards, creating a cloud of dust as he crashed into the ground.
I landed gracefully in comparison to their crushing slam. I doubt they are of an Ariel species due to his panic and lack of control while in midair. He also seems rather inexperienced in fighting in general; were they the special cargo? I feel like this is easy… too easy… I was not one to underestimate my opponent though; I have seen enough idiots getting almost killed by doing so.
"Crystal Shot X!"
From the smog and smoke yelled a voice, following it was a slight glimmer, then said glimmer started flying towards me. A giant crystal was sent hurtling at me; it was somehow moving faster than the bullets fired by him earlier, and I was unable to fully dodge it. I attempted to block it with the hilt of my hammer, only for it to redirect to my leg, my armor was not able to protect me and it pierced through, impaling me.
I winced; it has been a while since I have had a genuine hit land and hurt me, especially not one that lodges itself in me. Its translucent nature was in direct contrast with the blood that was seeping on it from my leg; I needed to get it dislodged before using healing mag-
"Wire Bind X!"
Another yell, and suddenly multiple appendages ripped out from the ground and grasped me. I tried to stop them but I was completely immobilized before I could do anything. My hammer fell to the ground as I lost my grip on it. Attempting to struggle almost made them tighter; I was stuck, unable to do anything. I was wide open to any attack, if it was not for my prepared stance I would be on the ground from the grip.
"What type of magic is this?" I grunted as I struggled.
As the smoke cleared more, I could see a figure rushing at me suddenly. This was it; he was going to deliver a killing blow… wait… he ran past me…? I followed their figure as they ran out of the smoke… to the Iron Eagle? Are they trying to escape?! And here I am stuck and unable to do anything.
"Faith! Nap time is over; wake up! We need to leave right now!" The male screamed out at his unconscious comrade.
Wait, no, she is waking up! I need backup; I'm not exactly sure how strong the chaingun on the Iron Eagle is, or how strong she is to be more specific. I turned back to see Windfall and a few others still in an intense battle with the Iron Beast It looked more like an Iron Chariot of sorts now looking closer…
Rather unexpectedly, the feeling of a huge chunk of crystal lodged in me seemed to dissipate. I looked down to see it was disappearing, though not the pain as now I was starting to bleed much more with the thing acting like a plug of sorts disappearing. I really should have taken Windfall's advice and learned healing magic.
Once again, with a monstrous noise, the Iron Chariot, which was fighting Windfall, suddenly turned and began moving straight at me. To make it worse, I could hear the Iron Eagle begin to sputter to life; looking back, the female had regained consciousness. They are going to try and make their escape! I was about to throw my sledgehammer once more, but I was suddenly swept off my feet from behind.
"If you know what's good for you, you would let us leave," a voice threatened as they ran past.
I couldn't see who or what they were as the Iron Chariot left a trail of smoke as it moved, with the voice running into it, masking them. I could feel time slow down almost, with the sound of the Iron Chariot firing its weapons at Windfall and others who were trailing them. Along with that, the Iron Eagle was supporting, creating a hail of bullets.
This isn't the first time this has happened, no… I always get pushed to the side… taken as nothing but a nuisance… I want to make a change but I have no power…. I… Nobody cares… why should I? It's always the most arrogant not doing anything…. Why don't I show them… Show them not to mess with me… here… and now….
"Nobody speaks to me like that… And I won't let you!"
I have had it with people acting all condescending; I can't even go by day by day without being insulted. These damn… I don't even know who or what these things or people are, but they of all people should not be insulting me. I'm not letting them escape, not now. A person landed right beside me; I could vaguely make out that it was Windfall; he was saying something but I did not care.
I got up; Windfall tried to keep me on the ground as he was breaking the wires binding me, but I wasn't going to listen. Turning to the Iron Eagle, it was beginning to move; the Chariot and it were now attached by some sort of rope. Regardless of my injury on my leg, I rushed forward, snapping and breaking any remaining wires on me, grabbing my hammer, and closing the distance between me and the closest opponent, that being the male.
He was caught off guard, attempting to move to the seat in the back of the Iron Eagle, but that was the perfect opportunity.
"Faith punch it!"
Almost suddenly the plane lurched forward making it so my swing planned to directly him missed. This made me lose my balance for a moment, but I continued; the Iron Chariot was getting dragged along with it and was a great spot for me to grapple on to continue my pursuit. Even while it was firing large explosions at us, it was not enough to deter me as I was able to get on top of it.
The Iron Eagle rammed through a few buildings, going on to the main street. Panicked onlookers ran by and scattered at that. Many of my comrades seemed to be busy quelling a fire that had broken out from the fight. I can help out, first, I must stop their escape.
My balance was almost lost as the Chariot began to lift off the ground with the Eagle. I had to use my nails to gain some semblance of balance as I began to slide off. I had a loose grip on the side of the Iron Chariot; it was In a sort of back-and-forth movement like a vine. The Iron Chariot seemed to notice me and began to fire its weapons. Wait… the two are connected by a thick rope… so if I just-
Before I could even finish formulating my plan, I felt a pair of hands grab me and pull me off the Iron Chariot. I frantically turned thinking that they had Ariel forces for some odd reason, only to see Windfall being the one pulling me away.
"What the hell are you doing?!" I shrieked out.
"Stopping you from plummeting to death that's what!" He yelled back.
"I almost had them; I just needed to cut the rope and-"
"You're pale! You're losing too much blood; why haven't you patched it up yet? You have a big hole in your leg practically creating a whole river!" He barked.
"Huh?"
Looking down at my leg, I saw he was not lying; I was bleeding badly. While it was sort of concealed with my armor, it was dripping down into my foot. I raised my hands to my face, and to my surprise, it was rather pale, like he said…
"But… but…" I began to stutter as I saw the Iron Eagle continue to fly into the sky.
"We are going back to report, and that's a damn order!" he commanded.
It gained altitude so fast… I doubt anybody can catch up to it at this point… I could feel myself feel more buzzy, my vision became fuzzy. The Eagle continued to fly… fly into the sky… into the realm of the gods… Not the first time… nor the last… consciousness…
"I'll get you… I swear…"
End of chapter 21
[Other World Index]
[Demi Beasts]
Demi Beasts are a species of individuals that resemble a human with animal features. (Ears, tail, etc) Most have their sizes scaled with their species size, alongside increased strengths, senses, and abilities. They are the second most dominant species in the world with many nations of them following the practice of revolutioning the use of Magitech.
Authors Notes:
Hello everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Locked and Loaded! I apologize once again for the late upload, last week I was rather busy with real-life stuff and was unable to finish the chapter in time. It looks like these coming weeks it might increase or decrease so forgive any late uploads and don't assume I've gone missing or anything. Anyway, please be sure to come back next week (or the week after) to find out what happens to Lia, Windfall, or maybe Alex and Co! (Be sure to leave a review and follow, it's much appreciated!)
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[Data Expunged] Transcript:
Commander, there is a situation coming out of Flusio.
Ah, this is probably regarding our successful experimentation and implementation of our Incendiary weapons. They were fools making their city out of wood and not expecting us to not light the whole bundle of sticks. I sure do love the development department when they give us new toys to test out…
No, Sir, Our spies report that one of our airplanes, of some sort of foreign or experimental design flew out of the capital.
… What?
Yes, it sounds surprising, but multiple reports give the same account. Some even say a land-ship was there.
… What?!
I have already communicated with high command prior and there are no reports of a special forces mission in the capital. There was a battle and the airplane along with the land-ship took off into the sky… they are heading straight to the border.
… What…?!
We also have gotten reports that a Mythic Hero is in the area, we are not sure if they are going to intercept the airplane or if they are going to the frontline. Either way, it looks like the unknown forces will be having contact with the Hero if they keep their path.
Request for more reinforcements to solidify the frontline, tell the forces to watch the skies, and keep the anti-air on high alert. Something is going to go down, and I rather be prepared than not.
Date Recorded: [Data Expunged]