Priority: Novea Castle
-Coda Village-
Date May 10th, 3001 Earth Time.
Before the first light of dawn, life in Coda Village was already in full swing. The men prepared for a long day in the fields, their tools clinking softly as they checked their equipment. Women tended to livestock, guided sleepy children through morning routines, or assisted their families in getting ready. The faint sound of carts creaking along dirt paths, mingled with the lowing of cows and the rustling of chickens, created a harmonious rhythm that made the village feel alive yet serene.
Just outside the village's main entrance, the soldiers of the 5th SIF who weren't on lookout duty gathered near their vehicles, eating breakfast under the faint glow of light sticks. The replicators had served up familiar meals, and the soldiers savored their favorites, the warmth of their food contrasting with the cool morning air.
Inside the command APC, Commander Ava Bennett studied the holographic map intently, her brows furrowed in thought. She sat in the front passenger seat, her posture composed but focused, while Lieutenant Commander Ashley Le stood at her side. Together, they planned the unit's next move.
"Look at this," Ava said, pointing to the map as it zoomed in on an imposing but weathered castle surrounded by dense wilderness. "At first glance, it's just an old, abandoned structure. But last night, one of the drones picked up something unusual smoke rising and a faint electrical signature."
Ashley leaned closer, her expression sharpening. "As far as we know, this world hasn't discovered electricity yet. That's... peculiar."
"Exactly," Ava replied, tapping the castle's location on the holographic interface. A blue marker appeared, designating it as their next destination. "That's why we're checking it out."
"Understood, Commander," Ashley said with a crisp salute. "I'll brief the team."
Ava nodded as Ashley turned and left to inform the soldiers of the mission. Taking a deep breath, Ava stepped out of the APC and onto the soft earth, her boots crunching lightly against the ground.
She paused, gazing out over the open field. The sun had just begun its ascent, casting a warm, golden hue across the landscape. Its rays filtered through the lingering morning mist, illuminating the farmers as they worked. Some villagers unpacked their tools, others greeted one another with nods and waves, and children chased after the livestock in playful bursts.
The scene was breathtaking a snapshot of tranquility that felt worlds apart from the chaos Ava and her team often faced. For a moment, she stood still, soaking in the beauty of the dawn, as if committing it to of Form
Jimmy walked toward Ava, gently leading the boy by the hand. The two passed Ashley, exchanging quick nods of acknowledgment. As the boy approached, Ava's eyes softened at the sight of him walking steadily, his color much improved. Relief and happiness filled her that he was on the mend.
"This is Commander Ava. She's our leader," Jimmy said, introducing her with a reassuring tone.
Ava smiled warmly and knelt to the boy's eye level, her demeanor calm and inviting. "Hello there, little guy. How are you feeling?"
Jimmy placed his hands on the boy's shoulders in a protective gesture. "He's still shy, Commander. Hasn't said much since waking up, but he's doing well."
Ava looked into the boy's eyes, her voice gentle. "You're safe now. I promise I'll protect you, and so will everyone here. We're going to take you somewhere safe, so there's nothing to worry about, okay?"
The boy hesitated, glancing nervously at Jimmy before meeting Ava's gaze. After a moment, he spoke, his voice small and uncertain. "My name is Lucas, my dominus."
Ava's smile faltered briefly as the word struck her. Dominus a term of submission and servitude from ancient Rome. Recovering quickly, she shook her head with a soft smile. "Dominus? Oh no, you don't need to call me that. You're a free boy now. I'm not your master, Lucas. Just call me Ava, alright?"
She extended her hand toward him, her eyes warm and steady. "I'm here to help you."
Lucas stared at her hand but didn't take it immediately. "Why?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion and mistrust. "Why are you helping me?"
Ava's expression softened further, understanding his hesitation. "Because you need help," she replied simply, her tone full of sincerity. "That's reason enough for us."
A faint flicker of trust appeared in Lucas's eyes. Ava smiled again, this time more brightly. "Now, let's get you something to eat. After that, we'll be on our way, okay?"
Lucas gave a small nod, still shy but visibly less tense. Ava straightened and gestured for Jimmy to lead him toward the replicators. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Lucas had a glimmer of hope.
-Troop Assembly Yard, South Gate, Sadera-
In perfect formation, 2,000 Rose Order Knights stood ready on their armored horses, their polished equipment gleaming under the early light. Known more for their ceremonial role, the knights, comprising exclusively noble-class warriors presented a picture of refinement and pride. Their armors bore intricate designs, and their horses were groomed to perfection, adding to the grandeur of the scene.
The citizens of Sadera gathered in throngs to witness this rare display. They came not only to watch one of the Empire's most elite forces march out but also to see their beloved Princess Pina Co Lada embark on her first quest. Propaganda had painted the Rose Order as the epitome of honor and bravery, and now they would face what was heralded as the greatest enemy of their time.
Pina strode confidently toward her horse at the head of the formation, the weight of the moment resting lightly on her shoulders. Her crimson hair, long and vibrant, shimmered like liquid fire as it cascaded down her back, partially secured beneath her silver helm. Her features, delicate yet resolute, radiated both youthful charm and an unmistakable aura of command. Dressed in armor crafted to highlight both her status and her agility, she embodied the ideals of nobility and grace.
Behind her followed her closest confidants: Hamilton Uno Ror, Bozes Co Palesti, Norma Co Igloo, Panache Fure Kalgi, and her mentor, Grey Co Aldo. Together, they approached the Senate delegation, gathered as tradition dictated, to witness the departure of a royal-led military campaign.
"Senators," Pina greeted them, her voice firm but courteous.
The Senators bowed slightly, acknowledging her royal status.
"Your Highness," Senator Calvus began, his tone weighted with concern. "Italica lies but days away from Alnus on horseback. It is unwise for you to place yourself so near the enemy. Please, reconsider."
Calvus, a seasoned and respected voice within the Senate, had earned his position through years of service in the Imperial Army. Despite his low noble origins, he had risen to prominence with his tactical acumen and political cunning. Pina understood the subtext of his words.
"Why?" she asked, her tone sharp. "Because I'm not a man?"
"Your Highness, I mean no disrespect," Calvus replied carefully. "But I know your Rose Order. Master Grey has trained them well, however they lack experience. Many are noblewomen, untested in the harsh realities of war. War is the realm of men, and though it may appear glorious, the sights of fallen comrades and the horrors of battle will rout even the bravest of hearts."
Pina's expression remained composed, but the words stung. She recalled Grey's lessons about the brutal nature of warfare. Yet her resolve hardened. She would prove them wrong, leading her order to victory and glory for her father and the Empire. She wanted to be like the knights of legend, whose deeds inspired awe and reverence.
"I thank you for your concerns," Pina said, mounting her horse with practiced ease. She turned to address both the Senators and her assembled knights. "But as the daughter of the Emperor, Princess of the Empire, I will not stand idly by while Sadera falls to barbarians from another world!"
Her voice carried across the yard, drawing the attention of every knight. With passion igniting her words, she continued, "My knights, sons and daughters of Sadera, we face an enemy unlike any before occupiers of the sacred hill of Alnus. It falls to us to hold them there, to defend our homeland until the Empire can rise stronger and drive them back to the void they emerged from. I, Pina Co Lada, third daughter of Emperor Molt Sol Augustus, resolve to live or die alongside you in the heat of battle. Let them come with their dark magic, for as long as we stand together, THEY SHALL NOT PASS! And when victory is ours, we shall celebrate together either in the heavens above or on the throne of their capital!"
Her words ignited a roar of approval from the assembled knights. The fire of determination burned in their eyes, their spirits galvanized by their leader.
Pina turned her horse and led the way, her crimson hair catching the light as she marched through the gates. Bozes barked the command, and the knights followed in perfect columns, their formation flawless.
Calvus stood silently with the other Senators, watching as the procession passed. Shaking his head, he murmured to himself, doubting whether the young princess would return from this quest.
-Novea Castle-
Date May 13th, 3001 Earth Time
A recon drone launched ahead provided the first detailed images of the castle. Perched on a small hill, the structure covered over 75,000 square meters (750,000 square feet) and stretched 576 meters (1,889 feet) in length and 200 meters (656 feet) in width. The scan revealed a few well-armed guards outside, their armor unfamiliar and lacking flags or banners. Activity inside the castle walls was minimal but notable.
Ava ordered the convoy to halt approximately a kilometer (0.6 miles) away, taking cover behind a natural rock formation. She stood next to Ashley, who was observing the zoomed-in feed of the castle on the TACNet display.
"What do you think, Commander? Are they hostile?" Ashley asked, her gaze fixed on the feed.
Ava studied the holographic display, her brow furrowed in thought. "They don't have any flags or banners, and their armor doesn't match the Empire's. The thermal scans show no more than sixty people, with about thirty armed. There are also women and children inside. My best guess is that this is a private castle with household guards."
"So, what's the plan?" Ashley inquired.
Ava switched to the drone's live feed and analyzed the data further. "I don't see any siege weapons, so our shields and armor should handle whatever they throw at us, including magic if they have it. I'll take the first squad in the IFV and make contact to determine if they're hostile. You'll stay here with the second squad, the APC, and the Lancer to provide cover in case things go south."
She relayed her orders through TACNet, her voice calm and authoritative.
Before departing, Ava leaned into the APC, where Lucas sat. She crouched slightly to meet his eyes and offered him a reassuring smile. "Lucas, you stay here with Ashley, okay? She'll protect you. I'm just going to talk to some people and see if they're the bad guys."
Lucas nodded hesitantly, his expression softening at Ava's gentle tone.
The area surrounding the castle was thoroughly scanned by recon drones and the APC's sensors to rule out conventional traps or ambushes. The wide-open field surrounding the castle offered little cover, making it difficult for potential enemies to mount a surprise attack. Still, Ava was cautious, keeping her main force at a safe distance but well within their engagement range.
Modern weapons and AI-assisted targeting systems in the soldiers' helmets ensured that even infantry could provide effective cover for her retreat if needed. Ava's meticulous planning reflected her experience and careful leadership, balancing the need for reconnaissance with the safety of her team.
As Ava's IFV approached the castle, a lone horseman rode out to meet them, holding a yellow flag aloft. Recognizing it as a signal for peace, Ava ordered the vehicle to halt. She stepped out of the IFV, her TAC suit reflecting the sunlight, its sleek design concealing much of her form beneath the advanced combat armor.
The horseman dismounted and bowed deeply. His polished demeanor matched his attire, marking him as someone of importance within the castle. "Greetings, strangers from beyond the gate. My name is Gulon Aulus, the butler of this castle," he said with an air of practiced civility. "My master, Aurelius Ceasa, wishes to invite you and your warriors inside."
"I am Commander Ava Bennett," Ava replied, her voice steady, conveying authority. "You know who we are?"
The butler inclined his head. "Our scouts have been observing you since you left Coda village. You may summon the rest of your party; we mean no harm. After all, we would not wish to provoke the force that annihilated the empire's most elite legions."
Ava raised an eyebrow, the respect in his tone catching her off guard. "You hear that, LC? Bring everyone in," she said through her comms to Ashley.
Gulon, noticing the unseen communication, regarded her with interest. "Who did you speak to, Commander Ava?"
Without hesitation, she replied, "We use devices that allow us to communicate across great distances."
"Remarkable," Gulon said, his intrigue evident. "My master will surely want to learn more about your extraordinary technology."
The convoy followed Ava through the castle's gates. Despite its age, the fortress was an impressive sight, its towering walls and intricate construction speaking of craftsmanship far beyond what the UNE had encountered so far in this world.
Peering from windows and shadowed corners, the castle's inhabitants guards, women, and children watched the newcomers with a mixture of apprehension and awe. Their gazes lingered on Ava, drawn to the commanding presence she exuded despite the anonymity of her armored suit.
Unbothered by the stares, Ava focused on scanning her surroundings. Her HUD displayed a wealth of information, confirming the structural integrity and layout of the castle. Every detail was logged in her mind, her tactical instincts ensuring she missed nothing.
Though her features were hidden by the TAC suit, her calm and purposeful movements commanded respect. To the locals, she was a figure of mystery and strength—a warrior from another world, unlike anything they had ever seen. Ava, however, remained focused on her mission, knowing that how she conducted herself here could set the tone for future encounters.
Ava, along with Ashley and Rob, follows the butler down a grand hallway, the light streaming through the windows and casting soft beams over the sculptures adorning the walls. Each piece seems to tell a silent story, adding a sense of history to the ancient structure.
"Sir Gulon, may I ask the name of this castle?" Ashley inquires.
"You can simply call me Gulon, my ladies and sir," the butler replies with a courteous nod. "This castle is called Novea."
Ava glances around thoughtfully before asking, "Do you know who built this place, Gulon? It seems so well-crafted."
Gulon pauses for a moment, his expression growing slightly distant. "No one truly knows, my ladies. This castle has stood for thousands of years, even before the age of the Elves, which was over 40,000 years ago. Some even believe the gods themselves built Novea."
As they reach a door, Gulon opens it, revealing a grand marble hall. The hall is awe-inspiring, with sculptures so finely detailed they appear almost alive. At the far end of the hall, a man sits on what looks like a throne, a massive glass sphere standing behind him like a silent sentinel.
"This is my master, Aurelius Ceasa," Gulon announces. "He will be able to answer your questions far better than I. Excuse me now." With a bow to both his master and their guests, Gulon exits through the door they entered.
Rob leans in to whisper to Ava. "Commander, there's an energy signature coming from that sphere."
Ava nods in acknowledgment, signaling the team to approach Aurelius.
"Welcome, welcome!" Aurelius greets them with a warm and enthusiastic voice. "I'm sure my butler has already told you everything. Please, take a seat. Sir on the left, ladies on the right." His excitement is evident as he gestures for them to settle.
As they sit, servants bring out drinks that resemble tea. A girl servant offers Rob his drink, while two boys deliver drinks to Ava and Ashley. Once the servants depart, Aurelius speaks again.
"So tell me, what is your business here, strangers? And what may I call you?"
Ava straightens in her seat, meeting his gaze. "My name is Commander Ava Bennett. This is Lieutenant Commander Ashley Le, my second-in-command, and Lieutenant Rob Anderson, our tech expert. Our mission is to explore this world and forge peaceful relations with anyone willing."
"A peaceful conqueror!" Aurelius laughs, clearly amused. "Your kind is rare, do you know that?"
Ava gives a small nod, her curiosity piqued. "So, Aurelius, what can you tell us about this castle?"
Aurelius stands with a dramatic flair, as if preparing for a grand reveal. "Ah, the castle! Of course," he says, his voice becoming more serious. "This castle is one of the most mysterious places in all of Falmart. No one knows who built it or why. It has been passed down through my family for generations, each adding their own stories to the halls and walls. We are the guardians of Novea Castle. We serve no master, no king, no emperor." His gaze drifts to the massive glass sphere behind him, an almost reverential look in his eyes.
His gaze then shifted back to the team. "May I see your face? They call you faceless warriors, but surely you have a face under all that strange armor?"
Ava nodded, and with a swift command, the team dematerialized their helmets, revealing their faces. Aurelius was taken aback by the sight before him. To his surprise, they were all human—but they looked more striking than even the royals of Falmart. There was something about them, especially Ava, that captured his attention in a way that made him pause. Ava's sharp features, the subtle glow of her skin, and the way she carried herself made her all the more captivating in the light. To Aurelius, she seemed almost ethereal, like something far beyond the usual beauty of Falmart's nobility.
"So you mean you're not under the Empire's influence? Why haven't they tried to take the castle?" Curious about what he had heard, Ava asked.
Aurelius recovered from his surprise, but his gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary. "This castle is believed to have been built by gods themselves," he explained. "It has a soul, and it's considered sacred by the Empire and all of Falmart. No kings, generals, or even the countless emperors of Sadera dare violate this ground and risk angering the gods."
"It has a soul, you say?" Rob asked, intrigued.
"Yes," Aurelius replied, looking back at the glass sphere behind him. "The soul of the castle is thought to be a message from the gods. But her message has always been the same: 'Primitive life form detected, this cycle has not advanced to a sufficient level, shutting down to preserve power.' No one has ever understood it."
"Can we meet this soul and hear her message? Maybe we can figure it out?" Ashley suggested eagerly.
"Of course," Aurelius said with a small smile. "Come up here, and I'll show you."
He led them to the sphere and pressed a large green crystal. As he did, the top and bottom of the sphere lit up in a soft blue glow, and in the center, a blue holographic sphere materialized. The members of the 5th SIF immediately recognized the technology rather than any form of magic.
"Advanced technology detected, the cycle is at the optimal level, warning AI activated," the sphere's voice rang out. The light shifted to green, and the voice continued. "Greetings, I am 105, the central AI of this post. Information about the Reaper is transmitting."
Aurelius fell to his knees in reverence when he saw the sphere speak directly to Ava's team. "She recognizes you. She sends the message to you. You are truly sent by the gods."
Ava, slightly unsettled, gently pulled Aurelius back up, her strong presence momentarily drawing his focus away from his reverence. "Stand up, Aurelius. This is not a soul, and we are not sent by your gods."
Aurelius, still shaken, nodded as Ava guided him to his feet.
"Commander, thousands of terabytes of encrypted files have been sent to our TAC," Rob said, quickly pulling up a holographic screen and scrolling through the data.
"Ashley, go back to the APC and have Chris send the files back to HQ for decryption," Ava ordered, then turned her attention back to the sphere. "What is a Reaper?"
"Reaper is an ancient race of part organic, part machine beings that come and wipe out all advanced civilizations every cycle. More information is available in the transmitted file," the AI responded.
"Who created you? Who built this place?" Ava continued, her voice steady but firm.
"I am what remains of the Prothean Empire. My mission is to warn this cycle about the Reapers when you have reached a sufficient level of advancement to understand our messages. This place was built exactly 107,043,983 orbital periods ago during the final…"
"Commander, we've found faint signs of an advanced civilization scattered across the galaxy, predate even the oldest known spacefaring civilization, but there was no solid evidence for that until now. This tech is incredibly advanced, comparable to our own," Rob exclaimed, excitement in his voice.
"Where will the Reapers attack first?" Ava asked, her concern growing.
"The Central Hub," the AI displayed the location on a holographic map.
"Commander... that's…" Rob trailed off, stunned.
"The Citadel," Ava finished, her voice laced with urgency. "That's where the council of races is. If the Reapers are real and that powerful, we have to warn them."
As the AI continued, its voice grew weaker. "Mission completed, low power, shutting down to preserve power."
The holographic display faded, and the room fell silent.
"The gods speak to you through the castle's soul," Aurelius said in awe. "You are welcome to stay in our castle for as long as you wish." He rang a bell, summoning his butler.
Ava, her mind racing with the information she had just received, turned to her team. She wanted to give them more time to explore the castle for any other clues. With a final nod, she decided to remain for the rest of the day and spend the night there, unsure of what would come next.
-Later that night-
The night had settled in, and the castle walls were illuminated by the flickering light of torches. Ava sat inside the APC, reviewing the holographic map, waiting for any updates from the drones. The quiet hum of the vehicle filled the air as she tracked the movements outside.
"Commander, LC, I'm at the west wall. I think you should see this," David's voice crackled through the radio.
Ava stood up quickly. "On our way," she replied, stepping out of the APC.
Lucas immediately ran to catch up with her, staying close as they made their way to the west wall. The cold stone steps creaked beneath their feet as they ascended to David's position. When they reached the top, Ava's eyes immediately fixed on a forest in the distance, where a large fire was burning brightly.
Ava materialized her helmet, the visor giving her a closer look at the scene. A massive red creature loomed within the flames, its powerful breath scorching the trees as it seemed to unleash its fury.
"It's the legendary Flame Dragon," Aurelius said as he joined them, his voice somber as he looked in the same direction.
David's gaze stayed locked on the dragon. "Is there anyone living there?" he asked.
Aurelius sighed, his expression grim. "There's an Elven village in the forest, but it's too late for them now. There's nothing we can do to help."
Ava's jaw tightened. "We'll go there in the morning, once the fire dies down, and check for survivors. Everyone not on guard shift, get some rest. We move out at 0600."
With that, Ava turned and began walking back towards the castle. She had a lot to process, but for now, the priority was securing her team and preparing for what lay ahead.
Her room was a tastefully decorated medieval-style chamber, carefully arranged by Aurelius's butler, Gulon. She had requested a smaller bed for Lucas, wanting him to stay close. That night, after everything that had happened, Ava quickly fell into a deep, peaceful sleep, the weight of the day's events melting away as she rested.