Those Who Shatter The Day's Peace
Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter of A New Crusade! The peace is about to come to an end as our heroes experience their last little bit of fun in this chapter. And speaking of fun, I also have a new Pat reon exclusive I'll be posting called 'My New Host Is Kinda Cute', a Mushoku Tensei/Highschool DxD crossover featuring Princess Ariel and the Longinus Incinerate Anthem! So sign up as a patron or purchase the post to read the exclusive for only $3 dollars and get a taste of how the six-sided world might change when the royal girl is packing heat! And, those are all the announcements I have, so without further ado, to the story!
Morning: Priestella
The sound of blunt objects clashing outside the entrance of the Inn broke the silence of the morning. Ulric blocked and parried one attack after another before countering with a few swings of his own. His opponent bobbed and weaved around his blows, even leaning back surprisingly far before springing up to continue the engagement. Their weapons would meet one more time before they shoved each other away and retreated, weapons poised, before they relaxed.
"Very good," the knight complimented, "once again I find it impressive how much you were able to teach yourself about fighting before meeting Roswaal and the others." He turned the frozen blade over in his hand, the appendage protected by warm wrappings and his own mana. "And your subtle control over ice is improving. This is finely crafted."
"You and the others have been a great help to me," Emilia bowed before putting a hand on her new jewel, "I'm looking forward to when we get back and I can summon Puck."
"I think he'll be quite impressed with how much you've grown in such a short time," Ulric nodded.
"You seem to be in a good mood this morning," Beatrice observed, "better than that one." She indicated Otto who was sitting in front of the door of the Inn with a bucket in his lap, looking absolutely sickly.
"Yeah, I went to see a lot of people and reestablished a lot of connections," the merchant groaned, "there was… a lot of drinking involved." He put a hand over his mouth, nearly throwing up a little before recomposing himself as best he could, "by the way, I haven't seen Garfiel around lately."
"He didn't return last night," Ulric mused with a hand to his chin, "we might consider looking for him later. I'd like to think he's just in a sensitive state right now and wishes to be alone, but with the kinds of things we've dealt with in the past I still prefer to be cautious."
"Putting that aside for now, perhaps you should consider resting a bit today now that you're back," Emilia offered. Before Otto could answer, the door slid open to reveal Felt was up and about.
"Hey, there you guys are," she greeted, "you're up pretty early this morning."
"Getting up early makes it easier to get practice in," the Crusader informed as he held up the frozen sword.
"Yes, but I think we're done with these for now," the half-elf girl noted before waving her hand and causing the weapons to dissolve.
"By the way, who's this green guy," Felt stepped forward to get a better look at Otto, "I didn't see him around here yesterday."
"Otto here is our resident merchant," Ulric introduced, "he helps us deal with more business-related problems, like the purchase of the crystal yesterday. Of course, after that he wasn't needed and went to get drunk with some friends."
"I was reesta-*Bleh*-connections," Otto heaved a little.
"Speaking of people that aren't here, why isn't Reinhard with you," Emilia inquired.
"You think I want a babysitter around me all hours of the day and night," Felt put a hand on her hip, "It'd drive me nuts. Not to mention, and I don't like to admit it, if I call for him, I know for a fact he'll be here immediately." As if to prove her statement true, the red-haired knight appeared in the doorway as if out of thin air.
"Did you call for me, Lady Felt," he asked with a slight bow.
"No, now go away!" Felt barked angrily. This didn't phase the knight who shifted his attention to the rest of them.
"And a good morning to you, Lady Emilia, and you as well, Ulric," Reinhard greeted, "it seems a lovely day out today, don't you think?"
"You two get along so well," Emilia giggled at the sight, "it's so charming to watch."
"I'd say your choice of which candidate to serve makes more sense every day, Reinhard," the Crusader added.
"Why would you say something so disgusting?!" Felt yelled, "I hate this guy!"
A Short Time Later: The Main Room of The Inn
The friendly atmosphere continued, save for Felt pouting, as the two groups sat at the low tables across from each other. It was this scene that Anastasia walked in on when she slid the door open. "Morning everyone," she greeted. The merchant girl still had her fur cape on but had otherwise swapped out her usual outfit for a blue kimono. Even her usual hat was gone. "It's good to see you've made yourselves comfortable at the Inn."
"Lady Anastasia," Julius greeted from out in the hallway, accompanied by his brother, "the morning sun compliments your beauty."
"It's the ace up my sleeve," she giggled, "by the way, where are Ricardo and Mimi?" Julius quickly explained that Ricardo was out on another errand and that Tivey and Hetaro were out looking for Mimi. It turned out she was still accompanying Garfiel around town which put the rest of the Emilia camp at ease to hear. "Hetaro really loses sight of everything when it comes to Mimi. But if Tivey's with him then he'll be fine. That being said, would you mind delivering an extremely important letter to the main gate?"
She glanced at Ulric upon mentioning the letter. "I'm not going to just make blind assumptions," the knight crossed his arms, "if that letter does pertain to Gluttony, then I imagine I'll hear about it soon."
"I see you're still a little upset about our conversation yesterday," the merchant girl giggled. It was then that Felix and Crusch arrived.
"Sorry for the delay," the green-haired woman apologized, "but we've finally arrived."
"Then that should be everybody," Anastasia clapped her hands, "okay! Start bringing it in!" Several attendants with trays of tea and assorted ingredients including chopped vegetables and eggs came in and set the table. They also removed the top sections of the tables they were at. "Time for a traditional Kararagi breakfast favorite," she declared with a pair of spatulas in her hands, "Dai Sukiyaki!"
She quickly went on to explain how it all worked. Apparently, one mixed all the ingredients on the burning top of the table into a sort of flat cake before using the spatulas to flip it. The first part was easy enough but the second part, well. "I trained to wield a weapon in each hand should the need arise," Ulric remarked as he clumsily flipped one of his flat cakes, "but not like this."
Emilia seemed to be having better luck on her end as she flipped the little delicacy. "Did you see that, Ulric," she cheered, "I flipped it perfectly! You can have this one, I'm proud of it."
"It's alright I suppose," Beatrice remarked while dumping a mass amount of sauce on her own meal, "but if you want to eat a proper Dai sukiyaki, Ulric, I'm willing to let you eat the one that I've made." The knight was about to respond but a rather troubled looking Otto spoke first.
"I know I'm no expert at this," he suddenly pointed at Beatrice's meal, "but that's way too much sauce!" The merchant pointed at the silver-haired girl next, "and Emilia, yours isn't even cooked all the way!"
"I dread to hear what an actual expert would say if you're being this passionate about it," Ulric commented good-naturedly, "for now, why not try tasting your creations first before offering them to anyone. As for me, I must take a moment." The Crusader clasped his hands and bowed his head, silently praying as he gave thanks for the food, the opportunity to be with friends, and that someone would give Wilhelm a bit of a hand. He noticed that the swordsman, despite his prowess with his own blades, was lacking in the required skills for cooking and could only watch as his meal burned in front of him.
Unfortunately, the knight was broken from his prayer by the sound of an echoing voice outside. "Good morning mighty people of Priestella!" The voice greeted.
"Huh, what am I hearing," Felt questioned as the voice continued to boom.
"It's a broadcast that happens every morning," Anastasia explained, "they make it using a metia at the city government building."
"It's certainly more direct than the church bell's from my homeland," Ulric mused.
"But what's the purpose of making a broadcast every morning," Crusch questioned.
"I've heard the system itself was designed in case of emergencies," Julius informed, "because of the way the city was built, evacuation routes are few and far between."
"And in case it wasn't obvious," Otto continued for him, "the idea to use a broadcast was Kiritaka's."
"He's certainly energetic about it," the Crusader observed before the announcement was suddenly switched to Liliana's voice, "and he lets the songstress on?" And just like the energetic man before her, Liliana excitedly pledged to sing her heart out for the people of Priestella and began one of her tunes: The Sword Demon's Love Song Act II. The sound of her strumming the strings of her instrument and her surprisingly mature singing voice filled the air then. Everyone listened attentively as the music was heard throughout the city.
'Such an interesting device,' Ulric admitted, 'with the gift of tongues, one could reach entire cities without taking a single step from where they were.' He decided to add this to his list of things to be thankful for as he resumed his prayer. Thanks to the music, most talking had ceased for the time being, except for two individuals.
"Reinhard," Wilhelm spoke up hesitantly, "If you don't mind, well, I." He set down the spatulas with a sigh. "I can't seem to cook these properly. If it's not too much trouble, could you teach me how?" This request surprised the red-haired knight for several moments. But eventually, he smiled.
"Yes," he agreed, "I would love to, grandfather." The knight moved in so that he was sitting next to the old swordsman and demonstrated how to use the spatulas to flip the little meal. Even those who weren't in the know found it to be a touching scene. Alas, it was over all to quickly as the door slid open behind them, revealing a man in brown leather armor with red hair, a purple cape, and a large bottle of something alcoholic in his right hand.
"Now that timing's a little too convenient," the man glanced down at Wilhelm and Reinhard, the former of whom had a shocked expression, "good to see you, dad."
"Dad," Ulric looked up, his prayer finished, "this man is your son, Wilhelm?"
"That's right," the man turned his drunken gaze on the Crusader, "Vice-Captain Heinkel Astrea of the Lugnican Royal Guard. Or as most call me, the good-for-nothing Vice Captain Heinkel Astrea, at your service."
"Does your presence here mean the Lugnican Royal Guard has business with us," Ulric raised an eyebrow.
"Nah, I just-," he started to say before being cut off.
"Then begone," the knight barked, "this is a private affair, and you have not been invited."
"And just who do you think you are, trying to give me orders," Heinkel's eyes narrowed, "one of you two, I don't care who, teach this guy some manners."
"I'm afraid that's impossible right now, vice-captain," Julius stood up, "Reinhard and I are both off-duty. Neither you nor anyone else can give us orders."
"Relax, I was only joking anyway," the intruder slurred, "I know the rules."
"I think it's more likely you realize, even in your intoxicated state, that you're completely incapable of besting me on your own," Ulric remarked, "tell me, is that sword on your hip as worthless as you are, or do you simply require both hands just to guide that bottle?"
"You little shit," Heinkel growled, "you think you can talk to me that way?"
"I think," Ulric stood up, "that I notice the distinct lack of the title 'Van' in your name. From what I've heard, only those in the Astrea family who've achieved the title of sword master carry such an honorific."
"Yeah, I'm not a sword master," the man admitted, "I wasn't bestowed with the title 'Van'. But at least I didn't take my frustrations out on my own grandson when-GAH!" A small blue orb, the size of one of Emilia's lesser spirits hit the man in the face, knocking him out into the hallway and onto his back.
"Your technique has improved," Julius observed, "though it seems you're just as brazen as ever."
"The last two days have tested my temperament more than I expected, forgive me," Ulric lowered his hand, "that being said, I have no reason to fear reprisal from one such as him."
"My face," Heinkel seethed as he stood shakily to his feet, "I think you burnt my face you bastard!"
"Forgive my knight," Emilia stood up, "he is quite defensive of those he's deemed as friends. If you plan on remaining here, I'd recommend choosing your words more carefully."
"And you must be the infamous Princess Emilia," he noted, "too bad you got yourself thrust into a battle you couldn't possibly win."
"I think it would be more prudent for you to tell us why you're here," the half-elf girl ignored the jab.
"What," Heinkel seemed confused at her statement, "well look at this, you're almost as brazen as your knight."
"If you were expecting a frightened girl who shrinks at the smallest of criticisms, I'm afraid you've come far too late," Emilia remarked with steely eyes, "so tell us why you're here, now, or remove yourself from this Inn." The Vice Captain grit his teeth, suddenly searching for what he could say in response.
"Pretty embarrassing to be lost for words after strolling in here so confidently," Felt remarked while twirling her fork.
"I've been looking forward to hearing the story of the White Whale," Anastasia chimed in, "it would appear this man has nothing to add to it."
"I for one vote to have this boorish man removed," Crusch raised her hand.
"Now there's no need for that," a very familiar, and currently very unwelcome, female voice spoke up as an orange-haired woman in a black and red dress appeared at the door.
"Lady Priscilla," Heinkel noted with relief, "it took you long enough to-."
"Silence fool," the fifth and final of the royal candidates ordered while snapping her fan shut. She turned to the group in the room next. "I haven't seen this lineup in a while, it seems like you're all getting along quite well."
"Lady Priscilla," Ulric sat back down along with Emilia, "now this little charade makes sense."
"And you are," the orange-haired woman seemed to be pondering something, "ah yes, the knight who blew up the floor in the capital with that ruffian to stop an assassin."
"His name is Sir Ulric Arkwright, your ladyship," the yellow-caped form of Al walked into view behind her.
"I don't recall asking for his name," she responded haughtily, "the knight should be proud I remember him at all."
"Better than nothing," the one-armed man made as if he was whispering to Ulric from across the room, "looks like you'll need to rebuild a little of your standing with her, Ulric."
"Among the many concerns I have at the moment, my standing with your lady is not one of them," Ulric remarked while sipping a bit of his tea, "now, did you only come here with that figurehead of a man out of amusement? Or did you have some other business with us, Lady Priscilla?"
"She shouldn't," Anastasia informed with a forced smile, "I don't recall ever inviting her here."
"When word reaches one's ear there's nothing you can do to keep it from taking root," the royal candidate remarked, "Whether or not you invited me here doesn't matter. I have come all the same!" She punctuated her last statement with a dramatic flourish of her arm. But if she was expecting an awed response, the royal candidate would be disappointed.
"Lady Anastasia," Ulric turned to the merchant girl, "this is embarrassing of me to ask, but could you demonstrate the technique for this?"
"Of course," she smiled while moving out of her position and over to the other side of the room.
"I believe you were also regaling us about the history of this dish," Crusch added, catching on to the knight's game.
"I don't know all the exact specifics," Hoshin sat down between Ulric and Emilia with her two spatulas, "but from what I recall-."
"HEY!" Heinkel barked, "don't think you can just ignore-!"
"Peasant," Priscilla glared at the man, "I said silence!" The now scowling woman slammed her closed fan into the man's chin, knocking him out and causing him to collapse to the floor all with a single blow. But that wasn't enough for the now apparently angry Priscilla as she summoned a large sword with a black blade that possessed a red lining on the outside. But before she could strike, Al caught her wrist.
"That's enough temper tantrums, princess," he lightly chided, "seriously, give me a break. Pulling out the Yang sword, you nearly gave me a heart-UFF!" He was silenced by quick elbow to his gut from said princess. Her sword disappeared then as she clapped her hands.
"Schult, get this peasant out of here and see to his injuries," Priscilla ordered, "I trust you're able to handle that?"
"Understood," a small pink-haired child in a blue coat appeared, "I'll take care of it. Time to go, Heinkel." He grabbed onto the man's legs and started pulling him away, grunting slightly with the effort.
"Schult is always so brave, isn't he," Al praised.
"He has my compliments," Ulric offered, "because that is an amusing sight."
"I imagine you think you were being clever just now," Priscilla again hid her mouth behind her fan.
"Nothing clever about it," the knight held out his plate so that Anastasia could set some of the recently cooked food on it, "merely refusing to give you the reaction you want. To use a phrase I'm becoming quite fond of; it's really quite elementary."
"But that does bring us back to the original question," Crusch pointed out, "do you have any actual business with us today?"
"Merely a reminder," Priscilla smiled deviously, "please do what you can to make some fun and chaos on the way. Since my victory is assured, the least you all can do is entertain me!" She turned and finally left then with Al giving a farewell wave as he followed after her.
"Man that bitch drives me crazy," Felt remarked while eating one of the many sukiyaki Reinhard had prepared for her, "she's the one reason I pay attention in those etiquette lessons since I can't punch her face in with polite company around."
"You held your temper quite well just now, Lady Felt," Julius observed, "and you, Sir Ulric, I feel I must thank."
"There is nothing to thank me for," the Crusader denied, "I kept my temperament the worst out of anyone here."
"But that's why," Felix pointed out, "I wanted to sock that ny-asty prick just as bad if ny-ot worse than you. So thanks, for shutting him up."
"Indeed," Julius nodded, "you were probably the only one here who could get away with something like that and suffer no repercussion. Despite my statement earlier, most of us are still knights of the Lugnican royal guard and would have been assaulting a superior officer. And seeing family fight is never a pretty sight."
"I simply believed interrupting such a moment between grandfather and grandson required punishment," Ulric shrugged, "who among us hasn't said or done something in anger that we don't regret?"
"It won't do to have you regretting this," Anastasia giggled before suddenly moving to sit on his lap, surprising the knight, "allow me to serve you as much Dai Sukiyaki as you can handle!"
"L-Lady Hoshin!" Emilia blushed at the sight, "what are you doing?!"
"Just showing some appreciation is all," she giggled some more while preparing the food on the burner, "you don't have to feel left out, I give you full permission to sit on Julius."
"It would be my honor," he bowed to hide the amused smile on his face.
"Guess that means you'll need to join in too, Lady Crusch," Felix moved and sat in her lap.
"I don't think that's how it's supposed to work, Felix," the green-haired woman remarked despite her own amused expression.
"I ain't sittin' on anyone," Felt crossed her arms and looked away.
"Now now, your ladyship, it's only fair," Reinhard mock chided before picking up the small girl.
"Hey! Don't you dare! Don't you put me in an old man's lap!" She struggled.
"Indeed," Wilhelm sipped his tea to hide his own expression, "I have to declare her as my granddaughter first." Everyone laughed at this, the mood greatly improved now.
Later That Day: The City Streets
"So that man is the current head of the Astrea family," Emilia asked for clarification as they walked.
"Based on what Felt told me after breakfast," Ulric put a hand to his chin, "Heinkel refuses to give the estate to his son and only has his current position as vice captain due to being Reinhard's father. Some people seem to believe he has the power to command Reinhard and Wilhelm, which couldn't be further from the truth, at least not to anyone who knows them."
"But a lot of people don't know them and only know what they hear," the half-elf looked down a bit, "it's sad, but several people, even important people, will believe lies like that and let themselves be frightened by them."
"Forgive me, Emilia," the knight put a hand on her shoulder, "it was not my intention to remind you of your own situation."
"You don't have to worry, Ulric," she assured with a hand on his before her smile suddenly turned contemplative, "by the way, were you really uncomfortable with Anastasia sitting on you? You never tried to get her off."
"I-It would've been rude to just throw our host across the room," Ulric crossed his arms and turned away to hide his embarrassment, "no doubt that merchant was trying to smooth things over after mentioning Gluttony. But make no mistake, I am still cross with her."
"And Betty is cross with you, I suppose," the great spirit grabbed his hand, "I never got a chance to sit in your lap."
"Blame the merchant, blame the merchant, a thousand times blame the merchant," the crusader turned his nose up which only made Emilia giggle at the sight. That's when they were greeted with a familiar sound as the trio walked on a bridge over one of the canals.
"Oh, that instrument sounds like Liliana's," the white-haired girl's pointy ears twitched, "we should go say hello."
"I suppose that'd be fine," Ulric nodded, "the city is vast, and I doubt Garfiel is in any serious trouble. He and Mimi likely got lost after joining up yesterday and her brothers are also aiding in the search. So we can take at least a moment." Indeed, that was their current goal; finding Garfiel.
The blond fighter being gone since yesterday was something of a concern, and since they were waiting on Otto to recover from his hangover the group decided it'd be productive to look for him while exploring more of the city. Though as they pushed their way gently to the front of the crowd who'd gathered, the knight found himself immediately regretting his decision. He'd been wondering why Liliana hadn't been singing and only playing her instrument. The reason became clear when he saw her sitting on a bench, playing accompanying music for a dancing woman, Priscilla.
"Never mind, let's move along," he urged as the songstress reached the end of her tune and the crowd applauded the dancing woman in red. But alas, luck was not on their side.
"Ulric! Emilia!" Liliana called, catching sight of them as the crowd dispersed, "is that you?!"
"Lord have mercy," he sighed as they turned to greet the songstress and the royal candidate.
"It's good to see you, how are things," the bard asked.
"Going well enough," Ulric answered, "and your music seems to be drawing quite a crowd today." Liliana was about to reply before the woman next to her interrupted.
"Is there a reason you're staring at me," Priscilla demanded of Emilia, "that's incredibly rude, do you need something?"
"Oh! I'm sorry," the white-haired girl apologized in slight embarrassment, "I was just surprised to see that you can dance."
"I'm not really one to dance," she snapped her fan shut, "unless I feel compelled to do so, and this performer's beautiful playing made me feel just that."
"Stop, you're making me blush over here," Liliana laughed while rubbing her head.
"It was indeed worthy of my praise," Priscilla again, surprisingly, complimented, "if you're interested, I'd be more than happy to have you as my personal songstress."
"I thank you for such an amazing offer," the songstress bowed, "it has me bursting with pride, but… I'm afraid I must decline." This came as more than a little surprising to the gathered group.
"Could you please explain why you've chosen to decline my invitation," the orange-haired woman inquired.
"Because I am Liliana the bard," she began while still bowing, "a nomad who is destined to be carried away by the winds again someday. No person or thing can hold me in place, that is what I set my mind on long ago."
"That is the reason," Priscilla seemed to be digesting the answer.
"My mother, her mother, and her mother before her all lived that same lifestyle," Liliana continued to bow, "we are a clan that leaves no trace behind, only our songs in people's hearts. Just as there is no one who can imprison the wind, there is no one who can stop my singing." There was an odd moment of tension as the royal candidate continued to mull over her words. Ulric instinctively put his hand on his sword, anticipating the possibility of trouble.
"Well, that is an answer I can live with," Priscilla finally said, surprising everyone, "forgive me for asking such a boorish question."
"It was a perfectly fine question!" Liliana assured happily, "if anything I feel like I should say sorry."
"As for you, peasant," she shifted her gaze to Ulric, "why are you giving me such a look?"
"Merely a small confusion," the knight crossed his arms, "while we have met but a scant few times, you struck me as someone who never apologized for anything nor took 'no' for an answer."
"It seems you've forgotten that all things in this world belong to me," the red-clad woman reminded with a smirk, "thus, there is no need for me to keep all of the beautiful things of this world to myself. If this entire world is truly my guardian, then it doesn't matter where the bird chooses to sing, it is mine all the same."
"It takes a special mind to come up with a train of logic like that," Ulric sighed.
"But since we all seemed to have calmed down a bit, let's commemorate our friendship with a song!" Liliana declared with her arms held high, "and after that, we'll have a nice chat while enjoying some nice snacks! Won't we Ulric?" The knight raised an eyebrow at this. "I said, won't we Ulric?!"
A Few Minutes Later: Near A Tall Watchtower
"She claims to want to share her music with everyone and then sends me away where it'll be done by the time I get back," the Crusader didn't know if he should laugh or be annoyed by it. It was truthfully not the biggest problem for him to go and fetch snacks, hence the bag in his hand, but he wasn't fond of the idea of leaving Emilia alone with Priscilla even if the haughty woman seemed to be in a good mood. Though such thoughts would have to wait as he spotted a familiar face heading towards him. "Rachins?"
"What," the former thief jumped upon hearing his name, "you again?!"
"It appears I'm not the only one on an errand for my lady today," the knight observed.
"You look like you wandered off for a snack run," Rachins snorted while glancing at the bag in his hand.
"Try coerced," Ulric corrected while holding up the bag, "this was not my idea."
"You still look a little ridiculous carrying around a bag of-," the grey-haired man started to say before a female voice called from atop the watchtower.
"Those enjoying a pleasant time and those who are in a hurry," the woman called from high up, "I apologize for interrupting your day, but I ask that you bestow your attention on me for a brief moment!"
"Who's this oddly polite," Ulric's eyes widened as he looked up and noted the figure atop the ledge of the watchtower was covered in bandages, and wearing a dark purple robe.
"Thank you for understanding," the stranger bowed before straightening up, "I am the Sin Archbishop in the Witch's Cult representing Wrath. But you are welcome to call me Sirius Romanee-Conti." Ulric didn't hear the rest.
"Hold this," he quickly shoved the bag into Rachin's hands before his body erupted with blue light. In the next instant, he shot up from his place in the crowd, firing a blue orb towards the Witch Cultist. His reward was a yelp as the figure leapt away, the ledge on which she'd just been getting blown to pieces in the process.
"Well now," the ground cracked ever so slightly from the woman's landing as Ulric dropped down in front of her, "it seems someone is upset that I've interrupted their day. My sincerest apol-."
"Don't pretend as if you're remorseful for anything," the Crusader drew his sword, "you bear the name of Romanee-Conti, a name I hoped to never hear again in this life."
"Oh," Sirius clapped her hands, "but you and I have never met before. Could you have possibly met dear Betelguese?"
"I have," Ulric took a stance, "shall I show you where I've sent him?" This would prove to be the first of many battles within the beautiful city of Priestella.
At long last we've made it through episode one! Whew, I guess that's what happens when it's the length of three episodes in one. But the time has finally come for the Witch Cult to make its move and for Ulric to step up once more to face down his hated foes! So while we're waiting on that awesomeness, tell me what you thought of this chapter in your comments and reviews along with what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters! And once again, swing by my Pat reon to check out my latest exclusive! Last thing, stop in next time as our hero matches his wrath against the sin of wrath herself! 'Til then.