Inside the dimly lit war room of the National Empire, CR-455 walked nervously back and forth around the central map table. On the other side, Admiral Bagdalio of the 21st fleet stood beside the holographic projection of Athena. While Bagdalio looked down like a shamed child, Athena paid no mind to the map nor CR-455's increasingly agitated mood.
Before them, the table projected the Allied fleets in retreat, but neither the 10th fleet nor the 9th fleet advanced to pursue their opponents. Finally, in a rush, Admiral Dumas of the 10th fleet rushed into the war room and came a rest against the table. Before he could speak, in a flurry of rage, CR-455 extended his hand, and his ability immediately summoned Dumas' neck into his grip.
[CR-455] - "Why are you not pursuing the enemy forces? How dare you disobey my direct orders to annihilate them completely? "
Yelled CR-455 before slamming Dumas' body against the table below.
In a desperate struggle, Dumas fought against the lack of oxygen to push a few words out of his mouth.
[Dumas] - "My... Argh! My lord! Please! My fleet– Depleted! "
Mumbled Dumas as his lips turned purple.
Abruptly, CR-455 let go of Dumas before slamming his fist beside his face, breaking part of the holographic display as a result.
[CR-455] - "Depleted? Depleted? Do you take me for a fool, Admiral? Your ships... They are right fucking there! "
Screamed CR-455, his voice leaving ringing aftershocks inside Dumas' ears.
[Dumas] - "My lord, it's not the ships! My soldiers, my Marines, they need logistics. When I pledged my allegiance to you, my fleet's home forge, established in Finland, was destroyed by the 6th fleet, loyal to Judge and his Empire. My fleet was already severely depleted during the Crusade, and now it can't fight like this anymore. "
Said Dumas as he looked back at CR-455 with fear in his eyes.
[CR-455] - "Well, build a new home forge or something, I don't know! "
Screamed CR-455 as he walked in a circle.
Suddenly, after a moment of thought, CR-455 leaned toward the Admiral with both his arms trapping Dumas in between.
[CR-455] - "No, you're playing with me! You are lying! Logistics, whatever the fuck that means, is not necessary for you. You pushed them out earlier when they invaded, so why can't you continue doing the same? "
On the other side, even though Athena remained indifferent to the situation throughout, the sight of Dumas being helplessly pinned under CR-455 made her pity him enough for her to finally speak up.
[Athena] - "He's right, CR-455, release him! If you have no idea of such simple military terms and the internal gears of warfare, then don't make assumptions! After all, I bet you never even saw what a fucking gun looks like. "
Said Athena casually as she put a lollipop into her mouth.
CR-455 raised his head, shocked at Athena's disrespectful remarks.
[CR-455] - "I'm the Emperor! You will show me respect! How dare you speak to me in such a tone, you– you– you fucking bitch! "
Screamed CR-455 at Athena.
[Athena] - "You are a religious figurehead, dude. You never even commanded an army, not to mention an Empire. You want things to work? Listen to the men who served directly under your father, the God-Emperor. The Rising Leaves fleet suffered severe attrition during the latter days of the Crusade, and with their home forge destroyed, they couldn't sustain operations for long before things start falling apart for them. "
Said Athena casually before removing the lollipop from her mouth.
With an eye twitching out of anger, CR-455 abruptly pushed Dumas off the table before jumping on top of it. Then, with menacing steps, CR-455 arrived before Athena's hologram and looked down on her from a height.
[CR-455] - "Then I order you to chase after the enemy! Your fleet has an intact home forge, right? Your fleet is fully stocked and seems to be fully operational, right? Then, as Emperor, I order you to continue the attack. "
Said CR-455 in a spiteful voice while pointing down at Athena.
Unbothered, Athena looked away from CR-455 before casually taking a seat on her throne.
[Athena] - "I can't. My fleet will have to move back to the East to guard the border between your Empire and Judge's Empire. "
Said Athena with a discreet smirk, knowing full well CR-455 will notice it.
[CR-455] - "Lies! I don't care what you think, I am your Emperor and you will do as I say! Fuck the border, fuck Judge and his sons of bitches! I want these insects from the Allied Forces exterminated for daring to think they can come challenge me on my own turf! "
Yelled CR-455 as he swung his fist through Athena's hologram.
In truth, Athena had no intention of even sacrificing a single one of her soldiers for the incompetent crybaby in front of her. Having already expected CR-455's tantrum when faced with her excuse to not fight for him, Athena was ready with a response.
[Athena] - "The 6th fleet had carved Ukraine out of your Empire just a day ago because you told me to deploy to the West. Are you going to take that disrespect from Judge and his fools who don't recognize your legitimate claim to the throne? Or do you still want me to pursue these pesky Allied insects that had barely made a dent in your Empire? The choice is yours! "
Said Athena in a collected voice, already certain of the response she'll get from CR-445.
With bloodshot eyes, CR-455 was a mere instant away from crashing out in front of everyone in the room. However, Athena still possessed the majority of his Empire's combat-effective forces. Despite how she was playing him like a fiddle, CR-455 knew at least that he needed her on his side if he wanted to hold on to whatever legitimacy he had to his position as Emperor. Most importantly, he simply couldn't accept the shame that came from losing another piece of his land to his rival, Judge.
[CR-455] - "You bitch... Go get my land back from Judge and his bastards! "
Said CR-455 in an icy voice while holding his anger at bay.
[Athena] - "Much obliged, my lord. "
Said Athena with a grin before her holographic display faded away.
In truth, due to CR-455's ignorance and incompetence as a leader, he wasn't even aware that Ukraine was never lost to the 6th fleet in the first place. Athena simply played him, again, and he was none the wiser.
[CR-455] - "You! Whatever your name is! Use your fleet to pursue the Allied fleets! "
Said CR-455 as he abruptly pointed his finger at Bagdalio.
Shocked, Bagdalio almost lost his footing as CR-455 approached him with his finger pointed at his forehead.
[Bagdalio] - "My lord, my fleet was decimated at the end of the Crusade! My apologies, but there's barely anything left of the Emperor's Gladiator fleet. "
In a burst of anger, CR-455 kicked Bagdalio in the abdomen, sending him crashing into the wall. Not to be done, CR-455 then leaped at Bagdalio before grabbing his unconscious body by the collar and shaking him violently.
[CR-455] - "Clowns! I'm surrounded by incompetent clowns! "
Yelled CR-455 in a frenzy.
Suddenly, a group of massive hooded figures intruded into the room before coming to a stop before CR-455. Mysteriously, the temperature grew cold within the war room as these seven-foot-tall monsters in robes presented before their master. These were CR-455's High Priests, men of unknown origins who possessed powerful abilities, serving under CR-455's leadership to spread the gospel of Sniper's divinity, as well as in the creation of an Imperial cult around their God-Emperor.
[Conquest] - "My lord, we came to you with a suggestion for your dilemma. "
Said Conquest, his voice sending a realistic chill through the flesh of those who heard him.
Surprised by the arrival of his High Priests, CR-455 let go of Bagdalio and rose up to meet his underlings' eyes as they kneeled.
[CR-455] - "Speak, my loyal servants! "
[Conquest] - "Instead of sending a fleet after your foes, why not allow me to use my power to deal with them once and for all? "
CR-455's eyes lit up as he was surprised by how good the idea sounded.
[CR-455] - "I like that! Yes, you do that! But... that shouldn't carry any risk, right? The Allied Forces don't have any crystal users who could stop you, right? "
[Conquest] - "From our knowledge, they are an inferior force without even the basic grasp of what crystals are. "
[CR-455] - "Good! Because I don't want you to be away for long! Who knows if Judge decides to send the Divine Servants after me? I need every single one of you to be around just in case! Make it quick, Conquest, no more than a few hours! Decimate them! "
Said CR-455, a paranoid look gripping his face.
[Conquest] - "It will be done, my lord! "
Said Conquest before bowing toward CR-455.
Soon, Conquest headed toward his own quarters, where he changed out of his robe to a more tribal aesthetic with painted symbols on his chest and face. There was an empty and dutiful look on the massive warrior's face as he mounted his horse. However, the horse was not just any horse; it was a mechanical monstrosity made up of hundreds of different musical instruments. With an electric guitar in hand, Conquest activated his ability and caused his horse to begin galloping before ascending into the clouds at insane speeds.
Martial music, a type of music played by professional field musicians in an army. It can convert a sense of pride in the army and boost soldiers' morale, but it can also be the voice of conquest when heard from the opposition. With every song, Conquest spread the seed of terror across the expanse. Every instrument is a tool of destruction, every symphony is a step closer to the cold embrace of death for his enemies, and every last note of a song will be followed by the absolute silence of oblivion.
As Conquest appeared at the back of the retreating Allied armada, he switched his electric guitar for a violin, which he immediately began playing. Soon, every Allied ship touched by the tune of Conquest's violin slowly became a soft, fluid-like object like the watches inside Salvador Dali's famous painting "The Persistence of Time". Bit by bit, people began to melt as well alongside the ships until the battlefield fell silent without a single shot being fired.
From below, it appeared as if the Allied fleet began melting from the back, as massive sludges of metal and flesh sank into the Atlantic Ocean below. Slowly, Conquest advanced, claiming thousands of confused and panicking souls per minute as his melody ravaged everything indiscriminately. Any missiles, bullets or even plasma bolts that attempted to hit Conquest were instantly liquified.
Meanwhile, back in the Allies' central command, the dreadful reports from Conquest's rampage made their way to the top. Panic gripped the minds of those ignorant of the existence of abilities and crystals, as not only were they defeated earlier by a foe with alien-level technology, but now they are confronted with the presence of a supernatural force that seemingly couldn't be stopped by any conventional means.
However, just before chaos overtook the Allied Forces' high council, a single man presented himself before the leaders and proposed an unorthodox solution. Usually, his words would sound absurd, but in these desperate times, anything was worth a try. With a quick vote that approved his proposal, Admiral Jack exited the council's meeting room before immediately linking up with Dunkel, who was already waiting for him.
[Dunkel] - "I take it that they gave us the green light. "
Said Dunkel as she glanced at the satisfied smile on Jack's face.
[Jack] - "Yes, what other choices do they have anyway? That aside, how are things on your side? Is he ready to be deployed? "
Dunkel grinned proudly before arrogantly raising her chin.
[Dunkel] - "He is ready. "
Meanwhile, Arthur, the man wearing Mike's flesh, stepped out of an Allied base and shielded his eyes from the sun.
[Jack] - "Could you truly confirm that he is indeed loyal to us and our cause? "
[Dunkel] - "You do not need to worry about that. He woke up without memory, thus I 'reprogrammed' him with some brainwashing and some subliminal messaging. He now fully believes that he is a servant of the Allied Forces and that we are his progenitor parents. His loyalty is that of flesh and blood. You can't get more loyal than this. "
Said Dunkel with a malicious smile.
In one powerful jump, Arthur leaped into the air, his crystal allowing him to zip through the clouds at incredible speed with ease.
[Jack] - "Hmm... Very impressive. I presume his power is the same as before, right? "
[Dunkel] - "Not exactly. Having a different brain means that he's basically another man in the body of the Grand Knight. He seems capable, but I doubt he is as capable as the original host after some basic testing. However, I believe his performance will be satisfactory. "
As the two arrived before a massive screen that displayed footage straight from the still remaining ships in the fleeing fleet, a servant approached them with a plate topped with champagne and cups. After pouring one glass for each of the two, Dunkel and Jack both grabbed a cup.
[Jack] - "To us, and our future! "
Said Jack as he raised his cup.
[Dunkel] - "To us, and glory! "
Responded Dunkel as she raised hers as well.
During this time, aboard the cruiser where Kadyn and McCree's team were stationed, panic quickly spread through the crew as the news of a supernatural power that destroyed the fleet spread through the ranks. Gathering at one of the multiple windows on the ship, Kadyn saw what seemed like a dot in the far distance slowly advancing toward the ship formation. Judging by the way his ability destroyed the ships, Kadyn immediately knew it was a cyberknight, and a very powerful one at that.
Pushing through the panicking crowd, McCree and the rest of the crew reached Kadyn.
[Kadyn] - "We need to leave this place right away! "
Said Kadyn, a panicked expression on her face.
[McCree] - "Too damn late! The hangar crew did a mutiny and escaped with the aircraft capable of carrying passengers. We came to see ya to see if there's anything we can do against that son of a gun out there. Since, ya know, ya understand them cyberknight better than any of us. "
[Kadyn] - "This is unlike anything I've ever seen. His ability is likely a zone effect type, which means we can't get close or we'll melt like those ships before us. Gosh, I wish Mike were here. "
Just as Kadyn uttered these words, a shooting star abruptly streaked through the skies and smashed into the mysterious musician. In a flash, Arthur smashed Conquest into the hull of the cruiser, causing the whole ship to shake and vibrate. While others panicked in confusion, Kadyn looked up at the ceiling, knowing Mike was possibly up there fighting the enemy, and immediately began dashing toward the higher levels.
While McCree and the others staggered behind, Kadyn ran with all her might while smiling with the hope that Mike might truly be revived. Memories came flooding back into her mind as she ran, tears flowing behind her. Soon, she reached the top deck below the hull and found a hatch that she quickly used to climb up to the top. As Kadyn peeked through the hatch, she was delighted to find the same recognizable face on that man.
However, before Kadyn could rush out of cover, Arthur abruptly struck at Conquest, his fist connecting with the High Priest. Yet, instead of being obliterated, Conquest generated a protective field around himself using the sound of a drum. With each hit of his drum, Conquest generated a field more powerful than the previous one, causing Arthur to be pushed back by the blast.
[Kadyn] - "Come on! Use your techniques! Destroy that bastard! "
Whispered Kadyn with clenched fists as she watched the battle from the side.
Yet, Arthur lacked Mike's memory, thus knew nothing of the infinite number of techniques he developed. With this disadvantage, Arthur only knew to punch, defend and fly. Suddenly, switching to the offensive, Conquest abruptly unleashed a loud yell at Arthur, his powerful voice generating a shockwave that shattered his opponent's bones. With broken ribs and limbs, Arthur quickly collapsed to the ground, blood pouring out of his mouth.
However, Kadyn was even more shocked to see her beloved Mike, the most powerful man on this planet, defeated by such a basic attack. In her mind, this simply wasn't supposed to happen. Mike must have something planned, he must have, she thought. As she expected Mike to rise from the ground, Oltevin suddenly emerged from a different hatch on the other side. As he blindly charged at Conquest, before Kadyn could stop him, he was blasted with a powerful yell as well, blowing out his eardrums and shattering his ribcage and skull.
[Kadyn] - "Oltevin! "
Yelled Kadyn as she leaped out of cover toward her friend.
However, as she ran, she noticed how Arthur was still limping on the floor, unable to do anything. If it truly was Mike, he would've saved an innocent life from being harmed in such an avoidable situation. Meanwhile, Oltevin could only feel a loud ringing sound in his mind while Kadyn dragged his semi-conscious body away. As she reached the hatch, she quickly passed Oltevin's broken body down to Audrey and McCree.
[McCree] - "Damn it! This impulsive son of a gun! "
[Kadyn] - "Take him! And I don't want to see any of you come up again. I'll handle this! "
Said Kadyn as she turned around.
In a gasp, Kadyn saw that Arthur was begging for his life on his knees as Conquest approached him with the intention to finish him off. At that moment, something in Kadyn broke. Maybe it was the sight of such a pathetic scene, as if some pretending bastard is cosplaying as Mike. Maybe it was the confusion that came with the impossibility of seeing such a scene with her own eyes. Either way, Kadyn quickly entered acceleration and dashed toward the enemy.
Before Conquest could even understand what happened, his vision abruptly went dark as Kadyn slashed through his skull. Bloody splashed toward the sky as the massive priest fell back and collapsed to the ground. Kneeling down, Kadyn took Arthur's cheeks between her palms and made his gaze meet hers. What she saw broke her, as it was without a doubt Mike's face, yet it lacked the soul behind the flesh. Normally, with Mike, there will be something that clicks instantly when they lock eyes, yet now, all of that was missing.
[Arthur] - "Who are you? "
Said Arthur in confusion.
[Kadyn] - "You're not Mike! What did they do to my Mike? "
Yelled Kadyn as she tightened her grip around Arthur's face.
In a violent motion, Arthur pulled himself out of Kadyn's grasp and stood up. After seeing Conquest decapitated and dead on the ground, he immediately regained a confident look on his face as he believed this to be his doing.
[Arthur] - "Hah! I did it! I had slain the beast! "
Exclaimed Arthur in excitement.
Kadyn turned around and stared at her ugly work before looking back at Arthur with disgust and dread on her face.
[Kadyn] - "No, it wasn't you! You were there begging for your bloody life! I fucking saved you just now! "
Said Kadyn as she showed Arthur her blood-soaked blade.
[Arthur] - "You? Please, don't make me laugh. You are just a cute little girl. There's no way you had just slain that monster. I'm the only one here capable of doing this! "
Said Arthur confidently.
[Kadyn] - "I don't care about that kill! I want to know what you fuckers did with my Mike? Why are you in my Mike's body? Who the bloody hell are you? "
Yelled Kadyn as she leaned toward Arthur with anger.
In one swift slap, Arthur sent Kadyn crashing into the ground. As Kadyn touched the swollen part of her left cheek, she looked up in shock as Arthur stared coldly at her. Never has that hand, which held hers with such tenderness, struck at her with such cold brutality. Tears quickly gathered at the edge of Kadyn's eyes as she felt the pain even in her heart.
[Arthur] - "I don't know who you are. Maybe you're a fan, but I'd say you came off a bit strong. I know I'm strong and all, but keep it down, will you? "
Said Arthur with a smug smile.
Unable to bear the pain anymore, Kadyn began sobbing in her hands, her heart shattered into pieces by this abomination that stood before her. Where Mike was noble and kind, this man was egotistic, cowardly and rotten. As Kadyn kept crying like a wounded little puppy, Arthur knelt down and tried to reach his hand toward her.
[Arthur] - "Hey, hey, I know I should've warned you, but it's really like your fault for being this pushy with your nonsense. "
[Kadyn] - "Go away! "
Ignoring Kadyn's words, Arthur touched Kadyn's shoulder before slowly moving up to feel her neck and hair.
[Arthur] - "Don't worry, girl, you can come with me. I don't mind having such a pretty lady with such soft skin and silky hair around. "
Said Arthur as he tried to touch Kadyn's cheek.
In a sudden burst of anger, Kadyn violently knocked Arthur's hand away from her before pushing him off her. Shocked by her action, Arthur immediately retaliated by kicking her in the face.
[Arthur] - "How dare you deny me? I just saved all your lives with my power by defeating this monster! You fucking deranged bitch! One moment you want me, now you reject me! "
Yelled Arthur before angrily giving Kadyn a stump on the hip.
[Arthur] - "Fuck you! You ungrateful bitch! I'll have women lining up to my room when they recognize my heroism here. "
Yelled Arthur before spitting at Kadyn and missing her.
Clutching his wounded chest, Arthur walked to the edge of the hull before using his ability to fly away. Meanwhile, Kadyn cried silently on the ground. The man who was everything to her was defiled even in death by malicious bastards. For all he had done, he deserved better instead of ending up as a meat suit for some vile son of bitches. As the realization of this final insult to Mike's legacy hit Kadyn, something in her mind snapped.
Slowly, she got up, the tears no longer flowing down her cheeks as the green glow in her eyes was replaced by a shade of crimson. While Senju took Oltevin to the medical bay, McCree and Audrey actually saw the whole interaction by peeking through the hatch. Even as the two rushed up to try to comfort her, Kadyn moved quickly to avoid interacting with them.
[McCree] - "Hey, Missy, it's fine! We are here for you! "
Yelled McCree through the heavy wind as he rushed toward Kadyn.
[Audrey] - "Just ignore him! What he did to you is not right! Wait for us, Kadyn! "
Yelled Audrey as she accelerated her steps.
However, with one last look at the two trying to reach her, Kadyn abruptly jumped down her hatch and disappeared into the ship in an instant.
[McCree] - "Damn it! We're trying to help here! "
Said McCree as he barely missed Kadyn as she jumped down.
However, unlike McCree, Audrey actually felt the pain and sadness in Kadyn's eyes. But most importantly, there was a burning hatred that trumped these two emotions with such intensity that Audrey could feel the bloodlust radiating from it. Though she only recently learned to trust Kadyn, she felt an urgency to go and help her before anything bad happens. It's no longer about trust; it's about reaching out to another human being in need. Even as fatigue enveloped Audrey, she pushed on, determined to offer the help that broken soul ran from.
Despite their best effort, they are ultimately hunting for a shadow that can't be reached or swayed.
To be continued...
*EXTRA
- Profile: Conquest
- Real Name: Unknown
- Ability: [Seven Trumpets]: "The ability is bonded to any sound present in Conquest's environment. When a soundwave travels in the air, the ability will automatically overcharge the soundwave with a massive amount of energy and release that energy when the soundwave comes in contact with an object. The different instruments played by Conquest will cause different effects to be applied to the soundwave. For example, the sound generated by a harp will apply a slicing effect to the soundwave, while the sound from a drum will apply a shockwave effect. Conquest's ability also applies to sounds from his environment, but unlike his instruments, he can only apply the energy to the soundwave, and not control in a direct manner the direction of the attack. "
- Ability stats:
Power - None to B (Varied depending on the source of sound)
Speed of the ability - B
Speed granted to the user - None to B (Varied depending on the source of sound)
Range - B
Durability of the ability - A
Durability granted to the user - None to B (Varied depending on the source of sound)
Precision - E to A (Varied depending on the instrument or source)
Potential - A