The port was alive with movement as a massive battleship docked. The gang followed Clarence, weaving through the growing crowd. The air buzzed with anticipation as the ship's ramp lowered and marines began their orderly march onto the docks.
"That's them!" Clarence said, pointing.
"The Marine Commandos."
Five figures emerged at the front of the formation, their presence commanding instant respect. Schneizal's jaw dropped slightly.
"Okay… they look cool."
The crowd at the docks seemed to ripple with anticipation as five figures stepped onto solid ground, their presence silencing the chatter. Each of them was striking in their own right, but together, they were an awe-inspiring sight. Clarence stepped forward, his voice filled with reverence as he introduced them.
"That's the Marine Commando Unit," Clarence said, pointing at each member in turn.
"The woman with the twin swords? That's Cypria."
She stood at the front, her pink hair tied back in a loose braid, twin blades connected by gleaming silver chains resting at her sides. Her pristine white uniform seemed untouched by the sea air, a testament to her precision and control. (Grade 3)
"Next to her is Lefteris."
The man's light aqua-blue hair caught the sunlight as he leaned his massive scythe over his shoulder, its blade polished to a mirror sheen. (Grade 2)
"That's Milos."
The aquadroid's presence was both unsettling and mesmerizing. His pale skin seemed almost translucent, offset by dark green hair and unsettlingly vivid pink eyes that glimmered faintly. (Grade 2)
"Over there's Galleass."
He was broad-shouldered and imposing, with short light blue hair and a broadsword strapped across his back. His sharp, steady gaze marked him as someone used to command. (Grade 2)
"And him…"
Clarence's voice dropped slightly, filled with admiration.
"That's Thavas—The Man Who Surpasses the Storm." The leader of the unit strode forward last, a golden-epaulet uniform distinguishing him even more than the others. His long white hair flowed in the breeze, and the intensity in his steel-gray eyes demanded respect. (Leader, Grade 3)
The group watched in quiet awe as the Marine Commandos marched onto the dock. Thavas stepped ahead, approaching the Supreme General Cristianos, who waited at the end of the pier. The crowd around them murmured excitedly, but Cristianos raised a hand, silencing them.
Thavas saluted crisply.
"Supreme General, we found the location of the Tomb of the Sleeping Sea Dragon. Though searching for it cost many lives."
Cristianos's expression was grave as he nodded.
"Good. They were heroes. We'll discuss more in my office."
"Yes, sir!" Thavas replied, his salute sharp before he turned to follow Cristianos up the pier.
"Man, I'm starving"
Schneizal groaned, breaking the spell of silence. His stomach rumbled audibly, prompting Vriede to snort in amusement.
Schneizal stretched dramatically, throwing a look at Clarence.
"Hey, kid, are you hungry? Wanna come with us?"
Clarence blinked, as if surprised by the invitation, but a small smile crept onto his lips.
"Sure."
The pub was cozy, filled with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. A low hum of conversation surrounded them as they settled at a table in the corner, their plates piled high with food. Schneizal, true to form, was halfway through his meal before anyone else had picked up a fork.
"So, kid," Schneizel said, speaking around a mouthful of food.
"What were those guys doing out on the sea? The ocean's beautiful and all, but it seems like all you can do there is swim."
Clarence shook his head, swallowing a bite of bread.
"The military hasn't said anything about their mission, so I have no clue. There are rumors, though…" He hesitated before adding,
"Some people say they were fighting the Gods of the Sea."
Schneizal barked out a laugh.
"The what? Fighting gods? That's got to be fake."
"Obviously," Clarence agreed with a faint smile.
Schneizal chuckled, but across the table, Youth was silent. He stared down at his untouched plate, his expression unreadable. The conversation faded as his mind drifted elsewhere—back to his meeting with Cristianos earlier that day.
Cristianos's voice echoed in his memory:
"You're in pain. I want to help you. All you have to do is just give me the gem."
Youth's hand clenched into a fist beneath the table. His crimson eye flickered faintly under his eyepatch before he pushed the memory aside, forcing himself back to the present.
In Cristianos's office, the Marine Commandos stood at attention. The air was heavy with unspoken tension as Cristianos paced before them.
Lefteris broke the silence first, grinning.
"I heard a group of knights from the United Sanctuary saved villagers last night. Fought Zorga, got beat up in the process." He let out a low laugh.
"If only we were there,"
Cypria added, shaking her head. Her pink hair glimmered faintly in the lamplight.
"We'd have finished that creep in seconds without harming the locals or their homes."
Cristianos's voice was firm but even.
"They still saved the people. There's no denying that."
Thavas shifted slightly, his gaze steady.
"Who are these knights?"
Cristianos's answer was brief.
"They're from Keter Sanctuary's surface."
Thavas nodded once, his expression unreadable.
"Keter Sanctuary? Surface? Like the commoners."
Cristianos stopped pacing, fixing his gaze on the commander.
"That is correct. It seems they made their way here in Stoicheia. Anyways you found the tomb, correct?"
"Yes sir" Thavas replied.
"It's buried within a hidden temple far to the north. Multiple creatures guarded it, but we managed to eliminate them."
Milos clapped his hands together, his voice unnaturally cheerful.
"I blasted them left and right! Bam, bam, bam!"
Lefteris smirked. "And I took down a massive Grade 3 golem. You should've seen it."
Galleass, ever the pragmatist, spoke quietly.
"Still, we lost countless marines in the process."
Cypria tilted her chin up.
"But in the end, we stand victorious. That's what matters."
Cristianos nodded solemnly. "That's good to hear. Still… I have a special mission for all of you."
Thavas and Galleass exchanged glances, their surprise evident.
"What is it?" Galleass asked.
Meanwhile, Schneizal stretched as he stepped out of the pub, a satisfied sigh escaping him. "Now that was a good meal."
Before the group could wander far, they were stopped by two familiar faces: Algos and Gondikas. Algos stood with arms crossed, his piercing gaze scanning them, while Gondikas looked far more relaxed, his massive frame blocking half the street.
"Oh, what's up, guys?" Schneizal greeted with a lazy grin.
"Here to eat?"
"I wish," Gondikas said, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Algos raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just finish lunch?"
Gondikas placed a hand on his stomach, looking earnest. "I need to bulk more."
Algos sighed.
"The Supreme General summons all of you."
Vriede's ears twitched. "Oh? What for?"
Algos didn't answer, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Follow us."
The group exchanged wary glances before falling into step behind the two men, the weight of the summons settling over them like an invisible hand.
Cristianos awaited them, standing behind his massive desk as they entered the room. His expression was serious, his sharp gaze assessing each of them before he spoke.
"I have something important to discuss with you."