-Ikazuchi Mansion, Springleaf Island-
As the sun starts to set, a faint glow shines through the windows. Magic lamps all around the room activated automatically, their bright light illuminating the darkness. With Majiki currently absent, Sylvana and Ren began their conversation.
Ren: My master, Noir Homura, was the reason you came to Aspheria right? Tell me all about it.
Sylvana's eyes lit up in excitement. She leans over the table and grabs both of Ren's hands.
Sylvana: Really!? You wanna hear all about it!?
Ren gently removes her hands from Sylvana's grasps as she smiles.
Ren: Yes of course. Moving forward, it would be better for me to know what your goals are. I will do what I can to aid you. I am your commander after all.
Sylvana backed away and sat back down.
Sylvana: Hehe, sorry Renny. I got a little excited there. Well my goal is simple. I hope to one day be strong enough to challenge Noir Homura to be the best swordsman.
Ren: The best swordsman? Well I don't deny that he is up there yes but who told you that he's the best swordsman?
Sylvana: My uncle Ragnar did, he said that Noir Homura gained the title of The Vanquisher during the Arcana War. He also said that he's the best swordsman of today. At least that's what I remember him saying. Was he wrong?
Ren places her fingers on her chin and goes into deep thought.
Ren: Well he's not exactly wrong. Noir is an Arcana Class so only those of that rank would be able to match him in terms of skill, strength and experience. There was someone who was known as the best during the Arcana War. He was known as Sword. More specifically Sword of the Silver Snow. Unfortunately, he died near the end of the war. I'm unsure of the details but he was the leader of the group that serves as Hakumai's foundation called Kizuna. Zephyr, some commanders and members were from it.
Sylvana: Sword? As in like a weapon?
Ren: Yes, that's what they called him. His real name is unknown. With him gone, the best swordsman of today would be a tie between Noir and Angelica Bloodworth.
Sylvana: Ange- Who's that?
Ren: She's a swordsman who had equal skills to Noir, often clashing with him during the Arcana War. After the war ended, she disappeared and hasn't been seen since. She's also the sister of one of the Grand Knights of the Grand Order, Dame Anastasia Bloodworth.
Sylvana: So this Angelica person is just as strong as Noir, wow! I hope I do get a chance to fight her!
Ren: You should be more cautious, she's a divine astral. She's the reincarnation of the divine giant, Surtr. On top of having extraordinary sword skills, her flame magic that she has perfected to mastery makes her truly a dangerous opponent. As you are now, you won't stand even a chance. Frankly, I don't stand a chance against her even if I went all out. That's just how strong she is.
Sylvana: That just makes me more fired up to face her! Well eventually after I train enough and get more experience. Besides, she's a fellow divine astral just like I am so if she can get that strong, so can I.
Ren stared at Sylvana in shock.
Ren: You're a divine astral-?
Sylvana: Yes! Did I not mention that? Well I just found out about it myself back at the adventurer's guild.
Ren: This is surprising to say the least.. Divine astrals are quite rare. Do you know what kind of divine astral you reincarnated as?
Sylvana: Hmm I think the guild person said something about a wolf?
Ren: A divine wolf, I see. We'll figure out about your astral abilities eventually. I will be training tomorrow if you'd like to join me. Perhaps you can learn more if you're interested.
Sylvana: Of course! I'll look forward to it, Renny!
Ren: That aside, what made you want to be as strong as Noir?
Sylvana: When I was younger, Uncle Ragnar would tell me how my dad acknowledged this amazing swordsman during the Arcana War. Mommy knew him as well. Hearing a lot about him for all those years made me want to be like him, someone who's strong and acknowledged by others.
Ren: I see, so you made him your goal since then. You said your parents knew him, were they by any chance in the Arcana War?
Sylvana: I don't think my Mommy fought in the war but my dad did, at least that's what she told me. Mommy said he would be back once he became the best swordsman but he never did come home.
Ren: Do you know your dad's name?
Sylvana: Nope, no one ever mentioned it.
Ren: Is that so? (I'm getting a feeling that her father was someone with ties to Kizuna but I can't be sure.)
Right then, the doors on the very left side of the room opened. Majiki came through it with a tray in her hands.
Majiki: Apologies, I hope I didn't take too long.
Ren: Not at all, welcome back.
Sylvana: Makiki you're back!
Majiki walks towards them. She came to a stop and placed the tray on the table before taking a seat on the floor next to them. She began pouring some tea which was on the tray. After handing both of them a cup, she presents Sylvana with a box.
Ren: There it is.
Sylvana: Hmm? What's this?
Majiki: Open it and have a look inside.
Sylvana opens the cover of the box which reveals a folded black clothing inside. She takes it out of the box and displays it for Ren and Majiki to see as well.
Sylvan: Woah!! Is this Hakumai's uniform? It's very well made!
Majiki: Yes it is. When both you and Argo entered Oryza HQ, the door's sensors were able to scan both of you. That allowed Jeanne to give us details on your uniform sizes.
Sylvana held a black uniform top in her hands. It was made out of a rather thin material and had buttons that were gold. On the uniform top's back, there was a logo embroidered in gold as well. Sylvana takes out more parts of the uniform from the box.
Sylvana: Long black pants and boots?
Ren: Yes that's right.
Sylvana: Aww, I don't really like wearing long pants..
Majiki: That's fine, you can wear any kind of bottoms that you prefer.
Sylvana: Really? But isn't it a uniform?
Ren: Yes it is, as long as you wear a part of the uniform that shows you're with Hakumai. For normal members, as long as you wear the uniform top, it will be fine. For vice commanders and commanders, we're only required to wear this long black coat. I personally choose to wear the whole uniform along with the coat, that and my hat.
Majiki: Both the uniforms and the coat have resistance to magic and physical attack to a certain degree. They also have a magic spell sealed into it to track a member's location as well as allow members to pass through the barrier that surrounds our islands.
Sylvana: Really? Hold on, if that's the case then how did me and Argo pass through when we got here?
Majiki: You were on our ship, it allows us to pass through the barrier.
Sylvana: Ohh that makes sense.
Ren takes off her hat, taking a sip of her tea as well.
Ren: Well then Sylvana, I have a feast prepared for us down by the Sakura District. It's also where your quarters will be. After this we'll be heading there, I'm sure the other members are eager to meet a new face.
Sylvana: You had me at the word feast hehe..
-Twilight Castle, Winterfrost Island-
On the east side of the castle, a circular shaped room was located. The room had multiple bookshelves covering the walls, all made out of the same ice that the castle is. At the end of the room, 4 rounded top windows were positioned. In between them, a woman with long white hair sat on a chair that almost seemed like a throne. She was reading a book atop her table. Aside from the book, everything in that room was made out of the same ice. A knock came from the door which paused her reading.
??: Enter.
Filio came through the door along with Jade and a woman with blonde hair which faded into a light pink near the end.
Filio: Commander Morgana, you're back. I thought you were out on a mission?
Morgana stared at Filio and the other two. Her bright green eyes gave off a cold look.
Morgana: I returned earlier than expected. There was nothing noteworthy about my mission. That aside, what brings all of you here?
Jade: We have a new member joining our division.
The blonde haired woman next to Jade spoke up as well.
??: We do? So that's what you wanted to report to Morgana.
Filio: Yes, his name's Argo. I made the decision to take him in.
??: Your gut feeling at it again?
Filio: Haha you know me, it's always been right. But there's something about him, something more than just my gut feeling. I'm not sure what it is yet but I'm sure he'll be a great addition to our division.
??: If you say so Filio.
Morgana: And what about you Sigrun, what have you come to report on?
Sigrun: Jeanne sent a notice to our division to stand-by for deployment. Apparently, magical beast activity has been spiking all over Aspheria. Various regions such as Mythia Forest and Dragonea are highly capable of driving them off but not every region is able to do the same. The 1st division has been sent to Steinstadt, I suspect that the 3rd division will be deployed next.
Filio: And then it'll be our turn next huh.. Well I'll be sure to inform Argo, it should prove to be a good experience for his first mission.
Jade nodded along. Morgana stood up from her chair and turned to look out the window, gazing at the white snow surrounding the castle.
Morgana: I see. Report noted. If there's nothing else, you may leave.
Sigrun: Morgana-?
Filio: Commander Morgana, don't you want to meet Argo at least?
Morgana: There will be no need for that, he's in your hands.
The three of them looked at each other in confusion before Filio replied.
Filio: As you wish commander Morgana. Let's go Jade, Sigrun.
They left the room and walked down the hallways of the castle.
Sigrun: What was that about?
Filio: No idea..
Jade: Hmm..
Sigrun: Morgana has been a little strange these days. Back then she'd be asking me to survey certain areas with her but now she's always off somewhere alone. She seems very-
Filio: Distant?
Jade: Mhm.
Sigrun: Yeah, very distant. And have the two of you noticed?
Filio: Noticed what?
Jade: Her eyes.
Sigrun: That's right Jade, her eyes. I've been with her for a long time so I know best, her eyes used to be blue didn't it? Now it's green.
Filio: Maybe she's experimenting with a new spell, magic eyes are a thing you know. Also, she's not called the Witch of Unraveling for nothing. Her knowledge in spells and magic as a whole is beyond what most people can grasp.
Sigrun: Well have you seen her using her manifestations lately? I know I haven't.
Filio: (I can't exactly tell her about the Tetra City stolen files, we still don't have any concrete evidence. Besides, not trusting your own commander can lead to several issues..)
Filio looks at Jade who nods at him with a blank expression.
Jade: Filio, come. Argo is waiting for you.
Filio: Ahh yeah, let's go and welcome him. (Nice timing Jade!)
Both Filio and Jade continued walking down the hallway with Sigrun following after them.
Sigrun: Hey wait up!
As they went further down the hallway, it opened up to a central hall where they saw two people walking towards their direction. One of them waved as he approached them with a warm smile.
Volt: Yooooo big bro Filio! We were looking for you!
Filio: Volt, you're back! Where's Rosary?
Volt: She ran off ahead of us, probably taking a shower or something.
Filio: That's no surprise, we've been out the entire day.
Volt: What about you big bro? You're with big sis Sigrun too?
Sigrun: Heya Volt, it's a surprise seeing you here and not in the training room.
Volt: It's lil bro Argo's first day here so I'm holding off on the evening training.
Volt places his hands around Argo's shoulder.
Sigrun: Argo, nice name you've got there. I'm Sigrun, pleased to meet you.
Argo: Thank you, pleased to meet you as well Sigrun.
Jade waves at Argo with her same blank expression.
Argo: It's nice to see you again Jade. Ohh you're wearing the orange armband?
Jade: Mhm, I forgot to wear it earlier.
Filio: Haha she always forgets unless someone reminds her. Well she's not much of a talker but she's our treasured technical advisor as well as my dear little sister.
Argo: She's your sister?
Filio: Hmm? Did I not mention that? My bad haha..
Jade stood there and just gave Argo a thumbs up. Although her expression was blank, it gave off a feel of pride.
Jade: Mhm.
Sigrun: As you can see the other members of our division are a little bit strange, I hope that hasn't weirded you out or anything. If you ever need anything, you can ask me anytime. I'm the division's vanguard. I lead the way in the event we have any combat missions but these days I've been helping to expand Winterfrost Island. There are some areas we wish to use but a large pack of bears have made it their home. With the weather here, it gets hard to fight them unprepared so I've been leaving my job as a vanguard to Volt here.
Volt: That's right. Although big sis Sigrun does a way better job than me. As good as I am in close combat, my defences are not that good. Big sis on the other hand excels in both defence and offence.
Argo: That's amazing, I take it that you're at least Guardian Class?
Sigrun: You've got that right. I'm a World Class.
Argo: (The air around her really gives off a vibe of someone who's seen tons of battle. And just looking at her, I don't see any openings even if she's not in a combat stance.)
Sigrun: Well that's enough about me, Filio, aren't you going to answer Volt's question from earlier?
Filio: Ahh right yes, my bad. We just came from Commander Morgana's chamber.
Volt: She's back already? What did she say?
Filio: Well-
Sigrun: She only listened to our reports and asked us to leave after hearing it.
Volt: That's strange, did you tell her about lil bro Argo at least?
Filio: I did, but she doesn't seem too interested.
Volt: Was it her in the chamber or one of her manifestations?
Argo: Manifestations? Is that from her unique ice magic?
Volt: Yeah, Commander Morgana usually uses manifestations, which are a superior version of normal elemental clones. Manifestations are capable of using the original's magic and even speech.
Argo: How do you tell them apart?
Volt: Good question lil bro..
Sigrun: It's quite hard to do so. I've known her for a long time and sometimes I'm unable to tell. However, I'm sure that the Morgana we talked to earlier wasn't a manifestation.
Filio: Whatever the case, she has left you in my hands. You can always meet her some other time in either a mission or if she calls for you.
Sigrun's communications device from her uniform's pocket beeped.
Sigrun: I'd hate to ruin the welcoming party Argo but I have somewhere I need to be. I'll see you soon. Yes, this is Sigrun go ahead-
Sigrun answered her communications device and walked down the opposite side of the hall where another hallway was.
Filio: Alright you guys, let's head to my game room, I've even prepared some food and beverages to welcome argo!
Volt: Heck yeah big bro, now we're talking! I call dibs on playing Magical Beast Hunter World!
Filio: Haha, be my guest. Also Argo, I hope you love bear burgers, we've had a lot of meat to go around lately thanks to Sigrun.
Argo: I've never had bear, how do they taste like-
Jade: Terrible.
Argo: Ohh-
Volt: They're really gamey but what matters is they give a heck ton of protein! Just my kind of food.
Filio: Don't worry Jade, I have fish burgers too.
Jade: Good.
Filio: Alright then let's get going!
Filio leads them to a spiral staircase at the side of the hall that leads several floors down. Jade followed him along with Volt. Argo being the last one to do so walked a little slower than the rest. His expression changed to a cold resting face. Volt noticed Argo's pacing and slowed down to walk beside him.
Volt: You alright lil bro?
Argo's face quickly shifted into a forced smile.
Argo: Yeah I'm alright.
Volt: Look lil bro, you can drop the act.
Argo: Hmm? What are you talking about Volt?
Volt: That fake smile of yours, I know that look all too often, believe me. If something's bothering you, you can always tell me lil bro.
Argo: (This is the first anyone's ever asked me directly. Usually even if they notice it, they would just ignore it. Should I tell him?)
Volt: Well of course I can't exactly tell you to do that since we just met and all but I do mean it when I say that you can tell me. Here, how about I tell you about myself as we walk?
Argo: Sure, if you'd like to.
Volt: You've seen how Rosary is all cheerful all the time?
Argo: Yeah, she's always smiling and full of joy.
Volt: That didn't used to be the case. You see both me and her grew up in an orphanage on the outskirts of Ingenium. It's a small orphanage that takes in children who lost their family and homes during or after the Arcana War. Life can be tough when you don't have a family.
Argo: (So both him and Rosary are orphans just like me-)
Volt: Rosary was loved by everyone in the orphanage, her smile brought happiness to those that had lost it. I was one of them. I wanted to be stronger so that I could someday be strong enough to make sure no more children need to become orphans. One night, I sneaked out into the woods near Canary Valley to train. I heard a faint sound of someone whispering in the distance. When I got near it, I saw Rosary talking to herself. She had the very same look that you were trying to hide earlier. There was not a spark of hope in her eyes, as if the very world she lived in didn't matter.
Argo: What happened after that?
Volt: I made a vow with her. So long as I live, she doesn't have to bear the pain of loneliness. Despite us not being blood related, we were still family. She decided to place some trust in me and from there we both relied on each other. We eventually joined Hakumai in order to repay back what the orphanage had done to raise us.
Argo: I-
Volt: It's fine lil bro, i'm not asking you to open up to me right away. Just give it some thought alright? I'm here for you anytime. Now come on lil bro, those burgers aren't gonna eat themselves!
Argo: Right, thanks a lot Volt.
Volt: Don't mention it heh.
Argo: (Not blood related but are basically family huh? How long has it been since I've had anyone to call family? My goal was to find out about The Awakening and why my family had to be killed. No, that was just an excuse for me to have something to aim for. What I was really yearning for was to have people I could call a family again-)
Argo's lips moved to form a smirk. For the first time in ages, he wasn't trying to force a fake expression.
-Steinstadt, City of Dwarves-
A large city with very detailed architecture sits next to several mountains, with forests surrounding the large stone walls that cover the perimeter of the city. On top of the stone walls, multiple dwarves were manning magical crossbows twice their size.
Berg: Open fire! Don't let a single of those accursed demons pass through the gates!
A dwarf who was wearing a helmet with longer horns than the rest gave the command to shoot. Multiple magic arrows were fired from the crossbows, several managing to pierce the demons approaching the city's walls.
Berg: 2nd battalion, fire!
Another round of arrows were fired. This time, some of the demons held up a magic barrier that blocked nearly all of the arrows.
Erde: Captain, it didn't work! Their barrier stopped our attack!
Berg: I can see that you fool! Try again! (At this rate, we won't hold out for another 10 minutes, let alone an hour.)
Erde and the other dwarves reloaded the crossbow with more arrows and charged them with magical energy. Right as they're about to fire, a large demon with wings came flying towards them. Its claws filled with dark mana as it got ready to strike.
Erde: Incoming!
Berg: (Is this it for us?)
The demon went in for a strike, its claws aiming to slice apart the dwarves and the crossbow in one attack. Just before it could land a hit or even reach the wall itself, a wave of lava emerged from the sky, burning the demon as it came into contact with it. In an instant, the demon was turned to ashes.
Yanling: Looks like we've arrived just in time.
A shadow was cast upon the dwarves from above, a woman can be seen hovering in the air. She was holding a smoking pipe in her hands. Behind her in the distance, a large dark grey assault cruiser was approaching.
Erde: It's Hakumai! Hakumai has come to our aid!
Cheers of all the dwarves echo across the top of the stone wall.
Berg: I guess it's not my time to die yet..
Hwan-sang: Certainly not. Rest assured, we'll make sure everyone atop this wall, no, everyone in the city lives.
A brown haired man in a white haori was seen sitting on a chair next to Berg. He adjusts his glasses as he lays out a knight piece on a digital chess board in front of him. Berg and all of the dwarves close to him took a step back in surprise.
Berg: (When did he get here- I didn't even feel his presence until he spoke-)
Hwan-sang: No need to be on guard my dear friends, I'm an ally. It seems that Yanling is already making her move. There's no stopping her now. I apologise in advance for the geological damage she'll cause.
Yanling: In the name of Liu Yanling, I will not allow any more of these lower lifeforms to pass.
Yanling descends from the air and lands on the edge of the stone wall. Several demons flew away as they sensed her aura. Hwan-sang moves the bishop piece on the chess board.
Hwan-sang: Running from Yanling? Big mistake. Then again they're only threat level B.
Yanling: Mana expansion.
Yanling expands her mana into the air and a single large magic circle appears next to her. She takes a puff from her pipe and activates her spell.
Yanling: Burn them all to ashes.
A head of a dragon appeared from the magic circle, its long neck stretching out as it emerged. It was made entirely out of lava. It opened its mouth as it began charging up a ball of lava.
Yanling: Dragonic Magma.
The dragon shoots out a breath of lava at the demons that were running away. All of them melted without getting a chance to even grasp what had hit them. Yanling takes another puff from her pipe and exhales out the smoke. She watches as the lava that hit the demons drops down to burn the trees of the forest below.
Yanling: Hmph, these weaklings won't even make up much of a challenge.
The other demons retreated from the sheer sight of their comrades getting turned to ash. That along with Yanling's aura made them cower in fear. As they retreated, a roar came from further into the forest.
Hwan-sang: They showed themselves at last.
Berg: Those are-
Erde: Arghhh we're gonna die!
Erde and the other dwarves ran and went down the walls.
Berg: You fools!
Hwan-sang: I don't blame them. You can feel the aura from a distance too can't you? They seem to be threat level A.
Berg grew nervous as he wiped the sweat from his head. 4 demons with human-like form came flying at fast speeds towards them. They wore magisteel armour and had magical weapons.
Yanling: Ohh? It looks like we have some lower lifeforms who don't know their place. Dragonic Magma!
A breath was shot at the 4 demons but they easily evaded it.
Yanling: Nimble little pests-
One of the demons split up and went in the east direction of the walls. The other 3 continued to push forward.
Yanling: Park Hwan-sang!
Hwan-sang: I've got it.
Hwan-sang vanished from the spot he was sitting at, along with the chair and the digital chessboard.
Berg: He vanished-?
Yanling: Not to worry, he's after the one that broke off which leaves me with these 3. Hmm? It looks like I won't have to face them alone.
Behind Yanling, an AT-CV hovered and several 1st division members stepped out of it. A tall woman who had long dark purple hair emerged amongst them. She wore a commander's coat on her shoulders. Her hair tied up into a ponytail brushed against her coat as the wind blew it. Beneath her coat, she wore a black outfit that resembled those of a shrine maiden. Atop her head, two fox-like ears could be seen twitching.
Yanling: What kept you, vice commander Durandal?
Durandal yawned as she rubbed her eyes which were bright hot pink in colour.
Durandal: Let's get this over with, I wanna get back to drawing art.