Time never seems to change as the sky seems to stay the same. The ashen clouds cracks with the hammering lightning, the glorious sun swallowed by the sooty clouds, and raging winds blow with nature's whim. Droplets fall and soon enough, drizzle and then rain before the final downpour. Watching from the high ground and inside the HQ branch, I was standing on the huge make-shift towers where all is clear to see. A group of people soon approach me when one of them proclaims:
"Lord Galitea, with you here, I doubt those chicks stand a chance. Isn't that right?"
"Yeah! No one stands a chance against a Templar!"
"With a Templar, no one can beat us!"
The group of strategists proclaims with guards by their side while the other officers are on standby in their camp. I shake my head replying:
"Well, no matter who-"
Stopping my words, I felt my battle instinct tingle. From the distance, an army gathers beneath the storm and their banners hoist high, the harsh gale forces their flags to whip. With my heightened sight, I could see their spears and shield raise to their chin, marching with a burning passion among the freezing shower and cold weather. The unbelievable view I see before me, where the green field is slowly being paint purple as lines upon lines of soldiers march towards us like an endless horde of steel while the skies are roamed by countless aerial units like a swarm of blades. I gesture the strategist shouting:
"Enemy incoming!"
With my shout, they ran back to a safe place while the other soldiers who heard me, fire off the magic waves and lit the towers as the bells soon tolls.
(The Confederation is mad! How many soldiers is that? And they are sending those waves through the entire mountain range, right? From where I travel, a country who sends out an army as big as our crusade would usually be their entire army or country's population marching to war. Yet here in just a conflict between sectors, they are throwing lives that could easily create a country like it's nothing! Even the Theocracy could only send hundred of thousands at best and that's if they are focusing on quantity rather than quality).
Our soldiers raise their banner as well and towers lites up one adter another across the mountain straight. With the loud toll of bells, our armies gather to meet them by fortifying our defensive lines. And the one to make the first move was us. Manifesting Gods' fury, hundreds of stars fell from the skies. Plunging its rage and burning fury to our incoming foes. But even when death stare into their eyes, they continue marching with discipline.
Before any of the Gods' will could hit them, another miracle occurs. In defiance of their fate, a huge magic barrier blooms above the mass of purple steel. Capturing all of Gods' wrath and send it back to their maker. The incoming projectiles flew to the unsuspecting casters, destroying the rear bases where the artillery equipment is held and some even got sent to the front bases and outpost, leaving a huge gap in the defence line.
(Magic that huge and massive... There must be a Lord Archmage in their ranks, and a spell that grand must mean they have more than at least 3 at that wave... The only Lord Archmage here is Takaki and he's position on the main bases. This doesn't look good).
As I continue to watch, they send out the archers and release volley after volley but the incoming phoenixes don't even budge at the sight and merely raise their shields and block all incoming projectile or our arrows would just fly back from the harsh winds and miss the targets. Soon, we sent out our aerial units to bomb them from the skies with magic or non-magic bombardment. Just as they arrive and bring hope to the weakened defence lines, they try to vie for the skies from the phoenixes and were all quickly shot down by the foe's aerial units that arrive with rifles and the device that lets them fly higher than our Air units in this storm. Now stuck in a bad situation where the only units that can attack them are elites and veterans archers or high mages which are few and defence towers if they could even hit them or shoot fast enough.
(I may not be a tactician but I'm pretty sure the moment the enemies have the sky superiority, wouldn't that mean our ground forces are doomed? Then again this is the Phoenix Sector with a bird as their symbol so them having superior air units is reasonable and pretty much expected).
Our foot soldiers coloured in green and grey were sent out to intercept them while we reinforce the gaps. In a few seconds, they finally clash in battle. The hordes of grey and green soon smash with the purple swarm as I could see bodies being fling to the skies like stones to a wind cutter. If the fact that the enemy aerial units didn't soften our units up already. Our soldiers, for the lack of better terms, is being slaughtered while the Phoenix marches on like grass to a lawn mower even on the now muddied lands.
Our soldiers are being torn to shreds with their sword-spears while we can't even give them a tiny budge as if they're trying to push a mountain. Seeing our forces being devastated while the phoenix easily gaining ground, taking our new bases and even sending back their volley of colourful lights from their hidden range units which devastated our forward bases and armies even more.
(Ah right... Our armies are from the rat sector. Sieges are fine since they're great at urban, dark and tight spaces, tunnels like the walls and mountains... Fighting in the open field is definitely not their forte even when they're not rat-kin since their doctrine is different).
Maybe it was because the huge fancy shields that hide their bodies, or maybe the invisible archers hiding behind their main army that I haven't realize where they are till now, but one thing's for sure...
"They're not the same soldiers who are fighting the retreating battle from before."
As the front line crumbles, the ground beneath the phoenix cracks. Causing some to lose their footing and easing the Rat-kin soldiers. As the rain and mud swept them down, from the midst of this chaos, beasts emerge from beneath while being mounted by knights in full amour. That's the rat-kin melee cavalry, thinking that the tides would change as our calvary smash to the enemy rears. It did change for the worse when stars fall from above the clouds and smash through our calvary, making a chaotic flank by flank battle. The Phoenix's calvary has arrived as well from the skies and they're slaughtering the rat-kin calvary from the rear and forcing them to retreat underground while the foot soldiers are all in chaos when the aerial units start targeting the commanders of our units.
Watching from the forward bases on the body of the mountains near the second base, seeing the tacticians in panic and disarray, I grip my blade and leave saying:
"I'm heading out first."
"Ooooh!"
"The Templar, finally!"
I decided to stop watching and leave as I now painfully know the result our front line battles would become. Even I can't help but be tempted by hate when even with all the effort we put and forces we have to strengthen this base is all for nought... But this is not the end yet.
Following Todoroki's plan to meet up in the first base. Hoping that he might have a plan to turn this around or maybe the other Great Generals could show their brilliance once more. I ascend the mountains and found Takaki who I sent to find soldiers to go is already waiting for me on the mountain canyons.
"Hitomi, this is as much I can gather. Let's go meet everyone at the first base."
Takaki proclaims as he stand with a few soldiers. I nod replying:
"Yeah, let's go!"
We quickly move out when the ashen sky finally disperse and the light shines our way. Thinking that hope has arrived to ease the burden of our soldiers in the front lines, our expectation was immediately crushed when something huge cast a shadow over us. Descending from the heavens are mighty floating steel ships numbering over 10 whose immense size cast an even more grim shadow upon the mountainous straight. Their body is filled with cannons, turbines and burning engines that make it look like a phoenix of molten steel. And just as it appears, it quickly fires off to the ground with magic and non-magic rounds colouring the entire sky red.
The light blinds me while the entire mountain we stand shakes and the canyon walls beside us cracks. The ear-piercing sound of the explosion rings ever so true past my heightened senses. When the ringing died down, I tried to hold the canyon walls shouting:
"Is everyone okay?"
Gaining my balance, I look back to see one of the red shells dropping to where the branch HQ I was residing.
*boom*
The entire world seems to quake, like a grasshopper in a cage, everything just seems hectic. Great raging winds blow away the rain as the intense heat feels like it could melt even normal steel when I could even hear the screams of soldiers behind me. The canyon walls beside us seem to split and what greeted me as the light dims down was the crumbling canyons, luckily Takaki has cast protection magic on the soldiers beforehand so that they are safe from that huge catastrophy. But, we're not safe yet, boulders soon falls down at us, seeing the situation worsen, I grab the closest soldiers and dash ahead to a safe place while the canyons collapse beside us. Takaki seeing what I did use levitation magic to carry the others while he chases after me and buy time by pushing the stones away. Feeling relieve to have someone like him as my companion and partner, I was able to move without worry when the heat finally dies down.
(If the ships are that big when they descend from the clouds, how big are they in person? And them firing the shells to the HQ branch is no coincidence is it?)
Dropping the soldiers and senior officers, I raise my sheathed sword to cast,
"[Iero Edafos!]"
Even though their body is fine, armour have been ruined, their minor wounds start to heal and they finally regain their senses. Only to break and fall to their knees or back, praying and begging for forgiveness to their Gods. Especially when the Rat-Sector doesn't have the technology to build such huge ships, I could only imagine how mind-shattering cruel is such the reality before their eyes. Even I who have seen those flying ships from home never seen those ships turn into such huge war machines and is caught in a trance as well.
"Hitomi, snap out of it!"
That's until Takaki wakes me up from my daze and quickly cast,
"[Gennaia kardia!]"
With a single shout, the soldiers that follow us are embrace in golden light and they stop shaking but still on their wits and end. Realizing that we still need to move, we help the soldiers up saying:
"Hey, follow me, we're going to win and live."
"Don't give up now, you have Templars on your side. Let's go help the others!"
The young soldiers look at us still with fear and slowly gets up and nod along with a dead look in their eyes. Since entering the canyons inside the mountains, I have lost sight of the battles going on on the open field below and can only wonder what the soldiers in the front lines are thinking when the ones up here are already like this. Shaking the doubt left in my body, I pull my sword of purification shouting:
"All troops! Follow me!"
" "Yes, we obey...!" "
Their shouts are weak but that is all we need and the best we can do as foreign heroes. Like the tip of the spear, we thrust deep into the mountains trying to get inside the base closest to us. Minding my speed so that the soldiers behind me could follow while Takaki enchants them, we soon encounter our first obstacle, the canyon forts and pass. But, as we get close, the new Phoenix soldiers have already captured it with their flags raise high and setting out to form a spiked shield wall blocking our way. Equipped with armour typical of very heavy infantry, each soldier is a sight to behold for their equipment are more superior than the ones from before...
(But that is no problem to me).
Pouring magic to my blade, I swing horizontally. A magic blast burst forth cutting not only the tall canyons walls beside us but also the very heavy phoenix soldiers in shield wall formation ahead of us in two as my magic blow continues to fly back and cutting any soldiers that's on its way before cutting parts of the canyons pass. The soldiers behind us who see the foes before me vanquished with a single blow finally have light return to their eyes. Their spirits return to their body as they finally raise their spears and run to follow me. When countless colourful light pours down from the walls, Takaki cast a huge barrier to block it before he cast his own spell and send back countless more light spheres back to the enemy, destroying even more of the canyon pass and forts.
That's when a high ranking officer appear riding a ground mount, wearing a more fancy and mystical looking armour than the rest, with feathers and sticks on his helm, he sets out to fight me with a small detachment of cavalry. Even though I may be on foot, my speed is still comparable to any mounted units and so is Takaki. Takaki flies forth and nod at me, agreeing on a plan without even speaking, I nod back and speed up to confront the enemy's commander. As we get close and distancing our selves from our soldiers, their commander lift his spear to pierce me but using this acceleration, I jump and gather my momentum before I strike. With 6 strikes hidden as one slash, I land on the centre of the enemy's detachment as their commander fall to the ground cut in pieces. The detachment he brings soon panics and try to take vengeance but Takaki swoops down and crush all the remaining units following him with golden pillars. That's when I raise my sword and thought to my self,
(I may not be able to win this war myself no matter how strong I am. But I am a Templar, the one who receives a title of warriors worthy to stand alongside the Hero of Freedom himself in the past. No one shall stand in my way for my blade shall inspire the people behind me to a greater height for that is who I am! A Templar! The Goddess' chosen! The Steel and Faith of her will!)
"All foes who stand in my way shall be vanquished under the light of her purification! All soldiers, to me! Charge!"
"YES WE OBEY!!!"
*************************************
With one strike, obstacles that block our path is demolished. With a single swing, a group of soldiers and commanders that they thought as invincible are felled. The death from the skies that were out of reach was quickly hammered by pillars of light that disintegrate our enemies to dust. And our soldiers who followed behind us grows bigger and bigger as many more join to our fold and rush to the second base.
Safe to say, as of now, we were unstoppable. Me and Takaki who didn't get to show much of their skills during the first sieges are now folding their new cards to the table. Even the soldiers who didn't make a budge to the Phoenix Soldiers were now breaking through them thanks to Takaki's massive enchantment boost along with the help of a cavalry unit they just saved. And since this is now a mountainous and tunnelled terrain the rat-kin soldiers are finally given time to shine as they ambush and trap the Phoenix soldiers that enter their preying ground and even dragging some of them down to the ground and killing them while they're pinned or just straight-up crush them between the tights ridge and canyons or push the walls while they are crossing the mountain edge.
"That's it! Continue onward, we will be the one to defeat them and show them that we're not someone to be trifled with!"
"Yes, Ma'am! We obey!"
With a single war cry, we broke through their last line of defence and enter the second base with our enemy's limbs and body flying everywhere. Like getting a strike in a bowling ball, our enemies burst open their formation with our might. Seeing the destruction they have caused by the bombardment, even the 4 layered walls and moat seems to prove ineffective against them. Mayhem ensures the 2nd base as soldiers are now locked in melee with the phoenix soldiers gaining the upper hand. Led by a captain in the middle, we could see one of our Great Generals, Xanxia. Her Honour Guards are now fighting a Phoenix Elite soldiers led by a Hero of their own. Their equipment is better than the soldiers around and their demeanour is different than the rest, like walking through a park they fight calmly like a river and strike like a waterfall. Forming a giant ring that prevents even the Generals from getting in while the Great General and their Hero duke it out.
Seeing this chance I hand the command to Takaki and charge. Killing all the foes in my way and freeing the burden of the low morale soldiers. As I got close, I could see the ongoing duel. Great General Xanxia was average in height as she wears a pristine brigandine armour while riding a larger version of the mighty calvary beast. She lifts her great glaive and swings it down at her foe with a strength that could usually cut a boulder of steel in two. But her opponent is no ordinary adversary, riding a winged monster as he parries her attacks with his spear, he cuts through Xanxia little by little as she is back to a corner and is now surrounding by his elite-looking soldiers as well. Seeing the dire situation, Takaki cast haste on me while I was still on my way there.
*boom*
"Aargh!"
"Urrgh!"
"Fall back!"
But to my surprise, something is happening inside the base. The Phoenix Soldiers are being thrown out like a group of rag dolls while their limbs and blood colour the moat. From the blocked up gate, the group of Phoenix Soldiers seemingly explode and tear apart as they to become paint for the man-made rivers below. From the dust cloud, a massive shadow appears accompanied by a group of soldiers behind him.
"Who are we?"
(That voice...)
With a single shout, the demoralized rat soldiers who saw him immediately pick their weapons and raise shouting:
"Proud Soldiers all!"
The Rat Sector soldiers gain their momentum back and are now fighting harder than ever. Avoiding a direct confrontation, they all use their vertical battle expertise and start climbing the mountain and cracks to avoid the phoenixes and start fighting in guerilla warfare.
Not wanting to be late, I dash at the Phoenix Hero and the man behind the dust comes as well. With a single swing, we broke through his elite units. With another slash, we kill those who threaten Great General Xanxia, but not stopping there, we both swing our weapon and force the phoenix Hero to block and push him away. When the dust subsides, I could finally see the person in the dust. It's Great General Liukang, the Sword Fist Sage.
"Hah! You're strong but I'm-"
*cleave*
With a single chop, the Phoenix Hero were split in twine with his steed, shocking even our soldiers. stealing the kill is another huge figure that appears from nowhere. His imposing nature and strength can be felt even just by looking at him, fighting with his glaive, he is Great General Yichensha, the Eternal Defender.
(Wait, Three Great Generals here at once? What happened to the front lines?)
But my thoughts are quickly averted for another problem. The Phoenixes that are still in the base. Dealing with one problem at a time, we all unite under one force and drive the phoenixes out as even the airborne units and air artillery are dealt by Takaki alone as he cast a massive barrier that sends the shells back and hammers down the flying soldiers...
(I know I said this a lot back then but Lord Archmages are OP!)
With our swift come back the second base is quickly secured and retaken. Gathering with the Great Generals, Both Yichensha and Liukang approach Xanxia.
"Xanxia, are you okay?"
"Xan-cie, you're not hurt are you?"
As they seem to discuss something Xanxia calms them down before she walks to me saying:
"Head to the first base, your friends are waiting for you."
"Huh?"
(Wait, did Todoroki told her?)
"I see, but what about-"
"Don't worry, we'll deal with the front lines."
She then points back at the other two with her thumb and continues saying:
"The reason they come here is because they already secured their front. Leave the soldiers here and you two head inside. The others are already waiting as well."
(Oh, the others went first?)
"Very well, thank you. I'll be leaving first."
"May the spirit bless you."
Xanxia says her goodbyes with a smile and gesture the other two to follow her before I could reply. Takaki who heard the conversation commands the troop to reinforce the base before we nod to each other and ascend to the first base.
As the great warships from the second and first base retreat while we ascend the stairs filled with corpses and cannon shells. The smell of blood stings to my very being. Yet, the golden limelight shines from the holes created by the warships. Like the pillars of light from home, I prepare my blade as I remember what Todoroki said...
(Don't trust any of the commanders for now).
"I guess I have to agree with you Takaki, what have we gotten ourselves into."
"Hmph, no taking it back now, Hitomi."
Without looking back, I can guess Takaki is smirking yet still determined.
"I won't and now, be prepared. I have a bad feeling about this."
To my sides, the view of the mountains and open field beyond where the army clash can be seen from up here as well while the rain falls here. When the clouds gather once again, hundreds of thin golden pillars shining the muddied lands and bloodied fields. The man-made canyons, craters, and chokepoints filled with soldiers from both sides killing each other and dying in droves. I can't help but wonder...
(War... Even in the other world, we are no different. If there's one thing I love of my old world is that at least we are living in an age of peace. After all, an unjust peace is better than the most just war. And as a Templar, a symbol of strength, I will end this conflict as soon as possible).
Seeing the broken down gate, I could see countless corpses from both sides spilling blood through the ground, dyeing the flowing waters ways red. Hoping for the best, I went in to see the entire base being battered and ruined, filled with holes and collapsing.
(Oh no! Am I too late?)
As we finally reach the gates, all was clear to see. Luckily the Phoenixes has been wiped out and the base secured.
(Maybe this is why the ship retreated? But for such a huge ship, they carry so little soldiers).
In the centre of all this chaos, one of my students guards the front gate while bodies and limbs scattered about. One of them is Juzou, weakened and on his knees. Worried I rush ahead when Juzou glares at me shouting:
"Sensei! It's a trap!"
"Huh?"
"Urgh!"
Seeing Takaki being blown away from behind me by someone. With a single cry, I ready my blade as someone swings their blade at me.
*clang*
Raising my sword I parry his attack only to found my self being push back and my feet lifts off the ground while a huge cut tear opens my helm as blood starts to slowly drip.
(Wha!? Someone who could push back a Templar!? But-)
Not even getting time to wonder who it was, a rat-kin shadow appears from behind the gates with a dagger coated in an unholy aura. With the previous assailant sending countless what those practitioners call qi blasts at me I was given two choices as to let the attack that could easily destroy my enchanted armour and probably tear me from limb to limb or take the risk and let the dagger pierce me. Choosing the former, a beast-kin I know jumps behind to protect me. Managing to block his dagger with her axes, the dagger instead pierces her axe and went through her stomach. She was none other than Misaki. With the look of pain, mistrust and confusion in her face, she takes my pain and in return, I take this given chance to block his countless attack and send my magic blast. Seeing him forced to block the huge bright light and throwing him back while destroying the base walls, I continue to send another swing at the assailant behind me and blowing him away down the stairs.
"Sensei... I'm glad you're safe, wahoo..."
As I hold Misaki in my arms, I could sense a terrible curse has been a place upon her wound and quickly try to heal her when...
*twink*
Twinkling stars shine from the ashen clouds and rain down like a blizzard. Realizing that Juzou is in range as well, I tried to help but it was too late. Seeing the end of our journey, the star trails of glitter peers open heaven when a giant sphere appear before our eyes and block the grand spell. Takaki appear in the nick of time and I can't help but smile shouting:
"A bit too late!"
"Better than dead!"
As we reunited, with Juzou coming closer while forcefully fixing his dislocated leg. With Takaki's enormous magic spells and skill, all the spell and attack thrown at us were rendered ineffective. The 4 of us circle into a triangle to protect our backs while I heal Misaki. In this tiny space of time, while asking:
"Juzou, what happened here? And where's everyone?"
"That's-"
*click*
*bwooooouum*
Without being able to answer back, some weird aura basks us when my body suddenly becomes heavy as the entire forcefield disappears with the entire light. The entire base turns into a blackout.
*crackle* *crackle*
*drip* *drip* *pour*
As if the Gods has abandoned us, the once shining ray among the storm disappear. Replaced with a huge storm with only the fading sky's vein being our source of light. Three figures appear from the darkness and heavy storm. When the thunder strikes, their face is finally revealed. And I can only ask:
"Why?"
Standing before me is three of my students. Kaga with a long wizard's staff and drenched in rain, Miyamoto with his long hair straighten out and his robe soaked, he grips his glaive with a huge tear on his chest yet his face shows no sign of pain. And most of all, standing between them is a rat-kin commander in bronze armour. With his mask open, he is none other than Todoroki. Takaki who also seem confused ready himself when he quickly says:
"My magic... It's gone."
"Huh?"
Realizing that the magic in my body is disappearing, my mind soon focuses on that while my body felt even weaker than before as my chest tightens. Juzou realizing the dire situation stands in between them as to protect us.
(Could it be... But how!? Isn't that technology disappear after the World Invasion?)
Todoroki who finally seem contempt to answer our question walks closer shaking his head replying:
"Sigh, why huh? For me, I guess it's because I have someone I have to repay. So, I guess this is personal. Don't know about the other two though."
Todoroki equips his face visor back on as he pulls his bronze sword out. I hand Misaki to Takaki saying:
"Takaki, help her, I'll handle them."
"Right... Sorry."
I ready my blade when Juzou looks at me surprised asking:
"Wait, they're going to use qi against you. Without magic-"
"Shut it, Juzou! I don't know what's happening or going on here but I understand one thing. They're here to kill us right?"
Juzou answers with a silent nod and I take a stance when Miyamoto and Todoroki step forward. With Miyamoto facing Juzou and me against Todoroki. With the heavy rain weights us down. Here stand strong foes of greatness, destined with unknown ambition and will. And in the opposite, warriors of knowledge and piety stand side by side against their once so-called friends. With the Gods as the judge, the start of the duel starts with a quick bolt. As the light blinds us, I jump ahead to deliver my strike by using my honed battle instincts to guide me. The light subsides and appearing before me surprisingly is Miyamoto swinging his glaive to my sides. Understanding why he sent someone who's probably stronger than him to me, I quickly block his attack but my feet dig in the rock below as his strike cracks the ground. Feeling a sprain on my ankle, I relocate it back forcefully as I kick Miyamoto with my feet which surprise him. My attack lands as I feel his ribs cracks and watching as his eyes turn white before being blown away again and crashing inside the outer walls with half his body stuck inside.
(Swift and Decisive like my master taught me).
"Don't underestimate a Templar even without magic."
"Tch! Useless!"
Hearing Todoroki shouting an unforgivable remark to his friends, I glare back at him when I see him beating back Juzou before Knocking him to the ground. As he was about to give him the finishing blow, I dash ahead which surprise even Todoroki as he is forced to block me. Pushing him away, I lift Juzou with one arm and throw him with Misaki shouting:
"Take care of him as well!"
"Todoroki!"
I scream with only both of us left, Todoroki doesn't spare a word and charges at me with his qi coated sword. I raise my sword to intercept while I manage to block him, his qi blast broke through and destroys a bit of my armour. But that's as far I'm going to let him do.
"W-What the!?"
"You underestimated me, didn't you? You think Templars are strong because of magic?"
With only my right hand, I pin him down as he is forced to kneel. With my free left hand, I curl a fist and was about to smash his bronze face in and knock him out. That's when he redirects my blade and jumps back.
(This is a common misconception since the ones being sent out are always the traditional Templar like Takaki. Ever since the Euncinatus reforms, the Templar has experienced radical change and is pretty much, becoming inhumane and surprisingly much stronger than the Templars from the time of the Hero of Freedom).
Even with his steel face visor on, I could tell the shock in his face-
"Hahahahaha! Seriously? When did you get so cocky with your words, Sensei? Then again, it's more than 2 decades since we last met. Right? Of course, we would be different, Hahahaha!"
(Maybe I misunderstood).
He speaks with an honesty different than the previous time I ever heard him. As if he finally reveals his true colours. Laughing loudly as he holds his stomach. He readies his bronze blade once more and takes a step forward. Swinging his double edge blade around his range as he leaves behind a cool after effect, raising his left hand and taunts me with pointing both his pointer finger and middle finger.
Accepting his invitation, I dash swinging my blade at him. With each strike, I carry the fury of my Goddess with me that could easily cut through the wall of this base but still holding back to make sure doesn't die. But Todoroki somehow not only block by also redirect my attack with his blade as each trace of my attack leaves behind a trail of bronze light and I start to see some beautiful swordsmanship in play.
(Todoroki never told me about this... It seems it was me who is being left behind...)
Since my sword stance lifts my sword high thanks to my height. In contrast to normal reaction, the stance Todoroki takes is a low stance as he seems to only parry me with one hand and using the other to taunt and create some sort of subversion to distract my vision. Coupled with the trail of bronze light left every time he parry and blocks my sword. That's when I soon realize my attack isn't going anywhere. A thick white aura surrounds him as his blade starts to become faster and he starts his offensive. Each of his swings seems to cut the air around me with a trail of light, and since he's already targeting below, I'm now forced to pull my sword down.
Losing in a contest of skill, I was being pushed back when I stumbled on a bump on the ground and lose my balance.
(What? I don't remember there being a bump?)
Todoroki, seeing this chance delivers a huge downward strike as to end it. Knowing my dire stance, I force my muscles to move and regain my balance before delivering my counter side swing.
*clang* *burst*
A great explosion burst before my eyes. Tied in strength as Todoroki's blade vibrates. I push him back once again, this time not holding anything back.
"Rrrraaaagh!"
Todoroki's cries echo loudly before I could do anything, the ground beneath Todoroki cracks and to my surprise once again, my blade is being pushed back and he soon parries my blade up and separate our blade. Time seems to slow as the rain around us still moves faster, the lighting strikes as we both swing our sword down to each other.
*boom*
(Huh?)
"Haaah!"
Caught in disbelief, this time it was my time to be knocked back. Todoroki soon tries to connect his strike with the other hand but with my already superior strength and speed, I regain my balance and counter-attack before his fist could reach me. Rather than using my sword, I clench the hilt of my blade for the clenching force and smash his chin with an uppercut. Lifting his feet off the ground and connect it with a pummel of my sword to his stomach. Cracking his torso armour before I end it with a slap of the flat side of the blade and cracking his helm.
"Woah, Sensei's kinda overpowered, isn't she? She's not even using magic right? Don't she feel pain from that qi explosion and forced movements?"
"Hmph, focus on healing Juzou!"
"Right!"
Hearing Takaki and Juzou talking, it seems Juzou is healing Misaki while we were fighting. Trying to finish what they started, I walk to Kaga as I wonder what to do with them when she smiles with her luscious lips and points behind me.
*splash*
Turning back to look, I could see Todoroki slowly standing up as he forcefully relocates his jaws. Swinging his blade for a while, he's ready to battle once again. I shake my head saying:
"Stop, Todoroki, I don't know why you're willing to go so far-"
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"
His scream echo even in the harsh rain and thundering clouds. The despair of his cry ring through the silent base as if no one's here. That was when black cracks appear from his armour. The cracks left from my punch soon expands and destroys his mask as he shows a face I never see before.
"You wanna know Sensei? Then I'll tell you one thing. When I met all of you... I WAS absolutely livid!"
He grips his blade with fury as his qi turns purple and the bronze light now has a tint of purple flow. Cracks appear on his face as it seems to destroy him while his bronze eyes start to also mix with a shade of purple.
"And to that end, I keep asking my self what did I do to be born like this? Why did this happen to me? After all, unlike all of you who were born in a place of luxury, mystical and magical place where your future is ahead of you. I was born in what even the Deities called hell! Do you know what if feels like, to watch everything you love being dismantled and taken away slowly as I was powerless to stop it!? I keep wondering if meeting all of you is God's way of spiting me after everything I've done and committed or gifting me for what I have endured and lost. Why did a jerk like Junpei get to be born a noble while I was born as a slave! And I thought Kaoru would understand but she is just as stupid for refusing the Phoenix's offer! In the end, if there's one thing I have to say is... I wish I've never met all of you."
Black tar-like tears fall from his eyes as he speaks:
"I was a good kid right, Sensei? Sure my parents were poor and I was never the brightest of the bunch, but I helped by with sheer grit, will and endless diligence that I was able to get my future scholarship. I never disobeyed, I never fight back, I helped my siblings and friends, I cleaned the house, I follow the rules, I help with after classes, I took part-time jobs to ease my family and siblings, I would sometime miss lunch and dinner so that I could let them eat more a more luxurious meal and grow... I... I..."
Seeing Todoroki breaking down in front of me, I too shed my tear hidden behind my helm as I realize how could I not realize such things. I may not know what he personally experienced to turn him like this, but...
"Todoroki-"
"Take up your sword, Sensei! If you wish to help me then you better kill me here and stop me. Since reincarnation is real, I do hope I get to be born a peaceful life next time. But since karma doesn't exist, why should I care for my actions."
Takaki and Juzou who show pity in their eyes as well can only watch for now. Following his wishes, I ready my blade and take a stance while he does the same, this time, crossing his arms and using his left hand to taunt me with his two fingers. Once more time seems to stop. As the raindrops from the grey clouds, the lightning strikes shines the droplets of nature's dew like diamonds among the rain... Then, he strikes. With his unparalleled speed that even caught me by surprise, I parry his blade in time but soon three more blades appear from all over me targeting my upper body.
Using one of the physical conditioning I've done during my templar training. I let my weapon go, bending my back as my head almost touch the ground and my body become a (n) shape. Not stopping there and using my hands to replace my feet, I push my feet over his head and scissor his neck with my calves. All of this in under a second, catching Todoroki off guard while his arms just finished his swing. As I choke him and using him as the pole and my controlled weight to encircle him, grabbing his arm, pushing his shoulder as I pull his hand back while getting above him before using my weight again to pin him to the ground with me now ending up above him crushing his cracking neck by choking him while only using one hand to bend his arm. Before ending using my free hand to grab my sword and point it down at him saying:
"Give up, Todoroki. I don't like to say this but as you are now, even without magic, you are still too weak to defeat me."
"..."
Todoroki replied with silence as he soon shakes and I found myself being lifted by him while still pulling his arm.
"Me? Weak?"
He clenches his hand to a fist and soon tries to break free with sheer strength alone shouting:
"I ride among countless warriors, I bring the end of days to my foes, I am one of the 8 Banes of the Underworld and the one who slew the previous Black Tiger Triad's Head Guardian 3 years ago with him."
Realizing that I can't hold him anymore, I let him go and jump back as I could see something surge around him. Purple wind circle around him as the black cracks on his body expands further. He pulls back his sword from a distance and takes a stance once more shouting:
"How can I be weak!? Like I said, if you want to stop me then you better kill me!"
(Is that still qi?)
As I ready to battle once more, an army appears to surround the first base. Enveloping us are soldiers with helms that have horns that look like spiralling tails, in the foot, mount and air. They're none other than the Honour Guards of Supreme Marshal Ninel Andao. Appearing atop the 2nd-floor walls is Ninel herself alongside her Honour Guards.
(Oh, reinforcements?)
"Well, then General Sangong. Please put your weapon down."
Ninel calls Todoroki by his new name and he for once is lenient and lowers his sword, seeing the situation defuse, I lowered my weapon as well. so did I. Ninel jumps down and lands by standing on her 9 tails which I just realize have mystic rings on each tail. She claps her hand laughing gleefully saying:
"I think that will be all. This is the end."
If it's a normal situation or weather, we would interpret it as being cheerful but in this heavy storm and atmosphere, I can't help but feel a sense of something very wrong. Quickly I walk closer to get a better look at Ninel asking:
"Lord Ninel, forgive me for saying this but can you please forgive them? They are-"
"Shhh..."
Appearing before me so quick like she teleported, she presses her finger on my lips to quiet me down before her Honour Guards closed in when she asks:
"Um... I know I'm not supposed to ask this during the climax but do you perhaps not understand what's happening?"
"Lord Ninel?"
Ninel soon covers her mouth to hide her smile before she slithers back laughing loudly saying:
"Pshishishi! I can't believe this! Very well then, I'll just show it to you. Death Battalion, different orders this time, seize them."
The first line of soldiers that surround us soon jumps forward, planting their feet to the ground and with haste they perform some sort of visceral motion with their hands that cause the ground beneath us to shake.
(Wait... Don't tell me!)
"Everyone, dodge!"
Before I could warn them, Juzou already shouts for me and carry both Takaki and Misaki out of there. The earth beneath us soon rise, the earth's crust seems to listen to their whims as plates cover the exits and a roof starts to form above us. The second line soon closes in to surround me as they shoot outs earth discs from the ground aiming at me. Dodging, blocking and destroying what comes my way, they soon close in and engage in close combat. Covering their hands with stones, they move in a certain formation and an array soon shines beneath us.
Trapped, encircled, cornered and facing our doom. I can only wonder, where did it all go wrong? Juzou soon jumps close to and breaks the array by stomping on it before he hands Misaki who seems to look much better now to Takaki saying:
"Hold them back, I'll secure our escape route!"
" "Huh?" "
Juzou, unlike the other soldiers, plants his two feet to the ground and make a rigid motion with his hands before making a motion that looks like him pushing two walls away.
(Wait, aren't our magic being nullified?)
My question is soon answered when the closing roof above us stops moving and before long, opens up.
"Woah..."
"Be amazed later Sensei! I can't hold this for long!"
As he shouts, the make-shift roof starts to close again but slower. Taking this chance, Ninel's 3rd line of Honour Guard soon close in and cast their magic. Shooting out thin plates of steel from their long sleeves to perform an air sweep. I am forced to dodge and block incoming projectile while protecting the others before grabbing both Takaki and Juzou to jump out of there. Cracking the ground beneath me, fighting through the air and water, we broke through. Landing on the steep stairs, many aerial units and calvary surrounds us.
Still not being able to use my magic. Stuck between a moving rock and a hard place, along with running out of options. I was about to accept my fate when my magic soon returns and I felt my sore body becoming lighter.
"Sensei! I destroyed the anti-magic field!"
Descending on from the steep mountains close to us is none than Komeko riding the rat sector calvary beast. With a legendary-looking bow that's not proportioned to her small size, she fires off countless arrows of light that rain down around us. The arrow avoids us and hitting only Ninel's Honour Guard. Takaki takes the initiative as well and casts a huge spell to blast the weakened Honour Guards off the stairs with a huge magic burst. Ninel doesn't stop there and sent out more as they come out of the first base. Now that I can use my magic, I rush to Misaki and perform a fast aid to cure the curse on her stomach but no matter what healing or curing spell I use it just wouldn't disappear.
(What kind of sorcery is this?)
Seeing Komeko getting close and Takaki still carrying Misaki. I show him my side of the broken pendant saying:
"I'll hold Ninel back. Take the others and escape first."
Takaki who takes my necklace looks at me worried asking:
"What if they still have those anti-magic tools?"
"Don't worry, I'll always find a way."
Takaki looks at me dumbfounded before he laughs saying:
"Right, you better survive until we escape."
Giving each other a nod, Takaki carries Misaki away while Juzou follows suit looking confused and scared. When I see Komeko guiding the three of them away, I can't help but think,
(I wonder where's Leo and Yusuke in this chaos? Don't tell me they already got them? Or did the initial volley those ships release got them?)
I take my stance when the soldiers close in. As they are right in front of me, I let them pass for a bit to encircle me. Now using magic, they shoot out talismans and earth hands when I point my blade up and twist it shouting:
"[Discharge]!!!"
Using the same spell as Takaki before. My magic may be weaker than him but is still blows away all projectile coming my way along with both the foot and mounted soldiers off the stairs to the endless pit below. Seeing another wave coming again, they instead disperse to avoid me and chase the other but I didn't turn my back since a worthy foe has stepped to the stage. Descending the stairs as the golden pillar shine upon her, her 9 tails stir as her long brown hair sways with the wind. Purple light soon envelopes her as God seems to arm her for war. Wearing a similar yet much more eye-catching helmet as her honour guard, with her face covered by a face visor that shows a smiling lady. She nows adorns an armour worthy of the title Supreme Marshal. With a purple cape emblazon by the phoenix insignia, golden trims among the red ornaments. One thing to say about her looks now is...
(Dreadful yet bewitching...)
We stare at each other for a while when she raises her hand to collect the falling droplets.
"I can't believe I get to fight personally 4 times in a year. And the last one was when I followed him and his council members to the Aologi Empire to save a certain teacher from her doom against a rebellious hero. And now, the 4th battle includes me fighting against one of the finest of Libera's Theocracy itself. The almighty Templars. I wonder what will Laoshi think of me? Then again this is war, conflict is inevitable."
"Lord Ninel, why? You're part of the Rat Sector no? This is all..."
(So confusing... I wonder if I should've never chimed in- no! If I never did, I would've never met my students. I have no regrets!)
Ninel clenches her hands as she looks down on me, the golden limelight fades when the lightning strikes.
"Part of the Rat Sector? You're joking. What have those jerks ever do to me but cause pain and misery? Those bastards whose head is so up their ass they can't even say sorry and just make justifications. The reason I manage to reach this far or why I even learn how to stand is because of a certain lady. Well, I guess she's an Empress now. Call me a traitor, call me a tail wagger, call me whatever you want, but at least I'll be free...
Then again, I thought YOU, a follower and a Templar of Libera would understand the meaning of freedom out of all people no? Why should I be bound by my birthright, nationality or fate?"
(I see... I think I understand a bit of her now. But, the fact Libera still trust her means that she's not doing this of her free will or maybe something else I do not know of).
"I understand, you're free to do what you wish, but it doesn't mean I'll just follow your will. I too have my mission to accomplish. And to that end, I will fight for it with all I have. I won't hold anything back!"
"Good! I won't hold anything back either! And remember, don't call me Lord."
She widens her legs as one foot stays above and the other below, she takes a stance I never saw before in the rat sector. Exuding purple aura similar to Takaki her azure eyes soon turns purple...
(Is this perhaps unknown magic I've never heard before? And it's clearly shown to not be affected by those AMF so it's not magic? But first off, I need to measure her strength first).
Widening my feet I take one step forth and one step back. Standing on uneven ground and stairs as our ring, rain pours down heavily upon us while the Gods above send their bolts down. It's just both of us while the rage of war continues outside our view. It all starts when Ninel smirks and eerie black steel soon comes out of her soaked sleeves and encase the entire part under her armour in that sinister alloy.
She jumps with haste and starts with a tail swipes and jabs. Making sure to not slip between my steps, I dodge with minimal movements and parry her tails when I realize the closer she gets closer the more I feel my magic being absorb...
(No way, don't tell me those black steel are Owlian steel!? Then what about her? Is she perhaps an Owlian? Then what about the magic in her body?)
Confused and force on the defensive I try to gain any distance but the small space, uneven ground, and slippery surface just make it hard to concentrate on multiple things. Coupled with my magic being absorbed by those accursed alloy. Waiting for the perfect time to strike, I tried to feint counter-attack with a sweeping strike but with the uneven ground, my horizontal strike becomes diagonal while she uses the gravity to her advantage and hastens every time she jumps. Trying to cast a spell and get out of this losing battle, 2 out of her nine tails soon grabs both of my wrists as I feel my magic being absorbed even faster.
(Now's the time! I guess she's not aware of my type of Templar so this is not enough to stop me!)
I let my sword go and grab two of her tail shouting:
"[Irkiki Dyanami!]
Power surges from my body as I pull her close and quickly headbutt her right in her head since that's the part that comes first.
(If elemental or normal magic can't get past the Owlian steel, then the best way to fight it is doing it the old way. Good old' glorious close quarter combat, my speciality... By using magic to either boost my physical might or perform physic breaking actions! I can defeat many with my strength alone).
Hearing something cracked, I let her go as she is still in a daze and pull my sword back to my hand. Swinging my sword down, she tries to block my attack with her tails in panic.
But her efforts are futile, my blade cuts through her tails like paper and reach her body. Damping her armour and pushing her to the edge.
(I have to commend her for her talent. The fact that she was able to move while having her magic drained is already an amazing feat not many templars can do. It took me more than a decade before I could walk normally while having my magic absorbed but here she is in her teens doing it while being able to move so fast).
Her body distorts and she soon disappears. Wondering if I've been fighting an illusion, I use my magic to enhance my speed and make a full circle strike around me.
*cleave* *clang*
"Urgh! Not yet!"
Feeling I strike something, I turn to see Ninel blocking my attack with her mystic claws before she proceeds to grab my hand and twist it beyond a joint could take and climb up my body similar to how I did it to Todoroki. But through my physical conditioning, I could easily twist my arm in a 360° angle and throw her off to the ravine. Twisting my arms back, I could see her grabbing the cliffs with her tail before she goes up. Not sparing any second, I send my second strike, this time enhanced even more. when I strike the air around my blade distorts and the sight before me warps. Ninel desperate attempt to block me soon proves futile once again when my sword cuts through her mystic claws and hits an opening near her neck. Her appearance distorts once again and she disappears from my sight.
"You're ridiculous! How are you so strong!? Are you saying all Templars are as strong as you!?"
Ninel probably snaps from the results so far. I look back at her seeing most of the damage I dealt wasn't there. I keep wondering how she was able to avoid all the attacks...
(Is she a cat or something?)
I wipe my blade among the raindrops before saying:
"It's not the matter of I'm strong. It's just that you've been paired with the wrong enemy."
"Hmm?"
"I dare say if any normal templar fought you, they would be doom when they see you wear Owlian steel as armour."
Ninel's eyes sharpen when I take a stance and continue saying:
"But I guess I'm a different type of Templar. The number of mage-killers I've killed had exceeded thousands during my journey to be this type of Templar, and I have to say, you're no different."
(With the fact that she still has the same weakness as them. One of the biggest flaws she has is that she relies too much on Owlian Steel for coating when owlian steel itself is not that hard, it's even softer than carbon steel. That's why Owlians try to mix them with other alloy but mix too much and it will only weaken the magic absorption rate. And that would then render the purpose of Owlian steel).
"Pfff, show off. I guess I can't hold back now either-"
"And I will end this here too."
"Huh?"
Cutting her off, and finishing determining her strength. I cast off the shell of my seal and bring forth my true power.
"I told you, I won't hold anything back."
There's many weaknesses to my ultimate skill. Like as of my mastery of it, it can only target one target and would only stop when either one of us falls. But one of the main weakness of using this power is that I will lose my senses and won't know the result of the fight so I have to make sure that the enemy can be defeated with this or that I have my escape route secured when things go wrong.
"[Ieri Morfi]..."
*************************************
When I return to my senses, I found myself being piggy back by Takaki, turns out I was saved when a cavalry detachment led by Gorbachev who came to save me. It seems Huapo has purposefully told Gorbachev to hold out 160 thousand soldiers behind so that when the 2nd wave vanguard led by Kaoru and her Xuju retreats along with receiving the signal directly from Huapo, they would lead the remaining survivors with them to the intended place. Takaki wasn't able to teleport me out so when he was about to went after me, the 2nd wave led by the missing Huapo and Gorbachev emerges from the tunnels Komeko led them to. Learning the situation from Juzou and hearing Takaki asking them for help, they promptly ride out to help me and confront Ninel's pursuing Honour Guards.
When they found me, I was still fighting with the Supreme Marshal. My body was shining in golden while Ninel was cracking like Todoroki and bursting with purple light. It was only when the stairs leading to the first base is entirely devastated and both me along with the supreme marshal is separated. That's when they approach my weakened state and bring me along...
(If it wasn't for Gorbachev and Huapo I wonder where I would be now? I wonder where Yosuke or Leo is now?)
As I wonder where Yosuke and Leo dissapear to, we finish our rest and continue to march on the underground wall tunnels. Losing not only 3 students from treachery and the other 2 still missing. Not counting the countless lives that perish during the invasion and my blind trust to my students led us to this...
"I'm sorry everyone... I should have known better."
The bottled up words I keep inside finally spills out. Along with the dreams and hope.
(Is this perhaps a trial by the Goddess?)
Komeko, who's leading us through the tunnels with her instinct as a Rat-kin finally looks back at me with anger.
"Sensei, you may apologize all you want but it won't change this situation. If you want to apologize, then do it with your actions! Say it when we finally get out of here!"
Komeko who is irritated by my negativity finally let her feelings out. Seeing her lecturing me, I can't help but smile behind my helm. Probably from relief or probably from surprise. But none the less...
"Thank you, Komeko, let's move on. Let me vanquish those who stand in our way."
Speaking firmly from my heart, I place my hand on my sword and Komeko who's been frowning all this time smiles for once replying:
"Hehe~ that's cool Sensei. Then let's go, I feel we're getting near an exit."
"Really?"
Curious by her words, I can't help but sharpen my hearing and soon hear something... Strange. A sound this city is not accustomed to hearing.
*crash* *crash*
Beyond the tunnels beyond, there's the sound of crashing wave, the sound of water against the sandy shores...
"Komeko, you heard that right? There's an ocean on the end of the road."
"Really!? You can hear that far? Well, everyone, let's go!"
Komeko who got her spirits back speed up her steps and everyone behind me soon does the same with smiles on their face. Finding a steel door at the end of the tunnel, Komeko even with her high spirit doesn't let her excitement get the best of her and checks the other side from hearing and sensing. Giving us a clear with a thumbs up and a wide smile, she opens the door with her lock picking skills and is about to head out when I stop her and pull her back shouting:
"Get back!"
"S-Sensei, what's wrong?"
"komeko, help guard Misaki and stay behind Hitomi and me."
The fallen Komeko asks with confusion in her face and Takaki who seems to sense the presence before us as well walks beside me. I pull my sword out with my weakened arms and ready my self to unleash all the remaining powers I have. Unlike the powers of magic where everyone can sense, the foe before us has none of that but one aura.
Takaki gives me a nod and unequipped some of his harder to remove accessories and jewellery out for a final last resort explosion. Nodding back, I march ahead first outside when the light finally shines back to my eyes...
Standing before us is a foe we probably shouldn't face. A foe no sane person would want to meet if they know about. Entering the final stage, we ended up in a huge open space with sands as its natural floor and the Rucina walls shadowing half of the sand floor like some sort of roof. With old ships that are broken and mouldy docked to the low tide, with the huge crashing waves hitting the far shores that seems to lick his feet, one man stands firmly with his back turn to us.
In the mouldy, old and ancient inside port we ended up in, one person stands with his crimson cape waving with the drifting sea breeze. His small presence is accompanied by countless corpses of giant shell and scale-like monsters triple his size around him. Scattered around as their limbs are torn, ripped and crushed opened as their guts spill out and scavengers gather around to dine with his feast.
The bright blue skies soon darken with the gathering storm clouds. His crimson cape adorning the Phoenix insignia lashes by the sudden gust as hope was taken away once again. Seeing the bad weather, the scavenger flees and the person waiting for us looks up. Even with his helmet on, I can feel the sadness and emptiness he emits.
*crackle* *crackle* *boom*
Unloading his sincerity
His one eye gaze of honesty
Infuse with catastrophe
He is what I call a mystery
A tragedy, A calamity,
It's Entropy and emergency
For he is ambition's new entity.
We halt our fears and approach him and the others finally catch the winds. I have seen a similar armour once when meeting the Royalty of the Rat Segmentum. From the intricate design, the overbearing presence it brings, the sword he hangs on his waist, and the symbolism it brings that represents its meaning carved to every part of his armour... That's none other than what the Lord of Segmentum wears.
(So the Lord Segmentum of the Phoenix Sector is personally here to stop us!? But then, didn't they told us the leader of the Phoenix Sector an Empress? That's a male armour is it not? Maybe misinformation is spread? Or perhaps she's wearing a male armour?)
Questions form from my head when he starts to move closer and I'm reminded by one last thing. His footsteps are soft, even on the low tide sands where our steps reverberate loudly. And even with no magic present in his body, all my instinct are screaming something, there's no doubt... He's the Silencer.
(It seems we fall to the worst situation).
"Sensei, I can't sense any qi, prana, aura, Ril, or any alternative power from him! I don't sense him wearing any seals either or any power in him at all, so he has no magic either! Be careful!"
"Huh?"
"What?"
(So he's not a Silencer?)
Even Takaki is confused by his news. Juzou is an adventurer for a reason and a very famous one at that. He may not be a specialist but he is a master in utilizing the jack of all trades. Unlike us who became adventurers for only 5 years, he has been adventuring for more than 20 years and learn this world more than we can imagine. And thanks to that, he was able to learn all sort of things from all the 4 known corners of the whirlwinds and his knowledge even surpass some scholars from the Theocracy as well. So knowledgeable is he, people call him the World Scholar since he was invited by the World Hunter once but refused. And so popular was his deeds and tales that even Takaki was one of his biggest fans until we found out he was one of my students and the lowest rank in class when it comes to his scores. But with his new insight, I start to grow even wearier.
(So no magic means he's an Owlian? Then why does he have Libera's light? And a Cardinal's light as well! Oh, Libera, what do you want from me!? Tell me, who is the foe before me!?)
Gripping my blade and unleashing all my might as I take a stance, Takaki holds me back saying:
"Hold on..."
"Huh?"
He walks beside me and continues whispering:
"He's someone Libera don't want us to know about. A Censor."
"Huh!?"
Takaki who's more prominent in using Libera's light than me speaks of some surprising information. Since those who are blessed by her light can even see the personal information of each other, like their gender, the kids they have, or how old they are and who's your friends. The only one Libera would "censor" are simply her hidden chosen and only the cardinals and the pope herself can see their information and location.
"And do you remember the only people to have the same traits as him back at home?"
"Yeah..."
There's only one group of people back at home that Libera would hide, they are the infamous, notorious, and hated by their kind.
{ The Censors }
Unlike the other followers, their light is... Empty. Like being given a VIP passport but when you open it the insides are nothing but blank papers or if there is something, it usually resembles more of a barcode than anything. They're the xenophobic secret group chosen by Libera her self, the group tasked with preserving this world's culture and destroying any alien activity that could harm the world of Zeria and protect this world from the dangers inside as well. The reason why we were found out as other worlder is simply that we were unlucky enough to meet one of them. It was only thanks to Takaki's and my new parents, friends and companions begging them to let us be and vouch for us that they let us go or else we would have our memories wiped out and sent to "education". And the only reason why they let us travel the world with the Title of Templars is because of my mission to find my students who might be out there. But, out of all of them...
To us, the strongest living beings are those whose freedom is taken from even the Goddess of Freedom her self. The monster among us that could crack this world like an egg if you let them. And now someone similar is standing before them to block their path... Even when fear has grabbed my heart, even when my arms and feet have started shaking, even when all hope seems lost and my body weakened...
"You know, after so many bloodsheds, I suggest you surrender quietly. I am not someone who wishes to fight a useless battle."
(Useless!? You dare say that!?)
His voice was deep like the abyss yet honest like her light. He throws the sword in his waist to the sand as waves crash and moisten the shine and continues saying:
"Please, put your weapons down as well. I have no intention to fight."
He tries to convince us to put our weapons down by disarming himself and show no hostility but... He probably thinks we don't know about his kind nor do I trust him since his weapon is probably not that sword either. But then again, he might have read us already and our situation... Still!
"I... I won't give up! Just because of some of these minor setbacks! And you think I would believe that sword is even your weapon either?"
(So what if my students betray me, so what if things didn't go my way. At the end of it all, none of the students has been confirmed dead yet and I can still reunite them and keep them safe. Most of all, the chance is still there. I can still start again and find them before the Censors like him find them first!)
"Everyone, run!"
Brushing Takaki's hand away, I gesture them to run ahead and takes a stance against the monster before them.
"Does the name Yui, ring a bell?"
With a single question, my stance soon breaks as I'm sure everyone behind me stops with curiosity and shock as well. But realizing who we're dealing with, I grip my blade harder than before as I charge my sword with magic shouting:
"What did you do to her!?"
(Didn't the second wave led by Kaoru and the Xuju left? So shouldn't she be with them? But the fact he knows about them means that this whole crusade is doomed to fail from the beginning... Oh, Goddess Libera please! Don't let it be so!)
While I shout on top of my lungs, the foe before me reply:
"It's the opposite, you're supposed to ask what she did to me... The waves behind me, it's pretty loud isn't it? Anyways, she joined us willingly. And unlike when she's back in your group, I say she's doing so much better now and happy as she even took in an orphan."
(She joined their side?)
His answer was ridiculous and full of naivety as if he doesn't know it himself. Yet, from his tone and light, I can't help but accept that he's saying the truth. In the end, he stretches his hands forward as he opens his palms and curls his finger one by one as if pulling out strings with his sharp fingers and continues saying:
"And I suggest you follow me quietly if you want the injured ones behind you to be healed too. I've seen enough death for today, I promise you no one will be hurt if you come quietly."
It's always his words, 1 an enemy yet the sincerity in his words and light he exudes is not of an enemy but I won't be fooled! For that's what all those Censors have.
"Sorry, but I choose my own, path. And that is to escape!"
(After all, who would be stupid enough to believe you! Or someone entirely... But should I fight him? Another weakness my ultimate technique brings is that when I use it, my body will grow weaker. And if I keep using it and my body keep growing weaker, the skill will lose it's effectiveness too. If I fight him with my skill now, I wouldn't be able to bring half of the strength I was using to fight Ninel a few days ago... Screw it!)
When he gets close enough around 10 meters apart. Using this chance, I dash ahead with speed never experienced before and swing my sword down at him.
*slash*
"[Ieri Morfi]!"
My blade shines beyond bright as everything seems to be swallowed by a grand beam. That's when the Silencer finally reveals his true self as a monster beyond my imagination. A being so horrifying that it cast a shadow to swallow the holy light. Like a mist over the mountains and river, my blade is now but a candle over the eternal darkness. As I stare back at history, it too stares back at me with its 6 eyes and spread it's 6 gnarled growing bones on its back.
As my blade flows, and my divinity activates once more as I force it to work. One thing seeps into my mind... If the Phoenix Sector has someone from Censor, wouldn't that mean they have the Theocracy' support? And worse of all, the fact that they can send this person just like that means... This whole Confederation is doomed to fall under the Phoenix and Theocracy one way or the other. Oh, Goddess Libera, have you forsaken us? Or is this perhaps another one of your trial? If so...