I can sense their gazes on me have become very sharp especially the aide who's still standing beside the throne. The King of Geom pucker his lips as he tilt his head leaning forward asking:
"Sorry, Silencer? You? Forgive me, I shouldn't judge someone from the outside but are you the one that cause that huge explosion?"
I remember how I got here and nods replying:
"If you're talking of how I get here then yes."
"Hahaha! I guess the honour of first meeting with the Silencer belongs to me! Told you Hak, that good deeds comes with good rewards. And I feel better just looking at someone so pretty."
"As you said, I also sent a message along with her description to HQ and the response was immediate, it seems she is the real deal. An escort ship is already on its way."
As the aide says that shadowy figures land behind me in droves and the swordmasters sheathe their blades in unison before all of them parts away to the side as the small group turns into a platoon.
"Hoho? So it's a she? They says she's real beautiful that I have my doubts but now, I have to agree. If she stay still I wouldn't be able to tell if she's a doll or not. Foreign beauty is such a nice thing. Anyways, while we wait let me introduce myself."
He sways his gigantic sword before plunging it half to the ground saying:
"I am the King of Geom and ally to your Empress, Geom Si-Ka. Nice to finally see you, Lord Silencer Sova nim."
The swordmasters beside him pull their swords out and plunge it to the ground before kneeling down shouting:
"All hail!"
The aide who seem to have healed the kid walks down and stand beside Si-Ka. He bows down saying:
"I am the Grand Sword of Geom, Hak, just Hak. It's a pleasure to see you."
I nod and bow along as I wonder if I have been desensitize or have they been desensitize for being able to laugh.
"So, is this a hobby of yours? Walking around burning ruins?"
"Excuse me?"
Surprised by Si-Ka's sudden question his aid Hak nudge him saying:
"My king, please don't ask something so stupid."
"Hey you can't call me stupid when everything is stupid and ridiculous."
Wondering what to do, I decided to entertain them by shaking my head replying:
"No, as for why I'm wandering about is because I got lost in the way."
The two looks at me surprised before Si-Ka burst out laughing again saying:
"Bahaha! You hear that, Hak? I guess everyone got their own circumstances. Well, I suppose you did fulfill your mission of witnessing their last moments... So what do you think? Is it too much?"
Si-Ka gaze upon the burning city from above as he asks and I nod saying:
"Personally yes, so many unwarranted deaths. I would prefer a more subtle approach where only a few dies. But if what you said is true I guess I thank you for letting many escape."
"Hoh? Mind telling me more?"
"I guess its better if one just suffers than many no?"
And as I wonder what to say next, I remember the book I read back at the train as I'm starting my previous mission and say,
"To win a battle is to win before the battle has even begun. To make your enemies surrender before they raise their swords through deception or sabotage. For if you know your enemy and yourself you shall not fear the result of hundreds of battles."
"The art of war huh? I suppose that's true..."
"Oh, you read it?"
"Duh, every educated commander in existence read it. If the Liberum Bible is the best selling book in the known world then the art of war is a close second or at least it never leaves the top 10."
"I see..."
I answer back wondering what to say next but Si-Ka pulls his sword out and point it upon the city saying:
"Usually I would agree with that method, losing one life in the shadows is better than millions at the day. But just this once, as a true King of Geom... I have to compensate for the negligence and avoidance our ancestors did. This curse I bear is a pride I'm glad to wear so I can feel and sympathize with my subjects, I must see this through with my own hands.
If it makes you feel better, I heard the southern invasion will be more like you said, hopefully no open battles but pure subterfuge whenever possible. Though I suppose you should know being under that Empress right?"
"That's right... I may not understand your grudge and reason but very well."
(Sweet monkey pee pee sauce this is just like Ptelophy! Hm... What food is that- I mean, quick think of something...)
"Say, you're related to Jana yes? Or should I say, Si-Hye?"
Si-Ka turns at me surprised saying:
"Oh? You met them? That's right, they're my cousins despite our age difference. Both look pretty similar and both have special talents not counting their bloodline ability. They're also the reason why I accepted your Empress' proposals."
"I see, I hope you can meet with them after this."
"Oh? Didn't think you're the type to care so much about family but... You're right. I'm one of their last relative and father figure so it falls to me now. But it'll be a while until that happens. There's still 2 more kingdom to go that I have to destroy."
"That's much less compared when you start isn't it?"
He nods enthusiastically saying:
"Oh, definitely."
"Then, I'm sure you'll make quick work of them with how strong you are... Or what is the standard of strength in the Peninsula anyways?"
"Hmm? Well, I suppose there's barely any True Martial Artist here. And even if there is, you can count them with 2 hands and most of the known ones already died during the Coalition War 13 years ago. Or they have retired by now and left their country like the Storm Empress Jin-Yeon or the Black Wave Jin-Cheo who became a sage or whatnot. Relatively speaking the only native who can give me a challenge is The Guardian of Silla from the south east and The Red Ribbon of Gika to the south west."
(Him, a sage? I thought they called him a shut in?)
"Ah... Well one of them are already our ally so this will be a quick work."
"Much more than you think, Lord Sova nim. Ri will be a good example of what happened if they don't surrender and comply to our demands so at least this will hopefully be the last... And I'll make sure they'll pay for every single penny. By the way, why don't we escort you somewhere more comfortable?"
"Oh?"
"Hold on..."
The king raise his sword and something swirls around him as she the swings his sword.
*Swoosh*
A great gust blows away the fire on the entire imperial palace. Amazed by the feat of his sword he then walks towards the throne. The boy who is supposed to be the King of Ri glares at him as he seems trying to resist but maybe because the King of Geom is huge he simply pick him up by pinching his robe and throw him away saying:
"Hoy, catch and guard the kid."
He throws the boy like mere object before being catched by one of guards and he says:
"Alright, most of you all can leave me here and go clean the bodies. Burn them good now. Hak, lead them and make sure nothing goes wrong."
" "Yes, we obey!" "
The swordmaster guards and Hak shouts as they disperse burning the bodies and the King offer me the throne saying:
"Here take a sit. The King's pretty much gone so its a normal chair now."
I look at the throne splattered by blood and shake my head replying:
"I think I'm going to stand. You're the one who should rest after so much work."
I try to push the favour back to him as I'm a bit uncomfortable to sit there but Si-Ka smiles replying:
"Hoho? You're pretty considerate. Then don't mind if I do!"
He jabs his sword beside it and make himself comfortable by sitting with both his legs up and leaning back.
"Haah... They say revenge would feel very empty but this is sweeter than the most delicious wine... Man, this throne sucks ass."
He leans forward lowering his feet before making a pondering gesture asking:
"What about you, Lord Sova? You seem young but I doubt that's the case right?"
"Um, I am young. I'm still 16. Though I suppose I am an adult."
"Really!? Makes me feel downtrodden to see someone could become so strong at such a young age. You may hide it well but I can tell, you're definitely stronger than me."
He rest his arm looking at me and I look back at him wondering,
(Really? I doubt that's true when I almost died fighting that forest guardian. And I haven't even gotten any time to train as well. And if I'm strong what's with Moriz and that dragon Oars or something? They must be beyond strength).
"You jest, I'm still lacking in many aspects."
"Such humility, there's sky above my skies it seems. And speaking of that..."
Si-Ka looks above when something burst through the pillars of smoke. A mighty ship that's big enough to cast a shadow upon the throne room descends below. But not before opening a pod and I see familiar figures jump down.
*Fwoop*
Landing with grace as black feathers fall around us, I'm greeted by a man a few years older than me with tied black hair and blue eyes.
"Kokkan!"
Now wearing an advanced armour of sorts with a feather coat and blue lines, he looks so cool as I wonder maybe I can ask someone to redesign my armour like so. His cape flutters showing the emblem of a bird eating its wings while he walks closer with a smile saying:
"Sova, its been a while."
Kokkan speaks in the common tongue, I rush and give him a strong hug as he seem to give me a hug previously before we leave.
"I guess I'm returning the hug you gave me last time. Is this how they greet in the Eclipse Empire? Its nice."
(Good now I don't feel so awkward talking with him. Thanks for the save Kokkan... Wait, I feel like I just did something bad when I remember the conversation at the garden but... I should give a hug to Uncle and Aunt Soba alongside Shio when I return).
"N-No, that's just my personal way to..."
Kokkan face reddened a bit as he replies before shaking his head saying:
"Either way, I'm glad to see you alright... Are you? You still have bandages around you."
"Yup I'm fine! Your new armour looks cool!"
"That's all thanks to your help in the previous mission."
"Hehe... I suppose I don't mind this kind of scene for a while longer."
The other is a rat-kin with crimson hair and eyes. Toggling her glasses as her tail wiggles excitingly she's,
"Oh, Abe! I'm glad to see someone I know."
"Yeah, me too. These people are just not fun. Still where have you been? We've been waiting for you through the whole day."
I let Kokkan go and rub my chin replying:
"I guess... In the middle of nowhere? It was luck that I was able to hear the sound of the ocean and found this city. Then I use the sewers to sneak inside."
"Peh, I guess that Empress got her coordinates wrong."
"Please don't blame her, I think she might just be tired after fighting someone strong."
"Alright then, mhm! Since you're finally here, welcome to Geom! Since this place has now been officially conquered. And your first job is simple..."
Abe pulls out my medallion and throws it to me and as I catch it she points at the king of Geom saying:
"Judge that kid. As wielder of one of the 16 Insignias from the Deity of Law and Silencer of the Phoenix Sector, you shall exercise your authority as one of the Deity of Justice upon the fallen, the prejudice, and the sinners..."
The medallion glows brightly as Abe says that. Abe then smiles at me and asking:
"Don't I sound pretty awesome? Anyways, with that as proof go ahead and cut him down, King Si-Ka. Then we can continue with the other blessed monarchs we captured."
(Wait, what!?)
"Finally..."
"Eeek! W-Wait! N-No! Let me go! This can't be happening! Heaven can't be allowing this!"
I hear the kid struggle and pleading but, with the common tongue Abe commands Si-Ka who's grasping his hands with excitement before gripping his sword. His grip echoes loudly amongst the silent audience when the medallion in my hands floats on its own,
"Woah!"
Shining brightly it flashes bright and give some sort of limelight towards the two kings present. Si-Ka slowly pulls out his sword and approach the kid that's trying to break free from the guard that's holding him down.
"Nooo! Stoop!"
The guards forcefully pull his hand back and present the boy's neck as Si-Ka raises his sword that's shining gold from my medallion.
"Hey, brat at least act like a king till the very end."
(Wait, am I watching this? No... This is all so sudden).
I try to move but my body feels like its paralyzed. I try to look away and close my eyes but then I feel someone forcing me to turn and pry my eyes open. Its none other than Abe who whisper:
"Watch, Sova. You'll be getting use to this. Remember what Sis Yuwei told you, stand tall and look cool. And think of it this way, if he dies those people that escaped don't have to die as well..."
(Huh? Wait, where did she hear that?)
Hearing her I start to ponder what happen for me to stand and experience this but...
"No-"
*Cleave*
I hear the clean slash as the kids last words is cut short. Something form above the king of Ri, a 8 star forming a cross shatters and disperse. Abe lets me go as I wonder why my head doesn't turn anymore. Watching such young life end, his head roll away with his eyes still open. When the medallion stop shining along with the two kings, I walk to the decapitated head and kneel down to close his eyes...
(What's... What's wrong with me? Why don't I feel so disturbed? Is it because I killed before? Or have I been numbed after seeing the carnage?)
I grasp the medallion in my hands when the silence is broken by Si-Ka saying:
"Fuuuh, that is a lot off my shoulders. And wow you're right, I don't feel any punishment like when I killed my uncle. Yes, this is it! Thank you, Lord Sova."
"..."
I can't seem to say anything as Kokkan approach me patting my head saying:
"Sova let's get you cleaned up and ready. Follow me."
I nod and stand tall looking at Si-Ka replying:
"No problem. I'll be seeing you again in proper."
Before turning around trying to leave the Throne room. Kokkan and Abe follow along while Abe waves the king goodbye and closes the broken gate.
(I trust Sis, and if this is what awaits me at the future then I better be ready. Now that I remember, don't I also hurt someone to the brink of death as well? This is nothing different).
*************************************
Using a small land transport across the burning city, I try to think of something else.
"Right, there was so many thing happening I forgot about it. Where is my items when I head to the dungeon? Did Sis gave you any of my items as adventurers?"
"Huh? Duh of course not, I only brought you your armour and thanks to that Song boy, your Owlian spear. Also your medallion and some spare change."
"I see... Its a shame I can't write all this, or maybe its better that I don't?"
"Oh didn't think you're the type to write notes. But I guess if you're wondering about your items its with your companions. After your bout with Yoo-Sui, she ripped open your cloak and all your items got scattered around. So I'm sure its with your new friends right now."
"Really!? That's good to hear then, I can't wait to head back south... How long am I suppose to be here anyways?"
"I don't know, ask the commander in charge here."
Abe looks at the driver seat upfront, and Kokkan who's driving this vehicle looks at the mirror at the middle to look at me saying:
"About a few days if we're quick and a month at worst."
"A month!?"
Kokkan nods looking back at the road replying:
"That's only accounting if the remaining kingdoms still decided to resist and also the time needed to quell any rebellions or stragglers. This would usually take around half a year or more but your presence is already making thing very smooth."
"I-I see..."
I look out the window upon the burning streets littered with corpses and rarely survivors before saying:
"Then good, if we can end this bloodshed faster then count me in. Just make sure this stuff don't happen often."
"I'll do my best. But I'm happy we can work together again."
"Me too!"
Kokkan smiles and continue saying:
"And while we were doing our separate things, I also made some new allies alongside bringing in old friends before my promotion to commander. I like you to meet them, they will be the one to help with this operation."
"Oh? Alright, if you trust them then I'll do my best. The people from the Eclipse Empire huh? I wonder how they will act?"
(I wonder since uncle Soba doesn't seem to be any different than us).
"They're a bit eccentric but I'm sure you'll get along fine."
"Eccentric? Okay?"
(Maybe I'm wrong).
Driving across I notice troops starts pouring in the city. Carrying tool and other magic equipment they begin cleaning this place while thawing all the fire. And its a bit weird seeing how these soldiers who are killing all these people are now lifting rubbles to save them while carrying them away to safety.
"The reoccupation of the city has begin. We'll be using this place to invade the remaining of Sanjo and Gwang."
(I feel like I heard those names somewhere a long time ago... Is it when I was here with Aunt Palka? Or when I was in that bath? Let's not dig too deep. Those people we know already left after all).
Abe who leans her body on my shoulder as she looks at the front window intervene saying:
"And as for you Sova, will be the guy to stand there and look cool during the command or if there's any diplomacy you can follow me and look cool."
"When you say it like that, it sounds easy but I feel like it's never going to be so simple."
She hugs my head tightly replying:
"Aah~ it's fine! Just act the way you do is pretty okay already. I mean everything you do in your armour makes it seem cool."
"That is true, but looking at Kokkan now I wish my armour looks more like him."
"Oh don't worry, if your track record of breaking your armour every mission keeps happening, I'm sure you can ask them to redesign it a bit when they're fixing it."
"Please don't say that. Hearing it makes me feel bad."
"Pssh, pe-lizz... It's nothing compared to the amount of destroyed armaments I make during the war. Hey, we there yet? You sure drive pretty slow."
"Well, why don't you try driving in this blasted city without bumping into debris or pedestrian."
Abe nudge my head with her elbow saying:
"Haah... If only you're not so oppse of flying ships."
"Sorry..."
Abe drill my noggin with her finger replying:
"You better be! I finally I got some good room and clothes, but I keep getting sent out before I can sleep properly!"
*************************************
*Psssh* *Clang* *Clang* *Dom*
Finally arriving and entering the giant fortress outside the city, I can't help but notice the large noise echoing and vibrating through out. Catching up on what Kokkan and Abe were doing while I was down there, Kokkan told me of some new mangas he got while in the Eclipse empire while Abe just seem to be talking about all the cute girls she see throughout.
(I really should get some hobby... But more importantly, I gotta train and catch up now that I'm up here).
*Ting*
Hearing that sound the large gate infront slides open by each layer before we reach a huge opening filled with many smaller ships and armaments. I could see many moving things and other large items getting transported everywhere while everyone is flying or walking vertically.
"Woah..."
We get out of the car as I'm amazed by how something so big and filled with stuff like this could move.
"Come now Sova, close your mouth or some flies could get in. You act a lot like a country bumpkin."
Abe close my jaw that I open unknowingly and I look at them saying:
"But this is my first time seeing such grand structure ever since the plane... Well, I just like seeing this okay!"
"You can look and observe as much as you want but first, we need to get you suited up. Your armour is currently in Abe's room to the left wing, I'll be waiting at the bridge."
"Okay!"
I reply back as Kokkan takes his leave.
*Gleam*
I look at Abe who's toggling her glasses with a huge grin and swaying her tail left and right saying:
"Hehehe... You really are one sinful boy~"
"Whatever do you mean? But come on now, let's go get that armour. The sooner we finish this the better right?"
Holding my shoulders, she peeks her head out to my side saying:
"When did you start being such a tight fit? Fine..."
Abe pushes me as she leads me from the back. As we travel, I take my time to look around and Abe starts saying:
"You know, Sova... From your track record I say you're more suited to be a spy than a diplomat like this- Oh... Oh shiet... No wonder that Empress keeps sending you with such unorthodox way."
"What? What is it?"
Peeling my eyes away I ask back at Abe who's making theories on her own before she then stops pushing and happily reply,
"Hehe, so you're doing a double agent duty huh? Not bad, Sova. Not bad at all, you're pretty cool. Anyways, we've arrived at my new office!"
"Really? I'm cool? Hehe..."
Standing at a isolated corner among the narrow corridors, Abe grabs a card and swipe it in a thin gap.
*Psssh*
Seeing the door slide open to a dark room, it reminds me a lot of those elevator doors.
"Woah, is this magic or technology?"
"Both. Now get in there!"
Abe pushes me in and the lights inside turns on along with the ventilation as I feel cold air seeping in.
"Cold air in winter? And what's with your room? Didn't you say you got yourself a nice room?"
Abe's room is what I like to call a shipwreck. I could see empty bottles and plates in the corner, her sheets are messy, her pillow is not in her bed while it is being piled with dirty clothes... yes, her clothes are shriveled and placed everywhere along with her towel, and so much more. If there's one good thing is that there's a private bathroom to use, from the open door the insides are a mess as well.
"Ah, shut up! I usually don't got the time to clean, it's always work, work, and more work. And when I'm done I just collapsed on the bed... Though can't say its not that bad. Compared to the army, this is still much preferable. Now where is your armour..."
Abe starts diving in and rummage her room as I realize,
(I'm surprised my armour is inside all of this).
Seeing her search I decided to hold my breath and help clean her room by starting from the top. Throwing her dirty clothes and underwear to the basket at her bathroom, finding a bag for her trash, picking up the documents and piling it all to the closest folder, brushing up on the floor and...
"Done! But where's my armour?"
I don't know how much time has pass but I manage to clean her room to sparkles yet my armour is not here.
"Wow, you're really good."
Abe appear from behind me gives me a praise and a head pat which I don't mind before she jumps to her bed happily shouting:
"Wahoo! Haah~ Now, I really don't mind if I can have you as a boyfriend~"
"Stop joking around-"
"I'm not! Seriously!"
Abe hugs her pillow and lay on her stomach swaying her feet back and forth and continue saying:
"I mean look, your first instinct of seeing a messy room is to clean it up and then you didn't even bat an eye after seeing my underwear. Then again this is from the guy who could just waltz in a public female bathhouse and walk away unnoticed."
"That last part feels to be a demerit than a boon for me."
"Ah~ shut up, do you know how much guys would rip your mouth out for saying that."
"Moriz did seem to scold me the same way."
"See!? Now, come here let this Big Sis give you a reward."
Abe removes her glasses and pats the side of her bed but I shake my head replying:
"No thanks, so where's my armour?"
"Boo...!"
Abe throws her pillows at me which I easily catch all of them and put it back before she stomps the pillows I place and continue saying:
"You'll never pass the threshold with that attitude."
"I-I think I'll think about that when the time comes, so where is it?"
"It's right behind ya."
"Huh?"
Turning around, blocking the door is a menacing platinum armour with sophisticated design and a giant red orb on its face. Even better is the retracted Owlian spear on its waist this it...
My Platinum Phoenix Armour
"Finally."
Following what I did back at the Colonel's house, I put my medallion close to the shoulder and repeat the procedure. Seeing it open, I get inside and feel my spine tingle while it shuts. When the darkness change and my view returns, I start moving forward while seeing many panels appear and disappear while some sonar beam reads across the place and shows a mini map of sorts. Extending my arm as I realize...
(Did the armour feel this comfortable? Maybe they upgrade it again).
Abe who's laying on her bed slowly drags herself out saying:
"Welcome back, Lord Silencer. Now that we're all together, let's get this business started! Remember now, stand tall and look cool."
I nod replying:
"Alright."
"Hmm..."
Abe rushes up to my face scratching her chin, she slowly backs away before saying:
"Yeah... I think you better just shut up."
"That's rude."
"Girl... Guy... Your polite speech doesn't suit that artificial deep voice. I think you should be the type of guy to smash someone face who's being disrespectful."
"Now that's sounds even ruder."
Abe pats my shoulder and point at my face saying:
"Bro, if someone's brave or stupid enough to spit at your face, they deserve a punch. You gotta look tough and save face, like all those shitty trash taste novels back at my world."
"Novels? But I did hear many say the same thing. Faces are important here huh?"
"That's right, so loosen your hands for some future bitch slapping."
I raise my hands and move my fingers as I ponder about her advice but...
"Hey, then again your strength is pretty strong among this peninsula's standards so maybe hold back a bit or you'll rip their heads off their shoulders..."
Abe chimes in which makes me hesitate more, then she moves away and continue saying:
"But I guess if it's our enemies that won't be a problem. Now on we go!"
Abe spins me around before forcefully push me out of her room.
"Now remember, stand tall and look cool."
*************************************
"Salute!"
"Greetings, Lord Silencer!"
The moment I went public, soldiers and officers that saw me grasp their hands and bow their head to greet me and form a way. Abe who's walking behind ahead as she watches smiles aesthetically saying:
"Hehe, this is the best. Especially when we don't deserved it."
"When you say it like that..."
When I look at them, I mostly see awe and curiosity among their faces while they try to sneak a peek by leering up. It continue so from the open halls, small corridors, and even people who are opening the doors and coincidentally saw me clasp their hands and bow their head down. Wondering where Abe will lead me as I sightsee the whole place, I see droves of personnel running in and out across the bridges attach to some open corridors while sometimes I see floating transports and wired containers going up and down.
"Bring this ammunition to cannon 329", "Get into your stations! We're going to be deployed soon!", "Woah, what's with that ornamental armour? Oh shit, is that the rumoured Silencer?", "Really!? Oh shit, even I can tell he's important from this far", "Hey, how much do you think survived that onslaught? I bet there's less than 10% of the city population left", "Nah, I say there's still almost half. Most of them took shelter from what the radar team said. Then again you might be right since they sneaked out as the bombing starts", "Damn is that a new officer? He seem to be another important stuff", "Hey, look away! That's definitely the Silencer. Only those close to the Empress gets to wear that emblem", "I hope we're not part of the reconstruction team, or better yet the clean up crew", "Heh, don't worry. If we were we would've been sent out already", "Hey, what do you think he would look inside that helm?", "I heard he is a she, and is a very beautiful lady as well. One of the 3 most beautiful in our Sector too beside the Empress and Lady Yi", "Heh~ that gap would be the best", "Have you heard, the major screwed up big time and even his red sword broke", "Really? That douche finally got his ass woop but I'm curious to who's strong enough left to give some resistance?", "Hoh? Do you think we'll get to witness some awesome duel? It would beat doing all these tedious stuff", "Found anything interesting amongst the corpses?", "Not much but sentimental items. And most of their weapons are so stuck in the past. Hard to believe we are so close to Heaven", "This is supposed to be a place where they kick back and relax but I suppose that's been almost impossible the past 5 centuries when the previous God of War ascended", "Talking about that, I wonder if we're going to get send down there as soon as we're done up here?"
(There really are things happening out there. And I wonder what is that Major doing after he got rescued?)
Abe finally stop at a door guarded by guards who jolts from seeing me and clasp their hands before bowing down shouting:
"Greetings! Please enter!"
The guards backs away as the door slides open to a burning city. Small lights and many machinary sprawled across the round room with the huge aesthetic windows that gives this place light from hell scape outside. At the centre where the elevation lower with some grand stairs I notice how this room has quite the beautiful design of back home similar to when I went to the city of art.
(Wonder why only this room is decorated? Still so this is a bridge... And here I thought there would be an actual bridge inside a ship).
I wonder while I notice the gazes piercing my skin from everyone across the bridge. Especially the ones gathering around the centre table where the cool 3D map thing is being shown and officers wearing something similar to Kokkan is seated. Kokkan who's sitting at the middle stand clasping his hand shouting:
"We greet the Silencer!"
Some of the officer looks at Kokkan follows his example and shouts:
" "We greet the Silencer!" "
The other officer at the bridge soon follows after shouting:
" "WE GREET THE SILENCER!" "
(Now that I think about it, its kinda weird how my name actually makes people shout loudly except for one...)
Slowly I descend as Abe moves back to follow me to the huge table.
(If this is how they treat me I can only wonder what I would be seen back at home. There should only be one right? Since I'm gonna help Sis I should probably ask where I stand when I get the chance).
Stopping just at a certain officer who's still planting his ass on his seat while looking at me. A boy almost the same age as me but with his baby face he seem to look even younger, it's none other than the Major at met when I first arrived. He grimace from my look and stand while staring below asking:
"What? You at least gotta do more than just words if you want my respect."
(Oh boy...)
The entire room becomes silent as they all seem to watch this event with bathing breathe when,
*Ping*
A panel appear saying,
[Remember, save your face, so slap him! Rip that fools head off his shoulder!]
(Right, I need to act tough. Do I really have to? I kinda suck at acting but I don't wish to slap him hardly like Abe said so... Maybe I can improvise).
Since he's glaring at me from below I grab his head which shock him as he shouts:
"Huh are you- aurrgh!"
Gripping his head I force him back to sit down and then crush him alongside his chair.
*Crack* *Smash*
Making him kneel and then crouch before,
*Crunch*
Forcefully burying him under the steel while in a fetal position replying:
"I don't need your respect, only your full obedience. Now stay down."
My fake voice echo loudly across the room before I then let him go who lost conscious.
(There that would teach him. It's the same technique Sis use to bury me when training too when I'm punished).
I walk over to Kokkan who looks at me surprised before he smiles saying:
"Glad you're back."
"Yea."
I turn around and see Abe who's taking her seat and giving me a huge grin.
*Ping*
[Good one, you really can be savage like from your previous reports, keep it up. I give you an A+ for that!]
"Hear take my sit, Lord Silencer."
"Ah, thanks Kokkan."
Accepting his goodwill I take a sit at his chair and the others soon hesitates a bit and looks at the buried Major and slowly sit down. Amongst the officers across the table I can sense 2 who's looking at me with the most piercing gaze. A girl the same age as Kokkan with Curly black hair and blue eyes wearing a similar armour to Kokkan. All I feel from her is some sense of relief and satisfaction for something.
The other is a familiar person who I seem to see just recently but can't put my tongue on it... A boy a bit older than me with long crimson hair that seems to emit a brilliant blaze which pairs well with his white plate armour and most notably is his long sanguine blade he rests beside his chair.
(Wow, I'm meeting so many people with crimson hairs I'm starting to wonder if we're near some sort of red hair village?)
"Alright it seems everyone's here but King Si-Ka and his aide who's coordinating the reclamation. So, let me continue on where I left off."
Kokkan who's still standing beside me starts to place his palm on the table and raise it up just like Miria back then and soon panels starts appearing as I realize the table is displaying a whole huge Landmass the shape of a T with a big belly and islands surrounding it. Most notably now is the huge purple colour that's dominating the upper half of the peninsula leaving only 2 small smudge left at the tip of the right head of the T, while the lower half is being filled by multiple colours...
(This is... The northern peninsula?)
And as I wonder I notice Silla at the bottom right of the landmass that looks like a deformed ¢ shape as there's a huge colour making the kingdom into the shape of deformed bent letter...
(I wonder if that's the new dukedom Sis talked about with the last survivor of Silla's royal family? It seems I can gather lots of information here, let's use that to help Juha and Yoo-Ah!)
"We have successfully subjugated Ri and thanks the Silencer help, we have ended their bloodline."
*Oh* *murmur*
The officers surrounding the table talk among themselves before one starts asking:
"Supreme Commander, does that mean we can finally start killing the other blessed kings at the ship?"
Kokkan nods replying:
"Yes, we'll soon held their public execution starting tommorow. Better yet, we'll also be sending an ultimatum to Sanjo and Gwang as well since we now have the mandate of Heaven, they will be very hesitant to raise their blade if they wish to preserve their bloodline."
*Murmur*
(That doesn't sound so convincing. Maybe because I don't know the scope or importance of this mandate of Heaven).
The girl with curly hair raises her arms high asking:
"Cap, I know this may sound rude but... Lord Silencer, may we have the honour of your introduction?"
I jolt from her question as I realize I definitely haven't introduce myself. Kokkan looks at me and soon I look at Abe who's swaying her feet back and forth enjoying her time.
*Ping*
[Your choice but you have to try do your best on your own now]
(I feel like Abe's taken the role of my Senior in place of Saya now... Hmm I wonder where Saya is as well? I should ask Sis next time... I really wish I have my notes).
I nod along her suggestion and stand saying:
"Forgive me, it seems we're moving a few steps too early. Let me start over..."
I clasp my hand and bow my head saying:
"My name is Sova Anmao, I am the Silencer under the direct command of the Empress herself. Pleased to meet you."
*Murmur*
(Ah schnitzel I speak too polite like usual! Alright, let's start getting myself serious!)