The wind began to blow harshly.. the large vessel was rocking back and forth as the wind storm had begun to flourish. White strands swayed from side to side, Aqua eyes glaring daggers at the target at hand, hand gliding over the golden hilt of his long sword 'this is it... I have to do this... now or never.' He thought preparing himself mentally, the flashes of yesterday events, his village, mother... and Yuuki.. it all came together lighting a fire within him as across from Dante Kudo a couple meters away was the Gargantuan White and Gold Sentinel; it's visor analyzing him with precision as it's blade energized waiting for him to make the first move..
In a Room filled with Monitors, sat Rose Atarah and Daisuke Kudo.. watching the Field Operation course meet it's climax "Come on kid. This is it..." the older veteran said softly as he watched curiously "don't fail.. not now." Watching with anticipation, three individuals entered the room at the same instance. 3rd Commander Nero Kasuga, Corporal Marika Albarea and 4th Commander Shina Shimizu head of the Mana Corp
"It's begun... quite an interesting task you have given him Daisuke-Sensei... I know emotions play apart in concentrating Mana out of a spirit core.. but why set the Sentinel to such a high adjustment.. not even Rose had that setting."
"I'm curious as well. When Commander Shimizu explained what You had done to the system.. I couldn't quite understand it myself. This is beyond just a regular field operation... what are you preparing him for? The Grand War against Agaroto ended 16 years ago.. such threats are of rare occurrences in todays age.." Nero Kasuga questioned as well, he knew that Daisuke had a very strict standard anyone of that sort of status would after all but there was a hint of overkill.
In the midst of their immediate questions, Rose Atarah turned her head to look at the three individuals suddenly fixing her posture, she seemed more comfortable around Daisuke her direct superior but when another Commander entered the room she tensed up not in fear at all but more in a respectful manner. "Good morning...Commander Kasuga.. Commander Shimizu!"
"Ah! Second Rank Atarah! It's been sometime... sense the Entrance exam I believe. you have grown in the past five months.. you look more of a knight than most others..." Nero Kasuga greeted politely, as Shina Shimizu gave a small nod and smile "Agreed! I see your proving yourself rather well. Thank you again for allowing me to analyze your Spirit core last month it was quite interesting getting to see a Dark Elf's power..."
"Of course.. whatever you need Commander and Arigatou!." Rose was a very serious girl in all sense of the term but when it came to people she regarded highly, she was much more nervous as suddenly Nero spoke up "hm. You've never met my right hand before... this is Corporal Marika Albarea... Kira Narukami's following her lead" the dark elf looked at Marika with curiosity, the rather serene knight looked just as noble as Kira "greetings..." was all she could say 'Kira mentioned shadowing a high ranked Corporal, this is her?'
"Konichi'wa. Rose Atarah... your duel with that Tora sibling was extremely gracious. Your movements beautiful and intense..." Marika complimented, walking over and shaking the dark elves hand "having a Dark elf in The Order is such a change in pace. I'm glad you are here...as equals. Might I ask about your wind element... it is quite a spectacle indeed!"
"Huh?..." The red haired girl was caught off guard by the sudden praise she was receiving from the Corporal "well. Most Elves have an affinity for certain elements.. so wind nature came to me as I grew.."
"That's incredible!! You must show me how that works someday! Most humans concentrate mana as energy not many can use elements to their advantage!..." Marika continued, her gracefulness began to shed showing a very humble nature that not many get to see Even Her commander smirked quite a bit "whenever she meets someone not of nobility, it's as if she forgets her last name..ironic"
"B-be quite! Commander, that isn't true!.." Marika pouted at his accusation before letting out a breathe composing herself "apologies Rose! I.. become very passionate when it comes to battle, a student of it i'd call it" standing up straight as Shina moved closer to a monitor "so.. Daisuke-Sensei ? The Sentinel is set to combat a first rank Knight, Dante is a third... why change the setting? And to have it mimic his mana levels too? Very dangerous"
"I've been alive for a long time.. 41 years... I've seen it all. I've done it all. There is one thing this world has that is always a constant... conflict and peace, go hand and hand always. That'll never change..." Daisuke explained himself quite philosophically "Shina your father is someone that would understand it better than anyone, Megami rest his soul. Marika your father also is someone that has seen his fair share of bloodshed. Our Job as adults, as veterans is to prepare the Young. The Next generation for any and all threats.. so that they may protect this world when WE are all gone...yes peace has flourished in the past decade. Preparing for the worst.. is better.. than being vulnerable."
Rose Listened to their superior closely, and attentively "I see.. so Daisuke-sama. Your pushing Dante farther than me because?.."
"Simple. As a Dark elf your grasp of Mana Concentration and Control is naturally far greater.. you don't need to be tested in such regard. All Elves are naturally mana blessed...despite some scholars believing otherwise. Dante.. Son of Kisuke. Refused to pay mind to my teachings of Mana during our time in Eden Village. Now that we are so close to going out into the world... he Needs to be ready.. at all costs... as the world starts to catch up and learn of his identity. He will forever be marked. A target on his back.. enemies, manipulators of all varieties will try their hand.. at Kisuke's legacy." Daisuke finished explaining his reasoning, focusing on the screen as he glanced at Rose once again "The Human realm has been at peace for the most part over a decade... but the Elven realm has not. The Light elves have subjugated the Dark for decades and even during the Grand War... when they had no choice but to accept the Dark elves aid due to the High Council's decree... their was still prejudice. That is what started the false narrative of dark elves being inherently evil. All Races look down on them.. as scum but to have the audacity to look down on someone over words and speculation makes you even worse. The World goes beyond Humanity and it's time we learned that... right?"
"That is a very pessimistic view. How could you know that the world will go into conflict again.. their is no way to predict such a thing..." Nero interrupted respectfully, being a Commander doesn't seem to change how young he still is "Daisuke-sama. Forgive my lack of understanding."
"He is right..." Commander Shimizu agreed, nodding her head as she recalled her own parentage explaining something similar long ago "No matter how much the world Evolves around us... Conflict is part of Nature... their is no amount of calculation or logistic that could debate against it..."
Corporal Marika stayed quite and listened not adding anything but understanding immediately what was being said, her eyes look over at Rose with a hint of sadness. Hearing that the Dark elves have suffered prejudice, she could only guess and imagine what the red haired girl could have been through 'I hadn't realized. I always assumed there was something odd about the ordeal?' I didn't know-...' she thought keeping Rose in her thoughts, as she wanted to ask Rose further on the subject the time for it passed as Daisuke spoke up with a large smirk on his face "Now we're talking! Beat that scrap metals ass kid!"
Everyone's attention was taken, as Dante finally made the first move.. the white haired Knight was locking blades with the much larger opponent, trading slashes back and forth. Countering and blocking each other like a graceful dance despite the sentinel being much heavier which was an advantage Dante was glowing blue as his strikes matched it blow for blow.. pound for pound. 'I won't lose... I've got too much riding on this! Everyone back home, my comrades here... even Viejo...' the speed of which they we're countering each other was rather intense and impressive.
Nero Kasuga, Knight Saint of the Kasuga clan.. a clan said to have been blessed with the prowess of blades watched Dante's movements with an excited expression "Wow... he's on fire. To be able to keep up with the Sentinel's Mimic... and Mana! At a first class level. He'd have been amazing in our clan... I can see the Samurai Style is strong within him. You've trained him perfectly in battle Daisuke-sama..."
"Dante is an airhead sometimes..." Rose chimed in, not surprised at the event as she watched it herself "when it comes to wielding that sword.. to fighting. he's a genius.. sparring with him. I must admit is an honor, it feels like...facing the son of a Dragon-knight indeed."
"He's got his fathers ferocity. Kisuke was something straight out of a book... revered for being untouchable. The level of Knighthood and Mana he achieved was... impossible for even me to reach..." Daisuke admitted vaguely though not revealing much "one thing His old man was good at.... He could adapt to any given trial or battle no matter the handicap... I don't push him hard to punish him. I Push him like this.. because it's what Kisuke would have wanted. The real world isn't a farm.. and he needs to understand it. The hard way.."
This dance of swords, could only go on for so long as The Sentinel finally kicked on its heel analyzing an opening and swinging its blade downward the speed it displayed was unholy.. nothing that heavy should be able to move that fast. Dante gritted his teeth as he could feel the coming attack, piercing his golden long sword into the ground.. his muscles tensed with a hue of blue.. as the Sentinel's blade hit its mark.. blood fell onto the ground..
"Damn! It got a direct hit!... He's screwed..." Daisuke cussed with a bit of frustration as he stared.. the crossing of metal had caused dirt to cloud up. 'At that level... He shouldn't be able to tank a hit..'
"Wait... There's something moving.. I don't think he's finished yet.. Daisuke-sama..." Corporal Marika chimed in causing their superior to regain some confidence.. "see... he's..I don't know how. But he's still standing!"
Rose's posture relaxed at this.. as she could see what the corporal could.. it was true after all.. still standing was Dante.. shaking ferociously.. angered as the energy blade had slashed his shoulder blade.. but rather than have his arm cut off. The White haired knight was tanking it in its entirety. "That.. All you got!..."
"That... is incredible.. I haven't seen such a risky tactic in quite a while..." Commander Nero Kasuga commented his knowledge of battle was prominent as he could already tell "he took it... on purpose..."
"I see... he knew there was no way.. to counter the Sentinel and gain an advantage.. so he..." Shina added noticing the strategy right away, as Rose spoke up finishing their outward thoughts "he created an opening by taking a hit!.. that's...insane. Smart... but insane.."
"I got you NOW!..." Dante grabbed his blade that he deliberately put down, as Mana infused into it lightly.. and the battlefield shook intensely as his power increased exponentially.. using his left hand to keep the sentinels blade on his wound despite it hurting.. the long sword was lifted "Rock the World!! RYUU no Īkari!!!!!!!" At the instant of the slash, the golden blade absorbs and condensed his Mana before releasing it at the tip of the blade, magnifying the slash attack, which flies forward like a wave of impactful energy.. at point blank range the Sentinel was launched backward.. it's armor plating damaged heavily. Landing into the metal wall of the Outer deck.. it's visor glitched suddenly from it..
Kudo's eyes dilated like a Lizards.. as he rushed forward at blinding speeds "Haaagaaaahhhhh!!!"
Within the blast of the moment... the Sentinel's head was destroyed by his sword.. finally standing victorious "stay down... piece of crap!"
'His.. eyes...did anyone-?..' Marika looked around in shock at the outcome 'no... nobody saw it.... He isn't just mana blessed.. that was different... different than anything I've seen....' She thought feeling a shiver up her spine, though despite her speculation.. the impressive feat of defeating the Sentinel with all those adjustments was.. Amazing 'A Dragonknight... that hasn't reached his prime...he's... really-.. unbelievable'
'He did it..... now go finish the course... it's time to move forward..' Daisuke thought mentally preparing for his nephew to finally progress "I do hope he enjoys the surprise waiting for him.."
"Another surprise... I'm not to certain Dante is the type to enjoy surprised much...." Commander Shimizu commented before realizing the door behind them had opened, it seemed someone left the room as the climax of the battle occurred 'Hm-....where did-....Hn. I see... you really are eccentric aren't you. Daisuke-Sensei...' she thought watching the rest of the course unfold 'you lead him passed that.. just to have him reach this..'
Entering below deck through an elevator, tying a strap of cloth over his wounded shoulder... the area was pitch black. But he could see the end, the goal was to reach the computer at the other side of the vessel.. that is all that's needed to pass the course.
"It's about time you beat that thing... adjustments or not.. if you failed I was wondering if I should leave you behind. Dante.." Rose had entered the course, walking out of the shadows in front of the finish line "You've already passed I bet, but. It seems this last part is to test us both... time to go all out...you vs me... Dante."
"Right now?.... Are you nuts?! I'm so close to the end." Dante questioned gripping the hilt of his blade "I don't think I can concentrate Mana like that so soon.. not without collapsing afterward.. it's too much for my body but." Gripping his blade as a glimmer of mana began to show, a smirk reached his mouth "you thought you we're gonna leave me behind! Your dreaming I've worked to hard to get here... I'm not losing. Not this time!.."
"Hold on one Second!" Commander Shimizu's eyes lit up, as she walked closer to the overhead monitor and tapped on an icon.. it began an analysis immediately as her eyebrows furrowed 'that's not possible... his wound... it's self-healing... the strain his body went through fighting the sentinel.. muscles.. nerves.. joints.. their all being repaired on the spot!...' she thought before speaking up "I have studied thousands of spirit cores.. in my time as Commander.. I have never seen anything like this. How is this possible?... Daisuke-Sensei! It's like his Core is Reacting on its own... a self-defense system?"
"That's in our blood...." Daisuke replied smoothly not really looking at it, as impressive "it's not an easy thing to gain.. and of course it won't work every single time. That all depends on the endurance and durability of the individual. Too much damage and it won't occur.. but arbitrary things like Stamina.. we can recover with Mana.... That is what I meant when I said Kisuke was the most adaptive Knight.. on top of his Spirit core being one of a kind it's powers we're simply profound. Kisuke.. Sozen and Me... we're cut from a different cloth and now... Dante.. thanks to my constant pushing, has allowed it to shine through.."
"I had heard that Dragonknights have Innate natural abilities that make them above many.. the Trio set the standards for all Knights after all.." Commander Nero chimed in intrigued by this discovery "So... he can output immense amounts of Mana... and when his body begins to collapse from the pressure it begins to repair.. allowing him to-.."
"Continuously Battle..." Marika finished, amazed at this shaking her head 'I see... this didn't happen in the entrance exams.. but I was confused despite being healed by Rose how he was able to battle Ogrekiller after having dueled a Tora sibling not long before that.. and receiving the most damage out of the group.. with proper mana control it's viable to battle once, twice maybe three times.. but essentially.. this means... Dante Kudo.. had he unlocked this earlier.. could've battled Ogrekiller many times consecutively with the right mastery of mana.. that's. Insane to think...'
"Let's not get excited. This isn't a perfect ability.. and it won't save him from being killed in the field.. All it does is prolong his stamina and output for extended times.. meaning he can endure more punishment, maybe dish out more fighting before tapping out." The Veteran Knight explained the innate ability fairly simple, as he nodded "a Dark Elven girl that's a natural mana user and genius tactician. A Future Dragonknight that's finally grasping his own power.. their a perfect pair. Light and Darkness a pair of Knights that I'm shaping to move forward.."
"Alright then Rose!... let's go!" Dante yelled rushing forward with all his might, As Rose watched him move with intrigue at his mana she followed and dashed at high wind speeds "About Time!" Their clash was epic... the grace of blue Mana colliding with the hue of green.. sparring partners, and squad mates with the upmost respect for each other.. The Dark elf still had her reservations but in the end how could she not trust the air-headed knight Dante Kudo..
———————————————————————
Back in the Barracks of The Order's HQ, The lusciously long black haired girl Corporal Marika was making her way down Special Ops Division.. going toward a certain area. 'Okay. Just breathe... keep your posture up. I'll just tell him the Director has asked to go for briefing.. that's all. Just a message.. I won't lose it...' she thought keeping herself composed as she walked with Grace. A couple soldiers walked passed her, as she walked over to a specific black door and hesitated before extending her hand and knocking; clearing her throat "Ohayō... Third Rank Knight Dante-kun... Ano! Dante-san!... I am here for-..." she began to speak hoping he could hear her but it suddenly donned on her that it was early in the morning. 'Oh. Perhaps he is sleeping...' tapping the open panel it suddenly opened up, revealing a dark room that was rather pristine.. organized even. Unexpected, overlooking everything.. books, files and clothes we're all stacked nice and neatly.. making her way over to a desk with a laptop there was a picture of a rather.. beautiful woman, considering she had the same eye color as him.. it was rather obvious 'is that... his mother?... she's gorgeous..' Marika thought she paused as she could hear movement and groaning; and suddenly.. there was a warmth.. on her back glancing behind.. a sudden rush of red covered her face. Steam was practically leaving her ears.. "a-Ano.." she whispered...
Behind her was Dante Kudo... shirtless just a bit taller than her.. his body was quite toned with some scarring here and there that added to his look "um...your.. a bit close-..." but it fell on deaf ears... as he was clearly still unconscious.. sleep walking. 'All these.. scars.. are they from his training?..' she wondered curiously lifting a finger as she turned now facing him... the closeness was so intense... the warmth even more unbearable as she poked his scar and instantly.. the male fell forward and she reacted instantly by catching him. "O-oof...he's.. heavier than he looks...." She commented comedically struggling to hold him up "he's a deep sleeper too..." she continued to speak before her whole body turned beet red 'A-ah!!!! He's half naked!! I-if someone sees us like this! They'll-.."
"Oi!! Dante... you dog! You got Corporal Marika to be your night partner Eh?... maybe you've been hanging with me too much..heh~..." a smooth voice spoke up, the familiar Yuma Lionheart stood at the open doorway that she had forgotten to close with a plastered smirk on his face "wait... he's sleeping.. maybe the Corporal couldn't help herself huh?.. that it?.. had to get your hands on the son of Kisuke?.."
"E-Eh?!! Lionheart-sama!! This isn't what it looks like?!—.." Corporal Marika suddenly spoke up in her defense but was cut off by... Cole Young having arrived "huh?.. Yuma-san?... what's she doing with Dante?... he's practically nude!..."
"He... he has pajama pants on!! He's not naked! I swear it!...I..oh no!.." Caught off guard... Marika fell backward with the slumbering male on top of her "how is he still sleeping?!..ah! This is not what I have come here for! I swear! This is fraternization!.."
"Sure looks like you we're ready to lunge on em!..." Yuma chuckled making a smart remark before stepping aside as he saw a fuming Red Haired Dark Elf enter the room "oh Lycori-.."
"Damn it! DANTE!!" With a swift kick to the side, the white haired slumbering knight tumbled into the other side of the room with a thud "Stop corrupting him Lionheart!.."
"What the?!- your blaming me?... I ain't do nothing.. besides let the guy live a little..." Yuma tried defending himself, as Dante grimaced sitting up straight and looking up rubbing a single eye "ugh! That hurt... what's... going on?.."
"It looks like Corporal Marika was trying to get frisky while you slept... hehe~... if you wanted advise Marika.. you should have asked..." Lionheart commented further embarrassing the Corporal as Cole Young turned on the light to brighten up the room "A-Ano.. Dante-san.. Yuma's just joking. I believe the Corporal was here to deliver a message. Your phones on silent so I'm sure Daisuke-sama hasn't been able to reach you. You tend to be a deep sleeper.."
"Huh?! I already passed the course two days ago.. what else do I have to do?" Dante huffed crossing his arms with a childish pout, hoping that it wasn't another elaborate test.
"Actually.." Marika finally stood up and composed herself, pushing what had just happened in the back of her mind, fixing her black hair as she spoke "Director Clara Narukami.. wishes to summon both you and Rose Atarah.. it seems your first mission will be briefed by her and your superior Daisuke-sama.." she explained before extending her hand "W-we haven't had the pleasure of meeting face to face. I am Corporal Marika Albarea.. second in command of Third Division. Kira Narukami your graduation mate is shadowing me usually but she's been sent on a mission with my Commander Nero Kasuga.."
Dante titled his head curiously grabbing hold of her hand gently and smiling kindly "Oh! Arigatou for the message! Nice to meet you, I'm Third Rank Dante Kudo.. I haven't seen many with hair that dark and shiny before! Marika-Chan.."
"Dante, she's a corporal speak with honorifics.." Rose commented wanting to correct his speech as she sighed at his cluelessness "so.. we're already getting thrown to the wolves this soon...good thing I heard the commotion from next door."
"I-it's quite alright Rose.. I-I haven't been addressed that way... In quite a while. I accept it..." Marika blushed looking away not wanting to entertain the subject further as she seemed to like being called that way.
"A-ah! That's right! You and Dante are neighbors!..." Cole expressed before whispering "he snores doesn't he... I-I bet he snores..."
"I DO not!..." Dante chimed suddenly standing up straight, as Yuma grabbed a white shirt and tossed it at his friend "here. Before you make Corporal Marika Pass out~.."
"What do you mean pass out?.." Dante questioned curiously before being cut off by Marika once again "he means nothing!.. at any rate.. we should be going now.. we are to make our way to the Director's office immediately."
"This doesn't answer why Lionheart and Cole are here?..." Rose interrupted suddenly with a raised eyebrow looking at the both of them, though at Yuma with more disdain "why?"
"Ironically. My commander told me I'd be meeting the Director in a few as well.. Cole here was sent for the same thing.." Yuma answered honestly winking at her with a confident face "means your not gonna be rid of me today just yet.. Lycoris"
'Oh... Kami... Kill me now...' The Dark elf thought as her eyebrow twitched at his words, before huffing and walking out of the room "whatever. Let's just get going.."
"Ooh! Cole! Your coming too!.. let's go!!" Dante while the others bantered on had changed into his White cloaked attire, and placed his blade on his hip rubbing his arm around Young's neck with an obnoxious chuckle "I gotta tell you about the course on the way! That Sentinel was nothing but scrap metal! Barely made me fight!..haha!"
"I-I seriously doubt that... Dante-san.. I saw the Vid.." Cole Young expressed with a chuckle at the little lie but amused by his confidence "though C-congratulations on passing..."
Corporal Marika watched them head out of his room, and followed behind the group watching them.. she couldn't help but a small smile reach her lips 'their all.. very lively...' she thought rather enjoying their company so far 'Maybe. I can Fit in with them?....'
It only took about 7 minutes. For the group to reach the highest level of The Order's HQ and stop behind large double doors of the imposing office "Come. Narukami-sama and Daisuke-sama should be inside waiting with Ibuki-Sensei..."
"Sullivan-Sama's here too? What's that grumpy guy want?" Dante questioned jokingly not realizing the door had been opened before he deadpanned and that same grumpy man was glaring daggers at him "I'll remember that when your payment review occurs next year..."
'Ah Crap!...' The white haired knight thought as the group entered and closed the door behind them, each taking a seat in the very luxurious office; behind the desk was Director Narukami, on each side of her stood her Assistant Ibuki Sullivan and Daisuke the Dragonknight.
"So you've finally arrived... I finally understand why your Field Operation course was so difficult. Congratulations on passing.. Dante Kudo..." Clara congratulated with a small chuckle "seems your uncle still has surprises under his sleeve...but. Unfortunately we are not here for pleasantries. In Three Days... you will be embarking on your first mission.. most knights aren't given such difficult tasks but.. right now. This is too important to just let go and since it affects someone close I gave Daisuke free reigns on it.."
"Someone? Close?... Viejo? What's going on with this mission?....and why call all of us up here... if it's your operation." Dante questioned suddenly listening intently for an Answer, as Rose's sharp ears also perked up and she followed up "If that is true... I assume you pulled the other three from their divisions for a reason..."
"Correct as always Rose... before I explain the mission... I have to ask what do you know of Bushido's history with the 'Aragoto Empire'?" Daisuke spoke up finally asking the five of them this question knowing some would know more than others, as Cole Young raised his hand "U-um they we're the enemies of the Last Grand War for the Human Realm... The Aragoto Empire fought for their independence from Bushido.. I-Im pretty sure they lost from what I recall..."
"Not just lost... we we're taught at the Royal Academy that they put up a huge fight.. that Bushido was brought to its knees and the elven realm and Orc Isles had to jump in to Aid us...between them, the Noble clans, The Ogrekiller's, the Seven Commanders of that Era, the Two Admirals of the Roundtable and the Dragonknight Trio.. we won in the end.." Yuma Lionheart gave his insight and knowledge of the history behind it, as Corporal Marika also gave her own perspective "From the story my Father told me.. The Aragoto Empire was a Coalition, an alliance between several human kingdoms all wanting their independence from Bushido's rule. Just under one banner... in the end a treaty was signed that was created by the High Council. The first of the Empire that separated themselves was the Kingdom of Ninnguang. With them leaving.. the rest followed soon after and the Empire eventually ceased to exist.."
"Your information is valid.. but not 100% complete. Yes there was a Treaty written by the High Council.. and yes Bushido did have aid from the elven realm and Orc Islands. What isn't really told was the reason the War began in the first place... before The official government of Bushido was made.. we we're run by a Monarchy." Director Narukami began to explain it in its entirety with as much detail as possible.
"A King and Queen. when we we're children.. infants.. we we're told of the story. The Knights of the Roundtable we're our legends. They are what made Bushido legendary in the past.. defending the country from Dragons and dark forces and with each generation the table continued, it was formed by the first King of Bushido Centuries ago to combat the enemies of Bushido and lead its army.. 7 powerful human knights.. handpicked by the High King... eventually they laid the foundation for what the Order is today... the Seven Commanders we're modeled after them for example... The Kingdom's that sought independence simply wished to do away with the Rule of a Monarchy. The Emperor of Ninnguang at the time began an alliance between the kingdoms and formed the Empire, with every decade that passed the War for worse and worse.. The High Council decreed with the blessing of the Human Chancellor to end the Monarchy... and form The Order. Rather than Bushido be run by a King.. it would be governed by the Order, with the Director and commanders at the forefront handpicked by the Nobility and council...of course it has evolved over time. Now the Director picks the Commanders.. and the director is chosen by the High Council with votes from the Noble clans as well.."
"Gomen'nasai. Narukami-sama... what does that have to do with the mission we are embarking on?..." Corporal Marika questioned curiously, realizing that though they have a clearer picture it wasn't exactly giving out the current day data.
"The War lasted decades Corporal. eventually it had to end but not without cost... Several commanders lost their lives, and two of the original roundtable knights became Admirals of the Order.. having grown tired of politics they then followed the steps of the Ancient Dwarves and went underground never to be heard from again. Thousands of third class knights and Soldiers died on both sides.. even Kisuke.. died in the end... unfortunately for us. There are those.. who opposed the Treaty.. those that wished for Aragoto to become a tyrannical rule over all.. even nonhumans. The Aragoto Militia.. are the remnants of those that never allowed their ideals die."
"Huh?... so the War was ended and that's what gave us peace all this time.." Yuma clarified for himself and the others, brushing his brown hair to the side "This Aragoto Militia.. is what the missions about? You want us to take them down?..."
"No. Not entirely... You see. One Individual with a group of Special Force Soldiers was in charge of ending the Militia's raids on Bushido villages near the coast.... and he practically wiped them all out. His last transmission let us know of a final Stronghold.. one that would put the final nail in the coffin on the Aragoto Empire forever. his job is to communicate with The order after each successful objective was taken down.. the bad news.. is... he hasn't reported anything.. in two weeks since this discovery.. that... does not bode well.." Ibuki answered more clearly to bring it all together in one go, as a certain elves ears perked up.
"I'm assuming it's worrisome because this person is punctual and never misses a window of communication.." Rose finally chimed in, after listening intently absorbing the knowledge being spoken of on the human realm vividly 'it seems... This place has its own struggles as well.' She thought wondering who this individual could possibly be..
"It's my brother.... My older brother. The middle child of us three... Sozen Kudo...the Crimson Dragonknight.." Daisuke revealed the identity, his face cold and serious "it's worrisome because... a Dragonknight.. is as strong as a commander... every base Sozen wiped off the map easily. But.. after Discovering this one. He went missing in action.. which means... they have some sort of trick up there sleeve that not even Sozen could bypass.."
"This... militia! They disrupted Sozen-sama?!..but he is... considered-.." Marika's eyes visibly widened at the news that Sozen had been defeated.. someone on the level of a Dragonknight..
Dante's Aqua eyes blinked several times, observing his uncle closely 'this must be really hard on him... I didn't know Uncle Sozen much.. but Viejo and him must have been close....and if he was strong enough to fight My Father... taken down by A Militia suddenly... this is definitely important to everyone..'
"To be the Next Legend... after Kisuke.. Sozen... is stronger than even me.." Daisuke exclaimed gripping his fist at the thought of his brother losing.. "the only person.. that could see Elder brother eye to eye at times...now you understand why this mission is urgent? Im in charge of it because if anyone will rescue him it will be me.. you five will accompany me along with several units of soldiers..."
"Let me make one thing clear!! This is not a mission to destroy the stronghold. Bombs will not be used in this instance... The Elven realm is already dealing with enough bad blood between the light and dark elves! This mission must be discreet... the stronghold must simply be taken over by The Order.. destroying that building on the outskirts of their border will be taken as a sign of provocation and we will not afford to go too war with the Elves! This is.. a purge and rescue mission! Most likely Sozen is being held inside..."
"Yuma Lionheart... Rose Atarah... The Mana Alchemist and the Raven of the Order.. you two will be infiltrating the Building lead by Daisuke...." Ibuki suddenly pulled up a virtual map with The Director's monitor "there is a ravine.. our scouts have found a sewer that leads under the base... the Aragoto patrolling have been taken out and replaced with our own soldiers... they will guide you.. and will be undercover.... Meanwhile.. Corporal Marika and Third Class Knight Dante Kudo.. you two will be the frontal assault, along with several squads of soldiers.. that will be the distraction necessary so that the stronghold will concentrate on the front gates..."
"Ooh! I'm working with you Marika-Chan!.." Dante said enthusiastically getting a bit excited at the thought of being able to actually fight head on with the enemy "I can't wait to see what a Corporal can do?.."
"E-Eh?! R-right... Dante.. I'm excited as well.. To be working with you! I mean..." Marika stammered looking away not locking eyes with the male, as Yuma smirked confidently "Well then~ if I'm working with Lycoris.. then this'll be a piece of cake..."
"Ano... w-what will I be doing?.." Cole Young raised his hand curiously, not quite sure where he would be fitting in.. as a chill went down his spine and the door swung open behind.. entering with his Ashen grey hair, and flower tattoo on his forehead with a sadistic smirk on his face... 5th Commander Subashī Jest.. scoffed coldly "WE... shall be the operators.. overseeing the map and mission from the Bridge of HQ... Cole-kun~.."
"J-jest-sama!... G-Gomen'nasai!... I didn't know-..." The suddenly fearful Knight was calmed by a soft padding on his shoulder "calm yourself. The work you have been doing.. has been fulfilling.. I requested to aid you as operator.. I'm intrigued to find out what could have possibly taken down a Dragonknight you see~ for.. experimental purposes.." the man looked passed his subordinate and directly at Daisuke with a sinister gleam as Daisuke unmoved raised his eyebrow "don't be coy... Subashī... Your place is in the lab.. keep it that way.."
"Why of course.. Daisuke-kun~.. I will keep that in mind.. my, my.. what an illustrious team we have..." bowing in their presence his eyes fell upon Rose with an unrecognizable look, Commander Jest huffed "ah.. the Dark Elf.. fitting in with Humanity I see. How curious-.."
"Enough Commander... save your monologues for later..." Director Narukami raised her hand silencing the room, as she spoke "Commander Subashī Jest.. and Third Rank Cole Young.. will be overseeing operations through various means and reporting it all to me directly. The infiltration team.. is to sneak their way inside and open the front gates, allowing The frontal Assault to enter and continue their onslaught.. Daisuke will split up and search for Sozen. The four of you are too reunite inside.. find the Chieftain of the Militia and end his miserable life once and for all. The actions this militia has taken against humanity have gone beyond execution... destroy him.. at any cost.. but be cautious.. your dealing with a man that defeated Sozen..."
Rose shivered at Commander Jests stare before shaking it off and focusing on what the Director was saying as she spoke up "I understand now... I do not care who I am paired with... don't get in my way.. Lionheart.." she warned feeling the weight of this mission already, as Yuma raised his hands Defensively "who? Me?~.. I won't trust me..Lycoris..."
"That settles it!!..." Daisuke raised his voice, emerald eyes glowing brightly as he can see that everyone got the picture of what's to come "This is do or die... any mistakes and it will be your lives on the line. The training wheels are off kids.. it's time to get too work! The mission is priority over everything else.. are we clear?... In Three days we saddle up and take the choppers East toward the borders of The Elven Realm!.. get all the rest you need, any extra practice you need! Failure... is not in option!....am I understood!"
"HAI!.... DAISUKE-SAMA!!"