"And these are the buildings that house every one of our warriors, ranging from low-to-high-class!"
Walking amidst the barracks of Buraun, Kou could be seen giving a tour to Class 1AB, all of the students gazing at their surroundings with utmost interest.
True to Kou's words, around the students were several buildings, modeled to replicate the look of a home that one could see in the center of the village. To the class, it didn't seem half-bad.
"Further down, you'll start to see where the magic happens!" Kou added, throwing in a pun, making most Class 1AB students groan. However, the brown-haired warrior merely laughed it off.
Akogare had been amazed since the advent of the tour. The blonde was practically bouncing in place, making sure to look at everything ten times over. It stinks that he couldn't bring his phone—the pictures would've been turned into heirlooms!
"Sure wouldn't mind staying in one of these, that's for sure," Tanjo said, eyeing the homes. Similar to Akogare, the jet-black-haired boy loved being in the homes of his village's warriors. It was certainly a place where he aspired to reside. And, to Tanjo, it wouldn't be before long until he will truly find a spot amongst Buraun's ranks.
Behind Tanjo, Meisei spoke, "And to think that it'd be completely free."
Soon, the class followed Kou to a more secluded area of the barracks. In place of the modern-looking homes, tents were the pervasive shelter. The tents varied from green, blue, red, and yellow—as if they were coordinated with the colors of every Aura Sense.
"Now," Kou started speaking. "Despite the color-coding of the tents, it does not restrict any warrior from accessing a tent that is colored differently from their Aura Sense. The color was meant to track what Aura Sense a warrior 'does' have, though. In case of an emergency that requires a specific skill, like a rescue mission, most yellow Aura Sense warriors would gather in a tent colored yellow; just so we can track them down faster!"
Class 1AB acknowledged this piece of information—"Ooooh."—giving Kou a simple noise in response.
Satisfied with her response, Kou happily continued.
"These tents, however, are reserved for separate units," Kou informed, turning her head to notice a student raising his hand.
Sukudo retracted his arm after being spotted, parting his mouth to speak, "What are the units, exactly? We were briefly told at the academy, and how practically make up our militia—but which are predominantly influential when it comes to preparing for battle?" The short, brown-haired student with red face paint asked.
"Oh, good question!" Kou replied, coming to a halt and turning completely around. "In all honesty, all of the units are imperative to creating strong forces. For example, the Reconnaissance Unit, the group of warriors that are responsible for mapping out the land of Adonai, assists us in surveying our nation, as well as obtaining information from enemies in distant villages!" The brown-haired warrior answered, wagging her finger as she spoke.
The students nodded at the key information, averting their eyes from Kou to further observe the tents.
"Uhm, what did you say your name was again?" Tanjo suddenly asked, garnering Kou's and Class 1AB's attention.
In response to Tanjo's question, Kou jabbed two fingers into the crest that was embedded in her armor. This particular crest was designed with three rings that formed a heart, the color blue serving as the background. "I am high-class Lieutenant Kou, only second to the General!"
Akogare sprang at those words, his armor clanking loudly from the sporadic movement. "High-class!? Why did you never tell us you were a high-class warrior? Not to mention second in command!?"
"You're right in my ear, blondie!" Meisei hollered.
Kou grinned, removing her fingers from her crest. "Well, you never asked."
Akogare became stupified at the response.
Suddenly—*BRRRM BRRRM*—loud ringing proceeded to blare in the ears of everyone present. Most of the students recoiled at the noise, covering their ears to block out the siren.
Kou's countenance steeled, looking up at a nearby siren intensely. Next to the students, Mr. Oshieru looked at Kou.
"What's happening?" Mr. Oshieru asked, yelling over the siren's ringing.
Kou brought her eyes back to the group before her. "Take the students back to the home section, look for any nearby warriors and notify them of your presence immediately!"
With that Kou ran off, leaving Oshieru to handle his students.
"Come on!" Oshieru yelled to his students. "We're going to the homes here! Just think of this as a drill for the moment!"
As the students followed their instructor, Kou ran further into the barracks, one thought invading her mind. 'This siren… it means that an attack on the village is to be expected!'
XXX
"I'm glad that you could finally join us again, Chief."
At the pinnacle of Buraun, that being the Council of Buraun's tower, Haishi stood tall at the back of the highest-most room, staring down every council member.
"Well, I was given a deadline, so I couldn't skip, could I?" Haishi responded cooly, watching as the council member Shinrai Shutoku chuckled.
"I suppose that's factual, Chief," Shinrai responded, his humorous voice vanishing within moments.
Another council member, an older man named Douji made his presence known by speaking with a gruff voice, "So, have you decided on our very generous offer, Chief?"
Haishi's eyes glinted in remembrance of those words. Previously, he was questioned about taking the responsibility of becoming the very first king of Buraun, establishing a whole new rule. In truth, Haishi resented this very meeting. He didn't want to become king, nor did he wish to pass this task to anyone else.
The council had nearly cornered Haishi last time they convened, fear-mongering Haishi into hopefully accepting the position as king. What the council has said, however, wasn't all a lie. Buraun has been facing a heavy decline in power and material possessions. The fall of Asahi severely damaged Buraun but didn't leave it entirely stranded. The village itself could hoist itself into success on its own—if it was significantly smaller, that is. Buraun's population was derived primarily from its inclining power and stature with Asahi.
Haishi inhaled, then followed by an exhale. "I have considered the idea. The steady decline of our village is quite detrimental, especially for future warriors currently in training. And not to forget about the people that currently reside in our village peacefully."
"We are well knowledgeable about Buraun's adversities, but what is your response to our offer, Chief?" A woman with obsidian-black hair named Himari asked, her eyes veiling any emotion.
Haishi remained silent for a moment, contemplating his next sentence thoroughly. "As for my final response, I–Argh!"
As Haishi was about to reply, a sudden surge of pain rushed to the commander's skull, prompting him to clench his head tightly, hoping to alleviate the pain.
"Are you well, Chief?" A council member named Hiyo questioned, his eyebrow knitting from the occurrence of Haishi's headache.
Haishi panted, damn it was getting worse. The commander craned his head upward, looking at the council members once more.
"Yes, I'm fine," Haishi assured, rubbing his head gently before putting his arm back to his side.
"Then," Shinrai said. "Back to the topic at hand."
Outside the room's entrance, footsteps could be heard. Suddenly, the door to the meeting room was busted open, revealing the presence of three warriors. Each of them wearing yellow headbands.
"Chief! Our Signal Branch had recently learned of an impending group of warriors heading our way! They've already breached our territory by passing through the Fukuga forest, but they still keep coming. Our sirens have already been sounded!" The warrior in the front explained, his voice was informative but nervous.
Every member of the council jumped from their seats at this bit of information, staring wide-eyed at the intruding warriors. "Blasphemy! How are they already within our territory and you just now notify us of such high importance!?"
"Guide me to the barracks, I'll be able to—" Haish tried to speak, only to be cut off.
"No! You are to stay here, protect this building and the citizens here! Leave the rest for your subordinates!" A council member named Shikko bellowed, anger flooding him entirely.
Haishi scowled. They want him to stay? While they've already been breached? Damn it.
"Fine." Haishi complied, turning to the warriors in the door. "Contact Lieutenant Kou, tell her to prepare for an invasion. Also, bring me some warriors as well, just enough to protect the people within the village!"
"Yes, Chief!" The warriors responded in unison, dashing out of the room. Good thing that they sent Yellow Aura Sense warriors to deliver the message. Their speed is handy in times like these.
Haishi turned to the council members, acknowledging their fear.
With a sneer, Haishi said, "Get comfortable. You asked me to protect you, so you're now under my supervision."
XXX
Walking through a forest, several people clad in black clothing, kitsune masks concealing their faces, made their way closer to the edge of the Fukuga forest. After a few moments, the group came to a standstill, noticing the village ahead of them.
One of the kitsune-clad individuals stood tall, the rest standing behind.
"Get ready, as this is a mission for the glory of Lord Phoenix!" A feminine voice shouted, belonging to the Shinkaku member named Katsuko.
Cheers of the Shinkaku members could be heard, all of them now prepared to complete their current task.
Katsuko bent down, storing her legs with magic.
"Once we gain access to Buraun, we will obtain the Tansu Beast! Failure is not an option!"
XXX
Woah! It's finally going to happen! Unit Katsuryoku reached Buraun! What now!? What will happen to the students!? What will become of the village at the end of this? Stay tuned for more!
Have a Great Day!
Peace - Cr1ticalz_