After we awoke, the two of us found Dark Army uniform badges at the foot of our bed.
Cassandra elected not to wear hers until it was needed, so she stored it in her pocket.
What I mean is, she knew about the special function the badges had. They could be reformed into a full set of armor when needed. Until then, the badge could be placed on any part of the body.
When the time arose, they could change into their real form.
These armors were composed of Abyssal materials.
They could apparently be summoned by the Corruption if Difar willed it as well.
I also put mine in my pocket and went to the meeting place where Johann would be waiting.
When we arrived, we saw Iris speaking with Johann.
"Be careful, okay? I know you're strong, but you aren't invincible," Iris said.
"I understand. And don't worry, I won't do anything too reckless," Johann said.
"Good, now...oh? It looks like they're here now. I'll go meet with my Enforcers, okay? Good luck"
Iris rushed out of the room.
Then Cassandra stepped forward and bowed her head to Johann.
"I am in your care, sir. Please ensure my safety for Master Mizik," she said.
"Master? I thought he was your husband," Johann said.
Your mistake was asking...
Cassandra smiled wide and grabbed onto my arm lovingly.
"Mizik is my everything! I am his wife and his loyal slave. His beloved possession! He is nearly all I think about!" She said.
Johann shook his head.
"Okay...sure..."
"If you get into a confrontation with Rose, don't try to fight. Let Cassandra handle it. Rose wields a sword called Bravery that basically makes her nearly unkillable," I said.
"Okay. What does Rose look like?" Johann asked.
No one told you, did they?
"She looks like Cassandra. They're identical twins," I said.
Johann nodded.
"I'll make sure not to piss her off, then. Let's go, Cassandra," Johann said.
He reached out his hand and Cassandra turned to me as she took it.
"I'll be back soon, darling. Wait for me!" She said.
"Good luck," I said.
"Valtheim, please take us near Excelsis," Cassandra said.
Then she appeared.
"Also, Valtheim. Make sure nothing bad happens to Cassandra or Johann. If they get into trouble and can't escape, come get me immediately. Do you understand?" I said.
"I...obey..." She said.
And at once, both Cassandra and Johann disappeared.
I sighed as I looked around.
Damn...I feel kind of lonely now... That's new...
I hadn't realized it, but I had grown very fond of Cassandra's constant flood of affection. It was addicting.
I shrugged and went to go see Vakra.
* * *
As soon as she couldn't see Mizik anymore, Cassandra felt almost ready to cry.
To her, it was like her heart was torn in half.
"No! Be strong, Cassandra! Mizik is waiting for you! My darling Mizik is...waiting for me! For me! Yes!"
After rising for a short while, Johann entered the divine transit as soon as Valtheim released them.
A few minutes later, they appeared in a small apartment within Excelsis.
"Hm? Where are we?" Cassandra asked.
"Oh, this is Iris' apartment in Excelsis. It's not very big and rarely used since she lives on Ignitus...or...did. I come here from time to time to stay or clean up since I don't actually live in Excelsis. It'll serve as a good base of operations," Johann said.
"Oh. It is quite small, isn't it...?" Cassandra said.
"Yeah. Great for going unnoticed. Now then, we have a few things to take care of and we should try to be quick about it."
"Of course. First, we need to send out the drone for surveying the area," Cassandra said.
She used channeled power and pulled out the drone.
Cassandra cast an extremely powerful invisibility illusion on it and the drone flew out the window.
"While that surveys the region, we can wait here. Once we have an idea of where the barrier generator is located, we will go there, sabatoge it, and make our escape," Cassandra said.
"Sounds good. Now then, we just need to-"
There was a knock at the door.
Cassandra and Johann both looked in surprise at the sound.
Then Cassandra immediately hid their presence with a powerful illusion.
Shortly after that, the door was unlocked and slowly opened.
In stepped an armored knight with long pink hair.
"Hmm...that was odd..." Rose said.
"Damn you! Why are you here!? How did you notice us so quickly!?"
"Is anyone there?" Rose said.
She seemed to sense their presence.
Within the illusion, Johann looked at Cassandra.
"She cannot hear us...I hope," Cassandra said.
"Should we reveal ourselves?" He asked.
Cassandra sighed.
It might have been the only way... Otherwise she could start attacking.
Cassandra dispersed her channeled power and with it, her illusion also dispersed.
Luckily, Cassandra knew that the drone would stay cloaked. The illusion Cassandra weaved onto it did not have to be sustained.
As soon as Cassandra and Johann appeared, Rose's eyes went wide and she readied herself.
"S-sister!?" Rose said.
"Yes, Isabella. It is I, Cassandra. Please do not attack us!" She said.
"Hmm...choose your next words carefully! Are you still under Demon Lord Mizik's control!?" Rose asked angrily.
"Stupid bitch! How dare you refer to him in such a way!"
"May I answer with another question, first? I plan to speak truthfully. Please, sister. I want you to know that I am being honest," Cassandra said.
"Very well...speak."
"Would you believe my answer if I said I wasn't under his control? If you will not believe anything I say...then I shall simply die here with no way of defending myself..." Cassandra said.
One of the things she had learned from Intelligence was that sometimes words were more effective in battle than a blade.
"I...may choose to believe you. My heart isn't so hard that I could doubt you when you call me your sister. Does this mean you're free!? Free from that horrible man!?" Rose said hopefully.
"Yes. I am free from...that...h-horrible man..." Cassandra said.
"A thousand pardons, my darling! I don't mean it! I hate myself for saying such a thing... I'm so sorry!!!"
"Cassandra! I'm so happy you finally escaped!" Rose said happily. She ran forward and hugged Cassandra.
Cassandra hugged her back...hesitantly.
Then Rose pulled away and looked curiously at her.
"Are you well? You seem to be hesitating somewhat..." Rose said.
"Damn you and your brain... You think you're so smart, don't you!?"
"Isabella, you must understand that I have not been very friendly with you for quite some time even before all of this began. This is somewhat awkward for me. Besides...I am still getting over that...demon..." Cassandra said.
Cassandra felt a deep pain in her heart as she called her beloved Mizik a demon.
"I understand. Come with me, then. Grandma Oracle will want to meet you!"
"I will decline... I have no desire to meet with her."
"Why not!? She's so kind and helpful! She can help you get revenge on that abominable filth, Mizik!"
It took everything in Cassandra's power not to scream at Rose right then and there.
But she managed to resist.
All for her beloved Mizik.
"I do not desire revenge. I only wish to be left alone. And sister, you have destroyed several worlds in your quest to slay Mizik. All because this...Oracle woman told you to. I cannot allow myself to be anywhere near someone like that. I refuse to talk to her. Please...just leave me in peace... Johann brought me here safely to get my mind together..."
"Is this true...ehm...Johann?" Rose said.
"Yes. All of it," he said.
"I see. Where is Mizik hiding, then, Cassandra?" Rose asked.
"As if I would tell you, murderer!"
"I am unsure... The place we visited is unknown to me, but Johann found me after I escaped," Cassandra said.
"That is unfortunate. I was looking forward to finishing all of this unpleasantness," Rose said.
"You do not need to concern yourself further, sister. Johann will be taking care of me, now."
"Yes...Johann..." Rose said.
She looked at Johann and smiled. He raised an eyebrow.
"For saving my sister, you have my thanks. But tell me...umm... Are you doing anything later? I would like to get to know you better. Since you're taking care of my sister and all," Rose said.
For a moment, Johann's face twisted in anger.
"I'm busy. And for you, I'll always be busy. I won't spend time with the murderer who destroyed my best friend's world. Get lost," he said angrily.
Rose seemed somewhat hurt but composed herself quickly.
"Very well. And I'm truly sorry, for what it's worth. I had no other choice but to-"
"Save it. I will never forgive you for that and there is always a choice," Johann said.
Rose averted her eyes.
"To make matters worse, you destroyed our home world. Where am I supposed to go, now!? I have no home to return to and nowhere to live! What is wrong with you!? Do you just believe everything that horrible woman says because you trust her!? How could I ever forgive you for that!? Everyone is dead because of you!!!" Cassandra said angrily.
"Sister, I had no choice! That awful Demon Lord took over the minds of the people! Grandma Oracle said so!" Rose said.
"Tch...you are so naive. Did you not think to ask? Don't you think you should have at least tested that before destroying an entire world!? How many people died, sister? How many people did you kill on all three of those worlds combined? Do you have any remorse at all!?" Cassandra said.
"You tortured people and killed innocents on your own! Do you have any right to lecture me!?" Rose said angrily.
"I, at least, have accepted what I am. Besides, I didn't murder an entire world full of people including our own family members!"
Rose turned her gaze downward.
"I don't need your approval, Cassandra. I did what I believed was right. I have to live with that..." Rose said.
Suddenly, she began clutching her head in pain.
"Ngh...oww..."
"Hm? Are you not well?" Cassandra asked.
"Sorry...my head has just been hurting a lot recently... Ever since I used Crown of the Hero, I've been having strange memories that aren't mine... I keep getting headaches along with them. Cassandra...I keep seeing someone's face, but I can't recall what they look like," Rose said.
"Do you remember anything about them?" Cassandra asked.
"I know that it was a man... But I could swear I've never seen them before...or maybe I have...? Wait...do you know what's happening to me?" Rose asked.
"I believe that Oracle is to blame. But my opinion hardly matters to you, does it? Leave me alone, sister. Get away from me."
"I...I see... I'm sorry for bothering you, Cassandra and Johann. But let me ask you a question... What was that incredible power I felt just before arriving?" Rose asked.
"That would be me. And I strongly suggest that you leave immediately, murderer," Johann said.
"Of course. But before I do, you should come and speak with Grandma Oracle. She would likely appreciate a progress report on your search for the traitor Iris," Rose said.
Johann gritted his teeth and glared at her.
"Don't you DARE call her that! I'll decide whether or not Iris can be trusted," Johann said.
His eyes glowed with hatred and Rose took a step back. Yet, she did not run.
"Really? Well...I could consider you a traitor as well for that and have you executed... Unless you wish to accompany me to dinner later, that is," Rose said.
Cassandra could see Johann seething with rage.
"You would also betray Mizik this way, as well? Is there no end to your disobedience, sister?"
"Good luck killing me, girl. I have thousands of years of experience. You'll have to do better than that," Johann said in a low tone.
"Understood. If you're not willing...then I suppose I'll leave it for now. But, I will have to inform Grandma Oracle that the both of you have arrived," Rose said.
"If you tell her that I'm here, she will request that I be executed regardless of escaping that...vile man's control. Would you throw my life away like that?" Cassandra asked.
"I...no! I wouldn't want that! I feel bad enough as is that I destroyed Avernia... Even if it will return after that filthy demon is eradicated, I still hate myself for it..." Rose said.
"Then leave me alone! If you want to protect and keep me alive, do it by going as far away as possible! I hate you, and I don't believe even for a second that Avernia will ever return by killing Mizik! You're a murderer and I hope the weight of your sins crushes your very soul!" Cassandra said angrily.
Rose simply nodded.
"Just knowing that you're alive is enough... I'll keep you safe, sister...and I'm sorry about everything... Thank you for your time..." Rose said.
After that, she turned and left.
Once she had gone, Cassandra sighed.
"My apologies for that... I didn't think she would have arrived so soon. If she continues to watch us, we'll have to be much more careful," she said quietly.
"I don't doubt that I could stand my ground against Rose, but killing her would likely be impossible for me," Johann said.
"Well, with that unpleasantness out of the way, I am finding myself to be quite hungry. Do you know where we can get food in this horrible realm?" Cassandra asked.
Johann nodded.
"How will you deal with your appearance?" He asked.
Cassandra smiled and changed her look to resemble Leiso.
"For now, I will be acting as Leiso. I hope that isn't a problem," she said.
"Not at all. You sound like her, too," Johann said.
Cassandra knew that her power was slowly beginning to grow to its original state with Channeled Power. Soon, she would hopefully be able to assume her powered-up state permanently.
At the same time, she felt herself beginning to go through Mizik withdrawals...