In Empire of Crimson Land
The next morning, Joseph prepared to leave the Crimson Queen Palace. His two wives, Erina and Scarlett, embraced him, a gesture of care and hope for his safe return. "Joseph, don't forget, when there's time, visit us," Erina mentioned.
Joseph smiled and replied, "Yes, don't worry. I'll never forget both of you." With that, he decided to return to Silver Prism, and as he departed, Erina and Scarlett waved goodbye.
After Joseph's departure, Benedict informed Scarlett and Erina that Crimson Queen wanted to meet them. As they entered the room, Crimson Queen remarked, "Looks like he finally left," her demeanor cold and stoic
"Yes, mother, he has left already," Scarlett responded.
Crimson Queen continued, "I see... Anyway, there is something I want both of you to do."
Scarlett, curious and a bit worried, asked, "Yes, Mother?"
"I want you to train Erina, make sure she knows how to wield a sword and defend herself," Crimson Queen ordered with a cold and stoic demeanor.
Scarlett, acknowledging her mother's absolute authority, replied, "Yes, Mother."
In the midst of the training ground, Erina questioned Scarlett, "Scarlett, what's the real reason behind all this?"
Scarlett, with a sense of determination, responded, "Erina, this is not just about following orders. It's about survival, about protecting those we care for. Crimson Queen sees strength as our shield, and in this world, we need that shield more than ever."
Erina, though initially hesitant, nodded in understanding. As they geared up for training, Scarlett emphasized, "Before we dive in, find your own reason. Something that fuels your spirit and makes each swing of the sword count."
Scarlett unsheathed her sword, pointing it directly at Erina. The tension in the air became palpable, Scarlett's demeanor mirroring the seriousness of her mother, the Crimson Queen—cold, stoic, and focused.
Erina, taking a moment to absorb Scarlett's intensity, felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Gathering her resolve, she responded, "My reason is... I want to protect Joseph with everything I have."
After hearing Erina's reason, Scarlett smiled, sheathing her sword. "I see, well then, the first lesson is done," she continued, "but for the next lesson, I want you to watch me and Benedict sparring."
Scarlett called out to Benedict, who prepared for the sparring. In a matter of seconds, Scarlett moved with incredible speed, Erina struggling to follow as Scarlett appeared right in front of Benedict.
Erina watched in awe as Scarlett and Benedict engaged in a graceful yet intense sword fight. Their blades clashed, creating sparks that illuminated the training ground. Scarlett moved with a fluidity that seemed almost supernatural, while Benedict's calculated strikes reflected his experience.
Scarlett: (with a swift strike) "You've got to anticipate the movement, Benedict."
Benedict: (parrying) "Easier said than done. Your speed is unmatched."
As they continued, Scarlett's agility and Benedict's precision created a mesmerizing display. The sound of clashing swords echoed through the training area, drawing Erina into the artistry of their combat.
Erina whispered to herself, "Incredible."
After done sparring with Benedict. Scarlett, with a satisfied smile, continued, "Now, Erina, pick up your sword. I'll guide you on the path of the blade."
Erina nodded, her excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness as she grasped the hilt of the sword. The weight felt unfamiliar in her hand, but Scarlett's encouraging gaze helped ease her tension.
In Silver Prism Motherbase
Meanwhile in Silver Prism motherbase as Joseph arrived safely, Jennifer greeted Joseph with a warm smile, "Joseph, hey, how are you?"
Joseph's smile widened as he greeted Jennifer, "I'm good, Jennifer, hey, how are you?"
Jennifer responded warmly, "I'm good, Joseph. Well, how are your wives, Erina and Scarlett?"
With a sense of relief, Joseph shared, "Looks like both of them are doing well."
"That's a relief to hear," Jennifer remarked. "Anyway, have you eaten yet?"
Joseph admitted, "I haven't eaten yet."
"Then come, we'll eat together," Jennifer invited.
Joseph continued with a smile, "Yes," feeling a comforting familiarity as he looked forward to enjoying his foster mother's cooking.
As Joseph and Jennifer enjoyed their meal, Asher and Felix walked into the cafeteria. Asher couldn't help but comment, "Well, well, what do we have here?"
Joseph greeted them with a smile, "Hey Asher, Felix. It's been a while."
Felix chimed in, "Hey Joseph, who would've thought you'd return to Silver Prism."
Joseph explained, "Being a mech pilot has always been my ambition, and I owe a lot to Silver Prism. Without them, I wouldn't have become a mech pilot."
Asher nodded in agreement, "Yeah, you're right. We've been through a lot, thanks to the boss too."
Felix continued, "Anyway, Joseph, it looks like the boss misses you. After you're done eating, feel free to meet her."
Joseph replied, "Sure, I will meet her after I'm done eating."
After finishing his meal, Joseph sought out Eliza. Finding her room empty, he ventured to the garden area, a tranquil room adorned with a myriad of flowers. Spotting Eliza immersed in her gardening, Joseph saluted and called out, "Boss, I've returned."
Eliza halted her gardening, meeting Joseph's gaze with her stoic demeanor. "Welcome back, Joseph. It's been a while."
Joseph remained silent as Eliza continued, "So how's your wives?"
Joseph replied with a sense of relief, "Turns out both of them are doing well."
Eliza added, "I see," then stood up after finishing her gardening work. She continued, "Anyway, Joseph, there's something you must know."
Joseph responded, "Yes, boss?"
Eliza replied, "It's about Jerricho."
Joseph added with concern, "Jerricho? What happened to him, boss?"
Eliza continued, "During his operation, we found out there is a secret abandoned city in the underground, but at the same time, there is a war. While investigating this abandoned city, Jerricho noticed that children were also involved in the war. After that, Jerricho informed us that similar mechanical creatures, like the ones you and the others fought before, appeared, burning half of the city."
Joseph exclaimed, "Mechanical creatures?! What kind of creature is it this time?"
Eliza responded with seriousness, "A dragon."
Joseph fell into silence after hearing what Eliza had told him. The idea of mechanical dragons attacking the city brought a glimpse of doom. He wondered what would happen if these creatures targeted the city. Eliza continued, "After that, we lost communication with Jerricho, and until now, we don't know if he survived or not... time will tell."
Suddenly, Eliza received a phone call. She answered with her usual efficiency, "Yes? Sure."
Eliza turned to Joseph, saying, "Looks like we've got our next operation. Gather Asher and Felix; we'll discuss our next operationin the office."
"Yes, boss," Joseph replied. He quickly summoned Asher and Felix to join Eliza in her office.
Eliza continued, "As everyone is here, let's brief our next operation. Our client from The Foresight. Let's hear the voice recording."
Eliza played the recorded message, "Silver Prism, an emergency situation is unfolding from an unknown source. We've found out their scientists are working on their next bio-weapon. The laboratory is called Vault Laboratory. The scientists working there lost control of a biological weapons experiment, and now it's on the loose. Silver Prism, your job is removing the threat posed by the biological weapon, and it's your top priority. We plan to send in reinforcements to help bring the situation under control, but it will be some time before they reach the lab. You'll be on your own until then."
Eliza continued, "The Vault Laboratory... The Foresight will send us its location. Now, prepare. We will begin to move at night."