Regione Novem is a powerful global organization, known for its expansive reach and commitment to scientific exploration. With a presence that spans world wide, this organization pursuit many things in the name of science, however, they specialized in the study of Ornaments and Mana, conducting thorough research and analysis. Unlike society that has normalized Ornament abilities, Regione Novem takes a different path, placing their faith in the power of science; with a few exception, accepting those with Ornaments willing to aid them.
Within their laboratories and research facilities, they studied the complexities of Ornaments and Mana, recognizing them not only as sources of immense power but also as inherently unpredictable and powerful forces. Their perspective has always been unchanging: an Ornament left unchecked represents not just a potential threat, but a significant livability. Their task is clear—to harness, understand, and ultimately control Ornaments for their own use.
Professor Juno, the half-beastkin director of Regione Novem, known for her unconventional methods in the study of Ornaments and Mana. Her reputation preceded her, earning her both admiration and skepticism. Her unorthodox approach forged a complex and strained relationship with members of the Victorious Ten. While some viewed her methods with interested and curiosity, others regarded her with suspicion and apprehension, despite that there was no denying the profound impact of Professor Juno's work on the understanding and manipulation of Ornaments and Mana.
As Alvin teleported back within the confines of the building, he walked through the dimly lit hallways, the soft hum of the overhead lights echoing through the air around him. Each step he took echoed along the corridors. With a sigh, he found himself wondering how Professor Juno would respond, and what task would she assign him next.
After a few minutes, Alvin finally arrived at Professor Juno's office, pausing briefly before opening the door. He stepped inside, ready to deliver his report.
"Juno, I'm back from the task you sent me, and things went smoothly as predicted. Bard has agreed to capture a Forbidden and—" As Alvin began to deliver his report, he was interrupted.
"And that Wildflower girl asked you if she can 'join' Regione Novem, right?" Juno said, her silhouette only marked by computer screens.
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you already know," Alvin remarked. "Yes, another member of the royal family wants to join." He stood waiting for her response.
"Considering her background and potential contributions, I don't see why not," Juno responded, her voice echoing faintly in the dimly lit office. "And it seems her requests are quite reasonable."
"However, I don't want you to rush off just yet to deliver them their answer, Alvin," Juno's voice carried a tone of authority. "As you're aware, I've reached out to Sidgroth Blackfire and The White Crusader. I need you to visit them and see if they're willing to help with what's to come."
"Understood, Juno," Alvin replied, acknowledging with a nod. "I must ask, though, how is the progress on tracking down Edward? Surely, the parts I recovered from the highway must have provided some information."
"Unfortunately, no, Edward remains as elusive as ever. However, sending Metod so carelessly like that... It's only a matter of time before Edward makes another reckless move." She sighed wearily.
"I understand, onto more pressing matters, should I begin preparations to visit Sidgroth and The White Crusader?" Alvin asked.
"Yes, Alvin, prepare yourself to depart immediately." Juno instructed.
"Understood. I'll make haste," Alvin affirmed, nodding respectfully before turning to leave Juno's office.
As Alvin left her office, Juno sank back into her chair, her responsibilities pressing down on her. There were countless preparations to be made for the events to come, yet she found herself at a loss on where to start.
Her gaze drifted to a small vial resting on her cluttered desk, its glass surface glimmering faintly with contained energy. Within it swirled the hue of void energy, a reminder of the forces to come. Looking at the vial stirred memories of her parents, both members of the Victorious Ten.
Her mother, 'Chaos Witch,' Dorothy, was known as one of the most strongest magic users not only within the Victorious Ten but also throughout the entire world. Tales of her prowess and skill in the arcane arts were legendary, with accounts detailing her remarkable feats during the Void War. Among these feats, one of the most awe-inspiring was her ability to conjure and command torrents of elemental energy, unleashing devastating barrages of fiery meteors upon the colossal void beasts that threatened to consume the world in chaos. Dorothy's mastery over magic was unmatched, her spells weaving through the battlefield like threads of fates. Her legacy endured long after the war's end, her name etched in history.
Her father, "the ferocious beast of 99 swords," Rintaro, held the title of being the strongest member of the Victorious Ten, though there were debates as to whether the White Crusader rivaled his strength. Yet, even the White Crusader himself knew he was second to Rintaro. The rabbit beastkin warrior had earned his reputation through countless battles, where he stood as a beacon of courage and indomitable spirit against the darkness of the void. Rintaro was famous for single handily defeating the strongest of the Forbidden and taking down armies of void beasts.
His nickname, "the ferocious beast of 99 swords," wasn't an exaggeration either. With each battle, Rintaro wielded an impressive arsenal of ninety-nine swords. One of his Ornament's abilities allowed him to teleport each of his swords he needed for battle.
After the war, together they had a child, Juno, whose Ornament remained a closely guarded secret known only to the members of the Victorious Ten. There were rumors amongst the public that she possessed no Ornament at all. Yet Juno's high intellect proved to be her greatest asset, she demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and resourcefulness, her inventions allowed her to harness the power to manipulate various elements to her advantage.
Juno's mastery of technology and innovation surpassed that of many of famous scientist and engineers. Allowing her to make devices and machines that rivaled the capabilities of Ornaments.
While her Ornament remained shrouded in mystery, Juno's brilliance guaranteed that she remained a force to be reckoned with, just like her parents.
After reminiscing about her parents, Juno stood up and decided, "Ah, what the hell, I'll go myself. I suppose I could use the exercise anyway."
Juno reached for her phone resting on the desk, her fingers navigating through to the teleportation app. With a tap, she activated the app, initiating a teleportation sequence that would transport her to Silene Tomentosa in an instant.
Seconds later she was in Silene Tomentosa, Juno blinked as her eyes adjusted to the natural light. It had been some time since she had been outside. Collecting herself, she let out a sigh and started walking towards Mary's location. Quickly she found Bard and Mary, Bard's eyes widened in surprise as he caught sight of Juno stepping out of her office.
"Long time no see, Bard," Juno greeted as she approached the duo. Juno, a slim and pale rabbit half-beastkin,has bright pink hair tied into two neat pigtails with a yellow ribbon, while her pink rabbit ears stood tall on her head. Underneath her amber eyes, visible bags a toll of sleepless nights, and she wore small glasses perched on her nose. Over her short red shirt, Juno wore a scientist coat similar to Alvin's, the coat left open at her midriff. Her quarter-length jeans are bright red with green rims, and fastened onto her hips with a sleek black belt.
"W-What are you doing here, Professor Juno? Where's Alvin?" Bard asked, his surprise was evident.
"Alvin is off on another task, and I couldn't wait until he returned. So, I decided to deliver the answer myself," Juno explained with a tired yawn.
"I hope you took time to consider it and didn't feel pressured because I'm apart of the royal family," Mary stepped forward, her expression earnest.
"Look, kid, I don't give a damn if you're from the royal family of Magnolia or if you're just a street urchin. Your background doesn't sway me. However, since you're offering to help capture a Forbidden, I can't just brush that aside," Juno said nonchalantly, her tone firm and straightforward.
Mary, taken aback by Juno's blunt response, hesitated before cautiously asking, "S-So you'll agree to the partnership?"
"Partnership? No, you'll be a temporary member of the Regione Novem. In return, I'll help you in whatever you might need." Juno's tone remained firm as she clarified.
"I-I see," Mary said, her voice a mix of surprise and gratitude. "Thank you very much, Miss Juno. I assure you, we won't let you down."
"You're damn right you won't," Juno retorted. "More importantly, here take these phones. Now you don't have any reason for not communicating with me, Bard." Her glare pierced through him, leaving no room for argument.
"T-thank you, Professor Juno..." Bard accepting the three phones with a grateful nod.
"And there, I better go back to the office. There's a lot more things to get done..." Juno sighed, turning to leave.
"Ah," Juno stopped suddenly, her gaze piercing, "tell that Eve girl that things won't play out her way. Soon enough, we might find ourselves in the void war part two. Although I hope it doesn't come to that" Juno nonchalantly said. "Anyway, I better be going, I'll be in contact with you two," Using her phone, she teleported back to her office.
As Juno settled back into her office chair, she brewed coffee, the aroma filling the air around her. With a cup in hand, she returned to her desk, fingers tapping on the desk.
"Now, where are you, Dorothy..."