AN: Alright, this clean version is brought to you by our PRs! Credits for removing my mistakes go to nf_zeta-san, ShadowOfHavoc-san and our newcomer Gate-san! Enjoy.
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Celina was incredibly terrified. In her eyes Vorst already belonged to Mersa, and she was.. she was fine with that. She was not afraid of losing him. In fact, she never had him to begin with.
Yes, that is right. She was fine with just being next to him. What she was most afraid of was the warm gaze of his crystal clear green eyes towards her turning cold. If Vorst were to look at her with a look full of disdain, she would definitely not be able to live with herself... And now... Just a single thought, a thought without any real reason behind it, was able to bring her down. Did she turn into a Savage?
A mental illness widely known as 'Savage'. It came along with the emergence of the sub-races. An affected person slowly becomes more and more wild, slowly losing all of his or her reason. The start of a mental breakdown, in many cases, begins with experiencing a joy in battle. A joy in killing. It slowly erodes the mind, turning a person into an animal.
No one cares for them; even the people in question - once they pass a certain threshold they will totally immerse themselves in pleasure and let reason drift away.
Broken.
No matter where you are the beings with lower intelligence are looked down on, and that is no different in populations of young adults. 'Savages' are even considered repulsive...
And that was the most scary thing for her. If he, a man she liked, would look at her with a cold gaze...
This was not a normal situation either. Normal Celina Za would be able to think through this situation calmly, but now, after over a month of psychological battle between her feelings and her mind she was utterly exhausted. With his presence behind her she just could not help but panic...
If he were to see her as a 'Savage' she would not be able to live with herself!
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Vorst was holding a crying girl in his arms. She was not able to control herself anymore and feeling his warmth, she started openly bawling. With a difficult face he squeezed her tightly...
He did not know what was happening, but he understood that she was scared. She was scared out of her mind. When it came to them he was good at spotting the differences in their psyche. What was causing this? He extended his senses to his current maximum level. Once he found the enemy he would crush him. He will completely annihilate that enemy.
Inside his soul Kaya had a mixed expression on her face. The serpent understood the reason of the fear in the White Tiger girl. Her gaze stopped at the young adult sitting on the throne...
He was keeping his anger in check, but the chilling gaze he emitted expressed his state a lot better than any amount of curses was able to. That was Marcdrak. That was her Shujin-sama. Right now he was looking for the enemy... Who in the world dared to scare his girl? Who in the world dared to touch his woman? Who is responsible? What enemy did he need to eliminate? Who did he have to kill?
On the throne there was not a speck of a young adult left - right now he was the Lord Marcdrak. Violet aura materialized and surrounded him with with faint circles, but that gentleness was just a facade, if one were to carelessly approach him right now he would be completely disintegrated. Calla lying on his lap raised her head - though he was angry, his fury would never harm them in any way.
[--Calla--: M'lord...]
Marc was too preoccupied in searching for his 'enemy' to notice the true meaning behind Celina's fear. Calla had a hunch, which was immediately confirmed when she saw a guilty expression on Kaya's face.
Kaya immediately moved in front of him and knelt in front of him while lowering her head as low as she could.
[--Kaya--: Please forgive me Shujin-sama.]
The proud serpent right now did not retain an ounce of authority. She was definitely at his mercy in front of him, in front of her Master.
[--Kaya--: There is no one. The fear Celina feels right now is because she is scared of a situation in her mind. Although I'm not sure about details she is scared that you will throw her away. If you are looking for the one responsible - it is me.]
That is right. It was Kaya who stopped Mersa from confronting Nova and Celina about it earlier driving those two to the brink of their sanity. There was a clear explanation about it - those two will definitely object once this matter is touched. They would not be willing to take away a happiness from Mersa. Their rational minds would not have been willing to, and if they were not willing to then Kaya and the others would have to soften it.
But once a mind is weakened it will be vulnerable to other things too, and that is what happened to Celina. Although the chance of her turning into a 'Savage' was definitely zero, with just a thought... The thought of the boy that was sitting behind her giving her a disdainful look was enough to push her over the edge.
[--Kaya--: I'm sorry Shujin-sama, your Kaya disappointed you..]
The black-haired girl in front of him could not lift her head to face him anymore. She failed him. Aegis, the first white serpent, left her and came forward writhing its body, it begged him to forgive its mistress.
[--Kaya--: Aegis. Come back.]
She commanded it with a stern voice. She was ashamed by her failure. She could not forgive herself, how could she have the right to ask him for forgiveness? However Aegis did not listen to her order. It begged him in her stead and if she was to face his fury it wished to take a part of a burden for its mistress. The creature had a mind on his own, it did not always listen to her.
Marcdrak stood up from his throne and walked towards the girl whose gaze was still firmly locked on the floor. He passed the snake and reached her. His hand reached her chin and lifted her face. His emerald eyes locked on her jade irises.
[--Marc--: Anastasia Orochi.]
His words pierced through her. Those stern words were the things that hurt her most, no other punishment could inflict higher damage on the Host of Immortal Serpents. In all kinds of situations she was his Kaya. In all situations, good or bad, even in countless life and death moments that they went through together he always called her Kaya...
[--Kaya--: Shujin-sama...]
Her face distorted filled with regret. His thumb covered her lips to stop her from speaking.
[--Marc--: It's fine, just be more careful in the future.]
With that his hand moved to pet her head to calm her down.
[--Marc--: Calla, Lily, Kaya. I'll leave the battlefield to you.]
The color returned to the face of the Serpent. Although Marc never really punished them but just his sad expression was enough to make them fully regret their actions. He would never hurt them, therefore for those Valkyries the thought hurting him was more painful than anything in the world.
[--Kaya--: Yes Shujin-sama, your Kaya will definitely not fail you this time.]
A dangerous fire lighted up in her eyes. Lily sighed... In front of this overzealous Kaya... The redhead was already pitying her enemies, they were about to enter the world of despair.
[--Calla--: M'lord, I shall bring you victory.]
There was also this battle maniac - sparks appeared inside the pure black eyes of the Archangel of Slaughter...
[--Lily--: It has been a while since I went all out.]
Seems like it was not a time to idle around, the competitive spirit also entered the former Lord of Betrayal.
Marc saw them off shaking his head in resignation. Alright, now he had a more pressing matter to resolve...
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A Drone controlled by Celina suddenly made a major mistake and was heavily hit by the swarming Mechs, it was just a matter of seconds but it was done in.
[Mersa: Za-senpai!]
Mersa was just next to the drone when that happened. She did not react in time because she did not expected it at all. This kind of opponents were not a challenge against the usual Celina, and if something happened to that bot then...
Her train of thought was abruptly cut off by a private channel that just opened on the screen, the source was from a controlled bot that she owned.
[
The cheerful voice of the demoness calmed her down. A white blade arrived next to her. The one meter blade floating next to the White Wolf Collos looked like a small dagger. Mersa was prepared for this day, the day where on the 'outside' world she will not be his only one.
Mersa's breathing returned to normal.
[Mersa: "That's right, if it is Za-senpai and Aria-senpai...]
She did not mind, more like she welcomed them, because she too thoroughly understood the pain of not being able to be with the one they loved. After Lily confirmed that Mersa calmed down the white blade completely disappeared from the line of sight of the White Wolf M-Collos. In fact it disappeared from everyone’s sight...
Lily activated her (Omen of Deceit). The Camouflage System that her white bot had was empowered further outside the limits of the science making the possibility to perceive it close to nil. No sight, no sound, no presence - it was truly 'hidden'.
Mechs started to drop one after another seemingly for no reason. However if one were to closely inspect the fallen ones he or she would be able to see a stab mark in them that directly pierced through their energy crystal. One hit was a critical hit - one unblockable hit and they were done in. Although so powerful it was not as terrifying before she reached the back lines. In front of the invisible
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
A cold smile appeared on the demoness luscious lips. They were enemies of her Emperor Marcdrak. And she will get rid of whatever threatens him. The phantom blade moved... And with every strike a life was harvested. Without fail.
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Inside the small room made just for those two, Vorst was embracing the sobbing Celina. He regained his usual calmness and thus was able to comprehend the situation from a much wider perspective.
[Vorst: It's fine.]
The White Tiger girl in his arms was too scared to think about things happening around her, thus all of the bots she controlled stopped fighting properly and took major damage. However that was not a problem, one, two or a million of those, Vorst did not care about them a single bit.
[Vorst: I'm here.]
He reassured the girl in his arms. For Celina his embrace that was a bit too tight was still comforting. The pain suppressed her confusion. The pain woke her up. And what is most important was he was still with her. As long as he was with her this kind of pain was nothing, it was even pleasurable... She instantly understood that the enjoyment that she felt was not from the destruction, it was just because he was with her...
She finally regained her logical reasoning, but a bit of fear still remained in her heart. Because right now she understood that she did not become a Savage, but what about in the future? If in the future she were to become one would he still hold her so tightly?
[Vorst: ...]
[Celina: ... I'm fine...]
She said when she calmed down considerably.
[Vorst: You're not.]
[Celina: ...]
When he saw that the critical moment passed away he lessened the force. For Celina... She found herself missing the painful feeling. That is because that was the closest they had ever been together. Before she did not have a chance to enjoy a hug like this...
[Celina: "Camellia-chan can enjoy this everyday..."]
A sting of envy passed through her, but she immediately regretted this thought. Once again incredible amount of guilt passed through her, she had this feeling washing over her uncountable amount during the past month...
In the end she formed her resolve... With her face hidden in her white hair she spoke up.
[Celina: ... I have a request.]
[Vorst: ...]
[Celina: ... If you ever... If you ever come to h-hate me then please kill me.]
Young boy's expression instantly turned dark... His link said that... That is right she already gave all of her to him. With a swift hand movement he uncovered her face and when her yellow eyes turned up to look at him he closed the distance.
Her eyes stretched wide open. What just happened? The feeling on her lips... What? It is still here. In front of her the face of the boy was as close as it could be. With his eyes closed, the boy was definitely kissing her!
But he has Camellia! The White Tiger girl immediately tried to back up, but the most she could do was to move her head away.
[Celina: But you already have...]
She was stopped by another kiss.
[Celina: N-no...]
She still resisted slightly but she was already in his embrace. What is more she did not wish to leave it... Because she did not want to part with this feeling...
[Vorst: Za become mine.]
He whispered to her ear...
[Celina: N-no, what about Camellia?]
She could not believe the words she was hearing, no, who was this Vorst? Was it the same gentle Vorst that she fell in love with? How could he abandon Camellia just for this?! She started squirming with renewed strength.
[Vorst: However I will not be yours, I can't be.]
Those words were even more confusing.
[Vorst: I can never be yours, however I want you, so become mine. Together with Camellia.]
[Celina: Eh?]
Her mind completely turned blank. She could not understand the words he was speaking? She could not comprehend those words... His hug tightened to again deliver her that pleasurable slight pain.
[Vorst: I know this exchange is not fair, in exchange for yourself I can only offer you... a place next to me. Surrender to me. Become mine and anything you do will be me. Your every single mistake will be mine and your every single sin will be mine.]
Her teary eyes once again looked up.
[Celina: Y-y-yours?]
[Vorst: Surrender yourself to me.]
His voice was demanding her unconditional surrender. Was it that easy? But he said it himself... Is it a dream? Is this heaven? What was happening?
Deep inside his embrace she was completely surrounded. There was no where to run to... Or more like she did not want to run. She lost. Also there will be no reinforcements either. Her hazy consciousness was waving the white flag from far away and her conscience was just completely melted in his warmth.
[Vorst: Surrender.]
Once again his voice commanded.
[Celina: Okay.]
The White Commander surrendered. She completely eased herself into his embrace and once again she felt the guilt pierced through her. What did she just do to Camellia?
[Vorst: It's my fault. Don't worry.]
Vorst who was still embracing her from behind spoke up those puzzling words...
[Vorst: You're mine therefore any mistake you make I make, so it's all my fault.]
He judged that the thorough explanation about the situation with Camellia and his past right now was too troublesome...
[Vorst: Za... fight.]
[Celina: ?]
[Vorst: We are still in the middle of the battle.]
Celina immediately came back to herself and immediately wildly blushed, just now she completely forgot about everything else.
[Vorst: Go.]
His order was clear...
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The Intelligence Drone
For them a black blade measuring roughly three meters was something akin to a nightmare. Unstoppable. Whatever was in its range was completely cut down in a mere bat of an eyelid. That was the true nature of the (Omen of Destruction) - like its owner it was extremely straightforward, it existed for only one purpose and it was destruction. They could only see a black haze and no matter what kind of defenses the opponent had he was moved down indiscriminately.
A black flash and a white flash. Mersa also was roaming through the battlefield. Unstoppable white flash was mowing down Mechs that were approaching too close to their line of defense. Every single pair of eyes in their squad was glued to the figure of the White Wolf M-Collos making many male soldiers sigh in admiration. No matter the situation, no matter from what side they were, men were men, even in the heat of battle they still had time to feast their eyes on the perfect curves of the White Angel of War.
Luckily for them the range of those whirlwinds of destruction were not that far because Mersa did not want to go out too far from the Vorst and Celina's position and the Battle Drone
But what those two lacked the fearsome white-green sphere and Nova Aria had. Right now the Main Drone
Whenever the opponents were about to kill a human opponent one of the orbs successfully intervened to block the critical blow and took that combatant to the back line for repairs. However that was not all every now and then a green light would be emitted from the main body and with that a life was harvested. Indiscriminately. Terror. Every living soldier quickly understood - that green light was extremely accurate and effective. Once it was lighted one life was gone with such ease as if it was putting out a candle.
What is more it was definitely randomly targeting the lower level soldiers... What could devastate the morale of the soldiers more than the death of their comrades? What is more they were completely unable to act against it too! They were killed one by one and what is more they were hardly killing anything in return. Even mere M-Armors were saved by those orbs! How could they not feel helpless...
Add to that mix the Witch Queen who was constantly aiming for the lives of the officers in the Crimson Alliance's army. She constantly poured arrays of runic power shots creating constant confusion among the enemy command line.
Although the situation looked good it was slowly turning sour. The enemy was steadily destroying our Mechs and with our meat shields gone, they got closer and closer.
Suddenly...
A smile appeared on the faces of the three girls sitting on cushions in the Throne Room. They were previously too preoccupied with the battle and did not have a chance to spare to peek at what Vorst was doing, but the result was obvious.
[--Kaya--: Hehe, so unfaithful, Shujin-sama is such a cheater...]
[--Lily--: Inevitable happened.]
[--Calla--: *Nods* I have never had any doubt in m'lord's conquering prowess.]
[--Marc--: ...]
A large number of lasers struck the Crimson Empire . Ten Sniper Drones once again took a firing stance to provide assistance... The White Commander returned to the battlefield.
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AN: My laptop is fried so I might not make it for Thu/Fri one, not to mention the bonus one >.>
Please stay patient with me hehe