Asheera tried to jump into the fray, but the explosion was so large that it could engulf the whole military base if it could.
She vanish-stepped inside the explosion to catch Ramiel, then vanish-stepped back outside. Both went flying backwards, crashing into the ground and de-manifesting their weapons.
“Ufgh-“
“Mgn-“
CHAOS landed on the ground. “Such a weak body. This planet would’ve been reduced to ashes without limitations.”
Ramiel took a while to regain his composure, before accelerating towards Chaos with an incomplete version of his crescent-blades. He swung at him, trying to kill him with a lethal stab.
“Aroki, stand down!” Asheera tried to stop him, but Ramiel’s impulsiveness was too quick for Asheera to act.
Chaos grabbed his right arm and uppercutted him, the last quarter of his intact helmet breaking off, before punching him in the face.
As Ramiel crashed to the ground, the Soul Energy residue underneath illuminated, tripping in a landmine of CHAOS’ energy, forming into an explosion.
“GRAAAHHH!!” He was suspended in the air, his weapon de-manifesting as a result.
Asheera walked forward, empowering her Pummeler with her Soul Energy, doubling its strength and durability. “Hold on a little longer, Ramiel!”
She referred to him by his first name. Ramiel was taken aback for a moment. The Second Leader referred to him by his first name, was he worthy of such respect? He gained a small boost in energy and confidence from his recognition, and yelled out:
“Yes, Madame Viceroy!”
“HRAAH!” Asheera dashed at Chaos in hopes of decapitating him, swinging the scythe side of her Pummeler forward for a clean hit.
CHAOS swiftly moved to the side and intentionally let himself get impaled by the left arm, to stop Asheera right before him. “Miscalculation?”
“Krg! Damn you!” She would prepare her next attack, but CHAOS wasted no time, placing a small orb against her chest, launching it. “Get out of my face.”
The orb carried Asheera along with it.
“AH!” She yelped, activating a Soul-Barrier to minimize the damage if it exploded, and her predictions were correct. CHAOS clenched his fist, detonating the orb that carried her.
The Soul-Barrier she activated would minimize the damage, albeit fazing her for a moment. .:. How are his attacks so mind-boggling!? .:. Asheera held out her hand, the Pummeler moving and flying towards it.
It acted as some sort of positive magnet.
Ramiel would throw one of his blades towards CHAOS – impaling CHAOS in the leg. “RAH!”
CHAOS looked down at his leg and realized one of Ramiel’s blades impaled his leg. But as much as it should be hurting, it didn’t. This wasn’t a body he cared about. It was a weak body. He was merely controlling it. He took out the crescent-blade out of the leg, bleeding extremely.
Ramiel slashed his other blade – sending a shockwave into CHAOS’ back before following up with a sprint towards him, weapon poised to impale him in the chest.
The shockwave took CHAOS back, his arms wide open and his chest open to vulnerability.
Ramiel smirked – using his near inhuman strength to stab CHAOS in the chest, wrenching him in the air and slammed him into the ground with superhuman strength.
“...”
Even after all of that, CHAOS remained unfazed. Was there anything stopping this Synthetic-Class... no, the Soul?
“Impressive. It seems that Testharians are well-trained. If it weren’t for this foolish boy’s body, I would have an easier time obliterating your Souls.”
Asheera flew towards CHAOS, using the sheer force of her Pummeler to accelerate faster. She activated a wide array of lightning ready to strike him down again.
“Your flattery won’t save you, CHAOS!” Ramiel pulled his blades out and jumped back to avoid being caught in Asheera’s attack.
As a result, CHAOS had no room to take. He got hit by the array of lightning which pushed him back, suspended in the air.
“Madame Viceroy, let’s end this!”
“Right!”
This was the to finish CHAOS off good, once and for all. She grabbed her Pummeler and threw it up in the air, standing on top of a small hill while Ramiel raised his blade, stabbing it into the ground.
A shockwave underground rumbled the very battlefield as the ground cracked and groaned. An aura of Soul Energy enveloped the area. The land beneath CHAOS would rise into the air, pushing him further up in the air. This was his unique ability.
Celestial Rage. Ramiel can call upon his homeland, using his Soul Energy to break off a piece of Dankasho, using it as a massive area of effect attack.
Asheera would be engulfed in pink and orange aura as lightning bolts as wide as 20 meters started closing in on CHAOS like a circle of doom, waiting to engulf him and cook him from within.
It started pulsating and giving off ridiculous amounts of heat, which would melt anything within the affected area as well. He was trapped in a big ball of lightning energy.
“DESTROY THE ISLAND, WE CAN’T RISK HIM SURVIVING!” Ramiel yelled.
.:. Right. .:.
As the ball reached a point of where things could no longer be considered, it would explode, taking the entire island and creating a crate that was 120 meters deep.
Enter. Asheera Vivienna. It’s called Lightning Embodiment in Testharian. She can engulf a person, an object, or even a planet in lightning and cook it from within. Upon engulfing the object, she can control it.
“...”
“..”
.:. ... .:.
.:. You were right, boy. .:.
.:. They really have no idea of anything. .:.
The island was destroyed and was left with CHAOS laying down in the middle of the crater. Half of CHAOS’ body was destroyed.
“You win, Testharians.” His voice was heard across.
“Perhaps next time, this boy shall be more vigilant.” He raised his arm in the air, calling upon a power.
This was CHAOS’ unique ability. Soul Travel.
A massive rainbow beam formed, carrying CHAOS and his body off-world. This was how CHAOS came to Dankasho.
-
Asheera sighed, de-manifesting Pummeler and her Soul Aura, sighing in relief. “The crisis is averted, fortunately.” She said, watching Ramiel dropping to a knee. Ramiel had watched CHAOS leave, manifesting a blade to not fall over entirely.
Asheera smiled, turning towards Ramiel, offering support. “If it weren’t for you, I would be dead, Aroki. I think you will be delighted to hear what Sachiel must say about your performance.”
Ramiel looked up at the Second Leader – showing a widened eye of shock. He stood up, de-manifesting his blade and regaining his balance.
“The... Great Kamisword...? I never thought His Excellency... would ever hear about me.” He teared up slightly, a crack forming in his voice. He was proud that he had gained recognition to his country’s leader. He was truly, a patriot at heart.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“You’ve proven to be an incredible General. You’ve saved Dankasho multiple times, you’ve shown to be a capable fighter many times. You oftentimes showed eligibility to be part of the Royal Squad. Perhaps it is time you take a break after a long time of constant work. I plan to have you work alongside the Royal Family.” She said, holding onto his hands to help him stay upright.
Ramiel bowed his head slightly, showing everlasting respect for the Second Leader. “Thank you for this offer... but I do not believe I am worthy of such position. I put hundreds in danger – and led to almost 200 soldiers being killed under my watch-“
“Yet the base remains unharmed, does it not?” She looked at it, feeling proud of what Testharians have become. They were fierce fighters. Patriotic and prideful of their work, and their history.
However, Ramiel kept quiet – still ashamed of his performance. He tried no arguing against her, as he thought it would be disrespectful.
“The offer stays open shall you change your mind. But for now, I’ll appoint you member of the Council.” She pulled up a hologram before coughing. The fight against CHAOS damaged her quite a bit.
“...That would be enough. We should get back to base, Madame Viceroy. You are injured.”
"Now hold on a second. You're just as wounded. You're coming with me. Sachiel will not be pleased if you do not get treated, and neither will the other members."
She turned him around and pushed him towards the base."
I..."
"No buts."
He sighed and allowed himself to be lead. He couldn't deny a Viceroy.
Asheera walked next to Ramiel, who had just regained his balance. She was worried about his health, especially after that fight with CHAOS. "How are you feeling?" She asked, her voice low.
"Fine, Madame Viceroy." He lied, hiding the pain in his side. She knew he wasn't telling the truth.
"Don't lie to me, Aroki. Your wound looks serious." She gestured to his side, where he was bleeding.
"It's not that bad, really." He tried to reassure her. Really, it wasn’t that bad, but Asheera wouldn’t let it go. Even she was a person able to worry about her army.
"I'll have the medics look at it when we get back. No arguments." She said firmly.
"Yes, ma'am." He replied, not wanting to anger her.
She smiled. "Good. Now tell me, how long have you been with the Testharian army?"
"Since I was 17. It's been 8 years now."
"That's... longer than I have been with the army. Though, I only work along with the Royal Squad." As she mentioned the royal squad, they were walking just behind her. They were unharmed, as they were tending to the wounded that survived the battle.
"The Royal Squad is an amazing group of fighters, and I've heard the stories of your accomplishments.” He looked behind him, noticing their presence.
"They're a good group. Though, they can be a handful at times." She laughed. "This is the group you will join should you accept the offer.”
Ramiel looked back at the Royal Squad. One person had a golden and blue plated armour, made entirely out of Testharian Steel. Their helmet was also connected with the colour, with a visor covering their eyes. Another was wearing a darker golden armour with a yellow mask. Their long, silky brown hair and golden eyes indicated that they were a female member.
There were also two lesser-known members, one being a man with a black and red armour, with a dark green and white mask. His eyes were a deep purple. The last member had a blue and gold armour, and a silver mask.
“It is an honour to even think of joining the Royal Squad. They are the strongest and most skilled fighters in the entire country."
Ramiel couldn't help but smile.
"I think you deserve it after all you've done. You've saved countless lives and have protected the city. I don't think anyone could ask for a better general."
She said, giving him a gentle pat on the back.
"I... Thank you, ma'am." He smiled, his eyes lighting up.
The darker gold-plated armoured person walked up to Asheera. "Yer’ givin’ him a place in our team?" She said, so casually, as if she was waiting for a new member to be added.
"I thought you stopped being impatient about this, Marin..." Asheera pouted, looking away. "I'm doing everything I can to make the Royal Squad 'not boring', alright? You're 40 years old, act your age..."
"Borin’ is the opposite of what we do, gotcha? We're literally the royal guards." Marin crossed her arms, scoffing at the Viceroy. The nerve.
"Yes, yes... but there are 5 members. It's a little unbalanced. Don’t you think you should wait until some people ‘graduate’ from this position? Making it 6 would just clot it up, right?" The gold armoured man said, patting Marin in the back.
"I agree, Maduk." The black and red armoured man said, walking behind Ramiel. “We do need fresh meat to help us out, but I would rather wait for the oldies to graduate.”
“What did ya’ say!?” Marin took a huge offense to that. She was 40 years old, but the black and red armoured man was literally 45 years old. She should be the last person to hear that insult being directed towards her. In fact, who did he think he was?
“I’ll hafya’ know that I’m ta strongest Royal Guard out of y’all. I could take on all y’all, and I ain’t breakin’ a single sweat! Keep dreamin’, Samuell!” Marin, who was pushing 40 years old... acted like a kid. Or this was just another case of a carefree person, not taking the job seriously.
"And yet you still haven't beaten the Second Leader, huh?" Samuell snickered, crossing his arms. “If you can take on all of us, surely you can take her on.” Asheera looked towards Marin as Samuell said that, awaiting an answer of denial from Marin.
"That's becaus’ she cheats! What kinda Viceroy cheats against ‘er underlings!?" Marin yelled, pointing at Asheera.
"I do not cheat, Marin! That is an unfair accusation!" Asheera argued, trying to defend herself. And there she was. Exposed and revealed.
"Yeah, ya do! You keep changin’ da rules to suit ya’ needs. Am I really at par with yer strength that you hafta’ change da’ rules?” Marin yelled.
"Marin’s right, it’s not fair, or has Marin really closed the gap? Or have you slacked off way too much...?” The man in the yellow mask said, shaking his head, smiling.
"Kaelan, shut up." Asheera said, annoyed by Kaelan's remark.
Kaelan laughed. "Alright, alright... I'll stop teasing you."
Everyone was in happy spirits even though the battle resulted in many casualties. Were they really taking their job seriously, or was it a good respite after a tiring battle? An optimistic and happy atmosphere is better than a pessimistic one, some would say.
“So...” Marin turned towards Ramiel. “Are you joinin’?”
“I, uhh...” Ramiel trailed off, looking away. It was clear that Marin was a bit too much for her.
"Hold on, hold on. Aroki didn't agree to it yet." Asheera raised her hands. "He'll fill out a proper contract once we've finished tending to his injuries."
Marin’s personality seemed more aloof and casual, but she was a skilled fighter. "Well, we'll see allat! If ya don't take ta’ offer, then I'll beat ya’ up! I'm not afraid ta’ fight a general."
"Really? I doubt you could take Myrcella on when she gets serious!" Asheera chuckled at her.
“Oh, hush! What's a 14-year-old gonna do to me, tickle me?" She laughed, pushing Asheera's shoulder.
"You know what they say about prodigies, right? What the Soul gifts, the child grows with it. And she's a very powerful one. You've seen her train. You've fought her." Asheera raised her hands in defeat, smiling. "Besides, Sachiel agreed to train her. Since when did we have a Kamisword who took upon an apprentice?"
"I guess yer' right. He musta' seen somethin' in her." She shrugged.
Ramiel couldn’t help but overhear their conversation. He couldn't believe he was being considered for a spot in the Royal Squad. They were the strongest group of fighters in the entire country. The fact that they were even considering him was flattering.
But he didn't want to rush into anything. He wanted to make sure he was ready before accepting any offer. With that in mind, he found all this a bit too much for him to handle. He wasn't used to being in the limelight, and it was making him uncomfortable. Besides, his serious demeanour possibly couldn't fit with their casual attitudes.
At this point in time, he decided to let Fate guide him. Whether or not he was destined to join the Royal Squad, he would do his best to prove himself worthy.
= = =
It had been 4 hours after CHAOS' attack on the Dankasho military base, which sat next to Zephite City, the only metropolis in Dankasho. They had taken a hyperloop train that connected the satellite with the main planet, Testharia.
Both Ramiel and Asheera, and the entire Royal Squad entered Eria Tower. It was filled with people as always. Cleaners, receptionists, office workers and many other kinds of people.
Asheera stood in front of the elevator. Unlike other people, she didn't need a permit to activate the Floor 128 elevator. She was part of the Royal Family, why was there a need to?
"Hmm..." She didn't move a single muscle as she sensed another strong power in the top floor of the tower. "That is weird. Usually, the power I feel isn't as strong as the one I'm sensing now."
"What is it, ma'am?" Ramiel asked.
"I'm sensing a strong power from the top floor. It's a lot stronger than the one I usually feel." She replied, her eyes closed. "It's stronger than mine..."
Ramiel crossed his arms, watching Asheera spiral into deep thinking, as he too, was pondering on who it could be.
"Perhaps the Great Kamisword has a guest, a strong one? It must be an important meeting if His Excellency has invited them." Ramiel stated.
"Probably. Usually, his meetings are with the Defense Council, sponsor companies or... ugh, Dark Intrinium..." She mumbled on the last segment, mentioning the name of a body known for its cruel nature. Ramiel did not hear it though. "If it is an evil person, then we need to be ready for any... mishaps."
The elevator would open immediately as it scanned Asheera's hand. It was already set for Floor 128. Both her and Ramiel stepped into it, while the Royal Squad went to Floor 126, their place. Ramiel followed into the elevator, taking one last look at the lobby.
The elevator flew up immediately. It reached the top floor in 20 seconds. This was another evidence that the technology Tristate City possessed was top-notch and unmatched by any other place in the world.
Ramiel stumbled for a second – nauseous due to the sudden fast movement. Of course, such an elevator would induce motion sickness for people who have never stepped into it.
The elevator doors opened and Asheera walked out as fast as she could, taking a deep, smelling the goodness of the floor. Amazing air conditioner is what she thought about. “I’m back...”
Ramiel looked around the room with a hint of nervousness. He was still processing where he was, and he didn’t want to ruin anything. Not even the integrity of the carpet below them.
Asheera noticed his reluctancy to make himself feel at home. It was such a beautiful place that a peasant like him wasn’t allowed to. At least, that’s what he thought. He didn’t deserve this, even if his performance was above average.
She smirked, chuckling. “Liven up a bit, Aroki! You’re in the best place of all of Testharia!”
This personality change came off unexpected. But she had no reason to act so formal, or better said, her ‘Second Leader’ personality. In here, she was just Asheera. She usually had a more girly personality when she was home.
“Besides, you are off duty, aren’t you? You’ll be staying here for a while. At least make yourself feel at home. And don’t fear Sachiel, he’s kind when you get to know him.”
“Right... It’s just...” Ramiel trailed off as he nodded reluctantly, still taking in the beauty and the amazingness of the top floor. Everything was filled with gold coloured, luxurious furniture. Or were they gold-wrapped after all?
“It’s just... I’m still processing all of this. These past three months have been... unbelievable, to say the least. Perhaps the Testharian spirits have graced me. From being the youngest Soul-General... to being in the Royal Family’s estate...!” He chuckled nervously.
Asheera laughed. “You’re lucky to have established your amazing position in such a short time. Even I couldn’t do that, and I’m part of the Royal Family!” She said with a hint of jealousy in her voice, although she hid it with a blatant chuckle.