The three pages that Silas had acquired.. They were an interesting read.
> Page of the Sanguine Blood.
>
> The page that belonged to a vampire killer who turned into a vampire himself after slaughtering thousands of vampires.
> A loss that came from his town being consumed by vampires when he was a child.
>
> It was enough for him to learn the town's arts of vampire killing. Stakes, crossbows, arrows and an axe to reap heads away.
> The despair of being a vampire was too much as he cut his own head off because he had been turned into a monster.
> The taste of blood was much nicer than water.
> Flesh tasted better than any meat he had.
> All his desires had become nothing more than the latent cravings of a vampire.
>
> Page Buildup- Increases bleed damage stacks. Bleed damage replenishes health and adds on a layer of armor.
> Page Demolish- Lack of bleed damage causes to drink own blood. More blood taken from self, more is needed to replenish.
>
> Manifestation- The Sanguine Blood's war gear. Complete with own crossbow and stake sets. Damages against vampire related enemies increased by 50%.
The other page.
> The Page of Broken Hearted Prince.
>
> A prince of a country that was left in ashes. The love of his life, pointed her weapon against him.
> In turn he too, had to draw his blade. For his country, he had destroyed the nations that decimated his country.
> The country may have prospered in the many years of his reign but his broken heart?
> It could never be cured.
>
> He wielded a single sword but governs a dozen other blades with his left hand. An orchestra of blades that will strike enemies where he wished.
>
> Buildup- Increases pierce and slash damage. Deals 'heartbreak' to enemies, inflicting them with heartbreak of a certain number will cause them to break down and take their own lives. Enemies that perish by Heartbreak will increase the number of swords available to be used.
>
> Demolish-Deals Heartbreak on self, increasing overall damage but when Heartbreak reaches 100 in 1 stack. Causes Health to be removed by 25% each time. Health recovery items such as potions will be ineffective. Its healing effects will only be for 20%.
>
> Manifestation - His universe was broken, his world had shattered. So he wears his royal garments of dark blue with the stars that shine in his cloth.
The card on the Broken Hearted Prince was a dangerous one, if Silas paired it with Sanguine Blood and Happy Place. It might help him to recover health but the demolish is going to be dangerous.
The third page? That was something different.
> Page of the Vermillion Blade.
>
> She was known to the world as the Vermillion Mist. For her blade was enough to scatter dozens of master swordsmen. Her homeland was ravaged by war and she loaned herself as a mercenary.
>
> She protected her townspeople who eventually sold her out against a faction. Abused for months and upon them trying to kill her? She broke free, and she gathered her strength once again as she headed out into the battlefield. She returned back to her town, the town she had fought to protect. To put food over their mouths, had left her for dead.
>
> By her blade, she would cut down her townsfolk. Rage and despair coexisted with one another as she cut them down. Cutting down a child whom she had ensured the safety of the town. Slashing the man who taught her how to fight.
> Every cut, a part of her soul was being consumed by the rage.
> Every memory filled her thirst for despair.
>
> There was nothing left of the Vermillion Mist. She had died in her town.
>
> Build up - The Rage- Increases rage during combat, the more enemies killed. The higher bonus for critical chance, critical damage and speed.
> Demolish- The Despair- When despair hits '100' it will cause Page User to be staggered for 1 minute. Despair will keep increasing stack limit for every stagger. Stagger increases + 1 minute.'
>
> Manifest - You manifest Vermillion Blade's Great sword and her coat that had been drenched in blood.
>
>
Reading those entries, the Broken Hearted Prince was difficult to relate in the sense that Silas was not someone who had fallen in love or even had anything related to do with romance, but Vermillion Blade's particularly was relatable. Given the fact that to some extent, Silas or rather Joshua Gates had to end everything on his own. Surviving for 3 years in a place that was driven by madness. For SIlas those memories of Joshua were still there, and even now. They've become fuel for the Page that was Joshua Gates.
He was in the university, currently attending a lecture that wasn't anything combat related. He was jotting down notes on the subject matter which was related to Building Relationships. There were plenty other things to look at, but this kind of knowledge was giving Silas some thought about managing relationships with the Hunters as a whole. It was a subject that was a requirement under the university as students of different faculties would be present. Most of them found this subject as a bore but for Silas?
He had fun hearing the passion the lecturer had. Explaining that positive reinforcement can be compliments, but also take into consideration the reaction from the people they talk to. Reading bits and pieces of body language.
Then again, it wasn't as if Silas wanted his own guild. He already had his Familiars that were present and the Garden. The Garden's main issue that made them difficult was primarily their equipment. 5th Bellwitch's Thorn set that has been equipped to all Familiars increased their power. Since everything could be cut without much ease. Even if that wasn't the case, the Familiars of the Lord of Thorns were already powerful.
Silas remembered watching how Vizel tore through an entire formation of battalion soldiers alone. Wreaking havoc as he craved for violence. Though his friendship with them was better, but what about other people? Did he have any friends?
When class was over Silas stepped out where he could see Hardin and the others who were avoiding Silas's path. Some of them shuddered as the air in the hallways were suffocating to the Hunters that had seen Silas during combat. It must have been an effect from the Happy Place page. They did see him turn into a monster that devoured everything, and the fact that he turned the battle so easily to the point three Rose Knights didn't have to fight at all.
Stolen story; please report.
Silas headed over to the training hall, seeing Jenny, Caroline and Nora facing off against one of Silas's familiars. They were facing against 151 who was merely dodging their attacks. Jenny was using a rapier, trying to match 151 while Caroline kept her buff to the others and Nora focusing on magical attacks.
"Your footwork needs to be softer. The stiffness makes enemies can tell you're still inexperienced." 151 said as he pushed Jenny back, then pointing the blade at Caroline's throat.
"We'll stop here. Songstress, you also need to train with a weapon. To defend yourself. Something light. A gun would be best. A pistol with a Smart Lock trait. That will assure you can hit your targets as long as it is in front of you." 151 suggested to Caroline.
"Thank you. Sorry that you have to come here and train us." 151 laughed loudly as the other Hunters looked over.
"I've trained men and women from the age of 7 years old until they become ready soldiers at 18. I've trained them to handle demons. Training new talent is always a pleasure for me. I want to make sure you all survive. That's why I've been assigned here. The other second in command of my Master's group. Iacus the Wise of Darkness is handling the work for people hiring SDUs. I have the time. Which of course. Gunners. Your mistakes are that you aim directly at the target. You need to anticipate a target's speed, take into consideration of its movements. Those of you with pistols. The bad habit of twitching from pulling the trigger is dangerous as you will flinch and miss the target entirely."
151's words put smiles on their tired faces.
"Ah. Silas. Care for a bout?"
"Sure." Silas stepped into the ring as the others cleared the arena. Silas drew a saber as did 151.
"Show me your best." 151 said as they both charged at each other, matching strikes as they were glaring at each other.
"Wait. Silas is keeping up with Commander 151? Isn't Commander 151 an S-Rank?!" Denver was the first to raise his voice as the others buttered their eyes on the fight. Fast footwork from both sides. It was like the two of them were a mirror of one another, parrying attack after attack. Punches and kicks to add variation, to keep their opponent focused on the fist instead of the blade. They switched up their strategies over the course of their attacks.
The changes in technique was a lesson. To focus on the entire body and not just by the weapon, as their blades fell out of their hands. They traded blows with their fists. Elbows locked to their shoulder as they freed their other hand to draw a pistol.Pointing at each other's faces. Firing a shot as they both ducked. A pistol fight at point blank range, they both were trying to land a hit on one another. A punch to 151, who kicked Silas back. Silas took the moment to reload the pistol as he rolled to the side. Dodging a few shots from 151. Silas fired back as 151 threw his coat forward. Where Silas fired off a few shots. Silas threw it to the left, where he watched how 151 responded by firing into it. The two of them were reaching back for their swords.
Then charging again, Silas parried the blade upwards. 151 elbowed Silas's throat and kicked him back. Silas intercepted the thrust by diverting the blade downwards. Using his knee to strike at 151's chin. Who headbutted Silas back. Silas kicked 151 back. 151 took off his mask, spitting the blood to the side as Silas did the same.
Both of them were panting as Silas fell to his knees.
"You've improved 151. That headbutt had a bit of electric magic... Something Margen taught you?"
"Something like that." 151 smiled as they both talked in their telepathy.
Silas couldn't move as he leaned over to the pillar.
"Brilliant execution. Only thing that you lacked was information. I use purple lightning magic. The highest tier of lightning magic. If it was something else. You still handled this beautifully. Smooth combat movements, always changing your tactics. Let this be known to all of you, your entire body and your creativity is a weapon. Never underestimate the power of your creativity. Using whatever means to distract an enemy for an easy kill. Humans and demons focus on weapons instead of your other hands. So when you use a part of you that does not wield a weapon. It will surprise them. And ladies. If a man does anything stupid. Don't be afraid of breaking his nuts. Or his legs. Or his entire body. That's how I dealt with sexual harassment cases. When it's been proven to me, I just break their legs." 151's words caused the men to grab their crotches.
"Commander. May I ask about your a question?"
"Of course, Jenny. What is it?"
"Did you come from the same world as the Four Familiars at the Garden Massacre at the Theater?"
"I am the superior officer of Viking 13 and Crimson Reaper Ace. Vizel is from my world but he serves my master directly like myself. Azure Resound is a different case. Those four are stronger because of our master's powers. He granted us the ability to become stronger as needed. The HDF forces are the same. They were humans who fought against aliens that wished to rule humanity with his power he had changed their fate. That is the man who we follow. If he told us to kill the members of Garden. We'd do it without hesitation. For in his world he encountered a figure that tried to turn children into weapons to be sold to the highest bidder. Devoid of any thought, only loyalty to their new masters that bought them with money. His disdain for cruelty is of the highest degree, and he repays such cruelty with the same treatment." 151 answered.
"Do you think the S-Ranks can handle him?"
"Margen had faced me evenly. What did they say about Familiars?"
"That their power is derived from their masters." Nora's answer had made 151 smile as he picked up his mask.
"Why do you wear the mask?"
"I've been wearing this mask ever since I was a child. It's become part of the identity of the Azteris Suicide Division. Our world was so polluted by demons we had to make a mask to keep ourselves safe from their influence. It seems as if most of you prefer me with my mask off." 151 said as he could see their flushed faces and dazzled eyes.
"I'm quite old. 40 years old. I'm old enough to be your fathers. So please try not to look at me with those eyes."
"There's nothing wrong with liking older men right?" A student spoke up as she stood in front of 151, trying to highlight her figure to him.
"Forgive me but I've been seduced by demons. So it may need a more mature woman's touch to captivate me, young one." Silas chuckled at hearing that. That has to be a harsh rejection from 151.
"Demons seduce people?"
"Ah yes. Demons prey on the soldiers by taking the appearance of the object of their desire. Being the perfect woman or man that fits their ideal criteria. Then they kill the hypnotized individuals. So most of the Azteris Suicide Division thinks any type of sexual attraction is dangerous. But we're a lot more relaxed. So you can go and have a drink with them. Though you may have to be more direct with your wishes. If you want a relationship with one. You'll have to win them by many ways. If you merely want a one night stand, be clear.If I'm not mistaken the record in my division was set by Victor 91. That young man was casanova to many and he could easily make any woman go out with him. A true lady killer in every sense of the word." 151 explained which some of the students were already interested.
"I cannot vouch for every soldier, but it's not easy to get them to notice you. These days when they're not in uniform they go hang out at bars to just enjoy drinks. Since we're technically human, we get to enjoy things. Though we don't get drunk. Just incredibly tipsy." Silas was enjoying hearing 151 share these details, because it was parts that he never knew.
"Now, back to practice. All of you. Enough gossips about my men. Now, step forth. I'll help sharpen your skills." 151 continued to train the students as Silas was reading about Final Judgement and Iacus's reports on the situation regarding Garden.The Garden may have been pushed out for now, but they will be hiring more Hunters from the underground to attack Cresnax but they may try to be more careful.
They were also trying to rebuild their forces from nearby regions, and Iacus had inquired with Chairman Hargrave regarding the issue that other Association Hunters are willing to join the cause because of the belief that the Garden will free them from the shackles of rules that plagued this world. Might makes right, still applies to any world.
Might being influence, money and power. Silas had the S-Rank Guild Leader and Chairman Hargrave. Would he have any other allies? Though the fact that they want to kidnap a Songstress and there are Enchanters in Cresnax. Some have begun to move in due to wishes of escaping Garden's influence.
The history of cruelty that Garden has made was something that Silas had to think a few times about. They were far more dangerous than Spataro in terms of what they had done. Occupying towns, forcing people to be part of their group. The Garden had a lot of nerve in acting this way but Silas would not be able to protect everyone with what he has. His army may be numerous, but spread out too thin and people may die. He could send the Rose Knights to thin them out but that wouldn't help much because of the fact that it's going to be a merciless slaughter. The slaughter of the Spataro's in the previous world had affected Joshua Gates greatly, up to the point that Silas nearly manifested to take over him.
The lack of support and the number of Hunters. An all out war was inevitable but Silas needed to find a way to thin out the herd. Leaving the practice hall, his thoughts were only on how to deal with Garden. Despite how people at university treated him, it was not an issue. The Garden was the bigger threat.