The dragon kingdom, Borealis. A floating country in a hidden continent on the world of Upiezen. This is where dragons, dragonkin, dragon newts, wyverns, lizardmen and those that were within the category of dragon races would roam freely. A kingdom that advocates for Dragon Supremacy at its truest form. If any non-dragon had stepped into the city, one can expect to be looked down upon by these beings. They would never serve you, they would never speak to you. You are nothing but a speck of dust in their eyes, a very giant spec of dust.
For it was true after all, dragons were the apex of all beasts. The current King, King Xalrait the 7th was the biggest advocate of this doctrine, but today? The King Xalrait was with the other races. Elves, demons, dwarves and other non-humans to figure out a plan. A plan to take humanity as their slaves.
"A human named Albert Sylvanus was able to push us back. We could have taken the village... How did a mere human be that powerful?" Xalrait glared at the reporting dragon knight.
"I'm sorry, Ancient One! But... The human spoke in our tongue to force us back! He wielded a multitude of weapons... Upon further investigation. It is revealed that he is the First Blade of the Reznoa Kingdom! Our slaves had reported they had seen him in the Rubis Empire. Quelling the civil war!" The revelation by the dragon knight had brought some concern as Xalrait turned to the Ancient Demon of Red. Verulis.
"Kaglar was there... He placed the miasma amplifier to suppress the Empire. He hasn't returned yet." Verulis's concern was written on his face, fiddling her fingers as she was trying to understand the situation.
"Sheesh. I get lazy to check in one day and you all go apeshit?" They turned to see Kaglar who waltzed into the room. The dragon knights pointed their blades at Kaglar.
"Who are you?! How dare you intrude this meeting!" Kaglar lit a cigarette, casually walking through the blades.
"Sheesh. I spent a few hundred years in armor and nobody recognizes me? Heh, makes sense why you're all so damn weak." Kaglar said as a blade struck him, shattering upon hitting his shoulder. The dragon knights stopped as they see Verulis glare at Kaglar.
"Don't try your demon gaze at me." Kaglar said as they watched Verulis's cough out blood upon locking eyes with Kaglar, the pressure was causing the walls of the room to start cracking. Kaglar stopped the pressure as he went to take a seat.
"Kaglar... Why are you here?! Why did you fail?"Verulis raised her voice, demanding answers. Kaglar put his feet on the table, continued smoking his cigarette.
"You may be the Ancient Demon of Black! But you must still show proper respect in this room!"
"I only came here to give a warning to all of you. Don't bother the human countries." Kaglar was giving them a warning. One that didn't make sense.
"Reason why I didn't report back in is because I made a bet with Albert Sylvanus. If he can beat me, then I'll be his servant. Which he did. So I don't have to spell out what that means don't you? I came here to give this warning. As much as I would enjoy seeing all of you get wiped out by someone who's actually the Apex. The Rubis Empire's army of 75 thousand that tried to seize the capital and kill the Imperial Family was wiped off by Four Familiars." The revelation had the others clenching their fists.
"Is this your idea of a joke Kaglar!? How can you be defeated by a mere human?! You're the strongest Ancient Demon! How can an insiginificant worthle-" Verulis's voice was cut off, a glaring Kaglar had silenced her with his gaze.
"Don't insult him,Verulis. You may be leading the other Ancient Demons. Don't start anything unless you want to die. He's not doing anything for now because he doesn't see any of you as a threat. But the moment you give him a reason to attack. Good luck."
"Why are you telling us this?!" Xalrait raised his voice, unleashing the anger within him. As the flames touched Kaglar's arm, who merely brushed it off like it was nothing.
"I am the Ancient Demon of Black. I am the precept of Survival of the Fittest. I just came here to let you know that as a courtesy for our past acquaintance. But when we fight, I expect you at your best." Kaglar said as he got up. Dragging the cigarette until it doused itself, throwing it to the wall where it created a large gaping hole.
"By the way. This is what it's like when my strength is at its full potential. I've been keeping it hidden cause I've been bored. So if you want to start a war. It'd better be fun. Then again, I'd like to see you all face him and see how much devastation he can cause. He's not alone. You bring a force large enough, you might see the powers that he has. Just be sure to be ready to fall to submission. If you apologize and pay reparations to the King of Reznoa. You might survive. Because he's merciless to people like you. Who believe humans are useless and talentless. He's not an advocate of human supremacy. You all have family that's being held by the Jade Principality right? Give me their names. I might cause some havoc with him to get your people back. He hates any form of supremacy. Human or otherwise. He's not a saint though. He would destroy you if you cross him. He'll show kindness if you show him kindness. A man that believes in true equality and opportunity. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up becoming a lord of a nation someday." Kaglar said where he felt a hand pat over his shoulder, it was Iacus and Donovan.
"You always did like to give the enemies a warning, Kaglar." Iacus said with a sigh.
"It's the only it makes it interesting for him. Remember the time we went and raided the 13th Heaven and 7th Hell? He gave warnings to both sides. Then we went into an insane war with them." Donovan was trying to lighten the mood, but the Iacus could only sigh as he was worried about their antics.
"Please keep your antics to yourselves."
"Oh come now, Iacus. You do know that you should be at ease. After all, I needed a friend who's as smart as you. It's why I gave you the power of darkness. Besides, I'm not good with all these schemes and approaches. That's your job."
"You're a god damn battering ram. now.. Let's go. Our master awaits." Iacus snapped his fingers as a portal opened where they could see Albert sipping tea with his mask on, glaring at them. Ancient Demon and the two Familiars stepped through it as it shut down.
"Iacus, Donovan. How's your reunion with Kaglar."
"The same demon I remember. My only tactics to give him were to just destroy this or break formations." Iacus grumbled where Kaglar was laughing as he slapped Iacus's back, sending Iacus flying into the air.
"You need to stop doing that,Kaglar."
"Right.. I'm sorry!" Kaglar shouted as they see a dragon fly to Iacus's side, bring him down.
"Don't bother Donovan.. Kaglar's always been like that." Iacus then sat down to join Albert for tea. Terra went over with a letter.
"You've been summoned to the Royal Castle, Your Grace. It is urgent." Albert got to his feet then he turned to see the Sylvanus Knights and Fangs who waited his order.
"What I say here is confidential. The individual known as Kaglar you see before me is the Ancient Demon of Black. I have formed a contract with him, so he is now a member of our house. All Sylvanus Knights including the Fifth Blades and the Fangs are to train under Kaglar to improve your skills. Fight as if you want to kill him. Fight until your heart's are satisfied!"
"Yes, Your Grace!" Kaglar chuckled as he went ahead with a zweihander.
"Iacus, Donovan. Follow me." Iacus and Donovan followed Albert into the carriage as they headed to the Royal Castle.
"What's the letter about?" Iacus inquired where Albert was he was thinking about.
"A non-human nation known as the Hertia Lich Kingdom requests aid because the Jade Principality has attacked their towns." Albert's answer had Donovan and Iacus nod as they began to talk strategy.
"151." Albert used telepathy.
"How many can we spare?"
"Black Waltz, White Waltz, 13, Lugasa, Vizel, Ace and Azure Resound. They've been relieved of their guard duties if you need them. I've had the four of them swap out with the members of their squads. Vizel and Azure Resound have been replaced by the new units. Fireteam Skeller is ready for operation."
"Good. That'll be enough. I need my best. What off the Seraphs?"
"One Winged here, we're doing great. We're keeping track of the Garden's movements. So far they're busy rebuilding the bases. Want us to blow it up?"
"No, let the Garden be. One Winged, Seijuro, Ashen Phoenix. Can you train Jensen to fight?"
"Yes, Lord." The voices answered back as the carriage reached a dead stop, as they stepped out to head into the castle. Where Albert found a Vampire Princess who was with her skeleton knights and phantom knights.
"Duke Albert Sylvanus, of House Sylvanus. What is your request, Your Majesty?"
"Duke Albert Sylvanus is the Blade of Reznoa, the finest soldier I can call upon but to gain his aid is another matter entirely. State your request, Princess Lucia Hertia of the Hertia Lich Kingdom." The King said where Princess Lucia turned to Albert.
"The Jade Principality have invaded and occupied our towns. They have a force of 700 thousand spread across the four towns and are preparing more to march. They've declared Hertia Lich Kingdom as an enemy of the Gods and wish to destroy us... They've also allied with the Dragon Kingdom and the Holy Church of Vestivia.Another 500 thousand soldiers, 150 colossal dragons,3000 dragons, 1500 high angels, 5000 angels and 500 Dominions." Princess Lucia explained as Albert looked at Iacus and Donovan.
"Your Highness, Princess Lucia. House Sylvanus accepts this duty. Donovan and Iacus are my two Familiars, Phantom Knights please give us all of the information you have on the army. Weapon types, magic users and all details. My soldiers will depart when you are ready."
"Don't you need to prepare anything?" Princess Lucia asked, trying to process Albert's acceptance so easily.
"One Wing. I might need your help after all.' Albert said as One Winged Seraph appeared beside Albert. The One Winged Seraph with the long hair, holding an odachi by the blade.
"151." 151 appeared from Albert's shadow.
"Yes, Lord." 151 knelt before Albert.
"What is your assessment on our chances of winning this fight?" Albert's question gotten a laugh from 151.
"With just the Familiars that you have? I doubt it'd be a problem. If you wish to summon the Lions of Priderock it may make the battle far trivial. If you wish to make it a challenge, please allow me to join you. The Sylvanus Knights show much power and their determination matches my Suicide Division. I'd enjoy taking command of them. The one handling the counter is Webber from Crimson Reapers." 151's words surprised them all.
"Then that'll be enough. Iacus, Donovan, 151. Stay here and gather more information. I'll need to call on the others. Black Waltz, White Waltz, Azure Resound, 13, Vizel, Ace and Lugasa." They appeared from Albert's shadow.
"We're going to war. Stay here to learn more about our enemies. Lugasa, you will be Princess Lucia's escort and her aide."
"Bayran, Barakas, Asim, Cinder, Vingthor, Bileygr, Lopt." They appeared by Albert's side.
"Protect this kingdom. Bayran, if the dragon kingdom appears to attack Reznoa. I leave it to you to take command."
"Yes, Lord of Thorns." They affirmed their lord's duty to them.
"Your Majesty. They are my familiars. They alone will be enough to protect it. Be respectful to his Majesty." Albert said as he stepped out with the other Familiars. Leaving Iacus, Donovan and the Ancients behind.
Heading back to the estate, Albert found the Sylvanus Knights and Fangs on their knees. Kaglar was shouldering his weapon while whistling. Barely cuts on the limbs and chest.
"They did well. Mere humans whose blades reached my limbs and chest. Their skill reached me. Be proud Duke Sylvanus. The Ancient of Black can already see them as Servants of Thorns. Ancient of Longing Faith. I'm sure you saw how much they struggled in that battle. How death was close in their grasp yet they didn't falter in the name of not shaming their Master. Shouldn't that be enough for ya?"
Ancient of Longing Faith has granted permission.
The Sylvanus Knights and Fangs fell to their knees, screaming in agony as they felt thorns pierced their bodies.
"Withstand my knights. My fangs!"
Servants of the Faithful Rose.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Sylvanus Knights
Class Servant of Thorns. Level Follows Vizel the White Rose Knight.
The knights of House Sylvanus, who were chosen by their master Albert Sylvanus.
Known for their longsword techniques and their magic prowess.
A single Sylvanus knight is worth a thousand.
Now, their ascension power has increased power to match 10 thousand soldiers.
They are ready.
Personality : Loyalty
Servant of Thorns. As Servant of Thorns their blades are ready. The Faithful Rose's Power. Driven by their faith in their own abilities and by their lord. The Faithful Rose's powers increase morale of allies and grant protection against mortal blows. The 21st Faithful Rose's Chosen. Chosen by the Ancient of Faiths, their morale can never be broken. It will always be on High no matter the occassion. Sylvanus Swordsmanship
The Sylvanus Swordsmanship of the longsword is one of adaptability, the harder the target, the faster the the Sylvanus Knights counter and react.
The Silver Lion's Blade.
Sharpness of weapons have been increased to Thorn.
Your Blade.
Orders given by Lord of Thorns or the appointed commandant will be executed to perfection, a blade that protects, a blade that kills. Unlocks Sylvanus Offense and Defense Stance.
Offence Stance - 75% damage increase. Defense drop by 50%.
Defense Stance - Damage drop by 50%- defense increase by 75%
Pride of House Sylvanus.
A debt to be paid to the House, they fight without hesitation. If if they are slain, they will return to the battlefield by using mana.
Magic assault
Their mana has been expanded and able to gesture cast. No need to chant.
Servants of the Faithful Rose
Fangs.
Class Servant of Thorns. Level Follows Vizel the White Rose Knight.
The Fangs are House Sylvanus's powerful warriors, trained by Terra who was known to be the legendary Assassin feared as the Silent Reaper.
They have trained to perfection and can do assassinations similar to the SIlent Reaper.
Terra will be listed as the leader of the unit. He will be given a power bestowed upon him by the Ancient of Black, becoming the Black Rose Knight. The Rose of Silence.
Personality : Loyalty to their lord.
Silent Reaper's Disciple The Silent Reaper's disciples grants them the knowledge of various assassination techniques. The Faithful Rose's Power. Chosen by the Ancient of Faiths, their morale can never be broken. It will always be on High no matter the occassion. The Fangs of the Silver Lion The Fangs that claw the enemies, letting their wounds fester.
Increases bleed damage chance by 75% with all weapons. Pride of House Sylvanus. A debt to be paid to the House, they fight without hesitation. If if they are slain, they will return to the battlefield by using mana. Mastery of projectile weapons. Throwing weapons will make it easier to destroy. Shadow walkers. Able to blend in their environment and hide mana.
The only one who didn't change was Weiss Miller and Terra who were present. The Sylvanus Knights were wearing masks similar to Albert and the Fangs had hooded cloaks and armed with many weapons. The Sylvanus Knights swords were long swords that had roses engraved into the blade itself.
"Vizel. Duel with Weiss Miller." Weiss Miller held his blade as Vizel went over to attack Weiss who blocked it, but the feet was skidding.
"Your Grace, but he's only a Fifth blade!" Reimi went over to speak her thoughts to Albert.
"Trust him. There's a reason why he didn't change." Albert said as they turned to see Weiss who was blocking Vizel who was attacking relentlessly. Barely giving Weiss a chance to breathe, receiving blade cuts as their blades clashed. Vizel roared at Weiss who did not roar back, his hands were shaking badly. Tempting Violence was used to urge Weiss to strike.
Blades clashing as Weiss was pushed back, his whole human body was shaking but Vizel was going ahead with a ferocity equivalent to that of a demon. Howling at Weiss's face to break him further. Kicking Weiss back into the wall, where Weiss got back on his feet and charged at Vizel. His blade shattered upon striking Vizel, where he grabbed the broken piece and stabbed it through the shoulder gap of Vizel's armor.
"He's doing well." Kaglar said as the others kept on watching, Albert threw a long sword over to Weiss who grabbed it. Charging straight ahead with a piercing technique. Breaking through Vizel's helmet, where Vizel cut off Weiss's arm. Even then Weiss used his other hand to strike at Vizel.
Another arm flew away as Weiss gripped the blade with his teeth. Charging straight at Vizel in a desperate attempt.
"Enough." Albert said as they stopped.
Confirmed.
White Rose Knight has made contact with Azure Rose Knight candidate.
Bayran has given his consent
Weiss's limbs flew back to him, where his outfit changed. Forming a long coat with gloves that matched Albert's. Unveiling a variety of swords all around him. Finding himself in a garden with 6 other figures. Wearing the same outfit as him and wore masks. The leading woman sat in the middle.
"Arise. Azure Rose Knight. The Rose of Calmness. Weiss Miller. The 7th Rose of Calmness. Where there is a Rose of Guilty, the Rose of Calmness will follow. Both you and Vizel have one thing in command. You were powerless in your younger years. You had felt weakened and had nothing in your hands. Yet you were able to fight while Vizel remained weak. You remained calm despite the Tempting Violence skill was used multiple times. I will bestow upon you the 7th Rose of Calmness." The woman said as the vision faded away.
Weiss looked at himself, feeling power surging his entire body where Vizel helped Weiss on his feet.
"It's a requirement for the Azure Rose Knight or the White Rose Knight candidates to spar with the other Rose Knight to ensure compatibility." Albert said as he turned to Terra.
"Terra. I will have a need of you in the field." Albert said, where Terra paused. Clenching his fists.
"I do not know how much help I can be Your Grace. I am... Far too weakened from the debilitating poison that has taken most of my strength away. I would be honoured but... I do not believe that I can be of aid."
"Kaglar has chosen you to be his Black Rose Knight of Silence. Your powers and your appearance will be changed accordingly. You will be on the battlefield with me." Terra thought about it and looked at Kaglar.
"A warrior's heart does not fade. You may be an assassin, but when I stayed here. I felt the presence of a strong warrior who fought against hundreds of enemies alone. You're more than worthy to accept my blessing. It will be painful and you might de-age a little as a result."
"De-age?" Terra raised an eyebrow, trying to understand what that meant.
"By accepting my power. You will be the First Black Rose of Silence and your body will revert back to your Prime as the Silent Reaper." The revelation of Terra being the Silent Reaper was enough to cause the Sylvanus Knights to be startled.
"That's who the butler was?!"
"The Silent Reaper could kill a demon lord all by himself."
"The Chief was the Silent Reaper?! No wonder these techniques were lethal!"
"Of course this is also because of the fact that when I faced you in your prime. You were the first human to ever lay an injury to me so severe, that I had to stay in a bulky suit of armor to regain my strength. Besides." Kaglar took off his shirt, where they see a large scar over his chest and back.
"When the Goddess asked me if I wanted these scars to fade. I said no, because this was a testament to me losing to the strongest human I've met. One who made me see that even a human's power can reach me. An Ancient Demon." Kaglar's words had Terra smiling.
"Then I accept. Thank you, Kaglar."
"Hey, Survival of the Fittest and out of all the humans I met. Save for Duke Sylvanus. You're the only one I'd accept as my first Rose Knight." Kaglar said as the transformation began. Where Terra was bound by black chains, being cocooned by the darkness elemental. Slowly the cocoon and chains shattered, revealing a younger Terra.The sight of this new man had Kaglar smiling.
"Terra Eisenhower. You are hereby my Rose Knight. The Black Rose of Silence." Terra's outfit consisted of a tailcoat, a pair of glasses and white gloves. Suitable for a butler, but the gloves housed weapons of power. The weapons of demons were in his possession.
Albert looked at the two menus that popped up.
The Rose of Silence.
Terra.
Class Black Rose Knight. Level Follows the Lord.
Terra Eisenhower, the Silent Reaper returned to his prime. The Legendary assassin who could take on demon lords, assassinate a head of state without none knowing the cause. He could make deaths look like heart attacks, he could make a person's death be an accident that only assassins of his caliber may find out the answer.
However, there are no such people.
Terra has been entrusted to the care and training of Albert Sylvanus upon the death of his family and when Albert Sylvanus was young.
Terra had been the guardian and protector.
Personality : Loyalty to their lord.
Silent Reaper All weapons are silent.
Footsteps are silent.
Mana casting is silenced. Black Rose. The symbol of new hope, the black rose carves hope with the blade. Creating hope with everywhere they go. The Demon's Armory. Kaglar's weapons have been granted to Terra.
Granting more damage to enemies with the Holy Affinity. The Legend's Assassin. Terra's assassinations were legendary and when facing enemy assassins wearing his mask will scare them.
Fellow assassins will be granted bonuses.
-50% Assassin class powers.
+75% assassin class powers to those in your employ. Mastery of projectile weapons. Throwing weapons will make it easier to destroy. Ancient of Black Rose's Blessing Darkness elemental and fire elemental increased potential. Shadow walkers. Able to blend in their environment and hide mana. Progenitor Terra is the beginning of a new Rose Knight.
Every Rose Knight under this category shall be set per to his requirements to qualify for it. Rose Blade An attack that encases enemies in an agony as black thorns will appear from within their bodies, turning them into flowers for nourishment.
The Rose of Calmness
Weiss Miller.
Class Azure Rose Knight. Level Follows the Lord.
Weiss Miller, orphaned by war. Watched the people die before his eyes, joined the Royal Army to fight through everything. No matter how dangerous the situation, if there are lives at stake. He'd never run.
The duty of protecting people was part of his oath as a Royal Army soldier, and if there are those that abandon it.
He would stay.
Met with Lord of Thorns in the form of Albert Sylvanus that has created the opportunity. A single soldier who fought against the mighty dragon knights despite their strength and prowess.
A Fifth blade who had begun his training for a day, but a Fifth Blade No more.
He will now be the Rose of Calmness.
Personality : Calm in the craziest times.
The Rose of Calmness Calming the battlefield with his presence, the Rose of Calmness synergizes and amplifies the Rose of Guilty's passive skill of calming petals. Weaponized Petals. Amplifies the power of rose petals that are unleashed by Rose Knights and by the Lord of Thorns. Petals now can be imbued with elements to hurt enemies like blades or be used with elemental magic.. The 7th Descendant. Techniques used by the previous 6 Calms will now be given to Weiss. Rose Blade. An attack that changes the blood of enemies inflicted into azure rose petals. Slowing the target down to a dead stop where they fall asleep. Dying in peace. Tempting Calm Enemies will not prioritize The Rose of Calmness(Auto) Ancient of White's Blesing The Azure Rose uses both water and ice magic, amplifying it with Bayran's blessing. Protector of the weak. Prioritizes protecting civilians or injured allies.
The Rose of Calmness powers amplifies when enemies
Albert granted them the memories of Joshua Gates and his adventure as Silas.
"I see. So that's why you needed power. To think you'd find familiars here. This place has the rarest materials in all of the many worlds. So don't be surprised. Most of the weapons here at its base has mythril lining to it." Kaglar said which surprised them.
"Listen well, my brethren and sisters in arms. We will be headed to aid the Hertia Lich Kingdom that is under attack by the forces of the Jade Principality and Holy Church of Vestivia. It's an army that may reach around 1 million. Doesn't that sound fun?"
"It's been a while since we've been in a war sir. My skills getting rusty." Reimi said where Albert patted her head.
"From now on you're all First Blades. We'll be headed to Hertia Lich Kingdom at once. Ready yourselves!" Albert said as they all raised their voice.
"Yes, Your Grace!" Preparations were being made as Terra took a moment to check on logistics to ensure that they are ready. Iacus, Donovan and 151 arrived into the estate.
"Preparations have been made. Lord. We're ready to go when you are. Lugasa is out with the Hertia Princess's escorts. It will take 5 days to reach the towns that have been occupied. She's requested us to get the towns back as they are by the border. She wishes to take the four towns as it is part of their borders. What are your orders?"
"Black Waltz, White Waltz, Azure Resound. Take one town. 13 get your squad and join Void Dancers to take another town. 151, command the Sylvanus Knights and Fangs. Divide them accordingly to each of the towns. Vizel, Weiss, Terra take the third town. Iacus, Donovan, Kalgar myself will take the town with the concentrated number of enemy forces. Their horses should change to be spectral horses." Albert said as he turned to look around.
"Zephyr!" Zephyr appeared from below, then Albert whistled again as they see the horses by the stables charge out from the stables, turning into spectral horses that charged into their riders.
"Listen up, Spectral Horses choose their riders. They are the same horses that you've been riding but they have changed according to your ascension as Servants of Thorns. The journey of 5 days will be cut to three or two days depending on how fast you ride! We'll ride first!" Albert said as the named Familiars followed Albert out on horseback. Riding out through the capital, where people saw Albert with the shoulder cape of the Silver Lion.
The war was coming and the chaos will begin.