The result of the damage had crippled the countries that had threatened Reznoa and Hertia Lich Kingdoms as a whole, it was enough to make the nations with exception of the demon realm, vampiric aristocracy, Borealis the dragon kingdom and the Jade Principality back away from the invasion.. The other countries have begun their negotiations of peace.
Albert Sylvanus was now sitting in his estate.. Smoking a cigarette as the Sylvanus Knights were doing something else, the Fangs were patrolling the city in their own way. While His Majesty was dealing with the negotiations. Albert was not going to make an appearance. Enjoying the break as the moment of peace was known. The Sylvanus Knights were off training with Kaglar in their new forms while Vizel and Weiss were trying to match up against each other.
This whole thing was great in the sense that Albert had been receiving a lot of materials as compensation and found out that the dragon kingdom had brought a lot of items. Tear ores, High Grade mana crystals, angel smith scrolls and various other things. The Seraph of Smiths had been interested in the items, and proceeded to make more weapons for Albert to use. Kaglar took a break from training as Iacus and Donovan took over with the Sylvanus Knights. Because the sharpness was even, Donovan's sword breaker was mainly used as a defensive measure. Grabbing the sword and kicking them back when it was stuck.
Kaglar and Seraph of Smiths begin with their work on the materials. Demon cores, demon fangs, vampire blood, vampire fangs. Creating a newer set of weapons for the Lord of Thorns to use along with the Sylvanus Knights and Fangs. Just taking the excess items for the 5th Bellwitch to use for upgrading his current weapon sets. The Tear ores were something that were on a higher grade than Orichalcum and its natural strength was something that nobody should underestimate but in this world. Tear Ore was something that only those who mastered every techniques in the art of crafting, weaponmaking and designing could use. For Tear Ore was fragile in its use, it leaks tear drops of its impurities that can be used for other things but its fragility makes it far more dangerous than anything else.
The Angel smith scrolls were made to be used by certain individuals who have the ability to smith weapons with angelic properties. Increasing damage against certain types of enemies, mainly those with evil intentions and the demons. The vampire's blood was something to coat weapons to increase bleed while mana cores are meant to increase mana conductivity.
Every material that was given including some of the spoils of war being new firearms for the Reznoa Kingdom, new equipment. Reverse engineering technologies and preparing to craft armors that would suit the current situation in the day and age. At the very least there were changes, but Albert didn't care nor did he even bother.
"Your Grace." The Fangs appeared before him with a report where ALbert looked at it. The Jade Principality, the Dragon Kingdom and the Vampire Aristocracy was now in cahoots to prepare for another invasion but that was not an issue. The Holy Church of Vestivia had sent their Maiden to offer as a marriage candidate to Duke Albert Sylvanus.
Albert looked at Kaglar who showed him a pistol, it was something that had a different feel to it. A P226 pistol with a laser sight underneath that had a demon's statue underneath it and a special muzzle device that was attached to the frame. The sights were competition sights with high illumination for Albert and they had been adjusted to compensate with a suppressor's height.
"That frame mounted muzzle device is an anti armor piece. This pistol uses 10mm armor piercing pistol ammunition. 15 round magazine, you should try it out." Kaglar passed a magazine as Albert loaded the magazine, right thumb flicking the slide lever release. Pistol had been set into battery, Albert took a moment to look at a Kaglar's old armor that had been set up as a target. The pistol had a bit of weight to it and the laser sight was very noticeable.
Firing the first shot? The recoil was negligible to a fault, just the pistol slightly twitching as a result of the slide movement. Yet, Albert ran the pistol dry to get a better feel. Accuracy wise, it was a tight grouping but he needed to get used to that twitching effect from the pistol. It doesn't have a great kick because the weight by the front of barrel would keep the recoil climb at a low but it meant that Albert needed to train with this pistol carefully. Looking at the damage on Kaglar's old armor, it had left a few holes within it. Even with Albert's swords there was some struggle to break it and this pistol? It just made it easy.
"What's the name?"
"It's Kaglar special. I'd call it the KSAA-10. KS is the Kaglar Special. AA is Anti Armor and the 10 is the caliber. I have made a second copy to take over your Gates Pistol set. It's a lot more powerful than the Preaching Magnum and if by Hunter standards in your world. I can set the base power at 200 Attack. Plus with the Armor Piercing it will negate armor bonuses. I've said to Bellwitch that I can replace this for your Gates set. It can be upgraded up to 5000 Attack. It's meant to be a killer but it is exclusive to you. Anyone else using it will turn insane because of my influence as a demon." Albert then equipped it with his glove, then looking over at Seraph of Smiths who passed Albert a sniper rifle. It was sleek, with angular shapes. The reload was definitely odd, the magazine would pop out from the side, sliding out in a rectangular magazine that was completely covered.
"It's known as the SSAS-457. The magazine is a card shape with 5 rounds of specially crafted .457 Lancer Magnum rounds. Either high impact rounds or full metal jacket. High impact for shields and barriers. Full metal jacket, well. It's like you know it. it also features a mana core that allows you to adjust the trajectory before firing. So the bullets will curve to target provided you angle it. Base attack will be at 700 and increased up to 15000. Any affinity with demons will cause a person to disintegrate after using it. This will replace your normal sniper rifle in the Gates set. Considering your Thorn set is already perfected by Bellwitch. Merely needing a few more tweaks." Seraph of Smiths smiled as Albert took a shot at the armor, watching it leave a gaping hole that could be seen through and through.
Albert aimed the rifle to the right, firing a shot. Watching the bullet curve into the target with full speed. Piercing through and finding its home in the ground.
"That's... Actually powerful."
"Yep. It's the best I can do for now. Bellwitch is the current master of weapon creation and smithing. So you should go see him for more tune ups." Albert nodded as he put the sniper rifle into his glove. Placing it to replace his Gates sniper rifle as Albert decided to go meet the maiden of Vestivia. It was the least he could do as Kaglar and Seraph of Blades went to train the Fangs in combat.
Iacus and Lugasa followed Albert, the sight of the crimson werewolf had people a little terrified. A stone was being thrown at Lugasa where he caught it, looking at the child who was shaking by his boots. Lugasa made his approach where the audience around them was agitated and some of them by the windows were readying their gun at Lugasa.
When Lugasa got close to the child, the guns fired. Instinctively Lugasa grabbed the child, using his body as a shield. The bullets struck the Crimson Werewolf's body, they see the red that fell from the wounds.
"Are you okay, child?" Lugasa spoke gently as he let the child go, who looked at him with confusion.
"Was your town attacked by werewolves?" Albert asked.
"Yeah! Those werewolves ate my parents!"
"Lugasa, they attacked you what will you do?"
"Nothing. I mean if I saw the ones who destroyed my people. I'd feel the same way." Lugasa knelt to the child who began to cry.
"It's okay. It doesn't hurt that bad. Are the werewolves still there?" A nod where Lugasa looked at Albert for a request. The glare in the eyes.
"Do as you please."
"Thanks. Even when I was the head of the werewolf tribe. I made sure that we don't do this. We're werewolves. Proud beasts that roam the forests. If they have done this, they cannot be called werewolves. They're just mindless beasts that need to be put down." Lugasa said as he clenched his claws, then leaped away.
Albert and Iacus headed on to the royal castle, the guards didn't bother with identification. The fearful gaze that they had were an answer for Albert, perhaps the sight of Iacus who had taken out many enemies with just his daggers alone. That and the title of Wise of Darkness? It was something that had been known among the demon realm as a human who's powers rivaled an Ancient Demon. The idea would sound good wouldn't it? The gaze of fear that blanketed Albert and Iacus was strong enough to bother him, nobody would dare to look at the pair in the eye.
Walking through the throne room, where their presence did not need an introduction. Merely a set of words but even the messenger that introduced them could barely finish their words. The Maiden of Vestivia, a white haired beauty who wore a white dress that stopped by the knee with flowing silk that rests by her heels. A cross pendant by her neck and ring shaped earrings. There were women who were part of her guard, they grabbed their blades with a sharp glare at Albert.
Their eyes met while Albert kept his mask on but she did not felt fear whereas everyone else did. She had a smile, a head strong expression that seemed to not fear anything. Something that was unique.
"Duke Albert Sylvanus of House Sylvanus, greets the Royal Family." Albert said as he knelt before the throne.
"I trust you understand that the Holy Church of Vestivia wishes to have a negotiation with you." Albert turned to the Maiden as Albert lifted a bit of his mask as Iacus gave Albert a cigarette. Where the cigarette was slashed, Albert turned to the woman that led the guard who had her katana drawn.
"Serena. Stop!" The guard sheathed her blade, clenching her fist at the sight of Albert.
"He skinned our people alive and fed them to the Hertia Lich's residents! Why are we negotiating with him?!" Serena raised her voice as she continued her glare. The other guards were of the same opinion. Albert took out another cigarette where it was slashed again by Serena.
"I will not allow you to smoke before the Maiden! Have you no shame!?" Albert pulled out another one, where Serena missed and Albert punched her stomach. She coughed up blood as Iacus threw her down, placing his foot by her throat.
"Captain!" The other guards readied their blades, only to see threads wrapped around their throat where Azure Resound appeared from the shadows.
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"Iacus, Azure Resound. Stand down." Albert said as he looked at the Maiden who was still calm as ice.
"I apologize Your Majesty. It seems that we got rowdy. Whatever it is, I'll accept. There are empty rooms in my estate. You may head there when you are ready. Maiden, do you have a name that I should call you?"
"Please call me Yuliana. I was sent here as a marriage candidate."
"More like a hostage." Albert corrected her where she smiled.
"Perhaps that is the case." Her smile had a pair of dead eyes that accompanied it, something that Albert was familiar with... Or better yet something Silas was familiar with.
"What's troubling you?" It was a simple question but she took a moment to answer but Yuliana kept herself quiet and this was a moment that Albert needed an expert's opinion.
"Raizel?" The Grimoire appeared by Albert's side.
"Ah yes... The Maidens of Vestivia. Granted to a select few who's powers could be used to grant protection, blessings, healing and even having angels be called upon for aid... It comes at a price. The life force of the chosen maiden itself. For there must be a payment for such powers to be invoked." The grimoire speaking out loud had the others alarmed.
"What is that sorcery!? Is that a demonic artifact!?" One of the Church's guard readied his blade where Raizel merely hummed his thoughts onto the matter.
"It seems that Maiden Yuliana does not have much life force within her. She may not have much time. I'm surprised she is still alive." Iacus pulled out a thermos and passed it to Albert.
"It has the flowers of the garden inside. Garden brew tea." Albert then pass it to Yuliana who could smell the fragrance within the flask.
"Drink it. It'll help you regain whatever strength you can gain. We have empty rooms in the estate. Iacus, Azure Resound be sure to lead them back to the estate. I'll need to go handle some more problems later." Yuliana took a sip, feeling the freshness of the garden in her veins and the tiredness of her shoulders easing away. Albert vanished from sight, where he was now in the greenhouse.
Albert was tending to the garden without his mask, and he already informed the people here that he's going to observe them and pretending to not be present most of the time at the estate. The familiars and House Sylvanus's servants will be going about with their daily things and do whatever that they want. While Albert will just be out in the greenhouse and the gardens, placing the seedlings for them to grow. Watering them with a pole that has watering can attached to both sides. The servants of the estate could only sigh as they watched their master head over to do the dishes and even helped out in the kitchen with the prep.
Terra will be acting as the administrator with the statement that Duke Albert Sylvanus will be busy with his work that requires him to go elsewhere. When he was done, Albert would be headed to his tea room. To prepare the tea blends that would be helpful for Yuliana's recovery.
"Raizel. How much of her life force was taken?"
"She's going to die within the week. The Tea from your garden, Lord has at least given her a few more hours. She will need to consume more in order to gain most of her life back." Raizel said albeit in a somber tone, almost pity.
"When I chose to be a grimoire for the Thorns. I understood the price of my death, but for her? They had used her power as if there was nothing. Perhaps they were thinking of inciting you to fall for her and when she dies you via an action by the Reznoan Kingdom it will cause the Holy Church to call for another war."
"Did the other Lords face this dilemma?"
"Of course, the other Lords and Gardens, at least those that aligned with the side of Justice faced such a dilemma. Not being able to save anyone, but due to your ascension as an Avatar of the Seasons.. Or Apostle.. Such words are interchangeable. The flowers of your garden have healing properties and it can help restore a person's life force." Raizel's words gave Albert a slight smile.
At the very least he could help the Maiden in his own way. It's not like she can tell his appearance, considering Albert had cut his hair.Trimming the tail off, letting it rest by his shoulders instead of his waist. Stepping out to take a look at the garden, seeing a few horned rabbits and devil rabbits moving about. Then came along some black elk and white deer that began to enjoy grazing the grass nearby. Some of the servants were trying to shoo them away but seeing Albert walking over to rub the black elk's fur and face was an affirmation that they were allowed to stay.
The Maiden and her entourage arrived, where Terra was the first to greet them with the servants.
"We bid you welcome to House Sylvanus. I am Terra, the butler of the house." Terra bowed where Serena drew her blade.
"You want us to stay in the house of the people who killed our comrades!? What is this insult!"
"If we wanted to kill you, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Vizel said while he was sharpening his blade, then he walked on over to Serena.
"Enough, Serena!"
"My apologies, Maiden." Terra brought them inside the estate, where the walls had been painted in a lush red, the interior itself was simple. Not something that was as extravagant or as decorated as the church. It was also unfitting for the noble.
"The red here... It's different."
"Of course, His Grace has had enemies from within the Kingdom and from the outside of the Kingdom. These walls are the fresh paint we use to cover up the blood stains from all the assassins he killed. It's why we normally don't have servants at night in this house. He prefers to keep his skills sharp." Terra answered which the look of horror had plunged down the faces of the Maiden's guards but the Maiden was still keeping a smile.
They opened the door, to see Albert now wearing a footman's outfit. Preparing cups of tea for them, brewed from the tea of the garden. On the plates were some light savory food such as three horned elk skewers, the elemental boar sandwiches with vegetables from the garden.
"His Grace normally hunts for his food and the vegetables as well as the tea are prepared inhouse from the greenhouse and the gardens. Do not mind the animals that are..." Terra paused looking down to a black rabbit that was chinning his shoes.
"Ah, this is His Grace's pet. Please say hello to Blackfoot." They looked at the velvety fur of Backfoot that wiping its paws on the face, the ears were hanging below instead of sticking up like other rabbits. It began to perch on its hindlegs to look at people, then jumping onto the Maiden.
"It seems to have taken a liking to you. Blackfoot is normally attached to people who seem to be having trouble with their hearts. Animals are instinctual when it comes to emotions." Terra spoke with a bow as the Maiden took a piece of lettuce from her sandwich, offering it to Blackfoot that ate it happily. Then chinning Yuliana's fingers. Even licking them a little which had Yuliana giggling because of how ticklish it was.
"Good work in preparing the welcoming drinks. This is a special brew that only House Sylvanus makes. Please, help yourselves." They took a moment to say a prayer to the their goddess before eating. The tea was relieving the fatigue. Albert took his leave first, heading over to his bedroom to take a shower. His hair grew back in an instant.
Bottles of shampoo and soap to clean his body and rinse his hair cleanly. A nice break from the bullshit that was today and despite being annoyed by Serena's antics, Albert understood her to a certain degree. When he was done, Albert dried his entire body with magic as he put on his casual outfit. A hooded sweater, pants and a pair of indoor shoes. Putting on his mask as he stepped outside, seeing Yuliana standing outside the door. Dressed in a see through nightgown that was showing most of her figure.
"I came to give greetings."
"Did you not sleep well?" She nodded.
"Are the beds too hard? Is the pillow not soft enough? Do you want me to change your sleeping arrangements? Do you need supper?" The questions that Albert posed had Yuliana confused for a moment as she was trying to get her bearings.
"Oh it's... I was told that it would be best for me to be show myself to the man that will be my future husband."
"You don't have to. Just go and sleep. If anything just let Terra know." Albert said as he took off his hooded sweater, gently placing it over her shoulders.
"Maiden, please rest." Albert said as she fell into his arms, unconscious. Serena stepped out from the shadows.
"Take her. She's your problem." Albert pushed Yuliana to Serena's arms, not saying a word as their eyes met.
"Why? Is the Maiden not enough for you?"
"Absolute Silence." Albert whispered as a sound barrier formed around them.
"She will die in a week. The flower tea that I've prepared will help her gain her strength and her life back. She'll be needing this treatment to get back her life force. Now if you'll excuse me. I need to read my reports." Albert said as he walked away, shattering the sound barrier while going ahead to where the Fangs were waiting for him.
"We've gotten word. Your parents were killed by the Jade Principality because they knew how much of a dangerous threat your family was, and had gathered nobles from the kingdom to join their side."
"Make a report to the King. I'd want their heads, and the Jade Principality has to pay for this." Albert said as he changed to Silas, where the Fangs still knelt before him.
"I've beaten a God to submission and now I'm borrowing Albert Sylvanus because his mind had been so broken by that poison that I had to take over. Any other reports?" Silas sat on a chair as he lit another cigarette.
"The other worlders from Jade Principality attacked a town that was in our domain. Lord, the town's silent and the people all gone. A teenager survived but their mind... Their mind is broken." Silas clenched his fists.
"When tomorrow comes, I'm going to tell His Majesty that I will be heading over to the Jade Principality. Blood has to be paid in blood. I knew people were stupid, but were they really this stupid?" Silas wondered as he turned to 151 that walked on over with Commander Shane.
"We've been able to prepare more divisions as you requested Lord. The 5th Bellwitch has made changes to your Ashen Wind armor. He's changed it to combine the maneuverability of a Valiant, being able to use a multi weapon system like the AS and Gladiators. It's also slimmer than the Scholia Mark 13." Commander Shane presented the suit.
It was an ashen gray suit with his old Ashen Wind helmet but the slimness of the design had special thrusters by the thighs, it's entire frame looked like it was tailored for him. Silas put the suit on.
"How's it feel?"
"Fits me well. What's the reactor?"
"Bellwitch removed all the safeties when we presented it to him. It's made of highly tensile alloys that are lightweight to give you maximum mobility and gives you enough protection that will require multiple strikes from Thorn sharpness weaponry to completely injure you. It's got a reactor that uses mana at the back but it's also self sufficient. Bellwitch already received the spoils of war that you gained as some of the Familiars... Did send it to him first to have him craft this. Think of it as a present." Silas watched as the helmet deformed itself to show his face.
"Convenient... Weapons?"
"It's been equipped with a new weapon type. The Adaptive Combat System. The suit and the weapons are as one, it's known as Pandora's Box. These are the conduits for the weapon transfigurations." Silas grabbed the pistol grips and then the weapons began to construct themselves accordingly. A pair of blocky rifle designs. Lacking a stock but it had a stabilizer that was placed beneath the rifle grip, a large optical sight at the top. Under the barrel there was a blade like attachment, the design was different from the standard rifles.
"The blade like attachment is the magazine. The rifle's inbuilt magazine uses your inventory to load it in. Takes 2 seconds to reload the blade is sharp to be used." The two rifles deconstructed and Silas looked at the newly constructed grenade launchers, rotary grenade launchers with an extended barrel.
"Sounds good. How are the Orions?"
"We're outfitting these to our normal troopers. The Orions will be using a newer Scholia Model that Bellwitch is working on." Commander Shane reported while Silas turned to 151 as he awaited a report.
"Lord. The Suicide Division of Azteris have grown and we also managed to manufacture this." A mechanical dog pounced on Silas, where it began to lick Silas's face. They shared the same colour scheme.
"Bellwitch had this dog prepared. It's a golem in a way but it's armaments include missile launchers, plasma claws and a shield system. It also bears the soul of a military dog that is loyal to its master. It can also uses its body to create shields on either the left or the right so you can use it as a portable cover system. Also the Suicide Division is prepared to march if you want us to. The new Rogues, Daemon's Bane and Goliaths are doing well. They'll be part of your familiars with their old skill sets. The normal trooper equipment has been changed to suit us with the 7.62 caliber rifles and using 10mm as our sidearms. Our equipment has also changed as the new recruits are wearing specialized combat armor that is similar to the old Demon's Bane equipment but mass produced. Granting them some higher degree of protection and our change in tactics. Bayonet charges are our last resort. Now we're fighting smart, Lord." Silas was chuckling because of the ticklish tongue of the dog.
"What's his name?"
"Skipper." Silas looked at Skipper, despite its golem like appearance and the tongue being soft like a normal dog? Skipper barked happily at Silas's face.
"Alright. I like the change, standby until I give the order."
"Yes, Lord." They vanished with the Fangs as Pandora Box released Silas from its clutches and Silas returned back to Albert. The suit followed him to his room and stood guard while Albert went to rest. Now, Albert had the names of the people who killed his family. He was going to make sure that he needed to pay them back.