Terra had made his way to the association, dressed neatly in his butler uniform. Eyes were all looking at the silver fox that was before them, though Terra was quite an aged man, becoming a Rose Knight granted his body a bit more energy and youth than before. So could he truly be called a silver fox?
Arriving at the association, where he could see the demon traders setting up their wares to be sold to the Hunters. Then seeing Seijuro's paintings of the valiant fights between the groups be placed by the largest wall the Association had. It had an effect of sorts. 'Artistic Inspiration' which was a bonus to combat related skills and for those who were not suited to combat. It created their desire to pursue their other skills to perfection with a focus that was sharper than a blade.
The association counter was in order, while people were requesting the aid of Familiars from 151 who was now with Aldion as an aide. Aldion would assign the familiars while 151 handled the details such as paperwork. Fitting as he seemed to be used to it. Though some people could not help but wonder about why he was with his mask. A portal to the new trade dungeon of Mizerka's realm had been made
Azure Resound, Black Waltz, Vengria, Weiss and Vizel who were seated by the benches. They weren't wearing their armor, just in casual gear as they were going to head to a new country. One being torn by civil war. The Baruta Kingdom.Terra and the others will be taking a special flight that the Baruta Kingdom's princess had sponsored for them. They grabbed their bags, for clothes and headed to the airport. Walking past security with their gear stored in the gloves. Showing off their passports that let them get through things easier. Moving through the departure gate.
Walking to the private jet with the Baruta Kingdom's seal being the Falcon with a blade. Five Hunters were before them, they were A-Ranked at best. The doors to the jet opened up, where they see a woman who was in a dress. She greeted them with a curtsy, before standing with her back straight like a ruler. Her posture was elegant but she didn't seem all that pleased to see them.
"Are you the master of the Familiars?"
"No. I am not, our master has asked us to aid you." The Five Hunters reacted by drawing their blades, only to be stopped by Vengri, Black Waltz, Weiss, Vizel and Azure Resound. Their blades were at their necks, as Terra kept a smile on his face.
"Your Highness. My allies are willing to relieve your Hunters of their heads if we wished." The figure before them, the Princess of Baruta Kingdom gestured her Hunters to keep their weapons sheathed.
"Will you be enough to help my Kingdom?" Her voice was cracking to the end of that line. Clenching the dies of her dress as she tried to keep that brave face. Terra pulled out a handkerchief to pass it to her. She took it.
Terra made a phone call to Silas.
"You're on loud speaker, Master."
"The ones before you are to accompany you to lend you their aide. If they can handle it. Then they will handle it. If they believe there is a need for others. Then they will be dispatched. Don't worry for transport. I have my way. Terra, will fill you in on the situation." Silas hung up as the Princess wiped her tears, then invited them in.
They put their bags aside, taking their seats as the jet got ready for a take off sequence. Moving on the runway.
"What is it that you have to fill me in to the situation?"
"Your Highness. The truth is. The Garden is acting up in your kingdom. The Conservatives have the aide of these figures." Terra showed the photo of the unknown Rose Knights. There were 6 of them.
"They are Rose Knights. The reason why we are aware of this, is because my master comes from the same lineage as this particular Garden but he chose to do something else instead of trying to control or dominate the world." The Hunters reacted, but the Princess stopped them.
"So... The ones who killed my father and the prime minister..."
"It is possible but until we see the body. We won't know for sure. Your request was highlighted because it was something we paid attention to. Large scale conflicts and skirmishes. Unnatural amounts of deaths. Hunters of other countries joining the Conservatives and you barely have any funds nor any protection. So when I was told you were to sponsor us a jet. It must mean you were desperate. Am I wrong?" The other Rose Knights shivered at the way Terra phrased that. Black Waltz and Azure Resound didn't care as they plane got up into the air.
The Princess and her Hunters were speechless. Not a rebuttal or even a show of anger, but their faces had given Terra his answer.
"We will deal with it later. In the meantime I have a mini assignment for you all. Study the photos and the active military reports. Vengria, I'm sure you must be excited."
"It's a new place and a new land. Of course I'd be excited but I wish I could visit a country that has such a rich history without the war." Vengria said as he began to take his tab, unlocking it and using it as a means to research the details of the Baruta Kingdom's situation.
"They've occupied, the Capital, Hezbal. They're pushing up to the Southern Border. A lot of Hunters angling the sides." Black Waltz commented.
"It's the Airport we'll be landing on.It might be the last legs for the Progressives." Vizel remarked as he scratched his neck. It was going to be a long flight as they discussed on the strategies. It'd be easier for them to just spread out and conquer location by location. It was a small country but it still was a country. They had speed and could move around without any issues, but there was a lot of land to cover. Brainstorming ideas, trying to sort out what their plans were. Terra went over to the back to make tea. Placing it on the cart, to push ahead. Serving the tea for the Princess, then the Hunters and lastly to the others.
"Thank you."
"You have been through a lot, Your Highness. I take it you lost your personal maid and butler in the attacks?" Seeing the tears was right on the mark.
"It is okay to cry, Your Highness. It does not make you look weak. It makes you human." Vengria said out loud as he sipped on his tea.
"What's a personal maid or butler?" Vizel asked.
"It's a person who serves their master. Like us, but not with weapons. Though there are butlers and maids who are powerful. Like Terra." Weiss answered Vizel's question. The others were amused as they made jokes. Slowly making the Princess's frown turn upside down. Vizel was listening to the others who were humoring him on his ignorance to the world. The other Hunters also joined them, starting conversations and asking more about their backgrounds.
The long flight itself, peaceful as the Hunters went to sleep. The Princess fell asleep on her chair, Terra placed a blanket over her, as the Rose Knights and the two Ensemble members were still awake. Trying to figure out what they needed to do and thinking about their actions.
"Good thing they're asleep. Judging by how bad this situation is. Seeing how people are dying senselessly. We might have to kill her countrymen." Azure Resound said with a grin.
"There won't be a choice. They paraded the bodies of the Royal Family and the ones in the leadership like attractions. They want the Royal Family dead." Black Waltz said as he scratched his black hair, thinking about what he has to do.
"She'll have to accept it. I think she's seen the photos of her family. Trying to hold a brave face. She radiates the phrase noblesse oblige."
"She's just our master's age and yet. Here we see another person who became a victim of such a situation. It makes you wonder doesn't it? Why human stupidity always leads to violence." Azure Resound spoke in a somber tone, a bit unlike of him as Black Waltz messed Azure Resound's hair.
"Terra, what do you think of this situation?" Vengria asked, seeing Terra's face that riddled with anger.
"I do not think I can contain my anger. The sight of all this. It just reminds me how disgusted I am over their actions. Barbaric." Those words were enough to put every one else in silence.
"Then we should go all out then?" Vizel's words were followed by his eyes that began to glow azure. Raring to go at any moment. They had a lot of anger pent up, and just hearing about the situation filled them with great sorrow.
"She has to stay strong for her people. Even if it means turning herself into an emotionless person. That is what it means to be Royalty at times." Vengria muttered casually as he read an article of the situation by war journalists. Seeing the photos of the corpses of people piled up like trash. With a sign that 'Traitors of the Country'. All of this was pure bullshit and fueled by hatred that could not be quelled.
Weiss was collecting mana into the roses he was stocking up, Vizel was polishing his blade. Terra was just checking his set of knives, the Dimensional Gloves are convenient. He had his pair of daggers that were ready, his set of throwing knives. Vengria was carrying a katana this time, just checking to make sure that the blade was in its best form. Black Waltz was loading the bullets to his guns while Azure Resound held his scythe.
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"Does it leave a bad taste in your mouth brother?"
"Why?" Black Waltz asked.
"My sister was the one who died at the hands of our world's nobility. Now here we are saving another Kingdom." Black Waltz shook his head as he put all the magazines into his gloves. Then tightening the grip on them. The glare within his eyes in doing so, it was enough to make Azure Resound feel uncomfortable. The others felt it, but Terra was the only one who could continue concentrating while the others had to stop.
A few hours later, the plane had touched down. They got dressed in their full gear, Vengria's armor was plain and rather than a cape, he donned a scarf over his neck. Black Waltz put on his mask. The Princess and the Hunters stepped out first, while the Rose Knights went next. The pair of Ensemble members went last. All around them they could see the Anti-Air emplacements all over. The faces devoid of hope, the expressions of those who believe that they were to perish.
The Hunters were the only ones who seemed to still have some semblance of clarity. Yet, with Princess's appearance.
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Marida Lento Baruta has arrived!" The announcement was heard as the citizens were slowly able to express joy at seeing her. An explosion was heard in the distance, where the Hunters got ready to protect the Princess but they watched as Terra led the others ahead.
Seeing a building that had collapsed on people, Vizel broke through the rubble with his fists. Clawing his way to the rubble to look for survivors, finding a hand wriggling about. Vizel clawed through the rubble, only to pull the hand out. Just the hand of a child who was a victim of senseless violence. Blood was oozing all over their feet, they kept their rage building within.
"We kill her and it's all over right? Then our country will no longer be in the hands of those Progressives who are trying to ruin it." The voices of the Hunters were heard. They outnumbered the Progressives' own Hunters. 500 of them against the 70 that remained. The soldiers and citizens took up arms, even if they knew that their firearms were useless against Hunters. They would use whatever that they could.
Black Waltz put on his mask as he drew out a pair of pistols, Azure Resound readied his scythe. Vengria held his katana's grip, Vizel drew his blade while Weiss had his roses that were prepared. Terra readied his throwing knives. The Hunters snickered at the sight of the 6 that were prepared to face them.
"What's this? Just 6 of you? Here I thought th-" The head of the Hunter who spoke was flying into the air, Azure Resound beamed a grimace. The other Hunters were about to react, their mages began to cast magic. Interrupted by daggers that pierced through their heads, leaving holes within their brains.
Vizel howled as he leaped into the air, where the riflemen appeared from within the cape. Firing shots into the Hunters. Striking limbs to throw them off from any attack as Weiss threw the roses into the air as they exploded into snowflakes that touched the skin of his foes. Causing them the grief of frost bite, screaming as their body's functions ceased to work. Their lungs failed, they were regurgitating their own blood. Black Waltz had unleashed a hail storm of bullets. Beneath his mask, he was fueled by anger. Shooting the limbs, he wasn't going to let any of them die that easily.
"Tanks! Go after the big guy! Everyone else focus on the others! We need to f-" The leading Hunter's limbs were slashed away, leaving a torso. Vengria stood as he placed his boot over the Hunter's neck. Seeing the fear that was within her eyes, trying to say something. A plea for mercy that went unheard as her windpipe was crushed. Terra went on his frenzy, vanishing from their senses by the second.
"Where is he?! Wh-" Limbs flew into the air.
"What the hell are they? We need to get word back to HQ! We've got some d-" The Hunters were slowly having their morale shattered. Only 6 people attacking them and here they were. Panicking at the ones they had sneered at. They weren't dying so easily, they were being lacerated. They were going to die very slowly, to the Hunters they were seeing the worst of humanity before their eyes.
One of them had surrendered, looking at the 6.
"I've only killed a few people... Used a few as target practice for my magic... But I don't think I've killed enough people like you have." Surrendering to her fate, she was slashed in half by Black Waltz's great sword. Princess Marida just watched in awe how a strong force of 500 Hunters were reduced to zero in a matter of minutes.
"They only have 70 Hunters right now. Our initial belief was that they had a hundred or two hundred at minimum." Vengria remarked as he wiped the blood off his blade.
"Yes. I had expected that there'd be resistance fighters of the like, but they are far too disorganized." Terra said as he called Silas.
"How bad is it?"
"They only have 70 Hunters left, Master. It is safe to assume many of the others have been slaughtered. When we arrived they bombed a building that had civilians in it. No survivors. Vizel did his best to rescue the people inside, but..."
"Do you need 151 there?"
"Most likely, they have lost morale and most of them need a glimmer of hope. The Azteris Suicide Division as a whole would be best as well. The 6 of us may move fast, Master but it may not be enough. We'd be too stretched thin. The HDF brigade and a few Lions of Pride Rock would be an additional aid to our firepower. We've managed to get a hold of their phones that are information goldmines. I also note that there are dragons flying near the air space. It's safe to assume they had caused a few dungeon convergences to let this happen."
"I'll make sure to add the Crimson Reapers as well. That means you can cover more ground."
"Thank you, master. I apologize that we could not handle this quicker."
"No, our information on the entire area is spotty. The convergences might be an anomaly on its own. Or the demi gods making a mess." Silas was still theorizing.
"Good work, Terra. Tell the others that I'm sorry."
"What for, Lord?" Vizel was the first to interrupt as Terra put Silas on loud speaker.
"For troubling you all with this."
"We live to serve, Lord. And I for one would like to visit this place in its glory. Be it new or old. Not ravaged by a senseless war." Vengria said as the others affirmed their resolve. The two Ensembles just went over to get some food. The call ended as the 6 of them went back to Princess Marida.
"Thank you for saving us."
"The direness of the situation has led our master to send more allies." They looked up to the skies as engines roared, with the three Valiants of Nightwing flying to the sky, hovering above the airspace. Followed by Cascade, Prophecy and Moon Slayer with Head Hunter were flying in while carrying containers. Lowering it down, as the containers opened up to reveal the Orions, Blue Python, White Comet and the Suicide Division of Azteris before their eyes. 151 walked on ahead, greeting Princess Marida.
"You... I met you by the Association."
"Yes, I am Commander 151. Please call me 151. The situation is far too grim. We will be your allies. My Troopers, Horsemen and Goliaths will be in the area in charge of your protection. The others will be sent to the front lines to reclaim your country. There will be more soldiers coming in as reinforcements. Sword Wolves, Rifle Wolves. You will be joining the frontlines. Lions. Your mission parameters will be to handle any of the larger enemies. Our duty here is to aid Her Highness, Princess Marida Lento Baruta to restore her country's peace. We must reclaim it from the ones who have dared to not only hurt the country but even the people! " 151 gestured over to the building that had been bombed earlier.
"They bombed that building, killing its residents. You all understand the value of a human life. For one life they have taken. We must make them pay until they beg for death's embrace. To the Hunters that serve Her Highness! You are warriors are you not?! Constrained by your duty to protect Her Highness, you've all been unable to fight as you know that her end means the end of the country as a whole! Then we will take your duty in guarding her! You must be part of the Vanguard to reclaim your country! It is your land and even if your own countrymen stand against you! You must remember that what they have done is a betrayal that can never be atoned! Citizens! You may not be warriors but you are the people who have lived in this land and know it well! You do not need to fight to serve your country! You may aid the warriors that fight by granting them rest, by ensuring that they can see hope within your eyes!" 151 roared his words that echoed throughout the area. The citizens that looked dejected started to stand on their feet, the Hunters with their wounded pride had begun to assemble before him.
"Good! Those are the eyes of patriots! The Great Baruta Kingdom is known for its powers in combat and for its benevolence to the people! Warriors, stain your hands in scarlet for your Benevolent Princess. For her tears and her sadness are yours to bear! Let that fuel you to fight for your people! Citizens! Remember the cruelty that they have shown, remember that it was Her Highness who has sacrificed what she has to be here and be your shield! It is time for you to become her shield!'' The morale was returning as their eyes had an intensity that made 151 smile.
"Your Highness. I will take full command from this point onwards. Would that be alright with you?"
"Yes... Thank you for that speech."151 took off his cap, putting it to his chest. His eyes glowed azure, meeting the gaze of Princess Marida.
"I was the last commander of my kind when my master found me. I had sent my soldiers to die as long as we win. That is why we are called the Suicide Division. The speech was not only for them, but for you. If you were like the other nobles, I would have ignored your request. It was the desperation in your eyes. You were terrified of me, but you chose to bite the bullet. Bravery is not simply about standing to fight. It is about standing for what's right, even when death looks you in the eyes. A leader's duty has many things in line. Always remember that, Your Highness." 151 bid her words as he went off with his duties. Checking in with the Hunters whose equipment had been damaged, an Orion brought out some spare equipment that they had for use.
It was nothing too great, but it was better than their damaged equipment at least. The Hunters made due with what they had as 151 outlined the plan. Attacking on a three pronged front. The nearest three towns would be the first step. If there were any Hunters that were survivors. Getting them back to fighting shape would be a priority. The Nightwings would be providing aerial cover on all three sides. The Lions will be on standby to take down any of the larger targets. Crimson Reapers, Void Dancers, Daemon Punishers, Blue Python, White Comet and a few Orions will be tasked will be joining them. The Sword Wolves and Rifle Wolves will be on support.
151 called for the locals to give him an explanation regarding the land itself. To know the layouts, topography and understanding the geography. Making decisions based on what he was being told, the hidden routes that were not present in any map. Questions if there were underground tunnels for movement. Analyzing how often the dragons in the sky were patrolling, the estimated areas where they could find their enemy movement.
Then an announcement was heard on the radio.
"People of Baruta Kingdom. Do not falter, do not fall for the lies of my youngest sister who wishes for us to be ruled and taken advantage of by the other nations. Do not fall for her lies. If we continued on this path! We will be headed to being taken advantage of by the others. We must forge our path!" The voice echoed as 151 turned to Princess Marida, he walked on over to her.
"Your Highness." she was shaking at the voice speaking through the radio.
"That's my elder sister." Marida spoke somberly, clenching her fist as she looked up to Terra and 151 standing before her.
"How do you wish to deal with her?" Terra asked.
"We will cross the bridge when we reach it." Prince Marida said as she left to attend to the citizens nearby, helping out with food rations and talking to them. Trying to be a beacon of hope in these trying times.
"I suppose we have our work cut out for us." 151 said as he put his cap back on.