----Warport Krovak, Numina Empire-----

Warport Krovak stood mightier than even its other sister cities. Its walls seemed to stretch as tall as mountains overlooking its own cove. A cove that served as a graveyard for the thousands of ships that had attempted to assault the Unbroken City in the past. Krovak has never fallen to an enemy force, a record fitting for the largest Warport and the Capital of the Numina Trade Empire and a source of great pride for its people. But even the Unbroken City had nations it dare not make their enemy. And on this day one of them had come for a visit.

The usually proud Trade Emperor was standing in his own throneroom, a few beads of sweat rolling down his young face as he readied himself to greet his unexpected guests. Bowing his head slightly hoping his guests would take such a sign, which was already more than he would do for any other world power, as enough of an acknowledgment. He couldn't help but be fearful. From his reports, it was the most radical two of the nine that had come to visit him.

BOOM. A shaking sound erupted in the throneroom as its massive stone doors were thrown open. The powerful gale of wind responsible for opening the doors continued into the room catching the Emperor's long brown hair ruffling it severely. If the Royal Hairdresser was present she'd no doubt let out a cry in anguish upon seeing all her hard work removed in an instant. As for the Royal Guards they had already been dismissed. The Emperor wasn't willing to risk one of them offending the guests. Besides he thought he might be able to save his proud reputation if there were no witnesses from his own nation present.

Out of the doorway emerged two figures. The one leading the way was a brightly smiling young woman in a painfully pink robe while the one close behind her was an equally young man in purple, only he donned a weathered face that certainly did not match his age. The two rising stars of the Church of Radiance had come for a visit. The Pink and Purple Pillars of the Nine: Fiolla and Markus.

A third figure appeared with a red face behind the two, the Herald who no doubt had to run to keep up with the two.

"Your Estee-" He began before a sharp but cheerful voice cut him off unceremoniously.

"Hey you!" Fiolla the Pink Pillar threw herself at the Emperor hastened by her own wind mana wrapping her arms around the Empire of Numina in a warm hug. "Long time no see Adee!"

The Emperor, whose real name was Adinacus Numina, made a futile attempt to escape the arms of Fiolla, his already high nerves spiking to a new level as the Purple Pillars's narrowed eyes seemed to be swirling with anger at his partner's display of affection.

"Your Eminence!" The Herald shouted out in horror at the sudden display reminding Adinacus he was still present.

"Leave us Herald!" Mustering as much of an authoritative tone as possible given the circumstances Adinacus hoped the Herald would keep his mouth shut at least until he had the chance to execute him. If such a scene were to circulate the courts his people's view of him as a stoic and proud leader would be broken into a thousand pieces.

Stumbling out of the throneroom as ordered the Herald made his escape with unexpected speed, no doubt realizing he would find himself in a funeral pyre soon.

With the Herald gone and Markus's eyes only boring deeper and deeper holes into Adinacus's skull, Fiolla finally let the hapless emperor out of her embrace. With a red face Emperor Adinacus idly smoothed out his royal attire before facing his guests with whatever dignity he could muster. With an incredibly emotionless tone, he greeted his guests as if the previous events had not just transpired.

"Greetings Pillars who hold up the peace of the world. How may I be of assistance to you today?"

The Pink Pillar was stuck giggling into her hand leaving Purple Pillar Markus to answer the remark which he did so in a somber tone.

"We have come to enlighten Your Majesty on the evil growing in the world. Her Radiance seeks to bring those who would stand against such evil into our light to ensure they do not become swallowed by the darkness."

Recovered from her giggling fit Pink Pillar Fiolla chimed in as well, "Just send us some proof of allegiance so we know you're not one of the bad guys we have to get rid of." Blinking innocently she continued with her ever cheerful tone. "M'kay Adee?"

Jumping into his words to prevent giving the two any reason to turn hostile Adinacus spoke hastily, "Of course great envoys of her light. Her Radiance can always count on Numina to stand with her against any evil of the world."

"Her Radiance is pleased by your vow of support and she looks forward to what gift you shall provide to match your words," said Markus with an oddly sad tone.

Finally, the previous words caught up to Adinacus. "A proof of allegiance? What would your holiness deem as an appropriate gift?"

"Ooh since you asked how about the Scepter of Numina?" An ever-cheerful voice asked innocently.

Sputtering Adinacus couldn't help but be honest. "Great Pillar Fiolla the Scepter of Numina is my people's greatest treasure. Its power ensures Warport Krovak will never fall. If I were to let it leave these walls my people would have my head on a spike before sunrise."

"Bummer. Hm' well what about the Krovalina then?"

Before Adinacus could ever realize she'd asked for the most powerful ship in their navy Markus cut the request off with his own.

"Your Majesty, we believe Her Radiance would see sending some of your people's youth to study under the Holy City's tutelage as an appropriate gesture. Especially, if your brother was included in their number."

Pleased at a more reasonable proposal Adinacus calmed himself before continuing the conversation. "What a wonderful opportunity for our people. As for my brother, he is second in the line of succession behind my niece the Princess. Would it be possible for another to be arranged to go in his stead?"

"Hrmph you drive a hard bargain Adee." The illogical voice chimed in, "If you insist I guess we could take a marriage proposal instead. I am still single you know and from what I've heard you haven't sealed the deal with anyone yet. I'm sure the church would see our marriage as a bond stronger than any gift." Her warm smile was off-put by the thunderous gaze of hatred Adinacus suddenly felt emanating from Markus.

Desiring not to die today the Emperor carefully phrased his answer. "Ah you know I just remembered my brother always did want to visit the Holy City, I could never be so shameless as to put my interests above his own. I'll arrange passage for him immediately."

"There's no need Your Majesty. We'll take him with us when we return. Thank you for your time we shall leave you to your duties Emperor Numina." A deadpan voice replied as Purple Pillar Markus turned to leave pulling an annoyed girl dressed in pink behind him.

As the doors to the throneroom shut behind them Adinacus couldn't help but hear a cheerful voice's last remarks.

"Ugh, big bro why does no one ever want to marry me? I thought for sure Adee and I would be a power couple destined to rule the world!"

"They do not deserve you Fiolla." A depressed voice responded.

"Aww thanks you always know what to say! I feel better already! Besides I heard his brother's quite the looker if we take it nice and slow on the way back who knows maybe love will have time to strike!"

Adinacus now collapsed on his throne and shivered as he made a silent prayer hoping his brother would forgive him in time.

-------- Border of the Vernicus Kingdom -----------

Ears had long lost their usefulness for Vernicus soldiers on the Madeline Front. Even the thickest eardrums were ruptured with the first few hours of combat as Hervalle's Mages unleashed their newly famed earcracker spells. First reported being used just under a year ago right when the war had begun to pick up in full, the spell utilizes fire and air elements to create a supersonic blast. Hervalle's Mages learned deploying the spell just over a Vernicus trench made for an easy way to bring great pain to any below and render their hearing ineffective. Vernicus soldiers had been told it wasn't a permanent injury, that they'd get their hearing back after it was allowed to heal for six weeks, but few believed the claims assuming it was just their officers trying to cheer them up and keep them from deserting.

Without effective hearing, the few light mages in Vernicus's ranks had become the backbone of communication. A rotating code made up of different light colors and patterns had taken the place of previous verbal orders. The changing auditory dynamic led to some interesting developments. Such as Vernicusian soldiers learning how to read and write surprisingly fast in order to communicate between assaults. Drawing skills had also been on the rise as many preferred to communicate by quickly sketching pictures rather than struggling to learn their letters. Drawing was also a method that to some felt like a more intuitive way to "talk" than sticking to the written word. Of course one of the greatest developments was the army's now unanimous love for the color silver. Other colors could mean different things depending on the code of the day, but silver always meant one thing. She was coming. Their one and only leader, the glorious and beloved Silver Lioness Luxia.

Ever since she'd founded her Paladin Order known as Justice eight years ago she'd been a shining light the people of Vernicus looked up to. She was known for being uncompromisingly just and her Paladins of Justice were reflections of her own values. They'd spread across the kingdom and even into other neighboring countries saving villages from monster attacks, hunting down murderers, and liberating people from evil. And Vernicusians loved her. When the war with Hervalle officially began over two years ago, originating from Vernicus's King accusing the Hervalle Empire of sending assassins after Vernicus Mages, many surrounding nations joined Vernicus in denouncing the Hervalle Empire and declaring war. The war despite the large number of people involved had begun slowly. Armies spent months staring at each other and posturing. Battles where soldiers were actually killed were few and far between. Hervalle, fighting on multiple fronts seemed to be taking a conservative approach to the war, especially in regard to its Vernicus front where its forces stayed within their fortifications defending the heavily fortified Madeline territory. Except for some oddly skilled scouting parties which always seemed to stumble across forces that included Justice Paladins, the war was largely bloodless at its start.

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But a year ago the war changed. King Holden Vernicus was suddenly found dead by Lady Luxia in his own palace. The nobility of Vernicus, who'd been in conflict with Luxia's Justice Paladins since their founding, quickly accused Lady Luxia as the perpetrator. Declaring they'd get vengeance for the King they mustered their troops even pulling some away from the current war with Hervalle and marched on the Justice Order's stronghold Light's Bastion.

It has to be said, that the morale of the noble's troops was at an all-time low as they marched against Lady Luxia and her Order. One, a leader who'd made her name by bringing good into the world and chasing the evil out of it, and the other her the Justice Paladins, who'd been fighting alongside them in the war against Hervalle for the past year. So when Lady Luxia met the nobles and their armies at the gate of Light's Bastion and announced she refused to let Vernicus's people fight one another for the sake of the noble's greed, offering a duel between her and the nobles to decide the victor of the battle instead and avoiding unnecessary deaths the soldiers had been overjoyed. A joy that had been short-lived as their leaders unanimously refused to accept such a duel and instead ordered their forces to attack Lady Luxia while she was still vulnerable outside her fortress. In response, Lady Luxia charged directly at the nobles who were of course leading their armies safely in the rear. The soldiers who were stuck hesitating were left mostly untouched as she raced towards their liege lords. Within a few minutes as the noble's armies were still wondering what they should do, it was already over. The Lioness single-handedly ended what became known as the Noble's Rebellion by killing all of the attacking nobles with her own blade.

Unfortunately, the noble's redirecting so much of Vernicus's army away from the front allowed the Hervalle Empire to focus on the other nations that had declared war a year ago. No longer dragging their feet Hervalle's Armies suddenly became much more fearsome and aggressive. Unleashing new spells, tactics, and even an odd new type of mage warrior Hervalle managed to push all their foes other than Vernicus to sign a peace treaty within six months. With most including massive reparations and territory concessions the Hervalle Empire's economic and geographical gains were tremendous. Unstoppable the Hervalle Kingdom turned their sights back to the Vernicus front utilizing all that they'd showcased in their previous victories and even a few new things.

The entire central continent thought Vernicus would fall even faster than their previous allies had. But an amazing thing had happened. They'd held their ground. In the open trenches and fortified encampments of the Madeline territory, the Vernicus army now led by Lady Luxia herself held. At first, it was for a few weeks, then months, and as of now, they'd held for over a year. Despite Hervalle's powerful mages, their great funding, and even their massive armies the Vernicus army hadn't lost ground nor gained it.

It shocked the other forces of the Central Continent and so they'd sent their spymasters to discover the secret. What was the reason why such a simple kingdom was able to stop the seemingly unstoppable Hervalle Empire? Their agents had returned with two reasons: the Lady Luxia and the Church of Radiance. Lady Luxia had proven herself to at least be a Sword Mage of the 6th through her feats during the war. At first, Hervalle laid traps, Mages of the 5th lying in wait to ambush Lady Luxia when she appeared. They'd failed. Usually at the cost of all the participating Mages's lives. Then they'd hired a renowned Mage Assassin. Using some of their incoming reparation money they'd paid for a famous Mage Assassin known for successfully killing a Mage of the 6th in the past.

The assassin's separated head had been paraded in front of the troops the next day. Nowadays whenever she appeared on the battlefield all Hervalle's troops could do was run. But still, her appearances on the battlefield were far and few between allowing for the Hervalle army to quickly retake what they'd lost once she left. The reason for Lady Luxia's apparent refusal to stay in the war for long periods was unknown to anyone but herself. But that didn't stop everyone from having their own theories. Some believed she knew of a trump card Hervalle had which could potentially kill her if she was careless, others believed she was so good-natured the act of killing made her sick making her unable to do so for long periods, and an even more radical belief, one that generally led to those telling it being mocked, was that the Lioness was using the war as an opportunity to gain veteran soldiers en masse and accelerate the growth of her nation's mages. No matter the reason her appearances were so rare that many foreign nations contributed Vernicus's success to another factor. The Church of Radiance's support.

Whether it was Luxia's apparent willingness to live by her code of justice or simply a chance to stop Hervalle's emergence as a new superpower no one knows for sure. But what they do know is that the Church has sided with Vernicus. Although not showing their full support by doing something as overkill as sending one of the Nine Pillars or their Aides. An action which would no doubt receive massive criticism from all higher Mages, the Church sent their Comet Legion to aid Vernicus. As one of the Church's famous Legions sent to participate in various conflicts across the Central Continent, the Comet Legion is filled with highly experienced paladins and veteran Mages of the Church. Although refusing to integrate into the ranks of the Vernicus's soldiers the Comet Legion has shown their worth in the past year with a multitude of victories. With a history of showing up to reinforce losing battlefields, the Comet Legion has gained a reputation in Vernicus for turning a losing battle into a winning one in moments.

But despite the optimism many hold for Vernicus's chances the Madeline Front, for those actually participating in the war, was complete and utter hell.

---

Forga used what mana he had left to heal a fellow Paladin of Justice's arm or the stump that was left of it. Deciding that stopping the bleeding should be enough to save her life and understanding he barely had enough mana to cast a barrier or two Forga stopped channeling and tried to sit the paladin up so they'd be as comfortable as possible when they eventually woke. Of course, given the whole hand-missing thing Forga doubted they'd really appreciate the gesture, but still it came down to the principal to Forga. As a previous member of the Claws of Luxia, he'd seen how valiant their Silver Lioness was at all times, all he could do was strive to achieve the same level of thoughtfulness with his every action.

Suddenly a red light speckled with flashing yellow dots flew over his head. Recognizing the signal Forga left the unconscious paladin in the trenches, vaulting over the barricades lining their position, and began to charge. Letting out a roar, silent to his own ears that had been deafened long ago by enemy earcrackers, Forga found himself shoulder to shoulder with two dozen other Paladins of Justice and over two hundred Veranicus Regulars emerging from their own positions, all letting out silent screams of their own.

Trying his best to rush ahead of the others despite his low mana Forga made sure to position this sword in front of him, readying it to parry any incoming spells. His sword which looked similar to a rapier was an artifact capable of deflecting spells if used correctly. It had been given to him by the Lady Luxia herself when she asked him to leave the Claws and join the war as a soldier. Something she'd asked all of the Claws saying their skills would be much better served saving lives on the battlefield than escorting her. A statement they had all aggressively disagreed with, but no matter they'd followed her orders in the end.

Seeing an incoming firelance spell, meant to punch through ranks of troops leaving fist-sized holes in them, Forga lept tapping the spell from above with his rapier, redirecting it deep into the dirt below him. As if angered by Forga's actions three more firelances appeared. Forga moved to the side of the foremost one stabbing out at it and sending it careening into another of the firelances. As for the third one, he was only able to reach it after it drilled a hole through a Paladin and two Vernicus regulars. Of the Paladins of Justice, few had the capability to be Mages. Most were simply well-trained soldiers with good morals in shiny armor. In this war, they were often targeted first.

As they came closer to the enemy position Forga locked onto the enemy mage. Hiding behind two hundred regular soldiers like a coward treating his comrade in arms like meatshields, a tactic that made Forga sick to his stomach. People throwing away the lives of others for their own benefit was something Forga could never forgive. He'd built up a massive hatred for Hervalle Mages who all seemed to have the same entitled feeling about their troop's lives over the last year. Nowadays Forga didn't think there was any group of people he hated more than Hervalle Mages. Wasting no time Forga made his way directly to the mage. Cutting through the loyal troops which moved to protect their charge Forga couldn't help but want to yell at them. To point out their idiocy at dying for someone who would so willingly trade so many lives for their own. Refraining to do so, Forga continued to pave his way forward with rows of enemy dead and a barrage of reflected spells. Every soldier he stabbed through the heart, every firelance he deflected into an enemy's face as he pushed deeper into enemy ranks just made him angrier and angrier at the sniveling mage sheltering behind them slowly becoming more and more desperate. Soon enough it happened as it always did. The Hervalle Mage unable to hit Forga with a direct attack spell resorted to using a massive area spell...while Forga was in the middle of the troops risking their lives to protect the very Mage in question.

From the growing smell of rotten eggs growing in the air, Forga could tell what spell was coming: Astapor's Blast Furnace. It turned out this Mage was at the 4th rank after all. Forga guessed he must be low on mana hence the reluctance to use anything other than firelance earlier. Probably also the reason why the charge had been ordered in the first place. After all any general would be happy to trade two hundred soldiers for a chance at killing a Mage of the 4th.

The soldiers around Forga seemed to recognize the spell too...and who was casting it. A few turned and began running away from the smell, but more stayed. Showing a determination to stall Forga and trade their life for his while their own Mage burned them alive. A decision that showed their true spirit of valor. For Forga, it just drove him over the edge. Reaching a new level of hatred for Hervalle's Mages.

Finally, the spell was finished and Astapor's Blast Furnace struck. Forga's surroundings became nothing but blue fire. A deep heat penetrated into the metal-coated soldier's around him. Their faces of determination quickly changing to ones of pure agony as their metal armor melted into their skin, their eyes began popping leaving bloody pits behind, and their screams. Their screams, silent to Forga, but no doubt plenty loud to those who could still hear tore out of their throats as they collapsed in extreme agony Forga could never wish on anyone. Except the Mage's who would do this. Forga himself was untouched using a bit of his mana to create a barrier around himself built specifically to counter fire spells. He was a veteran Mage of the Fifth after all even if he was low on mana he wouldn't be so careless as to be bested by some cowering Mage of the Fourth's area spell.

Now with no one in his way, Forga reached the shocked Mage in a heartbeat. The Mage's wide eyes stayed glued open, his hands still fumbling to reinforce his barriers as Forga drove his rapier through those same wide eyes, stopping only as the sword tip hit the back of the Mage's skull.

This past year Forga had seen the same scene play out again and again. And every time he thought about making them suffer longer, making them pay for all the pain they caused, to make them understand. But Forga wanted to be like Lady Luxia and so he showed mercy by killing them swiftly. Besides he couldn't afford to waste too much time on each one, he had a whole Empire of Mages left to slay.

Forga had earned his name in this war and his only wish was to ensure when a Hervalle Mage heard it they knew their actions would have consequences. Because he, Forga Magebane, would come for them and make them pay.