Chapter 7: Alexander; Shauran 19th, 344SR; 11:40
Dark blue waves crashed against the stone port, the strong winds failed to make Alexander flinch. In front of him, a class of troopers stood by the edge of the harbor. The young recruits ranged between the ages of seventeen and twenty, they each squinted to keep the rain out of their eyes.
“Get used to the weight of the leggings, whether you become a drop trooper, a shock trooper, or especially a naval trooper, if you can’t lift your legs, you’re as good as dead!” Alexander advised. “You’re the specialists of the military, plant your feet and keep your weight off those heels!”
“Sir, yes sir!” the group shouted, their voices heavily muffled by the rain.
Alexander knelt and picked up an orange box, the rain tapped against its metallic surface. Upon opening the box a green light obscured his vision briefly, he made sure not to open it too much so as not to rust the inside. ‘Only this much? It’s a new box?! Ugh… Another reason why House Rael should still run the logorite operation...’ He pulled out a single logorite core, it was a three-by-three-inch cube, encased within a glass and steel chamber.
“Unfortunately, it’s raining, but you should be ready for these conditions!” Alexander said in a raised tone. “So get used to them now... What you see here in my hand is a logorite core, it’s the most advanced housing unit we currently have! The glass is tempered, and the steel won’t rust, kudos to our friends in Hiria for that. It is still an explosive, handle it with care, or be ready to lose a hand or more...” Alexander continued to pace back and forth. “Now, I want you all to listen carefully, don’t lose the housing unit. You’ve got about thirty minutes of fuel. When you’re empty, don’t use the extra slots on your chest plate. That is there for naval troopers due to their tasks underwater requiring extra power. Use the pack on the rear end of the suit, that’s what it is there for. Do not throw it away! It is extremely expensive to produce one, but they are refillable, thank Lemen’s engineers. Now, load the logorite tank into the suit through the protected hatch on the chest.”
The troopers all wore glossy white suits, these ones were designed for use by shock troopers. Shock troopers wore drop suits, armor covering only their legs and body, but not their arms or head. On the back was a unique set of nozzles that pointed down, there was a similar nozzle on the back of the legs, both connecting through the suit to the thruster pack on the back.
They each opened a square hatch on the front of their breastplate and placed a cube of logorite inside. The nozzles started to emit dirty smoke before a flame lit up. The circular white pack on the back of the suit began to spin and a green light glowed from within the mechanism of the object. A humming buzz grew as all the suits activated.
“Jump and take off, hold yourself at a safe altitude,” Alexander ordered.
The hum that came from each of their suits grew louder as they began to slowly rise. Two of the trainees at the end of the line tried to over-perform and flew high up. Green flames spewed out of their suits, filling the air with a rotten scent.
“You’re going to burn out your fuel without an extended tank. Adjust your speed before you break something from the fall! Efficiency is key! Use your thrusters as minimally as possible, and always start with a jump to conserve fuel. Use enough thrust to hold yourself steady in the air. Stay steady enough to hit the target in the distance!” Alexander shouted.
A caravan’s wheels rolled along the stone, while a horse hooves clicked one after the other. The caravan turned the corner, black horses pulled the caravan to down the harbor. It stopped at the top of a stairwell, Alexander turned to see Vivian exiting the vehicle.
She wore all black, holding her hair and squinting as the strong winds flicked it back and forth. Underneath her coat was a white shirt with green decals, her heels clicked against the stone as she took small steps toward the front of the caravan. Vivian looked up to the man holding the reigns to the horse and handed him a brown pouch, coins lightly rattled on the inside. She turned to Alexander, then took a deep breath before proceeding forward.
“Sir, there’s been an emergency. The eastern outpost was breached,” said Vivian.
Alexander turned to her. ‘Breached?’
“What do you mean by breached? The eastern and western outposts only went up during the middle of Grivar?” Alexander asked.
“I believe the hybrid resistance may have caught wind of the object we recovered last year in early Vagril, do you think it could be the non-unified resistance?” Vivian pondered.
“Most likely not, we crushed the non-unified resistance years ago... The hybrid resistance though... They do have a straight path via the sea, but the current would likely carry them toward Kirn... They lack the transport to pull that off...”
“Half of the alien object we recovered is missing, the scrapped parts we had transported there have been stolen.”
“Half, of the scraps? Why half? Request a hunter from House Rover to assist you in tracking the culprit. What about the western outpost?”
“The western outpost wasn’t broken into.”
“Then they were after that technology... And they knew where it was... Which means they knew about it... How?” Alexander muttered to himself. “You and Bruno will watch over the eastern outpost, and make sure we do not lose anymore, each piece is far too valuable. Have Bruno bury it in stone if he must.”
Vivian walked to his side. “This would never have happened if House Rael still had control of Logos...”
“That fool Arthur has no idea how to control the slaves, he’s too much of a coward to incite fear.”
“Well, at least that’ll change after today, right? After all, you’ve fully recovered,” Vivian smiled.
“Yes, I’m sure Lord Lightbringer will see the benefit of giving back what is rightfully mine. Vivian, make sure each of these imbeciles knows how to use the drop suits effectively, the council meeting will begin soon, I have no time to waste here.”
“Yes sir!”
* * *
White stone pillars surrounded the high court which sat at the top of the cliff. Black pigeons lined themselves along the edge of the roof of the building, observing all who approached. The bright afternoon sky was masked with thick grey clouds. Alexander listened to the waves crash into Helios’s port in the distance. He looked back to the port where he stood, the recruits and Vivian looked almost like ants. The distinct scent of the sea cut at Alexander’s nose. He walked up the cracked steps towards the entrance of the hall. The cold breeze pressed against the right side of his face, the chilly weather didn’t bother him. Alexander glanced behind himself, toward the sound of two people bickering. They both wore white with green decals. They walked along the large, curved stairwell, one shouting at the other as they made their way from inner Helios.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to come!” Lector scolded the young man who followed close behind.
Lector was sweating profusely, however the young man behind him seemed fine.
“Sir I told Yami not to come like three times but he followed me anyway?!” Lector complained as he tried to catch his breath.
Alexander glanced past Lector. The blue-haired recruit named Yami ran forward and bowed his head down.
“I apologize, Sir! I want to be the king of the angels one day and council meetings don’t happen often. Please let me attend!” Yami requested.
Yami was lean and tall, his light blue hair hadn’t been cut in some time. Around his neck, a green sash was loosely tied. ‘He joined House Rael recently... He must be gifted if he’s already a lieutenant…’ He wore the usual noble clothing however his white shirt wasn’t buttoned. His torso was quite muscular. ‘Did he receive military training? Even if he did... According to Angela most of the new recruits avoided having to graduate military school... So that is just his natural physique…’
“You want to be the king of the angels?” Alexander restated.
“Yes!” Yami declared confidently.
“You’re naïve! Just a boy gazing at a mountain in the distance without appreciating its true size. If you believe yourself worthy of becoming a king, try and strike me down, you runt!” Alexander offered.
“Huh?” Lector groaned.
Alexander stood still, waiting as Yami grinned menacingly. He grabbed the sash around his neck and lifted it to his forehead, using it like a headband.
“Alright sir, you better be ready cause I am not holding back!” Yami warned the noble.
A blue light began to appear on his shoulder, the spirit took the form of a hawk. ‘His gift takes the form of a spirit, that’s rare... No wonder he was given special exception… Are the other recruits like this as well?’ Yami inhaled and the hawk took flight upwards, then tucked its wings and dived in a curved path into Yami’s chest. The bird phased into him as he exhaled. Bright blue wings of energy sprouted out of his back in an instant, the tips of his feathers resembling blue plates.
“Prepare yourself!” Yami roared with an excited grin.
The wings flapped and dust from the steps spread out in all directions. He kicked off and flew up the flight of stairs towards Alexander. A dark brown staff materialized in Yami’s hand, and he swung it towards Alexander. ‘A low sweep from the right...’ Alexander raised his leg and pressed down on the staff with the sole of his boot.
Lector shielded his eyes as the impact pushed him a step backward.
Yami was shocked by how easily he was stopped. He was fixed in the air as he tried to pull the staff back but couldn’t, he looked up to see Alexander swing his other foot towards him. Yami let go of his staff and raised his arms to block, a loud smack echoed through the air. The angel spun through the air and flew several feet down the stairs, his wings fully spread out and he recovered while upside down. ‘He’s not hurt? Not bad... ‘
“I’m not done yet!” Yami yelled.
He up righted himself mid-air and reached forward, the staff dissipated from under Alexander’s foot, fading into blue dust before reappearing in the boy’s hand. His wings flapped and he charged back in and prepared for the same strike ‘Another low sweep?’
Instead, Yami jammed the staff on the ground and stopped himself mid-flight. Alexander was slightly surprised as he stepped down, but missed the staff. Yami pulled himself forward and pressed his foot into Alexander’s side. ‘A feint... Hm... He would have done damage against a weak opponent...’ Alexander used this chance to grab Yami’s leg and swing him through the air. Yami yelped while airborne, right before Alexander slammed him down into the stairs.
“Agh!” Yami grunted as he hit the ground.
There was a large crack in the stone from where he crashed. The blue-haired angel rolled down the steps onto his back. There was a mix of fear and shock in his breath.
“Don’t kill the guy...” Lector muttered, shaking his head at them.
Yami held his head as he stood up, his feet wobbled slightly but he stood tall. Even while he wobbled he held his head up and stared at Alexander with determined eyes. The staff rolled down the steps and off the edge.
“You have heart, but you’ve already lost,” Alexander informed him.
Yami clenched his teeth, his wings spread out once more and he stretched out his hand. ‘Fool...’ Once again, the blue light appeared in Yami’s hand and took the form of a staff. His wings flickered, and he looked up with a surprised expression.
“Your inexperience is evident, your gift is that of multiple forms, while you are strong, constantly reconjuring a spirit’s abilities drains you of your energy. If this were a real fight, it immediately becomes one of attrition, your only option left would be to run or die,” Alexander explained. “That is the farthest thing from a king.”
“Sir... One more chance... I can keep going, trust me!” Yami begged as he breathed heavily.
“I’m sure you can... Fix your hair and button up your shirt. The meeting is starting soon, follow me. Disturb the meeting at all, and you’re dead,” Alexander said calmly as he turned and continued up the stairs.
“Huh!” Lector groaned, his face dumbfounded. “You’re going to let him- Ugh...”
Yami’s face brightened. “Yes sir!” he yelled as he ran up the steps.
‘Not the first time an angel bent the rules...’ Alexander opened the door to the hall and walked in. The front lobby had white tiles that reflected the white light from chandeliers above. The walls were made of marbled white stone. The employee at the front desk was occupied by Arthur Pendragon. ‘Speak of the devil...’ Alexander cringed at the sight of the younger noble, Lector and Yami followed through.
“Alexander, how have you be-”
“Shut your mouth right now...” Alexander cut Arthur off.
The noble walked by Arthur. In the middle of the room was a red carpet that curved around the corner. The clear white tiled floor was divided by the red carpet, around the corner it led to a large white door at the top of a flight of stairs. ‘The last time I was here, was when we established the treaty with Yuria’s retainers... That was a long time ago...’
The room was large and spacious, a circular table took up the center. A banner on the left side showed a flower formed from overlapped circles, the symbol of the Hirian’s. On the right side of the room, a banner displaying a shield wrapped by wings hung on the wall. This was the symbol of the angels.
Alexander looked down and saw Angela, the noble of House Rover. She leaned back in her seat and rested her brown leather heels on the table. Alexander took a seat beside her.
“Angela,” he glanced over at her and nodded.
Angela moved the icy blonde hair out of her eyes and behind her ear. She scratched her arm through the white dress shirt. Over her bosom was the blue symbol of a mask with three slashes over the eye. Her eyes looked wrinkled, she turned and looked at Alexander with exhaustion. The woman rubbed her eyes with one hand, barely capable of keeping them open. She curled her legs in and leaned forward, resting her forehead on the table.
“What happened to you?” Alexander asked.
“My new lieutenant is such a pain... It’s already taken weeks to properly train him, but he’s just so clueless and violent,” Angela groaned with her face down on the desk.
Alexander looked at Yami, a clueless wonder on his face as he observed the sword in the center of the room.
“He’s just an abrasive idiot in general... Why’d you bring two of your lieutenants... Who is that? What is that on his head?” Angela pointed at Yami who analyzed the room with awe, he hadn’t taken off his headband yet.
“My most recent lieutenant... I thought it could be a good experience for him,” said Alexander.
Alexander looked over toward what Yami stared at. In the middle of the room, the table surrounded a part of the earth that stuck out of the ground, a golden long-sword was buried deep into an oval-shaped stone.
“Sir is that the Lightbringer,” Yami asked, his eyes locked onto the blade.
“Yes, the sword wielded by Ymir Lightbringer himself, the first king of the angels. That very blade severed the head of Ragnarok, and brought the age of struggle to an end,” Alexander answered.
“Can I try to pull it out?” Yami asked, Alexander and Angela suddenly glared at him, he was still focused on the sword.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“That sword is sacred, you will not touch it!” Alexander scolded.
“Oh, has no one been able to pull it out?”
“What? Do you think it’s difficult to pull it out? It’s not, in fact, I probably could, but that is a weapon bestowed from the Celestial. And it was bestowed to a man as powerful as Ymir Lightbringer, that weapon would destroy you. Only the nobles and the current Lord Lightbringer may take hold of that sword. But I wouldn’t bother. I don’t need it,” Alexander ranted.
Yami leaned over and looked past Lector, who had been staring at the ceiling in a daze of boredom.
“I’m sorry sir, I didn’t mean to be rude,” Yami apologized.
“Wow... you can sit still, listen, and be respectful. Alexander, can we trade recruits?” Angela joked as Arthur entered the room.
Behind him was a woman just slightly shorter than him, she had black hair down to her neck. Around her left arm was a band, matching the color of the red insignia of a dragon coiled around a spear. ‘Freiya... The spy of House Pendragon...’ Alexander glared at Arthur, but the young noble didn’t seem to notice. They walked by Alexander and Angela to the next available seats.
“Good morning Arthur, you’re as stylish as ever Freiya,” Angela greeted them.
Arthur turned his head but was met with Alexander’s hateful glare. He simply stared at Alexander for a moment before he looked away. Freiya looked at her clothes as she contemplated something to herself with a confused expression.
“Good morning Angela, Alexander, Lector, and... Who is this?” Arthur asked.
“Y-Yami... Sir,” the lieutenant answered.
“Hm, it’s nice to meet you,” Arthur nodded.
The door opened once more and Arid Lightbringer entered. His blue coat covered his knees, and he wore a white shirt with yellow decals underneath. He had short black hair with the front spiked upward, narrow eyes, and a deadpan expression. The noble of House Lightbringer held the door open as Lucifer Lightbringer entered the room with Vala Grehilia, the queen of Hiria.
Vala wore silver silk with white floral patterns embroidered along it in a spiral. Her black hair was very long, it fell past her shoulders and waist and flowed with her every step. The silks separated above her breast and exposed her neck. Her light toned skin glistened in the light. Her purple eyes were captivating, upon looking close enough, you could even see the symbol of Hiria within them.
Vala locked eyes with Alexander as soon as she walked in, she smiled brightly and hurried over. ‘Here she comes... As careless as ever...’ Lucifer walked along the other side of the room, he had worn loose white robes decorated with gold streaks. On his back was the symbol of a golden blade that denoted his house, and his slicked-back blonde hair glimmered as he pulled a chair out for the queen of the Hirian people. He hadn’t noticed her walk in the opposite direction to where most of the nobles sat. The king’s smile turned into an awkward one as he turned to the other hybrids.
“It’s been too long Alexander, you look stressed,” Vala greeted with a smirk.
Alexander, Arthur, and Angela all stood and bowed their heads.
“Don’t be so formal, stay seated, it’s alright!” Vala eased their tension.
“Someone of your status and power should be more formal... It’s been a long time, we’re honored to have you, Vala,” Alexander replied.
“Oh come now Alexander, relax a little, it’ll be good for your wrinkles,” she teased.
“Shut up...”
“Haha! You’re the same as ever,” Vala poked Alexander.
‘It’s astonishing to see her act this innocently, especially after witnessing her on the battlefield... She’s a monster disguised as a flower.’
“Angela, my apologies for not seeing you when you were in Dorad recently,” said Vala. “I was out of the country at the time.”
“It’s not a problem my Queen,” Angela lowered her head.
“Arthur, I know it’s inappropriately late, but I haven’t been able to give you my condolences…” Vala put her hand on Arthur’s shoulder.
Arthur’s eyes widened.
“I was heartbroken to hear about what had happened to your father. Shinra was a great man, the people of Hiria are grateful for how much he has given to this world. And I’m sure he’d be proud the man you’ve become,” said Vala.
“Thanks…” Arthur looked down.
Vala glanced across the room, then turned. Alexander turned his head away as she walked around the room. At the entrance, a group that accompanied Vala glared at the nobles. ‘The Hirian clan leaders, Vala isn’t serious but at least they are...’ Four of the six clan leaders stood at the other side of the room. Alexander stood up as a large man who was at least seven feet tall took off his helmet and approached him.
“Greetings Alexander, it’s an honor to be here my friend.” The man had a deep voice.
With his other hand, he reached forward to shake hands and Alexander did the same.
“It’s more of an honor to have you here my friend, welcome Oberon,” Alexander greeted.
Alexander shook his hand, but he was met with some resistance, he looked up towards Oberon. He wore a dark green robe over black steel battle armor, his figure looked wide due to a large shield on his back. Oberon had a black scruffy beard and the rest of his hair was slicked back, his forehead appeared large due to his receding hairline. Scars decorated his hardened face. Oberon released his hand and turned. There were two greyish-white antlers extended out of the black helmet he held at his side.
“Now that all the important figures are here, let us begin this council meeting,” Lucifer announced as he took a seat between both parties.
Vala sat opposite the nobles, the clan leaders sat around her. Arid sat down last after he pulled the doors shut. Alexander observed the faces around the room ‘Rolo Kivan, Avery Sun, Oberon Jestault, Carala Nefuk... Raum Septirion isn’t here and neither is Shina Iohan, but that girl with blue hair and robes must be a descendant of Ginpa... She’s here in place of Shina...’ Each of the members of the hybrid clan except for Vala wore a robe covering their left shoulder. It was traditional clothing for hybrids, the color denoted their homeland. Blue for the bank of Dorad’s royal guard. Brown for the monks of Welis. Grey for the scholars of Andurill. Dark green for Baltin’s military, and purple for the traders of Lemen.
“The last time we held a council gathering of this size, was years ago, after Arken’s crusade... The long struggle in which Shinra Pendragon gave his life to end... We agreed with the Hydronians. Yuria’s treaty between the alliance and The Deep was created to prevent another incident where a radical pursues Abaddon for his strength,” Lucifer’s tone became serious.
Alexander glanced at Arthur who didn’t flinch at the mention of his father’s death. Vala’s smile faded as Lucifer brought up that event years ago.
“That event was horrible... And it reminded us why we need to continue holding back Abaddon’s growing forces. Thus, my first decision will be to redirect House Pendragon from governing Logos and keep them on patrol in the north to prevent an attack and provide medical assistance on the field.”
Arthur’s expression turned to that of confusion.
“I don’t believe that’s necessary. House Rael is better suited to defend against potential attacks from the demons,” Arthur interjected.
“Please allow me to finish. You may raise concerns after I have fully explained the decision,” Lucifer looked down at Arthur with a blank stare.
“House Rael will return to Logos now that Alexander has recovered from his injuries. I understand you have focused very intently on the development of Logos, however, this was always only temporary. Your house’s skill in medical science and healthcare is imperative on the front lines, and due to the decrease in logorite supply, we now have a very pressing issue. Any objections?” Lucifer paused this time and glanced at Arthur.
“No... I understand the decision,” Arthur stated.
Arthur simply returned a blank glare at Lucifer. ‘You should’ve expected this brat... It was only a matter of time before I got what was mine.’
Carala stood up at the other end of the table, she was a tall woman wearing a white full-sleeved coat underneath her purple robe. Her hair was tied back, and her sharp eyes looked down on Arthur. Her clothes had a visible distinction from the others, ‘That woman... she doesn’t seem like a warrior,’ Alexander thought as he observed her fancy clothes.
“Do you understand!?” the dignified woman asked with a condescending tone. “This event which took place last year was no excuse for such a brash decision. I request that the members of House Pendragon never make such a decision without further discussion with the rest of the alliance!” Carala looked quite annoyed, sounding even more so.
‘Brash is putting it lightly...’
“Due to your decision, the supply of logorite has seen a significant decrease. Let me remind you that the resistance isn’t going to allow something like this slip by without taking full advantage of it!” she slammed her hand on the table.
Arthur raised an eyebrow as she lashed out at him. He just stared back at her fiery gaze, it seemed to annoy her more.
“Sorry... I’ll consider my decisions next time,” Arthur apologized and nodded.
Under the table, Alexander could see Arthur’s clenched fist.
“I don’t think you are, it’s not like Geral Murdok wanders your cities while you try to sleep-”
“Cara. That’s enough,” Oberon stopped her, he stood up and bowed towards Arthur. “I apologize for her rude remarks,” said Oberon.
Carala sat down, crossed her arms, and turned her head away.
“Carala,” Vala called her name in a cold tone. “Apologize. This is no place to conduct yourself in such a way.”
“I’m sorry Sir Arthur, I apologize for getting upset,” Carala apologized.
Arthurs lieutenant Freiya scribbled something down in a small notebook with a black leather cover. She turned the page and dipped the tip of a feather in a small glass jar of ink.
“Lector, why aren’t you writing anything?” Alexander whispered to his lieutenant.
“Don’t worry, I’m listening,” Lector assured.
Freiya stood up.
“In an angel’s report yesterday, a large amount of logorite was found during mining yesterday, he said he had mined it and it should be collected today,” Freiya informed them.
“Hmmm, how much logorite was found?” Lucifer asked with a curious smile.
“In the report, he said it was too much to count, but he claims it’s enough for three monthly quotas,” she explained.
“Three monthly quotas? Well, that’s more than enough, we can offer to the hybrids to make up for their recent shortage,” Lucifer chuckled.
“Lieutenant Freiya,” Arid suddenly raised his hand, “Please show me that report after the meeting. I’d like to see it.”
Freiya nodded and sat down, she shivered slightly in her seat.
“Now that that’s taken care of,” Lucifer slid a sheet of paper to the side, picked up the sheet under it, and read.
“The logorite was an issue, but not the primary reason why we called this meeting. The reason we called this meeting revolves around Geral Murdok’s escape... I hate to see the infamous criminal released... But it is true, the man who is the head of Hiria’s black market is back,” Lucifer explained.
Vala leaned forward and looked to her left towards the blue-haired woman.
“Riva, please provide your report,” Vala asked.
“Understood,” she replied and stood up.
Riva stood just under six feet, she was much younger than the rest of the clan leaders. ‘Considering she was allowed to attend this meeting in place of Shina... They seem to have a lot of faith in her.’ Her blue hair was tied back in a ponytail that reached down past her neck. She had blue eyes and a calm expression. She stood up straight and repeated the contents of her report even though she had no paper in front of her. There was a sheathed katana at her waist, it had a silver hilt and handle wrapped in white fabric. The sword was secured with a red rope. ‘That’s a fang of Ginpa but judging from the size, she holds one of the two front fangs. Someone like her can use that blade? It’s obvious why they trust her then...’
“On Shauran fourteenth, we received notice from the warden Jira Bagat at Lemen that the prisoner in question began chanting something in his cell. ‘He is coming, he is coming,’ was what Geral apparently stated, over and over.” Riva explained.
Angela leaned forward, intrigued by the report.
“He continued to say this for several hours according to the prison guards, until during the night when he concluded his chant by saying the name… Jack,” she added.
“What?!” Alexander jumped in his seat with a horrified expression on his face.
Arthur, Alexander, and Lector’s expressions all changed to shock the moment they heard that name.
“He ended his chant with the name Jack, the guards were alarmed by this but the next message we received was not from Jira, but from Raum Septirion. Half the prison was destroyed that night. Jira Bagat was found dead with a multitude of various wounds, but it seemed most likely that he was burned to death,” Riva said.
“Destroyed? What do you mean?” Arid repeated.
“It may be hard to believe, but I saw it myself. Half the prison is gone, reduced to rubble. Geral’s cell, as well as many renowned hybrid criminals, were in the part of the prison which had been demolished.”
Alexander squinted at Arthur. His eyes were just as wide.
“Jack... Jack who,” Lector asked curiously.
“He only said Jack according to the guards,” Riva replied. “The leader of the royal guard could not be present as she is continuing to investigate the missing culprit and is working on apprehending him. Other noteworthy names that are missing: Iris Garo, Banhu Uunan, Jericho Ilyan, and multiple descendants of Tyra escaped. Their cells were in the part of the prison that was destroyed, that is all for now,” she concluded and sat down.
“Thank you, Riva,” Vala nodded.
‘Jack... Why did she say Jack...’ Alexander started to breathe heavily.
“Didn’t you say something about someone named Jack?” Lector whispered to Alexander but he remained frozen as he stared into space.
‘Jack... She really said, Jack... This can’t be a coincidence...’ Freiya stood up and walked over to Arid, she handed the report to him and he analyzed it, his eyes went wide and the paper crumpled slightly as he gripped it ‘What if that dream did mean something... I need to get back to Logos!’
“We will dispatch House Rael and Pendragon to assist with apprehending Geral. If the situation demands it, Houses Rover and Lightbringer will join to assist,” Lucifer explained and turned to his last page, he looked at it with a blank stare for a few seconds before he took a deep breath.
“The final matter I would like to bring up is the object House Rover recovered a year ago, Angela if you would be so kind,” Lucifer gestured to Angela who stood up with her hands in her pocket.
“After analyzing the object, there was a lack of ether material present and we concluded that it wasn’t bestowed by the Celestial. We have never seen an object like that before,” Angela picked up a sheet of paper with a drawing on it. “In Arthur’s report he described that there had been tracks which led from the object to Logos, however, no one was ever found,” Angela slid the paper down the table.
Alexander picked up the picture and analyzed it. It was an extremely detailed sketch of the object’s interior, it resembled the exact scene. ‘This is Lieutenant Leo’s work...’ Alexander passed the paper down to Lector who analyzed it. Instead of passing it to Yami, he walked over to Arid and handed it to him. Yami looked slightly lost as Lector just sat back down.
“What Arthur said matches the scene, if you look at the picture there is a dried blood stain across the interior, whatever was inside this thing was injured and it escaped somewhere into the continent of Kamino. We don’t know where this thing could be but we haven’t heard anything about it,” Angela explained.
The paper made its way around to Rolo. He wore a grey robe over a black vest, and his collar covered the lower half of his face. Only his red eyes were visible under his messy black hair. Judging from his messy hair, and the lack of energy in his eyes, he was a very lazy person.
“You checked Logos correct?” Rolo asked, his quiet voice was hard to hear.
“Yes, an interesting trait of the blood was that it produced a similar substance to logorite... But with an energy yield at least twice as large. We followed the tracks back to Logos, however, the trail went dry in the town,” Angela added.
Vala looked concerned upon hearing that, she turned to Oberon who looked equally concerned. Carala leaned over and looked at the picture as well.
“This... This happened the day Sir Alexander suffered an injury?” Carala questioned, she squinted at the scar on Alexander’s neck and then turned to Arthur.
“Did you find anything or anybody?” Carala asked Arthur.
“No, I was assisting House Rael and Rover in the search, after searching every house in Logos we found nothing,” Arthur replied.
Carala’s expression made it evident she had doubts as soon as she knew Arthur was involved, but she held her tongue. She handed the paper to Vala who only looked at it for a second and then handed it to Avery Sun.
Avery had short brown hair that didn’t go further than her neck, her robe was brown but she wore a black vest underneath like Riva. Her eccentric gold bracelets, shining gold necklace, and large gold earrings stood out on her. Her skin was slightly tanned and her muscles were well defined despite her slim appearance. Her round green eyes were like emeralds. Avery put her hand to her chin while she analyzed the picture, she tilted her head while turning the page in the opposite direction.
“This is well drawn... What happened to it? Did you leave it there or did you move it?” Avery questioned.
“We’ve taken it in for further investigation,” Arid answered.
“We concluded that this object had to have come from another world. The object was labeled ‘Imperial Dragoon’ in our language though, we are unsure of what this may mean,” Angela concluded.
Avery handed the paper down to Riva with a confused look. “Imperial Dragoon...” Avery repeated.
“Forget that it’s from another world... Whatever was inside has been on the loose for a year...” Oberon shook his head.
“We could be far too late for all we know... It’s out there as we speak, the demons may have even found it…” the large man added.
Alexander stood, the eyes in the room all locked onto him. “There is another issue, the eastern outpost where the unidentified object was stored has been broken into,” said Alexander.
“What?” Angela’s expression turned to shock.
“We are still investigating, half of the object is missing. With the added information that Geral has escaped. It’s safe to say the resistance is on the move once more,” Alexander explained.
The room went silent, and the danger of this situation was becoming more and more evident.
“We should check Logos again,” Lector broke the silence.
Lector leaned forward and rested his elbows on the desk, he had an expression that Alexander had never seen before. Everyone in the room turned to the spy of House Rael.
“Logos has been secure for a year, there’s no reason to check it,” Arthur replied.
“Why do you think Logos should be checked again?” Carala asked curiously.
“House Rael was still responsible for replacing the workforce in Logos, of course, we take any newborn children to keep the population stable,” Lector started his explanation.
The members of the room continued to listen, Lector glanced at Alexander.
“A woman was giving us a hard time yesterday, that’s not my point though. The house across from hers is inhabited by an individual named Jack,” Lector pointed out.
Heads turned around the room.
“Jack Eldritch, his family, was executed for treason over a year ago. Do note, I’m not saying it’s the same Jack that Murdok is chanting about, I don’t know that for sure,” Lector added.
Carala turned to Vala before she turned back to Lector.
“T-There could be multiple people with the name Jack, how are you so sure?” Carala objected.
“I’m not sure, but I think it’s worth looking into,” Lector added as he stood up to stretch, he turned away from the others and walked towards a table in the corner.
“His parents were executed for destroying the entrance to the mines, then he was transferred to Logos. Not too long after during Vagril last year, the entrance to the mines was found destroyed... Again,” Lector explained.
The table Lector approached had multiple upside-down cups, and a glass jug of water neatly assorted on it. The white tablecloth had curving patterns.
“Why was Jack not apprehended, lieutenant?” Oberon asked.
“My name’s Lector, we don’t actually know if it was him,” the spy filled a glass with clear water. “Anyone else want some water, it’s really dry in here,” he faced everyone while he nonchalantly sipped the cup.
“Alexander already executed the criminal responsible for the mines,” Arthur interjected.
“Ok... And?” Lector asked.
Arthur glared at Lector intensely, but Lector didn’t phase. His eyes stayed locked on Arthurs as if a conversation was going on between them that no one else could hear. ‘What are you trying to do Lector?’
“It’d be a waste of resources-”
“That we have to spare…” Lector cut him off while looking at Lucifer.
Lector sat down and put his glass on the table. ‘That’s the first time I saw Lector show some spine, at least it was at that brat though.’
“Rolo, Avery, Riva; assist the search in Logos. Oberon, Carala; we will go to Andurill, there may be movement from the resistance for the upcoming festival. You three should be enough,” Vala instructed.
“Huh?!” Rolo scoffed as he leaned forward.
“Rolo, while we’re here we will assist them, on the off chance what came out of the object is in Logos, we don’t know what we’re dealing with,” Vala explained.
“Wait, hang on I don’t wanna miss the festival prep-”
“That is an order,” Vala said coldly.
Rolo slumped in his seat. “Understood...” He mumbled in his own sadness.
“Oh come on Rolo it’ll be fun!” Avery tried to comfort the sad clan leader.
“Very well, I will rejoin the guard in Andurill,” Riva confirmed she’d assist.
“Well, that was most of the topics I wanted to cover but I think what we have going is good. How about we get out of this stuffy room shall we,” Lucifer concluded the meeting.
“Please join us in the dining hall downstairs, we’ve prepared a feast according to your accommodations,” Arid offered as he stood up and opened the doors.
“We welcome your hospitality noble houses,” Vala accepted the offer.
Arthur remained in his seat, contemplating something to himself. Lucifer rose and took a deep breath, he turned to the nobles.
“Alexander, I want you to take charge of scouting Logos and the surrounding towns. The other captains will be ready for communication via Lector,” Lucifer ordered. “Arthur, you will assist them as well.”
Alexander nodded, stood up, and walked out of the room. Lector and Yami followed as the hybrids in the room all made their way to the exit. ‘Jack... What are you...’