Raven didn't attend the academy the next day, but he had Solomon and Yennifer take over for magic and aura along with Corona teaching Combat Tactics. The reason being? Raven was sitting in the Black Wing's office.
"Aquila, Stervy and Falco did a rescue raid. Found people inside a warehouse owned by Seven Hells. Fang and Viktor confirmed the details with them, they got them out of their psychosis. Mostly kids.." Jersey felt disgust by the end of that sentence, her face grimaced as she thought about what to do next. Gary and Errol's disgust was evident. Photos of malnourished children, having needles injected with foreign substances. Just pictures and the medical records alone was enough to increase Raven's rage.
"Sum it up for me Jersey."
"Some are family members of the RF and a few Association Agents. Then a few Hunters who had to follow their orders because of it. We found out because Blue Hearts Alliance executives spilled the beans to Lowell. After some persuading.Commander Shaw's hands are tied but he's gotten the RF members involved to confess. President Black is fine with your choice. We also received details and proof of Seven Hell members attacking our own in dungeons. Aquila is readying for a guild war. Also to take note, Astravion reported several tails on Ivona. Corvus and Ciara handled it without Ivona knowing. We have video footage extracted." The video footage showed members of Seven Hells, Sartina smiling at the sight of the three children being harmed. The late Imperial Family's blood being extracted into vials. Watching Sartina drink it like wine, seeing the power surging in herveins.
"Rodin." Roding readied a book as he flipped the pages, searching for the section that would be necessary. It was not as thick as Volume 13 or the other volumes, but there was a reason for this. "Volume 15. Wrongs that demand extermination. Section 115. Subsection 1. Wrongdoer who has repeatedly offended the Enforcer despite being given a warning prior to the current wrong." Aisha brought out a single book that was thinner than a booklet. Just a thick cover.
"Volume 15 Correction for wrongs that demand extermination. Section 1. A Wrongdoer has committed a Wrong under Volume 15. Wrongdoer shall be subjected to punishment of death only after their country and place of birth has been destroyed completely. Child, adult or elderly must be killed to ensure that the country and birthplace remembers the wrong." Raven was tapping his fingers. Closing his eyes as he was thinking about what would be needed from his end. Everything is tough.
"Aquila, Stervy and Falco are now staying with the Imperial Family. Stervy said that the Empress wants to protect them but the Seven Hells may try to retaliate. What will you do boss?"
"I need an army." Raven said as he glanced to his phone. He had gotten 40 summon tickets and persona shards of randomized personas.
BEGINNING 40 Summon PULL
1. God of War (item)
2.Fragmented Mage(item)
3.Moonlight Solitude (item)
4.Moonlight Solitude (item)
5.Shadow Lord (item)
6.Smiling Mime (item)
7.A Most Evil Being (item)
8.Crimson Rain Petals (item)
9.Vanguard Operator SR Ally!
10.Shadow Lord SR Ally!
2nd 10 pull.
1.A Most Evil Being (item)
2.God of War (item)
3.God of War (item)
4.Fragmented Mage(item)
5.Smiling Mime (item)
6.Sword Saint Husband (item)
7.Fragmented mage(item)
8.Durandal Section 1 (item)
9.Iron Justice (item)
10.Fragmented Mage (item)
3rd 10 Pull
1.Boss of Rose Garden (item)
2.Moonlight Solitude (item)
3.Crimson Rain Petals SSR Ally
4.White Tiger (item)
5.White Tiger (item)
6.Talentless Hero (item)
7.Dead Flowers Swordsman (item)
8.Lieutenant of Cloud Breaker (item)
9.The Weak One (item)
10.Scorpio (item)
4th 10 pull
1. Moonlight Solitude (item)
2.Flames of the Forest (item)
3 Scorpio SR Ally!
4.Smiling Mime (item)
5.Smiling Mime (item)
6.Dead Flowers Swordsman SSR ally!
7.Arctic Fox (item)
8.Abyss Gaze (item)
9.White Tiger (item)
10. Shadow Lord (item)
The figures stepped out of the door.
Dead Flowers Swordsman of Orchid
SSR ALLY!
Misha.
The master of the Orchid style of swordsmanship.
Dead Flowers Scars are an indicator of experience. Dead Flowers fight smart. Using whatever they have as a means to achieve their goals. Orchid's Bloom Misha's mastery to the Orchid style. Focusing on brute forcing her way elegantly with strong swings. Graceful but its strength is unparalelled. Cunning Flower Misha's nimble footwork is what makes her a powerhouse. Making use of feint attacks as she preps for the slash. Normally cutting her way through with one good swing of her blade. Fracturing Bones New Status Effect. Fracture damages enemies with each hit. When inflicted, enemies will now suffer weakness in the body. It will also leave longing damage effects.
Crimson Rain Petals SSR ALLY!
SPECIALIZED ALLY HAS MATERIALIZED.
The Prince's Second.
Abandoning the name of Max. He prefers to be called as Zephyr.
The most loyal retainer to Prince Raven Versidia. Now loyal to Raven Ashenworth.
He will wear a black coat wielding a pair of threads, a pair of knives.
His trial was to become a Glaive in another world.
He is the Glaive that handles assassination and solo exterminations.
9th Stage Aura A 9th stage aura master. Specialization is in area of effect attacks Exterminating Glaive Exterminating any threats to his master is all that matters. Master Assassin Can train other Hunters in his techniques, perfected by receiving a book from Vinter. 'The War God's Guide To Assassinating For Newbies' Masking One's Presence Zephyr's once hid in the realm of demons and angels to assassinate targets and souls.
Shadow Lord
Shadow Knights x 10.
Vanguard Operator SR ALLY
Kuota
Uses a shield, a baton or a pistol.
An Operator from Encilia Trading.
Bovine Strength His lineage as a bovine, grants him beyond human strength. Suppressing enemy forces Armed with a shield, a baton and a pistol. Kuota was a cop prior to being scouted as an operator for Encilia Trading. He's good at protection detail. Clad in full armor with the only part of his head being exposed is the horns. An officer's duty.. He's an officer first, Operator second. Helpful, kind and gentle. He's the beacon of hope in tough situations.
Scorpio SR Ally
Bayern.
An elite member of Valiant Squad 'Wall Climbers'.
Uses a machine pistol and a pair of ice axes.
Wall Climber An elite Valiant squad that specializes in snow and mountain warfare. Athletic in builds, Wall Climbers don't use boosters or thrusters. They only use their tools to make it to the next location. Primary focus on the nimbleness for their jobs. Valiant Robotic constitution, allows for quick repairs when damaged in the field. High Speed Combat Taking out enemies fast and with precision. That's how Wall Climbers operate. Guerilla Warfare and the like. Vesper's Plans One of Vesper's proposed units, he had simulations made to create squads of Valiants with specific specializations in different terrains.
"Nice to see you, my rose." Misha spoke as she walked over to embrace Raven. Patting his head as Raven's eyes met with Kuota and Bayern. Misha's height was what caught the others off guard. A few pecks to his cheek while Raven just did not seem to be bothered. She just stood behind him, hugging him as she hummed happily.
"Kuota. How many other Operators are available?"
"Plenty of us. When you ended the Seven Star War. The world went to peace for a while, then a notification. So most of us are waiting by the RIB. You need an army right? So plenty of Operators are on standby for the pull. Including reserves. Since I was pulled, there's a message for you." Raven received a letter from Kuota. Opening it as the letter burned away.
> BEGINNING MESSAGE.
>
> Raven. It's Vinter. You're thinking about destroying Latelica. And knowing you, you wouldn't want to risk using the War God in its true form.
> You need an army correct?
>
> The ones in the Realm In Between (Where most of them meet, except White Tiger who hadn't spend the time in it.)
> You will be summoned to a location soon.
> A Causality that will require aid.
> New dungeons that will appear, only you can enter for you hold the key.
>
> There's also a matter that needs your attention. Come find me in the church when you sleep later.
> Latelica has three Sovereigns.
> You can also use your collected Persona shards to turn into summon tickets.
"Thanks Kuota. Zephyr, Bayern, head over to Pridelands. Seems like I got more work ahead of me. Rodin, Aisha. This wrong must be corrected but we need a force to handle it."
"Why is that, Enforcer? Are we not enough?"
"It's because I want it destroyed. But before that." Raven checked his phone, tonight he was going to have one of those awkward highschool reunions. Raven ran through the scenario in his head, his current forces would not be enough to ensure Latelica would be destroyed. There were gaps in the area. The Royalty would have time to leave. Even if Astravion was used, it wouldn't be good enough. Their military and Hunters that were so focused on holy elements. It would hurt his friend. The fight would be intense. Even with Raven's allies. Only way for ensuring Latelica's fall would be by using War God but that would force all of the Sovereigns to come out after him.
"Yo." Raven turned to Falco, Stervy and Aquila. Taking off their coats and ties.
"Oh, new allies?"
"What did the Empress say?" A somber expression. A tired face,
"She wants to destroy Latelica but mobilizing the RF and the army may be fatal. She's leaving it to you. All you need is to say when." Falco spoke as Raven thought about it.
"I plan to but there's a few things I need to handle. It'll be allies. A dungeon I have to go in alone. Give it 3 weeks. Misha."
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
"Yes, my rose?" She spoke as she placed her chin on Raven's head.
"Go to the academy and meet with Laguna. Train and sharpen your Orchid." Misha gave a nod and left, with Bayern leaving while Kuota waited for Raven's orders.
"Kuota. I need your opinion on a plan. Do you understand what's going on so far?"
"Yeah. They're even worse than Eula. I'll read this up in that place called Pridelands. Thanks for the call Whitewind." Taking the documents, Kuota left while Raven just let out a sigh. Glancing at the time. His thoughts focused on what he was planning next. Whatever it was, Raven wasn't sure about how he would be feeling. Especially knowing it's a highschool reunion.
"What's wrong, Raven?"
"I got a highschool reunion later today. One of those awkward ones. I'm trying to tell myself to stay cool. But you know how Cher and some of his boys are. They like making things awkward. I've killed people for looking at me funny, so I need to keep myself grounded. That and some of the guys who bullied me back in school are around. I need an excuse."
"Why not just have me, Aisha and Rodin come in with a set of documents for you? You have documents that we'll be delivering later." A snap of his fingers, Jersey had a good plan.
"I said yes prior to my return. So this'll be awkward as hell. They might suck up to me, because I'm an executive which is just as annoying. I can simply just not go, but there's no point in me bitching about it. If I said yes, I should go. The least I can do is keep my words. Also, Rodin and Aisha?"
"Yes, Enforcer?"
"Don't do anything crazy like gouge their eyes out or something. And don't write them in the book of wrongs." Raven said as he put on his three piece suit. Stretching his neck as he readied himself for a level of awkwardness. Stepping down where he found Errol and Gary opening the door for him.
"We'll be your chauffeur for the night,Captain." Raven got inside as Gary and Errol stepped inside. Driving to the location, the Grand Royale. Errol offered Raven a cigar box for him to put in his pocket.
"How bad was it?"
"Bad enough that we want to kill them, Captain. Errol was going mad as he lacerated their limbs. Most of them are now paralyzed waist down as a result of Errol's anger."
"We are going to make them pay right Cap? I mean yeah we're criminals but." Errol paused as he grit his teeth. Fists clenched as he was raring to go for a slaughter.
"We will be. I just need to get a force strong enough to do it. I can't let them escape. We have the strength but not the numbers. It'll be an all out war with the military and Hunters. That's why I need to find more reliable allies. I don't have access to magic that can keep them trapped inside like a cage. So we'll need to take our time. They know we did it but they can't simply just openly attack or react. They wouldn't risk it." Then they arrived with Errol stepping out to open the door for Raven. The party was held at the top floor of the establishment. Showing his invitation that had welcomed him in.
Heading to the top floor as he kept his eyes on his phone. The news seemed to have a lot to say about Raven's actions. Particularly his allies.
'White Tigers, Book Keepers and Blue Roses from Black Wing. Openly assaulting establishments.'
'Citizens divided on what had happened.'
'Blue Hearts Alliance. Who are they?'
'White Tigers, Book Keepers and Blue Roses of Black Wing demolishes local crime syndicate.'
'Aquila : Raven has the right to act as he sees fit. The Blue Hearts Alliance harmed a few guild members and also went after his students at the academy. Despite his warning.'
'Interview with a member of White Tigers. 'If the Captain already warned them. Then it's our job to remind them why. Besides we only killed the affiliated members, if Captain tells us to burn them to the ground, we'd have gone after their families too. With syndicates like these, the best way to put them down is to destroy them completely.
Mixed reactions all around. The elevator reached the top floor as Raven stepped out, seeing the banner 'Class of 2020!' Seeing the people manning the counter were some people whom he knew quite well.
"Oh, Raven." The woman with the pink dress, Waverly went over to give him a hug. Eyes were on him but Raven didn't respond with a hug either.
"Hey Waverly. I'm not going to be here long, I got some work to do." for those that knew the pair. It was surprising, Raven and Waverly always had a warm relationship but this coldness? The way he answered. It was odd. Even for Raven. He remembers the friendship with her and another girl. Back when they were younger. The three of them were inseparable but this sudden shift. Perhaps the War God Raven and the old Raven was not the same anymore.
"You didn't used to be this cold. What happened?"
"Things happen, Waverly. So two venues? One indoors and another outdoor? Who paid for it?" Marveling at the indoor venue which was large with an outdoor venue that had a fancy candlelight setting by the tables.
"Duncan. He and his guild members were quite happy to chip in. Oh, Cher's here too by the way." Raven put a cigar to his lip.
"Not that it matters now does it? I’m going in to say hi and go.” Bidding Waverly farewell as he stepped out into the outdoor venue. The softness of the grass beneath the heels of his monk strap, the tables with the LED candlelights. It was less romantic but eco-friendly. Taking a moment as the eyes of his fellow classmates reached him. An unbothered Raven. Hair tied into a tail, eyes that were like beacons that forced the attention of the attendees.
The sight of Raven smoking a cigar, not a care in the world. Though one person caught his care, Ludmilla. Rather, Princess Ludmilla of Ilvento. Walking over to him as the cigar was snuffed out. Remembering the sun behind her golden hair, the ocean eyes that had been glancing at him.
“Your Highness.”
“Can’t you just call me Milla?”
“Not how this works, Your Highness. How goes your engagement?” Silence in those words as Ludmilla straight away went to grab him. Her hands trembled as she placed her head on Raven’s chest.
“All I asked was how was the engagement. Why are you trembling? Isn’t he a good man?” She began to hit him. Lightly drumming his chest as she tried to speak but meeting Raven’s eyes? It silenced that intent. There was no affection in his eyes. They say that eyes were windows to the soul, and all what did Ludmilla see?
An empty house. Creaky wooden floors. Windows that were stained and uncleaned. Blinking once to see Raven who parked a cigarette to his lips. The scent of thick tobacco was enchanting her, the azure eyes alone had been enough to pull her in.
“I…” Faint memories of Raven giving her a coral. A sign in Ilvento that was a meaning that you wish to marry someone. It was an old tradition. But life as we know it, is never like the movies. Raven at the time was an orphan who had no lineage. Nothing special about him. Only that his oldest brother was an S-Rank. But it was not him. That was the issue at hand.
“That promise was made when we were children, Ludmilla. I don’t think it holds up.” With those words, Raven was set on ending this. It was a love that may not happen and painting a target on her. Someone who cannot embrace what madness Raven had in his mind and soul. This was an act of mercy. His heart felt the sharp pangs as memories flooded in. His first kiss. His first love. The one before the world came to its inevitable ruin. The way they held hands during the rain.
“Why can’t it hold up? Didn’t you…” Ludmilla couldn’t finish her words, as Raven took off his coat. His natural instinct was to put it on her, which he did. Her hands tug on the coat as their eyes locked into each other.
“Ludmilla!” There he was, the Prince of Mear who was walking over to her.
“Your Highness. I apologize for the scene. I merely asked her how her engagement ceremony was going.”
“My name is Arturo Allmear. I believe you must be the trailblazer, Raven I suppose? The Mad Massacre?” Arturo extended his hand as Raven shook it.
“I don’t know why they call me the Mad Massacre but a nickname’s a nickname I guess.” Arturo chuckled.
“You’re a little different from how Ludmilla described. She said you were more… Shy.”
“That was then, and this is now. Can’t be a Hunter if I’m all timid.” Then Raven noticed Duncan, Cher and their gang of bullies.
“Oh, Raven. It’s good to see you. So you became an S-Rank. Though I heard you didn’t go for any sort of tests.” Duncan was going for a sort of a threat. Some of the others who became Hunters began to chuckle.
“Don’t start anything, Duncan. Not in the mood for your shit today.” Duncan clenched his fists where it glowed with aura. Throwing a jab at Raven, only for it to miss completely as Duncan tripped over the railing. Raven caught his leg, lifting him up with one hand.
“You know, I might just let go.” Duncan was already panicking, wriggling around.
“H-Hey! Don’t be reckless! Don’t do this!” Pulling Duncan back to the rooftop as Raven shot off a glare at Cher and the others. They felt a strong sensation of bloodlust from Raven, some of them struggled to breathe. Falling on their knees, smacking their chests in an attempt to get their lungs to take in oxygen.
“That’s my only warning. Next time this happens, I’ll make sure to paint the road red with your corpses.” Words that silenced them completely as the bloodlust faded. June was present, she did not say a word as she kept her thoughts to herself. Turning to his right where he found Ciara and Corvus.
“Father!”
“Dad!” That moment had everyone turning to Raven. Wanting answers as curiosity scurried around their heads.
“Oh, what brings you two here?” The pair was searching for excuses as they whispered to each other, though clearly the plan had gone awry. Then lo and behold, Yennifer and Corona made their presence known. Corona wearing a black suit with a turtleneck, with Yennifer wearing her uniform from her days as the Sword Saint.
“My lovely bird.”
“My beloved.” The pair spoke up as Raven let out a sigh.
“Why are you two here?”
“It is a reunion is it not? I heard that there was a man who tried to harm my husband. Where is he?” Yennifer glanced at Duncan as she clenched her fist.
“No.” Raven said as Yennifer took a step closer.
“But my bird… He..”
“No.” Yennifer raised her hands, signaling surrender to her endeavor. Raven knew that if he let Yennifer go at it, Duncan might have to be breathing through tubes the rest of his life.
“This is my friend, Ludmilla Ilvento. The Crown Princess of Ilvento.”
“Yennifer Ashenworth.”
“Ciara Ashenworth.”
“Corvus Ashenworth.”
“Corona Ashenworth.” The four of them greeted Ludmilla. The eyes on his wives and children were clear, they must be awestruck. Ludmilla felt her heart pang as she turned to Arturo who understood the look.
“Raven… May I speak to you alone?” Arturo spoke with Raven giving a nod. Making their way to the side as Ludmilla glanced at Raven’s back. Tugging his coat over her shoulders. A part of her hoped Raven would turn to her. Even take a moment to look at her.
Yet, her hopes were crushed as Raven and Arturo faded from her sights. Corona and Yennifer held her hands. Saying words to help comfort her but even then, it may not be enough.
“What is it, Your Highness?” A lit cigar in his hands as Arturo thought about what to say. Mustering his courage bit by bit.
“My engagement with her… It’s…”
“Do you love her, Your Highness?” His hands were trembling, it was as if Arturo thought that Raven was going to kill him if he said yes. The bravado from earlier had tore off with Raven’s actions.
“I do. I love her. Truly, madly and…” Words fumbled out of his mouth.
“Deeply. If you treat her right and love her. She’ll turn to you. The promise I made with her was of marriage but it’s not my place nor hers.” A pat on the shoulder as their eyes met.
“Please, call me Arturo… I know that she only has eyes for you but…” Arturo had seemed to be in despair rather than being ecstatic.
“It doesn’t change the facts, Arturo. The Ilvento family is obsessed with lineage. If you asked me years ago, I would fight for her tooth and nail. But now? I have more things to worry about. And her being associated with me is a bad thing. Considering my nickname.” That much was true, Mad Massacre was not exactly a well-liked among many. Perhaps it has to do with Raven's actions but he didn't care about that.
“Do you… See her that way?”There it was. The true question that Arturo had been dying to ask from when he met Raven.
“I used to and a part of me. Despite my attempts to let her go, will always see her that way but our roles are different now. This isn’t a fairy tale or a romance story where I win. I’m a Hunter. She’s Royalty. That promise? It doesn’t hold up to reality.”
“But I did not want to win her heart this way. I wanted to best you in whatever I can so she can move on but…”
“We play the hand we’re dealt. Even if it’s the losing hand. When it comes to her? The hand that I got in my hand is the losing hand. Even if I had the best cards in the world, if the dealer wins. Then I have no right to complain.” Arturo felt defeated. Raven was right. He should be happy that he had Ludmilla but the thought of winning her over something that was not within her control. That was enough to strike his pride down. Soured looks on Arturo’s face but he understood from Raven’s gaze. That he had let Ludmilla go.
“If anything happens to her or you. You let me know. I’ll come and help you two. Don’t try to one up me. I hold a nostalgic place in her heart because I was her first friend and defended her from some bullies back in school. Make new memories, slowly she will forget me.” Raven gave Arturo a card, crumpling it as it was pocketed. Eyes meeting with Raven, slowly tearing up.
“Why? Why aren’t you fighting for her?”
“A man can only fight so much, Arturo. Sometimes you must sever the knots of the past to keep going ahead. Stay too long in it, and you’ll drown. I’m already looking ahead. She’s still in the past. Now it’s in your hands. Play the cards, right. I wish you both the best.” Raven patted Arturo’s shoulder as he walked away.
Finding Yennifer and Corona comforting Ludmilla as Raven walked past her, that moment of coldness had Ludmilla falling into the realization that it’s over. Corona, Yennifer bid her adieu as the pair went to Raven. Locking their arms to his. Corvus and Ciara walking to his side. His coat that was on Ludmilla’s shoulders vanished. Whereby Arturo went over to put his over her, her eyes gleamed as defeat sullied her beauty. It was goodbye to the person he loved in the past. A love that must stay away. It was not his place anymore. The Raven back then and the Raven now were far too different. To live a normal life with someone.
When he left, Raven felt the tears coming. Tearing down his face as Yennifer gave him a handkerchief.
“Why didn’t you fight for her?”
“If she was single. I would but the engagement had been a while ago and she seemed happier when I was out of her life. Her relationship with her family got better. Some fights are meant to fail from the start.If it was combat, I would win but when it comes to romance? I’d rather not go through another heartache like that again. Even suppressing these emotions were difficult.” Raven said as his rasped voice showed signs of strain. Even standing was difficult as they helped Raven take a seat by the lounge area.
Catching his breath, shaking the strain on his joints. Then getting back on his feet. It was time for him to go meet with Vinter.