23. Lewisia Makes Their Move

Lucas smiled to hide his confusion. “Sure. Shadow or physical?”

“Shadow,” Cale said, shifting his attention back to Chloe. “Watch,” he said, nodding to Lucas to begin the demonstration.

Lucas dashed to Cale and immediately covered the distance.

Cale reacted by jumping behind him in a straight line, widening the distance between them again. “When you try to widen the distance by stepping behind you, don’t move in a straight line like this,” he said as he stopped.

Understanding the cue, Lucas dashed and swung his blade in a downward motion, only stopping when it was just a few inches off Cale’s forehead.

Cale just looked at Chloe again dead in the eye. “As you can see, I basically wasted my movement, because he was able to easily follow me with his body and eyes. It didn’t matter that I briefly widened the distance, because he covered that same distance much faster and with ease due to his positioning.”

Chloe bobbed her head. “He was on the offensive.”

“Indeed,” Cale said before nodding at Lucas again. “Reset.”

They went back to their initial positions – 15 feet away from each other. Lucas dashed again, but this time, when he was close enough, Cale dashed forward diagonally past Lucas.

He now stood behind Lucas’ left.

“When you move, the idea is finding a way to shift to an offensive position from a defensive one. And even when you’re the one on the offensive, do still move in a tilted line, or diagonally,” Cale said.

Lucas rotated to face Cale.

Cale continued to talk. “Then, when your opponent turns to face you again, do the same thing,” he said and dashed, again positioning himself diagonally behind Lucas.

And Lucas did have to rotate 180 degrees to face Cale.

Cale looked at Chloe. “Moving this way also makes it harder for your opponent – Sentinels and Evokers alike – to adjust their aim. It keeps their mind more active, which means they’ll highly likely make more mistakes. This is especially important in high-speed duels.”

Chloe nodded seriously. “That’s why Cass was zigzagging. I had to constantly adjust my aim,” she said with a click of her tongue. “God! That was annoying.”

Lucas thanked Cale. “Yeah, the idea is no different than you shooting an arrow or firing a gun,” he said.

“I see. I think I get it a little bit?”

“Sorry. It’s hard for me to put it into words. But yeah. Like Cale said, keep moving, even if you’re attacking and defending,” said Lucas before pausing. Right, he should test her.

He clapped his hand to get her full attention. “Okay. So, as a recap, how should you move?”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “In zigzaaaags….”

Lucas laughed. “It’ll be challenging, but you’ll also be able to practice your aiming.”

Chloe smiled. “Thanks, guys. Sorry I had to bother you.”

“Oh, you’re fine. It’s not like I had anything else to do,” Lucas said and wiped the sweat off his forehead, before looking at his watch. It’s already 6:35 p.m., so it looked like they have been training for a while.

“Indeed,” said Cale.

“Man, I’m beat though. Let’s end it for today. Rest is equally important,” said Lucas.

“Already? But I’m not tired yet!”

Lucas smirked, eyes glinting. “You sure you wanna go again?”

Chloe grinned and backed away. “Jesus. Learn to take a joke.”

“Oh right. If you’re serious about this, I can probably help you out once a week.”

“That’s plenty, thank you! No backing out now, okay?”

***

Lucas frowned when she was gone. “So? Anything new?” he asked. He’s grown a bit impatient, wondering when the Order will make a move. “Do we just have to wait for them to do something?”

Cale shook his head. “Wait? While the enemy plans and are already making moves?”

“…What? Why would they do something this early on?” asked Lucas. He didn’t know how to explain it, but if he were to put himself in Lewisia’s boots, it probably wouldn’t be the best idea to make a move this early on in the academic year when classes just began.

He would wait for opportunities.

“A pre-emptive strike.”

“Can you like… not talk in puzzles like the Director does? What’s going on?” said Lucas. “Does it have something to do with Fia? You never really told me why you placed a tracker on her. If I recall correctly, she’s not, in any way, related to the mission.”

“I suppose it’s good that you’re not as stupid as you look. But don’t overthink about it too much. I put a tracker on her for precaution. Remember that report from the underworld? There’s a rumour that the Order recently placed a bounty on Brandon Manners.”

“Yeah. And I mean, he’s the Secretary General. He has a lot of authority, especially being the liaison between the Defense and the Society. But it’s not really that uncommon for political figures to have a bounty on their heads.”

“Think, Lucas. Think. Aside from being a political figure, who is Brandon Manners?”

And that was when Lucas realized his mishap. “The Rank 5 Awakened in the League,” he muttered. “This means those qualified to take on the bounty are going to be really powerful.”

“Yes. But that is not the problem. Now, imagine that you’re with Lewisia and you somehow wants to get to Brandon. What would you do?”

“I mean, even with powerful Rogues, it’s almost still a death-wish to try to hunt down the Black Dragon himself. So, obviously I’d find his weak…,” Lucas said with a halt, widening his eyes at Cale. “I would find his weak spots–– his family.”

“The bounty is a distraction.”

“I do know they tried to kill Brandon about a year ago. But why would they want him now?”

“Villains just don’t sit still and do nothing. Remember Master Livia said that Operation: ROLLING PANDA is an invitation. That means, Lewisia is aware that something is going on. And if it involves a relic like Victor, it’s only prudent for them to think that this something involves more than just the Academy. But to confirm that, who would be their best target to take?”

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“The second-in-command of the United Departments of Defense, and the official liaison between the Awakened and the government. Brandon Manners himself,” Lucas said seriously.

“Since Master Livia leaked the information to the underworld that the Academy now houses Victor, which was a few months ago, Lewisia had also been busy preparing.”

Lucas widened his eyes at Cale. “What should we do?”

“Suit up. We’re heading into combat,” Cale said.

“Right now? But we don’t have gears.”

“Yes, but unfortunately, we have a job to do. Fia has gone missing.”

“Wait, Fia has gone missing? Aren’t you––”

“I’ve lost her connection. But occasionally, we still get some splotchy signal on her location. She’s still in the city. But where she is isn’t the problem. It’s the situation itself.”

Lucas understood what Cale was trying to say. Considering all the information he just heard, it’s obvious someone took Fia. And if they captured her, it could only mean one thing. A hostage situation.

And a hostage situation means that whoever is behind the kidnapping also wants something. A ransom.

“You want me to go at the Defense headquarters and find Brandon, right? Because we can’t do anything since this case isn’t under SPECTRA’s jurisdiction.”

“Yes. The kidnapper should have already contacted him by now.”

“But what do you want me to tell him, anyway? The guy hates us. If you’re asking me to convince him to let us take care of Fia, I don’t think he will budge.”

“Oh, it’s more than just a conflict of jurisdiction. Brandon is among the figureheads of Operation: ROLLING PANDA. And it’s safe to say that Lewisia is aware of that.”

“Hold on. Are they blackmailing Brandon for information about ROLLING PANDA?” Lucas asked, but he swore, that even if almost indiscernible, Cale actually sighed.

“Why would they do that if they don’t know anything about ROLLING PANDA?”

“But, you said that they’re––”

“Take a guess. Lewisia may be aware that the League is up to something because of Victor, but not the specifics. But they’ve still taken the invitation and infiltrated the Academy,” Cale said. “They have limited information, so what else could it be that they would want in exchange for Fia?”

Lucas almost slapped his cheek. “They will ask Brandon for Victor in exchange for Fia’s life.”

“The answer is often the simplest, Lucas. You just have to know your enemies’ intentions,” said Cale. “But the question is, if they could just kidnap someone if they want something, then why would they have to go through all the trouble of infiltrating the Academy in the first place?”

“…They know that this won’t work.”

“That. And that there are forces in Lewisia who are working independently,” Cale said. “It’s the only explanation for how Lewisia sometimes behaves erratically. This situation is no different.”

Lucas frowned at that. “Of course… The Seven Petals of Lewisia.”

***

Meanwhile… Somewhere in a condominium in the City of Noah.

Araldas just needed to capture her alive – Fia Manners. It was simple, really. If they want the relic, then it’s better to just find something or someone to exchange for it.

It’s a far better idea than infiltrating the Academy. Why go through all the trouble of stealing something, if they could just ask for it? Thus, he scoffed at the idea.

There’s no need to overcomplicate matters.

But, he’s not too arrogant to claim that he came up with the idea of just asking for Victor, instead. No. He disregarded Niall in the past, but it was actually his idea.

With a wave, Araldas deactivated the hologram showing her profile, frowning at Niall who sat across the long table. “So? What do you want? I doubt you’re helping me out of the goodness of your heart.”

Niall slowly opened his silver eyes, his features almost as silver too. Araldas would have mistaken the boy for an Ascended, but Niall’s complexion hadn’t yet lost its warmth.

“You seek to prove yourself to her, while I wish to prove myself to my father.”

Araldas smirked. “And they told me you’re just a mindless tool to your old man. It seems I was mistaken,” he said before pouring a glass with wine and sliding it across the table to Niall. “Drink.”

The boy looked at it for a while.

“What? You don’t drink?”

“It’s not that. I’m not 18––”

Araldas clicked his tongue, interrupting the boy. Seriously? “They send us off to war, but we’re denied a sip of wine. Does that make sense to you?”

“Fair enough,” Niall said before taking a sip, his face contorting a bit with displeasure. “Thank you.”

“Your first?”

“Yes.”

Araldas stood up and moved to the window to let the wind in. He smiled as he gazed at the city below, the setting sun just barely above the skyline, showering the city with reddish gold. “You must rejoice. It is because of you that we captured her–– without even lifting a finger,” he said, shifting his gaze back to the Locksmith. “Would you join me, Niall? To meet our new–– friends?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t throw away the chance to see a Manners suffer,” said Niall.

Araldas grinned.

***

A few hours later at 8:26 p.m.

United Departments of Defense HQ…

Scott Manners had his eyes closed in contemplation, arms folded as he tapped the floor impatiently with his boots.

Scott’s brother, Brandon, may be the Defense Secretary, which means he has command over the armed forces. But they’re dealing with a hostage situation on the outskirts of Evander District–– a hostage situation involving Scott’s very own daughter, Fia. If they act recklessly, she might die.

In exchange for his daughter, the Order of Lewisia wanted Victor.

They have stooped so low as to involve a child in their war against the League!

Those pieces of shits, he thought. But the very individual they needed at the moment wasn't even present. Headmistress Livia Cara is apparently outside the Walls and outside the signal area. Where the hell even is she?! Wasn’t today the first day of classes!?

Scott took a deep breath. Not that it matters. We only have two hours left, he thought as he bit his nail. I need to save her. But how?

When no answers came to mind, “Those bastards!” he growled before slamming both his hands down, crushing the round stone table. “And are we just going to sit here and lick our thumbs?! Who the fuck even brought cookies here?! Is this a fucking picnic you incompetent bastards?!”

He looked around the room, to the three Defense officers donning Combat Frames; to the General of the Army Marius Gibson; to two of the Elders of the Manners family, Elder Dick and Elder Willie; then to Brandon, who looked stoic as ever.

And seeing that nonchalant look, Scott was tempted to reach across the table to slam his brother’s head against the pavement.

“Talk, Brandon,” said Scott. “Why the hell did the Order take my daughter?!”

Brandon remained silent, only narrowing his serpentine eyes at him.

“I said–– TALK!”

One of the Manners Elders dared to raise his voice. It’s that old bastard Elder Willie who always licks Brandon’s feet. The most sycophant of them all. What the hell are two Elders even doing here? They’re not part of the military or the UDD! “Calm down, Scott. I’m sure that Brandon––”

Scott vanished from sight, only appearing once more after a loud explosion. He now held the elder’s neck, pushing him against the ruined metal wall. A protruding bar of metal stabbed through the elder’s chest, just inches away from his heart.

“S-Scoottt… I c-can’t breathe! Let.. go!” the elder begged through hacks of blood, activating his Aura to avoid bleeding out.

The other elder, Elder Dick, called out. “What is the meaning of this, Scott?! You dare wound an elder from your own family?!”

“Scott,” Brandon finally called out. “I understand how you feel. But we must––”

At that, a dance of lightning enveloped Scott as his pupils turned red. He let go of the elder, throwing him like a ragdoll on the metal ground. Facing his own brother, he frowned. “You? Who cast away his own daughter? YOU?!”

“Enough!” Brandon said with a glare, allowing black scales to cover the entirety of his form. Partial-dragon transformation. “You’re losing yourself to the aether!”

Scott scoffed. His mind was as clear as day, save for the wrath he felt for Brandon’s indifference. How dare he accuse him of becoming a Rogue! “That’s a convenient excuse,” he said as the three Framer officers positioned themselves between Scott and Brandon, aiming their rifles at him.

But Scott just laughed at them. He has the Aspect of Lightning, an epic-grade elemental Aspect. Even if the three Framers and the Class III Elders were to work together, they won’t pose any problem to him.

The problem would be Brandon. General Marius too, but thankfully, he’s not suited up with his Combat Frame.

Shifting his gaze back to his brother, Scott’s tone was filled with quiet rage when he spoke. “Always. You always blame the aether before killing someone. To disregard your guilt. ’There was no other way. It’s the only way. It must be done’. And I grow tired of it.”

“Scott…”

“If you all choose to sit idle, then do so. But God forbid, if you get in my way––,” he said, when suddenly, an ominous presence entered the room.

Then all eyes locked at the middle of the room, with the trio of Framers shifting their rifles away from Scott, trained on a new target. Above the ruined stone table stood a black-clad figure donning a long-horned devil’s mask.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, Mr. Scott,” said the figure.

“Avernus,” Scott said with a frown, toning down the intensity of his aura in respect for a fellow Class III. Not to mention that while Avernus may be newly minted and about 20 levels lower than him, Scott has a feeling he wouldn’t be able to win. “What is a Spectra doing here?”

Avernus looked at Brandon. “To make a request of him, Defense Secretary Brandon Manners of the Unified Departments of Defense,” he said. While his words were formal, it sounded so lackadaisical and forced, as if he wasn’t in the presence of the Rank 5 of the League himself.

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***

Coming up next week on the Ring of Avernus...

“Let this be a warning, Mr. Secretary. Do not waste our time again. It is only thanks to His Excellency’s command that your niece still lives. But it’s not our job to save the princesses of those who pretend to be kings.”

And with that, Avernus vanished without a trace.