Tides Of Protomis CL(151)

Peace

What was normally a verdant forest, filled with towering plant life, and, dangerous if provoked, yet docile enough beasts, no doubt a result of the Lifeweaver’s concert of life millennia ago. It was serene, or, at the least, it used to be. A sinister appearance had taken the formerly pristine woodland, crimson fire erupted across the land, the Pungent smell of Copper, smoking wood, burning carrion, contained within armor, filled the noses of those in a concrete complex nestled between the screens. Yells and confused questions blared from the Radios, as those within, soldiers wearing the standard uniform one would expect, rapidly moved through their terminals, trying to check the maps, call for support, anything. The clear leader of this group was a man with a more ornate jacket than the rest.

“What’s the affiliation of the enemy?!” He questioned with a shout.

“Unknown sir, We know only that our enemy is a proto-human, possible Ultima-Human!” A womanly voice shouted in return. What were they to do, in a situation like this? Could they try negotiating? They knew not what their opponent wanted, they didn’t even know their name, not a word had been spoken since they arrived. Before anyone had much time to consider what the answer to this plan was, the roof above them was left with a hole, as a fair-skinned man, with a mane of golden hair, crashed into the ground below, bloodied, bruised, and a hole in his chest. Slowly, but surely, they looked above to see who caused this. The light flowing around their attacker’s body prevented them from seeing any of their features, obscuring them. Yet, a sense of dread fell upon them. Widened eyes, hairs standing on end, and sped up heartbeats. And yet, the man moved with inhuman speed, that which they could not even perceive, raising his hand, and causing a ball of flame to explode within the base, wiping out all traces of its existence, and all of those within…

Tides Of Protomis OP 7

Tokyo, CE 2019

The shima ward was home to many people, to no surprise, especially with recent developments. In the two years following the end of the Demonic Invasion, rebuilding efforts began worldwide, though, to no surprise, many countries were still locked in their conflicts. The invention of anti-gravity machines had endables much faster construction and reconstruction on earth. Though, for Obvious reasons, they were not given to the public en masse. Though, some areas were prioritized more than others. Perhaps one of the less prioritized ones, was the much quieter southern shima, where a certain youth made his home. The only bedroom was a spartan affair: a simple bed, dresser, and a desk with a pc, the holographic display of which remained on. Providing the only Microcosm of light. With the blinds and curtain alike closed, as he preferred it to be whilst he slept. Eventually, an alarm tone rang from the device which lay beside his head, the holographic display springing to life. In short time, he’d already tapped it, turning it off, it did not take long for him to throw off the covers, and stand to his feet.

Arctaius Corde had changed, in these two years, his already bulky body had grown moreso, and the same could be said of his height. Which had broken past the 6 feet mark. His features matured somewhat, and the hair on his chin had become much thicker, more noticeable. With a yawn, he began making his way toward the chair on his desk, where he usually draped his uniform. In a short time, his body was covered, and his bag slung over his shoulder. Already, he’d begun making his way out of the bedroom, and from there, the door to his apartment.

The street he walked on was more run down, partially, still ruined. But this was not too much of a surprise, after all, this was the former exclusion zone. In some way, it almost looked like a shanty town, haphazardly placed tents where the roofs had not yet been rebuilt, allowing the occupation of Apartment buildings which hadn’t yet been rebuilt. Yet, the populace of this area, by and large, much younger than one would expect the bulk of the population to be, Many waved as he walked past, which, by and large, he responded to with nods of acknowledgment. Though, one in particular, a woman who looked only a year younger than he, leaned down from the window of one of the few undamaged buildings.

“Yo, Corde! Batteries are on the Fritz again, Mind coming by later?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you!” With that, she leaned her head back into the building, while Arctaius put his gaze forth once more. The stuff being said as he walked past was clearly of a more positive tone than one would expect, Especially in comparison to his old title, the Northern Emperor, and the 10th demon pillar… Though, with no surprise, most considered himself and Jirou to be competing for the 1st spot, by now, that much was said even before the demons had appeared… Though, despite the impact that the battles in that realm had obviously had on him, in some way, they had begun to fade into the past, other things had come to the forefront. Preparing to make his exit from that building he’d… Sometimes gone to, the past three years. He wasn’t disappearing from his classes nearly as frequently, now, at the least. Though, that annoying English teacher was certainly a reason. The reason he felt the need to constantly drill that more effort needed to come from a native speaker, he never understood.

“Still, though, who thought that what I gained from how to sabotage the AR’s gear would let me do just the opposite.”

Indeed, apparently, learning how to disable machinery gave you some knowledge on how it worked, and what was wrong with it. This much let him get himself a lucrative position overall, unfortunately. He found himself thanking that his school wasn’t one of those who banned their students from working part-time.. Though, even if they had, he doubtlessly would have ignored such warnings. The people in his current community, they didn’t pay for his services, it's not like they all had much. If they did, they wouldn’t be living there, after all. Some happened to fall between the cracks it seemed. As he continued walking, he eventually felt some familiar proto-humans approach him.

The three who approached him had come to consider them friends, but this was no surprise, given the battles they’d fought together. The 4 tides had come to be known as a famous group, as had the Terran 8, their allies. Only reinforcing what many had already believed about the relative strength those of the current generation held. The leftmost one had grown taller in the past years, not as much as his compatriots, but closer to the average nontheless.The Golden strands on his head now more resembled a mane, draping over his shoulders, onto his upper back. Though he’d clearly aged, if a bit, he was clean shaven, a personal choice. Though, the same could not be said for the one at his side, who shared Arctaius’ strong build. His hair had taken on a more wild appearance, a newer style he’d taken to trying out.. In common fashion, he’d already stepped forward, the two extending their fists, and bumping them together. While the third to approach, had his face unseen, his mind focused upon the script upon the book in front of him, one which contained one of his faith’s many Sutras. Which was no surprise, considering his scholarly roots. Though, eventually, the book fell, revealing a matured, if hairless visage, having joined Alarick in forgoing facial hair, Zhao Lei, joined as well.

“Taius! Are you ready for another day at north shima high?!” Yet, this question only gained raised eyebrows from the youth.

“Since when have you been so excited to go to school, Kaz?” He didn’t get his answer, immediately, at least, what came first was a smirk, as he stepped closer, throwing an arm around his shoulders.

“What, I didn’t tell you? Junko’s moving to our school?”

“What difference does that make, you two basically see eachother everyday, don’t you?”

Before long, the group had already begun walking down the street once more. Though gaining some stray glances from those who didn’t frequent this area, to most of the denizens of the former exclusion zone, these four were a common site, as was their exchanges a common source of entertainment.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“Well, look at it like this- That just means we can see each other more, without as much effort. Its way different”

“We can fly, Kazimir, quickly enough to go back and forth too… Besides, do you really want that? Especially considering what happened in the locker room, the Second Hot Towel Inci-”

“Do NOT mention that!” While one among them, Zhao, chuckled lightly at the exchange, he certainly had heard what happened through the grapevine, he was certainly glad that he did not share their gym class that year. One among them seemed to pay the discussion any mind, as he looked off into the distance. The site of an apparent building repair, the very audible hum of the anti-gravity devices which had come into use, and the sound of the moving machinery from the HCU’s, Smaller Versions of the Military's Humanoid Armor Units, which were commonly used in construction. Especially with them being able to be made cheaply enough. This made him think back to the battles they'd fought, and it didn’t take long for the blonde to begin speaking on a whim.

“Reconstruction seems to be going well… If we keep our training up, we can be sure to take care of any threats long before they get close enough to do that kind of damage.” Zhao nodded at this, as he closed the book he was formerly reading.

“Indeed. I’d say we’ve far surpassed Maleggan, and perhaps, we’ve even managed to reach an equal level of power to THOSE two, Ardam and Tiyamura.” Two names which still held much power, as far as they knew, the strongest proto-humans history had ever produced. Both capable of reducing earth to debris floating unto the void, though only one of the two would consider doing so. At the least, there was no doubt to Ardam being dead, arctaius certainly wouldn't be happy if he’d somehow managed to survive getting pushed into the sun. The four’s conversation continued as they walked through areas of the city, which had looked significantly less like they were in disrepair, the streets becoming more and more crowded. the density one would expect in the Shima ward, or rather, Tokyo as a whole. But they’d continued unabated, until the stone walls, and gate which led to North shima high had come into view. As they arrived, the four did naught but nod at each other, as they split, A silent agreement to meet at their usual spot later on. Arctaius continued to make his way through the school, mostly, ignored, though his height and build were anything but common. His glass, 3-B, lay in wait at the top of the stairs he’d ascended.

As he sat in his seat, he simply waited for the class to fill in, faces he at least knew, given he’d gone to school with them the past 3 years, though, the most familiar was Asami, who sat across the room… After some delay, a stocky man with a head of blue hair strolled into the room, walking in front of the board at the very front, swiping his hand and bringing up a holographic projection. The sensei known as Miyahira Toshiyuki was mostly considered a man of few words. Though, when a few certain students were involved, this changed with enough poking and prodding.

“Now then… Given where you are all now. I’d say it's time for you all to begin looking toward universities. Out of this class, with a show of hands, who has considered that choice?” Most of the hands within the room were raised, but one had not, that of Arctaius Corde. Something which the teacher had noted immediately.

“Oh… Corde? You aren’t planning to continue your education after this?”

“Indeed, I’m not…” This one again… He’d heard of him being an annoyance from Gouto, but he took it in stride, knowing how he usually was with the students, though, as he saw it, he was nowhere near similar.

“And why not? It could only prove to be beneficial, for you.”

“The skills I have now will be more than sufficient for supporting myself… Even if I wasn't educated for that purpose specifically, I know how to work with machines.”

“However. One could take themselves higher with-”

“What knowledge do they have that I do not have already, is my question…” Again with this one… Though Arctaius seemed satisfied by the result of his words, given the building annoyance on the teacher’s face, a disapproving look from Asami was what caused Arctaius to drop the subject entirely. Time continued to pass following this, and the Four tides eventually reunited, in their same meeting spot as always, the roof they, by all means, were not supposed to be on, though that fact was ignored, at this point, though, a notable addition was with their group, the recently enrolled Junko Miyamoto.

“So… You guys hear about what’s been happening with… Them, lately?” Junko queried. Given the disdain in which she spoke, and how much they knew of current events, the answer came to Kazimir almost immediately,

“Those purists, right?” Kazimir questioned. Arctaius took a bite out of the onigiri on his chopsticks… Undoubtedly, not made by himself, if his cooking track record was anything to go by.

“They’ve been getting bolder lately, eh?” He took another bite.

“Yeah… Volker since had those statements about us rescinded, especially the section about me being the cause of the barrier between worlds breaking, and yet…” The subject of the purists was always a tender one, in no small part due to her parent’s beliefs. She knew not where they were, after all, to her, there was no reason for them to stay in contact. Most likely, it was better that way. Though, as Kaizimir noted the change in her expression, he silently put a hand on her shoulder.Zhao closed his book, as he began to chime in.

“The fact that the Kaemerge’s high ranks were almost entirely proto-human certainly hasn’t helped in that regard… At this point, one has to question just how deep this goes. Is there somebody working to embolden them, somewhere?” The group sat in silence as they pondered this. This was yet another case they knew very little about, it wasn’t as if they were connected with any outspoken purists, for obvious reasons. Eventually, Junko collected herself, and offered her own view.

“We don’t have enough information at this point, but it's possible… Right now, however, they don’t look to be enough of a threat to worry about, but we shouldn’t take our eyes off them completely. We’re well known figures now, especially after we gained that “Terran 8” Moniker.” Nods and grunts of agreement came from the others. Arctaius looked up to a nearby clock, though who had put it there was unknown to him, noting the time.

“Break’s over, it seems.. See you guys.” With nothing more to say, he began descending the stairs. His heavy footsteps were audible to those below, two of his other companions stood, Yudei and Asami..

“On the roof as usual, Taius’?” Asami questioned.

“Of course, Asami…”

“I at least caught the tail end of your conversation. Purists, huh?” Arctaius only nodded in response, while Yudei placed his hand on his chin in thought.

“Well, all i can say Is I hope nothing happens, things have been pretty calm around Shima, lately… Kind of want to keep it that way. They’re saying I might go straight up to an officer when I enlist.” Yudei’s decision to train to be an HAU pilot wasn’t an expected one, but one that he’d kept up with regardless. If he couldn’t fight as a proto-human, then there were other ways to defend the people around him. At the least, his parents weren’t acting disapprovingly about it anymore. Eventually, they all began to walk off, speaking all the while.

…

As the school day ended, and the group split up once more, Arctaius had arrived in his home once more, and grabbed his box of tools. His travels brought him all the way to Masatoyo, A more… Upscale, area to say the least. The job was simple enough, fixing some messed up wiring. Arctaius’ hands moved with surgical precision, as he felt for the damaged sections, and began to disconnect them. In a short time, new wires had already been removed from his toolbox. As he started to thread, and connect them, the son of the apparent owner, began to make his way toward him. The young boy looked not a day older than 13, with long flowing hair. This wasn’t the first time he’d worked with this client, but regardless, the boy always seemed to look at him with admiration.

“Corde-Taisho! I’ve developed my proto-human abilities more! I may even be strong enough to fight like you one day!”

The child, who confusingly referred to him as General, was a proto-human as well. How he unlocked his abilities, he did not know. The prospect of him even having people look up to him was still a Bizarre one…

“Just keep at it, Takehiko… You’ll get there eventually.”

“Right!” While he continued with his work, the boy continued to talk to him as he normally did, in one of the skyscrapers which lined Masatoyo, much larger than Shima’s by no small extent. Cloth of gray flew in the wind, as the sound of boots hitting the concrete on the roof became audible. In his hand, was a communicator, the holographic display came to life, as he tapped the side.

“The target has been sighted, Arbitrator General…” The man began to drag his hand over his hood, removing it. A head of wild green hair, and orbs of crimson…

“Good… I give you full control over your next course of action, just make sure that he dies… Irio Chanim.”

To Be Continued

つづく

Tides Of Protomis ED 14

Purism - The Belief in which all proto-humans are a separate species from the rest of humanity, and that there should only be one, as such, proto-humans are referred to as the “Impure”. and a danger to the world, though the extremeness, and high wide reaching these statements are, as well as what should be done with them. One who is considered to be the modern of Father Purism, is the late Punit Palta, who formed the Paltist School of thought.