Tatsuo Masanori's Story

Lawless Period - 75th Year, High Noon

A small unit comprising of five soldiers arrived at a tribal village deep within the forest. Their arrival was late, as the village already lay in ruins, with the bodies of the people strewn all over the place. Whilst the weak of heart and stomach would have fled the scene of horror, these soldiers have numbed up to it over time. Yes, in a sense, this was just another day for them--save for one.

"Ezekiel, Durant... search the perimeters for any survivors. Joshua and Jeremiah, you two are in charge of keeping an eye out for any incoming attack, Chrysalis and Spectral alike." A woman orders her members sternly though, try as she might, there's no denying the hint of sadness and irritation in her voice. The soldiers did as they were told. Now alone, Rasiel inspected every detail of the massacre.

"Judging by their appearances, they were most likely sleeping when the Chrysalis attacked." She took note of the unarmored state of some of the tribal warriors. Her eyes glanced to the improvised outer wall which surrounded the village. Being made of reeds and straw, it was safe to assume that even a Strain 1 could've knocked it down. However, one detail was off. "Strangely enough, the walls do not have even a scratch on them. Which means to say--" She glanced at the gate they came through. "Someone let these monsters in. Someone from inside the village probably."

She walked up to the chieftain's hut and headed into the darkness of the abode. The light from outside penetrates through the cracks so Rasiel loosened a partition to allow more light to pass through. With the better illumination, more of the detail was revealed. Her attention was drawn to a suspicious book, as opposed to the rotting body that held it, and the sword that delivered the fatal blow.

"I'm sorry but, I'll be taking this." Rasiel uttered a short prayer before taking the book off the corpse's hands. Upon doing so, the corpse's hand dropped down, allowing Rasiel to spot more details on the sword. With it, she took the blade as well and held it to her eye.

"This is--Lucrezian steel? What's it doing in this place?" With the sudden discovery, it felt as if the room dropped temperature by a few notches. Cold beads of sweat broke out from her body as she wondered. Were this the implications of something big that was about to happen? She couldn't say for sure.

"I'll need to have this sword checked by a blacksmith I know. Then, I'll read this book. For now--" She fastened both items on her belt and took out her claymore, taking steps back until she was outside--out in the world of light.
"I know you've been watching me! Get out here and show yourself!" She challenged the presence she felt in this lone, miserable village.

"Last sword for the day..."
Watching as the other man thanked him and left with the repaired blade, the blacksmith was finally able to breathe easy. A glance at the outside from the window alerted him- the sun was slowly retracting back into the sky, rays turning crimson. Reaching up, Tatsuo pulled down the shutters of his workshop- it was closing time. As he did, his eyes once again fixated themselves on the black and orange claw of his left arm- the Overbreak, as he had nicknamed it.

Scenes flashed through his mind for a few moments as he continued to stare at his claw before sighing. It was no time to sit down and think of how he lost his arm and replaced it with this. Besides, he had to check up on his stock of materials. Walking away from the shutters, armored shoes clanging against the floor, he headed soon to his forge again. "Hm...I guess this can last me another day of forging before I have to gather materials again..." Unknowingly, as he thought to himself, he had glanced at the window again. "...I seem to have closed rather early today..." It would be foolish if he would to close down the workshop only to return moments later and open it again. Besides, it was sunset.

The problem was, he had nothing much to do now. He could polish some of the newly-made blades, but he didn't really feel like sitting down to simply polish blades until he had to rest. He could tweak the Overbreak a little, but it was still his arm, after all...with a sigh, he grabbed a sword off one of the racks of weapons along the workshop, sheathing it, then heading for the door. Might as well move around a bit.

As the man got on, Rasiel and her unit sped away, lest the Chrysalis returns to finish the kill. Traveling through the thickness of the forest, the man continued his tale.

"Like I was trying to explain. I am not from the village, I was their friend though. My home is, was, all of this."

Rasiel nodded, still keeping an eye out at the surroundings and the sky. The stun still shone somewhat. They do have some time left. "Must be difficult--watching them die. The Chrysalis don't have any shred of morality in them--" Rasiel stopped herself. She wasn't sure of what she said.

"Robin is alone. I wanted to live where people are, and thought friends would welcome me in. I was wrong when I saw the carnage. I comforted a young woman though, as she died. She didn't know who let them in. She didn't know why they came, questioned our existence now in the world. Then she went to sleep. Robin was alone. Are we going to your village?"

"Guess I was right. Someone let them inside." The man appeared to be finished. From what he told her, Rasiel found out that the man, Robin was not a native of the village, he seems to have been living far away from civilization, judging from the apparent loneliness and there were some people who are conspiring against mankind by letting the Chrysalis in their villages. As for the last question--

"In a way, yes. But, this is no ordinary village--" Rasiel pointed to the large walls that surrounded the fortress city. They had now entered Lucrezia's territory. "This is my city. The fortress city of Kyriaken." Entering the gates, the large castle towered over the streets. From a foreigner's perspective, it was quite a sight to behold. "And that's the Conclave. The castle of King Ignatius III right at the heart of the city. Collectively, this territory is known as the Kingdom of Lucrezia."

---

The unit alighted from their horses, with Rasiel assisting Robin down. They were greeted by the other soldiers who took the horses back to their stables.
"Let me guess? Bad news?" One of them asked.
"Ill. The whole village was massacred--" Rasiel showed Robin to the troops. "We were fortunate enough to rescue one survivor. At the very least."

"Then it isn't too much of a job well done now, is it?" The warriors hushed down as the deep voice of a man called out to them. They glanced to the right where a well-dressed man walked towards them, accompanied by two, fully armored knights to act as bodyguards. He gave Robin a cursory glance before addressing the unit again.

"Your expeditions have been very disappointing as of late. For four expeditions now, you have all failed to rescue any village, each time coming back with two or one survivors. Like this unfortunate lad."

"Lord Barbarossa, there is little we can do with only five of us." Rasiel explained. "If only we could receive additional manpower to station troops near the vicinity of the tribes then maybe--"

"Do I have to explain again why we do not have the ability to do as you request?"

"No my Lord. You've made that point perfectly clear last meeting." Rasiel's voice started trailing off.

"Regardless, the officials share some of the blame for giving these assignments to you on a moment's notice." The man walked towards Robin, along with his guard. "I will take over here. The Council would probably like to hear what went on in that village. You people are to resume your regular duties."

"Yes, my Lord." The Knights answered in unison. After that sermon, Rasiel remembered the sword she brought back. There was one blacksmith who probably has the ability to know where it came from. "That oriental...Tatsuo Masanori. I have to find him." Rasiel headed to town to find the man in question.

---

"You probably had a rough day. Come, we'll get you all settled. Then, the Council would like to hear what happened from you. There is also the matter on discussing what to do with you." Avicebron paused for a bit to observe the slowly setting sun.

"Assuming you want to stay in this city, of course."

As Rasiel scoured the streets for any sign of Tatsuo, a blacksmith hailing possibly hailing from the oriental regions based on his name, she met with a familiar face.

"Raziel..." Another Knight approached her.

"Lucas Wolen..." She recognized him. Stopping for a bit, she listened to what he has to say.

"What should we do? We can't keep on going like this."

"You're correct but, with the way things are going now..." Rasiel hesitated for a bit, thinking if it was proper for her to offer her own interpretation of Lord Avicebron's words. "It's possible that they may stop sending out expeditions to look for survivors and instead, focus on building up our defenses."

"But anyway--" Rasiel took out the sword she found and showed it to Lucas. "You are familiar with Masanori Tatsuo right? Do you know where he could've gone? There are some matters we need to discuss."

---

"Fortune has nothing to do with survival, or death."

"I see. Still, it is quite the mystery on how you managed to survive while the others didn't. Fate may be more fond of you than what you originally think." Nevertheless, Avicebron was slightly impressed. Still, whether or not he would be either a hindrance or an asset to his agenda is still shadowed by doubt. He asked him whether he wanted to stay or not.

"I stay. My intentions are to be with humanity."

"Very well. Then let us head to the Council." The Council were the meetings were held are situated in a more, modest looking infrastructure as compared to the grand castle. It is so that it can be disguised and wouldn't be so susceptible to enemy attacks. Now, with the emergence of the Chrysalis, not even camouflage lasts for long. To head on there, one would have to climb a keep that offers another view of the defensive wall.

"Tarry a little." Avicebron motions for his escorts to wait. Turning to Robin, he poised another question. "You've only just arrived but, allow me to ask: What do you think of this city?" He pointed to the people moving on about their daily lives, as if there weren't any threat of the Chrysalis coming in to strike.

"This is the humanity that thrives here. Most of them do not seem to care about threats nor looking for survivors. But I digress. They are ordinary citizenry making an honest living after all. Unlike the girl who rescued you--" Avicebron signals them to resume walking. After a few more flights of stairs, they reached the large door of the council proceedings.

"The Knights fight long and hard, all day and all night yet the people do not seem to even acknowledge their efforts. Honestly, I find it quite useless. Chivalry fails to save anyone these lawless days. You saw it with your own eyes, how their unit arrived to late to save your friends." Avicebron waited for his response, before opening the doors.

This man was giving Robin a first impression that seemed rather shady. If this man rubbed him wrong any further he'd have to start growling and snarling to make him stop yapping. Yet, he was forced to follow this man to this Council. He did not know who or what the council is. But as far as Robin was concerned, if the council was much like this man, he'd have a hard time communicating with the officials of this town.

The man made his entourage stop and made him look around and ask what he thought of the city, "Fascinating." he stated honestly. He would not give him a sentence. He'd give him a word. No more, no less. He then watched the strange man, listening to his speech about the people and the differences between them.

He then gave a verbal jab at Rasiel as he followed him to the doors. He then had the nerve to say the Knights are simply failing in their duties. That did it. Robin glared and growled at the man. "Watch your tone." he snarled, his left hand curling to a claw like fist, "Do not speak as if they were responsible for the deaths of my friends, nor dismiss the Knights as useless in their goals. They're doing their best to protect the people within it, as well as save those outside your little town, coin and all. And I'm sure other people within this city care for their safety as well."

His right hand gripped the handle of his Katana, his eyes not leaving the man's, dark Grey eyes and white pupils boring into him. "This is a warning. Do not prevent them from trying again. There are more villages. More people out there. You abandon them, and I will have a stern talk with you. On the grave of my fathers in the Northern Mountains I swear it."

He breathed deeply, his hands relaxing. He simply wanted to defend Rasiel's honor, proving to himself that she was possibly becoming a friend in his mind. This man however, trod upon the death of his friends like it was nothing. "If you are trying to win my Loyalty, or friendship, you are far from it. Are we visiting your Council or not?"

-----

Liandra was walking towards the Blacksmith's wondering if she should give him her offer of joining her on patrol for a little bit for the evening, to not be alone for the night. She'll have to plot her route for the next time she layed out traps as the Chrysalis were rumored to be more active recently. Something must've happened to stir them up again. She then noticed two Knights of Lucrezia nearing the Blacksmith's area.

"What are they doing in this part of town??" She wondered to herself as she pondered also what Eliza, her sister, is dreaming of tonight. She decided to hang back a bit and watch the Knights and see what they were up to.

"Alright, so that stroll yielded no fruit..."
Tatsuo let out a sigh as he started to head back to his workshop. Orange eyes looking up at the path, he managed to make out the forms of two knights just near his workshop. Looking closer, it seemed that the Leader of the Ashen Dragoon Unit was one of the said knights. Seeing her there made Tatsuo furrow his eyebrows- "Didn't they go on an expedition earlier? Maybe they brought back something?" He stopped for a while, pondering to himself as to why would these two knights who had just went on an expedition earlier would be there. At his workshop. Of all places. Just then, he saw the red-haired knight take out a sword, speaking to the other knight.

"...Yes, they brought something back for sure.'

Soon enough, Tatsuo started to move over to the two, approaching steadily as he looked over the two knights. "You two...is there anything I can help you with?" His orange eyes darted briefly to the sword in the female knight's hands, before he focused his gaze back on the both of them.

"Do not speak as if they were responsible for the deaths of my friends, nor dismiss the Knights as useless in their goals. They're doing their best to protect the people within it, as well as save those outside your little town, coin and all. And I'm sure other people within this city care for their safety as well."

"Impressive. First that I've seen among the refugees who've already formed an opinion of this city. However--" Avicebron thought. He was used to this kind of perception.

"If you are trying to win my Loyalty, or friendship, you are far from it. Are we visiting your Council or not?"

"Hmmm...I do not believe in such feeble bonds. Do not lump me in with those Knights below." With that said, Avicebron opened the doors to the Council and led Robin inside. "This is the survivor that the 3rd Unit rescued from the recent excursion. I am done with my own interrogation, feel free to ask him whatever you want." With his presence no longer needed, the man turned away, leaving Robin in the hands of the Council.

"Please forgive his bluntness." A priestess motioned for Robin to sit down. A higher ranking Knight started his interrogation. "Now, this intelligence was already reviewed but, I would like to hear confirmation from you. Was the attack really due to an inside job?"

Another lord asked as well. "If it was then, have you seen anybody suspicious roaming around the village in the past couple of days?"

---

"You two...is there anything I can help you with?"

"Masanori Tatsuo..." Rasiel gave a greeting bow, imploring Lucas to do the same. "I'll get straight to the point--" Rasiel handed him the sword she retrieved from the village. It bore the crest of Lucrezia, implying that it must have come from this city.

"Do you know who manufactured this sword?"

Robin was unamused by the man's reaction. He thought he would growl at him as well but instead passed him on to the council like a boy passing a ball to someone else. He walked into the room, and listened to the people. "I wouldn't call that man's interrogation one of bluntness." he commented as he was indicated to sit in a chair in front of the people present in this council.

He was then given two questions in one. The village did have visitors. Often people willing to trade with them and other things, but rarely a guest. Robin only nodded. "I will not repeat the answer I told. Yes, my friends were killed due to someone letting them inside. I do not know if anyone was suspicious or no. My friends offered to let me live with them two nights before, and I willingly accepted that with kindness. I have lived alone for years, in the woods."

He sighed. "Yesterday, before I was out hunting for the village to find something to celebrate my welcome, I did notice they had a guest, but i could not see their face. Later in the night as I was on my way back from the hunt, I noticed the Chrysalis near the village. One came for me and I had no choice but to lure that one away and fight it. We battled till dawn. Then, an hour before noon I returned. I went to find one of my friends, a young woman my age. She told me what I have told you. The Chrysalis were let in. She then went to sleep, and never woke up. That is all I know."

---

Liandra saw the blacksmith return and the Knights talking to him about a sword they brought to him, she wondered about it too. It looked like any other standard Lucrezian blade. Her mind wrapped around it, puzzled why they'd talk about a local blade. She looked about the village, keeping her eyes peeled for any trouble.

"I suppose my offer to take a small break from his job will have to wait." She thought with a sigh as she walked to a bench nearby and sat, observing the discussion with curious silver eyes.

"It would seem as if he is not yet used to interrogations like this. Why not let him rest for now?" The priestess suggested to the other members of the Council. The older Knight simply shrugged.

"All right but, a couple of things first. We also need to discuss how he plans on staying." The older Knight turned to Robin. "As you've seen when you arrived here, this is a rather bustling and busy city. Almost everyone here is employed; whether they be part of a guild or an individual business. We also provide this opportunity to refugees who choose to stay. So, are there any particular skills you have that will allow you to do so? In that way, it will be much easier for you to start a new life here?"

"You said he fought a Chrysalis...Would you perhaps be interested in becoming a Knight of--" The priestess was about to suggest but, the older Knight cut her off.

"That path may indeed be open but, this is not the place to discuss it here. You'll have to take it up with the main unit."

"I understand. Then shall we tell him about the Spec--"

"I don't think it is not the proper time to discuss that yet. There are still many unconfirmed information." Once all other concerns were settled, the older Knight turned to Robin. "So, how do you plan to spend your stay here?"

---

Avicebron descended towards the lower levels of the High Council--to where the unconfirmed reports are screened before being added to the Archives. He motioned to his guards to stop by the entrance as he goes inside. Digging through the recent findings, he sought out one particular document. Upon finding it, he went over to a study desk and read it.

Ashen Dragoon's Third Excursion - 75th Year
A joint effort was carried out by the 1st, 3rd and 5th units to provide assistance to an outpost near the boundaries of the Principality of Insalaum, the other surviving city. Their unit were vastly outnumbered, barricading themselves in the keep to prevent further casualties. The operation could be considered a success but, there were some "irregularities" in the mission.

As they fought side by side with the Knights of Insalaum, some soldiers were apparently attacked by other people, using projectiles and dark magic arts. It is not too surprising that there would be opposition from some tribal people who viewed the Chrysalis as gods but, after the battle, they were astonished to find weapons in the hands of the rebels. Weapons that were manufactured in the forges of Insalaum and Lucrezia alike--

Avicebron glanced around, to see if anyone else was in the room. Upon finding no one, he grasped the paper tightly in his hand and walked over to a small depression in the wall being used as a sewer, in case of flooding. Muttering some quiet words to himself, the report soon burst into quiet flames, leaving only ash behind. Satisfied, he left the storage, his Knights following closely behind.

---

As Rasiel waited for Tatsuo's verdict, a Knight on horseback came towards them. Recognizing it as Jeremiah from her unit, she also saw that he had news to give.

"Hey! The Chrysalis are spotted running this way. The gates have been closed and archers have been put into position."

"They may try to scale the wall again. Lucas, head on there with your unit and be ready to provide assistance in case they arrive. How many?"

"Three packs. Combined, they number at least thirty." As Jeremiah was about to head off, he asked Rasiel. "Aren't you coming along?"

"Is there a need for me to?"

"Guess not. We've fend of larger numbers than these before. I'm sure we'll be fine." Jeremiah laughed as he headed on, motioning for Lucas to follow him.

"Good hunting Sir Jeremiah and Sir Wolen."

Tatsuo studied the blade, furrowing his eyebrows in concentration. Not only did it have the crest of Lucrezia- it was, he noticed, of the same steel as that of the Knights' equipment. Chrysalis, he heard, had attacked again- but he had to focus. Looking on at the blade, he studied the hilt, the blade, the shaping...orange eyes narrowed.
"This was a sword I made and sold a long time ago..."

He looked up, and frowned.
"The blade was made by me, but I sold it off to someone a long time ago. Unfortunately, I cannot remember who exactly bought it..."

"This was a sword I made and sold a long time ago..."

"I see. You can recognize it." The answer was a bit natural and Rasiel wasn't exactly surprised. She wondered about this sense though. They say that blacksmiths have a greater understanding of these weapons than those who wield them. Same case in this situation. If only--

"The blade was made by me, but I sold it off to someone a long time ago. Unfortunately, I cannot remember who exactly bought it..."

"Ah, I'm not suspecting anyone yet. I was just surprised when I found it in the most unexpected location. This--" Rasiel paused for a bit as the cries of the Chrysalis echoed in the night. "--was found stuck on who I believe was the gatekeeper of the village we went to."

An odd feeling swept over the female Knight as she uttered the words. It was as if the temperature suddenly dropped a few degrees, sending unexpected chills down her spine. Leaning closer to the blacksmith, she whispered: "I think it's best to end this conversation here. I feel like I'm stumbling into a place where I'm not welcome. It's only a matter of how deep I've already gone. And--" She glanced around to make sure no one was listening in to their conversation. "Sorry. I don't want to involve others but, will you please keep the sword? I think it would come in handy later on and, it might not be safe for both of us if I'm the one who'll continue holding it. Take it to your storage without being seen."

From afar, Rasiel spotted a woman who had been watching them for a while now. Judging from her clothing, she must be a Hunter. Rasiel was familiar with the blacksmiths, as she always comes to them for maintenance but, rarely does she interact with their kind. "Did you close shop early?" Rasiel asked Tatsuo as she pointed to the woman. "It seems you have someone waiting for you."

Robin pondered for a long time about what was asked of him. His eyes briefly brightened about the job with the Knights. He could be closer to Rasiel then! He was more used to her then anyone else at the moment. They were talking of something else but someone cut them off at that, that that offer is pending investigations.

"I have reached a decision. I wish to join the Knights. I will want to contact someone about joining them. I want to fight to make sure no one outside this wall suffers my friend's fate." Robin stated as he stood up from his chair.

---

Liandra eavesdropped, wondering why they were talking about a local sword. She was then spotted by the knight, she knew she'd get into an embarrassing situation. She got up and walked to the two calmly. "Sorry for eavesdropping, I came to ask the blacksmith if he wished to keep me company for my voluntary patrol around town. But if he's busy then I'll understand. She silently began to walk away. "Have a pleasant evening, Commander."

"Sorry for eavesdropping, I came to ask the blacksmith if he wished to keep me company for my voluntary patrol around town. But if he's busy then I'll understand." The Huntress explained what her presence was about. A bit of relief spread through Rasiel but, she still felt the need to exercise caution.

"Have a pleasant evening, Commander."

"Tarry a little." Rasiel called out to the huntress. "I'm already done with my concern with him. If he is willing to come around then, it would be alright." She gave a slight bow to the two before heading on her way. "I wish you a good hunt."

Rasiel returned near the gates to see what has transpired. Some of the Chrysalis managed to get up and almost got through the walls, if not for their unit that was stationed there. Fortunately, they managed to prevent casualties both on the civilian side and their own. They did have some injuries though.

"How many wounded?" Rasiel asked Jeremiah who had just returned.

"Fifteen men are injured, two of which needs serious medical treatment." Jeremiah pointed to two boys being hauled over to the nearest infirmary. "They'll pull through. Well, we're at least triumphant for the day." Jeremiah resigned. He spotted that Rasiel had already started writing the report, on a piece of parchment and ink she asked to be brought over.

"Hey now, you're not really going to state that we had a total of fifteen injuries now are you?"

"Accuracy is important when it comes to writing these things. Otherwise, a wrong piece of information might put our Kingdom's stability at risk."

"Well, that's true but, won't 'Bron tear you a new one if he finds out?"

"...That's true. But, what are you suggesting?"

"Come on! We're not going to falsify the information. All we'll do is downplay it a bit. You know, say, only ten or seven were injured?"

"That's!--"

"It's not like we'll feel bad about it. Right guys?" Jeremiah called out to all other soldiers who fought. All of them cheered on. "See? Everyone agrees."

Rasiel thought for a bit. A faint smile formed on her lips as she politely gave in. "Alright, you guys win. I'll say only ten were injured." With the task done, the remaining Knights dispersed for the day. Normally, they would've gone drinking but, since it was already evening, they just opted to head home and rest. Still not done, Rasiel walked to the submissions area below the High Council, taking a glance at the stars as she did.

"I suppose, we do deserve a bit of credit for our jobs."

---

"I have reached a decision. I wish to join the Knights. I will want to contact someone about joining them. I want to fight to make sure no one outside this wall suffers my friend's fate."

"I see." The older Knight rose up and dismissed the other members. "This is not the place where you can get the proper clearance for it. You'll have to see a unit leader who can endorse you to the main unit. Then follows your training." The older Knight peered out the window for the moment before turning back to Robin.

"Since you've already met her, why don't you take it up with Rasiel Seraphiel of the Ashen Dragoon Unit? Though it is already evening so, you probably won't be able to apply until the morning. There's a refugee area near the market place where you can stay. Most of our refugees have already settled permanently so, don't expect to find a lot of people there right now. Maybe two or three more. Well, at least it isn't crowded." He gave Robin a map of the city so he won't get lost.

"Then this meeting is dismissed. You may go."

Liandra paused and turned her head, silently nodding her head at the woman's suggestion. "Have a good evening to you then. Well Blacksmith, think you could keep a woman company during her walk?"

---

Robin nodded and looked at the map as he walked out of the room and headed out of the building to find the refugee Area. Once he memorized some of the map, he rolled it up and tied it around his sheath to keep it near him at all costs. He then began heading towards the refugee area, but he thought for a moment he saw Rasiel and opted to talk to her about him signing up.

"No, better wait till morning." he thought. He didn't want to sound too forward or too nervous when he told her. He resumed walking to the refugee area, where he'd hoped to find sleep.

----

Outside the wall, near a forest that laid just a few miles away from the city, a woman was looking at it through a dark cloak. She scowled silently at those walls. How she didn't like those walls at times. One day she would enter in that city, and take her rightful place to cause a great change in the world, and shape the future in her image. But for now, she had other issues.

"Those Knights took a survivor it seems. I shall have to meet him soon, and put an end to his life before he ruins my fun.~" she said to herself with a smile. But no matter, she had another village to punish for not joining her cause. She'll have to be more thorough this time though, ensuring that she stayed at the village after the Chrysalis were done and pick off survivors. "Serena Begarde will have her throne one day. But I will have to build up my forces, bit by solid bit."

She looked at her Crystal and smiled. If she wanted more information on this survivor later, she knew just who to contact.

Tatsuo looked over. The Moonlight Huntress, as this woman was called. Well, technically, he had nothing much to do, and he had already closed up shop anyway...the blacksmith rubbed at the back of his head. "I suppose I have some time off. Alright then."

---

"So they finally left..."
Within the ruins of the village, green eyes watched through the thickness of the trees. Soon enough, a girl stepped out, looking about her warily before letting out a sigh. "And I actually thought that prank wouldn't be all that lethal...hm, well, the Chrysalis are indiscriminate after all..." Two black skulls followed behind the girl as she spun around to grin at them. "You think so too, don't you?"

Milleina walked around, glancing around the huts. Maybe these huts- or at least, the remains of the huts, she giggled to herself- had something she could use in them.

Liandra gave a faint smile at Tatsuo's agreement to walk with her and began to walk around her assigned route along the section of the city that held her home and the Blacksmith's workplace, and several other establishments, then finally the borderline of the refugee area. It was a job for most volunteers watchmen. An hour or two of their time during the evening hours.

"So, how's the business going Blacksmith?" She asked. She would listen to his reply and nod. "My leathers have been selling well. So in case you need a leather wrap for a sword or axe handle, come by my shack."

She looked around the border of the refugee Area, watching a young individual find a building to go to rest for the night. Her silver eyes softened a bit as her memory of her mother's death along with most of her siblings save for Eliza occurred. "Do you pity those who survive attacks from Chrysalis or Spectrals blacksmith?"

"So, how's the business going Blacksmith?"
"Smoothly enough, I guess- if you count getting a lot more weapon repair requests than usual..." Tatsuo rubbed at the back of his neck with his right arm.
"My leathers have been selling well. So in case you need a leather wrap for a sword or axe handle, come by my shack."
"Alright, I'll be sure to note that down."

Orange eyes darted in the direction of a young man. From earlier, he heard that the Ashen Dragoon unit managed to bring back a survivor from their expedition- perhaps this man was the survivor? The Huntress's voice cut through his thoughts though.
"Do you pity those who survive attacks from Chrysalis or Spectrals blacksmith?"
"Hm...well, I can sympathize with them. To have lived through an attack like that...it must get lonely to be the only survivor when everyone else is dead. Being a retired knight gives you some sympathy for those who managed to survive after all..."

Liandra could only nod at her current companion about the sympathy of it. "I suppose so. It seems all the survivors can do is move forward no matter the costs though. It's saddening to force yourself to move on. And yes, being a former knight does help, but I could never be a knight. I'm simply a Huntress."

She gives Tatsuo a small smile and notes the current time of the evening by the moonlight as she sighs. "Well, night is coming on, and my shift will end soon, and I have a sister to tend with. Goddess watch over you and your evening tonight, Mr. Masanori" with that statement she walked back the way she came, towards her shack to sleep for the night. She will want to try and check her trap line an hour after dawn, so she needed the sleep.

---

Robin found the small bed he found to be shabby, but usuable for the evening as he layed down for sleep. In the morning he will visit Rasiel and talk to her about joining her Knights.

"I'm ready when you are, Rasiel."

Upon seeing Robin emerge, Rasiel nodded and led him to the Academy where the evaluators where waiting for them. Rasiel urged him to sit down as she does the dialogue part.

"So, he really does want to become a Knight." The elder Knight muttered. "However, it is not a position that is given easily. The number of Knights are only as many as the number of lords that control portions of the land. As of the moment, there isn't a vacancy yet. In the meantime, Robin here will serve as a soldier of Lucrezia."

"But, can we really count on him in the field of battle? Does he have enough experience?" One evaluator asked.

"In any case, he was able to fight off one Chrysalis by himself. I think that's at least saying something, considering that he came from a tribal background." Rasiel presents her argument.

"Okay but, his fighting skills aside, don't you think there would be some dissatisfaction among the students of the Academy if we are to immediately proclaim him as a squire? Most refugees still undergo at least two months of formal education in this institution."

"Didn't the requirement rule have allowances for tribal members to enter our ranks, provided that they prove themselves?"

"That's it then!" The whole committee was startled as a voice echoed out from the halls. In an instant, Flandre walked in alone, disregarding any form of court manners and directly heading towards the center of the room. "All he needs to do is to prove himself and everything's fine."

"And what do you propose to do? Even if he has potential, do we even have enough allowances for him to join?"

"You know, you people sure aren't updated with what's currently happening to our ranks down below aren't you?" Flandre sighed. Her eyes narrowed down to the higher members of their military force. "After the assault yesterday evening, two members of the Night Patrol were injured and are currently unable to resume their normal duties. So, if you can't even see the implications of that, then--"

"That's enough Lady Raven. We understand well enough. It's decided then."

In case Robin was a little confused by the proceedings, Rasiel decided to explain for him as she returned to her place. "Initially, they were unsure, not that they don't want you in their ranks. They found it difficult to find a unit to train you. So, it seems you'll be on the Night Patrol."

"Alright, then this meeting is on recess. Later on, we'll review the proposal for more manpower distribution. Rasiel, Flandre and Robin, you three no longer need to stay here for that. You're free to go." The elder Knight announced. Rasiel stayed for a while to rest her legs as she had been walking all day. Flandre sat near the two.

"Well, you'll be working with me later in the evening Sir Robin. The task of the Night Patrol is to guard the city walls against Chrysalis attacks. We'll be situated on the main gate. Don't worry. We'll be on top of the wall than on the ground."

"But, don't you have to oversee the Trojan Knights Flandre? I mean, don't you have any further sieges to lead?"

"Change of plans. There is a matter that I needed to investigate. Concerning what transpired last night." Flandre glanced around. Most of the committee was minding their own business. For now, no one seemed to be interested in what they were talking about. "I think it's possible...that "they" have already infiltrated this city, hiding in plain sight."

"I don't even want to entertain the thought. Just thinking that we could be betrayed at any moment makes me uneasy." Rasiel suddenly remembered that Robin was still with them. "Oh! Sorry. But, if anyone asks, even someone with greater authority than me and Flandre, please do not tell them what we were talking about."

---

From the tower situated on his property, Avicebron watched the bustling city below. His thoughts turned to the primeval forests. Were there any of those with the same ideals as him that he can exploit? Most of the resistances he funded were already destroyed by Flandre.
"Flandre and the Trojan Knights are still pushing through with their assault. And then there's Seraphiel who's slowly catching on to the events. Such annoyances..." The doors in his room opened and one of his Knights entered.
"Did you get the sword?" The Knight didn't utter a word and merely shook his head at Avicebron's question. Avicebron sighed. "I managed to destroy the report so, I guess it's fine. However, were they to find out that that weapon came from here..." Turning to the Knight, he issued a new command.
"Send your forces to monitor the merchant and blacksmith guilds that aren't under my network, including those who are operating independently. We'll narrow down the places to search if I can find out where I bought that sword."

"I need to invest in searching for armor. Where's Rasiel? Is she...?"

"She's alive but in pretty bad shape." Flandre responded. "The magic used on her, coupled with the fact that she lost all current members of her unit...The stress was probably too much. She'll need to rest for a bit."

For a while, Robin seemed to reach his edge due to the attack but a resident of the town came and calmed him down. It was Liandre, a well-known huntress around their parts.
"I may not be a knight, but I am a Huntress. Many of the Children of the goddess must return to her one day. Regret does come, but you must focus on your own path ahead. You should bandage that scrape. Don't want an infection. Also, if you want to get armor, visit Tatsuo's. He's one of the best in this poor town. Goddess watch over you."

"Liandre's right. Personally, I don't think the armor given to the other soldiers will fit you. That oriental blacksmith may be able to help suit you up. Also, I think you can ask for your blade to be given a look. He seems to be adept with doing maintenance on variables." Flandre suggested. In case Robin found her terminology to be unfamiliar, she decided to explain.

"A variable is a term they use to call items or weapons that is outside the realm of magic. In order to classify as such, I'm not too sure but, it's probably something that is rare or something that cannot exist in this setting yet. Take your sword and my bow for instance. These oriental weapons can work well against the western style magic our attackers used..." Flandre paused for a moment. "Is it possible that he was attacked because of this knowledge?"

"Which Clan were you from Flandre?"

Flandre chuckled a bit. She hasn't reminisced about her clan for quite a while. "I'm from the old Amaunet people, ones who worshiped the Goddess of the Winds." The noise of the city soon died down, plunging all into silence, pierced by the occasional sounds of the wagons hauling the bodies of the fallen someplace else to be given their proper last rites.

Elsewhere, past the borders of the continent, a slight disturbance moved through the water. Some people living close to the harbor supposedly spotted a moving silhouette or a large shadow by the waters. In the poor moonlight, it appeared as some sort of specter from the deep.
"Well...that's it. I'm officially lost."