[NA/N: Early release because the other ff ended early. For chapter updates, it will be three times per week for this ff, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday. This volume will finish this month.]
|Gary|
"Are you both fully aware of the gravity of the mission before us?" I inquired, locking eyes with Arthur and Rachel. They met my gaze, their expressions reflecting the seriousness of our endeavor.
"Indeed," Arthur replied firmly. Rachel nodded in agreement, her face a mask of steadfast determination.
"Very well," I acknowledged, a steely tone permeating my words. "Today, we shall bring down the Kingdom of Darv for their treacherous betrayal of Dicathen. And what say you, Rahdeas?"
The former councilmember representing the dwarves squirmed uncomfortably under the weight of my penetrating gaze, his futile struggle against the bonds of his restraints evident.
"But, Gary," Rachel interjected cautiously, her voice tinged with doubt. "Is it truly necessary to go to such extreme measures?"
"Yes," I affirmed, "We extended numerous opportunities for the dwarves to mend their ways, but they chose not to reciprocate. Now, they must face the consequences of their actions."
"With regards to the execution of the mission," Arthur inquired, his tone betraying a hint of detachment.
"You and Rachel will assume leadership roles, each commanding a division to initiate our infiltration of Darv from beneath its surface," I explained. "Your primary objective will be to eliminate any obstacles obstructing your path, leaving no room for interference. Remember, there should be no Legacies present within Darv, and you must neutralize any Scythes and Retainers encountered along the way. Once you've cleared the way, proceed to Vildorial and dismantle the capital city before their forces can amass. As for myself, I will handle the responsibility of subduing Burim city."
Both Arthur and Rachel nodded, absorbing the details of the plan.
"However," I added with emphasis, "I want to make it explicitly clear that Lance Mica is not to be harmed. She has not betrayed us, and we shall ensure her safety by subduing her without causing her any undue harm."
With our roles and objectives firmly established, the mission to bring an end to Darv commenced.
|Arthur|
The echo of our footsteps was expertly masked by the intricate sound magic woven by me, ensuring our stealth as the group of fifty advanced through the vast tunnels crafted by the dwarves. Another group of fifty mages, led by Sylvie herself, ventured down an alternate passage, dividing our forces into four smaller units for strategic purposes.
I pressed my hand against the cool wall, invoking my earth magic to sense any lurking adversaries, my senses extending through the very stone itself.
"No signs of movement ahead," I murmured softly, utilizing sound magic to convey my words discreetly to my comrades.
The dwarven craftsmanship that adorned the tunnels was awe-inspiring. Their meticulous attention to detail and functional design showcased their unparalleled skill. It pained me to think that we would eventually have to dismantle these masterpieces, ensuring that Alacarya couldn't exploit them for their own nefarious purposes.
Despite our purpose here, there was a bittersweet appreciation for the engineering marvels we were passing through. These tunnels held a significance that would soon be lost, sacrificed for the greater cause of safeguarding Alacarya from exploitation.
With wide strides, we navigated the labyrinthine tunnels until we reached the bedrock beneath the city of Vildorial, the very heart of Darv. This subterranean kingdom was concealed from the world, its secrets buried deep within the earth.
"Listen closely," I commanded, my voice steady and resolute, "In this mission, no mercy shall be shown. Spare only the children; every dwarf and Alacaryan must be eliminated. Our allied dwarves have already been safely relocated by Commander Gary, out of harm's way."
My team of skilled operatives nodded in grim understanding, their seasoned composure betraying their inner tensions.
Taking a fortifying breath, I ignited the power of Realmheart, sensing its energy surge through my being. As my auburn hair transformed into a radiant shade of wheat blonde, I pressed my palm against the cavernous ceiling. Closing my golden eyes, I attuned myself to the pulsating mana particles that permeated the depths of Vildorial.
With a fusion of aether and earth magic, I meticulously crafted a complex spell, weaving the elements together in harmonious precision.
With a sudden burst of energy, I opened my eyes. Channeling the forces at my command, I tore open a colossal aperture, wide enough to accommodate our entire force.
The time for our mission had arrived.
|Nico|
I observed the dwarf noble before me, his squirming form eliciting a sense of disdain within me. His insatiable greed seeped through his eyes, belying his feigned humility as he bowed before me.
"Tell me, noble of Darv," I inquired, my voice laced with a hint of contempt, "Will your allegiance to Alacarya and the esteemed Vritras continue unswayed?"
The dwarf's face brightened with eagerness, his eyes gleaming with avarice as he responded, "Indeed, Retainer Nico. Darv shall remain steadfast in its support of Alacarya, as long as the promises made to us are upheld."
My lips curled into a subtle smirk as I considered his plea. "I see," I mused, allowing a pause to linger, "And what of your current predicament?"
A glimmer of hope flickered in the dwarf's eyes as he nodded fervently, his voice laden with desperation, "Yes, sir! Darv requires assistance to overcome this civil war. With your aid, we can unite our forces and stand strong against the encroaching might of Dicathen."
As I pondered the dwarf's plea, I absentmindedly scratched my head, feeling a mixture of contemplation and unease settle within me. The proposition of aiding Darv in their civil war was not without its complexities, but with the recent defeat of the Paladins at the hands of the Legacies, it seemed that our strength and resources could be redirected towards this endeavor.
Yet, amidst my thoughts, a sharp pang of anguish pierced through my heart, a vivid reminder of Cecilia's absence. My mind wandered to her, wondering how she fared in the clutches of Kevin. I held steadfast belief in her resilience and inner strength, for she possessed a fortitude that surpassed my own.
But Kevin... that manipulative charmer had a disconcerting sway over women, employing passive mind manipulation to his advantage. The tales of his lascivious exploits with women from all walks of life were whispered amongst the ranks, a testament to his uncanny ability to ensnare them with ease.
I shook my head, dispelling the unsettling thoughts. There were more pressing matters at hand, and I had a duty to fulfill.
A thunderous boom shattered the air, its reverberation shaking the very foundation of the city. My head snapped in the direction of the sound, my senses on high alert as a surge of powerful mana signatures pulsed into existence.
"Damn it!" I cursed, my heart pounding in my chest. I swiftly turned to the mage beside me, urgency etched on my face. "Contact for support immediately! We're under attack! A Paladin has infiltrated Darv!"
But the situation swiftly escalated, plunging into a deeper abyss of peril.
In rapid succession, three more explosions rent the air, sending shockwaves of dread through my being. My eyes widened as I recognized the unmistakable presence of not just one, but two Paladins, accompanied by two formidable Lances and an intimidating force of two hundred elite mages.
This was a grave and dire threat, the convergence of extraordinary adversaries.
|Arthur|
The horde of dwarven and Alacaryan soldiers surged towards us, their intentions clear as day. They made no attempt to feign innocence or conceal their actions.
Their lack of remorse didn't concern me.
With calculated precision, I carved a path through the onslaught, my blade slicing effortlessly through the ranks as I guided my squadron towards the central figure of the city.
The Retainer stood defiant, displaying a level of strength that surpassed even Uto. But I remained unfazed, for his power was insignificant in my eyes.
In the midst of the chaos, the dwarven Lance, Mica, charged directly at me, her eyes filled with disbelief.
"What is Paladin Arthur doing?" she exclaimed, her shock evident in her voice as she unleashed a full-force attack. I chose not to respond, knowing that clarifications could come later. For now, my priority was to neutralize the threat she posed.
Time seemed to slow as I invoked the power of Static Void. With a swift and calculated movement, I redirected her mace away from its intended target, employing my agility and skill to dodge her assault.
"I will explain later," I murmured, gripping her face firmly in my hand before forcefully driving her to the ground. She writhed beneath me, attempting to activate her gravity magic, but I swiftly countered her efforts with a surge of my own power.
Narrowing my eyes, I unleashed a torrent of electricity, aiming to overwhelm her and render her unconscious.
She fought valiantly, refusing to yield, but her resistance was ultimately futile.
Finally, her struggles ceased, and she lay defeated before me.
"Take her into custody," I commanded, tossing the incapacitated Lance to my squadron. They swiftly moved to secure her, ensuring she posed no further threat.
With one enemy neutralized, my attention turned back to the unfolding chaos of the battlefield. There was much more to be done.
|Gary|
In solitude, I proceeded towards Burim City, the teeming metropolis of the dwarves and a significant stronghold for the Alacaryan forces.
My gaze remained devoid of expression as I soared through the air, fully prepared to bring about its annihilation with a single strike.
This expansive underground city presented a formidable challenge, necessitating a considerable expenditure of power on my part.
Taking a measured breath, I attuned myself to the resonating forces within my white mana core and ethereal purple aether core.
The purpose of this act was to convey a resolute message.
While I had yet to achieve the coveted integration stage for reasons beyond my control, I possessed the ability to execute this maneuver if deemed necessary.
Having ascended once again to the <S+> rank, my swordmanship transcended mere reliance on the physical blade. I had surpassed the limitations of the sword. Though its utilization remained advantageous, it no longer constituted a prerequisite.
Initiating the Sixth movement of the Keiki Style, I raised my hand, birthing a colossal ethereal sword into existence within the spatial fabric. Composed of intertwined mana and aether, its imposing presence loomed overhead.
"Perish," I murmured softly, memories of Lancelot's demise resonating within me as the ethereal blade descended unyieldingly upon Burim City.
With an inexorable force, the sword breached the city's natural defenses, obliterating all within its path. Every living being, be they dwarf or Alacaryan, met their demise in the wake of my devastating assault.
Age became inconsequential, as the young, the adults, and even the elderly succumbed equally to the relentless onslaught.
"This is the declaration I make to you, Alacarya," I proclaimed to the heavens above, my voice carried by the winds. "I am prepared to sacrifice any insignificant life to achieve victory over you."
Returning to the Floating Castle, I awaited the outcomes of our collective mission, my emotions concealed beneath an impenetrable facade.
[A/N: Remember to vote if you guys like this chapter! It helps me in gauging the quality of my writing!]