"My people..."The location was situated in the heart of Hondah, just outside the penitentiary.Following the assault on Hondah Prison, the crew proceeded to interrogate their fallen comrades.Now gathered around Vladimir, the citizens of Hondah listened intently as he addressed them."First and foremost, allow me to extend my sincerest apologies for not being present during your time of need."Vladimir momentarily fell silent before continuing, taking a moment to survey the faces surrounding him.Several appeared emaciated compared to when he had last seen them; many bore bandages that concealed wounds inflicted by Yusaku Ona's invasion.A sense of profound despair was etched upon all their countenances—an entirely understandable reaction given recent events."We have all lost cherished individuals who once formed part of our everyday lives... I make you this promise: Nay! I swear upon my very name!"He struck his chest with forceful conviction."Vladimir Vex swears on his life that
Yusaku Ona stood regally before Yuri's cell, donning kingly attire and the very crown that once graced his predecessor's head. "Brother, he began with a smug grin, gripping the bars of Yuri's confinement. "I too found myself in such dire straits not long ago, at the mercy of Sasha and her band of envoys." Yuri was similarly bound and battered as Yusaku Ona had been during his own captivity. Yuri was chained in a similar way that Yusaku Ona was chained when he was taken prisoner by Sasha and the Envoys. Yuri slowly raises his head to look at his brother. "Brother, what has gotten over you? The once noble man who raised me as a child, I refuse to believe you're the same." Yusaku Ona only laughed at Yuri's remarks as he bent to the level of his captive brother to stare directly into his eyes. "It wasn't I who changed, but you, brother. I used to think that whatever the case, you would always stand beside me; if you did, you would be ruling with me today, but instead, you chose a bu
The location was the district commander's castle in Regrah. Yusaku Ona was sitting on a throne with his cheek rested on his palm."Oh, Onaaa, I'm back," Jester announced, entering the room with a skip in his step, halting just a few paces from Yusaku Ona."Jester, did you deliver the letter?" Yusaku Ona inquired.The masked clown chuckled and offered a thumbs up in response.Yusaku Ona smirked as he produced a map, presenting it to Jester."As promised, the map of Gaia's heart. A cherished heirloom passed down through generations of Harijoh's royal family," he explained.Jester eagerly snatched the map, cradling it against his cheek with affection."We're both getting what we desire, hahaha. You'll have Stark's kid's head, and I'll have a truly unique treasure," Jester declared, breaking into a dance that irked Yusaku Ona.'Once you aid me in apprehending my remaining enemies, I shall take your head as well. You are an accursed artifact user. You are all the same to me. Nothing but in
In an unknown location. "Eeeeeeee!" Falconi and Jacob rushed through a door after they heard a screeching sound. "Sisi!" "Sasha!" "What! Who said you could just barge into my cabin like that? Do you have a death wish or something?" The two envoys were relieved and, at the same time, frightened over the actions of their leader. They had thought that something bad might have happened to her. "We heard you screaming; what's the matter?" "Was I really that loud?" She said this as she placed her hands on her cheeks. She then picks up her phone from the bed and shows the two the contents of the screen. It was the social media application being run by the System Artifact that oversees all networking and internet access during this age. They leaned closer to take a better look at the contents of the screen. [Hy Sasha, Yusaku Ona has taken over Harijoh, and we need your help to stop him.] Krystal had sent her a message asking for her assistance. Of course, he knew that they'd event
"What do you mean he's our vice captain?"The first to speak up after the revelation was Grover; it was noticeable in the tone he exerted that he wasn't happy.'I thought I was the vice.'"Hihi! Well, he's stronger than I am, Grover, and if it weren't for him, we all wouldn't be here right now." Krystal replied with a grin as he slapped the back of his "best friend."."Nice to meet you, Sir Kazami; I'm Justin." Justin gave the man a handshake, which he readily accepted.Vladimir and Riley followed suit to welcome their new companion."Vladimir. Spare with me soon; I'll love to face a man that the captain speaks of in high regard.""I'm Riley; I joined recently too.""Once again, it's nice to meet you guys.""By the way, what are you doing all the way here, Kazami?""It's a long story.""Let me guess," Grover said. "It has something to do with seven certain special individuals."Kazami raised his eyebrow and looked at the thief."Sorry, and you are?" The remark made Grover pop a vein.
"Wow! This coffee is amazing, Sir Agnus Reigns," exclaimed Vladimir. "Mhmmm. Absolutely exquisite," Riley added, nodding in agreement. Their faces lit up with delight and amazement. "What's the secret to such fantastic coffee?" Vladimir inquired, taking another sip. "The quality of the beans, the brewing process, the ratio of beans to water, the grind size, even the water temperature and steeping time—all contribute to the taste," Agnus Reigns explained, pouring more coffee into their cups. "But the most important ingredient... is love." "Pft. Love? You can't eat love, old man," Grover interjected, a vein seemingly popping on his head. Riley smacked Grover's head, causing his hat to fall off. "Hey! Why'd you do that?" "By love, I mean passion for what you do. Making coffee requires patience, and that patience comes from a love for the craft," Agnus Reigns clarified. "Mhmm!" Everyone, except Grover, nodded in agreement. "Now, I'll train you for the upcoming battle. If this Ona f
"Take care, Krystal." "We'll be back before you know it, hihi." "Justin." "Yes, Sir Grover?" "I don't know what you might find out there, but... try and keep your calm at all times." Justin smiled at the advice from his teammate. "I know you must be thinking that there's a chance Irene is alive. Don't get your hopes crushed and you will shattered even further." "Don't worry, Sir Grover; whatever happens, I won't lose focus on the mission at hand. This battle isn't just for revenge. It's also for the faith of two nations and possibly the entire Western Continent." As Justin was bidding his farewell to Grover, Krystal was having a private conversation with Kazami. "Kazami, you'll take command of the guild while I'm gone. Keep an eye on Vlad as well; I'm worried he might be overtaken by his emotions, especially since Jester knows his way around getting inside a person's head. Vladimir can be reckless when not kept in line." He was referring to the way Vladimir and Justin acted w
"Devil woman, we received word from the demon spawn. They've succeeded in their infiltration mission and will join us in a bit." Sasha had a malevolent smile on her face. "Gather everybody." A few minutes later, Sasha, the Envoys, and the Shadows were all gathered around the castle entrance. "Yusaku Ona is already near the outposts. It is time." "Everybody, gear up! Eat! Take a 10-minute nap or whatever... We're going to war!" They all cheered in unison as they prepared themselves, both physically and mentally. "So, we all know our parts?" Sasha and Vladimir nodded at Grover. "Hehe." Kazami slaps the back of the thief. "Don't worry about a thing; your plan is foolproof. We just have to hold on till the cavalry arrives." "Well then, as the demon spawn will say, let's do this thing." ... "Woah." The alliance was currently facing off against Yusaku Ona's army. "Hahahaha! Just as expected. Sasha Kay will join the party as well." "Ona! We should have just killed you off when