Leblanc watched as her group worked with Alucard and got the now revived body back into working form, she was quite impressed with how far he has come since they revived him. She did have some speculation however, as she watched him. He was giving off a sense of darkness, like something was pushing his heart and soul to emit a pure dark energy, but shouldn’t couldn’t tell how or what. She walked over to them to evaluate a bit closer as Sazh and Alucard sparred, the two seemed to be evenly matched and handled one another well, which was impressive to the others since Alucard was currently facing the second in control. After a few more moments of trading blows, Sazh nodded and put his daggers away. “Good work Alucard, you’re definitely coming along nicely for someone who was recently dead. Just s few more sessions and you’ll be fighting like the rest of us flawlessly.” He praises and nodded as he started unwrapping parts of his armor and stretching now that he wasn’t being held down. He was very lanky and light on his feet and so to make a fair fight against someone with a heavier build, he tends to wear heavier armor to weigh himself down, so he doesn’t fly around the enemy. Alucard watched and nodded with a soft smile, impressed with himself as well. “Thank you Sazh, I am quite impressed with you myself though, for someone who has speed as his advantage, you rarely use such, you weight yourself down for the sake of training. You’re very respectable on the battlefield.” He pointed out.
Sazh chuckled at the comment as he stood before him. “It’s because it’s unfair. You’re not my enemy, you are my ally, so for training, I wish to make it as even as possible. If we were enemies, I’d not hesitate to remove my armor and take you down my way.” He explained with a nod and a stretch. It was true, if he wasn’t wearing his armor, it was possible Alucard couldn’t catch him because he was known for being nimble and faster than the normal eye could see, but it wasn’t entirely impossible once you learned how he moves. Alucard however didn’t argue that as his thoughts were cut short by the sound of a small army approaching. Everyone turned their attention to see Ashford approaching with a small council of people, Leblanc smiling and walking over as he approached. “Ah, thank you for coming to meet with my group King Ashford, it is quite humbling to know that you’re open to hearing me out.” She said and lead the human to one of their tents as the others stayed back and watched for any suspicious behavior.
“When I received a letter from an unknown source I was skeptical, but ever since my father passed on and I had to become the king of my land, I had started learning that I don’t need to be suspicious in a time where war isn’t going on. But I am quite surprised to see an unaffiliated army gathered around here, most small groups like this never lasts because of poor leadership.” Ashford states as he walked with Leblanc, who chuckled silently and nodded, watching the king. “Yes, that is true. I’ve somehow managed to keep these young men and women swayed to my side, but I do wonder for how long. But we aren’t here about that, what I have invited you here for is to discuss terms for a peace treaty, so that if either side of ours god to war, the others army doesn’t have to worry about casualty.” She explained and laid out a scroll before them that detailed every aspect of a peace treaty, they wouldn’t attack one another, if one went to war the other would remain neutral; and neither side will interfere with the others politics. She wanted to make sure no one interferes when she goes to handle Elderitch. Ashford was none the wiser as he read it over, not aware of her hatred towards the royals if his allying kingdom, and he just examined it and read it carefully. After some contemplation, he took the pen and nodded as he started writing out his name, the woman smirking behind her helmet.
After it was signed, she wrapped it up nicely and but a strand of fabric around it to shut it, placing it amongst her things. “Thank you for your cooperation on this King Ashford.” She said “We will definitely make this worth your while.” She told the man as he seemed a bit skeptic of her eagerness but he didn’t complain yet. He just stood, shook her hand and took his leave, walking by Alucard. Both had a tinge of tense senses cross their minds but neither dared look at one another, Ashford passed it off as he didn’t know Alucard has come back, and Alucard knew had he confronted the king he couldn’t stand a chance. Ashford tallied his troops together and began leaving, one of his knights, a woman with long blue hair, and wolf ears. She was like Saria in terms that she had human looks with some animalistic features. She was named Lucille. “Your majesty, do you truly trust these… bandits?” She asked with concern. Most didn’t know it, but her and Ashford were a couple, but she didn’t want the role of queen and so she remained hidden amongst the troops. Ashford listened to her but sighed softly as he was unsure. “I am not sure what I trust Lucille. I wish to trust everyone, but as my rival Maxwell says, you can’t trust everybody. I’ll be keeping an eye on them to make sure no one gets hurt, but I fear they may attack Elderitch and leave us powerless to help our friends.” He pointed out and looked aside. “My biggest fear is a feeling I had, I sensed Alucard. I didn’t dare look if it was him, but he had the same aura to him. The most we can do is keep watch, make sure they don’t harm anyone.” He said with dedication and conviction, he was a natural born leader, and his troops knew that. Everyone agreed with his thoughts and were ready for whatever was to come.
Alucard hid back in his tent for a minute as he breathed slowly to make sure he was okay, he almost gave himself up. He knew it was Ashford, but he wasn’t going to risk anything, he was lucky enough that the king didn’t recognize him as far as he knew. He sighed softly and nodded “I can’t let them figure me out, not until my plan is ready to be set into motion. Once I’m ready, they’ll all know the true form of darkness. Drazernon was a pawn, and as long as they think he was more than that, they will always be clueless.” He smirked some as his left hand started flowing with a dark red energy as he lightly carved something into the dirt. in a flash, standing before him was a small purple creature, an imp by appearance. “They’ll learn what he’ll really feels like… they’ll know what they put me through, what I was subjected to in death. They will all fall by my hand with this newfound power!” He smirked wider, it slowly becoming twisted and demonic as he watched the creature before dismissing it back it where it once was. “Soon, inferno and his little… band of imbecile will fall to me, I’ll claim my rightful place as ruler!” He stood and carefully placed a helmet in himself and made the dark aura vanish, slowly making his way out to the others again. His plan started now.
-
Lyle examined himself as he was given some very nice and regal looking clothing, bearing the colors and insignia of the kingdom of Elderitch. It was very new to him, and quite different from the common outfits he usually wore. He examined himself in the mirror and nodded gently as he did, smiling some. “This is quite different, but definitely not something I can be upset over. They’re comfy to. Although this does open up one other question, I don’t fight in this right? This isn’t very conventional for fighting and I was wondering if I’d get armor.” He looked over to Inferno and Maxwell who had joined the two to help out. Maxwell nodded as he looked at the other wolf “Yes, they have to be custom made though so that’s why we did your common clothes first. They should be almost done with them. Since you said you prefer long range weapons, they’re making yours less bulky and more mobile so you can move around while firing from afar.” He explained so Lyle would have an idea of what his armor would be like. The man nodded as he stepped back and examined himself one last time before smiling softly. “Well, now that I’m situated I guess it’s good for me to say I am ready to do my duty and protect the crown prince. I’ll make sure no one brings harm to him.” He said as Maxwell smirked gently and nodded, exactly what he wanted to hear for his own brothers safety.
Inferno watched them as he situated the egg in its carrier some and nodded as he smiled. “I feel I’ve made a good choice in guard, he seems quite trustworthy, and definitely a nice person.” He said as Lyle chuckled, a bit of a blush showing on his face as Inferno talked about him since it was quite embarrassing, but he wasn’t going to stop him. As they finished, Silcia and Saria walked into the room each carrying parts of silver armor. Maxwell nodded and helped them as he started showing Lyle how to get it situated properly. He tied on the different appendages if the armor while Lyle adjusted the pants and top of the set, glancing at the mirror. It was fit to match his own stature, barely looking bigger than he actually was. He noted that if he had to he could wear clothes over the armor and it wouldn’t be obvious he was in it. The gauntlets on the armor both bore the insignia of Elderitch and were silver with a hint of gold color, while the remainder of the armor was a pure silver. Lyle picked up the helmet and examined it. It was a normal silver helmet designed to fit over his face since he had wolf like features so it wasn’t like that of a human like Saria or Ashford. After putting it on and examining himself, he looked over at Inferno who smiled and gave a thumbs up, thinking it worked well for the wolf. “Now that you have armor, all that’s left is your induction into the royal army and the weapon assigning. Since they already know your weapon choice, Father is currently having one crafted for you, out of a spell stone. Our main priority as knights is to protect them to any degree possible, so you get a special magic weapon.”
“Interesting. So does it just shoot pure energy or is it a bullet?” He asked him curiously as Maxwell walked him and Inferno off to see the king and queen. “Kind of. There will be a catalyst attached to the weapon and if you are tactic oriented you should be able to rapidly switch between the two forms. The catalyst is a switch of sorts.” He said as they approached the throne room and all stood before it as the giant door slowly swung open. Standing by the thrones was king Drax who was holding a pitch black rifle that had red and blue stripes across the top and bottom and around the barrel. This was to signify which royal he served, which was Inferno. The three enter and now before them, the two royals approaching them with the weapon. “Lyle, this weapon is crafted from the scales of a dragon lord of the past, one of the founders of the magic used in Elderitch. By taking it up you don’t just hold the life of Inferno, you hold what everything Elderitch stands for. Do you stand besides your allies in the immediate stance to defend your kingdom, your home and your royal family?” Nomad spoke with authority and stern mannerisms as she watched the wolf gently stand when motioned and handed the gun. “I do. By taking this offer from you, I vow to do everything to protect this kingdom and those in it, and stand by my allies such as Ornstein and Draco to defend this land. I’ll use this weapon and fight for what’s right.” He said and held it, bowing again as Drax placed a pin in his hand, a green and black shield, which showed he was a newcomer with potential. He took it with a soft smile and nodded as Drax dismisses them.
Inferno stood and walked with Lyle out of the room, and once out Lyle let out a heavy sigh and shook for a second before chuckling. “That was quite nerve wracking, her highness is quite the intimidating queen, no one she’s so respected.” He said as inferno chuckled and nodded, examining the gun and could just tell how strong the power emanating out of it was, it was like all royal weapons. Inferno decided to see where it would work and headed towards the training room with Lyle in tow. Upon arriving, Lyle saw Draco and Bael training in hand to hand combat, trading blows to one another and were pretty evenly matched. The two had good reason for being praised as the kingdoms strongest warriors and it shows in how they fight. Watching from the stands with wide eyed curiosity was Marz’s son Marik, the boy had recently taken a lot of interesting in the training that happened between warriors and Marz figured it wasn’t to troublesome to let him watch as long as he stayed safe. Bael quickly ducked around Draco and spun around delivering a sharp blow to his side and knocking him down, the two panting as they nodded at each other. Marik grinned as he saw it end and quickly rushed off. Inferno figured he was just going to tell his father how exciting it was or something. He could never tell what a child was thinking.
Bael saw and dusted himself off as he walked over. “Oh, you must be the new knight, Lyle. What brings you guys here immediately after the induction?” He asked knowing what had been going on, Inferno nodding as he watched. “I want Lyle to get a chance to test his weapon, and I figured I’d come and have the other gun user in the royal guard do just that.” He said and Bael motioned Lyle to follow him. Lyle went with the human and watched as he set up a dummy with multiple targets on it as Bael looked over at Lyle. “well if you want a proper test, here what you’re going to do. Hit every target consecutively, and without fail.” He said as Lyle took his aim. He was ready to take his shot, but upon taking it, the barrel glows a dark blue before firing out a pure pulse of energy, making the man falling back in surprise as Bael watched the magic bullet fly by him quickly, unfazed by the shot since it was nothing new to him, but he watch Lyle atmmvle and nodded. “Definitely need some practice, that was clearly new to you, but that wasn’t a bad first go. Magic is much different from your usual bullets do the recoil is much more harsh..” He said. Lyle stood up and grunted, but knew he had much more he needed to practice before he was ready, but he had time, and a good teacher.
-
Marz wondered to himself silently what purpose this would serve. He was tasked by his father to head to the cell block outside of town and investigate something there. Lynx had gone with him to make sure no harm came to the prince as they walked. “I’m curious as to what his majesty thinks is worth investigating here. They’re just simple criminals, is there something about them he doesn’t trust?” Lynx asked as they walked, gently holding one of his knives as an immediate way to defend himself if the need arose as they wandered. Marz silently contemplated that as they arrived. “I’m not to sure myself Lynx, but my father usually has good reason for his tasks so I can’t argue until I know for sure.” He said as he walked in, seeing Wesker and Scath both there as the on duty guards, both surprised by Wesker and his presence. The wolf noticed and could tell they still didn’t exactly trust him. “Don’t worry, I’m not doing anything. Uncle Drax said I was to always be with a royal guard and help out. Guess I got prison duty today.” He shrugged to give his explanation, the two nodding and walking with Scath in, they didn’t need words usually with Scath, she could usually tell what someone would need.
They looked into the following room where many criminals resided. Varying from rouge knights, to some demons and even some minor mages. They examined the cells and some giving the three dirty looks, but were mostly shaken off. One cell in particular caught Marz’s attention, and he could tell that was the one his father wished to investigate. There stood a taller man, a dark blue robe over him hiding every feature about him except his body shape, even his face was shrouded in darkness. He paced his cell, but stopped as he heard footsteps. “So, the petty royals decided to come and see me, hmm? As I told your father, I won’t say anything about the scholars.” He said, Marz suddenly realizing what he was there for, and that the info he needed was about the group it mages called the scholars. “The scholars, a mysterious group of mages the lead the top school of Magic. They are so well hidden that even if you are in the school you won’t find them unless you’re a part of their higher ranks, which could takes decades to do. Your father only managed to capture this one because of a slip up he made, and his team hadn’t dared come retrieve him at the risk of being found out. They train the best mages in all of The realm, but from what I’ve heard, they have a more dark and sinister goal that their students don’t usually learn, only those proficient in dark arts or show exceptional skill ever get shown.” Lynx said as he seemed to have a decent understanding of who they were but that was as much as anyone could learn naturally.
“The brat did his studies, but that’s as much as you’ll ever find out. We have a record of every person born to our world and would never accept those tied to royalty and won’t dare share any secrets amongst them either. Our cause is just and you have no place to conduct such a search, nor can you stop us.” The man spoke as Marz listened to them. The fox sighed and shook his head. “We won’t get anywhere this way, why did my father even send us if we’d come to a standstill?” He wondered as Lynx approached the cell, the man stepping back, noticing that Lynx was trying to get a glimpse of what he actually looked like. “I don’t think your father wanted us to find out anything about the scholars, there has to be something else.” The Golden furred panther said as he looked around more and suddenly felt a chill as his knife began to glow. In a panic, he gasped and threw the knife aside, exploding upon hitting the ground. The mage was surprised as Marz watched in shock, as the man looked at the three. “So your king planned to execute me to draw out my group even more? That’s a low and cruel blow even for the royals. You won’t get anything from us, as far as the scholars care, I’m already a waste of time. I failed and I won’t admit anything, but killing me won’t accomplish your goals, it’ll only strengthen theirs, my death will spark something your father can’t control and don’t ever forget that!” The man sneered and snapped at Marz, only for Scath to glare and punch the man in the side of his jaw, knocking him down and out cold as Marz looked down, in a fit of panic and surprise. Lynx gently placed a hand on his shoulder and sighed “ignore this bastard your highness, he’s only trying to Upset you. Don’t let something like this affect what you think.” He said as Scath nodded in agreement, leading them out.
Marz slowly calmed his nerves as he looked st Lynx but couldn’t muster the words, he wasto focused on his inner thoughts. He was curious who these scholars were and why they had such an impact. And did his father really rig this meeting to kill the man. He felt uneasy about it since with that thought, it implied he was gonna use Lynx’s life as bait for it. Marz didn’t want to believe that, his father was to honorable of a man to risk the life of a knight, especially one that was the son of his closest ally. Scath could sense the unrest in the prince and gave a silent sigh as she walked them out and watched them leave. Wesker looked at Scath. “You felt it to didn’t you? When you guys went back there was a shift in energy, someone tried casting a spell and tied it to something in them. From the looks on their faces it wasn’t good.” He said as Scath suddenly took his hand and started writing. Wesker read and nodded “My uncle would never risk someone’s life. Whatever that was, it was a trap to pin the blame on the royals. I may not agree with his ideals but I still know my uncle isn’t that type of person. We should look into this once we are done.” He said. The dragoness nodded in agreement.
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