“To her Majesty, Princess Assiaya, and Merchant Motuia Xilnan signed multiple agreements with our Altaerrie brothers over the past few days. Most were part of the basing rights and construction agreement with Vagahm workers. One is toward the north, protecting the train route to Mendarium. The other was by the shore of Great Kasin Lake. Something about a tall tower that launches stuff. I don’t understand it, but it was important enough for a separate agreement.

  The majority of the agreements were leases for Altaerrie workshops or investments into Velunara foundries. Because Altaerrie and Alagore industries operate so differently, it was decided that any corporation should focus on replacement parts for its machinery. There is one facility, which they call a 3D Printing Factory, being constructed south of Salva as part of the city expansion. The goal of this facility is to replace heavy equipment that was lost during the war effort. Similar factories are being planned for similar production.

  Noble Folen Elstina and Noble Girnick Elkkur also reached an agreement to exemplify much of his production. Three new workshops and armories are planned for expansion. With the creation of a Velunara Legion, including the Hispana X Legion, who are bravely fighting alongside us, they need weapons and ammunition. Our Noble plans to triple production of flechettes and other weapons to meet wartime demands. In addition, they secured a wartime license to produce Altaerrie bullets.

  We at this dioliet station have also heard rumors of a secret project between the Army Logistic Command and Noble Elstina. In our research, we noticed that funds were not going to current circiletums. We have noticed Hispana engineers, including the Praetor Archivist. We couldn’t get any information on what their meeting was for, but we are expecting something.

  There were other trivial agreements signed by the Princess, focused on food production and transportation. The Army Logistics Command aims to increase 10% of all rations produced “on planet” to 20%. This is, of course, to ease logistics through the Bridge. The more that can be forged here at Velunara, the more warriors can arrive. The last one was the transfer of three trains. One is for each Maglev with Salva as the HUB.” – Salva Dioliet

  June 4th, 2069 (Military Calendar)

  Salva, Velunara Protectorate

  Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

  *****

  The Templar studied her sword by glancing at the blade, checking for any imperfections.

  Once the Angelic Warrior was pleased by the quality of her cleaning, she grabbed an enchanted crystal and slid it into the base of the melee weapon before setting it down on the table. The Templar then turned to her M77, the American primary Designated Marksman rifle, a gun she had grown fond of. It was a gift from her new Comanche allies, a replacement for her former weapon during the First Siege of Salva.

  The penetration wasn’t as effective compared to the circiletum because of the raw power generated from the coil-based firing system. However, the efficiency and semi-fire capability had proven acceptable trade-offs for an explosive-powder system.

  Natilite stared at the weapon, wondering what her place within Comanche was now. When she received this as a gift, she considered it a sign of her full integration into the Minutemen. Now that Ryder was getting married, following Nobility tradition, a part of her believed that it was time to leave.

  She pushed the thought into the back of her mind and stripped the DMR, beginning the cleaning process. But her mind was full, making the process dreadful and only making her impatient. This made the Angelic Warrior go to her locket, looking through her overstuffed shelf, and saw her Circulus Tekalī Vigilan.

  “What are you doing?”

  Hearing a deep voice, Natilite quickly put the device back into her locket and turned around toward the entrance of the armory. To her surprise, it was Warrant Officer-1 Rommel King. “You startled me.”

  He suddenly laughed before walking toward the Valkyrie. “I cannot think of a time I snuck up on you.”

  “My apologies, I was in thought.”

  The black American chuckled, as if that point was obvious. “You don’t say. Ten guesses why.”

  Natilite froze, giving him a confused look. “What made you think there were ten?”

  King took a deep breath, shaking his head. “It is just a saying in my world. And the fact that you are doing a deep clean on your equipment, and playing with that thing you're hiding, I say there is a lot on your mind.”

  “I am not hiding anything,” Natilite said. “It is a religious artifact.”

  She attempted to study one of the rifle components but couldn’t concentrate. The Valkyrie sat down next to her rifle in frustration. “The reason why Templars do not linger for long is that we end up overstaying our welcome. We are supposed to be assisting, overseeing, and guiding, not intervening. I feel guilty for ruining Matthew's life.”

  “Ruin? I do not think the Boss thinks his life is ruined. Overcomplicated, maybe. But not ruined.”

  “I manipulated him into being a noble, just to push him into a marriage he hates. I consider that a life ruined, only because I pushed him into this path.”

  “You’re a woman,” King responded. “Half of your job description is to get men to do things they don’t want to do.”

  “I… I told him that he should accept the treaty before telling him not to.”

  “I see. And that is why you feel guilty.”

  “Why would he not? He is an honorable man. The offer is fair, and it would save thousands of lives. He is a Duke and a good man. Under every circumstance, I would tell the same Noblemen that he should say yes. Duty over all else.”

  “You might have helped assist previous nobles like this, but it sounds like you are trying to convince yourself more than Matt.”

  “I….” She sat down in her chair, staring at her disassembled rifle. “I don’t know.”

  Rommel King reached into his locker and pulled out an ornate golden key with a long, polished shaft and an elaborate, symmetrical bow shaped like a clovered heart, glowing as if forged from light itself. “My ex-wife had something like this. Made in Indonesia, of course, but still.”

  “I thought you did not believe in a Cosmic Father like Matt, or any faith?”

  “I don’t believe in any of that fluff. My ex-wife did. I got this for her on our honeymoon. A key to Heaven or something like that. When she divorced me, she gave it back.”

  “I am sorry to hear that, and I mean no disrespect. What is the point you are trying to make?”

  King held his position, studying the key. He intentionally withheld his response for a few seconds. “One of the reasons I don’t believe in a good book is because at times, all of that fluff distracts you from the obvious.”

  Natilite took a frustrating breath, suppressing any sense of offense as this was not a subject she wanted to deal with. However, the dark American had earned her respect enough to hear his perspective. “Believing in a divine has helped people bring purpose to millions of lives. It is about others.”

  “That was not what I meant,” King said. “During hard times, people rush to the good book, and yes, it does help people, but at the same time, people do use it to hide from their problems. They get stuck in the mythos, and the rituals, and the philosophy. Not tackling the problem.”

  “I still do not understand,” Natilite asked. “The point of guidance is to grow.”

  “Let me put it like this. We have a story about a town that was flooded. A man on the roof praying to God for salvation. Three times rescuers came, and he rejected them, stating that the Lord would come to his aid. As you expect, his house collapsed, and he drowned. When he saw God, the man asked why the Lord didn’t save him. Then God responded, I sent three teams to save you, what more did you want?”

  Natilite listened carefully to the Warrant Officer's story. It was not a story she typically enjoyed because it challenged her religious beliefs. However, she saw his point and couldn’t deny it. “In the end, we must choose to progress forward. But why are you saying this?”

  “Try looking at the situation from a different angle. He is an American. Has it never dawned on you that he might say no?”

  “I do not understand. Why would he? His station demands it.”

  “And that is the point of my story. You are so focused on what might be that you are ignoring what is right in front of you. I have known Matt for many years, and he likes to get into his head. Sharp during an engagement, but slow outside of that, as his ex-wife would say. But you know what, he always picks what he thinks is correct. Regardless of what the rest of the world thinks.”

  Natilite struggled to follow at first, but then clicked. The obvious example was the motuia-slavery debate between Salva and the Americans. While the Comanche Captain sided with the local customs of indentured servants, he used it to abolish slavery throughout allied-controlled territory. While embracing nobility practices, he had used that to lower barriers between some commonfolk and leadership, like the newly created Velunara Legion.

  “You think he will choose war?” Natilite asked.

  “It is probable,” King responded. “Every time he has played the local politics game, it was always to push forward your people. Not maintain the statuesque. He is not going to want to keep trading sons and daughters for favors, because as a God’s man. Maybe if he were single, but he is Assiaya.”

  “I see what you are saying, but I do not see how you came to your conclusion.”

  “Freedom. He is going to pick what brings you close to freedom. Intentionally or not, that has been his end goal. And I don’t see this proposal getting us closer to our goals.”

  “Even if it costs a thousand American lives?”

  “I cannot speak for all, and I understand that it is a hard choice. But I know enough Men who would rather go to war than sell out for peace. The early Expedition didn’t sacrifice themselves to hold this city to play games. We came here to fight.”

  The Valkyrie stared at the Warrant Officer, surprised by the perspective. The Comanche second-in-command was a good commander, able to keep the unit on task, but he underestimated his ability to observe political matters.

  Before she could inquire more about the subject, both heard a bang against the door. The two looked toward the armory door, concerned, and followed the commotion. It was not normal to hear someone bashing at the Minutemen barracks front door, as most either had the security clearance to walk through or the guard would arrange for the person to be requested.

  The Templar grabbed her sword before the two rushed out and instantly saw Varitan Yeldan standing outside the barracks door, arguing with the guard.

  Rommel King was the first to open the door, demanding what was going on.

  “He will not allow me inside,” Yeldan said. He then held an ID card issued by Minutemen headquarters.

  “He didn’t have authorization, sir,” the Minutemen soldier said. “The ID only applies to the Palace and other government buildings. Not our barracks.”

  “I am the political advisor of this city head family!”

  “Orders are orders.”

  “Enough!” Natilite said. “Why are you here?”

  “Warrant Officer,” Yeldan said. “Is your Captain here?”

  “My Captain?”

  “Rommel,” Natilite said. “Yeldan is being respectful to your title customs. He means, Matt.” She then turned to the motuia Wood Elf. “The answer is no.”

  “Why?”

  “I have been researching this Duchess,” Yeldan said. “When I first met her, something felt off.”

  “Hold on,” Natilite said. Her mouth froze as she wasn’t thrilled about what she was going to say, but forced herself to do so. “I thought you said the Herff proposal was honorable?”

  “I said I saw nothing concerning,” Yeldan said. “That did not mean I was comfortable with it. I have worked sleeplessly to verify every detail of this Duchess. If my naive Master followed through with this agreement, I wish to make sure every detail was uncovered before accepting.”

  The Templar was impressed by how loyal and determined Ryder’s motuia was. Not that it wasn’t his duty to do so, but duty and passion were not always following the same path. This elf truly wanted what was best for his Master’s House. “I take it you found something? Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.”

  *****

  The Duke of Salva and Velunara stood on the outer wall of the city, staring east. The white glows of battle far in the distance with light cracks echoing. The light arctic breeze from the north was blowing against his side, but most importantly, the night sky was only partially cloudy. Allowing him to see most of Tekali's beauty.

  “Am I bothering you?”

  Hearing the voice, the Captain turned around, seeing Evrilla's doorway. She was wearing a fine, woven brown-and-white blouse with black gloves that reached up her arms. Her hair was recently clean, with flower combs stuck in it. While not provocative, her clothing highlighted her natural beauty.

  Behind her was one of the Velunara guards. He signaled for the elf to go, wishing for this conversation to remain private, which only made her smile.

  “I take it that you have made your decision.”

  “Yes, I have.” He then looked back at the beautiful purplish-blue ball of gas hovering in the sky. Besides the planet, there were two of its children orbiting around. “It has become rare, but when I can, I enjoy coming out here.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Evrilla cautiously approached, taking one step toward the Captain. “Is it the quietness of the moment? The peace? I will admit, it is a strange place to do it.”

  Ryder was forced to agree with the Duchess, but didn’t say so publicly. Standing on the southeastern wall, where Comanche bravely repelled Unity forces from breaching the wall. Desperately defending this beautiful city. “It is.”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. Most of the time, he was with Natilite, arguing about religion or something else. However, it was never hostile. “Peaceful in a sense. The sight just fantasizes me. In my world, we only have one moon, but here, we are always seeking more. Here, though, I can see why everyone’s worldview revolves around Tekali. The sight is speechless.”

  She stood, now, staring at the gas giant. She smiled, but he could tell there was a slight disinterest in the concept. “What is it that you enjoy?”

  “I do not even know where to begin,” Ryder said. He pointed toward the planet as if he were lecturing. “You see, we are within the habitable zone, which is a small area where we are close enough to support life but not freeze or burn to death. From what I understand, gas giants this close would be white, orange, brown, with a mix of light red. Blue and purple would be further away from the sun. Do you know why?”

  “I have no idea. The Priestess says she brought life to us. Not why the colors are the way they are.”

  The Duke glanced at her sideways, surprised by the response. He didn’t expect everyone to know every detail about their faith or the world around them. Being a man of God didn’t mean he knew every aspect of his religion or knew everything about the one moon that orbits Earth. However, given how vital Tekali was to everyday life, he expected a little more basic knowledge.

  “According to Brevia Temple and NASA observations, the reason the color is wrong is because of all of the aetherium gas in its atmosphere, distorting the color.”

  “I think I have heard that before. I never understood the context, though.”

  “I guess neither did I until recently. If you have nothing to compare to, you don’t know. I have to keep reminding myself that what is normal in my solar system doesn’t mean the rest of the galaxy is. I believe that is why I love coming here staring. See those sparkles?”

  Evrilla leaned against the battlement, placing her hand gently against his shoulder. “I have gazed upon them before, yes. But I do not know what they are.”

  The response also took him off guard. He wondered if she genuinely didn’t know or if she was only encouraging him, as this was obviously a passion of his. “Those sparkles are called Astrilucus Superficies, or Tekali Twinkly Light in my tongue. City-sized nacadorite ore floating in the atmosphere, with sunlight reflecting off it, is the cause of the brightness. That and mixing with the gas creates an aura effect.”

  “That is interesting.”

  “You are the first woman that I have met on this moon who hasn’t been this involved with the Tekali religion. I was under the impression that religious matters were dominated by women. Now that I think about it, the religious branch of government has always been woman-led.”

  “I apologize,” Evrilla let go of the Captain and took a step away, facing the other direction. “You are correct that the women of this world are the servants of Tekali and the enforcers of morality. I must admit, I care more about the practices than the history behind them.”

  Hearing the Duchess's point, Ryder nodded his head, realizing that he had made a grave mistake. “That is fair. It was wrong of me to assume. I enjoy how things work.”

  “As most men do.” She walked over again. Her mannerisms heightened her feminine features. She then gently grabbed his hand, smoothly guiding it up halfway to her arm. “Now, am I to be your wife?”

  Ryder froze in place as he watched her pressing against him. He wanted to pull away, but a strong revelation was consuming him. It has been many years since a woman ever touched him in such a manner. A feeling he had long forgotten and a body that shockingly craved. It took far more willpower for him to pull his arm away and take a step back. This seemed to amuse the Duchess, making her giggle.

  “The reason I mentioned Tekali and her wonders was to show you that I do care about this world. I care about the people of Salva. I want what is best for them all.”

  “Because of your daughter.”

  “No…, well, yes, but it is more than that. I have made many sacrifices to unite tribes, villages, and cities, rallying them behind my daughter’s throne. I have compromised many of my principles and the core beliefs of my people, at times costing me my reputation. I did it to show that we are not the Unity. That we might not agree with everything, but we respect each other.”

  “A burden of a rule is never easy,” Evrilla said. “It always comes with sacrifice for others.”

  “A lesson I have been learning,” Ryder responded. He then gazed at the Astrilucus Superficies, seeing thousands of pinkish glows throughout the Northern Hemisphere. “While I might not be the best at it, as Duke, I will do what I can to achieve this.”

  She would get comfortable next to him, rubbing her shoulder against him. “Because you are a good man.”

  “No, I am not,” Ryder said. “I own people for my own needs as property. I pardon a Kitsune for giving me to the enemy for stability. I became a dictator, something that my people, including myself, despise. But to hell with it, this is my duty, and I will do whatever it takes to lead. If I must fight the world or marry you, whatever it takes. A safe and prosperous Salva, for this Velunara nation, is a war Assiaya will not have to fight.”

  “I take it you agreed to the peace terms?” Evrilla said joyfully.

  Ryder stood there in silence for a moment. Through removed the joyful look at the Duchess as she did not look puzzled by his lack of response. Only after she tugged on his arm did he then stare directly into the Duchess's eyes. “No, I decided against it.”

  Evrilla took a step backwards, glancing away. “Can I ask why? You just said you would.”

  “The reason I accepted being a Duke was so my people could reach out to the people of this world, while providing representation to their beliefs. To show that we were not alien invaders trying to thrust our ways upon them. I said I would if I believed it would benefit my people. However, while I have grown to love many aspects of Alagore, the people and culture, I am also an American. I will also not abandon those beliefs and values for appeasement.”

  Mathew Ryder took a deep breath, looking back at Tekali. “As a man and a leader, I cannot forget where my roots are. I did not take this position for glory, wealth, or power. I did it to make a better kingdom. And as Duke, I will do that. But I will not do it your people’s way. I am not here to protect the current system; I am here to elevate it. And with that, I cannot accept your city marriage proposal, as it would send the opposite message.”

  Ryder glanced down, feeling a deep hole in his chest. Not from disappointment, but because he was aware of the consequences. However, he believed it was the right choice and felt proud. “I hope you can understand. If you wish, you and your nobles can remain here as refugees. In time, you can join this growing government and maybe take vengeance on those who murdered your family. That is my counteroffer, but as Lord of Salva, I will not defend that tradition. Leadership is not blood, it's character.”

  To his surprise, the Duke didn’t hear the expected response. He was expecting her to try to convince him to accept the peace deal. Defending her position on how becoming his wife would benefit him in the game of politics. To embrace union to avoid war. She said nothing.

  He turned away, staring at the city now. The green glow from the leaf solar panels on many of the roofs. The colorful streetlights and housing lighting are from Alagore and American technology. The distant buzzing of music from the packed taverns. The massive Palace was illuminated to show Salva's might. And the three hand-knitted flags that Assiaya and many of the townsfolk woman sowed – the United States, Salva, and newly created Velunara.

  As the Captain began speaking about what he had grown to love about the people of Salva, he suddenly felt the side of his neck get cut. Out of reaction, he reached over to investigate with his hand and felt blood.

  That was when Ryder looked at the human woman. She stood there smirking, handing the knife with no care in her posture.

  “What did you….” As Ryder reached out for the knife, he felt his body numb. His arms felt heavy, his legs grew weak, and he quickly dropped to the ground, leaning against the cold concrete battlement.

  With all his might, the Captain tried to move his limbs, but he failed, as all his strength had been zapped away. He could only watch as Evrilla got on both knees, covering his legs. Her innocent eyes were replaced with daggers. Her sweet smile was now a grin of pride, as if a predator caught its prey. The knife was spinning among her hands like a professional.

  “I must admit, Captain. I was waiting until we were in bed together. The moment a man sees my gaze, they are unable to wait to get between my legs. If I knew you would drag this out over inner philosophy drama, I would have poisoned you sooner.”

  She then leaned close to him, placing her knife under his chin to raise it. So, their eyes stared intensely at each other. “I am an efficient killer, and right now I normally would slice your throat and vanish into the darkness. However, you committed two crimes that I cannot tolerate. This mission was supposed to last one night, but more importantly, you rejected me. And that, I cannot accept.”

  Evrilla leaned closer before kissing Ryder on his lips.

  *****

  “The eye color is wrong,” Yeldan said. “Duchess Evrilla had brown eyes. In addition, my records indicate that her family believes she was mana-sensitive. However, she was too young before their House fell for me to verify.”

  The Comanche Warrant Officer stepped between them, hand silencing them with extraordinary abruptness. “Enough with the details. Is the Boss in danger, yes or no?”

  “I believe he is,” Yeldan said. “He was not home, or at the Palace.”

  The Warrant Officer didn’t need to hear more as his training kicked in. He ordered the guard to contact the rest of Comanche and any available Minutemen Combat Teams in the Barracks. For the Valkyrie, she flexed her wings and took off into the air, hovering.

  “Stupid,” she mumbled. The Valkyrie continued to castrate herself as she knew something was wrong, but allowed her feelings to get in the way. Ryder was correct that she had invested in his Royal House to such a great extent that she couldn’t see a trap because of her own jealousy.

  Once the Valkyrie reached the city skyline, she looked down, studying the layout. “If he is not at the Palace or home, where would he be? What would he be doing?”

  The Templar then closed her eyes, taking control of her emotions. “Calm yourself, Templar of Hevera. You are a great warrior. Focus.” She then looked up at Tekali, hovering above all of Alagore, and asked for strength.

  The Angelic Warrior took a deep breath to calm her nerves. “Okay… if he is not at work or with his daughter, what would he be doing? With the Colonel, whom Yeldan would have already investigated. Comanche was at the barracks, so not at a tavern or mission. He could be with the growing Legion, but the Political Advisor would have known. That leaves the Harff delegation. The DUCHESS!”

  While the Templar couldn’t know for sure who the Captain was spending time with, it made sense. Ryder would prefer to manage that business in private rather than in public, and given the current topic, it was a logical hypothesis. However, she still had no idea where they would be.

  That was when the Valkyrie recalled the times she and Ryder spent together and noticed a trend. During intimate moments when they shared details about each other’s cultures and philology, they were always private. That was when she looked back up at Tekali – seeing the magnetic storm raging with colorful Aetherium gas glowing through the gas giant's atmosphere. Ryder would find a place with a view of Mother.

  [“Wings,” King said over the radio. “Internal Security says they caught the Captain in the southeast section of the city. We are figuring out how the guard was there.”

  It took a moment for Natilite to understand why Ryder would be there. Then it hit her. It was secluded, but not outside the city. It had a decent view, but it wasn’t a place he would take others. But it was the location of a major battle, where Comanche held the line, so there was some spiritual importance.

  Thrilled by the news, Valkyrie flexed her wings and flew toward the outer wall. As the Templar drew closer, she saw only one person at first. Using her bird-like eyes, she focused on the person for a better view and noticed it was two people. To her confusion, one was on top of the other.

  She landed on the roof, which required a lot of force to slow her down. To her horror, she saw Duchess Evrilla sitting on Ryder’s lap, in a deep kiss. At first, her worst fears flooded her mind, believing that the Captain accepted the women’s offer. That was when she noticed a knife cut on his neck with blood dripping. Nothing life-threatening, but also concerning.

  The strange human woman leaped off Ryder in shock at the interruption. But the Duchess started laughing while spinning her knife between her fingers. Her posture conveyed a sense of pride and a smirk of defiance as she took small steps toward the battlement.

  That was when Natilite noticed that Ryder wasn’t moving. Only sitting against the wall, not moving. What did you do to him?”

  That was when Evrilla gave an evil laugh. “The American slut has arrived. I should have known.”

  The Templar felt nothing but rage flowing through her body. Her blood warmed as her killing lust took over. She rushed forward, expecting to easily grab the human Lat's neck with the intention to snap it – regardless of the consequences of a Templar murdering a royal figure.

  To her shock, the Lat woman dodged and navigated around her. When the Valkyrie turned around, she noticed that the Duchess was standing there with a confident smirk. She tossed a pouch against the Valkyrie, which sliced in half but released a dark gas.

  Feeling the poison gas surrounding her head, Natilite choked and was forced to use her wings to blow the gas away. Before the Angelic warrior could do anything, Evrilla rushed toward the roof edge. She attempted to stop the women, but the supposed Duchess held a yellow crystal and tossed it. A sudden bright glow blinded the Templar, causing her to drop to her knees while covering her eyes.

  When the Templar regained her vision, she glanced around and noticed that the Duchess was gone. Rommel King was on her radio, explaining that they were almost there. She prepared her Valkyrie wings to fly off for the hunt. As she fanned her wings, the Templar remembered that Ryder was leaning against the wall.

  Deciding that he was her priority, at least until Comanche arrived. Forgetting about Evrilla. She rushed to the Captain. While not a healer, she could tell that Ryder was poisoned and drugged, while also being treated in an indecent manner. Somehow, that woman paralyzed him before being assaulted.

  She kneeled next to him, confirming that the knife wound wasn’t life-threatening, but was concerned about what the substance was like. It was clear to her that whatever it was wasn’t meant to kill instantly, or he would already be dead. Still, she couldn’t know for sure. The only thing she could conclude was that whoever this woman was, she wasn’t that Harff Duchess but a highly trained assassin.

  Hearing footsteps coming from the hallway, she grabbed his pants and made him descend so his teammates wouldn’t see their leader in such a state.

  Ryder tried to speak, but the Templar gently placed her hand on his forehead. “Let Mother's gentle touch bring calm to your spirit. Release your strength and embrace those around you now that love, not evil.”

  “I… no,” Ryder whispered.

  “Calm yourself.”

  “I…, said no.” Ryder forced himself to say.

  At first, Natilite was confused but realized what he meant. He had rejected the Duchess's proposal, which likely led to this incident.

  As the door opened, Colonel Hackett was followed by some members of Comanche, including Rommel King and the medic Marcos Gonzales. To her surprise, the dark American brought the Madian Ayaka carrying potions.

  Natilite stood and hurried toward the balcony. Seeing she didn’t have a translation amulet, she spoke English as best as she could. “Paralyzing poison. Evrilla leaped off the wall, I am going after her.”

  She soared through the air, focusing her eyes on looking for any trail. It had become evident that the Lat woman was never the Harff Duchess, being an assassin of some sort. An excellently trained one at that. This led her to conclude that the operation was well planned and coordinated. Why now, though?

  Amid the Templar confusion, she spotted the Lat woman standing atop a hill, waiting.

  The Angelic Warrior charged with sword in hand, but noticed the assassin standing there, smirking. As the Valkyrie drew closer, she stopped as her senses noticed something from above and flocked backwards, witnessing a giant double-sided ax impaling into the ground.

  When Natilite landed, she watched as this new hostile rose from his strike.

  The new hostile was towering, about eight feet tall. Thick lower arms and legs with blue skin. Long black hair with a thick chin. His armor was traditional Unity, though, showing whose allegiance it was.

  This unknown warrior stood with defiance, staying between her and Evrilla. While the armor configuration was unfamiliar to her, it did have a Unity theme behind it. Advanced magitech is infused throughout the armor. Crystal integrated, adding additional projection. Similar to the Altaerrie battlesuits.

  If it wasn’t before, it was now apparent to the Templar that the Harff negotiations were a front to slip an enemy agent and kill off targets of interest. This was the second attempt, now on her friends, and they are going to pay.

  Wanting to capture the false Duchess, the Angelic Warrior rushed forward with a powerful sprint, utilizing her agility advantage.

  The unknown giant warrior only smiled before moving along with the Templar, using his ax and wrist energy shield to deflect her attacks. His weight was greater than hers, making it challenging to deliver an effective strike.

  Natilite held her sword up and blocked the unknown warrior's strike. While she held her thanks for her genetically enhanced strength, she was struggling.

  The creature leaned in, heavily breathing. His eyes were singularly focused on the Templar, not as a threat but as a predator. His expression displayed no fear.

  “What are you?” Natilite demanded. “I never fought a moral with your strength. Are you a new Teivel?”

  With no response and unable to break through his defenses, the Valkyrie broke off her attacks. In doing so, he pressed forward with no concern for his life and slashed at the Templar armor.

  This forced the Templar to either retreat or go on the offensive. She chose the latter as the Valkyrie spread her wings and faked a rammed attack, tricking her opponent and swooping around, slashing against his arm plating to create an opening in his posture for a killing shot.

  Her agility worked, and she was about to maneuver around the unknown giant warrior swiftly. However, he recovered quickly and grabbed her arm firmly.

  For a split moment, the two warriors' impressive strength pressed against each other. Natalie was shocked by this creature’s power, but she noticed he was giving way. In this moment, the Templar was thankful to be genetically enhanced.

  Finally, taking the momentum, she was stuck within his grasp. She fell onto him with all her strength. Ramming her leg into his chest or stabbing her sword against him. Her strikes were causing the warrior to lose his grip. That was until a giant rock flew at them, forcing him to let go of the Valkyrie and block with his energy shield.

  To Natilite's excitement, Fraeya, Ford, and Gonzales stood nearby.

  Feeling a renewed spirit to fight, it was quickly dashed by a powerful circiletum strike near her location, forcing the Templar to retreat to her Comanche companions.

  In the background, an illusion of a giant rock formation disappeared and was replaced with a black airship of unknown design. The turret aimed at them, firing shrouds which forced Fraeya to form rocky alg disks to protect them.

  The next moment, the silent airship hovered above the Lat woman and the unknown giant warrior. A bright light consumed them as the aircraft's gravity light lifted them from the ground. In the process, the false Duchess placed her hand to cover her lips before mockingly giving a goodbye kiss. The two then entered the Unity craft before flying into the darkness.

  “Are you okay?” Fraeya asked.

  “I am,” Natilite said. “Thank you.”

  “What is he?” Ford asked.

  “Better question,” Gonzales said. “What is going on?”

  “I do not….” Natilite suddenly felt weak and touched her side.

  Fraeya was the first to grab the Templar, helping her friend onto the ground. “Did he harm you?”

  “No,” Natilite responded. “He was a tough fight, but Evrilla poisoned me during our duel on the roof.”

  The moment the Templar stated her condition, Ford grabbed her arm, wrapped it around his neck, and carried her. Gonzales unzipped his aid kit and grabbed an anti-viral pill.

  “Not as good as a potion, but this should help until we get back to base.”

  As they began to leave, Natilite looked out into the darkness once again, realizing that the war had only gotten more complicated.