Awakening The Angel System: Apocalypse

A LitRPG Progression Fantasy

Awakening The Angel System

Book 6

Ducky Dungeon

Copyright © 2025 by Ducky Dungeon

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Chapter 1

Coronation of The Queenslayer

On top of a highrise tower of ebony and gold stood a man with white hair, his golden eyes staring down at the metropolis below him, the crown jewel of the Selfian Empire.

Jack Knight, soon to be Jack Cordelica, folded his hands on the railing, leaning over the balcony with a pensive expression.

Today was his wedding day, which would be a tense and stressful day for anyone. But Jack also had the additional drawback of being crowned as king of a nation that hated his kind.

Looking at the bright blue sky, Jack closed his eyes, taking a moment to breathe in the crisp air, so different from the plains he called home. So different from the stalactite underground of his childhood.

Life… it had become so different. The man he was now was a contrast to the boy who had left that underground cyber hellscape so many years ago.

Jack spun, facing his companion of old, the spectral woman with white wings and golden hair who served as his literal heart.

Sahaqiel smiled at Jack. The archangel was lounging on the queen-sized bed as a small, pale woman clad in armor lay in her lap, munching on candy. This was Ruby, Jack's guardian. And in the far corner of the room, perhaps the only one uninterested in the entire affair, was Lilith.

Swathed in shadows, the fallen specter stood in darkness. The only things visible were her crimson eyes and the occasional black feather that fell from her body and faded into the ether.

There was a knock at the door before a woman with silky brown hair entered, her long red dress swaying from side to side.

“Ada,” Jack smiled, eyeing the love of his life as the three other women, invisible to the mortal world, vanished.

“Tanji,” Ada replied, her soft smile lifting a heavy weight off of Jack's heart. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I can be.” Jack sighed before he moved to embrace the lithe woman.

“Are you nervous?”

“Me? Naahh.”

“Hmm, remember that one time in the clinic closet?” Ada smirked, walking her fingers up Jack's chest, her hazel eyes fixed on his golden gaze.

“If I recall, you were the one that tackled me into that closet.” Jack said, brushing the woman's hair over her ear before locking lips with her.

“Ahem.”

The pair jolted. Standing at the entrance of the bedroom was a short, red-haired woman, her green eyes a contrast to the red dress she wore, a match to Ada’s.

“If you don't hurry, we'll be late,” Leona said, her tomboyish voice colored with disapproval. “And if you're gonna do that, at least close the door and wait till after the wedding!”

“Yes, mom,” Jack replied, causing the woman to roll her eyes.

“Don't think I won't tan your behind,” Leona hissed before walking in and tidying the blue military uniform Jack wore. She eyed his wrists, making sure his sleeves and white gloves covered the runic tattoos. “Now, come on.”

Jack followed the woman out, Ada giggling beside him.

“Where's Celeste?” Jack asked, a hint of worry in his voice as he asked about his daughter.

“Don’t worry—-she's with your cousin Jin,” Leona reported, walking briskly down the velvety red hall flanked by suits of armor. She turned, noticing Jack's clenched jaw. “She’s enjoying her new dress. Relax–do you think I would give her to someone I don't trust?”

“No, I’m sure she's in good hands. I just worry, is all,” Jack replied as the trio came to a stop before an ornate double door carved of expensive oak.

“You're so cute when you worry,” Ada replied, poking Jack in the arm.

“Well, here we are. I'll see you two at the afterparty, I guess,” Jack sighed.

“Reception, Jack,” Leona corrected.

“What?”

“Wedding reception, not party,” Leona explained before grabbing Ada’s wrist and taking her away, the latter planting a kiss on Jack's cheek before going.

Jack watched the pair race off, leaving him alone to stew in his thoughts.

“You got this, Jack!” Sahaqiel cheered. “It's just marriage!”

Well. Physically alone, anyway.

“Thanks.”

Jack caught his breath, clenching both fists before he reached out to open the door.

“Hello, Jack darling,” Duchess Bell greeted him, another set of doors behind her. “Are you ready for me to walk you down the aisle?”

She was a statuesque, green-haired woman with matching emerald eyes, who was poured into a fitted red gown covered with gold jewels and green sashes.

“Yeah. Let's get this over with.” Jack sighed, tugging at his dress uniform, which bore the insignia of a major.

Duchess Bell offered her soft hand to Jack. “Now come along and fix your posture, darling. We've got a room full of politicians to anger.”

“Right, we do.” Jack replied. He took his aunt’s hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm as the double doors opened to orchestral music.

Unlike in the Corporate Alliance or nomadic wedding ceremonies, in the Empire, mothers led sons down the aisle or, instead of that, a mother-figure. As the head of his deceased mother's noble house, Duchess Bell was the nearest thing Jack had to a parent.

Entering the chamber, Jack's pristine black boots walked in time with Duchess Bell’s red heels, his gaze focused forward as the eyes of hundreds of strangers he'd never met descended on him.

Murmurs could be heard. A hundred mouths all spoke about Jack, their whispers clear as day to his awakened senses.

“Who is that?”

“This is the man the Queen chose?”

“Rumors are he's related to the Blood Rose.”

“Preposterousness!”

“Hmm. I admit he has exemplary features, but what's with his white hair?”

“I thought this was a scion of House Bell, not House Light?”

“Maybe another wayward like the Domino children?”

“No, he would still have green hair, or those streaks.”

“A major? Of all the generals and colonels available, she chooses a major?”

“I've had my son courting the crown for years and I lose to some random nobody?!”

Jack kept a straight face, putting one foot in front of the other, his golden eyes focused on the white-haired woman who held a fourth of the civilized world in her palm.

Well, her mechanical palm.

Finally, Jack stood across from his bride. Selfia was also dressed in a blue military uniform, her long white hair tied up in a bun with a pin in the shape of a rose in it.

The duo stood beneath a white arch, flanked by women with green hair and ceremonial golden armor. A priestess in black vestments stood before the two.

Suddenly, silence descended. The quartet’s music ceased, and not a single sound was heard in the chamber.

“Dearly beloved,” the red-eyed priestess began reading from her book. “We come today-”

Jack tuned out the priestess, focusing instead on the figure. Her military uniform covered her mechanical arms. His future spouse, the current queen of the Selfian Empire.

Selfia Cordelica.

Jack did his best not to look at the crowd, instead maintaining a loving smile for the beautiful woman, who smiled back at him.

It was all a show, though. A farce. Neither party was really in love but were using one another to achieve their own means.

For Selfia, she hoped Jack’s legacy would garner her the support of the Progressives, who had remained neutral, and would also unite the nomads scattered across the Imperium.

For Jack, well… he needed Selfia’s resources and military to search for his sister and protect his daughter.

Despite being surrounded by people who were related to him, they were nothing but strangers to Jack, who had grown up an orphan under a rocky black sky.

Suddenly, Selfia took Jack’s hands; he could feel her mechanical fingers beneath her white gloves.

It was time.

“-do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?" The priestess asked Selfia. “And if you so do, then proclaim your lineages and state your affirmations under this sacred union.”

Selfia grinned, not a soft smile, but an actual grin that revealed her true nature.

“I, Selfia Cordelica, daughter of the Red Empress and The Knight of One Lancelot, Queen of the Imperium and heir to the Cordelica bloodline, take you, Jack, as my husband.”

The priestess turned to Jack, repeating the question to him.

Jack blinked, doing his best not to hesitate under the limelight of a hundred glares.

Not that the concept of marriage was scary, nor was it the fact that he would be crowned King Consort. No, what made his heart beat rapidly was that his next words would set into motion a sequence of events he couldn't take back.

“You got this, Jack!” Sahaqiel said. She showed support by materializing as a cheerleader with his name emblazoned on her shirt. Of course, no one else could see her unless she wanted them to, and thankfully so, as it made Jack’s smile appear much more genuine.

“I… Jack Knight, son of the Blood Rose and the Burning Devil, heir to House Bell, take you, Selfia, as my wife.” Jack recited, sealing his fate.

At Jack’s words, a tense stillness hung in the air. Even the priestess stood, jaw agape, as Jack revealed his identity to every nobleperson under Selfia’s banner.

“WHAT?!” a woman in the crowd shouted, followed by an elderly noble passing out.

Selfia smirked, her Bell Guards turning to face the crowd, which was now in an uproar.

“Let's have some fun, shall we, Jack?” Selfia giggled before pulling Jack into an embrace and sealing their marriage with a kiss.

Chapter 2

King and Country

In the moonlit rainy night, a man in red armor sat in a trench, his blue eyes gazing down at his dirt-covered hands, which were torn and matted with blood.

His blood? Or someone else's? He didn't know. The chill of winter had numbed whatever sensations he had left in his battered body.

“Fuck, this sucks.” Conrad sighed, turning his green eyes to his battle buddy, who let out a low chuckle.

“Whining isn't going to help,” Ferdinand replied. The man was half-asleep on a wooden trench wall with his arms crossed, clutching his m-20 rifle. “But coming over here and cuddling me will.”

Conrad shifted his head. “That's gay.”

“I'm cold.”

Conrad sighed, “Yeah, me too.”

Several moments passed, both men shivering in their positions.

“Fucking gay, man,” Conrad hissed, moving over in the trench to sit with his friend, with his head on the man's shoulder.

“Aw. I knew you loved me.”

“Just so you know, I'm not doing this because I want to.”

“Are any of us?” Ferdinand replied, the pair shifting to hold each other. “Fuck, this sucks.”

“Whining isn't going to help.” Conrad quipped, Ferdinand shaking his head.

“Cuddling tonight, are we, gentlemen?” A man snickered, walking down the trench line, his red helmet obscured by the white hood over it.

“We’re cold,” Ferdinand and Conrad replied in unison.

“Same, make some space,” Achmad said, sitting down between the duo.

“Man… this kinda sucks,” Achmad groaned.

“Whining isn't going to help.”

“So, when do you think the war will be over?” Achmad asked, nuzzling close to Conrad.

“For you? A LOT sooner than the rest of us if you keep getting any closer Akmood, goddamn it,” Conrad snapped.

“Don’t mind Conny boy here. He doesn't know how to express his love. His parents left when he was a kid,” Ferdinand joked, resting his head on Conrad’s shoulder, with Achmad doing the same.

“I hate you both,” Conrad sighed, shivering with his breath coming out foggy.

“So…?” Achmad said, closing his eyes.

“So what?” Conrad replied.

“The war. When do you think it'll be over?” Achmad asked, rubbing his runny nose.

“At this rate? End of spring maybe.”

“Really? That's pessimistic,” Ferdinand yawned.

“Realistic,” Conrad grunted, also yawning. “We've already lost. The brass just don't know it yet.”

“Ya know, they say that when one person yawns after another, it means they're connected,” Achmad added.

“Shut up, Achmad.” Conrad growled.

“Aww. We're connected,” Ferdinand chuckled.

“I hate you both,” Conrad replied as a crunch of boots took their collective attention.

“Sir.” the trio replied, nodding to the Mage Captain walking in red armor that had no extra padding against the elements.

The red-eyed man looked down at the three, his brow raising.

“Cold?” Hoffman asked, eyeing the machinegun emplacement.

Conrad looked to his left and right. “Just a bit, sir.”

“I'll send for a blanket,” Hoffman said, inspecting their trench area.

“Thank you, sir.”

“In the meantime, cut up some more logs. I chopped down a few more trees, so shore up your defenses a bit. Word is a Selfian push is coming,” Hoffman said, easily shifting bits of the emplacement that would take two men to do.

“Yes sir,” Conrad replied, the trio watching as the officer walked off.

“So… spring, huh?” Ferdinand said, making sure the officer was out of earshot. “That means you're stuck with us for another four months.”

Conrad sighed, hanging his head low.

“What do you think of the new captain?” Achmad asked.

“Achmad, has anyone ever told you that you ask too many fucking questions?” Conrad hissed.

“Eh, once or twice,” Achmad shrugged.

“I think he's alright. Tries a bit too hard, but he's good stuff for a mage,” Conrad shifted, holding back a sneeze. “Bit of a bleeding heart, if you ask me.”

“Did you guys hear that the Selfian’s got a king now?” Ferdinand said, watching as a signal flare flew into the sky.

“Really? That amputee bitch’s getting dicked down now?” Conrad replied.

“Yup,” Achmad sat up. “And get this, apparently the Selfian king is the son of the Burning Devil.”

“Bullshit,” Conrad scoffed.

“Nah, I heard the same thing. Big uproar with the trads,” Ferdinand interjected. “Heard a few of them went missing after being too vocal.”

“Fuck. We really drew the short end of the stick, huh,” Conrad sighed as a man came by, dropping off a blanket. “Then again, maybe this ain't so bad.”

Standing shirtless on the balcony of his luxurious room, Jack observed the bustling city below, which was teeming with life.

Two weeks had passed since his marriage to Selfia and coronation as king. And in those two weeks… he'd been stuck in his room.

He wasn't allowed to leave, nor was he allowed many visitors. In fact, he was basically a prisoner, with visitations limited to Kamila bringing him food, Ada, and the scheduled play time with Leona and Celeste.

A King held captive in his own kingdom.

For his own protection? Perhaps. At least that's what Selfia said, but it was hard to tell with a woman whom he seldom saw.

“This sucks,” Jack sighed, head hung low.

“At least you have access to three hundred shows and the intranet,” Sahaqiel offered. The angel was lying on his red velvet bed and hugging Ruby close like a body pillow.

“Yeah, but there's never anything good on.”

“Picky.”

“Probably. At least you can come and go as you please,” he muttered, turning around as a knock on the door took his attention. “Door's open. Let yourself in.”

The door opened to reveal a familiar woman dressed in a stereotypical maid’s uniform. Ada strolled into the lavish room in disguise as she brought Jack food on a silver cart.

Since the coronation, this was how the pair met, as the two lovers could not be in public together in this castle full of vipers. Although most of the staff had been dismissed, the guards still were liable to speak off-duty, spreading rumors which would damage Selfia's image.

At least, that’s what he was told.

However, contrary to popular belief, kings were, on paper, allowed “fluffers” and “releasers,” women who took care of their needs so that they could better service the queens. But in reality, it was just a rumor, spread by the Traditionalists to keep the Progressives happy during past monarchies.

Jack had no such luxury. Well, he did. But if it were found out, there would be an uproar from Selfia's powerbase.

So a secret it remained.

Ada didn't seem to mind so much, as she found the ‘secret affair’ aspect hot. Jack, on the other hand, just wanted to leave the room.

“Well, hello beautiful,” Jack said, approaching the woman from behind and hugging her. His hands cupped her breasts, which seemed larger than usual.

“Tanji! At least let's eat lunch first!” Ada exclaimed, batting his hands off her body, which seemed slightly thicker.

“Fine, fine, what did Kamila cook today?” Jack asked, causing Ada to shoot a glare at him.

“Nothing! Because I made today's-”

“Oh.”

“DON'T SOUND SO DISAPPOINTED!”

“I'm not disappointed, honey! I didn't mean it like that! I just-!” Jack quickly stated, attempting to salvage the mess he made.

“What? You just what?!” Ada snapped, suddenly crying.

“Smooth, Jack,” Sahaqiel scolded as Ada began to full-on sob.

WHAT?! I DIDN'T MEAN TO MAKE HER CRY!

“Ada-” Jack began, but was cut off as she suddenly kissed him.

“Let's fuck,” Ada whispered, guiding a confused Jack to his bed.

“The hell was that?” Jack murmured as he lay there alone on his king-sized bed, sweating. He sat up, rubbing his temples. A headache was forming as he looked over at the covered trays of food left untouched on the cart.

Jack lifted a silver cover, eyeing the charred contents within.

“Actually inedible,” he remarked, eyeing the bite marks taken out of several chunks of burnt meat. “How can anyone eat this?”

Eyeing the food, there was also cake, melted ice cream, and soups. All half-eaten, of course.

So much for lunch. How the hell did she eat so much from the kitchen to here? Jack pondered, eyeing the soup.

“Maybe she's pregnant,” Sahaqiel offered.

“Hah!” Jack barked a laugh, shaking his head before another knock on his door. “It's unlocked!”

“Daddy!”

“Celeste!” Jack spun, grabbing the little blonde girl in his arms. “Hey! How's my little sunshine?”

The girl beamed a smile, and Jack's fatigue immediately melted away.

“Food!” The little girl pointed, indicating the plates of leftovers.

“Ah, you don't want that. Auntie Ada made it.”

“Oh,” Celeste gasped, freezing in place.

“I'll get you some ice cream later, kiddo.”

“YAY!”

“E-hem,” Leona interjected.

“If you're a good girl,” he amended.

“I'm good! I'm good!” Celeste repeated.

Jack smiled, walking across the room with Celeste in his arms as Leona walked into the room.

“So, what game do you want to play today?” Jack asked, opening a cabinet that held a slew of expensive game consoles and board games.

“Jack,” Leona said, tapping him on the shoulder to get his attention.

“Hm?” Jack turned his head, eyeing the folders in the red-headed woman's hands.

Paper? Not a tablet?

Jack raised a brow at the extra security. Tablets could be hacked, Intellipads compromised. But pen and paper? Foolproof, so long as a person kept the documents out of sight from nosy peepers.

“Celeste honey, how about you get a game set up while your dad and I talk real quick?” Leona said, as Jack reluctantly let his daughter go.

“Ok mommy!” Celeste said, grabbing a game console off the shelf, along with various wires and controllers.

Jack smiled before walking off to the other side of the room as Leona handed him documents.

“What is this?”

“Files. On the High Table,” Leona said as Jack's eyes rapidly scanned over the paperwork. “Fresher data that we've collected over the last two weeks.”

“This… this tells me nothing,” Jack replied, narrowing his eyes. “Money transfers? Shipments of liquid nitrogen? And apples? What the hell do apples have to do with the High Table?”

“As Selfia says–big picture, Jack. Various cities in the Empire and the Corporate Alliance import apples from the Theocracy.”

“So what? The High Table is bankrolling themselves through apple farms?”

“With their influence and power? Please. The apples are just a way to get around,” Leona explained, handing Jack a photo of a truck crossing a border. “Now, you know how the Theocracy is in shambles, right?”

“Yeah. I've read Lita’s reports. Refugees. Blight. Famine. People are struggling to get by.”

“Well, isn't it funny that even though the country is-” Leona looked over her shoulder, eyeing Celeste humming to herself as she got tangled up in cords. “Gone to shit, they're still exporting apples? In such large quantities, they can still service multiple cities across the world?”

Jack frowned. It was indeed fishy.

“Intel has three separate apple producing companies–Honey Rite, ApplesRUS, and Applee. All three companies service different areas of the world and are from three Theocratic cities, but they all meet in Neo-Chicago.”

“This is all speculation,” Jack said, stroking his chin. “I've been waiting around for two weeks. I need something more concrete, Leona.”

Leona sighed. “I know. This isn't what you want to hear. But these things take time. If it were easy, we would have mopped up their whole operation years ago,” she explained, as the room suddenly filled with audio from the flat screen TV, now blaring game music. “We've got surveillance on the trucks and are monitoring the companies. Right now, we need to see where they're going, when they're going, and if possible, get a list of all personnel and machinery that can lead us to potential HT facilities.”

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose. “All this waiting around is killing me, Leona.”

Leona gave Jack a soft smile. “I know. We're doing the best we can with what we have. Checkmate is running round the clock, and we've got agents in the field as we speak. We'll find her, Jack,” Leona assured. “In the meantime, cherish this peace. For as long as it lasts.”

Celeste approached Jack, tugging at his pants to get his attention with a game controller in hand.

“Come on, let's play!” Celeste smiled, her childish innocence like a cool breeze on Jack's dark mind.

Chapter 3

Room Arrest

Sitting in his room, Jack tapped his fingers impatiently. He sat at a table on his balcony overlooking the gilded city, with silver feathers dancing around him. Sparks were arcing off his body in a faint glow of mana as he practiced circulating Gehenna with Energize.

“She’s almost here,” Sahaqiel said, alerting Jack to his aunt’s presence before she knocked on the bedroom door.

“Open!” Jack called out, his silver feathers disappearing into their sheaths at the corner of the balcony.

The door opened, and Duchess Belia Bell, clad in a blood-red dress, strolled into the room with the grace of a mature noblewoman. She smiled lightly. Her green eyes settled on the man basking in the sun's light beaming down on him on his balcony.

“Jack darling, how are we today?” she asked, taking a seat across from him.

“Same as yesterday,” Jack replied, his eyes scanning the city below. It would be so easy for him to just leave. One step off the balcony and he could fly to wherever he wanted. “Same as every day, it seems.”

Duchess Bell sighed, “I know you don’t enjoy your current situation, but-”

“It's for my protection,” Jack rolled his eyes, repeating what he’d heard a dozen times already. “I can protect myself, Auntie.”

“From physical threats, yes,” Belia said, reaching over the table to still Jack’s anxious hand. “But not from the political ones. The emotional ones. You have an image to protect now, Jack. A fantasy that you need to live up to in order to get what you want.”

“I know that. Trust me, I’m more than aware of the expectations people have of me,” he replied, his gaze fixed on the city below.

The duchess gave him a sad look, her lips pursing as she retracted her well-manicured hand. “Yes, I suppose you're no longer that teenage boy gawking at my breasts.”

“H-h-hhuh?! What?!”

“I’m kidding,” Belia giggled. “It's good to see that you still get flustered.”

Jack sighed, lowering his head with a chuckle.

“So, how are you adjusting to parenthood?” Duchess Bell asked.

“It's… something. Different from when I used to take care of Jill, you know?” Jack said, recalling memories of his baby sister when he was bottle-feeding her in his rundown apartment. “Celeste isn’t a baby, but… when I have her in my arms…”

A sudden tightness swelled up in Jack's chest as Duchess Bell gazed at him.

“I… I don't know. The world feels less shitty somehow,” Jack said. “I just wish this world was a better place for her.”

“And you’ll make it better,” Belia assured him, only to be met with a scoff.

“Yeah, doing a lot of changing from this gilded cage.”

“I understand you're unhappy, but this is necessary, darling. It may not seem like it, but Selfia is always working,” Belia argued.

“Two weeks.”

“Hm?”

“It’s been two weeks since Selfia last talked to or saw me in person,” Jack said, rising from his chair to pace across his balcony. “She could at least see me in person to keep me in the loop, but no, she's busy doing paperwork and micromanaging a war in her office below her throne.”

“Selfia is just bus-” Duchess Bell paused, blinking once. “Wait, how do you know about her secret planning room?”

“I have my ways,” Jack replied, his brow furrowed to glare at his aunt, who was still unaware of Sahaqiel's presence. “But that's the thing. We're supposed to be working together. There shouldn't be a secret to which I'm not privy if we're going to fight this war and win.”

“Look darling, consider this a vaca-”

“I don't need a vacation!” Jack spat, his hands tightening on his chair to the point the fine wood showed cracks. “I'm losing my mind stuck in here all day, being a passive player in an active game. People are dying while I sit here on my ass.”

“Tell me what you need, darling.”

“Out. I need out.”

“You know we can't do that.”

Jack rubbed his eyes, leaned forward, and sighed. “I know.”

Standing up, Jack brushed past his aunt and took a seat on his bed, head held low. “I'm not good at all this waiting.”

“I know, darling. I know it's hard, but trust that Selfia has a plan. That she's doing this for a reason. Beyond this castle, you have no allies within the empire,” Belia said, sitting beside Jack and coaxing him to rest his head on her shoulder. “Just be patient. There's a lot going on.”

Jack sat there for a moment, allowing his head to be stroked.

“I can see about giving you access to the entire wing,” Duchess Bell offered. “Allow you to stretch your legs. Maybe more play time with Celeste?”

“I… I would appreciate that,” Jack sighed, sitting up. “Thanks.”

Duchess Bell stood up as well, walking to the door as a knock sounded. It was time for Jack's dinner.

“Jack darling, before I go… Remember what I told you all those years ago,” Belia said, pausing at the door. “You must be careful with your love. In this game of politics, Celeste will be your greatest strength, but also your greatest weakness. Same with Jillian. Hold your heart close.”

“Yeah…” Jack said, sitting back down at the table on his balcony as Kamila entered with food.

She was dressed in a servant's uniform, a regular maid’s outfit which accentuated her petite form.

“H-he-hello,” Kamila said, pushing in the cart to serve Jack at his table.

“Hey Kami,” Jack said, preparing the table by grabbing silverware and plates. “What's for dinner?”

“C-chicken Sauerbraten.” Kamila said, lifting a silver platter covering for Jack to smell the sauteed meat.

“Oooh, oh that's nice,” Jack said. Kamila blushed as he leaned down to get a better whiff and stuck a finger into a pool of soup to taste it. “Currywurst? The consistency is pretty good, thick. Which starch did you use?”

Kamila smiled, the usually shy girl straightening up as her shoulders relaxed. “Tapioca. My parents typically used it for baking, but it's interchangeable for regular cooking.”

“Mhm. We should eat this before it gets cold,” Jack said, pulling out a chair for Kamila.

“T-thank you.” Kamila took a seat as Jack placed a plate in front of her and seated himself. “Uhm. We're all out of goldenrod, so uhm, I used rooibos instead i-if that's ok?”

“Yeah, that's fine,” Jack replied, pouring himself a cup from a pot. “Thanks, Kami.”

Kamila blushed, hunching down with a big smile on her face, as Jack began to eat. “H-how is it?” she asked, her eyes eager for praise.

“Good. Great! Really good. Much better than Ada’s cooking.”

Kamila seemed to visibly glow, sitting in silence and watching Jack eat.

“What?” Jack asked, noticing the woman staring at him. “Do I have something on my face?”

“N-n-no.” Kamila said, looking away. “I'm j-just happy you like my cooking.”

“Well, come on, dig in. I can't eat all this alone,” Jack said. The pair shared dinner together, making small talk.

From another room, a hidden chamber beneath the throne filled with monitors and paperwork, Selfia sat across from Sahaqiel, the two in deep conversation.

“Are you sure you don't want to?” Selfia asked, her brow furrowed and staring at the angel before her. “This is the last time I'll ask.”

Sahaqiel clenched her jaw. “Thank you, but no. If what you said is true, my body may be the ace in the hole. Jack can't take another soul.”

“SERIOUSLY?!” Lilith hissed, the raven-haired woman’s eyes flashing red. “ARE YOU SHITTING ME?! You have an opportunity and you deny it?!”

“Yes. It's my choice and Jack needs me, especially for what we're plotting to do. So until the day he doesn't, I will remain by his side,” Sahaqiel said, glaring at her angry counterpart. “Heaven forbid I leave him with you whispering in his ear.”

"Oh, but you're perfectly fine dumping him on me after you kill-"

"It’s something you and I both know is necessary," Sahaqiel snapped, causing Jack to raise his head at the sudden flare of anger he felt.

Selfia sighed, “Ok. Fine. It's your decision, Sarah; I won't force you. But if you change your mind, it'll be there. I'm glad we see eye to eye on this.”

“Tsk,” Lilith let out, vanishing.

“Thank you,” Sahaqiel said, staring at the human-sized black canister with her name on it. Her physical form, bound in the confines of a coffin.

Sara? Jack called out.

“Jack's calling me,” Sahaqiel said before vanishing. “Yes?”

Can you check up on Celeste for me again? I want to see if she's ok.

“Sure, no problem,” Sahaqiel replied before appearing back in Selfia's chambers.

“Celeste again?” Selfia said, reclining in her office chair with her black army boots on her desk.

“Yeah, he just worries.”

“She's safe in these halls. He should know that by now.”

“Maybe, but Jack still harbors some distrust–with good reason, I might add. Being stuck in his room all the time doesn't help. It especially doesn't help that his sister was lost under your care,” Sahaqiel replied absentmindedly, unaware of the statement she made until Selfia looked away. “Ah, sorry, it wasn't -”

“No, Jack is right to feel the way he does. I made a promise, and I failed to keep my end of the bargain,” Selfia sighed, her mechanical hand tapping the table. “The only thing I can do now is to rectify that mistake. Which unfortunately means we'll have to hurt him. As for the room thing, that should lift shortly, so long as he behaves himself.”

“You know he isn't going to like that his house-arrest was just a test.”

Selfia shrugged.

“Well, I have to see what kind of man he's become, and become more acquainted with his nomad wife,” Selfia said, her eyes focused on a monitor displaying an image of Ada Nguyen, who was painting on a large canvas.

“You know, there is a way to learn more about a person that doesn't involve a computer screen,” Sahaqiel suggested.

“And talk in person? Ick. No thanks. I do enough of that with the nobles and bankers.”

Sahaqiel shook her head.

Selfia switched the display, rotating the image out for one of Celeste and Leona. The pair were lying on a pink bed, with Leona reading the girl a bedtime story.

“And then they lived happily ever after,” Leona said softly, with Celeste throwing her hands up and screaming, “Yay! SEEGS!”

Leona immediately became flustered, the woman demanding where Celeste heard that word.

Selfia immediately changed the channel, recalling an awkward conversation she had with the child.

“Yup. No more talking in person for me. At least for a couple of days till that cools off,” Selfia said, turning her attention back to the angel.

“Smooth. Avoiding your problems.”

“I prefer tactical maneuvers in the opposite direction of oncoming issues,” Selfia countered.

“Riiiiight.”

“Also… is there a reason Lilith looks like me?” Selfia asked, deflecting the angel’s attention.

“Ah-”

Selfia smiled, enjoying the talks she had with Sahaqiel and the intel Lilith possessed. They were a short break between the monotony of paperwork and plots, almost akin to girl time that the ever-stoic Violet just didn't get.

As Sahaqiel talked, Selfia’s eyes drifted, focusing on Jack. The man was giving Kamila a foot massage as the TV played classical music.

Oh Jack, what am I going to do with you?

Chapter 4

Quality Time

“Daddy!”

“Celeste!” Jack replied, beaming a smile at the little girl running up to hug him as he knelt down.

“You're outside!”

“I am, kiddo,” Jack replied, ruffling the girl's blonde hair. “From this moment on, no more stuffy bedroom visits.”

“Awww! But I like games! Mom doesn't let me otherwise,” Celeste complained.

“Is that right?” Jack said, eyeing the red-haired woman sitting at a nearby picnic table filing her nails.

“What? It's bad for her brain. She's still developing. I don't want my child to have her brain be all mushy.”

“Mushy!” Celeste protested.

“Right. Ok, I'll tell you what, if you keep being a good girl, we’ll set up some gaming time for you, ok?” Jack said, picking Celeste up, who cheered.

With his daughter in his arms, Jack walked into the play area set up in the middle of the courtyard, a small garden sequestered in the left wing of the castle devoid of people save for Jack, Leona, and Celeste.

A private paradise, at least for Jack.

“Speaking of brains, how is her education coming along?” Jack asked, setting Celeste down so she could play in the sandbox.

“She has private tutoring. I'm handling all her education.”

“I see,” Jack said, smiling at his daughter as she opened a play chest filled with toys. “How about enrolling her in a preschool?”

Leona blinked, taken aback. “Really?”

“What?” Jack asked, eyeing the woman, who wore an incredulous look.

“I'm… just surprised you want to enroll her in school.”

“Why not? She's a growing girl. She deserves to have friends her age,” Jack said, putting on a tiny hat that Celeste handed him. “I spent a long time homeschooling Jill, and while she was always happy to see me, she was always alone and depended on me for everything. I want to shelter Celeste, but… I don't want to stunt her growth. And I don't want her to grow up spoiled.”

“That's an interesting thought, Jack.”

“Is it? I just want her to grow up normal,” Jack replied. “Jill and I never had those opportunities so, if I can give them to my daughter, then I will.”

“Well,” Leona set down her nail filer and produced a vial of nail polish from her bracelet. “The empire doesn't have public schooling like the Corporate Alliance. At least until the age of seven. But that's for basic readiness training. Most nobles homeschool, while many families attend general education at age five, if they go to school at all.”

Jack frowned. “It's a thought.”

Leona pursed her lips and said, “If you're serious about this, Selfia has a new educational reform she's interested in passing. If you want, Celeste can be part of that.”

Jack raised a brow. “What kind of reform?”

“Standardized education. Bringing the entire population to a certain level of general knowledge. Similar to the Corporate Alliance’s public education system but less… VR.”

“VR?”

“You know, virtual reality.”

“I'm familiar with the concept. What's VR have to do with teaching?”

“What? Your school never had VR sets?”

“I dropped out.”

“I mean, I was homeless, but I still went to a school that had VR. I thought they all used it.”

“Not the one I went to,” Jack replied. “We had everything taught to us by a robot. Most of the education was automated, now that I think about it. I guess with robots, they didn't have to pay anyone.”

“Well, Selfia wants in-person teaching. Actual humans, no automation, with classrooms and people from all walks of life, kinda like Almus but more inclusive,” Leona explained.

“Don't think that'll be very popular.”

“Yes, which is why it's a test case. Selfia wants to produce more academics and effect change, starting from the bottom.”

“And you think it'll work?”

“I hope it does. But if you're interested, we can see about enrolling Celeste.”

“Daddy! Mom! Look! Look at what I made!” Celeste exclaimed, the girl covered from head to toe in sand and approaching the pair with a drawing.

“That's…” Jack blinked, his eyes wide with wodner as they focused on the drawing of himself, Leona, Celeste and… a raven-haired woman with wings, all holding hands.

Jack and Leona were at a loss for words, both stunned at the drawing.

“Celeste, darling, who is this?” Leona asked, unaware of the figure that Jack knew all too well.

Jack clenched his jaw.

“A friend!” Celeste said happily.

“Friend, huh?” Jack muttered, narrowing his eyes as Leona took Celeste in her arms, the woman doing her best not to show her concern.

“Tell me more about that friend. What does she do? Does she make you do things or tell you to do stuff?” Leona asked.

Celeste shaking her head. “She watches me sleep. She says she's a gardener!”

“You mean a guardian?” Leona inquired.

“Yup!”

Jack clenched his jaw, an action that didn't go unseen by Leona.

“Do you… know something about this?”

“I do. I'll take care of it. Just-”

*Ding! Ding!*

The sound of a bell chiming out cut Jack off, turning his attention to Ada and Kamila rolling in carts of food.

“FOOOOOOD!” Celeste exclaimed, running out of Leona’s arms to hop up and down in front of Kamila.

“I wish people were that excited about my cooking,” Ada grumbled.

“Your cooking is great, honey,” Jack said, placing the drawing to the side as he embraced Ada, who rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. Don't worry, Kamila did most of the legwork. Ugh, my knees–I need to sit down,” Ada said, taking a seat as she rubbed her back.

“Are you ok?” Jack asked, noticing Ada seemed pale.

“I'm fine. Just been-BLEKH!”

“EWWWWWWW!” Celeste giggled as Ada vomited on Jack, causing him to sigh.

“... Ok. Are you sick? What's wrong?”

“Ugh, I'm disgusting,” Ada said, waving Jack off. “It's just a stomach bug.”

“Are you sure? You seem-”

“I'm fine!” Ada snapped, her teeth snapping together with a loud clack. She suddenly grew flustered at Jack, who stood frozen like a deerling in headlights.

“Ah… right. I'm going to get a mop,” Jack said as Ada began to cry.

“Four hallways down and to your right there's a maintenance closet,” Leona said, as Jack thanked her and walked off.

As Jack wandered off, Leona sat down beside Ada, grabbing a napkin to dab the woman's mouth, which was dripping with green.

“So…” Leona said, making sure Jack was out of earshot before setting down a round black device on the table.

“What's that?” Ada asked, looking down and then back up with reddened eyes. She was on the verge of crying again.

“It's a device that prevents eavesdropping by Awakened,” Leona said before crossing her legs. Nearby, Kamila was distracting Celeste, allowing her to taste a piece of cake. The little girl hopped up and down with joy. “So, how far along are you?”

“I'm sorry, what?”

“Your pregnancy.”

Ada went wide-eyed.” I-im sorry, I don't know what you're talking about, haha!” She exclaimed, giving off a not-so-convincing fake laugh.

“Seriously? I'm a field medic and a doctor. Well, psychiatrist, but that's beside the point. You aren't fooling me. Now how long?”

Ada deflated. “Six weeks,” she replied sheepishly.

“When did you find out?”

“Two weeks ago…” Ada sighed, sagging her shoulders. “I'm always so hungry and icky and achy and-” she began to cry. “And everything just feels like it sucks!”

“Ah… yup. And… Jack doesn't know?”

Ada shook her head.

“He's got enough on his plate right now! I'm trying to figure out a good time to tell him!” Ada sobbed before hugging Leona, smearing her nose on the woman's pristine military uniform.

“Ah…Ok. I have to dry clean this, you know?”

“Oh! Oh, I'm sorry!” Ada began to cry harder.

“Nononono! It's ok! It's ok! There, there!” Leona said, taking Ada in her arms. “You're ok, you're fine.”

“What's wrong?” Celeste asked, standing in front of the pair and cocking her head as she munched on the cake, now smushed between her fingers.

“Honey, go help Auntie Kamila set the table,” Leona instructed, with the little girl giving a jubilant “Ok!” before running off.

“Do you need anything?” Leona asked Ada.

“No food. I can already feel my gut expanding,” Ada cried, holding her stomach. “I'm going to get chunky!"

“Well, you have to eat. You're eating for two now, and an Awakened pregnancy is different from a regular pregnancy.”

“I knoooooow,” Ada moaned, slouching, as Jack returned with a mop.

“Found the mop,” Jack said as Leona pocketed the sound-jamming puck. “Uh, is everything ok?”

“Yup. Just dandy,” Leona smiled, dropping an arm over Ada and coaxing her to the table. “Let's eat.”

Chapter 5

Noble Date

Under the moonlight beaming over the city of lights, Jack sat on his balcony, drinking a cup of tea as he stared at the sprawling metropolis below.

“Tanji,” Ada said, opening the sliding door. “I'm going to bed. How much longer are you going to be out here?”

“Not too much longer, hun,” Jack said, sipping his tea as he relaxed.

“Ok. Love you.”

“Love you, too,” Jack replied, smiling gently at the woman, who slid the door shut.

Jack closed his eyes, opening them up again with company at his side: Lilith and Sahaqiel, sitting across from him at the table.

“Let's continue our conversation from before, Lilith,” Jack said, his eyes fixed on the fallen soul who had been ignoring him.

“I told you before. I've done nothing.”

“Yet.” Jack and Sahaqiel said. Both were focused on the woman, who emanated bloodlust.

“I have no intention of hurting my child.”

Jack blinked.

“I'm sorry, your child?”

“You and I are one. Your arms. Your legs. Your ribs, lungs, and organs. All mine. Taken from me to save your life,” Lilith replied, her red eyes glaring at Jack. “You and I are one.”

“Three, really,” Sahaqiel said. “Four if you include Ruby, but her circumstances differ from ours.”

“And only possible because of me.”

“Please, don't oversell yourself, darling; it's not that great a look. I did most of the heavy lifting for that.”

“Accidentally, because you don't know what you're doing.”

“Ladies!” Jack snapped, cutting off the two specters. “I need you both to focus here.” He took a breath, taking a moment before he'd asked the gnawing question that had been hovering in the back of his mind since he learned Celeste was his.

Tell me… does my… special Constitution mean anything for Celeste?

The twin specters shared a look.

“Yes,” Sahaqiel said, and a sinking feeling dropped in Jack's stomach. “Selfia is already aware from the testing she's done. Celeste’s genome is…well, she has the potential to become a full angel over time. Much like you were, she's a nephilim. She doesn't have mana yet, but it's only a matter of time.”

Jack furrowed his brow, his mind slowly processing the angel’s words.

Is… there anything special I should know about?

“Unlike today's humans, Celeste will eventually feel mana. She will notice it in the air, with her body growing to attract it naturally like yours does.”

So… she'll be able to inherently use mana?

“Without a system? Yes.”

Jack closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair as he savored the cool air of the night. Suddenly, a grappling hook latched onto the rail of his balcony, the metal clanging interrupting his thoughts.

The hell?

Jack peeked over the edge, eyebrow raised at the blonde-haired woman scaling the rope.

“A little help?!” Selfia called out from several floors down. “Pull me up!”

“You know there's a door, right?!” Jack yelled back. The queen of the empire flicked him off.

“Help me up!”

Jack grabbed hold of the rope, pulling Selfia as she rappelled up at a rapid pace. Finally, she climbed up and over the rail before standing on the terrace.

“Jeez! I forgot how hard it is to climb this building,” Selfia said, flicking her fake hair to the side as she took a moment to catch her breath, her blue eyes devoid of their usual red contacts. She wore a blonde wig, a pink Hello Kitlin hoodie and comfortable black gym pants, and scuffed-up sneakers. She looked a far cry from the noblewoman she portrayed.

“Well hello, Selfia. Long time no chat,” Jack said, hands on his hips. “To what do I owe the pleasure, Your Majesty?”

“Hold that thought,” Selfia said, holding a finger up before climbing back over the edge of the balcony.

“What? Where are you going?!”

“Follllllow mEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” Selfia let out before leaping off the balcony.

“YOU KNOW THERE'S A DOOR, RIGHT?!” Jack yelled over the edge before shaking his head. He turned his head towards his bedroom, wondering if he should say something to Ada. He opened the door and peeked inside, eyeing the woman who was sound asleep underneath the blankets of his king-sized bed.

Keep an eye on her for me, Sara?

“Sure.”

Comfortable that Ada was safe, Jack walked back out to the balcony, where he glanced over the edge. Selfia was on the ground below, waving up at Jack.

Great… he shook his head before taking the leap, activating Float to break his fall.

“Fancy skill,” Selfia said, standing in the courtyard.

“What's this about?” Jack said, approaching her, as she held out clothes for Jack.

“Less talking, more stripping.”

“Can you at least buy me dinner first?”

“You already had dinner. Now shut up and get naked!”

Jack rolled his eyes, changing into the trousers, baggy shirt, and leather jacket.

“Oh, put this on,” Selfia said, handing Jack a black wig. “Weird how your hair is white. Wouldn’t it be funny if we were brother and sister? Be like one of those pornos!”

Jack turned his head slowly. “That's disgusting.”

“Yeah, yeah, come on, put on the damn wig and let's go,” Selfia replied.

“Where are we going?”

“Surprise, surprise, surprise Jackie, you'll see when we get there,” Selfia said with a smirk.

Jack did as told, putting on the wig before following Selfia into a nearby alleyway.

Exiting out of a secret tunnel, Jack and Selfia entered a small wooden room.

“Cough! Wh-where the hell is this?” Jack let out, smacking away cobwebs and dust as he scanned the room, which was filled with old barrels.

“Come on.” Selfia said, opening a door.

Jack followed along, his ears picking up music and chatter as they ascended a flight of stairs into a dimly lit room with rows of bottles and classical jazz playing in the background.

“This…” Jack began.

“It’s a bar!” Selfia exclaimed.

“Hey, Selts!” a blond man behind the bar called out. He used Selfia's cover name, with the clientele at the bar turning and saying the same thing.

“Who’s the man meat?” a brunette woman in a Selfian blue uniform asked. She was a sergeant from the chevrons on her collar.

“My boooyfriend,” Selfia giggled, causing two men at the table to groan and the soldier to swear and ogle Jack.

“So this is the elusive J?” the bartender said, eyeing Jack up and down.

“Yup, that's me,” Jack said, flashing a smile as the group of people at the bar waved at him.

“I'm Kale,” the bartender said before pointing at the others at the bar. “That's Ray, Happy, and CC.”

“Hey, nice to meet you guys,” Jack replied, taking a seat beside Selfia.

“Vodka on the rocks, orange and extra lime please,” Selfia asked. “Oh, and green tea for my bubby here.”

Jack put on a fake smile, allowing Selfia to hug and brush up against him.

“Gross,” the woman named CC grumbled.

“Don't be jealous! You'll find a man!” Selfia laughed as Kale made her drink.

“Not much of a drinker?” The bartender asked, placing a cup of tea in front of Jack.

“Not really. What kind of bar serves tea?” Jack said, staring at the bartender’s hand, which was missing the ring and pinky fingers.

“A good one.” Kale replied, raising an eyebrow. “Curious about the hand?”

“A bit.”

“War injury,” the man shrugged.

“Lots of that going round.” The old man named Happy grumbled. “I tell yea, right now-”

“Oh, here we go,” Ray rolled his eyes.

“-no! Don't ‘here we go’ me! I'm telling ya, this whole damn war is hogwash! Just a way to line the bureaucrats’ pockets!”

“My God, shut up.”

“No, you shut up, Ray! Without the Solomon expeditions, the industrial military complex needs something to sink their money in. This war is it. I wouldn't put it past that Selfia bitch to have her brother be a scapegoat-”

“Can we not today, Happy? Please?” CC cut in, placing her head on the bar.

The old man named Happy paused, eyeing the woman before looking away.

“Tsk, yeah, yeah. Sorry, C,” Happy grumbled, downing a shot of alcohol and settling down.

“What's that all about? “Jack whispered, asking Selfia.

“Today's the anniversary of the day she lost her sister in the battle of Frelia.”

“Oh…lovely,” Jack said, not realizing today was the anniversary. “So… what are we doing here?”

Selfia stared at Jack, eyeing him, almost as if searching him for something.

“Night on the town. Can't I take out my boooyfriend?” Selfia finally said with an innocent grin.

“Hm,” Jack smiled before sipping his tea.

“Kale, can I get this to go?” Selfia asked. “Put it on my tab.”

“Sure thing, Selti.”

Selfia got up, taking a moment to stop by CC. “If you're still having trouble with dating, I can hook you up.”

“Really? You?” The soldier scoffed. “No offense, Selti, but I doubt it.”

“Really? He's an Awakened officerrrrrrrrrrr,” Selfia teased, causing the soldier's ears to perk up at the mention of ‘officer.’

“Oh?” CC said, her brow raised.

“Yup! He's handsome, well-groomed, likes whiskey, has a nice combat scar under his eye and! He was in a kindersoldt unit just like you!”

Wait a minute… Jack looked up from his tea.

“Oh? You've been holding out on me all this time?!” CC exclaimed.

“Hehe. Are you interested?”

“Yes! Yes! I'm tired of being single! Give me a high-paying man!”

“Then it's a date!” Selfia giggled before signaling Jack. “Honey! Let's go.”

“Uh, right,” Jack said, following Selfia out of the bar and into the night.

“Aaaaah. Fresh air,” Selfia said. Jack followed her onto one of the many sidewalks of the city.

“Really? Python. You're setting her up with Python?”

“Why not? They both like whiskey, they’re both soldiers, and he's been stressing nonstop-”

“Gee, I wonder why,” Jack muttered as Selfia made vulgar gestures with her hands.

“Anyway, having someone to dote on him would help ease his mental fatigue. Plus, I like playing matchmaker!” Selfia said before grabbing Jack's hand. “Now come along, oh husband of mine, we've got a long chat ahead of us.”

“About?” Jack asked, brow raised.

Selfia smiled. “The future of the world, of course.”

Chapter 6

Old Faces

Jack took a breath, adjusting his collar in the mirror. The military uniform he wore bore an emblem of the unicorn on his left collar and a rose crossed with a blade on his right collar.

“You look… very dapper, honey,” Ada said, hugging Jack from behind.

“You think so? I think I look very rigid and generic.”

“Well, trust me dear, you're very far from generic, although I miss your long hair.”

“Really? I thought I looked a bit like a hobo.”

“Could you at least have kept the beard?”

“Why? Saying I need man makeup?” Jack joked, giving Ada a light kiss.

“No, I'm just saying I liked your beard,” Ada pouted, laying down in bed. She reached over to a nearby plate to eat last night's leftovers. Well, her leftovers. Whatever she was eating seemed to be some combination of cheesy chips dipped in strawberry yogurt with a side of peanut butter and ketchup.

Absolutely vile.

Jack had concerns, but kept his mouth shut for fear of his own safety.

“Fine. Maybe I'll grow it out.”

“You promise?” Ada asked, batting her eyes with her mouth smeared with yogurt.

Jack smirked. “No promises, Ada,” he said, walking over to kneel and take her hand. “But I'll try. Just because I'm the Queen's consort doesn't mean I don't have to follow the military grooming standards, though.”

“You’re such a good boy,” Ada teased, smiling as a knock on the door sounded.

“Sorry to disturb you, but it's time, sir.” Leona wore a matching uniform to Jack but with a lieutenant’s rank, where Jack's rose medallion was for a captain.

“Alright. Time for me to go,” Jack said, wiping Ada’s mouth with a napkin and giving her a kiss.

“I'll miss you,” Ada said, almost tearful.

Jack smirked. “I'll only be gone for a few hours. Oh, and tell Yuki I said hi. I'll try to swing by after.”

“Sure, now hurry and go so you can hurry back,” Ada said, with Jack heading out the door.

“Are you sure you're up for this?” Leona asked. She and Jack were standing in front of a set of double doors that led outside. “I'd really hate to ruin my nails if you aren't.”

“Is Celeste safe?”

Leona raised a brow. “She's with your Aunt Bell and Kamila right now at the Bell mansion, along with an entire Rose team on standby.”

“Well, vacation time is over. It's time to get to work,” Jack said. Leona shrugged and pulled open the door that spilled daylight onto him.

Outside, a convoy of black unmarked cars was parked in the driveway. The rear entrance to the palace was littered with dozens of men and women in gold armor.

“Consort, Mage Lieutenant Ashfield,” a suit with a cybernetic hand said, standing beside a black armored SUV.

“J-jess- Sergeant Ashfield?!” Jack exclaimed, caught off-guard by the woman he hadn't seen in nearly four years.

Jessica smiled. “Lieutenant now. I will be in charge of your security detail, sir. If you would, your chariot awaits.”

“Seems like everyone is moving up in the world,” Jack muttered, flashing a look at Leona as he climbed into the black leather interior of the car.

“Selfia thought it would be better to see a familiar face,” Leona explained, sitting beside Jack, who was smiling at the woman across from him. “Or two.”

It was corporal Yun Vichecht. The blonde, red-eyed woman returned Jack’s smile.

“Yun!”

“Sir!” The perky woman replied, giving a casual salute. “And here I thought you’d forgotten about me, hehe.”

“Buckle up, please,” Jessica said, eyeing the pair through the rearview mirror. Her brown eyes settled on Jack as she reached for her radio. “Chicken Two, this is Chicken One. Big Rooster is on board. Lead us out.”

Big Rooster? Jack raised his brow.

“Copy that,” a familiar voice called back. “We're wheels up.”

“Alright, get comfortable. We're off, sir,” Jessica said, winking at Jack before the car lurched forward, taking off through the gilded archway and into the city.

“Yun, it's been ages!” Jack exclaimed, eyeing the woman. “How's it been? What have you guys been up to?

“Oh, you know. Dodging bullets, getting shot at, chasing bad guys,” Yun said, almost giddy. “Lots and lots and lots of classified stuff! Fun stuff! You look good, by the way! Real-”

“What she means is that after the Gamma Outpost raid,” Jessica cut in. “We've been working with Queen Selfia on a number of ops.”

“You’re kidding,” Jack said. “Selfia recruited you guys?”

“Jeez. Why do you sound so surprised?” Yun snorted, smiling. “Everyone from Gamma Station has combat experience. And we all completed our SERE, OCDTS, and STARs training.”

“Stars?”

“Special Tactics and Rescue training,” Leona cut in, filing her nails. “All Checkmate agents undergo it.”

“Checkmate…” Jack whispered. “Wait, is everyone from Gamma on my protection detail?”

“Yup! Well, almost everyone. Elena is on maternity leave, so we’re using a replacement from the Saber Team.”

“Wow! Really? Time moves fast huh,” Jack said, recalling the sharp-eyed woman who once ambushed him in the showers. “How far along is she?”

“Eh, a few weeks. She's been vomiting a lot, eating all my snacks, and crying all the time,” Yun replied, rolling her hand in the air. “Usual pregnant stuff, not suitable for the battlefield. You know, last week, she microwaved fish with peanut butter in the office. The whole place was stinking! ”

“Heh, sounds like someone…” Jack trailed off, his eyes widening.

No… no way?

“Sir?” Yun said, as Leona flashed a look at Jack.

“No… can't be,” Jack shook his head, chuckling to himself in disbelief as he rubbed his chin.

“What? What's so funny?”

“Nothing,” Jack sighed. “Tell me more about what you guys have been doing for the last four years.”

Time passed as Jack rode in the car, listening to the woman who was showing off her prosthetic leg.

From the Battle of Frelia, to the Roland versus Selfian front lines, Yun and the others had seen it all, often raiding High Table facilities. Their chance run-in with a teenage boy had altered their destinies.

Since the battle of Gamma Station, Yun, Elena, Jessica, Tyrah, and Jena had been serving aboard The All Under Heaven, Selfia's tactical command airship, which had been scuttled after the Battle of Frelia and the fight with the former Queen's Flying Fortress.

“So, you were there. At Frelia.”

“Yuppers. On ship defense duty and DECOM. Now let me tell you, that was some SCARY stuff! We had an outbreak on the ship and…” Yun blinked, eyeing both Leona and Jack, the pair wearing pensive looks. “Right, anyway, yeah. We were there. And got really lucky.”

“We're almost at our destination,” Jessica called from the front seat.

Jack looked out the tinted window, taking in the rows of trees and formations of soldiers with many trucks passing by.

Before long, the car stopped.

“We're here,” Jessica said, as a VTOL flew overhead.

Jack blinked as Yun opened the door, his eyes adjusting to the harsh light.

He stepped out of the black SUV, his gaze sweeping over the gathered men and women in blue training fatigues, soldiers standing in formation. Glancing left and right, Jack surveyed the field on which he stood, the grass stripped away by countless footsteps, trucks, and mechs.

“ATTENTION!” the officer in charge barked before rendering a salute at Jack. His jaw clenched slightly, an action not unseen by Leona.

“At ease,” Jack replied, the entire formation shifting to stand at parade rest as the officer approached. “Commander Margaret Houlihan, I presume?”

“Yes sir,” the blonde replied, shaking Jack's outstretched hand. “The entire Hundred and Fifth are awaiting your inspection, sir. Right this way.”

“Good,” Jack said, before turning to Jessica and Yun. Jena and Tyrah, the remaining members of Gamma Squad, were standing by their cars. “I've got it from here, Lieutenant. It was good seeing you again.”

“Uh…” Jessica blinked. “Are you asking us to leave?”

“Is that a problem? You guys don't need to stick around.”

“Yeah, that's not how this detail works, sir,” Jessica said.

“You realize that I'm going to be doing some training with the Hundred and Fifth, right?” Jack murmured, making eye contact with the woman.

“Yes, I'm aware of the PR stunt going on. But let me tell you, sir. Wherever you go, we go. Our job is to protect you.”

“Right…” Jack said, choosing not to address the glaring issue that his bodyguards weren't Awakened. “Right, sure. Commander, lead the way.”

Walking with his entourage, Jack was led to a crowded barracks room full of women, where all eyes focused on him. He calmly walked through, picking up a set of fatigues put aside for him on a bunk. Calmly, he stripped, his muscular body on display, much to the shock of everyone present.

“Holy shit,” someone whispered, noticing the massive scar on Jack's chest that extended to his back. It was unusual for Awakened to scar because of their healing factor, but it served as a reminder of his defeat.

He didn't care, though. He quickly changed, with Jessica and Leona also getting undressed and putting on fatigues.

The bigger the splash he made, the more the impact would ripple.

And that was the item on the day's agenda. Causing ripples.

Chapter 7

PR Training

“Vehicle gunnery is part math, part eyesight and part black magic,” Mi'shka said, standing in a hangar filled with soldiers. The Colonel was giving a lecture to the gathered platoon as Jack observed from the sidelines. “When operating a gunnery position, these are some important factors to consider. Is the target above or below you?”

Is it moving towards, or away from you?”

What is the angle of the target in relation to you?”

Is it climbing, or descending?”

What is the ballistic drop of your ammunition?”

What is the air pressure, temperature and humidity? Small factors, but they make a difference.”

Are your barrels right-hand or left-hand twist? Is the target stationary or mobile? Are YOU stationary or mobile?”

Mi’shka paused, sweeping his eyes over the gathered platoon. “Any questions?"

A soldier raised her hand.

“Yes, Private Swift,” Mi’shka said, pointing at a blonde woman.

“We learned this at Basic. Why are we going over this again?” The woman asked, a few eyes drifting over to Jack as if he were the answer to that question.

“Good question,” Mi'shka said, clapping his gloved hands repeatedly. “Repetition. Repetition. Repetition. Training is just that–repetition. Information and knowledge are always changing, always adapting. Most of you have trained on the P-Scope. So this information may not be too relevant and-”

Jack leaned over to Leona. “P-Scope?”

“Predictor Scope. Most emplacements have them, including mechframes. They predict where the target is moving via a dot, then relay that to the gunner,” Leona explained. “Pretty low-tech, but takes out all the guessing.”

“Ah.”

“-but what happens if your P-Scope gets damaged? If an EMP goes off or if the damn hand-me-down crap the army calls Military Grade blows a fuse in its osculator?” Mi'shka continued before pausing with his hands on his hips. “That's what we're gonna find out today.”

“So, Head Instructor Domino,” Jack smiled, walking in step with the heterochromatic officer, along with his protection detail.

“Hey! Why do you sound so surprised?”

“Just didn't take you for a big responsibility type,” Jack replied, pausing at a door that had the Colonel’s name on it.

“That's me, big responsibility type,” Mi'shka replied sarcastically before opening the door of his office. “Trust me, I wasn't keen on the idea at first. But if it keeps me away from fighting...”

“Give us a moment,” Jack ordered, addressing Leona and his security detail, with Jessica narrowing her eyes but complying.

Sarah?

“Yes, dear?” Sahaqiel replied playfully.

Mind scouting out the base, get some feelers for me? Gather some rumors.

“Sure,” Sahaqiel replied, taking off as Jack took a seat across from Mishka's desk, which was really just a cheap plastic table with papers stacked on it. Beyond that, the office was devoid of any personal touches besides a cabinet of liquor and a framed photo.

“Not a fan of the war?” Jack asked, eyeing the photo of a remarkably younger Mi’shka in dress blues, smiling alongside a blonde woman, a woman Jack had known well.

Mi'shka followed Jack's gaze, picking up the photo frame.

“No. Not since Eleanor,” Mi’shka said, eyeing the photo with a soft smile before setting it to the side and grabbing a brown bottle of liquor from a cabinet. “Eleanor died because of a plot from the High Table. I’d rather not be a pawn in all that when the real threat is elsewhere. Plus, this keeps me close, in case Selfia needs me. And I get to run all the experiments I want within budget. Drink?”

“No thanks. It’s not like I can get drunk.”

“You can if you try hard enough. Colonel Potter loved this stuff,” Mi’shka replied, laying down on a hammock that served as his office chair. “So, my King, how are you liking your army?”

“Can't complain. Soldiers seem willing and ready,” Jack replied. “From what I’ve heard, war is looking pretty favorable for Selfia.”

“It is, but that’s just the war in daylight,” Mi’shka yawned, “And you? Are you ready, friendo?”

“That's what we're here to find out, right?” Jack said, drawing a look from the man with the red and green eyes. “What? I'm not so dumb to think this is all just a PR stunt. Selfia wants me up-to-date on combat tactics and have me observe the day-to-day people.”

“Right, can’t keep anything from you now, can we?” Mi’shka smiled, his eyes hinting that there was more to it than just that. But the officer kept it to himself, instead putting on a farce for Jack.

“Well, let’s go. I got a dinner date with the missus tonight.”

“Right,” Mi’shka said, getting off the floor with a groan. “And here I had a whole speech planned to walk you into what we would be doing today.”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you can tell me your story on the way," Jack said, opening the door to leave for training.

Hour-long marches through the woods and around the military base.

Exercising under the harsh heat in full military gear.

Gun drills using pellet guns, with pellets fired at Jack; moving so slowly yet dodging them with ease.

Jack spent hours training alongside the Hundred and Fifth. His Awakened status was on full display to the regular humans, who were out of breath, panting, and struggling to keep up. The only ones who weren’t out of breath were Jack and Leona. The two were sitting on a bench and observing the soldiers, waiting for their next training.

“A dimmie king? What's the queen doing choosing a non-citizen?”

“Did you see his imprint? I'll tell you what she's doing.”

“Gross. I don't care if he's hung. I'd rather die than let a dimmie stick their cock in me.”

“Aren't you a lesbian?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Nothing.”

Jack turned to a different conversation.

“Then she accused me of not being romantic enough! Like, bitch! I ate whipped cream out of your-”

Nope!

Shifting his focus, Jack listened to a different conversation.

“He's handsome.”

“That's it? That's all you got?”

“What? You asked me for my opinion. I gave it,” the soldier said, drawing a chuckle from another soldier.

“What about… his condition?”

“Condition?”

“You know, his eyes.”

“So what? It's just an eye color. Delreese and Sledge have brown eyes and they're alright people.”

“Wow, look at the progressive.”

Another round of chuckles.

Jack moved on, reaching out, his senses picking up a different conversation.

“Bayonet training is next. Think we're gonna get a shot at the king? He’s shown us up at everything.”

“And end up in the brig? Hung up and executed for striking royalty? Ha! No thanks. Did you see his security detail? They'd shoot us the moment we laid our hands on him. Especially that cyborg chick.”

“You two are a bunch of pussies,” a different voice cut in. “If the dimmie wants to tangle, let him tangle. I'll show him how true soldiers fight.”

Jack opened his eyes, focusing on the blonde woman with scars and a tattoo on her shoulder, standing with her foot on a bleacher a few yards away.

The group of soldiers drinking from canteens stopped talking, realizing Jack was looking at them.

“Do… you think he can hear us?” One soldier asked nervously.

Jack looked away, surveying the other soldiers.

“Maybe. Mage officers all have enhanced hearing, right? Can he hear us from across the field?”

“That's just a rumor. They're stronger, faster, and have magic, but they all die the same,” the tattooed blonde said confidently.

“Oh? And how's that, Myra?”

“Crying like little bitches and choking on their blood,” the soldier smirked. “Let me step up. I'll put’em in his place.”

“KILL! KILL! KILL!!!” A woman barked.

At the signal Jack charged forward, red-tipped stick in hand, jabbing out at a woman in padding who was trying to kill him.

She dodged, leaning back, slashing with her own staff. The red end would have hit Jack on his helmet if he hadn’t grabbed the stick.

“What?!” the red-eyed blonde yelped. She struggled, attempting to take back her weapon, which was locked in Jack's grasp.

“So, what's this about you putting me in my place?” Jack said, brow raised as the woman went pale.

“I-”

Jack jabbed the woman in the stomach with his own stick, the red end knocking the woman on her ass.

“RED IS DEAD, Private Myra. Congratulations! You are now dead!” The training officer barked. “Get off my beam!”

Jack put his hand out, offering to help the woman. She glared at him momentarily before her anger rapidly dissipated, and it finally dawned on her that she was glaring at the king.

She reluctantly took Jack’s hand before walking off of the balance beam. Fear was in her eyes as the enormity of what she'd said weighed on her.

Jack worked methodically, defeating the soldiers one at a time. Even Jessica and Yun stepped up; the two were on close security, while Jena and Tyrah guarded the cars.

“Would anyone ELSE like to try their luck against the Queen Consort?!” Commander Houlihan barked.

When no one took the bait, Jack began to step off the platform, but stopped as a certain red-haired girl stood on the balance beam.

“I’ll give it a try,” Leona smirked, twirling her stick.

Jack smiled beneath his helmet. Crouching low, the two Awakened squared off.

“Mana or no mana?” Leona asked.

“I haven’t been using any,” Jack replied, seeing the look in the woman’s eyes.

“No mana it is!” Leona barked before taking off. “En garde!”

Chapter 8

El Gato Negro

Eyes wide, Jack evaded Leona’s kick. The woman tossed a feint before striking out with her foot. She would have broken Jack's nose if not for his backstep.

Leona smiled before kicking off the ground, rushing at Jack with her stick. He quickly parried the move.

The pair clashed, training staffs shattering. The crowd of gathered soldiers gasped at the display of raw strength.

“L-leona!” Jack exclaimed, wide-eyed.

A broken weapon didn't slow Leona down, however. The woman tossed away half of it, entering a low guard with a grin on her face as she threw jab after jab at Jack, who was now on the back foot.

“What? Wait!” Jack barked, dodging a jab that skinned the side of his temple.

Fine, then.

Jack’s face contorted, displaying a vicious smile. Planting his foot, his body went low before he shot forward. With no mana augmenting his body, Jack unleashed a flurry of blows, Leona tucking into herself, tanking the hits expertly with the practiced finesse of a boxer.

“Uh, should…. should we stop them?” Yun asked, a tablet in her hands, which she tapped furiously with a pen.

“You want to interrupt two Awakened throwing hands? Be my guest,” Jessica replied. “But at least put me down as your main insurance beneficiary first.”

“Aww. Silly LT, don’t you know all my money from my insurance goes to my ham-ham?” Yun replied.

“Right. Your hamster, which has no concept of money or the ability to even feed itself if you're not there,” Jessica sighed, flinching from the audible sound of bones breaking.

Jack hit Leona in her ribcage, the woman’s body lifting slightly off the ground as her fist found Jack’s nose.

“LOOK OUT!”

The two went flying. Jack landed in the bleachers while Leona hit the crowd of soldiers.

“Oooook, so now do we break them up?” Yun asked. Jessica sighed.

Jack extricated himself from the crushed bleachers, his face dripping with blood, but his injuries were already healing.

Leona fared the worst. The red-headed woman stood up with a grin from the crowd of soldiers, despite the audible shifting of her broken ribs.

“That all you got?” Leona quipped, clenching her fist as blood and steam flowed from her bloody mouth.

“Leona… you're bleeding internally,” Jack said, rolling his neck and blowing a blob of blood from his nose.

“Nah, let's go again. It's been ages since I've been able to let out some steam!” Leona grinned before eyeing Jessica, who was glaring with a look of disapproval. “Respectfully, sir. We can-BLeHk.”

Leona vomited blood.

“MEDIC!” Commander Houlihan snapped.

“Stand down! I got this,” Jack barked, quickly wading through the crowd of soldiers, which parted ways for him. He grabbed Leona, his hands glowing with mana as he healed her.

“H-h-hes a healer?!”

“A mage healer!”

“A priest?!”

“Fucking hell.”

Jack jolted, eyeing the gazes on him, the tone and mood of the soldiers shifting drastically as they stared at him not with contempt, but with awe.

“STOP GAWKING! AND GET BACK IN FORMATION!” Commander Houlihan said, standing next to Jack. “Sir, if you would, let us get you cleaned up.”

“Uh, right. Ok,” Jack replied, getting the sense that the Commander wanted him gone.

“Some show,” Jack said, showering in the barracks amidst the gawks and stares of soldiers. They were mostly women, with whispers echoing out throughout the entire room.

“Said the one showing off,” Leona replied, looking over the stall at Jack.

“Hey. My eyes are up here, lady. Plus, I'm married,” Jack said, causing Leona to chuckle. “Keep this up and they'll be rumors.”

“Heh,” Leona let out under the hot water, leaning over the stall door that separated her and Jack.

“Whoa, hey! Haven't you heard of privacy?”

“Please, you're the king. You don't get privacy,” Leona said, batting her green eyes to the side, where Jack's security team was standing drenched in steam.

“Jack, there's so many hot girls here! And guys! SO MANY ABS! SO MANY BOOBS!!” Sahaqiel squealed. “Muscles! Luscious locks! It's like a MEAT BUFFE-”

“Right…” Jack sighed, turning the water off as his mood soured. “Well, I'm done here.”

“Jack! No! NO! DON'T LEAVE!”

“See you around, King,” Mi’shka said, shaking Jack's hand. “Be cool on the flippity flip, Jack.”

“Yeah, sure. Whatever that means,” Jack said, before turning to his security team standing by their cars.

“Have fun, sir?” Jena asked. The woman still had a sarcastic tone, which he remembered fondly.

“Lots,” Jack replied, recalling the last time he spoke to the black-haired woman. She had handed him a grenade to kill himself in case the monsters took him. “Been awhile Jena, Tyrah. How's it been?”

“Oh, you know sir, low pay, lots of hazards, and long hours,” Jena replied before Ty cut in.

“What she means, sir, is that we've been very busy serving the country honorably, mi’lord,” Ty said, the medical technician smiling.

“Well, that's good. Maybe I'll see about upping your pay now that I'm your boss and all,” Jack joked, getting into the car.

“Can he do that?” Yun whispered to Jessica, who was about to get into the driver’s seat.

“He's the king. He can do whatever he wants,” Jessica replied.

Day in and day out, Jack's days consisted of training with Selfian soldiers, dueling with Leona, and long drives. The nights were mostly spent with Ada and his daughter, although Kamila occasionally surprised Jack with her mouth at Ada’s request, because she liked to watch.

However, as the days passed, Ada’s sickness seemed to progress. Her vomiting continued, with Jack helping to hold her hair and cleaning up after her while Sahaqiel and Lilith argued about ways to use abilities and skills, with a lot of insults being traded between the two ghosts.

“Tanji,” Ada said, as Jack stood at the mirror fixing his uniform. “Do I look fat?”

Jack spun, raising a brow, eyeing the thicker-than-usual woman in her kimono, causing Ada to scoff.

“YOU BITCH!” she exclaimed, catching Jack off guard as she stormed out of the room, brushing past Leona, who was there to collect Jack.

“Uh oh. Trouble in paradise?” Leona asked, brow raised.

“No? I-i don't know what I did! She just snapped at me,” Jack replied, confused as Sahaqiel facepalmed and shook her head.

“What happened?” Leona asked, fixing Jack's collar.

“She asked if she was fat.”

“And you said?”

“Nothing! I just looked her up and down and- why are you looking at me like that?”

“The answer is no, Jack. It's always no. Immediate. Fast. You idiot.”

“What? I just-”

“No. The answer is always ‘no,’ Jack.”

Jack sighed.

“Alright. Collar fixed. You really should learn how to attach these pins yourself,” Leona said, as the pair walked towards the door of the manor.

“I'm trying. My fingers are too damn big and the pins are too damn small,” Jack groaned. “Plus, I've already crushed two of these medallions trying to get them in.”

“You know, sir, I don't recall you being such a musclehead.”

“You know I could have you tied up and thrown into the brig, right?” Jack joked, causing Leona to giggle.

“Don't threaten me with a good time, sir,” Leona replied. They left the manor, and Jessica and Yun were there to greet them.

“Morning, sir!” they both said, saluting.

“At ease,” Jack replied, getting into the car.

“Chicken Two, this is Chicken One. Big Rooster is on board. Lead us out,” Jessica said, putting the car in drive.

“We really need to come up with a better call sign other than ‘big cock,’” Jack whispered to Leona, who shrugged.

“The code phrase was chosen at random through a generator!” Yun said, picking up on the conversation. “At least, that's what the queen told us.”

“Yeah. I'm really sure it was chosen at random,” Jack said sarcastically, eyeing the area through which they were driving. It was a different route.

Eyeing the scenery, a taco shop, with a certain robotic man standing out front and hammering in a sign that read EL GATO NEGRO!, caught Jack's attention.

“JACK!!!!”

“Hey. Hey! Hey stop the car!” Jack ordered. Jessica turned her head and slowed down the vehicle, but didn’t stop.

“Sorry, sir, we're on a schedule. OPSEC demands we maintain mobility.”

“Ok, well, I'm overriding the OPSEC.”

Jessica raised a brow, and Yun looked at her.

“Sorry, but this comes from the queen, sir.” Jessica replied carefully.

Jack sighed. “Alright, fine. Suit yourself.” Jack opened the door and leapt out, tucking into a roll and hitting the road as a car nearly struck him.

The convoy came to a screeching halt, every car door opening as Jack took off.

“SIR!” Jessica barked.

The cyborg looked up, the dark-skinned man going wide-eyed at the man running towards him being chased by black suits. “HUH?!”

“Hey! Five tacos, please! Carne something. Actually, no, give me some tostadas! Six! No! Twelve! And throw in some tacos!” Jack exclaimed, skidding to a stop in front of the taco truck.

The man stumbled back, taking a moment before breaking out into a wide grin.

“HOLA! AMIGO JACKIE!” The cyborg said, reaching over the counter and embracing Jack in a hug. “AH! ITS BEEN SO-”

The man froze, eyes wide at the copious guns suddenly shoved into his face.

“Release the Queen Consort. Now, or we'll turn your brain matter into a smear across the pavement,” Jessica hissed.

“Uh… yeah,” the man said, releasing Jack immediately, who signaled for the others to stand down.

“It's fine. This is a good friend of mine. Leona, Jessica, Yun, Tyrah, Jena. Meet…” Jack froze, a smile on his face. “Right… I realize I don't actually know your name, haha.”

“Carlos Ruiz, amigas. Ah, you've got some feisty chicas now, eh, amigo?” Carlos said, nudging Jack, much to the ire of Jessica and the others.

“Mind your tongue when addressing the king,” Jena spat, brow furrowed.

“King?” Carlos said, as the sound of a shotgun being racked sounded out.

“OY! YOU BITCHES BETTER POINT YOUR GUNS AWAY FROM MY MAN!” An Asian woman yelled, pointing a gun out of the window of the shop.

Aw crap.

After settling everyone down, Jack sat on a stool, mouth full as Sahaqiel moaned in ecstasy nearby.

“Gross,” Lilith said.

“See, this is why you suck,” Sahaqiel said. “You can't appreciate the food.”

“So, king of the empire, huh?” Carlos said, passing a burrito to Yun, who took a bite before waiting two minutes and handing it to Jack.

“Are you going to do that with every burrito?” Jack asked, taking the burrito with a generous bite mark.

“We have to test everything you eat, sir,” Yun said, chewing loudly.

"It’s standard protocol," Tyrah said, standing behind Jack as Jessica and Yun ran crowd control to disperse the pedestrians who were getting nosy.

“Right. But that doesn't explain why half my burrito is missing,” Jack said, shaking his head.

“Weird,” Yun said.

“Yeah. Weird.”

“Uhm. Sorry about the whole aiming a gun at you all,” Carlos’s wife, named Clara, said apologetically.

“Don't worry about it,” Jack smiled, putting on his most reassuring smile. “I guarantee you won't be executed, haha.”

“Hahaha,” Clara replied, laughing nervously as her face drained of all color.

“Sir, we're exposed out here and on a timetable,” Jessica said, before a burrito was suddenly shoved into her mouth.

“Here, hold this for me,” Jack said, eyeing the crowd lingering. “Carlos.”

“Yes sir, ami-ah, King Jack.”

“How fast can you whip up thirty burritos?” Jack grinned, handing the man his credit chip, which he had been storing money on since he’d first gotten it four years ago.

“For you, my friend? No time at all,” Carlos said, the cyborg flashing a smile.

Chapter 9

Bottom Bitch Duties

“I forgib you!” Ada said, mouth full of taco, with her hands attempting to stuff burritos into her face.

“Right… you know these are for you and ever-” Jack began, reaching to grab one taco.

“HISSS!” Ada spat, hissing at Jack. Her massive nodachi burst from a nearby wall to shower the pair with splinters.

“Right! Rightrightright. I can see that you're hungry,” Jack said, catching the blade in his hands a millimeter away from his face. “I'll just leave you alone.” He went to leave, but a hand reached out, grabbing him by his uniform and pulling him down to sit beside Ada on their shared bed.

Burp!

“Ugh. I'm gross,” Ada let out before turning and feeling up Jack, her hand on his thigh and creeping higher. “Wanna have sex?”

Jack pursed his lips, eyeing his wife, whose eyes were closed, with puckered lips covered in taco sauce.

Ah. I'm screwed…

“HEY! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW FUCKING EXPENSIVE THESE WALLS ARE?!?!” a voice barked out.

“Oh thank God,” Jack whispered, as Selfia, in a pink nightgown, kicked her way through the giant new entrance to Jack's bedroom.

“You! With me! Now!” Selfia barked.

“Pervert.”

Hush!

“Right, love ya, honey,” Jack said, pecking Ada on the cheek before quickly retreating to follow the queen out.

Inside Selfia's secret office below the throne room, Jack took a seat. The room was filled with chalk boards, maps, and the permanent stench of coffee.

“So, an interesting few days out,” Selfia said, tossing a newspaper in front of Jack as she walked towards her side of the desk cluttered with files.

Jack looked down, grabbing the newspaper and eyeing the headlines.

“El Negro Gato… The King’s favorite eatery?” Jack read aloud, his eyes drifting down to an image of himself with his mouth full of taco. “Ah…”

“Care to explain that?” Selfia asked, propping her feet up.

“Good publicity,” Jack replied quickly. “Gotta admit though, the tabloids run fast. This was only an hour ago, and it's already in print?”

“Focus, Jack,” Selfia sighed. “This wasn't part of the plan. Plus, that picture isn't very flattering, and you made Jessica very unhappy.”

“I know,” Jack replied, setting the paper to the side, eyeing the pile of tabloids on the desk.

“They work quick, huh?”

“You know what they're calling you?” Selfia asked, robotic fingers tapping on her desk. “An oaf, a barbarian, uncivilized, uncouth.”

“They?” Jack blinked.

“The nobles. The conservatives. At least the general pop gets a kick out of this, but your stunt hurt us in the eyes of the nobility. Whom I kinda need to finance this war, buddy boy.”

“Right…” Jack frowned. “Sorry. I make no excuses for my actions.”

Selfia blinked, staring at Jack, her fingers stopping.

“Well, whatever. It's not all bad. You scored some brownie points with the locals, and you helped to put a fledgling business on the map,” Selfia said, rolling her hand. “So, overall, good publicity.”

“And that part about the nobles?”

“Eh, fuck’em. The point is, I need you to know that your actions have consequences, even something as trivial as getting a taco. Trust me, there’s a reason for all my planning.”

“Right,” Jack said, sweeping his eyes across the office. “I get that.”

“Do you?”

“I do. Now let's talk about why we're here,” Jack said, leaning forward in his chair and setting the tabloids to the side. “High Table.”

“Right,” Selfia said, pursing her lips, her fake red eyes glancing down at the paperwork. “Do you remember a black MECHFrame? With wolfish features, a tail, and autonomous armor? Looks something like this?”

Selfia pulled out a manila folder with an image of a MECHFrame stapled to it and handed to Jack.

“Yeah, this thing attacked me during our… uh, reunion.” Jack replied, remembering vividly its howl and the aura it had given off.

“Well, this thing has been wrecking our forces all along the damn front line. I've lost several officers, six platoons, and Colonel Domino’s sister was ambushed and taken.”

Jack frowned, recalling the petite woman who had punched the former captain on stage during the Academy’s opening bonfire.

“Taken? Not killed. How can you be sure?”

“Because of this,” Selfia said, handing Jack an Intellipad that showed a blanket of white, with black spots and a blue circle in the center.

“What am I looking at?”

“Cintelli territory. High orbit images. What you're looking at is a signal from an undetectable transponder strobe surgically attached to Major Taya Domino. That blue circle is the strobe.”

“I'm assuming underneath that snow is a base?” Jack said, purposely ignoring the fact that Selfia had surgically implanted a device in her soldier's body.

“Yup. And she's not the only one who's been taken. Besides our people being snatched, Paladin Lita has reported several people disappearing as her own resistance forces have run into the black MECHFrame.”

“So… what do you want me to do here?” Jack replied, confused.

“I'm getting to that. The eggheads in the intelligence department believe that this facility is where your sister is being held.”

Jack's eyes went down to the page, his jaw clenching, eyes furrowed.

“When do I head out?”

“Slow your roll, cowboy,” Selfia said. A floating arm appeared from behind a pillar and set Jack back down in his chair. “I’m preparing a team. And it's gonna take a bit.”

Jack inhaled, Sahaqiel appearing beside him and placing her hand on his shoulder.

“How… long is a bit?” Jack asked slowly, doing his best not to drop everything and run off.

“Three weeks.”

Silence filled the room as Selfia observed Jack and his clenched fists. A moment passed, then another. It felt like an eternity passed before his fists relaxed.

“Ok. What do you need from me, Selfia?”

She smiled softly. “Continue what you're doing. In three weeks' time, I’ll have assembled the strike group. In the meantime, I've looked over your proposal about Celeste attending a formal school. And I like it-”

“I'm hearing a but.”

“-but! I've added an amendment to the idea,” Selfia said, handing Jack a file she plucked out of a seemingly random pile.

Wait.

Jack blinked.

“You… seriously?!” Jack exclaimed, jaw agape.

“Yes,” Selfia smiled.

What Jack held in his trembling hand was a birth certificate. One that held Celeste’s name, Jack's and… Selfia’s.

A simple piece of paper, but one that would change the trajectory of Jack's daughter’s life.

“First Princess Celeste Cordelica. CC has a nice ring to it, don't you think?”

Jack stared at the paper.

“Jack? Yoo-hoo, earth to Jack?”

“Uh. Yeah. Uh… are… are you sure this is ok?” Jack asked, gently placing the document on the table as he read the plans for a school, one sponsored by the crown, with Celeste attending as part of its grand opening and announcement as an heir.

“Eh, I plan on dissolving the monarchy eventually, but until then, Celeste will be royalty. I guarantee it. Plus, with an heir, we won't have to fuck in front of a bunch of people to officiate our-”

“I'm sorry, what?!”

“Oh? You didn't know? The Queen and her consorts are required to do the dirty under the gazes of witnesses to mark their joining or whatever. Don't worry about it; it’s an old traditionalist thing. My great-grandmother was a freak,” Selfia said, tossing Jack another file.

“Ok… officially not worrying about it then,” Jack frowned before opening the new file that contained images of Hoshido, Jack's home settlement. Reports, statistics, letters, and even pictures, taken by Jiang, featuring Mo Ye, Granny Cao, Ming, and a secret photo of Kenichi holding hands with an uptight woman named Valentine near the lakeside.

“The settlement is coming along nicely from the reports. They even have roads now. Albeit, cobblestone and gravel, but it's a start,” Selfia explained, "We've already begun construction of a wall and a route to the main imperial border through Victoria's border crossing."

A soft smile settled on Jack's face, his brow relaxing a bit. “They look happy.”

“They’d better be! Do you know how hard it is to smuggle material in and out of an active war zone?!” Selfia exclaimed, her floating arms flying into the air in exasperation. “Stupid hard! That's how!”

“Right. Thanks, Selfia. Seriously.”

“Yeah, yeah, just remember who has your back, bucko,” Selfia replied, waving Jack off. “And this doesn't come free! Quid pro quo!”

“Ok, so name your price,” Jack replied earnestly, locking eyes with the woman. The two stared at one another for a second before Selfia looked away.

“Jeez. When ya say it that way, it sounds like you're making a deal with the devil,” Selfia replied before slouching in her chair and munching from a large bag of chips that lay nearby.

Sahaqiel giggled. “I wonder what the populace would think if they could see their queen.”

“Anyway,” Selfia said, mouth full, with one pair of floating hands shoveling chips into her mouth and another pair handing Jack various files. “For the next three weeks, here's the schedule. I've got a ribbon cutting ceremony at a new factory that we have to attend.”

“Alright.”

“A masquerade ball with a bunch of stuffy nobles–wait, you know how to dance, right?”

“Uhhhh.”

“No? Ok, don't worry, you'll learn-”

“Great,” Jack murmured sarcastically, taking the next file.

“-A marching parade welcoming the Seventy-Seventh Combat Corps home, and then after that, we've got to pay a visit to the dockyard to christen the HMS Winchester.”

“Ok, HMS Winchester, destroyer class airship,” Jack replied, reading the file header before another folder was dropped into his hands.

“And finally, we need to watch a small tournament that's hosting several military officers, mercs, and new prospects,” Selfia said, dropping the last of six manila folders into Jack's lap. “Of course you're going to attend. Will be a one-day affair, no long tournament arc thing.”

“I have to ask Selfia… why so much paper? Why not put this all in an Intellipad?” Jack said, organizing the stack of folders.

“‘Cuz an Intellipad can be hacked–duh. Could you imagine if people had my schedule? Would be an assassin's wet dream. Plus, this way I know I'm the only one with a copy. Oh, by the way, here's this.”

Jack flipped open the folder titled ‘Nomad,’ his eyes going round.

“Huh?! Wait a minute?! What the hell is she doing here?!” Jack exclaimed, standing up.

“Surprised?” Selfia asked. Jack's eyes fixed on the picture of a nomadic girl he knew all too well–a mischievous teenager who was a constant troublemaker. The picture was a mugshot of Ho-sook, the Korean girl who’d been arrested and thrown in jail, with her tongue sticking out at the camera.

“Damn right I'm surprised! What the hell is she doing here?!” Jack exclaimed, his brow furrowed as he debated storming off to the jail to yell at the girl.

“MPs picked her up, with aid from several Awakened officers. Apparently, she's responsible for a string of pick-pocketing thefts; she’s been evading constables for the last few weeks. She was only brought in because she stole from an Awakened officer, who just so had several friends with speed skills to catch her,” Selfia explained as a slight smirk appeared on Jack's face. “What? What's funny?”

“Ah, nothing. For some reason, I'm feeling angry but also somewhat proud,” Jack said, eyeing the photos of Ho-sook’s escapades through the city alone. “So I take it she's in holding?”

“Yerp. I thought you'd want to have a chat with her first, maybe call some people to pick her up.”

“Yeah. I'll talk to Victoria and have her get me a line to the village leader,” Jack sighed as Selfia got up.

“Have fun with that. I'ma go make sure that woman of yours isn't destroying more of my home. Leave the files on my desk when you're done,” Selfia instructed, walking off and leaving Jack with his homework.

“Great,” Jack sighed, rubbing his chin, a soft smile on his face as he pondered what kind of noble he would be.

Chapter 10

Fading Days

Sitting cross-legged, Jack inhaled, holding his breath as his shirtless, sweating body wafted with golden energy. At his side, Sahaqiel and Lilith, both specters standing over their host, observed as he circulated his mana, his palm held out towards a floating potted plant.

“Now reverse the flow, pull in that energy,” Lilith instructed. The runes on Jack's arms glowed, mythical symbols helping to ease his burden.

The plant suddenly withered, the life force of the little shrub turning brown as its energy was ripped out of it.

Jack opened his eyes, beholding his handiwork. The plant had been drained without his having to touch the target or activate Gehenna.

“Incredible…” Jack whispered, eyeing his palm. It had taken a few tries, but ultimately, it had succeeded despite Sahaqiel’s disapproval. It wasn't as fast or as efficient as touching someone and willing the skill to activate, but this now gave Jack a way to replenish while at a distance.

“This is fine and all. But it's completely unusable. Anyone with mana sense will just be able to avoid Jack's mana touch,” Sahaqiel said, the angel looking to the side with her arms crossed.

“This is just the building block for new abilities. If I can reach out and steal energy from my foes, that means I can keep a healthy distance indefinitely and not get hurt,” Jack replied as the door of the balcony opened.

“Talking to your imaginary friends?” Ada asked. The woman was a mess, with her hair going in all directions and her mouth covered in crumbs. Her once-pristine pink bathrobe sported mysterious stains.

“Morning, Ada,” Sahaqiel said, revealing herself with a smile. “You're looking stunning, as usual. There’s a very earthly glow about you.”

Ada responded with a middle finger.

“What’s up? Feeling better today?” Jack asked, closing his eyes as he gathered more mana to repeat his test on another potted shrub.

“Well…” Ada said, placing her hands on Jack's shoulders and massaging them. “Celeste will be here in ten, so I was wondering if you wanted to join me in the shower?”

Jack's eyes shot open as Ada dropped her robe and strutted back into the room. His head snapped towards her as she beckoned him.

“Right! Yup! On the way!!”

“Daddy!” Celeste exclaimed, running up and hugging Jack's legs.

“How's my number one baby girl?” Jack asked, picking her up and hugging her close.

“Tickles! Tickles!” Celeste let out as Jack gave her multiple kisses on her head.

“I'll see you later. I'm gonna go check on Yukino,” Ada said. She was now neat and tidy as she walked out with Leona.

“So,” Jack said, waiting until the two were out of sight. “What do you wanna do today, princess?”

Celeste looked up, blinking at Jack with her golden eyes, her appearance reminding Jack of Colette.

“Can we have ice cream?”

Jack smiled. “Sure, let's see if Auntie Kamila is in the kitchen.”

“Yay!”

“So how's it been with Jack?” Leona asked, walking through the empty palace wing, off limits to anyone but authorized personnel.

“Fine, I guess,” Ada said, rubbing her belly. “I think I'm grossing him out, though.”

Leona looked down. “Have you told him?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Well, you better, girl. I'm not trying to call you fat, but you are looking a little thicc.”

“Hey!”

“But in the good places,” Leona joked as the pair turned into a corridor.

“Ugh, I keep eating and eating and eating and I can't seem to stop myself. Is that normal? I feel bloated but not, and I think I'm just stress eating.”

“We'll, you're eating for two. Have you done an ultrasound yet?” Leona asked.

“Yeah… Kamila has been helpful with that. Sel-uh, her Majesty has been scheduling me visits with Doctor Alencia. We've been doing lots of tests because of Jack's biology, to make sure the baby is healthy and there are no complications. Too soon to tell yet,” Ada said, the two pausing outside of a wooden door.

“Well, that's good. But I think you should tell him,” Leona said, placing a well-manicured hand on Ada’s shoulder. “Plus, I'm pretty sure he already knows. He's just in denial.”

“You think? I'm just worried, is all. Especially with his sleep talking.”

Leona raised a brow. “Sleep talking?”

“I… uhm I probably shouldn't have mentioned it,” Ada replied quickly, attempting to open the door but being stopped by the red-headed officer, who grabbed her wrist.

“No, if something is concerning you, you should open up about it. Especially if it's about Jack,” Leona said, the pair staring at one another. "If his health is in jeopardy, we should know."

Ada clenched her jaw, wondering if she should speak up or not.

“Well… he has nightmares. Not every night, but sometimes he says things in his sleep.”

“Like?”

“He's begging,” Ada said, looking away. “Like he's pleading with someone. Sometimes he's begging to save the Hoshido, and other times, he's murmuring about failing. Sometimes it's his sister's name, other times…”

“Other times? It's ok. I'm a friend and a psychologist, Ada. It's fine to talk to me.”

“Well… who are Mai and Eleanor? You used to know him before he came to us. Do you know who they are?” Ada asked, her arms folded around her body as she looked at the woman, who seemed taken aback.

Leona sighed. “Mai was a classmate of ours. She and I weren't very close, but she was good people. She and her boyfriend both died in a Cintelli ambush during our first landnav training four years ago,” Leona explained, an odd look on her face as she stared down the corridor. “Could be lingering survivors' guilt. A lot of our cadre washed out after that. As for Eleanor, she was a MECHFrame pilot who died saving Jack.”

The pair stood in silence for a moment, deep in thought.

“I see,” Ada said. “So you see why I can't tell him? He's so stressed out as is.”

“Ada, I'm sure he already knows,” Leona assured. “But it should come from your mouth.”

Ada sighed. “I'm sure you're right,” she said, before finally turning the doorknob and entering a white-walled room filled with the fragrance of flowers and antiseptic.

“Morning!” Ada let out, entering the room with a wide smile. A brown-haired woman who was missing her left arm and leg sat flipping channels on a TV with a bored look.

“Sup,” Yukino said, her gaze not moving from the large TV screen.

“Hey! Why so gloomy? Today's the day you get shiny prosthetics!” Ada said, putting on her best smile for her friend, who had a glum expression and bags under her eyes.

“Yeah.”

“You should be excited!”

“Yeah.”

“You… Yuki. Are you ok?” Ada asked, dropping the facade as she eyed the untouched eggs and greens that lay cold on a plate.

“I just want to go home.”

The pair sat there, neither speaking, as Leona picked up her chart at the end of the bed.

“Once we get you outfitted with the new prosthetics and through recovery, we'll get you back to where you belong,” Leona assured her. “But it's important you eat. Gather as much strength as possible.”

“Ok.” Yukino said, almost a whisper, blinking once before she turned over in her bed and shut her eyes. “I'm tired. I want to sleep.”

Ada stroked the woman's hair, which had long since lost its pink dye. "Did you know? It’s the darnest thing, but Ho-sook is here."

This seemed to catch Yuki's attention, albeit for a moment.

"Snuck into the city on our convoy. Apparently, she's been stealing and causing quite the fuss," Ada continued. "When we pick her up, do you want to see her?"

Yukino paused, seeming to consider it. "No... I'm okay..."

“Ok,” Ada smiled softly before leaving with Leona.

“I'm going to have an attendant look after her. Check in every thirty minutes or so,” Leona said.

“I'm worried about her.”

“Well, she's still in the process of grieving. Plus, the traumatic experience she suffered and loss of her limbs. Anyone in her situation would feel depressed.”

Ada reopened the door and peeked into the room, looking at her friend curled up on the queen-sized bed.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Just be there,” Leona said. “Time is going to be the biggest factor here.”

“Yeah…” Ada said, pursing her lips before she closed the door.

In the distance of Lunacrypt, a petite, feminine-looking man in a maid’s outfit with a pawn tattoo beneath his eye stood on the outer defensive wall of the city. Next to him stood a woman in a jester’s outfit, another pawn surveying the bustling landscape, teaming with life below.

“Ah. There are so many women and children down below!” The Maid exclaimed, hugging himself as he sang. “Can you imagine their screams?"

“Settle down, please. We have a job to do. Best not fuck this up,” The Jester replied, the pair invisible to the armed Selfian patrols passing by.

“Yeah! Yeah! Whateva! Jeez, can't have any fun. It's not fair that cowboy gets to go out blowing stuff up, but I'm stuck here doing this!” The Maid exclaimed, his slender legs dangling off the eye of the wall.

“Don't complain. If Purple Pawn finds out, we'll lose more than just an arm this time.”

“Tsk!” The Maid replied.

“Now come on, we've got work to do,” The Jester said, taking the Maid’s hand. The pair disappeared into a cloud of smoke.

Chapter 11

The Child

In the garage under the palace, Jack frowned, arms crossed, shaking his head as Ada screamed at the grimy girl in torn floral robes and shackles.

“IRRESPONSIBLE! SELFISH! AND DOWNRIGHT IDIOTIC!” Ada hollered. “Do you have any idea how much trouble you are in?!”

Ho-sook winced. The girl in rags tucked into herself, avoiding Ada’s eyes. She was also trying not to focus on the gold-armored knights, who had appeared at the prison and stuffed her into a black box before moving her to this dank place.

At first the girl was ecstatic at the sight of Tanji and Ada–finally, this was good news for the wayward teen after struggling to survive on the streets of the city. However, that excitement soon faded as Ada bore down on her.

“I just-” Ho-sook let out, but was quickly silenced by Ada.

“No! NO excuses! Nothing you say or do can excuse running away from the village and following us here! Do you have any idea how dangerous this city is?! How dangerous the world is for a little girl?!”

Ho-sook kept her head down, the girl on the verge of tears.

“Ada,” Jack said, touching the woman’s shoulder and gently pulling her away from the terrified child. “Let's at least hear what Ho-sook has to say.”

Ada spun, a glare on her face that quickly changed upon seeing Jack's expression.

“Ho-sook.” Jack said, his shadow towering over the girl. “Explain yourself.”

“I… I didn't want to be lonely,” Ho-sook sobbed.

“Lonely?” Ada said, brow raised.

“You… and Tanji were leaving. Yuki was going too and Lin Lee doesn't play with me anymore and I just didn't want to lose everyone and I tried sneaking back in sooner but the g-guards…” Ho-sook trailed off, hiccupping and incapable of finishing her sentence.

Jack pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh.

“Come here,” Jack said, gently pulling in the crying girl. He stroked her hair, letting her cry into his chest. “It's ok. You're ok.”

“I-I- was scared! The people here are mean and I want to go home!” Ho-sook yelled, bawling her eyes out as Jack and Ada shared a worried look.

Jack sighed again. “Come on. Let's get you new clothes and some food.”

“So. Is everything ok?” Selfia asked as Jack sat across from the woman at her desk.

“Yeah… she's a little shaken up. Apparently, she found it very easy to sneak out of the palace but not back in,” Jack said, rubbing his face with a sigh.

“Well, she's very resourceful. Would make an excellent Black Heart,” Selfia quipped, filing paperwork with one set of hands while another sipped on tea. "How about giving her some formal tra-"

“Absolutely not,” Jack said quickly, narrowing his eyes, memories of Ruby's training surfacing in his mind. “I’m familiar with House Lamperouge’s training methods, and I won't have Ho-sook dragged into anything. I've contacted the village and they're sending a friend of mine to pick her up.”

Selfia looked up and blinked, wondering how he could know about House Lamperouge, before putting her head back into her notes.

“I was kidding,” Selfia said, chalking Jack's knowledge to his bond with Ruby. “Anyway, tell me more about the girl.”

“Well, after she escaped, she said she tried to talk to the guards, but they dismissed her as being another orphan dimmie,” Jack explained, recounting Ho-sook's tale on the streets of the empire. “After that, she tried sneaking in, but was caught by the MPs and beaten. Then she loitered around, homeless, before being forced to steal to survive. Still… she's safe now. And she's smitten with the palace and having a bed. The important thing is that she's safe now.”

A few moments passed in silence with an intangible uncomfortableness hanging in the air.

“I see.” Selfia looked away. She propped her feet up on her cluttered desk as she took out her contacts. “Well, she's also learned a valuable lesson out of all this, I suppose.”

“And what's that?” Jack asked, Selfia's blue eyes slowly turned to focus on him.

“That the world is a cruel place.”

Three days later.

“Are you ready, Jack?!” Selfia yelled. The queen wore a deep blue gown with gold trim and silver jewelry as she stood in front of a mirror next to the underground garage door.

“Yeah, I was just helping Celeste get her gloves on.” Jack explained. He was decked out in blue regulation wear, carrying the little girl in white, who was playing on an Intellipad.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa little missy!” Leona said, taking the tablet out of the girl's hands. “What did I tell you about electronics? No video games until after twelve.”

“B-but Daddy-” Celeste stuttered, on the brink of tears, reaching for the tablet.

“No butts, missy!”

“Oh, what's a little game time before we take off for the reveal? Shouldn't hurt anything and it keeps her calm,” Jack asked, setting Celeste down, who ran over to Kamila to pester the woman for ice cream.

Fortunately, Ada intercepted the girl before she could attack the group's weakest link and coerce the timid Imperial medic.

“It's brain rot,” Leona frowned, crumpling the tablet like a piece of paper and tossing it into a nearby fireplace.

“Right…” Jack replied, calling Celeste over.

“Do you all think that these walls and toys come free?” Selfia asked, fixing her makeup. “Because they don't, and I'd really appreciate it if you guys would stop destroying expensive stuff.”

“Sorry, just making a point,” Leona said before helping Selfia apply her eyeliner.

“Ok, are we all set?” Selfia asked, “Are we all dressed? Does everyone know their lines? Everyone used the bathroom and brushed their teeth? We aren't stopping for bathroom breaks.”

Selfia paused, looking down at Celeste twirling in circles in her white sundress. “Sweetie, do you know your lines?”

Celeste paused, eyeing Leona and frowning before nodding at Selfia. “Yes, Mommy,” she said, earning her a head pat from Selfia.

Leona's lip quivered slightly, her heart suddenly feeling heavy at the little girl addressing someone else as her mother. Why… Leona clenched her jaw, holding in her emotions and helping Selfia to zip the back of her dress where she couldn't see.

“Ok. Gather around, everyone. I want to make sure we're all on the same page,” Selfia said, running through the daily assignments as usual. “Kamila, you're my attendant.”

“Y-yup. Yes, ma'am.” Kamila replied quickly as Selfia turned to Ada.

“You will obviously be Jack's attendant. But no PDA, you two!”

“Yes, ma’am…” Ada replied, adjusting her frilly blue dress, which gave her plenty of breathing room.

“Leona is head of Jack's security detail and Celeste's personal guard,” Selfia continued. “While that hunky man over here is my arm candy.”

“Thanks. I love being objectified,” Jack replied as one of Selfia's arms wrapped through his, much to Ada’s disapproval.

“And finally!” Selfia said, beckoning to Celeste, who hopped up to her and Jack. “Our totally legitimate child, hidden away! Isn't that right, princess?”

“Yup!” Celeste said, smiling before her eyes drifted to Leona, who nodded tersely.

“Ok, everyone dressed? Everyone have everything?” Selfia asked, doing a last-minute check before the doors of the foyer swung open. A familiar figure, voluptuous and green-haired, entered in a regal green dress.

“DARLING!” Duchess Bell cried out. Jack flinched as the woman rapidly approached. Yet, instead of pouncing on Jack, she picked up Celeste, smothering the giggling child. “OH! MY PRECIOUS GRANDNIECE! I could just eat you up! Om-nom-nom!”

“Hehe.” Celeste giggled, poking her head out between the large woman's breasts, her cheeks squished by the boobs.

“Huh… she really is your child,” Sahaqiel commented.

The hell does that mean? Jack shot back, yet got no response.

“No faiiir! I want to come,” Ho-sook moaned from a balcony above. The nomad girl was on house arrest until the Hoshido could send someone to pick her up.

“Ho-sook!” Jack barked, pointing at the girl, who quickly ducked. “Get back to your room! Now!”

A groan was heard, but ultimately the teenager complied. A loud banging sound indicated a door being closed.

“Alright. Let's gogogogogo! Like we reversed!” Selfia said, ordering everyone out to the underground driveway surrounded by gold-clad guards, black cars, and black-suited agents.

“Your Majesty.” Jessica said, bowing as she opened the car door of the black armored limousine. This was a specially crafted vehicle, made of Armytheum to cancel out mana attacks, and lined with reactive armor over a carbon fiber titanium alloy shell. The vehicle was too heavy to be lifted by a MECHFrame, and guaranteed to stop anything short of an Anti-Army skill. At least, according to Jessica, when she was showing Jack the location of all the hidden weapons.

Jack entered the car, sliding in to sit next to Yun, who was as stiff as a board, her eyes trying desperately not to look at the queen. Jenna was the same, her eyes hidden behind a pair of shades, but looking away from the queen.

Jack looked down, eyeing the Intellipad in his hand. Instructions and prompts scrolled across the screen as a reminder of the day's activities.

Queen Selfia Cordelica to announce the opening of First Public Academy, read the headline of the day's tabloid, along with Celeste’s reveal to generate interest. Then there was a museum opening, followed by a meeting with investors at a mall to support local business owners, before finally visiting El Negro Gato, the shop Jack's antics had put on the map.

Today, like every other day, would be busy. But, unlike the other days since Jack began making public appearances, today was the day they would announce the heir to the throne.

Today was the day they would reveal Celeste to the world.

Jack sighed.

“This is Little Chicken. Big Boss and Big Rooster are onboard. Behemoth is Oscar Mike.” Jessica said, the driver putting the car in gear.

The journey to their destination was mostly silent, save for Celeste bouncing on Jack's lap and pointing at people through the black-tinted glass, with Leona trying to calm her down.Ada smiled at the sight, doing her best not to throw up as she cast Soothe on herself, a low level skill that eased the urge to vomit.

“We're here, your Highness,” Jessica said before relaying orders to the rest of their protection detail.

The car door opened, and light and noise flooded into the interior as paparazzi surrounded the armored cars behind red string barricades and capitol police.

As rehearsed, Ada exited the car first into the chilly air, acting as Jack's attendant. She held her hand out, and Jack exited the car. Ada handed him a coat as Kamila exited next, followed by Selfia.

Selfia stood beside Jack, smiling as he stood stoically. The mass of noise, coupled with winter’s bite, was akin to a flash bang to his senses. It took a moment, but he recovered, gold eyes sweeping across the crowd who were begging for the queen to look their way.

Man… I hate this; Jack griped inwardly, the obnoxious crowd snapping hundreds of photos. Don't they know that's annoying? Jack had half a mind to conjure up mana and destroy the cameras, but he restrained himself, putting on a smile and waving like a good mascot.

Now comes the hard part...

Leona exited the car next, standing off to the side as little blonde Celeste hopped out of the car, her yellow boots kicking up snow.

Suddenly, a tangible shift occurred in the crowd. The mass of paparazzi photo-taking slowed from frantic to crawling, with eventually everyone going silent. Selfia continued to wave, walking in step down the red carpet laid out for her and Jack, Celeste and their protection detail in tow.

I think I preferred the camera spam. Jack griped. Sahaqiel giggled as they made their way through the silent crowd with their guards.

The group moved towards the flight of marble stairs, bypassing a statue of an angel. She lay down with her legs kicked up, a smile on her face as she read a book. The statue looked eerily like a certain angel.

Selfia shot a knowing smirk, one that made Sahaqiel flush and vanish.

The crowd began taking pictures again, just as Selfia and the others made it to the top of the stairs, where Madam Hightower, the former principal of Almus Academy, stood with Duchess Bell.

Beside her stood a familiar cyborg; it was Peter who had helped Victor and Brigid to take Jack's measurements for his old armor set. According to the faculty staff dossier, he was now a teacher at the Academy, where he taught metalworking, along with Brigid, who put on a small smile at the sight of Jack.

The other teachers were also just as strange as Peter and Brigid, with diverse backgrounds from different walks of life. There was a former cop, a reformed meth maker, a disowned noblewoman, along with many teachers from Almus who had survived its destruction to work at its successor.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Selfia said, standing at the podium, her body posture and stance a far cry from her usual slouching. The tone she took was authoritative and drew everyone's attention. “I speak to you today, to announce the grand opening of a public institution. The first of many, a bastion of education that I wish to cover the nation. An initiative that has been met with pushback and doubt. Many of you have heard the phrase, knowledge is power-”

Selfia paused for dramatic effect, her head turning to Celeste with the gaze of a mother.

“An idiom,” Selfia continued. “That I hold dear to my heart. True strength comes from understanding the world around us and the many threats that surround our nation. And it is with this, I announce the grand opening of Frelia Public Academy, for our people are only as strong as the weakest amongst us.”

The crowd applauded, taking photos, with various tabloid writers scribbling notes.

Selfia raised her hand, the crowd silencing.

“And to affirm my commitment to this initiative, my own daughter-”

Suddenly, the crowd grew loud, the sentence barely completed before questions and shocked exclamations rang out.

“- Celeste Cordelica will be enrolling in the academy come spring.” At Selfia's words, Celeste waved at the crowd, drawing hundreds of cameras on her.

“Hello!” Celeste called out, prompting Jack to pat her on the head.

“Applications to enroll are open on the intranet site,” Selfia continued, a billboard lighting up above her that displayed instructions for enrollment. “FreliaAcademy. Gov. The academy’s doors are open to all who apply while slots are available. We offer everything from Early Childhood, Kindergarten, Schuleingangsstufe, to Weiterführende Schule, and vocational training. The Crown thanks you for your continued support and consideration.”

Jack picked up Celeste and filed out, walking in step with Selfia as Kamila, Ada, and Leona followed them.

All around them, nonstop photos were being taken, and questions were being asked to Selfia and Jack, who ignored them and entered their limo.

Elsewhere

In an empty room of an office building, a blonde man wearing a cowboy hat frowned, peeking through the scope of his specially crafted sniper rifle. Through the lens, he could make out a barrier, a field of mana emanating from Jack.

The man was akin to a guard dog encircling his entourage with mana. Any attempt at attack would be detected, and with the man's speed and reflexes, Ivan was sure he wouldn't be able to deal the fatal blow to Selfia.

Not that he really wanted to, anyway.

“Tch,” Ivan sighed. “Guess it's your way, then.”

“Finally! Told you!” The Man Maid taunted as the Jester sighed. The two then began walking off.

“Hey!” Ivan called out.

“What?” The Jester girl replied, brows raised.

“Try to keep civilian casualties to a minimum.”

“Now where's the fun in that?” The Man Maid let out, sticking out his tongue before grabbing the Jester's wrist and dragging her away.

Ivan sighed, peeking through his scope once more, watching as the car drove off with a heavy heart.

Chapter 12

Face-to-Face

“Holy fuck, Selfia,” Jack frowned, muttering over the sound of constant chatter and flash photography. “I just want to eat in peace.”

“Welcome to nobility, Jack. No such thing as peace,” Selfia said, waving at the crowd with a smile.

“Yeah… but what's the point of us being here if we're not eating?” Jack said as Sahaqiel sulked in a corner beside a batch of tacos under the scrutiny of the press.

“Publicity, duh,” Selfia said as the owner of the El Gato Negro, Carlos Ruiz, came out with a tray of burritos.

“Ah, Your Highness. As ordered,” the cyborg said, his hands visibly shaking as he placed the tray on the table.

“Oh, this looks good. You didn't poison this, did you?” Selfia replied, cocking her head in a manner that Jack found creepy.

Immediately Carlos went pale, the cyborg chef frozen in place.

“N-n-no! Of course not!” Carlos replied quickly, bowing as Kamila brought out a fork and knife, cutting up Selfia's burrito into neat squares.

“So disrespectful,” Sahaqiel commented, offended at the way the burrito was being dissected.

Kami handed the cutlery to Selfia, allowing her to bring a bite of it to her mouth.

“Hm. I see what all the rage is about,” Selfia said, chewing in a dignified manner as Celeste looked on with hungry eyes.

“May I have some?” Celeste asked.

“Not right now, dear,” Selfia replied, causing the little girl to deflate.

“Awwww.”

“Don't worry, I'll make sure you get some,” Jack whispered, making Celeste smile.

Selfia dabbed her mouth with a cloth. “Ok. Time to go. Bring the burritos with us.”

Kamila and Ada bowed, taking with them the burritos in styrofoam containers provided by Carlos.

Selfia stood up, walking back to the parked Behemoth limousine.

Wait. That's it? Jack wanted to protest, but ultimately he said nothing, simply sharing a glance with Ada.

As a man, Jack followed tradition and waited for everyone to enter the car, his face stoic as his eyes scanned the crowd. Something was up; an odd sense of foreboding prodded at him.

Yet all he saw were citizens and his security team, along with his warrior Bell cousins, who kept the crowd at bay with their blood abilities. Jin flashed a smile upon spotting Jack, but quickly went back to work.

Entering the leather interior of the Behemoth, Jack went wide-eyed, his gaze locked on Selfia munching loudly on the burritos while fighting with Ada, who was trying to stop her from eating them all, with Kamila caught in-between like a rag doll.

“Get off of me, Ada! I swear I will-HOLY FUCK! CALM YOURSELF GUERILLA! WATCH THE DRESS! WATCH THE FUCKING DRESS!” Selfia screamed.

“Fight! Fight! Fight!” Celeste giggled.

“Right,” Jack sighed. Celeste cheered them on as Yun sat in the corner, the bodyguard wide-eyed. “Jessica, get us out of here.”

Back at the castle, Jack furrowed his brow as he eyed the many tabloids on his bed documenting the day's adventures.

“Heir to the throne… Child out of wedlock. Queen, a Demi Lover… El Gato Negro, Food fit for a Queen. Handsome Jack… Jack The Ripper? Hero of The Frelia Mountain Massacre… End of an Empire? Sellout Queen… Where has Jack been? ” Jack frowned, reading aloud the dozens of printouts, some a far cry from the other rumor mills, with many insulting the queen.

Usually, most of them were speculating about him, or were just filled with blatant falsities. They never directly insulted Selfia. This was treason, depending on who he asked.

“If you ask me, it seems like someone's angry.” Lilith said, offering a rare moment of commentary from the darkened specter.

Someone unhappy about Celeste's reveal?

“Probably a would-be suiter. After all, Selfia turned down hundreds of would-be husbands for you. And her revealing she had a child all this time, well. It just means everyone wasted their time.”

“Oh?” Sahaqiel said, poking the specter on the nose, resulting in the black angel scowling. “When did you become such an expert at love affairs? Here I thought all you could do was hate.”

“Please, I’m a professional.”

“Professional hater.”

“Call it what you will.”

No. She has a point. I hadn't considered what the coronation would mean for those eyeing the throne. Jack frowned, remembering the crowd of unhappy individuals at the wedding. Had Selfia just painted a target on Celeste’s back?

“What are you talking about?” Ada asked, hugging Jack from behind, the woman fresh from the bathroom in her pink nightgown.

“Talking? I haven't said a word,” Jack replied, caressing Ada’s hand.

“No, but you have a look on your face when you're in deep thought, plus you not speaking out loud doesn't mean you aren't talking,” Ada said, pecking Jack on the cheek. “Hi, Sarah.”

“Howdy, love,” Sahaqiel said, revealing herself reclining on a nearby chair.

“Right… I'm just worried about everything, is all,” Jack sighed, mulling over the point of all this waiting. “And Selfia's plan. I can't help but feel like I'm placing targets on everyone's backs and gathering more enemies… Plus, with you pregnant, I have more to lose than I've ever had before.”

“Well… It-” Ada froze. “W-wait, you know I'm pregnant?”

“Uh. Yeah. I'm a little slow, but I'm not stupid, honey.”

Ada slumped her shoulders. “Right.”

Jack chuckled, turning, his hand rubbing Ada’s stomach.

“Heh… roll.”

“HEY!” Ada snapped, slapping at Jack's hand, which was pinching her stomach. “Rude! Don't play with my roll! UGH! You've made me chunky!”

“You aren't chunky, babe. You're thicc.”

“Y-you think so?” Ada asked, tears in her eyes.

“Of course,” Jack said, his eyes taking on a certain glint that made Ada flustered.

“Oh? So what you're saying is you like my body, huh?” Ada whispered, moving up on the bed.

“Y-”

“Jack.” Jack froze, filled with a sense of alarm as Lilith and Sahaqiel both called Jack's name.

“What? What's wrong?” Ada asked, looking confused as Jack’s face took on a worried look.

“Stay here,” Jack said, mana oozing off his body, spreading out and rapidly enveloping the palace. Every nook, cranny and hidden place where mana could flow, Jack's energy seeped into until he found it.

A man in a cowboy hat.

“Ada. Go find Captain Jin,” Jack said, tapping on a nearby Intellipad to contact Selfia, but finding it had no signal.

“Huh?”

“Don't question it, go. Now. Get to Celeste,” Jack ordered coldly, opening his bedside drawer and taking out his gun blade revolvers.

“Ok. Ok!” Ada said, summoning her nodachi from the closet and taking off.

Sara. Go to Selfia. I need to have a private chat. Jack sent, eyes narrowing with fury as he loaded bullets into his guns.

Entering the basement garage, Jack spotted a familiar blonde gunslinger, the man leaning on the nearby concrete wall under the low light with a black mask on his face.

“Hey budd-”,

*BANG*

Jack wasted no time, opening fire with his silver revolver before Ivan could finish his sentence.

The gunslinger shimmered out of place, teleporting and avoiding all six shots Jack fired.

“Whoa! Whoa! Hey! Are you trying to kill me?!” Ivan yelled, standing atop one of the black armored cars nearby.

Jack glanced at the bodies laying on the ground. “No. I was aiming for your legs. Next one's going in your head.”

“Ah-ah-ah, I wouldn't suggest firing that HE round,” Ivan said, hopping off the hood of the car. “Those guards aren't dead, just napping. Some insurance, in case you get a little... explosive.”

Jack clenched his jaw, but ultimately lowered his gun. “What do you want?”

“To say hello, of course,” Ivan smirked, tipping his cowboy hat. “It's not everyday one gets to have a chat with royalty face-to-face. We're friends, aren't we?”

“Ivan… I need you to know that what's about to happen is personal. It's very personal,” Jack said calmly, his body giving off sparks as the air ionized.

“Easy, hotshot. I come in peace. I’m here to give you a warning, dipshit,” Ivan said, teleporting as Jack's hand nearly closed around his neck. He broke out into a cold sweat, grinning as he clutched his neck, which was tingling from the close call.

“Wow! You're fast, brother! Almost took my neck! You're getting scary.” Ivan said as Jack reached out, the air shimmering around the pair as Ruby emerged, the dark knight appearing behind Ivan.

“You made a grave error, Ivan. Not only do you have the gall to appear before me, but you dare to speak to me as if we were friends,” Jack hissed.

Ivan sighed. “Yeah… I ‘spose, with what I've done, anyone would be right to be pissed. But I'm here to help you.”

Jack raised his brow. “Why?”

“Because The Black King has ordered Selfia's death.”

“And this helps me how? It was only a matter of time,” Jack replied, narrowing his eyes.

“Because of the attack. A lot of people will die.”

“That didn't stop you before. What's different now?”

“Because…” Ivan clenched his jaw. “I'm sorry.”

“Fuck you,” Jack said, his voice cold with his hand cackling with power. “If you're truly sorry, you'll spill all of your secrets before placing your neck in my hand.”

Ivan smirked before shaking his head.

“Sorry bud, no can do. I've got someone waiting for me,” Ivan said, tipping his hat. “Heed my warning, or things will get explosive. Better you get out and take your daughter with you. I'd hate to see the girl hurt.”

And like that, Ivan was away, leaving Jack glaring in the garage as Jin arrived with several guards in tow.

Chapter 13

Reflection of the Past

Ivan was gone, leaving Jack with a bitter taste in his mouth as Jin arrived.

“Are you ok?” Jack's cousin asked.

“Yeah. Check on the guards. They’re unconscious, but not dead. Lock down the area,” Jack ordered before taking off.

“What are we going to do about this? He was here. In this palace, a place supposed to be impenetrable and heavily fortified!” Jack demanded, sitting across from Selfia in her private office. Beside Jack, Leona held Celeste, while Ada laid down on a futon nearby and Kamila served tea.

“Relax, Jack,” Selfia sighed, taking an Intellipad from Violet, the armored Black Knight making a rare appearance inside the castle. “Nothing happened.”

“But what if it did? What if he planted a bomb, or unleashed an Anti-Army skill, or let loose a bioweapon underneath our feet like in Frelia? What then, Selfia?! What?!” Jack spat, his hands slamming on the table, which cracked under the strain of Jack's strength.

“Look, Jack, I understand how you feel, but-”

“No, you don't. Don't pretend that you do,” Jack hissed, all eyes on him. “My family was in danger tonight. My family. Which means more to me than just a fucking bargaining chip. Now I have done everything–EVERYTHING–that you have asked. That everyone has asked of me. And all I want is protection for those I love and the means to fight our common enemies. How fucking hard is that?!”

“Language!” Leona spat, yelling at Jack with her hands over Celeste’s ears.

Unbeknownst to Jack, his body emitted black shadows, eyes flaring with crimson.

“Tanji,” Ada coaxed, caressing Jack's shoulders. “Come, sit down with me.”

Jack clenched his jaw, but ultimately followed, sitting with his head in his hands.

“Selfia. I want to get these people, and I can't do it sitting here on my ass, playing at being your boy toy,” Jack sighed. “I have to kill every single one of them if I want to be free.”

“You’ll get that opportunity, Jack. I promise. But right now, I need you to be levelheaded. Things are in motion,” Selfia said, taking a sip of tea from the cup served by Kamila.

"What things?" Jack demanded, "You keep telling me stuff is in progress, but you aren't telling me what those things are."

“Remember the plan. Two more days till the masquerade. Once I secure my control, we'll have you on your way. I promise.”

“Plan?” Ada asked. This was the first she was hearing of it.

“Don’t worry about it, Ada,” Jack said, resulting in a smack on the head.

“Don’t give me that! Need I remind you I’m carrying your child! If something’s going on, I want to know about it,” Ada hissed.

“I’m hosting a ball,” Selfia interjected. “Where I will corral many of my dissenters and arrest them. With them all in one place, I’ll be able to move in on them all at once.”

Leona raised a brow at the declaration, but ultimately said nothing.

“What about the High Table kill order?” Jack asked.

“What about it? The gala will be a heavily guarded, high-profile event. And I can handle myself, Jack. We knew that eventually they would come for me,” Selfia replied, two of her floating arms placing a talisman around her neck. “And besides, with the Aegis, anything short of an Anti-Army attack skill will be stopped.”

“Do you think Ivan can be trusted?” Leona asked as Kamila handed her a pair of enchanted earrings.

“No. Absolutely not…” Jack said, trailing off before wetting his lips. “But… fuck. I can’t make sense of this. Why warn us?”

“To get in our heads? To defect?” Leona offered, placing a pair of earmuffs over Celeste's head while she was staring at her Intellipad. “Also, language!”

“Sorry,” Jack replied as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“A High Table defector would be good to have,” Selfia mused.

“No,” Ada said coldly, drawing looks from Selfia, Leona, and Kamila. “He has to die. He hurt my friends. Killed my clan’s guardian and Elder. Blinded his son, took my best friend’s arm and leg. It’s too late for repentance. I want his head.”

Silence blanketed the room for a moment until Kamila entered to collect Selfia’s plate.

“Right,” Selfia said, standing up. “It’s late. Everyone should get some sleep. I’ll enact some contingencies, but for now, the threat is over.”

In his chambers, Jack sat reviewing every file, paper, and note Selfia had on the High Table. As a condition of his continued support, she gave him everything she had, or so she claimed, even allowing him access to CHECKMATE’s data, and what Director York had on the group.

Initially a sergeant aboard a landship, then an aide to the family, Alan York had entered the service of the Bell family through a chance encounter after taking custody of Jill. Because of that encounter, his daughter had been permanently marred, hooked up to life support machines, which allowed her to remotely pilot MECHFrames but do little else.

Now Director York spent his days as the Director of CHECKMATE, a group formed to hunt down the High Table with special autonomy from Selfia.

A man on a mission.

A man like Jack.

Yet, Jack couldn't help but feel guilty about the man's predicament, as if everyone he met was harmed just by running across him.

“Honey,…” Ada said, hugging Jack from behind in their shared bed. “It’s been three hours. You’ve already looked over this a dozen times.”

“And I’ll look over it a dozen more times,” Jack said, eyes furrowed. “I need to keep you safe. And the first part of doing that is understanding what I’m up against.”

“But you’ve seen this data before. Nothing has changed.”

“I know… but it helps to distract my mind,” Jack said, Intellipad in hand, reading over the report of the special actors in play.

Black King/Smiling Man: ???

Green Bishop: Pope of the Theocracy Hugo Fitz

White Knight: dUMBASs Roland Cordelica

Gold Queen: Cynthia Rockefelle of Cordell Engineering

Red Rook: ???

Purple Pawn: ???

Pawn#1: Robo Kat/(Unknown)KIA

Pawn#2: Man Maid(Finn Star)

Pawn#3: Mad Hatter(Juliana Ardona)

Pawn#4: Raven Mask(Cici Vernon)

Pawn#5: Cobalt Claw/(Lerry James)KIA

Pawn#6: Metal Man/(Unknown)KIA

Pawn#7: Blizzard Butcher(Serena James)KIA

Pawn#8: Gunslinger(Ivan Petroff)

Jack reviewed the list, a compilation of all the key players, painstakingly put together by Selfia’s people over the years. Every name had a drop-down box featuring their skills, activities, and sightings. There was even information regarding their blood types, ingested foods, and speech patterns.

Under one bodycam video, there was Python. He and a dozen other Awakened were fighting Pawn number 5, Cobalt Claw. The man was shimmering with unique luna energy, which he formed into claws, tearing through the CHECKMATE agents. Multiple videos of engagements finally culminated in the man’s death at the hands of Python, who strangled him with vines.

Each name had nearly two dozen combat files attached, mostly recovered data from corpses. Very few ended in success for the CHECKMATE agents. In nearly four years, Selfia had only killed three of the pawns, while Jack had taken one down on his own.

This was what he was up against. An organization that spanned the world with the power of an army, and the support of nations.

“If she knows who they are, and what they've done, why not publicize this information?” Ada asked, watching Jack.

“Selfia says it's a master card and that she's waiting for an opportunity.” Jack replied before he sighed, powering off the tablet. “How's Yukino?”

“Physically? She's ok. But… she wants to go home. She has her augments already and has been doing physical rehabilitation with Doctor Light and Leona, but… you should check in on her.”

“Yeah,” Jack said. “I’ll try to visit her tomorrow.”

“You know…” Ada said, “Speaking of Yuki… You never told me you knew the man who attacked her.”

Jack froze.

“I… does it matter?” Jack asked, going back to his files. “I knew him. But… he's not the man I once knew.”

“Ok…” Ada said, realizing she wouldn't get more out of Jack without prying. “Who was he?”

Jack paused his video, pinching the bridge of his nose for a moment.

“Ivan… was a former classmate. A somewhat decent guy who liked to joke around and play pranks. Sometimes it got him into trouble with Sergeant Dave and the other teachers, but he had Mai to rein him in.”

At the name Mai, Ada raised a brow. “Is she the woman that died during your training mission?”

Jack turned to Ada. “How do you know about that?”

“You…” Ada frowned. “You talk in your sleep sometimes. And you've mentioned her name. I was worried, so I asked Leona, and she told me about it.”

“Right…” Jack looked away, staring at something that wasn't there. “Yeah. It was… something. When Mai died, Ivan he… he changed. He turned ruthless. He began hunting Theocracy soldiers with impunity. Whatever light he’d had in his eyes died the moment he lost her.”

Jack turned back to Ada, letting out a chuckle as he shook his head.

“The worst part is that I can't blame him for what he became. All those lost. All those dead. For what? We were fighting an enemy we had no cause to hate until they gave us one. Until they made us hate them,” Jack's gaze turned to his palms, envisioning that clawed gauntlet stained in blood. “Made children into killers. But Ivan made his choice. Just like the Theocracy took from him, he took from us. So now, I have to take from him.”

“But can you do it? Kill your friend?” Ada asked, hugging Jack from behind, her face nestled into his shoulder.

“I'll do what needs to be done,” Jack said, his jaw clenching as he recalled how he had failed to capture the man.

“You shouldn't,” Ada said, caressing Jack’s hair. “When the time comes, you won't have to handle it.”

“What?”

“I'll take care of it,” Ada said firmly. The pair sat there for a bit in silence.

“Ok,” Jack replied after some time.

“Good. Now let's get some sleep,” Ada said, clapping her hands to turn off the lights.

Jack clenched his jaw, closing his eyes. Ada cuddled up to him, and the pair quickly fell asleep.

At least Ada did.

After an hour, Jack snuck his way out from Ada’s grasp, walking out onto the balcony where he stood staring at the moon and the city of lights below. Collecting his thoughts, he sat down and closed his eyes, his palm outstretched towards a tree in the distance, where he began pulling at it with Gehenna.

“Let's not waste any more time, ladies," Jack said, summoning Lilith and Sahaqiel. "I need to get stronger.”

Ada opened her eyes, the rays of light illuminating the bedroom and the first thing she noticed was that Jack wasn't there. The second thing she noticed was that her clock read six AM.

She turned, grabbing her pink bathrobe off her nightstand before spotting Jack on the terrace. The man was shimmering with black and gold energy, his body wafting steam. She could feel it—mana, a thick wall of energy that was condensed and flowing upward to not alert or wake her.

Ada went to check on him, but she paused, noticing how deeply he was entranced. All the plants that covered the terrace were wilted and dead. Sweat flowed from his brow, dripping off his nose, coating his half-naked body.

Ada grimaced slightly, retracting her hand before an odd sense of hopelessness touched her. For a moment, she regretted being pregnant, a thought that appalled her immediately.

She glanced over at her nodachi; the weapon gave her a chance to fight, to help, to be a part of Tanji’s life. To make his life easier.

Now… she couldn't help but feel like a burden as she rubbed her stomach.

Ada turned away, summoning her blade with a sudden sense of determination. Just because she was pregnant didn't mean she couldn't exercise. Couldn't train!

Well… light training. After all, Leona said she needed up to thirty minutes of exercise each day, something she'd been neglecting.

Ada quickly got dressed and brushed her teeth. By the time she came out, Jack was still in a trance, the man an unmoving statue on the balcony.

Finding a piece of paper, Ada wrote Love you and taped it to the window, a small message for when he was done.

Exiting the room, Jack's security detail, a group of women who were well-acquainted with him, greeted Ada.

“Ma’am,” said the woman at the door. Her nametag read J. Ashfield.

“Good morning, Lieutenant Ashfield. Have you all been here all night?” Ada asked, noticing that the women were armed and in black armor.

“Yes, ma'am,” the woman replied. “We'll be escorting you from here on out. Wherever you go, we'll go.”

“Even… to the bathroom? Because I don't know if you noticed, but I am pregnant and have to pee a lot.”

The officer smiled.

“We'll try not to invade your privacy too much, ma’am,” the lieutenant said. “Where would you like to go?”

“To grab breakfast, then to train a bit.”

“Train, ma’am?” Ashfield asked.

“Yes. I'm getting a bit chunky, if you can't tell, and I've been slacking,” Ada replied with a soft smile that seemed to radiate an earthly glow. “Plus, I need to keep an eye on a certain teenager running around these parts.”

“Right… of course,” Jessica said, signaling two other women to follow her.

Jack let out a breath, steam exiting his mouth as electrical sparks radiated across his body. He opened his eyes, surrounded by dead and decaying plants, his eyes taking in the sun as the words:

[Authority of Gehenna LvL2-> 3]

Hovered in front of his golden eyes mixed with red.

Chapter 14

Jack... You Failure

“In today's news, the city of Lunacrypt prepares for the Magna Galla, a prestigious event hosted by the Queen and her benefactors. Already the Royal Guard are out in force, patrolling the streets and making their presence known.” - Korriban News.

Jack frowned, eyeing Yun and Jena, who were standing in the bathroom with him.

“Seriously? Is this really necessary?” he pursed his lips. It was one thing having Sahaqiel, Lilith, and Ruby present at every moment; it was another with physical people. “Look, I'm not judging you if you're into this kind of stuff, but I have to warn you. I've had nothing but protein, and I'm pretty sure you both know what's about to happen.”

When neither woman responded, Jack unbuckled his pants.

Yun turned to Jena. “You know, maybe we are overdoing it.”

“Orders are orders. And this would be when he's most vulnerable.”

“Yeah. But he's the king.”

“And the person who gave us the order is the queen,” Jena shot back. “And last I checked, the queen outweighs everyone.”

Jack sighed. “Ok, well. Ruby, if you will.”

Suddenly, two spectral chains shot out from outside the bathroom, wrapping around the two women. Before either could utter a word, they were gone, yanked out by Ruby. The bathroom door closed with a satisfying slam.

Jack sighed. “What's the point of un-Awakened bodyguards?”

Exiting the bathroom, Jack frowned. Selfia stood in shorts, feeding sweets to Ruby, who sat on the floor munching. Beside her stood Violet. The twin’s heights were disproportionate to one another, making them appear as though they were mother and daughter, not siblings.

“Selfia, to what do I owe the pleasure of your unannounced and unexpected visit?” Jack said, purposely drawing out his words. “Here to remove my escort?”

“It's my castle. Can I not go where I please? And no.”

“Right, but what do you want?” Jack said, raising a brow. “You in gym wear usually doesn't bode well for me.”

“Stop being silly, you goose. Nothing bad is happening,” Selfia said, one of her floating arms smacking Jack on the back.

“Uh-huh.”

“This is for our dance practice, so go on–get dressed!” Selfia said, as another pair of floating arms dropping a bundle of clothes into Jack's arms.

“Ah. There it is,” Jack frowned. “Listen Selfia, do I really have to dance? Can't I just stand in the corner ornamentally?”

“Haha. Nope! It's a dance! A gala! If you don't dance, what's the point?” Selfia exclaimed loudly, walking out of Jack's room. “Get dressed, hoooooney!”

Jack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Could you have gotten me a color other than pink?!” Jack yelled, holding a set of pink trousers aloft as Yun giggled.

Fitted in pink shorts and a pink shirt that read Juicy, Jack raised a brow as he stared at the mirror in his room.

“Juicy,” Ada said, slapping Jack’s behind.

“I’m feeling extremely objectified right now,” he replied, as Ada strapped on running shoes. “And where are you going?”

“Running with the girls. Gotta get my exercise in.”

“Girls?”

“Oh, Leona, Yukino, and Kamila. Also, Jessica and Tyrah. Don't worry, Celeste is with your aunt.”

“Right… is that good for the baby?” Jack asked, a sudden realization dawning on him.

“Yeah, Doctor Light recommends at least thirty minutes of exercise daily,” Ada said, before she repeated the diet plan and exercise routine the doctors had laid out for her.

“Man… I need some guy friends,” Jack muttered, his mind whirling, wondering what Python was doing.

“Hm?”

“Ah, nothing. How's Yuki? Good to know she's up,” Jack said.

“She's still getting used to her implants. So this run is for her, too,” Ada said, pausing at the doorway of their room. “You should visit her.”

“I know. I'll get to it after this dance thing,” Jack said as the door closed.

“I… I can’t… I… can’t continue,” Jack let out, panting, dripping with sweat as his sore muscles ached. His heart pounded in his chest, which felt like an elephant was sitting on him.

“You can! And you will!” Selfia snapped. Her make-up was ruined, face glistening as she sat atop Jack, pinning him down. Their heated breaths intermingled as Selfia’s robotic hands locked firmly around Jack’s, their fingers intertwined.

“I CAN’T CONTINUE ANYMORE! THIS IS STUPID! I HATE DANCING!” Jack shouted, attempting to get away as dozens of robotic hands latched onto him, pinning him down against the hard tile floor.

“Listen up, you talentless hack! You are going to get up! And you are going to perfect this dance or so help me I will end you! You hear me?! END YOU!” Selfia yelled.

“Oh yeah?! I’d like to see you try!” Jack hissed, slowly getting up, his muscles straining against the multitude of Selfia’s floating groaning arms.

“DON’T TEMPT ME JACK!” Selfia replied, the two now locked in a contest of strength, with Selfia's arms struggling and slowly being pushed back. “HOLY FUCK! WHY ARE YOU SO STRONG?!”

“Why are you so shocked? Shouldn't you be happy?!”

“YEAH! I'M HAPPY MY HUSBAND IS A GORILLA!”

“The hell is a gorilla?!”

After six hours of non-stop “dancing,” Jack had had enough. The entire evening had been dedicated to dancing and its form and function. Selfia taught the class and Jack came to learn that she WAS A HORRIBLE INSTRUCTOR.

“She isn't a horrible instructor, you just suck,” Lilith commented, breaking Jack's concentration just enough for Selfia to force him back.

“What's wrong, Jack? Losing your edge? How hard is it to do the fucking waltz?!”

“Very when you keep stepping on my toes!” Jack hissed.

“I'm only doing that because you keep doing it to me!”

“Fuck it! Pause! I'm doing something else!” Jack spat, sidestepping and letting Selfia fall to the floor.

“Hey! No! No pausing! The masquerade is tomorrow!” Selfia called out in exasperation.

“We can train later!” Jack yelled, marching out of the room in annoyance.

“Hey, juicy,” Ada called out, stopping Jack as he walked past her and-

“Yuki?” Jack blinked, looking at the woman in gym shorts who sported a sleek silver arm and leg. “What are you-”

“Well, you didn't come to visit, so I brought her to you,” Ada said, smiling in contrast to Yuki, who looked at Jack with a frown. Dark circles hung under her eyes, her face and figure were skinnier than how he remembered her, and her hair was less vibrant without her pink dye.

The pair locked eyes, neither having spoken since the news of her father's passing.

“Yuki-”

“You were friends with my father's killer,” Yuki interjected, cutting Jack off. Gone was her bubbly persona and cheery attitude. Instead, they had been replaced with heated rage barely contained in her tone and eyes.

“I was... Once. But he's not the man I knew back then. We’re hunting him down,” Jack assured.

Yukino narrowed her eyes, as if searching Jack's mind.

“Good. He's mine. I want to be there when you put him in the ground. I want him dead!” she spat, jabbing Jack in the chest with her bionic hand.

“I promise you, he'll pay,” Jack assured her.

“Good.”

The trio sat in silence, an air of awkwardness bubbling up.

“Right. So…” Ada began, breaking the silence. “Have you eaten dinner? Kamila is making something right now. How about we all eat?”

“I'm tired. I'm going back to bed,” Yuki said before turning and walking off, much to Ada’s exasperation.

“She's… better than I expected,” Jack muttered before turning to Ada. “You told her?”

“I’m sorry. It kind of came up, and she insisted on seeing you. This isn't how I wanted you two to reconnect,” Ada explained sheepishly.

Jack sighed. “Well, she's up and about. I'm sure she'll bounce back.”

“I just hate seeing her like this,” Ada said. “She isn't smiling. Barely eating. Every day, she's just glaring.”

Jack realized how familiar that sounded.

“I'll… sorry. I got caught up with Selfia's plans. I'll make it a point to hang out with her more,” Jack said, unsure if it was healthy. But at the very least, Yuki didn't seem to hate him like Kenichi did.

“Please. She's out of her element here.”

“How about you?” Jack asked, turning to his wife. “Are you feeling out of your element?”

Ada paused. “A bit. This… all of this is a bit… different. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the free food, the bathrooms, and the TV shows, desserts, perfumes, and the view. But… I'd rather be home. I want to raise Itodori with his people.”

“Ito… you want to name our child after the Elder?” Jack blinked, crouching down to rub Ada’s stomach.

“Well, why not? Itodori if he's a boy, and I'm thinking Iris if it's a girl.”

“Iris, huh… I kinda like it,” Jack said as Ada smiled, completely unaware of the twin feathered women at her back. “Ito…”

“You don't like it?” Ada asked, her tone worried.

“No. I think it's good,” Jack said, looking up with a soft smile. “Itodori or Iris.”

Ada smiled, reaching down to caress Jack's face. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Jack said, taking Ada’s calloused hand, the pair unaware of the red eyes peeking at them through a nearby door.

Chapter 15

Prelude to The Disaster of Lunacrypt

Standing in the corner of the pink playroom, Lilith exhaled, watching Celeste and Jack as the little girl chewed on a toy block.

“Cel! Stop chewing on that!” Jack exclaimed, much to the girl's dismay.

“But I hungry!” The golden princess retorted.

“You just ate! You keep eating, you'll get chunky!”

“I’m chunky!”

“No. Bad! Give me the blocks!”

“No!”

“Give me the blocks, Celeste!”

“NO!”

Celeste bolted, the girl attempting to run, but not before Jack reached out, levitating the girl with Air.

“And where do you think you're running off to?!”

“WEE!” Celeste let out before she was spun and brought back to Jack.

“Gimme the block.”

“Up! Up!”

“Celeste, be a good girl and give Daddy the block.”

“Up!”

Jack sighed.

“If I send you up, give me the blocks, ok?” Jack said. The girl nodded enthusiastically as Jack smiled.

Lilith turned, her red eyes glaring at Sahaqiel.

“What the fuck are you smiling about?” Lilith spat.

“Oh nothing. What are you smiling about?”

“Fuck off,” Lilith spat, returning to Jack's inner sea.

“Wow. For all your murderous tendencies, you're really just a big softy, huh,” Sahaqiel teased, joining Lilith in the expansive void, with Ruby held in her arms like a doll.

The raven-haired woman narrowed her eyes but said nothing, walking into the golden cracked orb centered in the middle of the endless void. Immediately, her vision was flooded with equations. Thousands of floating sigils passing like a torrent of water let loose from a dam.

This was information in its purest form. A complex weave of mana circuitry that incorporated all that was Jack and the spirits within him. In this shower of gold, there were cancerous blots, black voids, and warped language: damage done to Jack's soul that wasn’t visible under any microscope.

Lilith went to work, the black specter purging strings of code with the precision of a surgeon. Unlike the angel, who had a rudimentary understanding of rune codes, Lilith had been taught how to transcribe them from the moment of her initiation into Project Savior.

Here, Lilith spent most of her time accessing the data stream, cleaning up the corruption that was an ongoing byproduct of Jack's existence as a vessel.

Sahaqiel could mend and stitch things back together, repairing soul damage, but what she couldn't do was target and erase the lines of bad code.

This is where Lilith came in.

Using her powers of destruction, Lilith cut out the cancer, eliminating the corruptive information before Sahaqiel replaced it. On the surface level, Jack felt nothing, each action seemingly insignificant, but if left untreated…

Well, Lilith didn't want to stop existing just yet. So she reluctantly worked with the angel, cutting out the corruptive properties that would turn Jack into an abomination.

“Lilith. I've been wondering–what type of deal did you make with Jack?” Sahaqiel asked, observing each pattern Lilith cut out and every code she weaved.

“None of your business.”

“Well, it IS my business, especially when it concerns our host. Jack is a good person, and if you hurt him-”

“What? You'll destroy me?” Lilith snickered. “You failed the last nine times. What's a tenth try, little angel? If you're so worried, ask your crush. But before you do that, how about telling him about the secrets you've been keeping from him? Or the plan you're conspiring with Selfia?”

Sahaqiel frowned, her feathers ruffling a bit. The angel glared at the fallen soul, concerned about the pact that Jack had made with the devil before her. All Sahaqiel could sense was an abomination. A warped and twisted being who oozed resentment and anger. And although she appeared human, the angel could see the woman's monstrous nature spurred on by the Infinity machine.

And Jack had struck a deal with it. One cut off from Sahaqiel, with no input from her.

“What, cunt? You have a staring problem?” Lilith said over her shoulder.

“Respectfully, you're a bitch,” Sahaqiel snapped back, turning and storming off as Lilith snickered.

Lilith sat in silence, observing the angel discreetly until she left, leaving behind Ruby, who sat in front of her. Ruby stared at Lilith, who ignored her.

With the angel gone, Lilith pulled at the data stream. Images appeared all around her, of memories that weren't Jack's.

They were Lilith’s memories.

Everything that she had been was laid out in the vortex surrounding her.

The Smiling Man, the doctors, the children. All the memories of her time as a test subject.

After an hour, Lilith fixed her red eyes on the knight, who did nothing but stare back.

“Fuck you.”

Straightening his sleek black jacket, which accentuated his muscles, Jack frowned. He rolled his shoulders as he stood in the cramped dressing room.

“Is… this really necessary? I thought the gala was supposed to be about the royal family?” Jack asked, adjusting his white frilly mask and his dyed jet black hair. He wore all black save for his mask and the red contacts over his eyes. “Don't we need to be like… noticeable? Also, this damn thing is itchy.”

“It IS about the royal family, but also those who support it,” Selfia replied, standing behind a partition that separated her from Jack as Bridget worked on her make-up. “Our anonymity allows us to give everyone a chance to mingle and voice their ideas. Think of it as more of a meet-and-greet, minus the orgy.”

“I’m sorry? Did you say orgy?” Jack spun, his jaw agape, as Victor Belfusa entered the room.

“As requested, Your Highness–the Mark V,” Victor said, unlatching a container and showcasing a pair of hands that were so lifelike, Jack nearly thought they were real.

“Lightweight carbon fiber with gelatin infill, wrapped in synthetic meat layered with pigskin,” Victor explained, pinching part of the machinery that pulled like flesh before bringing them to Selfia.

“Battery life?” Selfia asked.

“Eh, twenty hours with consistent use. Sixty on standby. Five for combat mode. It features a motion charger to generate energy based on the friction from movement.”

“Excellent,” Selfia said.

“Combat mode?” Jack asked. “Think it’ll come to that?”

“Maybe. You said it yourself that we should be on alert with Ivan and the High Table.”

“I mean, I also said we should cancel the gala so that innocents don’t get hurt,” Jack replied.

“Trust me, Jack, there are no innocents. Every person attending is a noble or a profiteer.”

“What about their families? Their children? I've read the guest list, Selfia. Not everyone that is coming is bad. And not everyone is being arrested,” Jack frowned, noticing an inconsistency in Selfia's plan.

Selfia peeked around the partition, the now-blonde woman sighing.

“Don't worry about it. You're just there to smile and wave. Eat good food. And at the end, we'll reveal ourselves with a grand speech,” Selfia explained, placing a floating hand on Jack's shoulder while Victor and Bridget helped connect the new arms to Selfia's metal shoulder connectors.

Jack frowned, but ultimately, this was the price he had to pay to find his sister.

“Selfia. I've been thinking…”

“Oh dear, do you need first aid? A doctor? I hope you didn't hurt yourself.”

“Ha! Very funny. No… I… I would like to move back to my home after Ada gives birth. Just for a few months. To help her with our child,” Jack said as Bridget moved to adjust his mask. “Ada and I think it's important to raise him–or her–with our people. Again, only a few months. And I can split my time between here when you need me and there.”

“Ok.”

Jack blinked. “Ok?”

“Yeah. Sure. If you want to move back to your home, by all means.”

“That's… that's it? A simple ‘yeah’?”

“Yerp,” Selfia replied. “A few months of air would do us good.”

“Oh…” Jack said, not expecting the response. “Wait–us?”

Selfia leaned around the partition again, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Oh yes, I believe by this time next week, the region should fall to General Olivia's forces. I plan on turning the area into a gate to the frontier for its natural resources.”

Jack narrowed his eyes. “And… how are my people involved?”

“Well, officially, nomads aren't Imperial citizens. And if I were to decree that they were, I'd get a lot of blowback from my supporters. So, Hoshido City is being classified as a special autonomous zone. Don't worry, I've got it all planned out. Although your little village may be a lot different than you remember.”

“I see,” Jack said, a feeling of unease taking him.

“So, how do I look?” Selfia stepped out from behind the partition. The queen wore a black frilly half-mask and a black dress with her false arms exposed. The dress was cut quite low, accentuating her pale breasts and shoulders, which showed no signs of deformity.

“Well? Don't just stare at me!”

“Ah, right,” Jack replied, recovering quickly as his eyes were drawn to the golden pendant at her neck. “You look good. Really good. I honestly can't tell that your arms are fake. The skin is amazing.”

“Damn right it is, boy,” Victor said. “Took me a whole damn month to get that skin like that.”

“Uhm. Sir,” Bridget cut in. “You really shouldn't call the king, boy.”

The man grunted.

“Anyway! Are you ready?” Selfia asked.

“Yeah. I'm all set,” Jack replied, smoothing down his suit with his matching black gloves.

“Good. Then let's go.”

“Go? What do you mean go? The gala is in an hour, isn't it?”

“No… it's right now?” Selfia said, raising a brow.

“Wait, I thought it was at seven?”

“No, it's at six.”

“But it isn't even night out!”

“Does it have to be night to dance?”

“No, but…” Jack frowned, suddenly feeling put on the spot. “I just… I thought we would have more time to practice…”

“Well, you're the one who wasted time playing with Celeste.”

“I wasn't playing with her, I was chasing her. She got into the kitchen and stole all of Kamila’s bags of blueberries. Which, by the way, stain everything they touch,” Jack countered. “I spent most of the day scrubbing the floors, and don't get me started on the glitter.”

“Why didn't you just tell the servants to clean up?”

“You mean Kamila.”

“She is a servant, and that’s her job, even if you two fuck occasionally. But what you do with Ada and Kamila in the bedroom is your business.”

Jack frowned, noticing Bridget's shocked expression.

“Why am I sensing I'm in danger?” Jack sighed.

“Come on, no cold feet now! Let's go!” Selfia said as the door opened to the sound of music, chatter, and applause as dozens of people mingled in a room filled with high-class nobles.

Chapter 16

Angelic Waltz

Jack swept his gaze across the crowd. A crowd of black gowns, black masks, and fancy jewelry covered nearly every inch of the palace’s ballroom floor.

Selfia had given Jack an order: to mingle and socialize. To be discreet. Yet, as he stood in the corner of the room, he found he had nothing to talk about with these people.

All of their discussions revolved around weather reports, business transactions, trade agreements, and the state of the Imperium. Safe topics that were akin to small talk for the red-eyed Imperials, one of which Jack was now pretending to be.

“Can't believe the Roland dogs have allowed murk-eyes into nobility.”

“I heard Roland is appointing a Charlemagne reject, allowing the boy into their caste of nobility.”

“Disgusting. The demis really have no shame polluting the word ‘noble.’ The very concept seems foreign to them.”

Jack frowned, trying to focus his senses elsewhere as his eyes stared at the massive glass chandelier that hung above.

Where the hell is Selfia?

Jack shook his head, scanning the crowd once more–no sign of the queen.

“At least the music is nice.” Sahaqiel said, materializing beside Jack in her own masquerade dress. Hers was all white, made of delicate feathers, contrasting against the sea of black surrounding her. The dress’ back was exposed to display her wings.

Jack blinked, eyeing the dress that only he could see, which accentuated the angel's form.

“My. The way you're looking at me, Jack, you're making me blush.”

“Aw, shut up.” Jack muttered, drawing eyes to himself. “Sorry, not directed at you.” He walked off, frowning.

Man, I hate nobles. I hate wearing this suit. Uniforms are one thing, but I feel so out of place. Jack griped to Sahaqiel.

“According to Selfia, it's only a temporary problem. Sahaqiel replied, hovering over Jack, her slender arms draped around his neck. “Do you like my dress? I saw it in one of Selfia's catalogs.”

I do. I think it looks nice on you.

“Oh, if only we could dance. Perform the waltz around the room as all eyes fell on us and marveled at our display. Oh! Desserts! Let's get some dessert!”

You realize I can't dance, right? Jack rolled his eyes, ignoring the fawning angel as he approached a table lined with various desserts. He paused, noticing that not a single person was eating despite the lavish display of food.

Sara. I think you're going to have to consume stuff on your own. Jack sent, eyeing a few onlookers.

“Sigh. See, this is why I never go to parties. Always some tradition or grandstanding to be had,” Sahaqiel complained, several desserts disappearing in a blink of an eye. “Using Consume just doesn't have that texture and feel that it does when you eat something.”

But I still taste it. Can we not combine everything all at once? I'm not a fan of the vanilla creme.

“Oops.”

Walking around, Jack finally found a familiar face: Jessica, the woman carrying a tray of wine and heading into the kitchen.

Out of boredom, Jack followed, entering the busy room where a flustered Kamila was screaming at Jena, Yun, and Tyrah.

“No! NO! NO! DOES THIS LOOK LIKE A CUP OF DICED STRAWBERRIES TO YOU?! DICED! NOT CUT! DICED! AND THESE COOKIES ARE HALF-BAKED! I TOLD YOU 400 DEGREES!” Kamila yelled, clutching her hair in the middle of a dirty and flour-stained kitchen as Yun cried.

“Whoa! Whoa! What's going on?!” Jack said, rushing to the woman. Kamila looked to be on the verge of a meltdown, muttering “Lefaye” over and over again.

“Lady Kamila is… uh…” Jessica attempted to explain, the bodyguard sporting a chef's outfit over her usual black armor.

“Lefaye ordered a hundred of Kamila's cookies and desserts,” Jena interjected.

“Ok?” Jack said, raising his brow. “Whose Lefaye? I assume he's a noble?”

“She!” Kamila exclaimed, the usually timid woman grabbing Jack by the collar and shaking him. “And she's only the most famous baker in the Imperium! She even earned her nobility from her baking!”

“Alright! Ok! I understand. Calm down before you get my suit dirty.” Jack said, bopping the woman lightly on the head. Ignoring him, Kamila hugged Jack, getting flour on his clothes. “Well… too late now.”

“She's stressing out because the baroness wants to showcase her desserts at the end of the gala and take some home with her,” Jessica explained.

“And we have no strawberries! None!” Kamila cried, falling to the floor, her hands creating a line of flour on Jack's new black suit.

Jack pursed his lips.

“Ok, how about this: Jessica, you know where the El Gato Negro is, right?” Jack said, fishing out a credit chip. “They sell strawberry desserts. How about you run down there and ask them for all their strawberries?”

Jessica shared a look with the rest of her squad.

“I would love to, sir, but I'm on duty,” Jessica frowned. “It may not look like it, but we're part of the security detail. Elite, I might add.”

“It's fine. If anything goes wrong, I'm here. Just grab the strawberries and hurry back. Call it an executive order from the king,” Jack said, pressing the chip into Jessica's hand. She reluctantly took it, patting a sobbing Yun on the head before leaving.

Suddenly, a hand clamped down on Jack's shoulder. His attention turned towards a woman in a floral-patterned black dress with lace sleeves. A black bow perched atop her cat-shaped mask.

“Ada?” Jack said, blinking as the woman took his hand. “What are you doing here?”

The woman smiled beneath her half-mask.

“I'm here for you,” Ada said, taking Jack by the hand before looking him up and down. “But… maybe you need to change?”

“No, I've got it,” Jack said, flicking his hand. Suddenly a current of air flew through the kitchen, entering through the bottom of Jack's pants and pushing the flour out of his clothes.

“Wow. Impressive,” Ada said, her eyes dancing with amusement, before snatching Jack's hand. “Come on! Let's go dance!”

“What? Wait! Hey!” Jack cried. Ada dragged him back into the ballroom, where the band was playing a different tempo of music.

“Ada! What is this? What are you doing?! I can't dance!”

“Don't worry! I got this! I've been taking lessons,” Ada said, taking a hold of Jack, one hand in the small of his back while the other interlocked with his. “Relax, just let me lead.”

Jack couldn't relax.

Between being moved by Ada, Sahaqiel's giggling, and the looks from the nearby nobles thanks to his stumbling, Jack's face quickly grew red beneath his mask.

“Who taught that buffoon to waltz?” A person snickered, causing Jack to grow even more flustered as he accidentally stepped on Ada's toes.

Another couple laughed, both Ada and Jack's Awakened senses picking up the mockery.

“Just ignore them,” Ada said, blinking at Jack through red contacts.

“It's kinda hard not to when they're actively making fun of us,” Jack replied as an electrical sensation took hold of him.

“Enough of this.”

“Huh?!” Ada let out as Jack seized hold of Ada’s waist, his once-limp wrist now straightening out to firmly grab hold of the slender hand he held.

HEY! WHAT IS THIS?! Jack sent inwardly as he lost control of his body and led Ada in the waltz.

“I won't have you embarrassing me with your shit ability for rhythm. Now. Repeat after me if you want to salvage this evening.”

“I'll lead,” Jack said, his voice deeper as Lilith took hold.

“O-o-ok.” Ada let out, following Jack as he straightened his back and glided into the center of the floor with Ada in tow.

“Forward left, side, now dip,” Lilith instructed, as Jack drew whispers of disapproval from several of the gathered nobles.

“We have to let Ada lead! We're drawing too much attention!” Sahaqiel chastised, a sharp pain coursing through Jack as the angel attempted to break Lilith's hold.

“Good. Let them talk. They should be happy that I don't slaughter them for their insolence.” Lilith spat, a tinge of mana wafting off of Jack's skin. “Now dip her.”

Jack lowered Ada, her leg brushing against his crotch as his body rotated.

Ya know! Sara has a point! Selfia wanted me to be discreet!

Together, the pair quickly became the focus of the dance floor, all eyes on them, mostly with disapproval from the older female nobles, while the younger ones looked on with interest.

THIS ISN'T DISCREET!

“Oh, you haven't seen anything yet.”

Suddenly, Jack's hands let go of Ada, allowing her to spin gracefully to the left as a woman in white was forced to materialize on Jack's right side.

SARA?!

“HUH?!” The angel let out, dumbfounded as hundreds of eyes gazed at her corporeal form. She didn't have time to react however as Jack's hand shot out, mana reaching out of his body to wrap around hers and pull her close.

Sahaqiel spun, flabbergasted, her face completely red with her large feathers tucking into themselves as she found herself in Jack's arms, the two now dancing under the massive chandelier.

With Lilith in control, the angel was forced to follow Jack’s movements, to keep the illusion and to not make a scene as murmurs broke out.

The tempo of the music picked up. The rhythm shifted, with Jack and the specter gaining speed, their bodies stepping lightly around the floor.

Suddenly a chilly wind blew through the ballroom, white feathers shedding off of Sahaqiel's wings. The pair gained in elevation as they danced in the air above the onlookers, each step a new platform of mana that kept them aloft.

The two closed the distance, chest to chest and for a moment, as Jack looked into Sahaqiel’s golden eyes, he could have sworn he felt her heartbeat. Felt her breath. Her golden eyes shimmered as she and Jack stood in the air, their faces mere inches away from each other.

But it was just an illusion. Her body was just a construct of mana that gave it enough form for Jack to hold. And although they were so close, they could never truly touch one another. Never feel the skin on skin and the warmth of a soul.

“You're cruel…” The words echoed through Jack's mind, a pain shooting through his body as he held the angel aloft.

And it was cruel. Perhaps it was payback from Lilith. Whatever it was, for the first time in a long time, Jack felt Sahaqiel’s sorrow.

“I…” Jack gasped, before his entire world suddenly exploded in blinding light.

Chapter 17

Death's Ballad

Jack blinked, the blinding light settling, all eyes cast to the source of the flash as the music subsided.

Immediately, Jack's blood ran cold, his face going blank beneath his mask as he spied an all-too-familiar-looking woman on the stage. She was wearing a jester’s outfit, and a smiling white mask covered her face.

“What? What's wrong?” Ada asked as Sahaqiel disappeared.

“Do you remember what Selfia was wearing?”

“Hm? Y-yes. What's-” Ada said before tracking Jack's eyes, which were focused on the insignia of a pawn on the jester's mask. “Fuck.”

“Go find her. Now.”

“On it” Ada nodded and took off, melting into the crowd to find the queen, as all the guests focused on the performer, who had enraptured them with her entrance.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” The Jester said with a bow. Her slender, white-gloved hands moved exaggeratedly. “It is my pleasure to put on a killer performance for you.”

Jack frowned, tensing, as the woman waved her hands and summoned a crystal violin to one hand. In her other she held an ornate rapier-like blade with a string fixed to either end.

How the hell did they get in here? This place is supposed to be guarded. Jack looked around, eyeing the many guests in the ballroom, but seeing none of his gold-armored cousins.

The hell?

Alarm bells rang under Jack's skin, the enormity of what was about to happen making him catch his breath as he debated on what to do.

According to the dossier, the Jester worked with a partner, so if the Jester was here, that meant the Man Maid was too. He was an explosives expert who, with one attack, could turn this entire palace full of people into a bonfire.

“Fuck,” Jack muttered under his breath. Obviously, a statement was being made. And now Jack was here with no support, no back-up, and a hundred hostages that made up the bulk of Selfia's powerbase in her empire. “Where the fuck is everyone?”

Suddenly, the Jester strummed her violin, a sharp crescendo stabbing at Jack's ears in a way that annoyed his Awakened senses but captured the attention of the entire audience.

The Jester played her violin, harmonic sounds echoing through the hall as the red eyes beneath her white mask affixed on Jack, almost as if she knew… no. She did. Despite his disguise, she knew who he was immediately; her gaze focused on him.

Music flooded the ballroom; despite the lack of a band, an orchestra sounded, a symphony of music that Jack admittedly would have enjoyed if not for the pretense of how he was hearing it.

[You have Resisted the Maestro’s Music]

Jack blinked, the notification touching his senses as the guests around him became entranced, moving in tune with the music. All around him, the guests had fallen sway to the Pawn’s performance. The crowd turned into an ocean of moving bodies that danced under the spell of the Jester.

Jack was a lone island, the only one unmoving, the only one staring at the woman, whose music grew in tempo as mana caressed his skin.

Suddenly, the ballroom lost all light, the chandelier above shutting off and casting the room in darkness.

All around Jack, the sounds of dancing and music continued to flood the room, not a single soul reacting to the loss of vision.

“JACK!”

Jack spun, leaning left, avoiding a spectral blue blade as it stabbed at him from behind. Giggling echoed through the darkness, followed by dozens of magical sigils pulsing in tune with the music.

Jack cast Fira, his palm peeling away the darkness as bodies continued to sway around him.

Immediately, Jack turned his gaze towards the stage, yet the Jester was no longer there, and activating Angel Eyes blinded him because of the mana that coated the room.

“I'm afraid that won't work,” a giggling voice sounded, confirming Jack's fears that they had made a countermeasure to his skill.

“Fuck…” Jack snarled as dozens of magical sigils cast their spells.

“Kamila!” Ada let out, bursting into the kitchen where the woman coated in flour looked up in alarm.

Suddenly the power gave out, covering the kitchen in darkness as a headache touched her mind.

[You have Resisted the Maestro’s Music]

Ada winced, clutching her head as a snarl sounded out.

Without warning, a pair of hands started grabbing at her, tearing at her dress to pull her down. Yet she was an Awakened; the feeble hands of normal people were no match against her strength.

Ada shoved the pair back before casting her skill, Guiding Light. To her horror, the bolt of mana illuminated Jena and Yun, who had gone rabid. The two charged at her again as Kamila screamed, yelling at Tyrah to get off of her.

The pair of bodyguards charged Ada, both attempting to bring her down. She easily avoided them, and the two crashed into various kitchen appliances. For a moment, her heart nearly stopped, thinking the two were corrupted. But her brain immediately connected their actions with the notification she had received earlier.

That Pawn! It cast a skill on them! Ada frowned before immediately pivoting and grabbing the humans by their throats. The pair’s scratching and clawing ceased as she activated Soothe.

As if a switch had been hit, the two guards sputtered and coughed before Ada let them go.

“What… the fuck?” Jena snapped, the soldier glaring up at Ada.

“Ow, my heeead,” Yun cried.

“What the hell?” From across the room, Tyrah shook her head. Kamila had also cast Soothe, breaking the spell that held the other bodyguard. “What’s happening? Why is the power out?”

“We’re under attack!” Ada said quickly, gathering the attention of all those in the kitchen. “There's a Pawn in the ballroom and I can’t find Selfia!”

Yun and the others quickly straightened up, pulling out guns and checking their armor. The trio went to work, pulling out crates from under appliances and cabinets, which they opened to reveal weaponry and armor.

“Where are all the other guards?” Kamila asked, shaking. The timid girl was frowning as Tyrah pulled a bulletproof vest over her head.

“Dead, most likely–no one is picking up on the comms,” Jena replied, scowling as Yun shook her head.

“Communications blackout. EMP too; everything not locked in a Faraday is fried, and their signal jammer is blocking our signals from getting out,” Yun reported, racking the bolt on her FCS7-Fletchgun. “Do you think something happened to Captain Jin?”

“Doubtful. But if the Awakened aren’t responding…” Jena shook her head. The woman was now fully equipped in black armor that covered her from head to toe. “We need to get the power back on and get the cavalry. Yun, stay with Kamila and Ada. Tyrah and I will get the power back on.”

“Wait, hold up, you want us to stay here?” Ada asked, flabbergasted at the notion. “What about your queen?”

“We have our orders and we’re trained for the scenario. If the Awakened guards are all dead, it means they were targeted because of their mana signatures. That’s why we’re here. Since we don’t have any mana, we have the element of surprise. No offense, but taking a pregnant lady and a timid medical officer into battle isn’t on my vision board,” Jena replied as she opened the door, filling the kitchen with light.

“Just as I thought. For now, we’re going to go into the basement and turn the power back on. From the looks of it, they tapped into the grid and are using it to jam our communications, but if we hit the emergency switch, we can broadcast a stronger signal to break their jammer.”

Orders? Ada cocked her head to the side, wondering what they meant. From the looks of it, it almost appeared this was all planned.

“You have command. On you,” Tyrah replied, donning her helmet, the black visor giving off a slight red glow in the darkness.

“How… can you tell that?” Ada asked.

“Because this palace operates on three different power grids in case of an attack, so that the rest of the palace can be used as an evacuation shelter,” Tyrah explained before cocking her head to the side “I’m seeing a lot of Xs here, Jena.”

“I know…turn ours off,” Jena replied, the robotic voice coming through her helmet unable to hide her concern. “Yun, turn off your IFF.”

“‘Kay,” Yun replied.

“Xs?” Kamila asked, hugging Ada.

“Dead allies. All the guards patrolling outside have IFFs that link up with friendly HUDs. Every single one of them is dead. Meaning they control the walls,” Jena reported, drawing a frightened look from Kamila. “Bastards using our own equipment against us.”

“Ready?” Tyrah asked, peeking out of the kitchen and down the hall of the well-lit hallway.

Jena nodded.

“Wait!” Ada called out, stopping the pair as they were about to leave. “I’m coming with you.”

“Absolutely not,” Jena spat, but Ada shook her head.

“I’m not giving you a choice. I may be pregnant, but I’m no pushover, and I’ll be damned if I sit here like a damsel in fucking distress while my man is fighting!” Ada yelled, shoving past the two and into the hallway. “Let’s go. If you get injured or fall under a spell again, you’ll need a healer, anyway.”

Chapter 18

Death of the Maestro

Jack shifted, dodging another spectral blade that appeared in tune with the crescendo of the music.

“Fucking hell!” Jack snarled, avoiding an enthralled dancer as the mindless crowd turned against him.

Fortunately, his winds kept them at bay; unfortunately, this tied his hands as he tried to figure out where the Jester was in the darkness. He activated his Angel Eyes, attempting to sift through the mana in the room, but to his vision, the room was coated in energy.

Damn Jester.

Jack gritted his teeth. To make matters worse, those attacking him were all important people, Selfia's backers and main supporters. If they got hurt, he could only imagine the consequences.

But that begged the question: if these were her chief supporters, where were the Awakened? Even nobles employed guards, and the guests attending were no different.

Where were their knights and bodyguards? In fact, where the hell were Jin and his other Bell cousins?!

I can't operate like this. Sara, give me light!

Jack closed his eyes, his mana draining as his body released a flash bang that blew away the darkness in a spontaneous burst of light.

Fortunately for Jack, his target wasn't so hard to find. With her smiling white mask, rainbow-colored suit, hat with bells, and crystal violin, the maestro of the nightmare orchestra was quickly spotted in the far corner of the ballroom.

Gotcha.

Jack stomped his foot, activating Wind Barrier, the ground erupting with air that forced everyone back.

Let's make this quick.

Suddenly, the music began to dim, the Jester pointing her rapier at the man flying at her.

“Fortissimo,” The Jester laughed, her voice high-pitched. Dozens of magical sigils lit up, visible music notes floating in the air pulsing with mana.

“Shit,” Jack let out, realizing too late the nature of the attack.

Primed to explode, the music notes collided with Jack. He summoned his wings to shield against the detonation that consumed the hall, a myriad of screams sounding out as the guests directly behind him burned.

Jack tumbled, his expensive clothes alight as winds blew out the surrounding flames.

“Fuck!” Jack cried, rising to his feet in horror as the guests still danced on despite the flames.

Closest to him, the black-clad nobles dropped. With no muscles left to support their limbs, one by one the guests fell to the floor. Fortunately, Sahaqiel had contained much of the explosion, leaving many of the guests unharmed.

But many were still enthralled, dancing without a care and laughing despite the room quickly filling with smoke and fire.

Jack shot off the ground, charging towards the Jester, who giggled before vanishing.

Not this shit again! Why does everyone have a teleport ability?!

Activating his eyes, Jack tried to find the woman's path, but with the mana flooding the hall, it was impossible to pin down her exit point.

“You'll have to try better than that, bébé,” The Jester laughed, her voice echoing through the halls like nails on chalk.

[You have Resisted the Maestro's Madness]

Jack winced, a headache forming, as the guests suddenly began to tear and claw at each other ravenously.

We have to end this now! And quick! Sara! Lilith! Help me find her! Jack ordered as he sidestepped another volley of spectral blades.

“There, on your left. Search for the influx of mana rising,” Lilith sent to him, Jack pivoting and flinging a bolt of lightning at the invisible figure.

The Jester broke concealment, her rapier moving, parrying the lightning, the sparks coiling around her weapon before being flung aside.

Swiping her rapier through the air, the Jester conjured a massive note. A sharp that flew, parting the tiles of the floor with Jack going wide-eyed as it slammed into his wings.

“Of course. Close quarters it is, then.”

Jack unfurled his feathers and took off, pivoting through the sea of spectral blades as his mana rose. Unbeknownst to him, Lilith appeared as a black cowl hanging around his neck; it ate away the mana of the spectral blades that flew past, fueling Jack's stores with his eyes glowing red.

The Jester seemed to freeze up, her movements going stiff for a second before she placed her bow upon her violin and strummed the strings violently.

Sigil after sigil lit up, a barrage of magical attacks aimed at Jack, each one breaking apart as Lilith devoured the skill with Gehenna. What was the Jester's mana now became Jack’s, the latter closing the distance despite the Pawn teleporting away.

“On your left,” Lilith reported, Jack's head spinning just as a large musical note flew at him.

Jack's hand came up, the tattoos glowing beneath his skin reacting as he activated Gehenna.

The attack exploded, the energy siphoning into Jack's palm, arcing along his arms with a visible buzz before he kicked off the ground in a flash of light.

This time, faster than the Jester could react.

She immediately attempted to lift her bow, the violin tool slashing at Jack's outstretched palm, only to be greeted by the silver feathers that coated his arm.

Sparks flew. The pair entered a dance of slashes and swipes. The Jester was put on the back foot as she repeatedly attempted to teleport, only to have her skill destroyed by Lilith.

“Fuck off,” Jack laughed, closing the distance. The Jester conjured a barrier that did nothing to stop Jack as he crushed her mask and gripped her face.

“No-” The woman's voice cut off as Jack's other hand plunged into her stomach, his palm clenched down over her mouth.

Wide-eyed, the red-eyed Jester's gaze quivered, the woman's weapon poking through Jack's chest with little effect on the man.

Enough of this.

Jack dug his hand into the woman's body, wrapping around something hard. The Jester spit up blood as her hands dropped her weapons, grabbing at her assailant in a futile attempt at self-preservation.

Suddenly, her body seized. Jack locked eyes with the Pawn, who had tears in her eyes. Through muffled words, the Jester surprisingly begged.

“Please, stop-”

“No.” A simple word, growled by a mix of two voices.

Jack pulled the woman's spine out of her chest in a burst of blood.

The Jester gurgled, wide-eyed. Her arms flailed before her eyes rolled back and her body folded in on itself, her legs buckling before hitting the floor with a thud.

Lilith snickered, Jack's eyes flashing.

“One down…” Jack spat, tossing away the vertebrae. A door at the end of the hall opened to reveal a bloodied feminine man in a maid’s outfit, who gawked at the Jester's corpse. “One more to go.”

Chapter 19

Mad Bomber

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” a voice cried out as Jack felt a strange power enter him. He blinked, distracted, before being blasted back, hitting a pillar and snapping it in half.

JACK! Sahaqiel screamed. A barrier of Wind formed around him, and Ruby appeared at his side to deflect the rapier that slashed at him.

Suddenly, the music picked up once more, a loud orchestra of strings sounding out as fire engulfed the room.

“Aw, what the fuck.” Jack ground out, eyeing the Jester’s corpse, which was twitching sporadically, letting out loud snapping sounds in tune with the music like a terrible horror movie.

Maniacal laughter sounded, and the Jester stood back up, wobbling to her feet despite missing her spine. On her barren head, a new white mask grew, a wretched smile plastered on her face as blood leaked from every orifice.

“TrY. a-GaIN!” The Jester sang, head cocking to the side, her bloodshot pupils going wide before a new mask covered her face. “It's time for my swan song!”

“See this shit. This is why you always double-tap, Jack,” Lilith hissed.

“Right. Double-tap… I ripped out her fucking spine!” Jack replied, dodging a symphony of spectral spears and musical notes that were fired at him. “You don't get more double-tapped than that! If anything, I triple-tapped her!”

“Obliterate them next time!”

Jack bolted forward, feathers out, as the Man Maid threw out clay figurines that exploded in his face.

Conjuring Wind, Sahaqiel contained the explosion, the force pushing Jack back as dozens of music notes boomeranged around him.

“Four! We've got to go! This is a trap! We've been played!” The Man Maid cried to the Jester, who turned to her fellow pawn.

“What?”

“Five is here! He's here! He's not dead!!”

The Jester spun her head, eyeing the now-smoldering Jack, who looked on in confusion as the doors to the room burst off their hinges.

“Heeeey, Crotchpuncher!” Tenno yelled, swiftly joined by Ada. “Why didn't you invite me to the party?!”

“Tenno?! What the hell are you doing here?!” Jack yelled back, wide-eyed at the man who was supposed to be protecting the Hoshido village.

“Oh, you know me, out for a stroll!” Tenno barked, shooting off the ground towards the pair of Pawns with a laugh.

“Fuck you, cunt!” The Man Maid spat, the bloodied Pawn giving Tenno the middle finger before the world was illuminated by a small sun.

“ADA!” Jack screamed, his hand outstretched as Ruby's hand grabbed his shoulder, pulling him back. Her shield took the brunt of the explosion, and the two were sent flying from the impact.

Spinning through the air, Jack unfurled his silver wings and took flight. He and Ruby dove through a window before turning mid-air to see the castle up in flames.

“No!”

Somehow, the building was already collapsing, imploding from multiple detonations going off at the base.

“No… NO!” Jack cried, his voice quivering before he flapped his wings and dove into the red mushroom cloud.

Immediately, the heat tickled his skin, burning away what remained of his expensive clothes, yet Jack didn't care. He pressed on, rushing forward as Sahaqiel cleared a path for him through the rubble and debris.

“ADA!” Jack roared, swiping his hand. Wind answered his will, sweeping away a large swath of smoke and flames. “ADA!”

All around Jack lay charred corpses. His heart beating in his ears, his eyes searching for his love.

“Here! Tanji!”

Jack's heart seemed to skip a beat, his eyes fixating on the silhouette amidst the flames. There, beneath a translucent bubble of golden mana, Ada stood, her earrings radiating protective energy.

“Ruby! Protect her!” Jack ordered. His einherjer leapt forward to collect Ada as he and Sahaqiel held the flames at bay.

The fire around Jack seemed to suddenly burn brighter, his HP rapidly dropping as the heat made his skin perspire.

Around him, the roof caved in, debris and paneling falling as Jack pushed the flames away from him and Ada, creating a tunnel of open air that led to the outside.

“Tanji! Kamila and the others are still downstairs!” Ada cried, stopping Jack as they came to the crumbling opening in the wall. He clenched his jaw.

“Ruby! Take her to safety!” Jack ordered, a section of the flooring giving way beneath Jack's feet.

Sarah! Find them!

Jack could feel the angel separate from him, the angel phasing through the collapsing palace in search of Kamila and Jack's security team.

Found them! Lower level! Generator!

“Where?!” Jack yelled, stopping in place as he looked down, his vision momentarily overlapping with Sahaqiel.

Below you! Straight down!

Jack activated Wind Sphere, sucking on the flames, his body sparking with lightning as Energize compounded the skill, chewing through the floor and debris.

The ground beneath Jack's feet shredded, allowing him to free fall through several floors before he hit the bottom with an audible thud. Still, he hadn't arrived at his target, another floor down and separated by steel and concrete.

Immediately Jack punched the floor, attempting to break the concrete, his fist creating a crack in the crumbling ground.

“Sigh. Try this instead.”

Suddenly Jack could feel his mana leaving his body, directed by Lilith and creating what felt like a massive maw in the space below him. Then the mouth closed, chomping down, the floor disappearing to reveal a soot-covered Kamila giving CPR to a figure clad in black.

“Kamila!”

“J-j-jack?!” The woman spun, shielding her eyes, disbelief in her tone as heat flooded the basement.

“Hold on! I'm going to get you out of there!”

“Hurry! Yun isn't breathing!”

Jack gritted his teeth, his body burning up from within with the constant mana being used to sustain a wind tunnel. Between Lilith, Sahaqiel, and Ruby, Jack's resources were being stretched thin.

“Ok. Just hold on!” Jack scanned the ground below, activating Float, dropping off the edge as the world around him burned.

Jin frowned, stepping out of yet another mansion filled with corpses, the man’s black-armor covered head to toe in gore.

“We have dealt with the invited,” Jin said, speaking into his gauntlet. Other black-clad assassins left the estate in stealth, their eyes on the column of flames in the distance.

Not a word was spoken between the warriors; their task half-done, they all shared the same look over the deeds they had committed.

“Good,” Selfia replied, her voice cold. “Get to the palace. Our uninvited are on the run and Jack's friends aren’t that helpful.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Jin replied, nodding as the dozen armored Awakened took off. “It will be done.”

Jin sighed, rolling his shoulders, taking a moment to look at the carnage behind him: various nobles, knights, and soldiers he had known and served with for years.

Awakened he had killed, entire bloodlines now exterminated.

A dark task, but a culling needed to be done, to ‌change the empire into something more.

Jin gripped his spear, sighing. “Forgive me, kid.”

Chapter 20

Betrayal Most Foul

“BREAKING NEWS! CASTLE MORNE IN FLAMES! UNTOLD CASUALTIES! WE GO LIVE NOW, TO OUR CORRESPONDENT ON THE SCENE!” - Korriban News

Amidst a background of flames, Jack stumbled naked out of the fire, Kamila on his back and Yun in his arms as Wind scattered the crowd of first responders and bystanders attempting to snap photos and ask questions.

“BACK OFF!” Jack snapped, his roar sending the bystanders packing.

“Out of my way! Queensguard, move!” Jessica yelled, pushing her way through the crowd. When the bystanders refused to yield, a pulse of sickly mana shot out, explosive energy that radiated from the black-armored knight beside Ada.

Jack laid Yun down as Jessica slid to the ground beside her, the woman’s hands touching the bloodied body of the corporal.

“Nononono! No! Yun! Oh God, girl! Please! Jack!” Jessica turned to Jack, clawing at him. “There's gotta be something you can do! Anything!”

“I… I'm sorry,” Jack muttered, taking a step back, his eyes glancing down at the hole in the woman's armor. He could mend broken bones, regenerate organs, regrow limbs… but what he couldn't do was bring someone back from the dead.

Jessica slumped over her fallen friend, tears in her eyes as Ada joined Jack and Kamila slid off his back to weep into her palms.

The crowd continued to take photos, indifferent to the carnage and suffering, something that irked Jack to the bone.

He could feel Lilith rising, the black specter fuming with anger, their emotions stacking atop one another.

Walking forward, Jack's face morphed into a glare, his palm rising, with arcs of electricity dancing around his body. For a moment, Ada thought Jack was about to attack the crowd as they stumbled back in fear.

Yet no attack came; instead, a fog emitted from Jack's body, shrouding the area and blocking the crowd’s view.

Several brave souls attempted to move into the fog, but they were shocked by ionic particles coursing through it, thanks to Jack combining his porous fog with Electrify.

“What. Happened?” Jessica demanded.

“W-we…” Kamila began, sobbing before she fell to her knees. “We were betrayed.”

*** Fifteen minutes prior.***

“Keep close,” Yun ordered, Ada and Kamila walking behind the woman as Jena led the way through a darkened wing of the palace, rifle raised. “Try to stay ahead of me so I can target anyone behind us.”

“I think we should go back,” Kamila whispered, hugging Ada’s arm while doing her best not to get in the way of the massive blade on the woman's shoulder.

“We can't. There's no telling what else is out there. We're safer staying together while Tanji handles one of the High Table,” Ada replied.

“Do you think he'll be ok?”

“Who? Tanji? He’ll be fine,” Ada stated matter-of-factly. “Right now the best we can do is get out of his way.”

“B-but he's alone.”

Ada paused for a moment. “Trust me Kami, he's never alone.”

Suddenly Jena stopped, halting the group as Yun approached a nearby door protected by a keycard reader.

“Shit,” Yun sighed.

“What? What's wrong?” Ada asked, coming up to the gathered soldiers.

“The door's locked,” Tyrah reported.

“Ok? Don't you guys have a key?” Ada asked as Yun took out a screwdriver and began fiddling with the keypad.

“It's not that simple. With the power out, we can't use our keycards or bypasses. And the explosives we have won't work, thanks to the tritanium bulkhead design,” Yun stated, prying the lid off of the keypad. “I'll see if I can conne-”

“Step back,” Ada pulled the technician back and lifted her blade, moving the massive nodachi to her waist in a backhand grip.

Her body glowed, illuminating the hallway before she stepped forward and slashed.

“Well… that's one way of dealing with things,” Jena muttered, the blade cutting through the door as easily as a hot knife through butter.

“After you,” Ada said, Jena shrugging and shining a light down the stairs before descending into the darkness.

“Thanks, muscles,” Yun giggled, smiling as Ada rolled her eyes and walked past.

Walking in silence, the group made their way into the stairwell, rifles raised, with only the sound of their muffled footsteps echoing into the abyss.

“Where is everyone?” Yun asked, breaking the tension of the darkness. “There should have been at least one team down this corridor. Ugh. This is Gamma Station all over again.”

“Please don't remind me,” Tyrah interjected.

“I'm serious. I'm getting bad vibes. How the hell are all our comms down? How did they sneak through our defenses? And where are all the other guards?” Yun continued.

“Yun, do you ever just shut the fuck up?” Jena spat.

Yun giggled. “Nope.”

“Guys, stay alert. We don't know what's down here,” Tyrah chastised.

The soldiers continued in silence until Jena and the rest entered a narrow hallway illuminated by red emergency lights.

“Whatever happens, stay close to me,” Yun instructed, handing Kamila a pistol. The woman eyed the weapon, but ultimately took it, racking the slide before reluctantly nodding to Yun.

“Where's my gun?” Ada asked.

“Please, you're too much of a badass,” Yun replied before Jena called out through the squads shared voice comms, beckoning the trio to keep up. “Plus, I only have one spare sidearm.”

Marching on, Ada narrowed her eyes, her nodachi now angled around her waist as Kamila seemed to hug her closer.

“We're approaching the third power relay now, I think,” Tyrah said, a 3D map of the castle grounds emitting from her gauntlet.

“Eyes up,” Jena whispered, the group coming to a metal door, slightly ajar. “Tyrah, Yun, prepare to breach.”

The two women stacked up on the wall.

“What do you want us to do?” Ada asked.

“Stay here and look pretty. We'll call when it's clear or if we need help,” Jena said before going in after Yun and Tyrah.

“Be careful,” Ada said before turning to Kamila, the woman visibly shaking. “Are you ok?”

“Uhm. Y-yes. I can fight! I-I- just get jittery, is a-all.” Kamila stuttered. “I don't really like violence, to be honest.”

“So, why did you enlist to join the Empire?” Ada asked.

“For money. And to be recognized as a true citizen--so my parents could get benefits,” Kamila explained, the two sitting back as they waited for Jena and the others.

“And how are your parents?”

“Dead,” Kamila replied deadpan, looking away. “Killed in a Roland raid.”

Ada looked down, noticing the woman's balled fist.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean to bring up painful memories,” Ada said.

“It's… ok. Jack is good at killing them. So I'm happy that he's around,” Kamila replied, her usually timid face twisted with anger.

Changing the topic, Ada cleared her throat, her eyes focused on the door Jena and the others had gone through. “So, how did you and Tanji meet?”

“O-oh… we… met back at the academy we went to…” Kamila said, a small smile on her face as if recounting a fond memory. “He was very nice to me.”

“I se-”

Suddenly the duo’s conversation was broken by the sound of gunfire, with Ada jolting and immediately taking off as Kamila tried to stop her.

One shot, two shot, three.

Rushing through the iron door, Ada ran down a corridor until she entered a spacious room humming with the low whine of electricity and machinery. She scanned the area, looking left and right in the darkness for her companions, eyes dancing but unable to see clearly thanks to the black that coated the room.

“W-w-wait!” Kamila let out, catching up to Ada, who activated Mote of Light, one of her basic clerical skills to cast away the darkness.

“No…” Kamila whispered, staring in horror at the bodies of Tyrah and Yun, the pair lying in a pool of their own blood.

Immediately Kamila went to render aid, yet Ada stopped her, narrowing her eyes. “Wait.”

She drew her blade, noticing a thin wire on the floor that connected to a hastily placed pack of clay stuck to the bottom of a nearby machine.

Ada lifted her blade, cutting the trap wire, disabling it as a chuckle sounded.

“Awwww,” a manic voice spoke, bouncing around the darkness. “And here I thought you’d dash in bravely to save your comrades. That normally works! Do you not care about their lives? Their wellbeing? Tsk tsk tsk! Guess we’ll have to do this the hard way.”

A moan came from Yun, her body shifting. The woman was still alive despite her gunshot wounds, her injuries from some form of flechette gun.

“Help her, I’ll deal with this,” Ada instructed, letting out a breath as she readied her massive blade.

Kamila cautiously did as told, crouching down over Yun’s body and checking Tyrah’s condition as Ada looked around for Jena, the only one missing.

Ada and Kamila shared a glance, the latter shaking her head No, with tears in her eyes.

“Oh? Deal with me? You’re a million years too early to try, dearie.” The manic voice called out, almost echoing. “My, you have such a big blade. Are you overcompensating for something?”

Ada’s brow furrowed as Yun coughed, the woman reaching up to Kamila to whisper something.

Kamila’s eyes went wide. “WATCH OUT!”

Ada spun, the flash of the shotgun encompassing her entire view as a deafening boom hit her ears.

Her nodachi came up, the blade glowing, moving as if it had a will of its own and deflecting the flechettes in a show of sparks.

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

BOOM!

The firearm roared over and over again, Ada’s arms moving fast as her weapon shifted, the enchanted nodachi protecting her from her assailant’s surprise attack.

Click.

An audible sound of an empty weapon chimed.

Furrowing her brow, Ada lowered her blade, her eyes focusing on the woman in black armor, the only one of three that entered the room that was uninjured.

Jena Leslie glared as she tossed her shotgun and drew her sidearm just as a jagged blade entered the edges of Ada’s peripheral vision.

Chapter 21

Long Time Cometh

Ada shifted her head, the serrated blade slicing her cheek as bullets ripped through the space where she’d just been.

“GET YUN TO SAFETY!” Ada ordered, Kamila taking off as manic laughter closed the distance.

Ada spun, her nodachi spinning to deflect several shots as her blade swiped the air where the laughter was. Her assailant leapt back, avoiding the arc of the weapon with a giggle as Ada readied her weapon.

In front of her was what appeared to be a woman wearing a black maid’s outfit, a pale girl who was barely Ada’s height. A white mask obscured half her face, a pawn-shaped crest carved into its ivory surface.

In her hands, she held a jagged black dagger, one that glowed and sent alarm bells ringing through Ada’s mind. Whatever it was, it was dangerous.

“Oh, hey! I recognize that blade! That thing belonged to Number five!” The woman squealed, twirling in place, the hem of her skirt flowing upwards. “Did he cry like a little bitch when he died? Did he beg? Did he go on a sob story about his whittle faMAhRy?”

Ada narrowed her eyes, her vision split between her attackers and the skills of her weapon.

[GRADE/S: Legendary Artifact: Monohoshizao]

[Proficiency: 45/100]

[SKILL]: ????

[SKILL]: Temporal Concealment

[SKILL]: Mountain Strike

[SKILL]: Swallow Reversal

[SKILL]: Swallow Slash

[SKILL]: Blade of Elegance

[SKILL]: Multi-Dimensional Strike

[SKILL]: ????

[SKILL]: ????

[DESC]: A weapon made to replicate a legend that never existed.

Suddenly Ada’s weapon disappeared, the long blade turning invisible. Kamila helped up a barely conscious Yun and fled.

“Go after them. We don’t want any witnesses after all,” the Maid smiled, turning to Jena. The woman nodded and took off.

Immediately Ada moved to intercept, but the Maid was on her, the woman’s serrated teeth filling Ada’s vision as her dagger slashed.

Scurrying in the darkness, Kamila could feel her heart pounding as bullets trailed her feet.

“Leav… me… the servos in my leg are shot, I can't run,” Yun coughed, held up by Kamila, who cradled the woman in her arms as she applied healing mana to her.

“N-no! I’ve got you!” Kamila retorted before another gunshot sounded, this time striking the nearby machinery as she struggled to navigate the darkness.

“Stop running!” Jena called out, unloading several shots into the darkness, with one grazing Kamila’s head and slicing her ear. Unlike Kamila, who was basically running blind, Jena had night vision, her helmet painting her prey clearly in the pitch black.

“GO AWAY! I call upon the light of Order!” Kamila spat, turning and firing two bolts of mana at her pursuer, who casually dodged the first ball of light. The second struck her with seemingly no effect.

Jena paused, shaking her head and tapping her visor before firing a salvo at Kamila, who conjured a mana barrier to shield both her and Yun before turning down a bend.

“Tsk, fucking rodents,” Jena spat.

Kamila took a moment to catch her breath, propping Yun against a wall and activating Mend, her healing skill slowly stitching up the injured woman.

“My gun… Kami. My gun. Give me my gun and leave me to go help Ada. Your level of magic won't work against her armor,” Yun said, prompting Kamila to shake her head.

“No, If I don’t heal you, you’ll die!” Kamila retorted, feeling the woman’s injuries. With the flechettes digging into Yun’s flesh, her recovery would be hindered until they could be removed, meaning she would continue to bleed the entire time Kamila tried to heal her.

Both of them knew this, and so did Jena.

“My gun, just give it to me,” Yun said, shifting as she looked down, noticing her blood trail. “I’ll hold her off while you heal me.”

“O-o-ok,” Kamila said, acquiescing and handing the woman her pistol tucked in her waistband. “Can you run at all?”

Yun shook her head, her helmet looking at her ruined metal leg. “Not on this-”

“You realize I can see where you guys are going thanks to this trail of blood, right?” Jena called out, attempting to provoke a response. “What? Can't talk all of a sudden? You were yapping nonstop just a minute ago, Yun.”

Yun leaned over, firing several shots into the darkness, prompting Jena to yell, “Bitch!”

“Ok, that should buy us some time,” Yun huffed, letting out a groan as Kamila plucked several pieces of metal from the woman's thigh. “Gentle! I'm a delicate flower!”

“S-sorry!” Kamila replied, flinching as a bullet ricocheted off a nearby wall.

Yun winced, leaning over and firing another volley at Jena, who ducked behind another set of machinery.

Suddenly a boom sounded, an explosion from nearby that illuminated the cramped generator room as an unfamiliar voice barked a laugh.

“How are you with guns?” Yun asked.

“N-not good,” Kamila frowned, causing Yun to squeeze her eyes shut for a moment beneath her helmet.

“Wait,” Yun's eyes snapped open, her eyes blinking rapidly as she turned on her helmet’s processors. She reached down, unclasping her robotic leg, before looking up at Kamila, who was still bleeding from her shoulder wound, with steam rising.

“Ok, okiely-dokiely. I have a plan,” Yun said, taking off her helmet. “Help me up.”

Standing with her back pressed against a wall, Jena peeked around the corner, her helmet showing the world in a greenish hue that painted her surroundings clearly.

Behind her were flashes of light as Number Three clashed against Ada, who was somehow holding her own against the Man Maid.

Ignoring the battle, Jena had her own fight to finish, one that had been four years in the making.

“Yun! Kamila! Come out! I can explain why I did what I did!” Jena called out, performing a tactical reload before stepping out with her weapon raised.

Suddenly, her HUD lit up, displaying Yun’s IFF a few meters away in the darkness.

“I already know why you did what you did…” Yun sent back, her voice echoing through Jena’s helmet.

“Oh, yeah?” Jena said, inching her way forward towards the electronic signature. “And why's that?”

Jena furrowed her brow, eyeing the bit of metal that was Yun’s prosthetic leg peeking from around a corner.

Figured the girl just left her and ran. Typical high-born mage. Jena said to herself before she paused.

“‘Cuz you were always a bitch,” Yun spat.

“Yeah… I get that,” Jena replied before she turned the corner, gun firing twice as she pivoted to face her victim. “Too bad you-”

Jena went wide eyed. Instead of hitting her former comrade, all she shot was concrete flooring, and a partially dismantled helmet left abandoned on the floor.

“Shit!” Jena spun to the sound of movement, just in time to take a bolt of mana to the chest, the air knocked out of her as she stumbled back, her night vision momentarily flared from the sudden brightness, her eyes blinking uncontrollably.

Immediately her arm came up, attempting to return fire, yet she found herself struck from behind, hitting the floor before the roar of a handgun planted three 45acp rounds in her back.

As Jena Leslie's body hit the floor, Yun lowered her gun and released the microphone in her hand, sighing as she lay on the ground slick with her blood

“Yun!” Kamila called out, rushing to the downed soldier as the fighting in the background seemed to intensify.

“Go! Help Ada! I'm fine!” Yun yelled, ordering Kamila towards Ada’s fight against the maid. “I-I- I just… I just need to catch my breath.” The timid medic ran towards the battle, leaving Yun propped up against a wall.

Kamila's jaw dropped at the sight of Ada. She was regenerating at an extreme pace, with the earrings she wore giving off a brilliant shine. But more than that, what surprised Kamila was the giant of a man she wasn't expecting to see, a warrior who held powers similar to Jack.

Tenno.

The man was smirking as he walked forward. The Maid was yelling obscenities at the unexpected foe, who held Ada’s nodachi in his hand.

“You! You're supposed to be dead! The King said you were dead!” The Maid screamed, backing away, slashing at the air in a panic.

“Ah yes… tales of my death were very much… exaggerated,” Tenno laughed.

“You traitor! After everything we’ve done for you!” The Maid exclaimed, retreating as Tenno advanced.

“Go on. Run. You know I like a good chase,” Tenno said, encouraging the Maid to flee, much to everyone's surprise. The Maid hesitated for a moment, face scrunching up with indignation before turning and fleeing.

“Why?! Why are you letting them get away?” Ada screamed.

Tenno shrugged.

“It's more fun this way,” Tenno smirked before kicking off after his fleeing prey. Ada took off as well, chasing the duo, leaving Kamila behind. She spun towards Yun, only for her eyes to go wide.

“Yun!” Kamila ran forward, rolling the woman over, her body barely illuminated under the red emergency lights.

Immediately Kamila's hands came away slick, as the woman's wounds were bleeding profusely from the flechettes still stuck in her flesh.

But more than that, Kamila could feel the woman's life force leaking beneath the armor, prompting Kamila to tear off Yun's chest plate, the piece of armor saturated in warm crimson.

“No! No! Nonononono!” Kamila let out a horrified scream, realizing from the angle of the buckshot wound it had bypassed Yun's armor from her armpit. “Yun! Yun! Corporal!”

No response. Kamila attempted to heal the woman with Mend. But between a use of Soothe, four mana bolts, three other attempts at Mending, and her injury being healed with Cure, she barely had enough mana to activate the skill.

Still, it didn't matter. Wouldn't matter. Yun was bleeding internally and externally. Perhaps the only one who could save her was Jack, who was-

*BOOM!*

Suddenly, the world around Kamila erupted in a fiery explosion, her eyes going wide as flames moved to consume her.

“AH!” Kamila screamed, hands raised, her heart leaping out of her chest as the explosives left behind by the Maid consumed her…

A moment passed. Then another.

Kamila sat in mute shock, her eyes squeezed shut, as she waited for the heat to take her.

Yet it didn't.

Kamila slowly opened her eyes, blinking rapidly as a translucent barrier enveloped her, with a brilliant shine coming from herself. She reached up, touching the earrings given to her by Selfia.

H-huh? “H-how?!” Kamila let out incredulously before another boom sounded.

Without warning, a loud thud echoed from above, almost like a battering ram slamming into a thick wall.

Kamila looked up. Flames consumed the ceiling. There was no path to escape. Each passing second made it harder to breathe.

Distraught, Kamila looked down, hand placed on Yun’s body. “If only I was stronger… I-im so sorry, Yun,” Kamila cried, futilely attempting CPR despite knowing Yun was gone. “I’m! Sorry!”

“KAMILA!”

Kamila froze, turning, tears in her eyes as the flames parted to reveal…

Jack.

He was there, the concrete floor gone, her eyes going round as his muscular form hovered in the air like a godsent angel.

Kamila's jaw dropped, an indescribable feeling blossoming in her chest as tears fell from her eyes.

“J-J-Jack!”

Chapter 22

Jack the Ripper

Hearing Kamila’s story, Jack could only exhale, his shoulders tensing up as his hands balled into fists. Tyrah… Yun… two soldiers who, despite not being awakened, had fought beside him, bled beside him, and ultimately died in a scheme in which he was involved.

“Jack. It's not your fault.” Sahaqiel comforted, attempting to redirect Jack's guilt. Yet Lieutenant Jessica’s crying only compounded the pain that touched his heart.

What could have been done differently? What should have been done differently? Where was Selfia? His Uncle Jin? Questions piled up in Jack’s mind, mixing with his anger, his guilt, and worst of all, the sense of dread that his enemies had eliminated Selfia.

“She's right, Jack. It's not your fault. It's theirs,” Lilith said, pointing out into the distance.

Suddenly, an explosion rippled in the distance of the city. The sounds of clashing, screaming, gunfire, and violin strings played out, prickling Jack's ears.

Jack's breath caught, his eyes furrowing with rage, blood boiling as the unmistakable roar of familiar revolvers caressed his ears amidst the carnage.

Ivan.

“Stay here!” Jack ordered, turning, his brow furrowed, teeth clenched, realizing that the battle wasn't over. Bloodlust took hold, a desire to purge those who would dare lay a finger on his loved ones.

Jack summoned his feathers, unfurling them into large electrified silver wings that enraptured the crowd of pediatricians.

Across Jack's body, spectral tattoos arced, oozing black flames as his eyes glazed over with red.

“Tanji!” Ada called out, yet he was gone, flying towards the vortex of mana in the distance and leaving behind Ruby to guard them as the crowd pointed and shouted.

“Fucking hell!” Ivan winced, teleporting away as the manic musclehead slashed with his nodachi.

“Stop running, you little chickenshit!” Tenno laughed, casting a shield that blocked another explosion from the man in a maid’s costume and a musical note. The twin clowns attempted to pincer him as Ivan unloaded six shots from his revolver before teleporting again.

“Spread out! Keep up the assault and break his barrier! We have to kill him if we want to escape!” The Jester cried, bleeding from every orifice and visibly weakened.

“Can’t you see I’m trying?!” Ivan barked, reloading his revolver before his skin tingled, the hairs on his arms standing on end like in the presence of static-

“IVAAAAAN!!!” A roar sounded, drawing the gunslinger’s eyes to the yellow comet rapidly approaching.

“Oh. Oh shit! WAIT!” Ivan let out, teleporting as a spear of silver feathers shattered the red roof of the building he stood on and swallowed it in an electric explosion.

Jack followed a moment after, crashing through the structure like an asteroid, the clouds above darkening in his wake.

“Ha! You're fucked now!” Tenno bellowed, slicing at the Maid, who threw a series of smoke bombs and explosives at the man.

“Retreat! Three’s backlash is in effect! We can't fight like this!” The Maid called out, running across the rooftops of Lunacrypt.

“Don’t you think I know that?!” Ivan yelled, appearing from a puff of mana and sliding down a roof before leaping across to another building, narrowly blocking a slash from Tenno with his revolvers.

The Maid shook his head as the gunslinger went flying, signaling instead to the Jester. If anyone was going to have to be sacrificed, it might as well be the new guy, after all, the Maid thought before his eyes widened, spotting multiple golden figures in the distance, led by one carrying a familiar blood-red spear oozing with power.

“Ah… shit.”

Realizing it was a trap, the Maid spun to his comrades, just in time to see Ivan attempt to teleport, only to be pulled out of his ability by Tenno before falling through the sky.

“Ah! And where do you think you're going?” Tenno called out as Ivan hit a nearby roof and tumbled into an alleyway, losing his cowboy hat in the process with an audible fuck!

With a roar, Jack emerged from the rubble of the collapsed house, fury contorting his face. The air vibrated with power as his eyes darted around in search of his prey until they locked onto the Jester and the Maid on a nearby building, the two immediately frowning.

The injured woman took a step back before doubling over, her body showing visible cracks from the strain of her earlier encounter with Jack. The Jester clutched her side as her mask fell off and she vomited blood, the wound in her abdomen regenerating much too slowly.

“Why… am I not healing?” The Jester gasped as The Maid screamed out to her. But it was too late: Jack was in front of her in a clap of thunder.

Eyes wide, she met his angry gaze, his hyper-focused golden irises tainted with crimson spots. That was the last thing she saw before her world spun, all sensation below her neck gone.

“NO!!” The Jester heard someone say before an incredible heat took her.

“Burn in hell,” Jack growled, incinerating the Jester’s decapitated head and body until even the ashes were burned away. This time, he wouldn’t chance the Jester coming back. This time, there would be nothing left to regenerate.

Jack flicked his other hand, the crimson droplets flying into the air.

Turning, Jack spun to face the Maid, who had attempted to save its friend, the Pawn stepping back with shaking legs.

“You,” Jack exhaled, the roar of thunder sounding, the air swirling.

“W-w-wait!” The Maid threw several clay explosives, blowing away chunks of Jack’s flesh. Yet it did nothing to stop the skeletal hand, held together by ligaments of enhanced muscle, rushing out of the black cloud.

“I think I'll kill you. Slowly,” Jack growled, his voice almost guttural as he snatched the fleeing Pawn by his neck.

“NO!” The Maid screamed, pulled back by the hands wrapping around his throat. The only thing he could do in the moment was stare up in horror at the monster before him.

Half of Jack’s face was gone, revealing mangled flesh and bone, his left eye boiled away by the heat but regenerating rapidly.

“You dare,” Jack hissed, dangling the Maid off the ground.

Unable to speak, The Maid brandished a colorful knife, attempting to stab the monster, yet the moment he did so, it struck silver feathers, earning his ire.

Jack leapt, holding the flailing cross-dresser in his hand before flinging the man to the earth.

A resounding boom sounded, and the city shook. Tenno let out a whistle before Jack descended from on high as the dust cleared.

Crawling out of a crater in the middle of the road, the Pawn, who was responsible for so many deaths, was still pathetically clinging to life.

Jack walked casually beside the crawling man before moving to stand in front of him.

“W-ww-wait. Yo-” The Maid let out before Jack’s foot pressed down on the back of the man’s neck.

“Shut up. There's nothing from your mouth I want to hear,” Jack said, anger fueling his bloodlust.

“AHHGH!” The Maid screamed as silver feathers pierced his skin, impaling him to the ground by his ankles and arms.

“Not laughing now, are you? Any of you, huh?” Jack growled. The Pawn was crying, his eyes pulsing, body spasming as metal feathers refused to let him go. “I’ve killed two of you now. And I’m coming for the rest of your organization.”

A crowd had gathered now, dozens of recording devices out and pointing at the naked man publicly executing someone.

“Fuck you! FUCKYOU!FUCKYOUFUCKYOUFUCYKahswk!!” The Pawn screamed, a crack sounding as blood spurted from his now-ruptured eye.

Jack narrowed his eyes, his feathers pressing down, cutting through flesh and bone until the snapping of his limbs being amputated accompanied the man's screams.

“Jack! Wait!”

A set of gold boots touched down nearby, a dozen royal guards landing as a dome of blood rose from the ground and pushed away the spectators.

“He’s lost. Let us take him into custody,” Jin approached Jack, the man beckoning for the latter to step away from the Pawn. “We can bring him in for interrogation, extract information from him.”

Jack’s body pulsed with lightning, conducting into the metal feathers, the Pawn screaming.

The scene caused Jin to frown. He had seen horrific actions, done horrific things, his own hands stained with blood of guilty and innocent alike… yet seeing the man he had met as a naïve teen with the gaze of a killer shook something in the veteran.

Tenno appeared, the man smirking as he crouched in view of the fallen Pawn.

“‘Sup, cross-dresser. Looks like you might need a hand there, buddy. Maybe a new set of legs?”

“Pfhuk.. Phuk you,” The Maid hissed, blood pooling around his head pressed against the pavement.

“Tenno,” Jack said, his voice cold as he glared at the man. “Shouldn’t you be protecting the village? I spared your life for that purpose.”

The edges of Tenno’s eyes twitched before the man broke out into a wide smile. “I think the question you should ask is, ”Where is your gunslinger friend?”"

Jack’s eyes pulsed, his head snapping at the hole in the blood dome at which Tenno casually pointed. In an alley, a man with a cowboy hat was running, disappearing into the city of Lunacrypt.

But he wouldn’t get far, as the thunder boomed and Jack vanished.

Chapter 23

Selfia, You Bitch

Running through an alleyway, Ivan unloaded six shots, firing behind him at the lightning storm chasing him.

“IVAN!!”

Ivan spun, vanishing just as a hand swiped at his neck.

“Jack!” Ivan let out, grinning as he clutched his neck, his burned skin steaming and regenerating at a slow pace. “Buddy! How's it going?”

Jack stared at the gunslinger, unresponsive, as the man backed up into a corner.

“What? Kitlin got your tongue? Is this anyway to greet a friend? I swear it's almost like you're trying to kill me!” Ivan chuckled before his smile faded and the barrel of his gun came up.

Jack vanished, his fist striking the building as Ivan teleported. However, this time, Jack was prepared.

Reaching out, Jack's eyes activated. His hand stretched out, Gehenna in effect, with guidance from Lilith, who disrupted the gunslinger’s skill, pulling Ivan out from his teleport.

“F-fucl!” Ivan let out in surprise, tumbling onto the ground and firing a salvo of shots at Jack, that were dismissed by his silver feathers.

“You like? A little something I've been cooking up since last we saw each other,” Jack said coldly, approaching Ivan. “No more teleporting. No more fleeing. No more running, Ivan.”

Ivan blinked, backing up, the man still grinning with his eyes darting back and forth, almost as if pondering his escape.

Then, the gunslinger did something Jack didn't expect.

“Ah… well. Seems like you've got me then. I know when I've been beat.” Ivan shrugged, hands held up, revolvers dangling from his fingers in a gesture of surrender. “Good job. Although Selfia might have something to say about it.”

Jack blinked once before his brow furrowed, his eyes dancing with lightning.

“Choose your next words carefully,” Jack said, one hand on Ivan's throat, the other poised to strike with a hundred silver feathers surrounding the pair.

“Let him go, Jack.”

At the voice, Jack spun, eyes wide. Selfia stood behind him in silver armor, alongside Jin.

“You…” At a loss for words, Jack's voice trailed off, his mind racing as he found himself surrounded by a dozen mechanical orbs of Selfia's design.

No…

“Jack, I'd do what she says. Believe it or not, bud, we're actually on the same side,” Ivan choked out.

Jin stepped forward, hands raised. “Jack, you've done good. Now it's time you let us take it from here.”

“You… lied to me,” Jack said slowly, his face contorting as he stared at Selfia before realizing Jin was covered in blood.

“I didn't lie to you. Please. Let's just.. go somewhere else and talk,” Selfia said. “I need Ivan alive.”

“Talk? Talk about WHAT?!” Jack snapped, the sky roaring with thunder as the city seemed to shake in response to Jack's emotions. “Tell me... Selfia. You didn't know about the attack. Tell me this wasn't all just another ploy of yours. That you didn't kill everyone at the gala, that you didn't endanger my wife and my unborn CHILD! Tell me you aren't working with them!”

“Jack. I'm not working with them, I'm using them. Please. You have to understand-”

“No. I don't have to do anything! Leslie, Yun, and Tyrah died because of your plot! Kamila nearly died! WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF ADA WAS HURT?!” Jack roared, his grip tightening around Ivan's neck, the man shimmering in place as he tried to teleport, only for his skill to be disrupted as Jack drained him.

“Leslie was a traitor! I had to root out who in Gamma Squad was-”

Jack squeezed his eyes shut, his mind racing, trying to cross the Ts and dot the Is. “Shut up! I've had enough of your conniving!”

“Jack, listen to me!”

“How am I supposed to trust you when you've endangered those I love?! How am I supposed to listen to you when you lie to me? Keep me in the dark?!” Ivan kicked at Jack, the former's face going pale as the air, mana, and life faded from his body.

“Uhkz. Choking. Choking me!” Ivan coughed.

“I HAD NO CHOICE!” Selfia screamed, a rare moment of flared anger directed at Jack. “You're a monster! The literal antithesis of every Awakened! You can out-heal most injuries, summon Anti-Army skills, rip mana from people, and command the literal FUCKING souls of the deceased! The world–our world–is unprepared to deal with something like you. To deal with an organization powerful enough to create a monster like you! And perhaps worst of all, you're such a goddamn FUCKING bleeding heart, you would have ruined my plans with your hero complex!”

Jack recoiled at being called a monster, his face twisting as he stared at the Imperial Queen, who now stood in his face with a multitude of floating arms.

Somehow, it hurt being called such by Selfia.

"Said the monster to the monster," Jack sneered. “You could have told me, Selfia.”

Selfia closed her eyes and looked away.

“No. I couldn't have. If you knew the things I did today. The orders I gave. The lives I snuffed. You would have stopped me. I did what I did today because I had no choice."

"Choice?! We all have a choice, Selfia, and YOU choose to put my family in danger! To put the woman I LOVE in danger. But of course, how could you know what I feel when you've never loved anyone in your life?"

"I..." Selfia looked away, her demeanor deflating, "Your family was never in any real danger.”

A sinking feeling built up in Jack's chest, his eyes moving towards the blood-covered man in black armor. Jin’s green eyes looked away.

“What did you do?” Jack asked, a horrified look on his face.

“What needed to be done to guarantee the survival of mankind,” Selfia said.

“The reason… all the guards weren't there. Why there weren't any Awakened…”

“We killed them. As we speak, a purge is taking place, all across the empire. Three hundred and sixty-nine lives are being snuffed–maybe more if they're unlucky. Political opponents, rivals, dissidents. Anyone that would slow the advent of the New Republic dies today,” Selfia said, much to Jack's horror.

“You… the list. You said… you'd arrest them. That with them out-”

“Out of the picture, I could solidify my power,” Selfia said, finishing Jack's sentence and cutting him off. “I didn't lie about that.”

“No, you just lied about the method.”

“Of course, I did it for your sanity. If I said, hey Jack, I'm going to kill hundreds of people. Would you sit there and be ok with it?” Selfia said. “Of course not! This way-my way–gives me a target to blame it on.”

Jack furrowed his brow, taking a moment to process the words said.

“Did… did it for my sanity? Do you even hear yourself?!” Jack spat. “The names on that list. Children. Entire bloodlines… You put Ada and everyone I care about in danger-”

“I know!” Selfia yelled, four of her arms flying upwards in exasperation. “And I’d do it again in a fucking heartbeat! We are talking about the fate of the entire world. The continuity of mankind! And I have made it my life's mission to guarantee a future where monsters like me don't need to exist! If I have to chop up infants, if I have to level cities, if I have to kill thousands to ensure the millions that populate this earth survive, then so be it! I have sacrificed EVERYTHING! My arms, my morals, my heart, any chance at love! For. This. Mission. And it's time you understand the gloves can no longer be kept on!”

Jack clenched his jaw, the audible sound of his teeth grinding against themselves being the only thing that permeated the space.

“Tell me one thing, Selfia…” Jack said, turning to the gunslinger he now had pinned to the adjacent building before looking back at the queen. “Did you know about the attack on my village? On my people?”

Thunder roared, the air swirling, Jack's body arcing with electricity as the nearby lights fluctuated. For a moment, Selfia feared she would die in that alley, her entire life flashing as an unfamiliar feeling of fear bubbled up.

Jin took a step forward, hand gripping his spear tightly as he saw something with red eyes shimmering behind Jack, a specter of an angry woman glaring at him and his queen.

Selfia sighed. “No. I swear to you I did not know. That’s the truth. Ivan is an embedded agent. Part of a deep infiltration. I wasn't aware of your survival and the details until after… In fact, you two weren't supposed to meet again,” Selfia said solemnly. “Please... I need him alive.”

“It would be a fickle thing to snap his neck,” Lilith whispered in Jack's ear, the specter of vengeance wanting the gunslinger dead just as much as Jack.

“If he can help us fight the High Table, we should at least spare him. For now, Jack,” Sahaqiel commented, the twin spirits playing advocates in Jack's mind.

Jack stood in silence, moments passing before he looked up at the gunslinger.

“You're lucky you aren't mine to kill,” Jack said, a visible look of relief on Selfia, Ivan, and Jin’s faces. “But you don't need to be in one piece to be alive.”

Before anyone could react, Jack reached over, ripping off Ivan's arm in a display of blood and gore. Ivan screamed, the man's permanent grin lost as Jin and Selfia attempted to save him, only to be greeted by Ruby who blocked their path.

“JACK!” Selfia and Jin cried out, both horrified by the gruesome display, as Violet landed in front of her sister with the pair rallying to their masters.

“Don't worry, I won't kill him,” Jack said, standing over the moaning man, missing his arm. “But I will hurt him.”

Jack's golden glare mixed with red fixed on Selfia. “And after, you and I are going to have a more in-depth one-on-one. And you better pray I like what I hear.”

Chapter 24

Choice

Standing in Selfia's office, Jack pursed his lips as Selfia dangled a familiar earring. It was like the ones Ada and Kamila had worn at the gala.

Ada was with Kamila in a safe house along with Leona and Jessica, the group with his daughter, while Jack had a sit down with the Queen of the Empire.

Across from Jack, Ivan clutched his regenerating arm as Tenno lay splayed out on the floor, and Jin and Violet stood guard.

“The Immutable Shield. Beautiful, isn't it?” Selfia said, the once-luxurious jewel now dim, with no ounce of its former luster. “People think it's a shield, but really they're sets of earrings. Only five sets were made, crafted after my grandmother's demise. They exhaust years of accumulated mana to protect from one fatal attack. Anti-Army skills, artifacts, tank rounds; the bearer is immediately filled with rejuvenating power as the crystals exude a mana barrier. Sadly, to keep the craftsmanship a secret, my mother had the woman who created them killed, but could you imagine if I had more of these?”

Selfia took on a forlorn look before her blue eyes shifted to Jack.

“Is there a point you're making?” Jack asked, his arms crossed.

“My point is that Ada and Kamila were never in any real danger, Jack. You are a valuable asset. I wouldn't risk permanently alienating you if I could help it.”

“And that? You don't think that isn't alienating me?” Jack said, gesturing to the TV screen, which displayed the ongoing news from the gala and the various attacks occurring across the empire. “Three hundred dead, Selfia. Three hundred lives while this fucker lives.”

“Bit rude bullying the one-armed man,” Ivan muttered, but quickly shut up as Jack shot him a look.

“You aren't looking at the big picture, Jack. Every action I've taken has been to clear the obstacles in the way of democracy. With them gone, a power vacuum has emerged, one that I plan on filling. Also, I dealt with a traitor,” Selfia said as various screens lit up, displaying charts, photos, and action plans. “As we speak, documents are being leaked, dissidents are being silenced, and everything is being wrapped up into a nice, little fuck you for the High Table.”

“Well, good for you. How nice,” Jack said sarcastically.

“Good for everyone,” Selfia said before she sighed, a robotic hand pinching the bridge of her nose. “Look. I get that you're angry. But you have to understand. What was I supposed to do? You would never sign off on this plan.”

“Plan? It’s fucking chaos out there! Hundreds dead! Some of which include bystanders and innocents!”

“I did what needed-”

“NO!” Jack yelled, standing in front of the queen. “Don’t justify this act of murder as something that needed to be done. There was a way, a different way, some other path that didn’t include murdering those uninvolved or putting my baby in danger. What if Ada miscarried? What if something happens to my child because of your actions? Dress it up however you want. It still doesn't hide the fact that you put people in danger.”

Selfia glared silently at Jack for a moment. “Yes. You’re right. I make no excuses for my actions.”

“Tch! Tell me something–who else was roped into this? Anyone else I know consulted besides me?” Jack said, glancing at Tenno.

“No. Tenno was a… recent addition. An unwelcome tag-along with your friend Kenichi.”

“Kenichi's here?!”

“They arrived last night to pick up the stowaway Ho-sook and discuss trade terms. Leona’s been entertaining them.”

"Great, just one thing after another." Jack frowned, his focus now on Ivan.

What the hell am I supposed to do here?!

Jack clenched his jaw.

“Great. Fucking great. Do you realize, Selfia, the position you've put me in?” Jack yelled, slamming his fist on the nearby desk and shaking the holograms. “Ivan killed Kenichi's guardian, MY FRIEND, and you-”

Ivan stood up, his one good arm up. “Ok hold up, if you're talking about the sword-wielder, I didn't kill him. The catborg did that one.”

“You permanently blinded my friend and took his sister's arm and leg,” Jack hissed. “Held a man I regarded as my father at gunpoint! Forced him to commit suicide!”

“Right... Yeah. Ok, that one's on me,” Ivan relented, sitting back down.

“The only reason you're alive is because your head belongs to someone else,” Jack said. “But if you open your mouth again in my presence, I'll gouge your fucking eyes out.”

Selfia held a blank expression as Tenno barked out a laugh.

“Just…” Jack sighed. “Tell me, does this help me find my sister? Does this protect those I love?”

Selfia furrowed her brow before locking eyes with Jack.

“Yes. I swear it,” Selfia lied, and of course, Jack knew it, sensed it, something more that the queen wasn't telling him.

So that’s how it is... Jack said to himself as he made a choice.

“Ok… I've done everything you've asked to this point. Now it's time for me to cash in,” Jack said, standing up. “I want everything. Everything you promised. Every guarantee. Give me what was agreed upon, or so help me Selfia, there won't be a bunker in this world that you can hide in that will prevent me from reaching you.”

Selfia's jaw clenched, but ultimately, she nodded her head.

“Soldiers. Supplies. Weapons. Whatever you need. I'll have Python deliver everything and get you in the loop.”

“Ok. I'm sure you have a speech to make, more people to lie to,” Jack pointed at Tenno. “Not a word about anything that happened today.”

“Mum's the word. See ya, Trigger-finger. Bye, Your Majesty,” Tenno bowed mockingly. “Today was fun.”

Jack glared at Ivan. “You aren’t off the hook.”

As Jack walked out, Ruby stepped from his shadow, the smaller guardian sharing a nod with her sister as they passed.

Upon entering his room, Jack let out a sigh as he sat on his bed, his head held in the palms of his hands.

Sahaqiel materialized.

“Are you ok, Jack?”

“No. I'm not. I…” Jack looked at the nearby TV cabinet, eyeing the game station and video games Celeste had forgotten to put away. “How does she do it?”

“Do what?” Sahaqiel asked, wrapping herself around Jack.

“Turn off her emotions. Turn her heart cold? I… rationally I understand it. I do. I get it. But…”

“Stop being such a bitch,” Lilith quipped, much to Sahaqiel’s dismay. “What? This is war. Or have you both forgotten? There's no time to feel self-doubt or pity. Man the hell up, Jack.”

“You best watch-” Sahaqiel began, but stopped as Jack raised a hand.

“No… she’s right,” Jack said, staring at the palms of his hands. “I know she’s right. But… knowing what I know… Every time I kill, every time I see someone die, I feel this weight on my chest, like a boulder pressing down on me. Like a tiny sliver of my soul is being carved out of me. And every day, I just… I’m scared. Of losing everything. Of their fates becoming like…”

The image of the wilted Nest appeared in Jack’s mind, the horrid voices of millions overlapping one another as Jack connected with it.

All the people at the gala… the scent of burning flesh… All the people who’d been sentenced to death by Selfia’s order. If Ada…

A vision of Ada's face contorted into a Nest played, forcing Jack to clench his jaw, his hand clamping over his mouth to muffle the sobs as tears welled.

For Selfia, it was just another plot. But for Jack, Ada and their unborn child had been placed in danger. Kamila had been in danger. People he cared about had been deliberately placed in harm's way, with Yun and Tyrah losing their lives to snuff out a traitor…

"How do I fight death?" Jack whispered.

He sat there for a moment, Sahaqiel doing her best to comfort him.

“It’s ok to be cold, Jack,” Sahaqiel offered. “Just not cruel. Remember, Jack, remember who and what you’re fighting for. You have a purpose. A cause, people you love that are depending on you.”

Jack blinked, his eyes seeming to lose a bit of light within them.

“Right… you're right. Selfia isn’t above damning herself to get what she wants. And neither are my enemies,” Jack let out, his eyes staring at his palms, a still coldness taking him as Lilth smiled from the corner of the room. “So why should I? The Smiling Man. His power. My enemies. Maybe the only way I get what I want is by becoming a monster. To be strong enough to overcome that fate.”

“That's not what I-”

“If you want, I can help you,” Lilith chimed in.

Jack narrowed his eyes at the specter. “Speak.”

“My, so rough. The problem you have is that you’re too empathetic. You have too much heart” Lilith said, strolling from across the room to crawl onto Jack’s bed, a slender finger poking at his chest. “But what if we cut out the emotions?”

“What are you talking about?” Jack asked, puzzled.

Sahaqiel hugged Jack, the angel glaring at Lilith. “Hush!”

“What? Don’t you agree? I can suppress your emotional response. Your empathy. Your guilt,” Lilith replied, smiling. “I can make you into a remorseless warrior.”

“You’re talking about altering my personality?”

“Shut up! Jack, don’t listen to her!” Sahaqiel barked, glowing gold.

“Not alter, suppress. You can still feel, see, and act normally, you just won’t be such a bitch about everything. If the problem you’re having is your empathy, let's mute it.” Lilith said.

Jack’s brow furrowed before he turned to Sahaqiel. “Is that… something she can do?”

“I… it is. It’s something I can do too. But Jack, it would be like altering-”

“Do it,” Jack said, turning to Lilith.

“JACK!”

“Sara… I can’t… I can’t take the guilt. Every time I close my eyes, all I hear are screams. I hear the voices of the Nests. The screams of pain. The images of people I’ve failed. Those I’ve lost. I don’t dream. I can’t sleep! Every night is a new nightmare of horrors, and I…” Jack trailed off, his hand shaking as he grabbed it with his other.

He whispered, “I can’t let my own issues, my own weaknesses, get in the way of what I need to do. I just want this to be over. Please. I’m so goddamn tired.”

“But Jack-”

“Lilith. Do it.” At Jack's command, he felt a sudden weight lift off his heart as his eyes seemed to dim.

Suddenly, a knock on the door echoed. Ada poked her head through to spy on the man sitting blankly in the dark.

“Tanji?” Ada said, walking into the room with a concerned look as she eyed the downtrodden Jack.

“Hey, honey.” Jack said, a slight smile as he reached out to Leona, who was carrying Celeste in her arms as Kamila trailed behind them.

“Are… are you ok?” Ada asked, standing to the side.

“Yes. I’m fine,” Jack replied, his gaze unfocused. “I’m ok.”

Chapter 25

Will

Three Days Later…

“But I don’t want to go to school! I don’t wanna! I wanna stay home!” Celeste cried, the girl protesting as Leona grabbed her by her legs and attempted to remove her from the black unmarked car.

“Celeste. You need to come out,” Jack said, standing outside the grand academy with the sun to his back while Ho-sook hummed absentmindedly next to him. Although she was supposed to be going back home, Kenichi had made the surprising decision to send Ho-sook to the academy, something Selfia had encouraged.

Jack glanced over to the teen. It didn't hurt that the teenager was trained as a shinobi. She could be a nimble guard by Celeste’s side.

“B-b-b-ut! I won't see you and Daddy anymore!” Celeste cried, making Leona pause.

“What? Of course you'll see us! Now, let go! Jeez, girl! How do you have such an iron grip?!” Leona exclaimed, unknowingly drawing Jack's fear that Celeste had Awakened. “You're going to be late for school!”

“Nuh-uh! Nu-uh! Kamila told me I have to go away for eighteen years! Eighteen!” Celeste cried. “I'll never see you again!”

“Huh?” Jack and Leona let out.

Celeste began to cry, drawing the attention of various guards. Fortunately, they were there early, to beat the flood of new kids, parents, and paparazzi who would arrive within the hour.

Of course, there had been a few paparazzi around when Jack had arrived, but his guards had quickly detained them in the name of national security.

“Honey, school lasts for about eighteen years. But it's only during the day. In the afternoon Auntie Bell and I will pick you up,” Leona assured with a smile. “Then you can come home and play with Auntie Ada and Uncle Jin.”

“R-r-really?”

“Yup!”

“You promise?” Celeste said, rubbing her eyes and holding out her hand.

“Pinky promise. I'll always be there for you,” Leona said, locking her pinky finger with the little girl's. Jack looked away. “Plus, you'll get to see Uncle Mi'shka, Auntie Kamila, and Uncle Belfusa every day! And you'll make so many new friends!”

Celeste turned to Jack, who was staring off into the distance. “What about Daddy?”

Jack turned at the little girl tugging on his army uniform pants.

“Of course, honey. You'll see me again. But… Daddy has to go away for a while,” at the end of Jack's sentence, Celeste started to cry again, prompting Jack to kneel to bring himself to his daughter's eye level. “But when I come back, you'll get to meet your aunt Jill.”

“Really?” Celeste looked at Jack with wide golden eyes, a look of excitement on her face.

“Yes. But only as long as you behave,” Jack said, ruffling Jill’s- Jack blinked, the image of his baby sister fading away to reveal his daughter's smiling face.

I wonder how old she'd be.

Jack's smile faded as footsteps echoed from behind him. It was time.

“Your Majesty,” the familiar voice of Madam Hightower said. He closed his eyes with a sigh.

“Madam Hightower,” Jack said, rising to his feet, guiding Celeste in front of him. “It's been awhile.”

The middle-aged woman smiled gently, a facade Jack knew all too well from having spent time with her and Selfia. The principal was just as foul-mouthed as the queen she’d raised.

“Yes it has, Milord. I was saddened that we could not speak during the grand announcement of the academy,” the now gray-haired woman, wearing a large white-brimmed hat, said. “But… I want you to know… I'm happy to see another one of my students survived.” The woman took on a forlorn look.

“Yes,” Jack said, yet the way he said it drew Leona's eyes. “Please take care of my daughter.”

“I promise Celeste will be safe under my care. The academy is enchanted from top to bottom, protected by the royal guards, and under my scrutiny. I swear to you that no harm will befall your daughter and her friend.”

“Thank you, Madam Hightower. That's all I can really ask of you,” Jack said, eyes taking in the copious amounts of guards, hidden Black Hearts, and a stoic Violet herself who was standing at a nearby pillar. Despite all the fail-safes, guards, and security measures, Jack still didn't feel at ease leaving Celeste. Yet…

It was something he had to do.

If Celeste was going to be safe, if Ada and everyone else were going to be safe… he had to put an end to those threatening their lives.

So, Jack would make the most difficult decision he had ever made.

He’d let his daughter go.

At least until his own plans bore fruit.

“Go on Celeste, have a good first day of school,” Jack said. Celeste took a step forward but pivoted to hug Jack.

“I'll miss you daddy,” she cried, and Jack gave her a small smile.

“I'll miss you too. Now go, be a good girl for Madam Hightower.”

“O-okay,” Celeste said, walking up the stairs of the grand academy with the headmistress.

“Ho-sook.”

“Hm?” The teen turned.

“You know what your job is. If you get into trouble, you will be punished.”

“Yup yup. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her!” Ho-sook said, shaking her head vigorously before following Celeste and Madam Hightower.

Jack watched them go, standing there well until Celeste was within the walls of the academy.

“Are you ok?” Leona asked, hand on Jack's shoulder. “I promise she'll be safe. She has an entire army protecting her.”

“I'll be fine,” Jack replied, turning dispassionately and entering the black sedan, where Jessica awaited him as his driver.

“Are we done here?” Jessica asked, with Leona sitting up front.

“Yes,” Jack replied, adjusting his feather holsters. “But first, bring me to Yun's and Tyrah’s apartment.”

Jessica blinked at Jack's request, staring at him from the rearview mirror, but ultimately complied with an “ok.” Radio instructions to Jack's security team.

Driving through the city, Jack eyed the grand structures, thinking back on his life when he was forced to take public transit and walk everywhere. Now he had his own security, a child, a chauffeur, and a stack of scattered last wills and testaments from Yun, Tyrah, and even… Jena Leslie, traitor that she was.

Yet despite all that, he felt… hollow.

An effect of Lilith's tampering? Maybe. But the sense of dread that always accompanied his every movement was gone and so too were the guilt and remorse. Overall, Jack couldn't complain. In fact, he felt... eager?

“We're here,” Jessica said, parking the car outside of a two-story beige house at the edge of the city.

Jack stepped out of the car, walking past a group of Black Rose guards, who had locked down the area to pick apart every bit of Leslie's life.

“Entspannt,” Jack said in Imperial, approaching two Black Roses outside of the apartment entrance. They snapped to attention. “Woanders hin gehen… verstanden?”

The two blonde women shared a glance, hesitating before both clicked the heels of their boots.

“Jawohl!”

The two walked off, allowing Jack entry into Yun's home.

Entering, Jack's ears picked up the sound of a TV, voices of some talk show host speaking about the last few days, which were being labeled the Days of Decimation.

“Reports of the actions undertaken by Roland's High Table continue to flood in. From the attack on Frelia, to the experimental facilities where kidnapped -”

Jack turned the TV off.

Sweeping his eyes over the apartment floor, Jack noticed the sparse furnishings, which included a pink couch with some throw pillows and blankets. There were no photographs or pictures on the walls, no knick-knacks on the table. It was more akin to a storage unit than a home.

“There isn't much here,” Jessica said, echoing Jack’s thoughts as he stared at a game system. “We seldom got to stay here between missions. But when we did, we usually just napped. Tyrah liked to play video games and watch movies, though.”

Jack walked around, no goal in mind but to observe the place where his allies had once lived. At least until he came to a hallway filled with picture frames.

“Yun liked to paint and draw, so… there's a lot of drawings hung up,” Jessica explained as Jack eyed a fierce drawing of a bonebat with wings outstretched that hung on a wall beside a drawing of a Slicer breaking into a bunker. “Ah, that one was to remember -”

“Gamma Station,” Jack said, his fingers tracing the image as he remembered the monster that had taken Yun’s leg.

If I had the power then that I have now. Maybe no one would have suffered.

“Take me to Yun's and Tyrah's room,” Jack ordered. Jessica complied, leading Jack upstairs.

“Leslie's room is across. I have the master room down the hall,” Jessica said as Jack entered Yun’s and Tyrah's room, which was filled with posters, art supplies, and plastic model toys.

On a nearby wall was a series of photos of the room, documentation from the investigative team to keep everything tidy. Even the TV downstairs has been left on as part of the investigation.

Then, Jack spotted what he was searching for: a plastic container filled with hay and two rodents running on wheels.

Hamburger and Hamtaro. Just as Yun’s will had reported. Two robo-dwarf hamsters.

Jack picked up the container, the two furry golden-haired creatures burrowing into the hay to hide.

“Are you… sure?” Jessica asked.

“A parting gift for Celeste. Yun wanted them to be taken care of, so it's the least I can do,” Jack said, walking into the hallway and pausing in front of Leslie's room.

He hadn't liked the woman. But he hadn't… hated her, either. He could still recall the terrified look in her eyes when she handed him a grenade back at Gamma Station. Still remember her telling him that she had been saving it for herself so she wouldn't be ripped apart by monsters.

An act of mercy on her behalf. To spare Jack, who was riding out on a suicide mission to distract the monsters. Had that all been a lie?

No.

Even as little as he knew of the woman, one thing has been certain. The fear had been real. She hadn't wanted to die, so then… why?

Why had she sabotaged Gamma Station?

Why had she become a mole?

What had compelled her to betray those she had fought alongside for so long?

Jack entered Leslie's room hoping to understand.

‘Neat’ and ‘tidy’ were the two words that came to Jack's mind. Although there were signs of items being shifted, ultimately the place was as spotless as the photo that hung on the wall.

Then, Jack spotted the primary reason for his visit. A leather-bound journal that sat upon a nightstand beside Leslie's tiny bed, which was draped with a weighted blanket.

“The queen has the full copy digitized. You're free to take it,” Captain Helena Belfusa said, entering the room to monitor Jack.

“I'm aware, Captain,” Jack replied, holding the journal in his hands, his brow furrowed as he reviewed the contents.

Chapter 26

Welcome to The Theocracy

Jack closed the journal in his hands, taking a breath as he sat in the gürteltier-class dropship's rumbling gunmetal interior. Across from him, Python sat, chewing on a daylily leaf as usual.

To his right sat Lieutenant Jessica Ashfield. At the far end beside the cockpit, Tangerine and a frozen-stiff Yukino sat, along with six helmeted Awakened clad in white suits of armor.

Yukino had been a last minute tag-along, a recent addition to fill in a need for a team medic outside of Jack.

Trained as a Hoshido shinobi, the pink-haired woman was a valuable asset for the infiltration mission at hand. Of course, she wasn’t a soldier, so she wasn’t given any rank. Instead, Yukino was an attaché-specialist, a guest of the queen to assist Fireteam Majestic in this operation.

He hadn't wanted to bring her, but she was eager to help and Ada wanted someone she knew close to him.

His team included the MECHFrame Damocles and her pilot Tangerine, who seemed to have mellowed out a bit since Jack had last seen him. Still, that didn’t mean the teenager had forgiven Jack, but ‌Jack didn’t really care.

The mission came first.

Jack’s team would assault a facility in the Theocracy's capital, headed by a High Table member known as the Green Bishop, aka the Pope of the Holy Nation. He was the man who had created Lilith and was now the de facto leader of what remained of that monster-infested state.

Of course, they wouldn’t be going it alone. Attacking the heavily fortified heart of the papal nation would be suicide, even with a full army backing him. Instead, Majestic’s team goal was to link up with a group known as the Reclaimers, a military faction of partisans, rebels, and paladins headed by none other than Lord-Commander Lita von Strongarm.

Once there, they would plan an infiltration, attacking the hidden facility as a decapitation strike to remove the head of state, with Lita and her group replacing what remained of their government.

That was the plan, anyway. Simple. So long as they succeeded.

“Hey.”

Jack looked up at Python, the latter eyeing Jack up and down. “You ok?”

“I’m fine.” Jack replied to the narrow-eyed man. “You?”

“Could be better. Can’t say I’m too thrilled being back in a dropship flying over winter mountains,” Python smirked, “But, it’s just like old times. I’m happy you're here, though.”

“Yup… just like old times,” Jack murmured, turning his head to look out the port window that showed nothing but white.

But it won’t be the same as last time.

Suddenly, Python moved, sitting beside Jack.

“Hey, lad…” Python said, addressing Jack informally in a whisper. “Are you sure you’re ok?”

“I am,” Jack replied, noticing that several of the commandoes' helmets faced him slightly. “Just focusing on the mission.”

“Right. The mission. Sure it has nothing to do with that journal?” Python pressed. “You’ve been glaring the entire trip.”

“Like I said, I’m fine.”

“Look, I-”

“I’m fine Colonel. Drop it,” Jack ordered coldly, his golden eyes flashing a hint of red.

Python’s eye twitched, a moment passing in silence before he rolled his jaw.

“Yes, sir. Sorry, I asked.”

Jack and the rest of the crew sat in silence except for the occasional clearing of throats.

At least on the surface.

Jack could tell the members of Majestic were talking, their voices inaudible to him thanks to their squad VC that linked their helmets. Of course, Jack could always tune into it and override their private channel to listen in, but he refrained, allowing them their peace.

Jessica would occasionally glance at Jack, but neither had spoken since he visited her shared apartment.

Should I say something?

She had skipped Yun’s and Tyrah's funeral to be on this mission, yet try as he might, Jack didn’t know what to say to the woman.

Sahaqiel had nothing to add, so he remained silent, instead opening the journal again to read Leslie's diary.

*Bzzt*

An orange light turned on, illuminating the interior of the dropship.

“Ten minutes out to drop site Golf!” The pilot called out over the intercom.

Jack exhaled, standing up as the flight chief called everyone to collect their gear. The rear door of the dropship opened, allowing cold night mountain air to flood into the vessel’s interior.

Standing up, Jack noticed Yukino remained seated, the woman wide-eyed while others hooked up to the chute line.

“Come on, Yukino, it’s time,” Jack said, the overhead light flashing from orange to yellow.

“Y-y-yup! Just give me a moment!” Yukino said, looking out the window at passing mountains. “This is, uh… very high up.”

Yukino’s behavior was very reminiscent of Mai’s, a similarity that pulled at Jack’s heart, but he ultimately ignored it. A part of Jack wanted to tell her of Ivan, to let her know that her revenge would soon be at hand. But… he couldn’t. Not yet. Ivan had provided the location of the Green Bishop, along with intelligence on the Gold Queen and the Red Rook. Vital information that would be useful in battling the Black King’s goals.

So far, Yuki seemed to be back to her old self, although if Jack had to guess, it was only a facade. One that would collapse if the truth came out now.

So… Jack said nothing. He had his list now. All those he would have to kill to protect what he loved.

And he wouldn't have had it without Ivan's help. Jack could only hope that when the time came, Yukino would understand.

“Didn't you go through the paradrop course?” Jack asked, placing a hand on the woman’s shoulder as Python checked his parachute.

Yukino's face twisted.

“IT WAS A THIRTY MINUTE LECTURE FOLLOWED BY THROWING ME OFF OF THE PALACE ROOF WITH A PARACHUTE!!” Yukino protested, clutching her duffle bag filled with gear. “This hardly compares!”

“... That's fair,” Jack said as the light above flashed three times. “Alright, grab onto me.”

“‘Kay, just give me a sec,” Yukino said, grabbing Jack with a chuckle. “Not how I expected the circumstances to be to get you to hold me.”

“What?”

“Nothing.” Yukino said as Jack hugged the woman from behind and she put on her wrap-around helmet, commonly used by all members of the airborne. “Are you sure you can carry me and this bag of… cans?”

“Are you forgetting I can fly?” Jack said.

“No, I just don't wanna plummet to my death in case there's a weight limit. J-just so you know! I'm not fat, it's just my cybernetics!”

Jack rolled his eyes.

“Hook up!” The flight chief barked, signaling everyone to fasten their chute openers to the line above. “Prepare to jump!”

“Your helmet,” Python said, handing Jack a helmet as the light turned green and he donned his own. “See ya on the other side.”

“We are green! Drop! Drop! Drop!”

One by one, the Majestic team cast off, the Awakened leaping out of the aircraft with Jessica leading the way.

When it was Jack and Yukino’s turn, the latter tensed up, the woman making a slight muffled sound, her cybernetics twitching.

“Let's go.”

Jack stepped to the edge and unfurled his feathers, the silver plates overlapping upon one another to create majestic wings that hung off his white armor.

“Oh, this is gonna suUUUUUUUCK!” Yukino screamed, eyes closed as Jack leapt, the pair plummeting into the snowy mountains below.

“NoNONONONONONONONonononOnononononononononoNONO-Nnno no?” Yukino trailed off, opening her eyes.

“Are you done?” Jack asked, standing upon a snowy plain with the woman in his arms.

“Pfft, that was it? Jeez, see? No sweat. EZ-PZ! No SweA-T” Yuki let out a scream, before Jack dropped her into the snow. “Hey! I’m a delicate flower here!”

“Yeah yeah, get up, we’ve got to head to the rally point and meet up with the others,” Jack said, walking off with Yuki’s duffle bag as he sent Sahaqiel ahead.

“WHY ARE YOU SO MEAN TO ME?!”

After walking for an hour, Jack and Yukino eventually spotted the Damocles, the GEN-5 MECHFrame kitted out in white reactive camo.

“About time you made it,” Python grumbled. He was sitting alongside the rest of the task force, taking a moment to eat before they shuffled on.

“Is this everyone?” Jack asked, eyeing the group of blonde women under his command, along with Jessica, who was stirring the pot of stew.

“Eleven by eleven. We're all accounted for,” Python reported.

“Good. We're at RV Fox now. We need to get to RV Delta by nightfall to meet up with the paladins. We're a little behind on our timetable, so I want us packed up and on the move in five,” Jack said, tapping on his gauntlet, which pulled up a holographic map of the area.

From their position, they were fifteen miles out from the next RV point, where they would meet with the partisans before heading out to Lita’s hideout, located in the ruins of a Theocratic city. This was a countermeasure to mask their presence within the Theocracy.

The commandos quickly broke down their camp, moving in concert and filing out as the snow picked up.

As the light snow turned into a heavy blanket, Jack raised his hand, the wind moving to displace the falling white away from the strike team.

“How much further until we're at the next checkpoint?” Yukino huffed, her voice clearly audible on the TEAMCOM thanks to her helmet.

“Ten miles,” Jack replied.

“Uuugh.”

“Jack.” Sahaqiel was scouting above the group. “Rithorns.”

Jack blinked, putting a hand up to stop the group.

How many?

“Fifteen. There's also a Nest agent with them.”

“What's wrong?” Jessica asked, shouldering her rifle.

“Rithorns and a Nest agent.” Jack relayed, the group tensing up.

Rithorns were monsters which were indigenous to the mountain region, and part of the reason no one ever visited the mountains. The creature was a combination of an old Earth snow leopard mixed with a porcupine and a turtle. It had the face of a prehistoric sabertooth, the coat of a snow leopard, a turtle shell decorated with poisonous quills, and a torso that ended with a long stringy tail adorned with spikes.

Dangerous in their own right, a Nest agent made them more so. In the past, Jack would have avoided the threat, but… he had come a long way since his time in the Frelia mountains. Now it was time to shake off a bit of rust before the main course.

Chapter 27

Lita Von Strongarm

Jack willed his feathers into a spear, his eyes narrowed as Jessica and the rest of the commandos took up firing positions.

“Lad, are you sure about this?” Python asked worriedly. “A drawn-out battle might attract unwanted attention.”

“If we don't deal with them now, they may become a problem in the future. Trust me, this won't be drawn out,” Jack replied, activating Energize and Lightning Imbue, his body radiating with sparks that intertwined with the lightning now coursing through his feathered spear.

Python winced, taking a step back as the lightning turned brackish. The man before him was releasing black arcs that made the hairs of the commando's head stand on end.

“Well, that's got their attention,” Sahaqiel commented, the Nest Agent in the distance rearing its bird-like head towards the influx of energy.

The Nest Agent roared, releasing a scream that stung Jack's ears.

Jack scowled, twirling his weapon, the feathered pole trailing sparks as its wielder aimed it at the screaming bird face.

“Die.”

With a thunderous boom, the spear flew, a surge of thunder snapping through the snowy mountain as the weapon shot a hole clean through the abomination.

Python went wide-eyed. Even Yukino gasped, as the commandos eyed each other through their helmets.

Immediately the rithorns roared, the porcupine chimeras charging through the snow.

“Get ready!” Python barked, his body glowing with mana.

Nonchalantly, Jack flicked his wrist. The feathered spear broke apart and returned as a hundred feathers headed his way. They struck the charging rithorns; the monsters freezing up as lightning conducted through them, chaining and intensifying the attack until every monster was a charred corpse.

Jack lowered his hand, his feathers returning before turning to the commandos.

“Shall we?” Jack said, stepping forward. A few of the commandos wondered why they were even there.

“Jack,” Sahaqiel said, materializing beside a mostly intact rithorn corpse as his group passed. “Why don't you try siphoning this one?”

Jack turned, Yukino and Jessica eyeing him as he broke away from the group to pick up the monster carcass.

“You going to eat that?” Python asked, while Jack shook his head with a chuckle.

“No, I've got plans for it.”

After two hours of walking, Jack and the others finally paused, stopping to make camp within a cave as they waited for the Theocracy partisans to find them.

“Ugh. Finnnally!” Yukino let out, dropping her bag and removing her helmet. The woman slumped onto the nearby wall as the other commandos set up the cave.

“Lieutenant Ashfield,” Python called out. “I want sentries and rotating patrols. Determine fire watch and have the Damocles-”

“That won't be necessary. I have a three-sixty view of our location.” Jack said, placing the monster corpse at his feet as Sahaqiel hovered above the cave. “Let them rest for now.”

Python blinked, taking a moment before nodding his head. “Right, your friend. Well then, you heard your king. I want everyone to take a moment and rest. Eat. Relieve yourselves. We don't know when we'll get another chance.”

Sitting down to rest his legs, Jack eyed Tangerine. The boy was standing in the cold beside his camouflaged mech, the only one not bothering to eat, sleep, or rest.

Jack again wanted to reach out, to talk to the teen mech pilot, but ultimately he reached down, activating Gehenna on the monster corpse.

Lilith.

“What?” the black specter replied as Jack siphoned the monster.

Tell me more about the Green Bishop. What can I expect?

A moment passed before the spirit showed herself, the black-winged being sitting across from Jack.

“He's evil,” Lilith said, her feelings of bloodlust coursing through Jack's veins. “A thing that wears the skin of a human while spouting about the glory of mankind. I don't know what his abilities are, or what he's fully capable of, but… if you have an opportunity to kill that son of a bitch… take it.”

I'll keep that in mind, Jack replied, recounting Lilith's memories in the facility.

[Monster, Rithorn Drained]

[Drain Efficiency]+5% for C-grade creatures and below.

[Absorption] +1

[Skill Check for obtaining skill… Success! Skill! Harden LvL 1, Obtained!]

[Harden LvL 1: Use mana to condense your skin cells, strengthening them against sharp and piercing blows.]

Jack blinked at the notification and new skill, which allowed him to harden his body at the cost of mana.

“Interesting,” Jack murmured, unaware that the others were staring at him and the now-dessicated monster corpse at his feet.

“Did I do good, or did I do good?” Sahaqiel said, the angel lying on his lap.

Yeah, you did. Wish I had a skill similar to this a lot sooner. Jack responded, smiling.

A few hours passed before Sahaqiel notified Jack of movement, small shuffling squares of white.

“They’re here,” Jack called out, alerting his team.

Walking out of the cave, Jack waved toward the partisans. The Theocracy rebels removed their camouflage blankets, as they'd clearly been spotted.

Jack eyed the partisans, a hodgepodge of soldiers in mismatched bits of Templar armor and furs. Equipped with Fiddler SMG-12s, and Fuscilla-92 shotguns, the weapons used by the partisans were all urban warfare gear, nothing suitable for long range.

Out of the snow, a woman covered head to toe in gold and white armor emerged, walking with the gait of a seasoned warrior.

The helmet’s mechanisms peeled away the visor as the knight drew close, revealing the familiar face of Lita von Strongarm, the blonde woman’s features sharper than Jack remembered.

Jack walked forward, intending to shake the woman's hand; however, in a twist, the knight knelt.

“Lumenese, it is with great honor that I welcome thee to the Theocracy.” Lita said, the paladin kneeling alongside her soldiers.

Lumenese… that’s what she called Selfia back at the academy. Jack said to himself, realizing the honorific was because she had been aware of Selfia’s identity the entire time. He put it in the back of his mind as just another thing Selfia hadn’t told him.

“On your feet, Lita,” Jack instructed, helping the paladin up. “You’ll never have to bow to me, it's not something I'm comfortable with, especially from a friend.”

“You are too kind, your Grace,” Lita replied, the blue-eyed blonde rising with her gaze fixed on the Damocles behind Jack. “Please, if you would, follow thy companions. There is much to do.”

Trudging through the snow, Jack's party eventually reached the outskirts of a ruined village covered in snow.

The first thing Jack noticed was the lack of defensive fortifications. No walls, battlements, cannons, or mobile homes. A completely exposed village of destroyed shacks and ruins, a far cry from the settlements of the Imperium and the Alliance.

Littered around the village, Jack could make out several mounds studded with dull gemstones–deactivated War Golems, from the looks of it.

Jack had read the reports about the frigid winters of the Theocracy; the cold landscape served as a harsh counter to the many monsters that roamed the surface. But with their Awakened and the use of magecraft, the Templars had kept the demonspawn in check, thanks mostly to their extremely specialized brand of Awakened, who either controlled a golem, became a healer, or fought on the frontline as a Paladin.

There were also the Judicators as well, an uncommon class within the Templar ranks that was more akin to Imperial Black Hearts and Black Roses. However, unlike those two groups, the Judicators served as both Inquisitors and Special Forces, using skills not seen by their other papal soldiers.

The Jester of the High Table had been a judicator, and apparently so was the Green Bishop.

“This way,” Lita instructed, leading the team to a frozen river. Following the trail, they eventually came to a large sewer pipe, one big enough to fit a truck, or in Jack's case, a MECHFrame if it crawled. “This pipe leads into the old city waterways. Your Battle Chariot will have to crawl if it wants to follow.”

Python signaled to Tangerine and the Damocles, the MECHFrame crouching down and going into a low crawl.

“From the reports, I was led to believe the entire Theocracy was overrun with monsters,” Python said, voicing a thought Jack had.

“The infestation is mostly centered on our city centers and borders,” Lita explained as one of her partisans activated a lighting spell for the party to navigate the tunnel. “When Hugo Fritz activated the bombs to escape our Judicators, most of our strategic bastions were eliminated, including the bulk of our armed forces being converted into night terrors.”

Hugo Fritz–the Green Bishop’s name.

“Your… Judicators?” Jack asked, the conversation taking his interest. “Your government attempted to arrest him?”

“Yes,” Lita replied, leading the group into a frigid catacomb of pipes. “Before his death, Cardinal Veltrilli had tasked a group of Judicators to investigate Mr. Fritz. There were… concerns about his experiments and obsession with souls. When the Judicators had discovered what he was really up to, it was already too late.”

“The bombs.” Python said.

“His creation. We lost seventy percent of our total population during his attack. Anyone left was forced to bend the knee or face execution by his Neo-Crusaders.” Lita explained.

“Except you didn't,” Jessica chimed in. “That's commendable.”

“Of course. As a Judicator-in-training, I was sent to the Imperium to elicit aid on the behest of Cardinal Veltrilli.”

“So, that's why you were at the academy,” Jack said, putting two and two together.

“Yes, your Grace. Forgive my deception,” Lita said. “Lumenese Selfia heard my proposal and promised me aid, of course. Through my time with her, I discovered the nature of the threat Mr. Fritz truly posed and the organization of which he was part.”

“I'm sorry that it's taking us so long to honor our agreement,” Python said. “With the war-”

“What matters is that you're here now,” Lita said, cutting him off. “With your help, we shall cut off the head of this Hydra and put to rest the victims he has claimed.”

Within Jack, Lilith stirred, the specter resonating with Lita's words.

“We're here, you're Grace.” Lita said, pausing at the exit of a pipe.

Jack narrowed his eyes, walking forward towards the light. His mouth hung ajar as he stared at a junktown metropolis built into the sewer lines.

But perhaps more than that was the monument at the center of the refugee camp that took Jack's attention. It was a marble statue of a woman in prayer, her wings unfurled to cast a shadow over the town.

A statue of Sahaqiel.

Chapter 28

Battle Plans

Jack cocked his head to the side, his eyes staring at the human-sized statue of Sahaqiel. Even at a distance, he could tell what it was, WHO it was with a sense of comfort emitting from it.

“Is that…” Jack trailed off, blinking repeatedly, unable to process what lay before him.

“The statue of our patron saint, Saint Citri, founder of the Theocracy,” Lita added, misinterpreting Jack's confusion. “Few outsiders have been given the grace of bearing witness to our maiden. Thanks to her presence, demonspawn have limited power when attacking the city. But the traitors know we have the statue of Her Holiness, and have been scouring the city in search of her.”

Sara… is there anything you want to tell me?

“I-no? I don't know! Why should I know why there's a statue of me down here?!” Sahaqiel replied, the angel flustered as she tried to make heads or tails of why there was a statue of her likeness.

Jack asked Lilith, but the specter gave no reply; in fact, the closer he drew to the statue, the more fatigue he felt. Almost as if there were a dampening effect on him. But why?

Jack frowned, remembering the words of the avatar of the Nest Heart that had called him a.... deviant.

Led through the shantytown, Jack eyed the partisans that stared through windows, leaned over rickety bridges, and tracked the commando team and their MECHFrame as they passed. Fair-skinned and blond, clothed in rags ill-suited to the weather, Jack noted that they all had blue eyes. However… that wasn’t what caught Jack’s attention.

“Jack…”

I know. They’re all Awakened.... Jack replied to Sahaqiel, his brow furrowing beneath his helmet. Every person Jack came across he saw red and orange cores, his eyes picking up the abundance of energy that flowed through the air.

Albeit weak, every person here was the equivalent of a low-ranking mage officer. But how? And why? There were too many here for it to be a natural phenomenon.

At least, Jack thought so. The empire had one Awakened per hundred thousand citizens, while the Alliance had even less than that, yet here… there were hundreds of them.

“So the statue keeps the demonspawn at bay? How does that work?” Jack asked.

“The grace of Lady Citri shields us,” Lita replied, “Through her blessing, we are kept safe through the channeling of her will. Her presence flows through the city, with the outer edges of our walls being the barrier where her divine protection ends.”

Jack eyed the statue above, the woman’s hands locked in prayer.

Must be why I feel lethargic, Sar-

“I'm sure! I have NO idea why they're worshipping me!”

“I'm freezing,” Yukino complained, though Jack noticed how lightly clothed the partisans were.

Must be cold resistance.

“There's a lot more than I thought…” one commando commented, using the TEAMCOM feature of their helmet to remain anonymous to the outside world.

“Creepy. Look at their soulless blue eyes,” another commando said.

“Cut the chatter, Majestic,” Jessica cut in, silencing the group as they were led towards the base of the statue. A chapel lay beneath its massive six wings.

Around the ice-covered church, armed paladins and Templars, along with black-robed clergywomen, brandished submachine guns and staves.

“Ynell,” A priestess said as the group of battle-nuns stepped forward.

Lita paused, halting Jack and his party of commandos.

“Your team will have to wait out here,” Lita said, addressing Jack. “Only Your Lumenese and followers of our Church may enter our sacred grounds whilst prayer is in session.”

At this, Jessica stepped forward, the woman attempting to say something, but was stopped by Python.

“Understood. We'll wait outside,” he said, signaling the team.

“Thank you, Colonel. Sister Vere will show you to your accommodations.”

Yukino cocked her head sideways at Jack, but ultimately went as the latter nodded.

“Follow me, sir,” Lita said, the nuns parting for Jack to enter their humble church through its wooden doors. Within the abbey of rustic wood, there was a congregation at mass, a man in white papal robes speaking to the crowd in the language of the Theocratists.

“This way,” Lita instructed, with Jack following behind into a nearby room that was covered in electronics. It was a far cry from how the rest of the settlement appeared.

Inside, armored men and women, Templars in their gold-trimmed plate mail, gave Jack sideways glances as they talked over a hologram of a city.

“Good. He's arrived,” a woman wearing blue and black robes said, walking across the room to shake Jack's hand, her features as cold as the ice that chilled the air. “Welcome to the Theocracy, King Bell, I am-”

“Superbia...” Jack said, the woman's name coming out of his mouth before he realized it.

The blue-eyed, blue-haired woman paused, staring at Jack as he took his helmet off, his golden eyes glaring with tinges of red.

"I'm sorry. Have we met?"

“Not in person, but I know of you,” Jack said as the woman raised a brow. “Frelia. I stood on the battlements when you cast your Anti-Army skill at our walls.”

The woman blinked, taken aback. Her eyes looked downward to lock on the hand that gripped hers. A stillness settled within the chamber as all eyes focused on Jack. Two Templars moved slowly to flank him, perhaps on instinct as they felt the subtle shift of mana.

“I see. You were responsible for the mountain massacre…”

“I was,” Jack replied. The pair of Templars behind him shared a glance.

“Well... many mistakes were made that day,” Superbia said. Jack's eyes took in the woman's purple core.

“Mistakes… Right…” Jack replied, releasing the woman's hand. “A lot of good people died. Children, too… but that's not why we're here. Fill me in on the assault plan.”

“Paladin Velmont,” Superbia said, turning to a man in white trim, the paladin shifting the hologram. “The battle plan.”

“Of course, Lady Superbia,” Paladin Velmont said, the man's voice gruff as he shifted the hologram to a bird's-eye view. "The Veneer Chapel and Sindel Underground stand with us, boosting our numbers to roughly three thousand."

Three thousand? That's a lot more support than I expected. Jack thought to himself.

“What of the Carja Clan?” Superbia asked.

“We sent scouts, but… their enclave no longer exists,” Velmont said before zooming the hologram out. “We are three thousand verses a force of fifty thousand papal guards.”

Jack frowned. “Those are extreme odds. I can try to contact Selfian command for more backup, maybe send a cruiser.”

“No. Our mission isn't conquest, but decapitation,” Lita cut in, beckoning Velmont to shift the hologram to what appeared to be factories. “The Holy City festers because of the factories used to create the anti-agent that once rained on Frelia to create monsters. Our objectives here are to remove the so-called Green Bishop and shut down his science facilities.”

“And a large-scale Imperial incursion over our border would immediately sound the alarm,” Superbia added before Lita stood beside Jack. "We will have to hit them first, before any more Imperial reinforcements arrive, lest we sacrifice our element of surprise."

"That will be a lot of casualties," Jack replied, taking in the mobilization plans.

“Whatever the cost, we will pay to remove this snake and to rectify the sins of the past,” Lita said.

Jack sighed. The paladins were right; they had the element of surprise, but the losses…

“I understand. What's our battle plan here, exactly?” Jack asked, pointing at the facility deep within the Holy City, where their target lay.

“Many of our cities have large sewer pathways, leftovers from the old Bunker cities during the Collapse. Usually these pathways are manned by papal guards. However, what the Green Bishop doesn't realize is that we've replaced his people with our own,” Superbia said, tapping at the hologram to move the image. “These sewer entrances are our way for our main forces to navigate the city. Once in, we'll infiltrate and push to the Papal Citadel and hold a defensive line there while launching simultaneous attacks.”

“What about their air support? Titan class enemies? Anti-air? Anti-army?” Jack asked.

“Our saboteurs will take care of their anti-air. When we begin the assault, we've got a squadron of bombers that will take out their hangers. For Anti-Army, I will handle that while our Titans classes battle against theirs,” Superbia explained. "Although outnumbered, you fight beside the Theocracy's elite. You will not find our warriors wanting for capability."

“So what happens after we kill the Green Bishop?” Jack asked, furrowing his brow. “Selfia has promised a King Raven as standby support, but against fifty thousand, I doubt it will draw the battle to a conclusion. Then there's the problem of the Roland soldiers that control the border who may decide to join the fight. Honestly, I can't help but think I'm throwing you all into a slaughter just to kill one man.”

“The Papal council room houses a nationwide broadcasting unit. Once we breach it, we'll bring to light the horrors perpetuated by the Green Bishop. Once word of our revolt spreads, others shall join thy cause,” Lita said resolutely.

“And? What if they don't care?” Jack said.

“Then we fight,” Superbia said, “However many of the Templars that stand with Hugo only do so out of self-preservation and hunger. Once we remove their leadership, the rest will crumble.”

“Ok, so this brings me to my next question: who are their commanders?” Jack asked.

“Lady Matoya Cerda and Lord Jeremiah Fi,” Superbia replied. “You need not worry about them, we will handle our own. The only thing you need to do is focus on the false bishop and carve us a path to victory.”

The hologram changed, showing the schematics of the Green Bishop's facility.

“Right,” Jack said, clapping his hands together. “I'll take this to my team. I assume you have your forces ready?”

“On standby, milord. We're prepared to move tomorrow,” Paladin Velmont said. Lita handed Jack an Intellipad with the schematics and action plan. Short notice, but Jack could work with this.

“Good,” Jack said, furrowing his brow as he took the Intellipad. "Then get some rest. I have an amendment to make to the plan before we hunt our quarry."

Chapter 28.5

Adjustment

“I give my all for the glory of humanity,” - From the diary of Jena Leslie.

Underneath the light of a mote of mana, Jack reviewed the layout of the city via a large paper map.

“So? What do you think?” Python asked, twirling a daylily leaf in his mouth.

“I think… I don't have enough experience with managing large-scale warfare,” Jack replied, “But I know we're severely outnumbered. We aren't going to take this city without additional reinforcements.”

“So? What’s your plan?”

“Hmm…” Jack frowned, wishing that Ieyasu or Selfia were here to do the planning instead. “I can probably call down a hurricane and wipe out the city center?”

“There's still civilians gathered there,” Python said, pointing at buildings on the map, “You use an anti-army skill there, you'll wipe out a bunch of civilians.”

“We'll be wiping them out anyway when we launch our assault,” Jack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Do the paladins have any plans for civilian evacuations?”

“Not that I've heard. The resistance is going all in. This attack is just for us to launch our decapitation strike, truth be told; what happens to them isn't our problem. We're only here for the Green Bishop,” Python said, tapping the image of Hugo Fitz, which lay at the center of the map.

Jack turned to the man. While on paper, using the paladins to endure an attack rather than the Imperials seemed logical. However, it didn’t sit well with Jack, who suddenly felt like a kindred spirit with the soldiers being used by Selfia.

“So that's it, then? We use them and then throw them away?”

“Its-”

“What? It's what? These are our allies, Python. What the hell happened to the man I knew who hated the Empire? Who hated the way they wasted lives? If we sacrifice them, how are we going to convince others to join our fight?”

“It’s not that simple. If we call in Imperial reinforcements, it'll draw troops away from the frontline and that sort of action draws eyes.”

“Python, I was promised soldiers. An army. The more I look at this, the less I like. We are up against an army of fifty thousand. What happens when we kill the Green Bishop? What happens to the city? The people? How are we going to escape the chaos? Every bit of this plan seems sour to me.”

Jack and Python stood in silence for a moment, staring at each other. Jack frowned as something seemed to intrude into his mind.

It was slight, a faint echo, but looking into Python's eyes, the world pylon crossed Jack's mind.

“If I call Selfia for additional support, if we do this, there's a high possibility we'll be fighting Roland’s soldiers as well, adding fuel to the fire. This could turn into a protracted battle, alerting the High Table to our efforts.”

“Better to fight with air support than none at all,” Jack said, staring at Python. “Look, I don't like the Theocracy either. But I know their value and they're our allies. We can't sacrifice them and all hope for the North, otherwise we're no better than the guys we're fighting.”

“Very well,” Python said, reaching into a nearby satchel and removing a folded-up tripod with a crystal orb attached.

“What is that?”

“A ray shift beacon. It's how our airships navigate to shift to specific cities, but with the civil war, most of them have been turned off.”

Jack frowned. “Sonofabitch, this was another test, wasn't it?”

“No actually, just a contingency in case we need help, but it's good to see you haven't changed much,” Python said as he handed Jack the tripod. “If we activate this, it'll allow us to have a Selfian airship here in minutes.”

“And Roland airships…”

“Yes, but the caveat is that we'll have ours here first. A strike group is already assembled, but if we do this, we'll turn the place into a full-on warzone. We’ll alert everyone by having our strike group cross the mountains.”

Jack took a moment to mull over the decision.

“At least with air dominance we can try to evacuate the civilians and minimize casualties. This will give the paladins a fighting chance,” Jack argued. “Do it.”

Python nodded.

“I'll contact Selfia and let Lita know of the change in operation then,” Python said before snapping a salute and walking out of the snow-covered hovel as Yukino entered.

“Wow, heavy stuff, huh? We could hear you two arguing for the last hour,” Yukino said, wrapping herself around Jack's neck.

“Not right now, I'm busy.”

Yukino maneuvered around Jack, facing him directly while still clinging to his neck.

“C-moon you're always busy! Why not let me help you rela-”

“Stop. I’ve got enough to deal with right now. You want to help me? Go help Python,” Jack said as he freed himself from the pink-haired woman's grasp.

The Shinobi frowned, stepping back, her brow furrowing before her face contorted and she stomped out of the room.

“Smooth. Is there a reason you keep turning-”

“Hush,” Jack sent back to Lilith before turning his attention to the map. “Sara, have you figured out why there's a statue of yourself down here?”

Silence. The angel was being unusually unresponsive.

“Sara?”

“I… am not sure… but I can feel a resonance. Like I'm looking at a mirror of myself. Whatever it is, it's old. Not like… my time old, but at least a thousand years, maybe even five?”

Maybe five? So you don't know?

“It's strange. It's like I'm touching myself when I place my hand on its face. Whatever it is though, it has a scrambling effect on rune code,” Sahaqiel replied, the archangel floating in front of the crowd of Theologists worshipping her visage. They couldn't see her, not unless she willed it, but if she did show herself for a moment, something she would have probably done in a past life. However, the pandemonium it would cause would probably jeopardize and delay the mission, so Sahaqiel thought better of it.

Meaning? Jack asked as he began marking the map for potential killzones and landing sites for refugees.

“Meaning it weakens demonspawn and their connection to the Infinity Machine. Since you're kinda like a nest, that tingling sensation you keep feeling is that. It seems to have a high radius, protecting the city from demonspawn.”

“Hmm,” Jack let out, pausing as he thought about how useful it would be to Hoshido. In fact, most places wouldn't need high rise walls and gun emplacements if they had statues like the one of Sahaqiel.

But removing it would probably spell the end for the Theocracy…

“According to some, the statue used to be an actual person, someone who martyred themselves to found the Theocracy,” Lilith added, the raven specter being unusually helpful.

“I would know if I was awake to found a nation,” Sahaqiel retorted, cocking her head to the side to continue examining the statue as Lilith appeared beside her. “And how are you knowing this?”

“Because I’m from here. This is where I was born… I think?” Lilith suddenly laughed, her face contorting with a devilish smile, “You know if you were to reveal yourself, you could probab-”

“Absolutely not. I’ve been venerated as a goddess before. The last thing I want is to do so again. Do you know how disturbing it is to help a person only to come back hundreds of years later with statues made of clay and people sacrificing other people on altars in your name?”

“Sounds like a party.”

“Trust me, it’s not,” Sahaqiel said as she turned to the crowd below her, on their knees and praying to her.

Chapter 29

Behold, The Angel of War

Beneath the sewer grating, leading out into a sprawling metropolis of ivory and stone covered in ice, a dozen figures in white-patterned armor stood at the ready.

Jack cast his eyes to the nearby Templars, his former enemies now allies against the threat of the High Table.

Without meaning to, the two parties had segregated themselves, Jack's Imperial commandos on the left, and Templar soldiers on the right. Although they were allies, there was still a tension between them that was palpable in the sewer air.

Jack tapped into his com-link, synching to his teammates.

“Remember, Majestic,” Jack began, “we're here to help these people, not make their lives worse. Minimum structural damage if possible, no civilian casualties. Watch your shots, understood?”

A series of green acknowledgment blips appeared on Jack's HUD.

“Are you set, milord?” Jessica asked, as Jack tightened his helmet.

Sara? Are we ready? Jack sent to his faithful companion.

“Lita’s armored divisions are ready to move from the warehouse. Yukino and Python are setting up the rayshift beacon now,” Sahaqiel replied, the angel overlooking the desolate city smothered by winter's embrace. “Are you ready? This will be a fight against mostly humans, not monsters, and I know-”

“Ich bin bereit,” Jack confirmed coldly, with his eyes on his head-up display that read 1859. At 1900, the assault would begin, all he was waiting for was the-

BANG!

At the sound of the timed detonations, Jack jolted to attention and leapt upwards, his wings protecting his head as broke through the paved road above to emerge onto a city street thrown into chaos.

Everywhere Jack looked, he saw flames and explosions, a battlefield raging as aircraft, tanks, and rag-tag rebels poured into the holy city from their hidey-holes. The cries of thousands going to war caught the papal soldiers off-guard.

“Go forward, comrades! Not a step backwards! Liberate our home from these polluters!”

Jack ignored the Templar Chaplain beneath him, moving instead to rise into the air where he was joined by Sahaqiel.

“It's begun.”

“So it has,” Jack replied as he unfurled his feathers, his eyes dancing with sparks as a storm gathered above him.

Three days later…

Over a sprawling megacity wrapped in flames and ash, lead and ionized bolts flooded the air, traded between hulking masses of metal commanded by humans fighting for air dominance.

“Push through! The enemy is in retreat!” Jack roared, his arm swinging his silver gunblade, now stained with black ichor. “We end this today!”

Atop a mound of bodies and debris, adorned in white armor with silver wings upon his back, Jack stood firm as the never-ending tide of abominations poured forth from the enemy's headquarters.

They were close. So close to the enemy, yet far.

What was supposed to be a blitz attack had turned into a brutal, drawn-out clash, the entire city lying in ruin as coalition forces battled the High Table in both urban and air warfare.

To make matters worse, Roland airships had appeared, reinforcing the Cintelli traitors with Imperial soldiers as demonspawn under the command of the Green Bishop poured out from the laboratories below.

This had been a trap. But it was one that Jack would break as he spun, bisecting a man with his left wing while his right broke apart, impaling a squad of papal soldiers rushing him.

“My Lord!” Jessica called out, the soot-covered lieutenant pointing to a black tide of ravenous monsters bringing down a Templar dropship from above.

Jack narrowed his eyes, his golden glare flashing with red as his hand reached out, the wind responding to his will and catching the falling craft like a form of telekinesis.

Days of practice had finally borne fruit, his mastery over the wind grew with each subsequent use.

Sara. Jack ordered, his wings breaking apart to release hundreds of feathers that ripped apart the gargoyle-like creatures tearing at the steel carapace of the Templar vessel.

Suddenly, as Jack attempted to save the crashing aircraft, a wounded papal soldier emerged from out of hiding, rushing Jack, whom he thought was off-guard. Jack’s gaze shifted, his head turning slightly to lock eyes with the Awakened man who froze, his chipped sword stopping mid-swing.

Then, the weapon fell, the papal loyalist dropping it before being quickly subdued by Jessica, who began beating the man in submission. With that threat dealt with, Jack turned and finished his business with the gargoyles.

With the ship delivered, Jack set the craft down, allowing the crew to safely disembark onto the devastated streets of the city.

“Lumenese, we are ever grateful for your assistance, my Lord!” the pilot in white overalls said, kneeling as he and his aircraft gunners joined Jack and Jessica.

“Templar, are you or any of your men injured?” Jack asked, sending his feathers out to shred a lurking Nest agent that dared try to ambush him.

“No, my Lord. Thanks to you.”

“Then rejoin with Commander Strongarm. We need every able gun in this fight. Take this prisoner back, too,” Jack ordered, tapping the com-link to radio the Paladin Commander. “Lita, I'm sending a trio of rescued Templar pilots to you, plus one prisoner.”

“Understood, Lumenese. Roland Air support is pulling back to the citadel, opening the airways. The 8th Armor and 14th are on the way to you,” Lita radioed back as Jack cast his eyes to the flood of armored units and white-clad infantry charging across bridges, racing through open streets, and disembarking from the Imperial aircraft.

Imperial and Theocracy forces working together. An odd sight to Jack's eyes, who still felt apprehensive about the Templars.

Still, emotions aside, there was work to be done. A war to be won. This battle was just one of many on the long road ahead.

Jack narrowed his eyes at the cluster of soldiers in the distance.

“Damocles, this is Angel. I've got papal golems forming a vanguard for a counter-assault at the south citadel gates. I need disruption,” Jack said, relaying information from Sahaqiel.

“... Understood Angel," Tangerine replied, his voice almost bored. "Standby.”

From above, Sahaqiel eyed the formation of papal Awakened, men and women protected by demonspawn and monstrosities born from the twisted mind of the Green Bishop gathering to rebuff the invaders.

The attempt didn't last long as a sleek, wolf-like MECHFrame in black armor descended from above, crashing into the group with an explosive force that flattened the south gate.

“Papal golemancers down,” Tangerine reported to the sound of automatic gunfire echoing from his comlink, “Holding position.”

“Understood, Damocles,” Jack said, turning to the crunch of tank tracks crushing falling debris that took his attention from behind.

About damn time.

“Lumenese!” Lita, the tall platinum blonde called out from atop a Templar battle tank, a sight to behold. “We've got these bastards on the run! The 9th, 12th, and 56th have secured their sectors, with Roland air support fleeing from your King's Raven. All that remains is the citadel.”

Kingrave, Jack almost corrected but didn't.

“Good work. All that truly remains is the facility that lies below,” Jack said, boarding the Eclipse-Class battle tank, courtesy of the Empire, as paladins flowed past him.

“Correct. My Judicators and your pink-haired acrobat have secured the secret tunnels and passageways. The Green Bishop will not elude us this day,” Lita answered to the backdrop of massive red-eyed golems flanking the tank she rode up on. “I must thank you, Lumenese. Without your assistance, victory would not be so decisive.”

Jack narrowed his eyes, focusing on the heat and flame that surrounded the city, along with the corpses of both Papal and Templar forces.

“Don't thank me, Lita, I'm merely here to find my sister and to keep Selfia's promise to aid you,” Jack replied as the Damocles came into view, the jet black MECHFrame piloted by Tangerine standing amidst the corpses of the Papal resistance.

Ahead, Jack could hear singing, power, his eyes picking up strong traces of mana overlapping over one another.

“Captain Verlance, report,” Lita said, her tank coming to a pause beside a group of injured paladins.

“The traitorous forces have retreated into the audience chamber, erecting a barrier with their choirmen that is proving to be unbreakable to our pious brothers,” The Captain said, pointing at the translucent barrier of gold expanding from within the citadel. “Hellspawn also protect them; two agents have already killed scores of my men.”

“Where is Superbia?”

“Lady Superbia is still locked in combat with General Cerda.”

Jack’s brow furrowed, his angelic eyes registering the lifeforms within.

“I'll deal with this,” Jack said, stepping off the tank, his feathers flying to reform his silver wings.

Walking up the marble stairs, the Templars and Imperials snapped salutes, standing like an honor guard for Jack, who stood before the ruined gates of what had surely once been a majestic citadel.

Ahead of him, he could hear the singing, the prayers. A futile attempt to keep the attackers out of the citadel and away from the secret chambers that awaited below.

“There's fifteen of them and two Nest agents,” Sahaqiel reported, acting as his forward recon.

Jack took a step forward, entering the grand chamber, his surroundings now that of a massive auditorium that had once been used to house hundreds of papal politicians.

Now, however, there were only a dozen men and women, clergy who still held firm despite the inevitable defeat in the form of Jack knocking at their door.

Two Nest agents ran at Jack, two monsters that, years ago, would have terrified him, now… were only a nuisance as their drained husks hit the floor beside his boots.

[Agent of Ferkal Drained! Ski-]

Jack ignored the pop-ups, stepping over the corpses to stand before several Papal Paladins who knelt in front of Jack, begging for forgiveness from the man akin to an angel of death.

“T-th- Ripper man!” A paladin cried out, prostrating himself before Jack.

Days of fighting had built up Jack’s mythos. The constant carnage he had dealt had scarred his heart, and his eyes held a blackness to it that could only be described as an erosion of the soul.

For all their monsters, for all their weapons, Jack now stood before his quivering enemy, deep in prayer. It was a sight that once might have moved his heart, but now… did nothing for the King of the Imperium, whose eyes held no trace of the youth who had once dreamed of the open sky.

Jack reached out, touching the shimmering barrier of mana that blocked all physical and magical attacks. Feeling the absence of air, it even blocked sounds not of a magical nature.

It’s strong…

“But not strong enough for me…” Lilith smiled, Jack’s bloodlust rising as the raven-colored specter rose from his shadow.

She was eager. Jack could feel it. Despite being silent for so long, he could feel the spirit of vengeance craving violence from her creator.

Jack was all too happy to oblige.

Lilith howled, letting out an ear-piercing scream that silenced the prayers. Across the battlefield, thousands of eyes turned, both horror and human, everyone’s attention enraptured by the cry of vengeance echoing through the flame-filled sky.

The barrier before Jack fell away, the nuns and clergy falling to their knees weeping before Jack, who stood indifferent to their cries for mercy. After months of warfare, after years of bloodshed and violence, Jack held no sympathy for his enemies.

But he wasn’t a monster.

And so he let them be as he walked by their shivering forms and grabbed hold of a vault door that stood between him and his quarry. With one tug, Jack’s enhanced strength ripped the metal gate off its hinges.

“Sir, what should we do with the prisoners?” Jessica asked, catching up to him with Commander Verlance, who was leading the Templars into the chambers.

“Lita will handle them. Our objective remains the Green Bishop. Stay here and contact Colonel Python. I have a bad feeling about this,” Jack ordered while his thoughts turned to his wife and child as he peered into the abyss below.

Chapter 30

Where Children Become Monsters

Deep within the sprawling bowels of the Theocracy, Jack narrowed his eyes as the putrid scent of decay assaulted his nose with every step he took into the abyss. It was a foul odor, a sickly sweet texture that clung to Jack as he made his way down.

Then he felt it, a presence that irked the raven spirit within. Lilith stirred, Jack's murderous ideation rising as every iota of his being screamed to rip and tear.

“Lieutenant,” Jack said to Jessica, the woman nearly hugging him with her rifle raised. “Take your team surface-side and rejoin with Yukino to lock down the passageways. I'll go it alone from here.”

Jessica gave Jack a sideways glance, apprehension readily on display behind her white visor. Despite the advanced armor they wore and gadgets, the imperial commandos were ill-equipped if fighting occurred in such a narrow corridor. This they knew, but duty compelled them to protest.

Jack shook his head as Jessica opened her mouth.

“Back to the surface. What happens next is something only I can deal with–you'll just slow me down.”

Reluctantly, Jessica pursed her lips but ordered the commandos back, allowing Jack to be alone.

Yet, he wasn’t truly alone. With him were Sahaqiel, Lilith, and Ruby, three souls whose existences were tied to his own. Assured by their presence, Jack stepped into the darkness.

As he went further, the ominous energy seemed to increase until, finally, Jack came to a large metal bulkhead surrounded by various security systems. He turned his head upwards, focusing on the camera with its red light aimed at him.

Sara, can you see inside? What am I dealing with?

The angel took a moment before responding.

“I’m… unsure. Whatever is inside, I can’t see. It’s like there's a barrier of energy creating a void to my senses,” Sahaqiel replied.

Loud it is then. Jack said, gathering mana to himself.

Suddenly, the intercom beside the bulkhead crackled to life, a high-pitched, almost manic voice coming from the machine. Jack could already envision the man's crazed smile.

“Mr. Knight. Or… should I say, Your Majesty? King Knight? Or dost thou prefer King Bell? Heh. My apologies, e-hem. Welcome to my abode, my child. If thou wouldst give me a moment, I shall unloc-”

Jack placed his palm to the bulkhead, the surrounding mana swirling until it became visible as he inhaled…

Then exhaled.

What happened next was a massive detonation, a blast of concussive force generated from wind propelled by Jack’s mana that blew open the metal gate.

Almost immediately, a hail of gunfire and vicious snarls greeted him. Jack’s eyes lit up, his golden pupils flaring with crimson. He activated numerous buffs and walked into the sterile white hallway.

More chimeras… Jack said to himself as he decapitated a hybrid of man and monster, a nightmare creature fused by mana and animated by science as the trademark of the Green Bishop.

Two, three, maybe four dozen? Jack counted, standing in the center of the hall. His eyes darted left and right as the bullets and claws bounced off his mana barrier.

“I will give everyone three seconds to surrender before I kill you all,” Jack said loudly. It was less of a threat and more of a guaranteed fact. His voice was filled with a conviction that his winds carried through every part of the facility.

Still, despite his offer, the monsters and papal guards kept attacking, his words falling upon deaf ears. The defenders continued to fire from behind makeshift barricades of desks and lockers.

Well… I tried.

His silver wings flapped once before breaking apart, the Daedalus armory rising above Jack to create a hundred daggers that floated and spun above him. On his command, the silver feather-shaped knives flew, exploding in every direction to paint the white room red with gore and ichor.

Corpses, both human and monster, fell. The noises that once filled the white hallway were now silent, with Jack alone left standing.

Did he enjoy the work? No. Did he feel guilty? No. All Jack felt was a numbness as he walked, slaughtering his way through the minions of his hated foe.

“Marvelous… Absolutely marvelous!” cried the voice from the intercom, swooning over Jack, who left bloody footprints in his wake. “I had heard of thine exploits, but to see mine child so grown! So strong! My Angel, my bird! KRIEG! KRIEG!”

Sara, where is he? Jack sent, ignoring the ravings of the mad scientist.

“I… I can’t tell,” Sahaqiel sent back, the archangel feeling an ominous energy that seemed to stain their surroundings.

“If I had to guess., he’s on the observation deck.” Lilith answered, the raven-haired woman directing Jack to a hallway on his left. He turned, following Lilith until he stood in a room of green vats filled with viscous gore and cages lined with tattered flesh. Flashbacks took hold of Jack, memories not his own but Lilith’s, shadowed glimpses of a life forsaken.

“Let's move on. Please.” Lilith hissed, perhaps the only time Jack had heard the fallen spirit say that word.

“The intake…” Jack whispered. His jaw clenched as he eyed a nearby cage that had once been filled with children. Guilt and anger took hold in his heart, fuel that tightened his fists until his palms bled, despite his mind not feeling such emotions.

“Jack, we need to move on,” Sahaqiel said, refocusing Jack amidst the anger clouding his vision.

He pressed on, continuing past numbered chambers that were now empty, rooms that had once held the captives and experiments of the Green Bishop’s project. Captives like Lilith.

This will not be Celeste’s future… Jack vowed.

“Take a right here,” Lilith instructed, a cold calm pressing at the back of Jack’s mind as more memories took him. Memories of being blind-folded, memories of being marched up and down these pristine white halls for days, months, and years on end.

In a way, Jack felt at home, more so than nearly any other place. He knew these weren’t his emotions, but Lilith’s, the original host of his power, brought back to the origin of her creation.

“Yes! YES, MY CHILD! Come to me, come back to papa! Thou art more than I had-” The maniacal voice cackled through an intercom, which was soon silenced by a silver feather.

Jack brushed it off and kept moving, focusing on the mission as his nails dug into his flesh and his jaw clenched, the taste of hatred like a venom on his tongue.

With every step he took, he experienced Lilith’s emotions and memories. Every turn, every pivot, every step that brought him closer to the ominous presence bled Lilith’s memories into Jack, until ghosts surrounded him.

In a way, it was almost akin to phantom pain that took root in Jack, something he knew wasn’t there but, in a way, was. It was a trick to his senses, demanding recognition of the suffering they’d endured.

Imaginary screams filled Jack’s ears, sickening laughter plagued his mind, and sorrowful tears, and images of broken children, flooded his eyes.

Jack’s pace soon faltered, his movements slowed by the echoes of shattered lives clawing at him, demanding he look at them. Still, his heart remained cold as iron, his emotions dulled as he listened to their suffering.

Finally, Jack came to another bulkhead, different from the others. Two Nest agents flanked the open door, like an honor guard awaiting his presence.

“Be careful Jack. This will be unlike anything we’ve ever been up against,” Sahaqiel warned.

I know. Jack replied, narrowing his eyes against the vile energy that poured forth from the darkness, which seemed darker than black.

He entered the massive room as the Nest agents hit the floor, both bird-beasts executed by feathers from his silver wings.

In front of him, he could make out a mass of… something within the darkness, something even his angel vision couldn’t discern.

“H-how… why?!” Sahaqiel yelped in horror, taken aback. Jack’s eyes adjusted to focus on the hundreds of children joined by metal cranium devices linked to a glob of pulsating raw flesh.

Before Jack could fully process the horror of what he was witnessing, a light from above shone down, revealing a bulky man in the garments of a priest, smiling down at Jack from a balcony.

“Welcome home, my angel,” the Green Bishop grinned. His eyes were buried in layers of fat behind round-rimmed glasses that were ill-fitting for a man of his burly stature.

Bloodlust took hold, and Jack unleashed a lightning bolt that arced through the air, only to strike futilely against a golden barrier that shimmered to life to protect the mad scientist.

“BASTARD! BASTARD! BASTARD!!!!!” Lilith screamed, the mere sight of The Green Bishop sending a shockwave of liquid rage through Jack's body.

Following Jack’s failed attack, every light within the room flared on, illuminating the training hall as the bulkhead closed behind him.

“Rude! Is that how thou wouldst greet thy creator? Nay! Thy father,” The Green Bishop said, his voice warped with the disappointment of a parent reprimanding a child. “At least greet thy siblings!”

At the Bishop’s words, the crowd of immobile humans shuddered, their heads rising, all eyes flaring red as they fixed their fishlike gaze on Jack.

“Shit,” Jack said to the chorus of a thousand wails, letting out their banshee cry.

Chapter 31

Choir of the Damned

Blasted back into the wall, Jack formed a shield with his feathers just before the attack connected with his body. Rolling to his feet, he winced as his field of view flared into an all-consuming brightness from the source of power bursting from within the chamber.

Jack turned off his angelic vision, focusing on the choir of children singing at the top of their lungs in a language he didn't understand.

But Sahaqiel did. And she wept.

Within Jack, sadness welled up. It was the language of the angels, singing hauntingly of a bygone time. Sahaqiel hadn't heard it since she was a child.

Before the war.

Before Heaven fell.

Before, she became what she was.

However, that sadness quickly turned into wrath. The language of the angels was being perverted into a heinous tool, and this was not something Sahaqiel could abide.

“Kill him,” Sahaqiel seethed, her voice echoing with Lilith’s. Their combined rage flowed into Jack, who was all but too happy to oblige.

He bolted forward, or, at least attempted to, before the ground shook, the floor beneath his feet violently vibrating.

A trap?!

No, the laboratory was moving, rising upward with red alarms blaring. Jack lost balance and slid until he hit a bulkhead.

“Jessica! What's going on out there?!” Jack barked through his COM-LINK as he activated Float to stabilize himself mid-air.

Jessica’s voice chimed in a moment later. “The entire city is moving! It's a flying fortress, it’s chaos ou-!” Jessica cried out before the line went dark.

“Jessica? Jessica?!” Jack called out before attempting to reach out to Lita, Python, and Yukino.

No answer.

With his exit blocked by some kind of impenetrable black metal, Jack flew forward into the training hall, where he suddenly found himself surrounded by a barrier of golden energy.

Above the center of the room, the Green Bishop floated, cackling over his morbid creations like a Machiavellian mad scientist.

Jack scowled.

At nearly seven feet tall, the Green Bishop was a beast of a man who belied the stereotype of a scrawny scientist. Instead, his body bore the telltale signs of augmentation, his bulky frame supported by modifications.

According to the dossier, the Bishop was a chantless caster with a background as a Cintellian Judicator, a class of warriors that served as the Theocracy’s death squad, hunting down Awakened.

While his class was a secret, the man wasn't an angel at least, and was weaker than Tenno.

Which meant he was dead.

Immediately Jack's hand went up, black lightning arcing through his arm to lash out at the bishop. The attack failed, however, as the bolt of plasma smashed against a barrier.

“Didst thou believe WE did not know of thy coming? Didst thou not think we knew of thy attack?” The Bishop cackled, arms outstretched as his eyes flared red behind his glasses. “For every step thou taketh, thou fulfilleth the path made by His Excellency!”

A sickly sensation caressed Jack's skin, one that filled him with revulsion as he stared at the man, who seemed to be in a state of twisted euphoria.

Lilith, Sara, I need options here. Jack sent, dodging a multitude of beams from the mouths of the captured children firing at him.

“We can get through it with Gehenna.” Lilith offered.

Jack reached out, the runes upon his skin lighting up as Gehenna came online.

At the sight of Jack's action, the Bishop licked his lips, summoning dozens of floating drones, all of them pointed at Jack with cameras instead of guns.

What is this? Some kind of experiment? Jack wondered, trying to absorb and dismantle the barrier to get at his prey. However, for all his siphoning, every ounce of mana he took was simply replaced as the singing grew louder.

“Yes, yes! Let us see how much thou canst withstand! Show thy father what thou art made of!” The Bishop screamed, squishing his face against the barrier, his wide eyes gazing at Jack with disgusting fascination.

At the provocation, Lilith's bloodlust rose to an all-time high with Jack releasing several bursts of Arc Repulse just to release the accumulated mana.

Damn it! Why isn't this working?!

It didn't take long before Jack had his answer.

“Listen to the melody! The joyous love of thy siblings!” The Bishop roared, tears streaming down his face. He gestured to the choir of deformed bodies, singing what could only be compared to a church hymnal.

“The children! He's using the children as servitors to power the barrier!” Sahaqiel directed Jack’s gaze towards the sight of several collapsed bodies.

Realizing what he was doing, Jack immediately stopped siphoning the barrier as his eyes snapped towards the Bishop, who now looked disgusted.

“Thou still art not there, art thou?” The Bishop said with disappointment, as the madman’s eyes lost all luster. “Here thou art, mere feet away from thy quarry, and still, thou failest to take the needed step.”

A loud boom shook the facility, consequences of the raging battle outside.

“Every second thou delayest, clinging to thy morals, is another life lost. But fret not–Papa is here to teach thy.

Jack narrowed his eyes.

“Teach me?” Jack hissed, smashing his fist angrily against the barrier. “How is it possible for you all to be so cruel?! For you all to be such monsters?!"

The Bishop recoiled with an expression of genuine hurt at Jack's accusation.

“What? Me? A monster? A MONSTER?!” The Bishop spat, approached one of the singing children and knelt, taking the child’s pale hand. “Let us ask a third party, shall we? Tilly, ist thine father a monster?”

The small child turned her exposed cranium, laced with metal, toward the man in priestly vestments. What part of her face that wasn’t covered in electronics smiled at the touch of the Bishop, as her voice continued to sing that haunting melody.

“Busd de cordziz, busd de ge oecrimi ge,

ofekufa ge de a ror faorgt,

Asc! asc! torzu od bring ah new future-”

Jack frowned, realizing that he could understand the words being sung so reverently.

-for humanity,

Glory to us, glory to us, glory to us, glory to humanity,

Our hope, ascension,

The sky we beg to see.

Glory to us, glory to us, glory to us, glory to humanity,

Though the path we walk, is long and tiresome,

Stalwart, we shall be,

all for humanity! All for humanity!

Hand in hand we will always walk with thee,

Stalwart are we for humanity.

Even though our bodies break,

our voices crack

All that has passed is for humanity,

Though deep our song shall be, nearer to the sky are we,

Glory to us, glory to us, glory to us, glory to humanity-”

For humanity? What a sick joke…

Jack’s eyes twitched as the lyrics made his hands ball into fists.

The Bishop had a point, though. Outside, the battle was still raging, and every second he delayed in killing the Bishop meant the deaths of more people.

This was war–he knew this. But it still felt wrong, almost as if he were condemning his soul.

“Is this the face of a suffering child? Is this the face of a being experiencing cruelty?” The Bishop demanded before rushing over with one child to place them before the golden barrier in front of Jack, the two separated by a dense sheen of golden light. “Look at mine child. Look at what I have wrought! These children were orphans! Outcasts, nobodies with no hope! No future! Starving rats whom I took in! Fed! Clothed! Gave them purpose beyond the limited scope of their stations! What else can that be called other than love?! Other than care?!”

“Sickness,” Jack said, his voice echoing with traces of Lilith before he reached through the barrier and grabbed the surprised bishop by the throat.

“What?!”

Immediately, Jack slammed the man against the barrier. Once, twice, five times until the barrier faded and Jack smashed the Bishop onto the ground.

“H-how?! How did thou get past our love?!” The Bishop spat, rising to his feet only to be greeted by a knee into his chin.

The large man reeled, shaking his head. Whatever connection he’d had to the mass of singing children was severed as Jack's feathers unfurled, stabbing the man in every limb and pinning the man to the ground.

The Bishop opened his mouth and roared, feeling his body growing lethargic as Gehenna siphoned away his power.

"Thou! This is not how it should be!" The Bishop spat, attempting to fire a blast of mana at Jack, only for his hand to be covered by metal feathers where the appendage violently exploded. "This... Thou art not supposed to-How art thou in stage-"

Lilith manifested, the raven woman standing before her creator.

“Hello Father,” Lilith spat, the answer to Jack's ability. “Did you miss me?”

“Sasha…” The Bishop let out, his face paling as Jack stood over him. “Thou hast come back to me.”

Jack didn't know what to make of the man recognizing Lilith so easily, but he could feel a pain swell up within.

“To kill you. Yes,” Lilith said as Jack's shadow seemed to stretch, revealing black chains that snaked from the darkness towards its pinned-down prey, calling out Lilith's real name in perverted jubilation, almost accepting his fate.

“Wait.”

The chains stopped, Lilith's ability halted by Jack's command.

“What is this?” Lilith hissed, turning her red eyes on Jack.

“I need him alive.”

“What? That wasn't what-”

“I need to know what happened to my sister. We need him alive,” Jack growled as the Bishop barked out a laugh.

“No… No! He dies here and now! That was part of our deal! He dies today!” Lilith shrieked, attempting to kill the man, only to be stopped by Ruby’s shield.

Lilith turned to Jack, rage in her eyes as she realized her powers were answering to Jack.

“And he will. But first I need to know where my sister is. Lilith, stand down. Now,” Jack hissed, attempting to reel in the rampaging spirit, who was threatening to overload his senses with bloodlust.

“HE USED US!” Lilith screamed. “Fed us lies! Gave us promises of a better tomorrow and TWISTED US! DECEIVED US! All to play out his sick perversions in the name of ascending humanity! He has to die! He has to die! Hehastodiehehastodiehehastodie!”

Lilith cried, the first emotion other than rage that Jack had seen from the specter, as Sahaqiel appeared and held the woman back.

Jack frowned, realizing a singular fact he had overlooked.

Lilith was still a child. A small girl who had been taken advantage of, with no chance at growing up. He could feel her emotions as clear as day, a strong desire for closure from her tormentor who let out a maniacal laugh.

But.

That wasn't something he could give her right now, not when they knew so little about their enemies. His sister's whereabouts aside, the Bishop was better off alive for the time being.

“Lilith. Give me time. I promise he won't escape justice,” Jack said, pulling the spirit back as an explosion blew open a hole nearby. Jessica entered the chamber with several Imperial commandos trailing at her heels.

Chapter 32

Too Easy

With the Green Bishop bound and gagged in mana-suppressant shackles, Jack sighed as the Imperial commandos carried the prisoner away to a grey-metal transport.

“What should we do with… them?” Jessica asked, taking her helmet off to see the abominations that stood behind Jack.

“Nothing. I'll deal with them,” Jack said, focusing on the horde of inanimate children who stood in limbo after their master had ordered them to cease singing.

“As you say, sir. We'll take the prison-”

“What is this? Why isn't he dead?!” Superbia demanded, stepping into the labyrinth with her entourage of Paladins.

“The Empire has need of him,” Jack replied, drawing a scowl from the blue-haired woman who was covered in injuries, fresh from her fight with the papal general.

“This wasn't part of our agreement with the Imp Queen,” Superbia spat, the S-class Awakened’s power flaring for a moment.

Jack narrowed his eyes as the woman moved to intercept the Imperial commandos. She didn’t get far, however, as Jack impeded her path with his body. He took off his helmet, meeting the woman's steely blue gaze.

“That Imp is my wife. And I am the King of the Empire. You would do well to check your tone when addressing me, Judicator,” Jack replied, speaking before Jessica could draw her gun from her holster.

Not used to being talked back to, the Named Awakened glared at Jack, who stood over her. Searching his gaze, all she felt was the spark hidden behind his eyes that spoke of unspeakable violence to come if they clashed.

She wouldn't win. That was what her senses told her.

Yet… she couldn't just do nothing while the man responsible for the downfall of her nation escaped death.

The air grew heavy, the chamber split between Imperial soldiers and Theocracy Paladins, with neither side moving. Despite three years having passed, the wounds of the Theocracy invasion were still fresh in the minds of every Imperial.

Jack didn't want to alienate potential long-term allies, but if they made a move and got in between him and his family…

“Yoooohoooo! Tanji!” A jubilant voice cried out, piercing through the intensity of the chamber.

Out of the hole in a wall out came the bouncing bunny known as Yukino, the woman taking well to her cybernetic limbs as she strolled between the two parties.

“Yuki? What is it?” Jack said, breaking his gaze with Superbia to turn to his friend.

“Snake Eyes says he wants you and everyone on the bridge! Says it's urgent,” Yuki said before her eyes trailed to the assortment of flesh and machines that lay behind Jack. “What-?”

“Don't worry about it,” Jack said, pulling Yukino to the side and directing her to the Imperial entourage leaving the scene. “Tell Python I’ll be with them soon. I’ve got to take care of some things. Go on, get out of here.”

Yukino paused, her jaw clenching momentarily. “I understand.”

Jack turned back to the bodies that stood in mute silence, the servitors waiting for commands that wouldn’t come.

But why? Why didn’t the Green Bishop order them to attack? If he had, he wouldn't have been captured so easily. Was this ploy part of his plan? Was this still all part of the Black King’s machinations?

Jack didn’t know, but he knew he couldn’t leave them here.

“Heretical,” Superbia hissed, “Mixing flesh with metal–it is unnatural, disgusting, perverted. Marring the flesh given to us by the goddess.”

Jack stood in silence, wondering what he could do. Judging from their condition, they were comatose standing up, only suits of flesh being piloted by the machines that coated their bodies.

Sara… What do I do? Is there anything I can do for them?

Sahaqiel floated towards a child, rubbing her incorporeal hands against the cranium of her subject. The angel’s face took on a grave expression.

“There's nothing here. Their souls are shattered beyond repair. Anything that could be human is…”

“Kill them.” Lilith spat, “Spare them their suffering.”

But if I do, they'll come back as monsters…

“Better than being playthings of the Bishop. Man the fuck up and do one right thing. They're already monsters.”

Jack sighed. “Yeah… you're right,” he muttered aloud, drawing a look from Superbia before he moved.

“What are you doing?”

“Making this as painless as possible,” Jack whispered before his hand came up.

Will you help me, Sara?

The angel was mute, but ultimately he felt her support as a cold wind blew through the room. Under Sahaqiel’s guidance, the air wrapped around the children, the winds caressing their necks like a rope.

Then, Jack closed his fist, a resounding SNAP sounding as dozens of necks were broken simultaneously.

The room fell silent, the remaining Paladins staring at the still-bodies now on the floor.

A heavy weight fell upon Jack's heart, but he’d done what needed to be done. Even if this was a ploy by the High Table, it had been done humanely to spare their suffering, rather than out of anger or forced coercion.

“We share a common enemy,” Jack said to Superbia. “I promise the Green Bishop won't escape justice. I will kill him myself. In the meantime, you can satisfy yourself by hunting down the rest of the survivors. Don’t allow their evil to spread.”

Glaring at him, Superbia only nodded, allowing Jack to pass unscathed to link up with his Imperial forces.

“Bloody hell,” Python sighed, rubbing his temples as the door of his office opened and Jack walked in.

“I take it you've seen the helmet footage?” Jack said as he reached over, taking the bottle of Python's whiskey.

“Since when do you drink?”

“Now,” Jack replied, downing the entire bottle.

“Fair warning, that's not going to do anything to you. I drink more out of habit than anything,” Python said, before sliding an Intellipad over to Jack. It displayed a video of a tied-up man being waterboarded.

“Anything useful yet?”

“Nothing. We've got techs running an analysis on the augmentations we ripped off of the bastard, but it's doubtful we'll get anything useful. From what we can tell so far, however, they’re covered in the same mutagen that prevents us from healing. Talk about commitment to the cause,” Python sneered.

“Has he made any demands? Asked for anything?” Jack said, watching the Green Bishop being interrogated. “This all feels too easy.”

“Then you aren't going to like what I say next, lad,” Python sighed before tapping the side of his office where a Transpo-screen lit up, displaying a massive flying city in the distance. “Apparently that homogenous fucker over there is a gift from the Black King. A baby shower gift.”

Jack frowned at the news, his thoughts turning immediately to Ada and his unborn child.

“I don't like this,” Jack said, staring at the floating structure that rivaled the Imperial Solarus.

“Me neither. Despite how close we get, it still feels like those fuckers are a step ahead of us.”

“So what are we going to do with this gift?”

Python rubbed his face, the tired Colonel taking out a daylily leaf to chew on. “That’s another thing on my plate. Selfia wants us to take the floating city back to Imperial territory to analyze it-”

“But? I’m hearing a ‘but.’”

Python smirked, “-but, Lita and her remnants want to keep it.”

Jack slumped in his chair.

“Fucking politics…Why wasn’t there any intelligence that this city was a flying fortress?”

“Apparently, the religious fanatics JUST found out themselves. Lucky that, huh?” Python shook his head, a headache forming. “They aren’t exactly our allies, and they aren’t even technically a country anymore. So politically, we owe them nothing. Still…”

Python gazed out at the city in the distance, still teeming with Paladin clean-up crews and sporadic gunfire from papal remnants.

“Let them keep it.”

“What?” Python turned to Jack.

“Let them keep it. I don’t want to kill people I’ve just spent the last fifty-six hours fighting alongside,” Jack said.

“You realize Selfia would be pissed if I didn’t-”

“It's fine. I’ve got an idea. We let them keep the city, but we bring the city with us.”

Python gave Jack a sideways look.

“This land is lost,” Jack continued, eyeing the landscape below where hordes of demonspawn were crawling about. “Their country is in ruin and overrun. If they stay here, they’ll no doubt all be killed eventually. But if we bring them to the empire, settle them in neutral territory as a free city, we not only gain the floating city but also allies and whatever secrets lie below.”

“Settling thousands of refugees is no easy feat, Jack. Never mind the logistics, materials and their religious… quirks. Most of the Empire doesn’t like them. Hell, I don't even like them.”

“Most of the Empire doesn’t like us,” Jack countered. “Fortunately, I know a place that doesn’t discriminate and needs manpower and resources. Away from any Imperial city.”

Python paused, taking a moment before he realized what Jack was getting at.

“That… could work. With most of Selfia’s opposition dead…” Python rubbed his chin. “I’ll make the call to the Queen if you talk to Lita.”

“Deal–you’re more used to her yelling anyway,” Jack smiled before getting up. “And uh… I’ll get you another bottle of whiskey.”

“Eh, don’t worry about it lad,” Python tapped a button on his desk, revealing a hidden shelf with dozens of bottles. “I’ve always got my ass covered. Hey… you ok, lad?”

Jack paused, eyeing the man.

“Yeah, I'm fine.”

Python pursed his lips. “If you're good, get yourself showered first. You smell and you're getting blood everywhere. We’ll reconvene in an hour?”

“Sounds good,” Jack said before giving a casual salute to Python, who waved off his king.

With a sigh, Jack exited Python's office to stand within the hallway of the Imperial Aircarrier Suck My Dick Roland.

Chapter 33

De-stress?

Jack let out a loud sigh as steaming hot water hit his bare skin. After navigating the hallways of the unfamiliar craft, Jack had finally made it to his quarters, a suite set aside for VIPs and officers.

Inside the shower, Jack was alone for once as Sahaqiel and Ruby kept a handle on Lilith looking over The Green Bishop.

Jack watched as days of butchering washed off his body. The tile beneath his feet was coated in red, the viscera and grime that seeped through his armor covering the floor. Jack sighed again, closing his eyes, allowing the warmth to caress his skin as screams echoed in his mind.

Of course, they weren't real, just a figment of the ghosts that followed him around.

Jack rested his head beneath the water and closed his eyes, allowing himself a moment of peace as the heat washed away his sins.

“Man, it's hot in here.”

Jack opened his eyes and turned to the woman behind him, holding his balls in her hand.

“Yukino? What are you doing here?” Jack said, more annoyed than flustered as the woman stroked his soapy nether regions.

“Seizing an opportunity,” Yukino whispered coyly in Jack's ear. “Did I catch you by surprise, hehe?”

In truth, no. Jack knew she was there, had sensed her presence the same way he sensed and heard all Awakened. He had simply chosen to ignore her.

“You realize Ada is having my kid and I'm a married man, don't you?” Jack replied as the woman stood on her tiptoes to kiss his neck.

“Says the man banging his maid, getting spied on by his daughter’s adopted mother, and having a child from a woman he’s not married to.”

“Right…”

“It's ok,” Yuki whispered, increasing the speed at which her hands caressed Jack's body. “I got permission after all huhu-EEP!”

Jack suddenly spun, catching Yukino's hands by surprise and pinning her against the bathroom wall.

From Selfia? Doubtful, the last thing she’d want is more concubines to keep track of.

“Permission, huh? So Ada put you up to this?” Jack growled, the woman's brown eyes wide with surprise. “Well? Did she?”

Jack leaned closer until he felt Yukino's breath against his face.

At five-five, Yukino’s body was like Ada’s. C-cup breasts, wide hips, tanned skin. The only real off-putting thing about her was her cybernetics, which she refused to cover with synthetic skin.

Her body bore scars, but it wasn't grotesque to Jack; rather, it was just a reminder of his failure and what he needed to prevent in the future.

Despite Yukino tagging along for the assault, Jack had her relegated to real echelon duties, patrols, and scouting, to keep her away from him and keep her safe.

Now though? Now there were no such assignments to separate the two.

“Uh… uhm,” Yukino let out, at a loss for words as the steam rose the duo’s body temperature.

“You don't want this,” Jack said, his chest pressing up against her bare breasts, her hard nipples rubbing his skin. “And you shouldn't have come.”

Further down, something else was erect, the head of which was pressed against the nomad's soft abdomen.

Yuki’s eyes fluttered down, the woman subconsciously biting her bottom lip with want and desire clear as day on her face.

Still… for Jack, there was business he needed to conduct first.

At a loss for words, Yuki could only stare before Jack turned, going back to his shower.

“If you're here, you can wash my back,” Jack said, tossing the woman a bar of soap.

A few seconds passed in silence before Yukino finally spoke up.

“Am I… Not good enough?”

“It's not that-”

“THEN WHY?!” Yuki shouted, standing up and spinning Jack to face her. “Why Ada and not me? Why that Imp girl and not me? You've been running away from me for days and now that I'm literally throwing myself at you with Ada’s blessing, you still won't take me!”

Jack pursed his lips, his golden eyes connecting with a tearful gaze that looked back at him.

“What?” Yuki spat, “Do you think I can't take it? Do you think you'll hurt me?! Is denying my feelings you way to protect me?! I'm a grown woman, Tanji. All I want is for you to love me! I’ve thrown myself at you for years! SO WHY WON’T YOU AT LEAST FUCK ME?!”

Yuki’s joyful facade was gone, replaced instead with what lay hidden below her usual bubbling personality. Anger. Jealously. Envy. Jack could see it all, almost as if he could read her thoughts.

“What? Are you just going to stare at me?!” Yukino demanded.

It took a moment, but Jack finally turned away.

“What I think is that you're confused. That you're hurt. That you're trying to go back to a normal time before your dad died,” Jack replied coldly, rubbing his arms with a sponge. “I can see the act you put on. Everyone can. And I don't want to take advantage of your suffering to fulfill some carnal desire.”

“You're wrong, Tanji,” Yukino spat, her fists balling.

“I'm not. We haven't talked about Itodori’s final moments. His final words. You've barely talked to me since coming out of your coma and, even worse, you skipped out on your brother visiting you to chase me down. You aren't ok, and until we have that talk, I’m not ready to do anything with you.”

“Y-you?!” Yuki fumed before slapping Jack across the face. “You! You! Fuck you!”

Jack turned his head, watching as Yukino stormed out of his shower.

“Smooth. Real smooth.” Lilith cackled as she stood nearby, no doubt returning to Jack upon feeling him get smacked. “You could have at least fucked her before going all psychologist on her.”

“What is with women always bothering me in the shower…?” Jack sighed.

“Does this happen a lot?”

“Unfortunately… Look, it needed to be done. Just because I don't feel excessively guilty anymore doesn't mean I don't want the best for her. If she wants to fuck, I rather do it when her mind is more clear. At least that's how I process it logically.”

“Seemed clear to me.”

“Just like yours is?”

Lilith narrowed her red pupil eyes.

“Fuck you,” Lilith hissed before disappearing to keep an eye on the Green Bishop.

Chapter 34

My Plans

Fully dressed and freshly showered, Jack took some time to inspect the crew of the HMS Fuck You, Roland.

As King, everyone aboard was technically his servant, something Jack still didn’t enjoy as they snapped their salutes.

Jack spent twenty minutes walking around his airship. During that time, he observed his troops, made small talk, and made his presence known to those onboard. To the wider Imperium, Jack was still an enigma, a person whose accomplishments and feats were few and whose only claim to fame was his background and position as king.

That wouldn't do.

Most had heard of Frelia, but none really knew the details or the sacrifices he’d made, only that he was their boss’s boss and that they needed to be on their best behavior.

However, despite this, he still got flak for being a non-red, usually as whispers behind closed doors and in drunken stupors. But his prowess in the latest battle had spoken for itself, silencing much of the dissenters.

Albeit for now.

Jack smirked, wondering what expression they'd make if they knew their queen was a demi like him.

He sighed, leaning close to the window that overlooked the FYR’s MECHFrame launch bay, a room usually reserved for the air wing commander and his staff.

However, on Jack's orders, the room was temporarily cleared, allowing him a private terrace to watch over his soldiers when the ship wasn't engaged in battle.

“Sir?” Jessica asked, breaking Jack's focus on Tangerine, who was sitting alone beneath his MECHFrame across the launch deck.

“Hm?”

“Templar Commander Lita and her party have landed and are awaiting you within suite three,” Jessica, his now aide-de-camp, said as she held an Intellipad close to her blue Selfian uniform.

“Thank you, Lieutenant Ashfield,” Jack said, turning his head back to Tangerine, who was conversing with his machine. “Tell me something, Lieutenant. You've served beside Tangerine for some time now. Does he always sit alone?”

Jessica blinked, taking a moment before replying. “Since he lost his entire squadron against the WolfFrame, yes.”

“WolfFrame?”

“The Khloros, your Majesty.”

“Right…” Jack recalled that machine, a sickening twist of metal and flesh. “I would like a report on everything we have on Tangerine’s augments, his training, and the Damocles.”

Jessica opened her mouth to reply yet stopped herself, silencing her curiosity. “Yes, Your Majesty. I shall have it prepared for you after your meeting with Templar Commander Lita.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant. That will be all. I'll call for you later.”

“Yes… sir,” Jessica said, bowing before taking her leave as Jack took out Leslie's journal to continue reading.

“Do you think Selfia will agree with what you plan on doing?” Sahaqiel asked as Jack took out a device to prevent any unwanted eavesdropping, a little gift from Leona.

“Either she will or she won't. At the end of the day, I'm only doing what I think can help my people and protect my family,” Jack said, sitting down on the chair to read another paragraph. “I dislike being so reliant on her while she keeps me in the dark. I'll admit, I'm not the best thinker, but I don't like her methods.”

“So you think having Lita's troops in your debt will help you?” Sahaqiel asked, hugging Jack from behind, her slender finger tracing his jawline.

“Something like that.”

“You aren't thinking of rebelling, are you?” Sahaqiel joked, the angel now resting in Jack's lap.

“Nothing so grand,” Jack replied, eyes fluttering over to Tangerine sitting alone. “If anything were to happen to me, or Selfia, and things fall apart… I need a backup plan.”

“And the Templars are it?” Sahaqiel looked up at Jack inquisitively.

“They are a start. Combining the nomads and the Templars together is one of my objectives, and saving these people is too. Ultimately, though, the end goal is for my loved ones to be safe,” Jack sighed, closing the journal.

Entering the VIP suite of the airship set aside for special guests, Jack kept a neutral face under the gaze of twelve disgruntled Paladins, chief of which was Superbia.

“My apologies for the wait,” Jack said as the entire group stood to bow before Jack, save for Superbia.

“Lumenese, thank you for taking time-” Lita began, but was immediately cut off by Superbia.

“We won't be allowing the Empire to take our home,” Superbia said. “We appreciate your aid in our issue, but the Holy City is the last bastion of the Theocracy. Do you understand? It is our city, and we will die fighting-”

Jack strolled past the blue-haired woman, taking a seat on a velvety couch where he crossed his legs and yawned.

“No, go on. I'm listening,” Jack assured, looking on lazily at the woman about to metaphorically explode.

“Are you mocking me?”

“Not at all. I understand the predicament you and your people are in and I seek no quarrel, Paladin,” Jack said, tossing his sound-deafening device on the nearby table. “In fact, I want to help you.”

“Help us?” Superbia raised a brow.

“Yup, so here's the deal,” Jack said, clapping his hands together. “You and your people load up into the city and move to Imperial territory.”

“What?!” Superbia recoiled, the Awakened woman not expecting Jack's proposition.

“Are you offering to make us Imperial citizens?” Lita asked carefully, drawing looks from her entourage of papal officials.

“No. Not at all. I don't plan on abolishing your country’s sovereignty or making you citizens. What I propose is an asylum project, establishing a refuge in the corner of the Imperium where your people can live freely and practice your-.”

“You want us to abandon our home? Never!” Superbia spat, “This is our-hek?”

The Awakened's outburst was cut short as she fell to her knees.

Wide-eyed, the group of Templar guards raised their mana, attempting to help their commander, only to falter as their mana was stripped away.

Hm. It helps that they aren't that strong.

Superbia was on all fours, clutching her throat as Jack compelled the wind to do his bidding. Pain she could turn off, injuries she could heal, but one thing all humans–even super-powered Awakened–needed was air.

Something he was getting extremely good at manipulating, even without the system.

“Listen well, this will be the last warning I give,” Jack said, his tone icy as his golden glare settled on the woman, who was being siphoned by Gehenna. “When I'm talking, you don't interrupt me. Not only is it rude, but it's annoying. The next time you interrupt me, I won't stop with just bringing you to your knees.”

“My apologies, Lumenese!” Lita exclaimed, taking to one knee. “I beseech thee, release-”

Superbia gasped, taking in a breath of air as Jack gazed coldly at the woman glaring at him.

He'd seen her type before: someone who didn't like being talked down to, someone who was used to getting her way, and used coercion, influence, and even others to get what she wanted.

In short, she was just another Victoria.

“Here is what's going to happen,” Jack said, standing up. “You will put a call out, evacuating all remaining Theocracy citizens to the Flying City. You will be brought to a territory within the Empire, where you may settle. This is not a negotiation; this is me saving your lives. You can either do this or die. You are without adequate food, shelter, and ammo. Sooner or later, the demonspawn will come.”

Lita furrowed her brow, helping Superbia shakily rise to her feet.

“What aren't you telling us?” Lita asked.

Jack took a moment to respond, frowning as he flicked dirt from under his nail.

“Our enemy is the High Table,” Jack said, standing at a viewport that showed the Capital of the Theocracy in all its splendor. “Selfia will do anything and everything to secure the future of the Empire, and that includes eradicating every single one of you so she can get her hands on that thing in the distance. No doubt she’s interested in the research and facilities within. However, this way–my way–ensures all parties involved get what they want. Selfia can conduct studies on the flying city, and you get to live and enjoy the sovereignty of being a free nation.”

“There's nothing free about being under the boot of the Empire,” Commander Velmont hissed, a sentiment shared by the other paladins in the room.

“You won't be under the boot of the Empire, you'll be under mine,” Jack said, turning to face the entourage of paladins. “Or did you forget I am the King of the Empire? The same one who murdered hundreds of you when you boldly attacked Frelia. The same one who brought down the Green Bishop when none of you could touch him. I'm not asking for your trust or your loyalty. All I'm asking is for you to survive.”

Suddenly, a knock at the door took everyone’s attention, with Jessica entering a moment later.

“Your Majesty, please pardon my intrusion. Colonel Python wishes to see you immediately.”

I guess Selfia wants a word.

Jack turned to Lita and the Templars.

“Think it over. The Queen isn't so accommodating of people who have tried to kill her before,” Jack said, staring directly at Superbia, "A sentiment I'm beginning to adopt."

And with that, Jack turned and left, allowing the Paladins to stew in their thoughts while he handled other matters.

Chapter 35

Show Me

“No? What the fuck do you mean, NO?!”

Jack sighed, turning his head as Selfia’s holographic projection yelled and screamed.

“As I’ve said, we're going to help these people, not condemn them. We were here to help them,” Jack replied.

“Noooooo, what we were here to do is KILL the Green Bishop! Kill. K-I-L-L. KILL! KILL! Not increase my workload!” Selfia yelled, slamming her robotic fist down on her desk before she groaned loudly. “Still… you captured him, so we'll use this opportunity to pry some information out of him. Di’luk- oh, wait she isn't here… Leona! Jin! One of you, get in here and order up a vat of acid!”

“Selfia, focus–my plan?”

Selfia frowned, eyeing Jack with a look of skepticism. “If you can get them to behave and that's what you want to do, then by all means. You're the king. If this is what you think is best, as your wife, I guess I'll have to support you every once in a while,” she said with little resistance, much to Jack's surprise. “Of course, I can't spare any resources with Roland's fucking SURPRISE offensive, so you'll have to make do with the troops you have.”

“...huh.” Python let out, mirroring Jack, Sahaqiel, and even Ruby’s sentiments, the latter of which sat on in a corner munching on a chocolate bar.

“So, have you gotten anything out of him yet?” Selfia asked, pulling up what appeared to be a holographic image of a satellite before swatting it away.

“Nothing yet, your Majesty. We've been waterboarding him for two hours, but all he's been doing is praying,” Python reported. “I don't think we'll get anything out of him this way.”

“Figured,” Selfia sighed. “Fanatics like him are the fuuuuuuucking worse.”

“I have a way to get information out of him,” Jack said, drawing all eyes. “It's not pretty, but it'll work.”

Inside Jack, a malevolent spirit flared up, the hungry specter looking forward to what was to come.

“Aw, and I wanted to use the acid vat,” Selfia groaned. “Well, whatever. Microwave his hamster, peel off his foreskin with a razor, force-feed him glass–so long as he gives us something useful, I don't care what you do. Keep me posted and don't move that city until we clear it for transportation. Who knows what those grubby little lunatics in the church are doing to it right now?”

Selfia shot a look at Python, who nodded before Jack spoke up.

“Thank you Selfia. We'll keep you updated,” Jack said before the queen waved her hand as the hologram fizzled out.

“So, she took being told ‘no’ better than I thought,” Python asked as he and Jack stood on the observation deck of the MECHFrame launch bay.

“I was just as surprised. Now it’s up to Lita and the Templars to agree,” Jack replied, “I take it you're here with me to babysit me during my talk with the Bishop.”

Python fell silent before he chuckled. “Yeah, Selfia wants to make sure you don't murder him.”

“What? Don't trust me?”

“Not to kill the man?” Python scoffed, “I know what you're capable of, lad. If you have to get your hands dirty to get what you want, you won't hesitate. In a way, you're very much like Selfia.”

“How so?” Jack furrowed his brow as Python paused, twirling a daylily leaf between his lips.

“Passionate,” Python replied. “You two may have different methods, ideologies, and a sense of right and wrong, but you both want good things and go to great lengths to achieve it. Really, I guess ‌it's all about who's willing to go the furthest for their goals.”

Jack shut the journal he was reading, his mind on the Green Bishop's mocking and monologue.

“Do you think I'm too soft?” Jack asked, with Python falling silent for a moment.

“I just don't want to be a monster at the end of all this,” Jack sighed. “Selfia will murder countless innocents–-men, women, and even children–to get what she wants. She lies to everyone she knows and probably even lies to herself. And frankly, the only reason I trust her is because I trust in her vision for the futu-”

Jack paused, looking down at Leslie's journal.

“-huh.”

“Come to an epiphany?”

“Something like that,” Jack said, turning around and heading towards the brig, with Python in tow.

“Care to share?”

“It's occurred to me we don't actually know what the High Table is fighting for,” Jack said, turning down a corridor and holding up Jena's journal. “We know their facilities, parts of their plans, their methods, but we don't know what they're fighting for or what motivates them.”

“So what are you about to do?” Python asked, standing in front of Jack to block his path from the cell door that contained his quarry.

“Find out,” Jack said before pushing the man to the side and entering the torture chamber.

Within a twenty-foot square room devoid of light hung a man, beaten, bruised, and bleeding from wounds, unable to be healed thanks to the suppressant devices attached to his chest.

“Ah… Sasha… I knew thou wouldst… come,” Hugo Fitz, formerly the Green Bishop, eked out as he weakly gazed at Jack.

*SMACK!*

“You don't have the right to speak that name,” Jack growled, holding back his strength just enough that he didn't break the man's neck.

Python folded his arms, watching nearby with focused eyes to make sure Jack didn't kill their prisoner.

“It brings me joy to see my child grown,” Hugo said as Jack flexed his hands, staring down at the man.

Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Phantom words hissed from Lilith's mouth.

“I'm going to punch you now,” Jack said coldly, before cocking his fist back and getting s caught by a vine.

“Hey... we need him alive,” Python said, a vine snaking out from his boot to catch Jack's arm with grassy tendrils.

“I'm aware. I don't plan on killing him, at least not quickly,” Jack replied before ripping himself free of the vines and knocking several teeth out of the Green Bishop's mouth. “Hm... That didn't make me feel better.”

Hugo let out a chuckle as blood leaked from his mouth, “The Black King… Wouldst be delighted… by who thou art now…”

“Hm,” Jack knelt, bringing himself to eye level with his prisoner. “That's where you're wrong. He's not going to like me.”

Jack reached over, grabbing the man's thinning hair and yanking him up to look Jack in the eye.

“You see, I know something he doesn't,” Jack said, glaring at the man as Python looked on inquisitively.

“Sasha…” Hugo muttered in disbelief, eyes wide as a hand tightened against his throat while fingers reached into his mouth.

“I told you,” Jack said, his fingers gripping the slimy tongue that was attempting to wiggle away. “You don't deserve to say that name.”

Jack pulled, taking with it a gush of blood that splattered his face.

“Can I say that name?” Python asked, curious about whom he was referring to.

“I would rather you didn't,” Jack replied, his eyes producing a dangerous glare.

“Right,” Python said, wondering what Selfia hoped he, or anyone for that matter, could do if Jack wanted the man dead. “But now I wonder how you’re going to get him to talk with no tongue.”

“Easy,” Jack said as a dark shadow appeared over him as he felt Sahaqiel's disapproval. “By ripping his mind apart.”

“N-nwo!” Hugo exclaimed through his bleeding mouth.

Before Python could intervene, Jack's hand, swathed in shadows, slapped against the flailing man's head, directly over his eyes. "You see... I learned something rather recently after thinking about my last run-in with your king. About illusions and prying out information."

"NW! NUH!" Hugo screamed, his eyelids forced open to stare into Jack's glowing eyes.

“What do you see?” Jack and Lilith's voice echoed as the duo projected their will onto the man.

Lilith’s abilities were deconstruction, obliteration, and consumption, with the true essence of Gehenna being to take and subsume. A handcrafted weapon that should have been broken when her psyche was shattered by an angel. Yet here she was, a variable unaccounted for by the Black King.

Hugo groaned, attempting to resist, as dark tendrils leapt from Jack's hand to stab into his victim.

“The hell…” Python muttered, taking a step back as the shadows in the room flickered. According to Jack's dossier, there was nothing about this on file.

“Show me what I desire,” Jack commanded as blood seeped from Hugo's orifices. Fortunately, Jack was a healer, allowing him to keep the Bishop alive as he attempted to shift through the man's mind. “Why do you fight?”

“Love.”

The word that was uttered sickened Jack. But more than that, was the sense of devotion, the sense of justice, and worse, affection Jack felt emanating from the Bishop's mind.

Taken aback, Jack's fingers subconsciously dug into the Bishop's skin, tearing the flesh as the skull let out an audible crack.

“Jac-” Python began, but flinched as raven wings manifested around Jack.

“Love? LOVE?!” Jack roared, the voice that left his mouth not his but Lilith's. “Tell me what I wish to know! What does the Black King want?!”

"Guh! GUUUUH!" The Bishop's head shifted, skin tearing as he forcefully tried to look away.

“Tell me what I want to know!” Jack roared, glaring into the man's eyes as memories belonging to Hugo Fitz entered his mind.

Images. Hundreds of them. Broken stills that were sporadic, fractured, unintelligible, save for the few images of a well-dressed man who looked like an older version of Jack.

There were others too. Each wore white suits with fedoras, each body different but ultimately possessed by the one Jack knew as the Black King.

“AAAAAAAAHG!!” Hugo screamed, the howls leaving his mouth nerve-shattering even to Python, who turned away.

“Tell me what the Black King wants!” Jack roared, pushing Hugo's face back, his eyes adopting a golden color.

“I-i-I!” Hugo muttered, shaking his head violently as hundreds of pictures poured from his mind.

“SHOW ME!”

“Jack!” Python called out, attempting to reach out to stop the torture, only to retreat. Around Jack he could make out another presence, a black-haired woman glaring with pure hatred in her eyes, the raven woman latching onto the Bishop.

“Prosperity! Salvation! The King! The KING! Solomon!” Hugo shrieked, his eyes bulging, with blood seeping from his sockets. "He will grant humanity prosperity!"

A memory of a memory passed before Jack's eyes, an image of a spectral being with golden wings, a knight holding a flaming sword and a staff.

And then, like that, Jack's heart paled as Sahaqiel’s shock and anger broke through.

This confirmed what the angel already knew. She had hoped it wasn't the case but now, everything made sense to her as she turned away from Jack.

“Solomon. Solomon!” The word kept echoing from the Bishop's mouth.

“Jack! Enough! We need him alive!” Python yelled as several commandos entered the room.

“No. Not yet! He still needs to tell me where my sister is,” Jack growled, his hands firmly pressed into the man's skull. “WHERE IS SHE?! Where is Jill Knight?!”

Jill.

The image of a green-haired girl appeared in Hugo's mind, a child holding hands with a white-haired man who bore a striking resemblance to Selfia.

“Bastards,” Jack hissed.

Jack released the man, his brow furrowed, face twisted in a snarl as he stood back to eye his handiwork.

Immediately, medics raced in to work on the Bishop, tending to his wounds as Jack turned and left. His prisoner dangled lifelessly, blood dripping onto the floor below.

.

Chapter 36

The Pieces of the Puzzle

“Out. Geh jetzt!” Jack ordered, walking into the airship’s directory, where every file it had was located.

“Alright, you want to tell me what the fuck was that?” Python asked as Jack's hands danced across the keypad to search up names and references to Solomon.

“Seventh Solomon…” Jack muttered, pulling up a directory labeled Project Solomon from the airship's main data vault.

Jack's eyes rapidly began scanning files, darting between each mention of Solomon. From what he knew, the expeditions were an Imperial-led coalition of corporations, military industrialists, and nations. They were a force to navigate and scout out the continent once called Africa, and known to the rest of the world as the Lost Lands.

From what little information he had, the continent had been overrun by demonspawn and covered in never-ending corruptive smog, the same kind that had turned the citizens of Frelia into mindless beasts.

What the Black King sought was there. Buried beneath the cradle of humanity, with every expedition undertaken by his orders.

Jack scowled, changing data sets rapidly.

The Theocracy, the Alliance and even the Empire were secretly under an Archangel’s boot heel. The implications unsettled Jack.

“It's likely the Infinity machine is there,” Sahaqiel said. “If he's organizing expeditions into the continent, he probably doesn't know where exactly it is.”

Yeah. I get that. But why does he need me? What does he seek to gain by pissing me off and sowing so much chaos? Jack frowned, opening another file. He’s stronger than anything I’ve ever encountered, so why does he need fodder to do his work?

“I don't know. Micheal…” Sahaqiel said, her tone remorseful as she finally uttered her brother's name. “He was a beacon of light during our age. The chief enforcer of Heaven and our leader. After the war, he put the survivors of the cataclysm back together. Gave us purpose, gave us hope. And we stood by him to rebuild everything…”

Jack paused.

You knew all this time.

Sorrow blossomed inside of Sahaqiel. “I… didn't want it to be him. I'm not even sure how he’s alive. I thought he died during the outbreak. To think that all this time…. He was alive. Alone in this world.”

He isn’t who you thought he was, Sara. Or at the very least, not anymore. Understand that if I have the opportunity, I will kill him. Jack sent back before the screen in front of him was abruptly shut off.

“Oy! You gonna talk to me or just ignore me while getting frown lines?” Python asked, waving his hand in front of Jack's face.

“Sorry, just lost in thought.”

“Ok, well, do you want to talk about what the hell that was back there? You almost killed him with your demon curse crap,” Python demanded.

Jack turned to the man. “Demon curse crap?”

“Is what the hell I’m calling it,” Python replied, sucking loudly on a daylily. “Look, I’ve seen a lot. Hell, I’ve done a lot, but that… shit. That was some wicked stuff. Just tell me one thing.”

Jack raised a brow.

“Are you ok lad?”

Jack blinked twice, taken aback by the question, before he sighed and put on his most reassuring smile. “Of course, better than I’ve ever been.”

Python’s face took on a look of disgust. “Right, ok, I’m putting you under orders for psych eval.”

“Heh, I’m fine, really. And I’m the King of the Empire. I outrank you, remember?” Jack chuckled before his expression turned grave. “Still… there's work to be done. Thanks to my demon curse crap, I’ve found out a few pieces of the puzzle. Namely, where my sister is and what the Black King is up to.”

“Care to enlighten me?” Python said, pressing the button to turn the monitor back on.

“The Black King is searching for something known as the Infinity Machine,” Jack said, opening a map of the Lost Lands, as well as various files related to the Solomon Expeditions. “Everything he’s done has been to find and access the machine.”

“Ok? Care to explain why?”

“To control the demonspawn,” Jack lied, choosing to spare Python the truth about reincarnation and souls. To know the potential hell that awaited every life taken. That knowledge was better left unspoken than shared. “And bend the world to his whim. The problem is he lacks the resources and manpower to secure a beachhead to safely search for his prize.”

Jack opened up the folder labeled Seventh Solomon, the last expedition undertaken by Imperial forces, which included his Uncle Mike and Mi’shika.

“Isn’t he stronger than you? What would he need protection from?” Python asked, drawing a look from Jack. “No offense lad, it’s just that he made you and he’s got an army of lunatics at his beck and call.”

“No, you’re right…” Jack said, looking away.

What could he need protection from?

Suddenly, a memory flashed before Jack’s mind. Pictures belonging to Sahaqiel, of old friends, turned into abominations. Tarhanna, Athena, Ares, angels brought down before rising back up as different creatures.

“The Apostles,” Sahaqiel chimed in, her words knitting together a missing piece of the puzzle that Jack could only hope wasn’t true.

“Fuck…No… it makes sense…” Jack muttered, hand over his mouth.

“What?”

“It just occurred to me. If angels and demons of lore exist,” Jack sighed, staring at the folder of the Seventh Solomon expedition, his thoughts shifting to the mercenary Uncle Mike had murdered, who had a tattoo of a staff and the number seven, “Where the hell did they all go?”

Python furrowed his brow, blinking once before his mouth twisted into a slight frown. “Are you trying to tell me there are worse things out there than us?”

“Do you want to know the answer to that?” Jack said, facing Python fully.

“Ya know what, I think I’ll read it in a briefing,” Python replied, taking out another leaf. “So, what's our next step?”

“I need to talk to Lita and her group, figure out their answer.”

Python shifted the leaf in his mouth. “And if they don’t agree to your plan?”

“Then we make them,” Jack said coldly, his back to Python. “If they won’t listen to reason, then we’ll do what we’ll have to.”

“Right…” Python said slowly, wondering if Jack was even capable of what he was suggesting.

“Brief Selfia on the Solomon expedition link. I’ll talk to the Templars and then we’ll go from there after making sure the flying city is safe to move,” Jack ordered as his thoughts turned to his sister and the war going on back home.

Chapter 37

Jack: Judge, Jury, and Executioner

“Have you come to a decision?” Jack asked as he stood before Lita and her entourage of paladins. Beside him stood Jessica, as well as three Imperial commandos.

“You aren’t giving us much of a choice,” Superbia spat.

“Think about it rationally,” Jack said, walking to stand beside a viewport to stare at the floating city. “Your people and arms are depleted. You barely have food for your population, and your lands are overrun by demonspawn. Even if we left you to your own devices, you’d be overtaken in–what, a week? Two? Best-case scenario, a month without the Green Bishop manipulating the demonspawn to keep them away.”

Of course, there was always that strange statue of Sahaqiel in the sewer hideout, but as far as Jack could tell, its deterring effect could be overcome.

“Your answer? Believe it or not, I have other things to do,” Jack said, turning to face Lita's group.

“Bit rude, Jack, maybe ease up a bit?” Sahaqiel chimed in.

The more time we waste here, the more time Jill spends in captivity. I want this to be over, Sara.

Lita moved the fuming Superbia behind her.

“We agree. However, we have terms, Your Majesty.”

The word ‘Majesty’ irked Jack, but he kept a straight face.

“Of course, let's hash this out,” Jack said, sitting down at the table to negotiate with the Theocracy.

Aboard a dropship, Jack looked out the viewport to stare at the nearing city. Wearing his helmet, a yellow icon appeared on his HUD.

“Sir, forgive my… presumptuous, but may I speak frankly?” Jessica said over a two-way private helmet-to-helmet channel to avoid the other soldiers listening in.

“What is it?” Jack replied, leaning his head towards the woman strapped to the flight-seat across from him.

“Are you sure this is a wise course of action?”

“What do you mean?”

“Bringing Templars into Imperial territory. It's risky.”

“I'm well aware of the risks,” Jack replied, turning his head as his vehicle neared the city citadel.

“Respectfully, and I mean this sincerely, but are you sure you do? You were absent for most of the war, but the Theocracy laid waste to several cities, massacred thousands during their invasion. The Empire has a long memory and some would even say the Theocracy deserved what they got.”

“I wasn't aware you felt so strongly,” Jack said as the dropship touched down, the hull of the metal coffin lurching as its hydraulics stabilized its mass.

“I don't, I just felt I should inform you of the sentiments commonly held by the people of the empire who serve you,” Jessica replied.

“Well, it's a good thing it won't be Imperial citizens who will have to deal with it,” Jack said as the ramp went down and he exited the dropship to the sight of two dozen white-clad people on their knees.

“Lord Lumenese,” a Paladin said, snapping an imperial salute to Jack as he approached. “We've secured the prisoners per Lady Lita’s instructions. The site is awaiting your inspection.”

Jack removed his helmet to meet the man’s blue eyes.

“Good work, Paladin, we'll take it from here,” Jack said before signaling his soldiers to apprehend the prisoners, who sat bound and gagged.

Although Jack understood the facility thanks to Lilith's memories, he still needed to see it firsthand and recover any data they could use against their enemies. Selfia had dispatched him with a team of techs, commanded by Jessica, who was already well-versed in what they were calling Sensitive Site Exploitation.

Jack's job was to run security and monitor the hundreds of Templars in case they tried anything funny.

Eyeing the prisoners, Jack's blood boiled as Lilith demanded her crimson rage be satiated; however, he had other plans, ones that included his new skill.

“I'm going to go for a little air, make sure there's no surprises,” Sahaqiel said, taking off.

Okay. Jack sent back, his eyes on a prisoner shivering in place.

After an hour, Jack got restless. Between the Templars praising him, Lilith's constant rage, and Sahaqiel munching on any dessert or treat she could find, there was nothing for him to do as he waited for reinforcements to pick up the prisoners.

“You must tell us, Lumenese, how do your wings work?” The Paladin who had greeted Jack asked, now one of many Templars pestering him.

“It responds to my will, moving as a part of me,” Jack replied, deciding to humor the Paladin and hand a feather to the man.

“Whoa…” the Paladin said, holding the feather out to the other Templars, who marveled at the silver shard, which was light and malleable, and began wiggling under Jack's order.

“Sir,” Jessica’s voice echoed through his earpiece. “We've got something you should see.”

“Understood, Lieutenant. I'm on the way,” Jack said, retrieving his feather to join Jessica within the Bishop's facility.

After navigating a series of winding tunnels, Jack's heart sank as he stood before a room filled with cages and imperial commandos rushing about with food and medical supplies. Within the cages lay children, test subjects of various ages in different stages of starvation, decomposition, or death.

Immediately, Jack spun, leaving the facility as Jessica called out to him. Her words fell upon deaf ears as Jack exited the laboratory to stand on the platform where the prisoners were being loaded onto the dropships.

“Wait!” Jack barked, stopping an Imperial Black Rose soldier from loading up a white-clad priest into the transport.

“Yes? Your Maj-” The woman said before her voice died as the prisoner she held was suddenly decapitated.

The entire platform fell silent, all eyes focused on the headless body dropping to the floor. Jack flicked his bloodied hand, splattering the ground with the crimson gore.

“Bring them back out, and line them up,” Jack ordered as one High Table technician screamed at the sight of his companion.

On his order, the Imperial soldiers, with assistance from the Templars, did as he commanded, marching the scientists from the transport and lining them up.

“S-sir!” Jessica let out upon joining Jack strangling a High Table technician. “We need them alive!”

“No, we don't,” Jack hissed as he grabbed a prisoner and lifted the flailing human by his head.

“B-but-”

“We only need their memories. Not their bodies,” Jack replied as he decided to get some practice in. Between Jack's fingers, he could see the fear in the man's eyes, his muffled pleas vibrating through his gag to touch Jack's hand.

“Look into my eyes,” Jack ordered as a malevolent aura rose, Lilith all but happy to indulge Jack's wishes.

“NmHH! MMH!” the man screamed, his feet kicking, his body wiggling back and forth upon Jack's mana intruding into him.

“What do you see?” Jack said, his words ripping out the foremost memories of the man who cried out in agonizing pain.

“Mmmm! HMMMM!” The eyes of his victim turned golden, mirroring Jack's eyes, which glared with power as the nearby Paladins tried to keep the panicking prisoners in check.

“What do you see?” Jack repeated calmly as his prey went still and tears flowed from his eyes.

He made the connection, and memories of dark deeds, torture, mundane days, and the man's hopes and wishes poured into Jack. Much like that ability has done to the Green Bishop, memories poured forth from the man's mind. However, unlike the fanatic, the images seen by Jack were less blurry, more clear, with more images and sound.

Was it because the man wasn't an Awakened? Was it because he had less force of will or less resistance? Jack didn't know, but fortunately, he had plenty of ways to test his ability.

“I see what you are,” Jack hissed before he released the man, allowing him to drop to the floor with a resounding thud as all signs of life left the still-twitching technician. Jessica rushed forward, taking his pulse as Jack moved on.

Alive, but seemingly comatose.

The next High Table agent gazed at his companion and then at Jack, yelling something through his gag.

“Remove his gag,” Jack said, his tone so cold all those nearby instinctually shivered.

Jessica did as told, removing the man's mouth guard. The High Table Agent immediately began groveling. “Please! Please! I’ll tell you anything you want! Everything!” The clergyman pleaded, “Please! Please! My lord! King!”

Jack cracked his fingers into a fist.

“That's the neat thing, you already will,” Jack said as he reached out with his eyes glowing gold.

Chapter 38

Tides of War

“Milord?”

Jack narrowed his eyes, his gaze staring out into the distance as a frown crossed his features.

“Milord?” Jessica repeated, this time positioning herself in front of Jack, who stood with crimson ichor dripping from his hands.

The landing platform was silent, devoid of life besides Jack and Jessica, as everyone else had vanished to spare themselves the screams of the tormented. Even the Black Rose agents, whose duty it was to capture and interrogate foes of the Empire, stepped away as the screams echoed into the air.

Finally, Jack’s eyes shifted to his adjutant, the woman startled by the gaze she received, almost as if the boy she had once known was now peering into her soul.

“What?” Jack said deadpan, his tone devoid of any emotion.

“What do you want us to do with the bodies?”

Tied-up and lifeless, dozens of corpses littered the platform, the once-pristine floor slick with blood.

“Nothing. Tend to the children. Destroy all relevant research. I want all systems not related to the city’s propulsion destroyed,” Jack ordered, suddenly overcome with a need for air.

Jessica hesitated, “But, her Majesty-”

“I have all the relevant information we require. Destroy it, Lieutenant. Destroy it all. Nothing good will come of that data,” Jack said softly before donning his helmet, spreading his wings and taking flight.

“Sir? Sir!” Jessica called out, but it was too late; Jack was in the air and gone.

“Thank you, Jack,” Lilith said out of the blue as Jack aimed himself towards the airship in the distance and went slow.

“Don't mention it,” Jack replied, ignoring his HUD, which beeped repeatedly. A call from Python, no doubt to berate him for his actions.

Jack ignored it and aimed himself upward, soaring into the air at top speed until the icy touch on his skin made him numb.

He was above the clouds now, floating, his eyes gazing out into the distance, where one could almost believe that all the terrors of the world were non-existent.

Tranquility, a view many would never see in their lifetime.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Sahaqiel asked, materializing beside Jack.

“It is,” Jack replied, taking his helmet off to take in the thin air. “I see why you were always on the move, staying away from the troubles of the world.”

“Up here there's no one to bother you, no troubles to weigh you down.”

“Yeah…” Jack said, floating aimlessly in the sky.

“So… what are you going to do?” Sahaqiel asked, hugging Jack and doing her best to comfort him. “Speak to me, Jack.”

“I’m unsure. All I know is that I need to find Jill. If they were willing to do this to children…” Jack shuddered at the thought of what could have happened to his sister. Fortunately, none of the technicians that Jack had interrogated had memories of his sister, so there was hope. Faint, but it was there. “Sara, I don't know what I would do if something happened to my sister. And… If they did do something to her… promise me that-”

“Nothing will-” Sahaqiel began, but was cut off as Jack turned to her. “I'll do what needs to be done. I promise.”

“You won't be alone,” Lilith said, the raven specter showed herself. “Come what may, I'll be there for you.”

“Me,” Ruby added, the rare spoken word by the knight, causing Jack to smile slightly.

“Thank you,” Jack said as an imperial dropship appeared into view, with Python radioing him once more. "These apostles... the angels. What happened to them all?"

"I... I'm unsure. Remember I died, I wouldn't know what happened after..." Sahaqiel replied, an answer Jack expected but wasn't hoping for.

"Right..."

5 Days Later:

Southern Front: 12 Miles outside Windermere City.

Captain Colette Gemini scowled. The short-haired blonde with red eyes frowned as she read the reports by lamplight inside her concrete bunker.

Selfia's army was closing in, marching through the marshes with heavy land ships and walkers in tow. What was supposed to be a counteroffensive to catch the Selfians off-guard had ended in a bloody reversal.

Poor logistics, lack of winter clothing, and deserters had put Roland on the back foot, not to mention the Selfian’s newly unleashed orbital array smacking down on Roland positions and decimating all unshielded locations.

Cities across the empire were burning, with casualties mounting by the hour.

Several city states had already capitulated. Even the nobles who had stood by Roland from the beginning were now submitting to Selfian forces.

This was the end, but even now, Colette wouldn't surrender.

As a Knight of House Light, her duty was to fight for her family, to fight for those who had given her everything she had. Without them, she would still be an orphan girl starving on the streets, or worse, fodder in one of the kindersoldat groups. She owed them everything for what they had done for her.

Colette frowned.

Still… not a day went by that she didn't regret being there for her daughter. The lonely nights of explosions filled her with stray thoughts, daydreams, and sometimes even nightmares of the future she’d abandoned.

But it was better this way. She was unfit to be a mother; truth be told, she’d never wanted a child and didn't know the first thing about even caring for one.

War, however, she knew.

Fortunately, the winter snap and the geography of the region had bought her masters time, but it was nowhere what she needed to fully secure House Light.

“Captain,” Lieutenant Hoffman said, her adjutant stepping into the dugout bunker. “King Roland has arrived, and Regalia Isabella has called for you.”

Colette sighed, “Understood, Lieutenant. Have the maintenance teams run diagnostics on the shield generators. The last thing we need is Selfian hellfire raining down on us.”

“Yes ma’am,” the man snapped a salute before turning to his duties.

Colette rolled her shoulders, turning around to go tend to her duties as a Knight of House Light.

Chapter 39

Old Face

Stepping off the loading ramp of the Roland, You Dickhead, Jack scanned the massive structure of struts, machines, and robots built to handle multiple docked airships at once.

Rows of MECHFrames filled the interior, along with artillery shells, vehicles, and personnel mustering for deployment.

“Seems Selfia has been busy while we were away… oh, incoming!” Sahaqiel commented as a little girl, wearing a white cap and a blue uniform, sprinted across the gunmetal hanger.

“DADDY!” Celeste squealed, leaping into Jack's outstretched arms.

“Hey Princess,” Jack said, smiling as he picked up his daughter.

From both sides of the loading ramp, the gathered formations of soldiers snapped salutes, their uniformed movements heralding the coming of the white-haired woman adorned in a blue dress, with silver arms and jewelry.

“Welcome back, my husband,” Selfia said, approaching with her entourage of gold-armored Bell guards, including Leona. Amongst the crowd of thousands, Jack lowered his head in accordance with custom.

“Your Majesty, I've returned from my campaign,” Jack said with all the decorum of a general returning from war.

“So you have,” Selfia said, a gentle smile on her face as a reporter snapped a photo in a flash of light.

“What the FUCK were you thinking?” Selfia spat, visibly annoyed, as the door of her armored limousine slammed shut.

“Language!” Leonas hissed, reaching over Jack to adjust bunny-styled headphones on Celeste’s head.

“I did what needed to be done,” Jack replied, holding Celeste, who lay in his lap, more concerned with playing her handheld game.

“What needed to be done?! You murdered twenty-six prisoners! People who had information. Which is more valuable than satiating some kind of catharsis”

“No,” Jack snapped towards Selfia, the pair locking eyes, “I put down twenty-six monsters. I took their lives as easily as they took others. Say what you want to say. I know what I did was right, and I won't apologize for ridding the world of creatures unfit to waste the oxygen in the air.”

Selfia pursed her lips, taken aback by Jack's tone. However, her shock was short-lived as Jack passed an Intellipad her way.

“What's this?”

“All related information on the High Table that was recovered from the prisoners and the citadel.”

Selfia looked down, swiping the screen repeatedly to read the dossier composed of paragraphs of information.

“This…” Selfia could scarcely believe what she was reading, “Is too easy.”

Jack looked at her before glancing back out to the streets they passed. “You think so? The Green Bishop said the flying city was a gift from the Black King.”

Selfia furrowed her brow, tapping her chin with a metallic finger. “Gift,” she scoffed, “This is definitely a trap… Or a means to tie up our resources while he sucks off my brother.”

“You mean a diversion?”

“Could be,” Selfia frowned, “The last holdouts of my brother's forces are collapsing, and whoever hasn't capitulated will be ours within a month or two. If the High Table were to make a move, it would be amidst the chaos of several ongoing operations. Throw in a few misdirects-”

Selfia held the tablet up and pointed at it, “-And it would tie us up nicely, while whatever shenanigans he's got planned happens.”

“So, what do you think we should do?” Jack said, leaning forward.

“We hit them,” Selfia said, lowering the pad. “We hit them all and leave not a single place unturned.”

Jack frowned. “So you want us to play into his hand?”

“We hit them, but we do it on our terms,” Selfia said, leaning back in her seat.

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

Selfia smirked, a wiry smile on the queen's face. “Well, if the plan is to waste our resources and split our manpower, we'll just hit them so fast whatever plans he's got cooked won't have the opening to deploy.”

“You make it sound simple,” Jack said, petting Celeste's head. She was now fast asleep and drooling onto his lap.

“If I was still the princess with a large triad backing, this would be a problem, but Hiroshima-ing several buildings on land I own? To stomp out a genocidal cult? Yeah, no problem, I can have this done in a week now that I don't have a council of old geezers to entertain,” Selfia giggled maniacally, “Of course, if nuking them isn't in the equation, this is what Checkmate was made for: the strategic elimination of High Table assets. I'll have tier-one units move onto the sites. If wasting resources is the name of the game, the Imperium has infinite to spare.”

Jack grunted, looking down at his daughter, and then back up. “What’s Hiroshima-ing?”

“Don’t worry about it. Anyway, of course we'll have to deal with my brother first. The war is almost over, but the sooner his forces are dealt with, the more manpower I’ll have to spare,” Selfia said, handing Jack a tablet. “Of course, you could always help.”

Jack's heart dropped, his eyes going wide at the aerial image of a blonde woman with short hair wearing red armor.

“Colette?” Jack said, his voice breaking slightly. It had been four years since he’d last seen Victoria’s former bodyguard.

Four years since they’d last spoken.

Four years since Celeste was born.

Jack immediately looked down at their daughter, who was nearly five, and then back at the picture of her absent mother.

“It so turns out that the defense of this fortified city is being helmed by the Regalia of House Light, with none other than Colette commanding one of its many trench lines,” Selfia said as she stared intently at Jack, almost as if she were reading his reactions. “Windermere is a heavily fortified port city and to siege and capture it could take months.”

“So you want me to talk to her? Convince her to betray her house?” Jack asked, turning the tablet off and making sure Celeste was asleep before speaking in a hushed whisper. “She gave up our daughter. What makes you think she'd listen to me?”

“I hold no illusions of convincing a loyalist like Colette to defect. Believe me, I tried. I just wanted to give you the chance. My army is on the march and House Light is impeding us. I only care about her because you do; to me, she is just another enemy.”

Jack sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I don't understand. If the war is basically over, why is House Light still fighting?” Jack asked.

“Because even if they surrender, they'll all be hanged,” Selfia said bluntly.

“What?”

Now it was Selfia's turn to sigh.

“That was the condition of your aunt's support. From your reaction, I can see you don't know this, so I'll fill you in,” Selfia said, the limo now parked in front of their mansion. “Before Roland attempted his secession bullshit, House Light was under orders by my mother to eliminate House Bell. After your fight with Lancelot, it became open season on all Bell familia members. Hundreds died, be they Bell family or simply someone who had spoken to one in passing. Of course, your aunt and I knew this would happen, and we made arrangements to mitigate it, but because of the chaos of the invasion, members of House Light isolated and hunted down many members of House Bell.”

Jack listened to the words and processed them intently, knowing that what came next was still more words he didn't want to hear.

“So they'll fight to the end…” Jack muttered, looking down at the image of Colette barking orders at several Roland soldiers.

“I know what she meant to you, and I'd be appalled if I was the one responsible for taking Celeste's mom away from her,” Selfia said as the car came to a stop outside their palace. “Maybe you can do something.”

“Tch, more like push the responsibility on us,” Lilith hissed inwardly.

“Yeah, maybe,” Jack said as he attempted to wake Celeste gently.

“Mhhhhm,” Celeste groaned.

“Come on honey, time to get up.”

Instead of sitting up, Celeste closed her eyes, cuddling up to Jack, who resigned himself to being a pillow for his daughter.

Chapter 39.5

Lice

Laying on a couch, surrounded by a mountain of pillows and plushies, Jack rubbed Ada’s swollen belly as the pair watched an old movie on a seventy-inch TV screen.

“I missed you, my love,” Ada said, lovingly stroking Jack's head as he pressed his ear to her stomach.

“I missed you, too,” Jack replied, before recoiling as he felt Ada’s stomach shift.

Ada giggled. “You should see the look on your face.”

“Did-”

“He kicked? Yeah, he's really reactive when people touch his momma,” Ada said, rubbing her stomach.

Jack blinked, taken aback before Ada guided his hand back to her stomach.

“He? How do you know it's a boy?” Jack asked, an odd mix of wonderment, fascination, and joy welling up within.

“I just do,” Ada assured.

“Ada…” Jack sighed, retracting his hand. “I want to ask you something.”

“Hm? What is it?”

“If I do a bad thing for the greater good, do the ends justify the means?” Jack asked, his eyes narrowing as he adopted a serious tone unfamiliar to Ada.

Eyeing her lover, Ada could see something weighed heavily on him.

“I think… if it was done with good intentions… and done out of love, then everything will be ok,” Ada assured, caressing Jack’s cheek before pivoting the topic. “So, how is Yukino? I tried reaching out, but she hasn't responded.”

“We got into a bit of a fight,” Jack sighed.

“I'm sorry. It was my idea that you two talk,” Ada said, sinking into the couch. “She's been really off since waking up, but I thought it'd be good for her.”

“Oh, we talked, then she grabbed my dick and-”

“WHAT?!” Ada snapped, sitting up with alarm on her face as Jack felt a pulse of power.

“Oh… I take it you weren't-”

“Aware?! No! I told her to talk to you! Not try to get dicked down!” Ada shrieked, “Oh, I knew she'd try something. Like, I don't mind too much–it's understandable and I'm willing to share you. I mean, I think about your-”

“Okaaay, honey, relax. You'll stress the baby out,” Jack said, coaxing the flustered Ada to lie back down. She shot him a predatory look, one that he knew all too well, making him flinch.

“Wait, Ada-!”

Ada attempted to pounce on Jack yet contrary to her expectations, all she could do was lift herself slightly.

“Hrn!” Ada let out, wiggling. “Hrrrn!”

“You okay?” Jack asked, now standing across the room.

Tears fell down Ada’s face. “Uggghk, I hate being pregnant! Look at what you did to me!” Ada screamed, throwing her arms up in defeat. “I can't even move! I'm a hippo! A hippo!”

“Babe, you're not a hippo,” Jack assured, skirting around the room.

“Yes I am! I'm chunky! Big ol’ chunk! You're gonna leave me for that tight piece of ass!” Ada yelled, reaching out to Jack. “Come here so I can tear your shirt off with my teeth! I'm tired of being so pent up!”

“Ada, I'm not going to leave you.”

“YOU'RE LITERALLY LEAVING NOW!” she spat, pointing at Jack, who was standing beside the door. “Do you even love me anymore?!”

“Of course I do! You're the fire in my heart, the light in my world covered in darkness,” Jack replied, his words handpicked by Sahaqiel. “I love you more than life itself, honey.”

“Do you like Yuki?” Ada sobbed.

“I mean she's pretty-”

“NOOOOOO!” Sahaqiel yelled.

“Idiot.”

“Get out,” Ada hissed, her eyes flaring with rage.

“Huh?” Jack said.

“I SAID GET OUT! I CAN'T HAVE YOUR BIG DICK OUT HERE TEASING ME! Go fuck your whores!” Ada screamed, flinging multiple pillows at Jack until he fled.

Walking through the halls of the Imperial palace, Jack sighed as he contemplated what he was going to do regarding Colette. Between Lita's flying city, his sister's whereabouts, and juggling Ada’s pregnancy and the High Table’s shenanigans, there was a lot going on that he needed to do.

“Uhm, your Majesty.”

Jack turned to the timid voice behind him.

“Kamila? Are you on the way to Ada’s room?” Jack asked, noting the woman had a tray of food.

“Y-yes. Welcome back,” Kamila said, bowing to him.

“I didn't see you when I got here. Where have you been hiding?” Jack asked, ruffling the short woman's head out of habit.

“N-n-no! Just busy is all…” Kamila said, as Jack eyed her up and down. “Ada’s been super-cranky, so I've been taking care of her.”

“Is that so? Thanks,” Jack said, his hand resting on Kamila’s soft cheek.

If there was one thing Jack could agree with Ada on, it was that he was feeling pent-up too, especially after the fiasco with Yukino that had made his lower region tense.

“Uhm… I should get going. Ada needs her tea.”

“Yeah, I'll see you later, okay?”

“Uhm, okay,” Kamila said, tucking her chin into her skirt to hide her blush.

“Daddy! Dad! Dad!” Celeste’s voice called out, the little girl running up to Jack and hugging his leg.

“Hey Princess, what's going on?” Jack said, picking his daughter up.

“I have lice!” Celeste said jubilantly.

“What?”

“Lice!” Celeste repeated.

“Oh, there you are!” Leona exclaimed, out of breath as she turned a corner and spotted Jack and Celeste. “Hold her still! I need to put this lice cap on her!”

“No! NO! It makes my head itchy!” Celeste protested, squirming out of Jack's arms, only to be tackled by the red-haired woman.

“Your head is itchy because you have bugs on it!” Leona yelled, pinning Celeste down and trying to place a translucent hat on her head.

“They're not bugging me!”

“You better put this hat on, or I’ll tell Auntie Kamila not to bake any cookies for you!” Leona roared, dragging the little girl by her ankles as she clawed at the ground in a desperate bid to escape her fate.

“Daddy! Dad! Daddy, help me!” Celeste pleaded, reaching for her father. He reacted and sent Leona flying with a gush of wind.

“I've got you, baby girl. Daddy's here,” Jack said, holding his daughter close as she sobbed into his chest.

“What was that for?!” Leona roared, the red-haired firecracker peeling herself out of a nearby wall. “She has lice!”

“So? If she's sick, I'll take care of her,” Jack replied, gently rubbing Celeste’s head and preparing to take her away.

“She's not sick! She has a bug infestation on her head, you idiot!” Leona yelled before Jack looked down at his daughter, rubbing her head all over his chest.

“Oh…” Jack let out as he suddenly felt itchy.

Chapter 40

iNTERMission

“Nice hat,” Selfia said as a buzzcut Jack sat across from her with a lice cap on his head.

“Thanks…” Jack groaned, reaching over and taking the Intellipad from the desk. “Anything from Lita and Python?”

“Yes, you'll be happy to know that the city has passed inspection and is on its way to Hoshido. Kenichi isn't happy about it, but Di'luk is keeping him amenable.”

The edges of Jack’s lips raised slightly. Good for him.

“The children?” Jack asked, seeing no report on them.

“I've tasked my personal physician, Dr. Alencia, to handle that. As we speak, all three dozen are on their way here to a facility so we can diagnose and figure out treatment plans.”

Lilith stirred, clearly not enjoying the fact that the children were being moved into another facility.

“Selfia, just to be clear, I don't want them being put in a Kindersoldat group,” Jack said, “Or used in some experiment.”

“They won't. That program will be phased out soon, anyway; once the war is won, there'll be no need for child soldiers anymore,” Selfia assured, something that gave Jack comfort. “In fact, I'm thinking about raising the age limit on enlistees. Maybe make it mandatory that they all attend academies instead. What do you think?”

Jack raised a brow. “You want my thoughts on political affairs? That's your game, not mine.”

“Jack, you're my husband, and I value your opinion. Even if our marriage is a sham, you're the only one besides Python who’s willing to call me out if I'm doing wrong. So, your thoughts?” Selfia said with a calm sincerity that Jack wasn't used to hearing.

Jack looked away.

“Wait, hey! Are you fucking blushing right now?!”

“No,” Jack mumbled under his breath, his hand obscuring part of his face.

“Stop! Stop at once!” Selfia yelled, bouncing a rubber ball off of Jack's head.

“I think it's a good move, a step to a better future,” Jack said after recovering. “I've been reading Tangerine’s files, and I heard what happened to the rest of his squad. I want him to be discharged from the military, maybe to attend the academy...”

Selfia went silent, all trace of mirth gone. “I can't do that. Not at this stage.”

Jack frowned. “And why not?”

“He's an ace. Outside of Bytra, he's one of our best pilots and too much military hardware and funding has already been spent on hi-”

“Wait, yesterday you told me that the Empire had a surplus of soldiers, and now you're telling me you can't spare one teenage pilot?”

“Look, after we win the war, maybe. The truth is Tangerine has some of the best performance of all our Aces. Even Director York’s daughter has trouble matching up and she’s-” Selfia trailed off, what words she was about to say dying as she met Jack's eyes. “I'll see what I can do, but he's old enough to make his own choices. Have you given any thought about Colette?”

Jack sighed, “Yeah, I'll lead the assault on Windermere. See if I can talk to her.”

“And if she doesn't surrender?”

Jack’s eyes held a dangerous glint.

“I won't kill her, if that's what you're asking. But I guarantee the city will fall,” Jack said, wondering what Hoffman would say about it. “Have you heard anything new about Jill’s location?”

“Nothing. If what you said is true, my spies would have picked something up, but no news of a girl matching her description has reached us.”

Jack pursed his lips, leaning back in his chair. “Fuck.”

“Are you sure Roland has her?” Selfia asked, her hand moving a file away stamped with the logo Khloros.

“Yes, I'm sure of it,” Jack said, flexing his hands. “Have you gotten anything from the Bishop?”

“You mean our resident vegetable? Besides drooling everywhere, nothing. What did you do to him?” Selfia asked.

“I opened up his mind,” Jack replied before getting up. “What's our timetable for the invasion?”

“I can give you a day to prep. I know you just got back, but war waits for no one.”

“Okay.” Jack turned, moving to leave Selfia's office.

“Oh! Your grandma says hi! And Victoria wants to know if you're gonna call her. Whatever the fuck that means,” Selfia called out as Jack left the office.

Jack paused, his eyes downcast, “Windermere…”

Standing in the palace's courtyard, Jack exhaled, the air leaving his lungs as he meditated and felt the mana surrounding him. Beside him stood Lilith and Sahaqiel, the two acting in concert to regulate the flow of energy in and out of his body and around his core.

“Your core is looking good, Jack–real strong, there's barely any cracks now,” Sahaqiel said. “In fact, you don’t even need me anymore.”

“I’ll always need you, Sara,” Jack replied, causing the angel to swoon comically.

“Are we done? I have things I want to do,” Lilith hissed, crossing her arms as her black wings flapped gently.

“You mean stalk my daughter?” Jack muttered, causing Lilith to scowl.

“I'm not stalking her like some creep! I'm making sure she's safe!”

“Aw, you actually have a heart!” Sahaqiel teased, with Lilith snapping at the angel.

Jack opened his eyes, pulling up his system.

Angel System Status Level 10

TITLE: Nephilim [Regeneration++ Mana Synthesis++]

User: Jack Tanjihiro Chae-wong

Total Class Level: 15

HP 500/500

Soul Ignite [ERROR!]

CLASS: Key Holder Level 3

CLASS: White Mage Level 3*

CLASS: Wind Aesir Level 10*

MP 186/322[050/300] [Reservoir]

Free Points: 30

AFFINITIES

LIGHT[40]

WIND[75]

FIRE[25]

ABYSSAL[25]

STATS:

STRENGTH: 75

VITALITY: 50

SENSE: 45

AGILITY: 40

ARCANA: 170

POTENTIAL: 17

SOUL STRENGTH: 10

Spiritrons Available: 3 (View list)

Spiritron Slotted: Ruby Viole Lamprouge(Loyal)

Summon Class: Soulfire Shielder(70MP)

Usable Skills: Wall of Immovable Chalk(20MP), Moonlight Roar(30MP), Spirit Imbue(20MP), Energy Blast/SV(15MP), Indomitable Spirit(30MP). Guard(10MP).

[BUFFS]: Partial Rune of Atalanta(Left+Right Leg+10 Agility modifier) Weakened Sigil of Gehenna(Left arm+3 Strength),Fractional Blessing of Sahaqiel(+20 Wind Affinity+10 Light Affinity) Skill Siphoning. Pain Tolerance LvL 4. Sense of Bodily Self(Detect bodily belongings) Mental Fortitude LvL 1, Fire Resistance LvL 2, Mana Control LvL 5, Apprentice of the Wind(+5 Wind Affinity) Mana Recovery LvL 3(Passive Recovery+5 MP/s), Elemental Resistance LvL1, Streamline LvL1.(Reduce mana cost of skills), Ride the Lightning, Lightweight+, Aesir Constitution. Nephilim Constitution. Mana Resistance LvL 1. Blessed(+2 Potential).

[DEBUFFS]: [?1h^&a)o3”] Soul Binding -20MP, Soul Fracture, System Disruption.

[RESISTANCES]: +10 Radiation +75 Anti-Curse, +105 Anti-Corruption. +10 Inertia +15 Fire Resistance +20 Mental resistance, +5 Paralytic Resistance, +10 Freeze Resistance, +5 Poison Resistance, +5 Light resistance, +5 Void Resistance, +5 Wind resistance, +5 Life Resistance.

SKILLS

[Slot 1]: Authority of Gehenna LvL 3 (Absorb Mana and dominate it at a short distance.)

[Slot 2]: Fira LvL 4: (Let loose a burst of hot flames from palm. Toggle to continuously drain MP to maintain flame effect.) 10MP(10/s)(AUG1: Extension)

[Slot 4]: Wind Blade LvL 5: (Condense wind into a blade and fire it, now with increased range and sharper potency.) 1MP

[Slot 4]: Dash LvL 3: (Acquire a burst of speed. Toggle to continuously drain MP to maintain speed) 5MP (2/s)

[Slot 5]: Eyes of the Angel: {Focus your sight. Analyze creatures as you see them.} [5 MP Keybind not set] -20 HP to copy a skill

[Slot 6]: Organic Consume LvL EX: (Extend your mana to dissolve items to replenish nutrients, items depend on the complexity of the material.) MP (1)

[Slot 7]: Healing Hands LvL 5: (Extend your mana to stitch flesh back together. Toggle to continuously drain MP to expedite healing using the target's bodily resources.) 2MP(10/s)

[Slot 8]: Flash Bang LvL 2: (Release a blast of bright mana, stunning foes. Delay function.) 15MP

[Slot 9]: Smite Ray LvL 3: (Unleash a blast of Light infused mana from above at your target, smiting them.) 15MP

[Slot 10]: Soothe LvL 5: (Using your mana, you help to ease the pain of others.) 1MP

[Slot 11]: Regenerate LvL 7: (Circulate your mana to quickly regenerate yourself and others. Uses bodily resources.) 2MP/s 15HP/s

[Slot 12]: Mana Barrier LvL 4: (Conjure a physical barrier of mana to blunt attacks) 20MP

[Slot 13]: Wind Sphere LvL 4: (Form a large-sized ball of skin tearing air in your palms. Accelerate the wind by expending more mana) 5MP(5/s)

[Slot 14]: Gust LvL EX: (Conjure an adjustable gust of biting wind, can be manipulated based on energy consumed.) 3MP

[Slot 15]: Shocking Touch LvL 3: (Utilize your mana to send an electric shock to anything you touch, can expend mana too.)

[Slot 16]: Windshield LvL 3: (Pressurize wind to conjure a protective barrier of cutting wind.) MP 15

[Slot 17]:Feather Fall LvL 2: (Designate an area to manipulate wind to conjure a rising dampening effect to cushion impact.) 10MP/s

[Slot 18]: Lightning Bolt LvL 3: (Conjure an electric charge and shock targets at close to medium range.) 10MP

[Slot 19]:Mana Release LvL EX: (Radiate mana to let your presence be known) 1-Max capacity MP

[Slot 20]: [ATTACHE SKILL]: (Daedalus Armory: Control the feathers of Daedalus as if they were an extension of yourself.) 5-100MP/ Keybind{Eleanor} 45/60 Feathers.

[Slot 21] Dispel Curse LvL 1: (Disrupt and dispel curse effects. Effectiveness varies depending on curse and level. Warning! Skill may have unintended side effects!)

[Slot 22] Heal LvL 5: (Using your magical power and life force you inject healing into another.) 60HP/10MP

[Slot 23] Shell LvL1: (Conjure a shell of magical power to shield yourself.) 15MP/s

[Slot 24] Purify LvL 3: (Inject light energy to counteract corruptive forces.) 35MP

[Slot 25] Energize LvL 3: (Course lightning through your body to accelerate your reflexes). 10 MP/s

[Slot 26] Wind Cage LvL 4: (Form a cage of cutting wind, slashing anyone that attempts to break free). 25MP

[Slot 27] Lightning Imbue LvL4:(Imbue an object with lingering lightning.) 15MP

[Slot 28] Volt Repulse LvL 4: (Channel electricity in your core before blasting the area around you, delay to charge your body with Energize.) 20MP/s Chargeable.

[Slot 29] Frost Breath LvL 2: (Channel Mana and release a breath of chilling fog, obscuring vision and inflicting chill on those entering within the mist.) 20MP

[Slot 30] Fulmination LvL 1: (Project an untamed blast of lightning, scorching and disintegrating everything around you.) 150MP

[Slot 31] Hover LvL 6: (Gather Mana to adjust your weight, allowing your body to hover in place for a short time.) 5MP/S

[Slot 32] Pores Fog LvL 1: (Emit a magical fog from your body that is difficult to dispel. 50MP)

[Slot 33] Harden LvL 2: (Use mana to condense your skin cells, strengthening them against sharp and piercing blows.)

[Slot 34] Telekinetic Hold LvL 1: (Use mana to bind something with your will.) 40 MP/S

[Slot 35] Flash Freeze LvL 1: (Condense mana and rapidly lower the temperature of a touched object to freeze it.) 30MP

Thanks to his recent incursion into the Theocracy, he had picked up a few new skills, and leveled a few new skills, granting him increased efficiency. After killing so many demonspawn and humans, his Wind Aesir class had finally reached its max level, allowing him to advance his class.

Still, despite having access to true magic, the system still granted him access to different skills and allowed him to track his progress, a useful tool despite not being as reliant on the system.

Jack frowned, eyeing the curated advancements Sahaqiel had picked out.

[Living Lightning: You are attuned with the raw natural power of lightning. Within you is a spark that is as raw and chaotic as the storms that have laid waste to entire cities.]

[Wind Seraphim: Sahaqiel was the first of the gods to take flight. As a gifted being saturated in the energies of the air, you walk the path of the first angel, spreading your metaphorical wings and soaring freely with bolt and wind in your arsenal so that not may touch you.]

[Thunder Bringer: The quake of thunder heralds your arrival. As the embodiment of thunder, you command the awe and ire of others. You are an apex lightning bender, and any who stands up to you will be silenced with a boom.]

Jack eyed his class selections. Compared to others, his class progression was lightning-fast, but he couldn't help but lament his wasted time and effort.

Maybe he could break through to a full angel to be stronger? But Sahaqiel didn't know how and Jack's evolution seemed to have come to a crawl, forcing Jack to rely on his system once more.

“Tanji?” Yukino said, her voice breaking his concentration.

Ah, about time. Jack said to himself before turning to face the woman.

Chapter 41

Love?

“So, how are you feeling?” Jack said, drying his sweating body with a towel.

After sitting so long under the sunlight, Jack's body now sported a flattering tan. Yukino couldn’t stop staring at the man who towered over her.

“Better. I wanted to apologize about-”

“Look, don't mention it,” Jack cut her off. “You weren't in a good headspace, and honestly, I didn't think it was a great idea to drag you out with us.”

“No, I needed the air…” Yukino said. Jack gestured for her to take a seat on a nearby green mat where a delicate white tea set was laid out.

“So, how are you feeling?” Jack said, passing a small jiang tea cup to Yuki.

“Is this-?”

“From Hoshido? Yeah, a gift from Mo Ye,” Jack said, fishing out a letter and handing it to Yuki. “The village is coming along nicely. With the Imperial techs helping to rebuild, she's been exploring new hobbies.”

Yuki eyed the cup, a small smile on her face before she set it down on the mat.

“Tanji… I think I hate you.”

Jack sipped his tea and adjusted his shorts. “Yeah, I think I hate me too sometimes. So, let's talk.”

“I have something for you,” Yukino said, taking out a burlap bundle from a storage ring. “From my brother. He left it for me to give to you.”

Jack looked down at the parchment. His eyes picked up the faint energy that coursed through the image of a fierce snake-like dragon surrounded by storms.

“What… what is this?” Jack asked, his eyes looking up at the woman.

“A tattoo guardian. A gift to symbolize the chosen guardian of a nomadic tribe. Fujimaru always rejected it, so our father held onto it. But… Kenichi thought you should have it, as a symbol of what you are to us,” Yuki said, reminding Jack of the tattoo on Tenno's back.

“What… uh, what do I do with it?”

“Do you not want it?”

“I do. I think I like it,” Jack smirked, eyeing the storms that swirled around the dragon.

“Here, turn around.”

Jack cocked his head to the side.

“Just do it, dummy. I can apply it to your back.”

“I thought tattoos were supposed to be inked on?” Jack said,

“Normally, yes, but this is more like a stencil,” Yukino said, pressing the paper on Jack's back. “It’s applied with mana.”

Jack could feel a tingling sensation on his back. His mana flow seemed to improve as the tattoo was grafted onto his skin.

[Mana Efficiency+2%]

Jack blinked, eyeing the notification.

“Is it done?” Jack asked as Yuki peeled the paper away.

“Yeah… yeah it is,” Yukino said, her eyes fixed on the black-and-white tattoo, which sparked with electricity and bleed color, transforming.

As Jack watched a now-humming Yukino leave, he sighed.

“Are you sure you're okay leaving it like that?” Sahaqiel asked, materializing beside Jack.

“It's for the best right now,” Jack replied as he clenched his fist. “I need to keep her away and busy until Ivan's no longer useful. Plus, Kenichi can use an annoying voice to pester him.”

“But sending her back home?”

“Ignore her, she's just horny,” Lilith hissed as Sahaqiel scowled.

“I liked it better when you didn't talk.”

“I would like it better if you two got along,” Jack said, as he placed the tea set to the side for Kamila, who entered the courtyard with a cart.

“Are you done?” Kamila asked, averting her gaze from Jack's body and the tattoo on his back.

“You know, you don't have to be shy around me, right? It's not like we haven't seen each other naked,” Jack chuckled, causing Kamila to blush.

“It's still embarrassing…” Kamila said, before handing Jack a fresh cup of aromatic tea. “Uhm, here you go. I made this for you.”

“Huh? Thanks,” Jack said, sniffing the black liquid, which smelled like a rose.

Was this mixed with roses? Jack took a sip, blinking a few times as he tried to ascertain the taste and flavor.

Minty? With a hint of cinnamon? What is this?

“Do you like it?” Kamila asked, looking at Jack earnestly as if expecting something.

“It's not bad, very different. What’s in this?” Jack asked, taking another sip.

“Just some stuff to help blood flow and mana circulation,” Kamila said, as Jack rubbed his hand, which now felt oddly sweaty.

“Here, have a cookie.”

“Oh, thanks,” Jack said, taking the treat, which looked like a chocolate chip cookie, but tasted very… bland? That was typical of Kamila’s baking. “Hey, I've been meaning to thank you for looking after…”

Jack paused, suddenly feeling his body temperature rising.

“Are you okay?” Kamila asked, cocking her head to the side as she bit her lower lip.

Jack downed his tea, attempting to wash the dryness of the cookie away.

“Yeah… just… huh…” Jack felt hot, his mind fuzzy as he tried to process what was happening. Had he been poisoned? No. Jack's system would have notified him and he didn't think Kamila would hurt him… would she?

“Ada is asleep and Leona is with Celeste at school,” Kamila said, tucking her chin into her scarf as she approached the now-stumbling Jack. “The queen is giving a speech today, so the palace is empty…”

“Kam… Kamila… what did you do to me?” Jack hissed, rousing his mana as Kamila pressed her hand against his bare chest, her head resting on his pecs.

Suddenly, Jack's pants became tight, his body overcome with desire as his eyes snapped to Kamila.

Oh… I see.

She licked her lips, scrambling back as the hungry animal suddenly advanced on her.

“Uggghh, this fucking sucks!” Selfia let out, slamming a glass onto the bar table as she laid down her blonde head.

“What's wrong, Selti?” Kale said, the bartender pouring the queen-in-disguise another glass of vodka before he went back to juggling his other clientele.

“Just boy troubles…” Selfia sighed, stirring her drink lazily. “Kale, how do you get a boy to like you?”

The bartender raised a brow. “Why are you asking me? I've never dated a man.”

“I don't know, you're a guy, I just thought…” Selfia sighed again as Python sat beside her, slack-jawed.

“Can I go home now? I have reports I need to work on,” Python asked.

“No! That's an order!” Selfia spat, downing her glass. “Besides, if you leave, you won't get to meet the love of your life!”

It was Python's turn to scowl.

Dressed in slacks and a green button-down shirt, Python sat beside Selfia and nursed his glass of whiskey. After being refused by Jack, Selfia had no one to hang out with except for Violet, who only stared, and Leona, who was busy chasing Celeste around.

In short… Selfia had no friends.

“Please don't tell me you brought me here to set me up,” Python groaned.

“You need to get laid. Plus, I'm tired of you moping all the time!”

“Moping? I don't mope, lass,” Python said as a brunette woman wearing a Selfian uniform entered the bar.

“CC!” Selfia shot up, hugging her friend.

“Selti!” the sergeant cried, returning Selfia's excitement with a hug. “Oh, it's so good to see you!”

As the two embraced, Python looked away, focusing instead on his glass as the two women spoke in increasingly excited, high-pitched voices.

I should have pretended to be sick… Python lamented.

“Whiskey neat, please,” CC said, taking a seat between Selfia and Python and reaching out with a hand to greet Python. “Hi, I'm- wait, I know you.”

“Do you?” Python replied, uninterested. Although the woman wasn't bad-looking, he just had too much on his mind.

“Yeah, you're Python Est, you were there at Frelia,” the woman scowled. “You're the reason my sister died.”

The noise pollution of the bar audibly dimmed, several of the patrons within eyed the duo as Kale narrowed his eyes.

“Oh? What was her name?” Python asked, turning away nonchalantly from the non-Awakened woman to focus on his daylily and his drink.

“Diana Colt,” CC said, staring at Python. “Do you remember her?”

At the name, Python paused, his gaze fixed on his glass. “Eighty-Ninth-C, Kindersoldat group out of Bakor. Fluent in Cintelize?”

“Yeah,” CC said as the bartender delivered her glass of whiskey. “So, watcha been up to, dick?”

Python sighed, turning his gaze to Selfia, who held two thumbs up.

Chapter 42

Briefing for the Siege of Windermere

“With the activation of the old Earth orbital relays and weaponized satellites, Selfian forces have brought the Roland army to its knees. Fresh from his conquest of the Cintelli Theocracy, King Consort Jack Cordellica, son of the infamous Queen Slayer, now turns his attention towards Windermere and the last bastions of the Roland army. Could this be the dawning of a new age? This researcher is on his heels as to what comes next”- Loyd Hawk On his Talk to Ya Podcast.

Aboard the Roland, Eat a Bag of Dicks, Jack rubbed his head, a headache beginning to form, as he sat at his desk being yelled at by the voice coming from his Intellipad.

“For the last time, I don't remember any of that,” Jack said, as Ada continued to yell. Of course, he did know, but it was embarrassing to talk about.

“How could you not?! There's white stuff everywhere! Leona still can't walk straight, and all Kamila does is blush and daydream about yo-”

“Daddy!” Celeste called out, appearing into view.

“Hey, honey,” Jack said, a wide smile on his face, happy about the interruption. “How's your day, princess?”

“Good! Ho-sook got me candy!” Celeste exclaimed, bouncing up and down while flashing a smile filled with colorful leftovers.

“Ah… Really? I'll have to talk to her,” Jack smiled outwardly, regretting putting the teenager on bodyguard duty.

“Well, at least she's having fun,” Sahaqiel said, before a certain green-haired Duchess, who waved to the screen before leaving, dragged Celeste off.

Suddenly, footsteps vibrated against the floor nearby. Judging from the gait, it was Jessica here to get him for his briefing.

“I’ll be right there!” Jack called out before turning back to Ada.

“Oooh. You aren't off the hook, mister!” Ada hissed before her expression softened. “Please be safe. I love you. I don't want to be a single mother.”

“You won't be. I love you too,” Jack said, kissing his hand and placing it over the screen before he signed off.

Taking a moment, Jack eyed his system, having selected his new class, Wind Seraphim. His attunement with the wind had escalated his sensitivity to changes in the air, including the vibrations and noises of a thousand souls moving in tandem on the ship. It had taken a moment, but thanks to Sahaqiel, he could suppress the sounds.

Was he stronger? Not much; his natural mana manipulation was stronger than the system taught skills, but it at least augmented his skill set.

Jack donned his uniform coat, adorned with medals, and exited his cabin, walking towards the ship's observation deck, where he could see the bulk of his troops mustered below. This included three thousand infantrymen, one platoon of tanks, a company of MECHFrames, and one squadron of fighter pilots with a wing of bombers.

The SIA: Fuck You, Roland, its official designation, was a King Raven-Class airship, one of six in service to the Selfian Imperial Air Force. With its array of support weapons, 120mm and 380mm cannons, it could take on an entire city while fending off demonspawn attacks with its CIWs.

It was the same ship that had taken on and held off an entire Cintelli invasion force to buy Frelia time. Now it was underway to join the assault on Windermere, with its entire arsenal under Jack's command.

“Lord Consort,” Jessica said, bowing her head. “Admiral Skirita and Director York are waiting for you on the command deck.”

“Then let's not keep them waiting,” Jack said, turning with his adjutant following him.

“His Majesty, the Lord Consort!” Jessica announced upon entering the bridge, summoning all hands to salute their king.

Clean shaven, hair cut, Jack held all the markings of a military officer, so much so that Admiral Skirita and the former sergeant-turned-Director York, did a double-take upon eyeing the man who had once been a wide-eyed teen.

“At ease,” Jack said, waving the soldiers off as he walked to the holodeck. “Admiral, bring me up to speed.”

Director York smirked, “You heard the King, Admiral,”

“We are an hour away from the Windermere staging point,” Skirita said. The gray-haired officer was sitting in his command chair, beckoning to the display that showed all fifteen battle groups descending on the fortified city. “Once we link up with the other battlegroups, we will disembark our ground forces before moving to skirmish the Roland Air Force.”

“Skirmish? Why not try to achieve air dominance?” Jack asked, eyeing the army of land ships, aircraft, and battlegroups surrounding the city.

At Skirita’s command, Lieutenant Harper stepped forward, changing the screen.

“Roland forces are dug in and have at their disposal a retinue of anti-ship emplacements protected by mage officers and MECHFrames. Combined with their Air Fleet, a full frontal assault on their forward defensive line would result in a forty-five percent combat effectiveness reduction of our forces,” Lieutenant Harper reported, a fancy way of saying a lot of people would die. “We've had the AIs run the analytics and multiple battle sims, and while victory over Windermere is guaranteed, the casualty rates to blitz the city are unsustainable for our ongoing campaign.”

“So, what's our plan?”

“Our airships on station will only be able to provide limited air coverage for our ground forces until those guns are down. So the first stage of our operation is to locate and eliminate the enemy emplacements. Given the situation, it is highly probable that Roland command is aware of our intentions and have stationed mage officers to protect their defenses, so it will be a heavy fight. After the enemy AA are dealt with, we'll move in with the rest of our fleet to destroy the enemy trenches before assaulting the city proper.”

Jack studied the map, looking for Colette's position.

“Okay, before we begin our assault, I want to issue a call of surrender to the Roland forces,” Jack said, surveying the gathered officers. "If we can reduce the casualties, we ought to try. I want a unit dedicated to accepting prisoners and housing them.”

“Yes,” Skirita said, “I'm aware of your special situation. Make no mistake, Lord Consort, while you are officially in charge of this campaign, operational command still belongs to me. You are here as a special attaché. If your actions jeopardize the security of our war effort, I will do what needs to be done in order to fulfill our queen's orders. ”

“I understand,” Jack replied, all too happy to relinquish tactical command to someone else. After all, his skills were best suited to punching things rather than planning and strategizing. “What can I do to help?”

Skirita glanced towards the Director, who stepped forward, “We've identified multiple named mage officers on the battlefield, several members of House Light and House Charlemagne who are leading the defense alongside their retinue of knights. To expedite our assault, eliminating these targets would ease the pain of our ground forces. We need someone to open up breaches in the Roland defense and demoralize their soldiers.”

Harper transferred a list of targets to Jessica's Intellipad, who handed it to Jack for review.

“There's well over a dozen Awakened here,” Jack frowned. “Some have Anti-Army skills…”

“With the firing of the orbital arrays, most of the Roland forces have congregated to defend their remaining bastions. Before we begin our assault, we'll deploy an Anti-Army skill for a clash to nullify further Anti-Army skills.”

“This is a target-rich environment. Why not hit them from afar?” Jack said, parroting something he once heard Selfia say. “Why not fire the lasers across the trenches? Smoke them out?”

“Technical issues related to heating and repair, mostly,” York replied with a frown. “Most of the satellites are refurbished old-earth tech. Not to mention needing the satellites in proper orbit to fire. The weapons are a strategic tool with limited use, not something we can use at will.”

“Great,” Jack muttered, “Hard way it is, then. What about demonspawn activity?”

“We've got reserve units dedicated to their interception and elimination. The battlefield is secure. You just need to focus on your tasks. We'll handle the rest, sir.”

Jack sighed slightly.

“Alright, keep me updated,” Jack said as he readied himself for war.

Chapter 43

Anti-Army

From her concrete bunker layered with titanium sheets, Colette watched through her observation scope aimed at the Selfian assault force a hundred klicks out.

“There's so many…” Hoffman muttered, a hard look on his face as he observed the enemy aircraft hovering just out of range of their 155-millimeter Tarkov anti-armor cannons. These were weapons designed to tackle the roaming Titan-class demonspawn that once roamed the surface. Now, they had been repurposed to fight not the terrors of the night, but mankind.

“You are correct, lieutenant. But so long as we keep the enemy away from our gun batteries, their logistic lines will run dry attempting to handle both demonspawn and a frontal assault,” Colette said, turning her scope to the matriarch class tanks. “We only need to buy time.”

For what? The two words hung on Colette's lips, almost threatening to come out.

“Captain Light,” a radio technician called out, signaling Colette. Like most of the knights under House Light's command, he had been adopted into the House, in an unprecedented move to secure loyalty.

“Report,” Colette said before stepping away from the observation scope to face the crowd of technicians and support staff coordinating requests within the command bunker.

“There's a signal broadcast from the Selfian army. It's full spectrum, every receiver is picking it up!”

A demoralization tactic?

Brow furrowed, she stepped over to the soldier and took a spare headset to listen in alongside Hoffman.

“... Citizens of the Empire-”

Stunned, Colette's breathing stopped as her ears picked up the familiar voice of a boy named Jack.

“-I am Jack Cordelica, son of the Queen Slayer, and King Consort of her Majesty, Queen Selfia Cordelica-”

Jack… it was Jack! Colette’s vision shook, her hands sweaty as visions of a singular night of passion filled her mind.

“-I reach out to you now to offer you a chance to lay down your arms, to survive the coming battle that will lay waste to this city. Imperial war doctrine dictates that so long as you have the means to resist, you are forbidden to surrender. But that Imperium is dead, ashes for the future of which you can be part… So I ask you, citizens of the empire, do not stand in the way of the future.”

“Tch,” Hoffman scowled, the sentiments on his face shared by others nearby. “Selfia obliterated entire cities! No way in hell I'd ever surrender to those Selfian dogs!”

“If you wish to surrender, no harm will befall you. You will be treated humanely, and allowed to live in the Cordelica Democracy as a free citizen,” Jack continued.

What? Colette went wide-eyed.

At the word Democracy, the gathered Roland loyalists stood, stunned, wondering if they had heard correctly.

Democracy?! The implications of such a word ran contrary to everything on which the Empire had been built!

Was this a ploy?

Jack wasn't the kind of person to try some underhanded maneuver. This sounded more like something Selfia would do.

Colette pursed her lips, her emotions abuzz as she realized she'd have to fight Jack.

“Disregard the enemy's words! The Selfians are attempting to sow seeds of doubt!” Hoffman barked, silencing several soldiers who had muttered amongst themselves.

Hoffman turned to Colette, concern evident on his face, “Captain, we need to silence the enemy's broadcast. We cannot allow them to continue a stratagem of confusion.”

Colette stood there, unsure of what to do as a heavy feeling hung heavy on her heart. Jack had manipulated her, used her, twisted her mind into loving him. Yet why did she feel so conflicted? Why did she-

“Captain!” Hoffman yelled, pulling her elbow to get her attention as mana swelled nearby.

Someone on their side was casting an Anti-Army skill!

“It seems your call to surrender wasn't well-received,” Admiral Skirita said as the command deck of the ship picked up the influx of mana, indicative of an Anti-Army skill. “Is our countermeasure ready?”

“Captain Belfusa is responding in kind. Her Anti-Army skill is deploying!” Lieutenant Harper barked, as Jack rushed to look out the viewport for any sign of the Black Rose Captain.

Ice?

Then he saw her: Eleanor's sister chanting as a whirl of ice coated the outer viewport of his ship and the temperature of the room plummeted. Jack narrowed his eyes, watching the woman standing upon the bow of a nearby airship as a powerful blizzard swarmed past.

To his left, Jack could feel the power of another Anti-Army skill.

He turned, joining the parka-wearing officers observing the towers of light erected in the distance.

“All hands brace for Anti-Army skill detonation,” Skirita said, speaking into an intercom as the entire bridge, save for Jack, rushed to their positions.

To Jack's eyes, he could see the constructs were bursting with mana, massive towers that channeled energy from below to power the orbs suspended above the towers.

Then it fired, the Anti-Army skill unleashing a blinding wave of light that was met with a massive fog of mana that detonated upon impact.

Jack winced, the deafening detonation akin to a star going supernova to his eyes.

“Pale imitations…” Sahaqiel muttered.

If Sahaqiel considered this a pale imitation, Jack didn't want to see what a true Anti-Army skill could do.

“The battlefield is saturated. Confirm Anti-Army cancellation,” Lieutenant Harper reported, shivering at her terminal. “Dampening field in effect.”

To Jack's eyes, the entire field in front of him was like a wall of random colors. A rainbow spilled onto the battlefield, the result of the clash of two titanic powers. With this, Awakened on the battlefield would have their powers dampened by the hyperactive mana coating the air, but Jack…

“Huh…” Jack muttered as the booms of artillery cannons shook the command bridge. “Admiral Skirita.”

“Yes, Lord Consort?” The commander replied, barely paying Jack any mind as his gaze focused on his command terminal.

“I will be taking to the field.”

At his words, the entire command staff turned, a pause settling on the bridge.

“Respectfully Lord Consort, but we-”

“I'm not asking, I'm telling you. I’ll eliminate the guns, while the dampening field is in effect. Have your airfleet on standby. I will be the tip of the spear,” Jack said before leaving to find his child's mother.

Chapter 44

Battlefront

Standing at the edge of the MECHFrame launchpad, Jack surveyed the ongoing bombardment of the once-lush landscape of grass and rolling hills that stretched out before him.

For the Imperial mage officers hunkered in trenches and fortifications, it was a nuisance; but for the regular men and women who bore Roland’s colors, this was hell. Jack could hear their screams, the Wind Seraphim class augmenting his senses and picking up the cries of anguish on the winds.

Colette was out there, somewhere amidst the chaos, commanding soldiers.

“Sir! Sir!” Jessica huffed, the lieutenant finally catching up to Jack. “Please reconsider! You cannot take to the field! It's too dangerous!”

“For who?”

“You! If you go out, we can't support you! And if you die, it will demoralize our army and embolden the Roland defenders!” Jessica exclaimed as Jack's silver feathers twisted into wings. “Please, this isn't like the Cintelli front. The Roland soldiers are trained and supported. Ada would have my head if something happened to you!”

Ada not Selfia… Jack smirked, amused that the lieutenant was more afraid of the pregnant Ada than the Queen of the Empire.

“I'm well aware of what I'm doing,” Jack assured, spreading his wings. “Besides, a leader should make a name for himself. Have Admiral Skirita continue his bombardment. I'll need the screening.”

And with that, Jack was off, soaring through the air amidst the canopy of artillery rounds and cannon fire that flew nearby as Jessica screamed, "WHAT?! WAIT!!"

Sara, Lilith, help me, Jack asked, the two specters flying in different directions to search for Colette as Jack hovered atop the enemy defensive lines.

Suddenly, a spark, a ricochet of a bullet snapped off of his mana barrier. The soldiers below were firing at him, shooting their guns despite the hail of hellfire surrounding them.

Jack ignored the soldiers, funneling the hyperactive mana in the air to strengthen his mana barrier as his eyes scanned the battlefield.

Hm. Sixteen Awakened nearby. A few yellow, mostly orange… two cyans. Jack counted the Awakened, his angel vision picking out the Roland mage officers clearly through the chaos. None nearby were a threat to Jack–at least none that he recognized.

The cyans are probably officers. Maybe I should ask them.

Jack descended, landing in a trench, where he was immediately beset by a hailstorm of automatic gunfire.

“Enemy mage! Enemy mage in the trench! FIX BAYONETS!” A Roland soldier cried before charging Jack with a bayonet.

“Move,” Jack said, catching the barrel of the man's weapon and crushing it under his grip.

The soldier balked, eyes wide, before screaming at the top of his lungs and pulling out a shovel. "DIE SELFI-"

“I said move,” Jack said, grabbing the man by the face and forcefully displacing the soldier into the nearby trench wall.

With his path clear, Jack continued forward, the other soldiers fleeing and shooting at Jack as he strolled calmly down the trench.

“Earth Shape!”

Jack suddenly found himself bound, the earthen walls of the trench morphing to catch him in a vice. Before him stood a mage officer, a blonde Roland lieutenant in red armor, glaring at Jack, who was now surrounded by armed infantry.

“Jack,” Sahaqiel said, “They’re moving cannons to target you. I can deflect them or search for Colette, but I can’t do both. If they start pummeling us, we might be in danger.”

Okay, keep a wind barrier up. Jack replied, deciding to find the information he sought another way.

“You must have a death wish jumping into our trench like that!” The officer spat, clenching his fists together, with the earthen vice around Jack tightening ever so slightly.

“Where is your company headquarters?” Jack asked calmly, much to the dismay of the Awakened officer.

“W-why isn't my skill crushing you?!”

“Answer my question,” Jack ordered. The earthen vice broke apart as the magical energy that kept it together abruptly vanished.

With his skill nullified, the mage raised his hand, chanting a quick incantation before firing a bolt of mana at Jack, who promptly caught it in his palm.

“This is the last time I’ll ask nicely,” Jack said, crushing the sphere of energy with the mana becoming his own.

“O-o-open fire!”

Annoying way it is, then.

The air shifted, the nearby soldiers impacting the ground unceremoniously as Jack simply waved his hand.

“Wh-what?!” the mage officer exclaimed, not sensing a skill activation from Jack.

“Oxygen toxicity,” Jack said calmly as he towered over the officer and lifted the man up by his throat, “The spike in air pressure forces an excess of oxygen into their bloodstreams, causing an instant blackout. The reverse of what I'm doing to you, but with similar results.”

Jack tightened his grip, the officer flailing frantically.

“Having to repeat myself is getting annoying,” Jack growled before bringing the terrified man to meet his gaze. “Where IS your command post?”

“JACK!”

At the warning Jack spun, twisting his body just in time to catch a blast of mana with his forearm and deflect a tank round with Wind.

Under the canopy of falling debris, Jack glared at the crew of the hidden anti-tank emplacement under his wind dome, the red-armored soldiers rushing to reload as two yellow-core mages charged toward Jack.

“Ruby, deal with them,” Jack ordered. The shadow knight emerged to engage the twin assailants while he went to work, prying the information he needed from the officer. “Tell me what I want to know.”

With Lilith’s help, the officer withered, his memories being forcefully sifted through as Jack invaded his mind.

Guttural screams filled the air, both from in front of Jack and around him as Ruby’s shield and chains ripped through the Roland imperials.

“I see…” Jack frowned, dropping the soldier, more questions than answers in his mind. “So you’re underground…”

From the man’s memories, he could see that the Roland soldiers weren’t operating from a singular command structure but several, a spider’s web to link their forces in case of a Selfian decapitation strike.

Clever. Jack frowned, climbing out of the trench, walking upon open ground, where hundreds of guns opened fire to greet him.

This just meant he would need to search every one of them until he found his target. In the meantime, he might as well take care of that list.

Under the constant barrage of Selfian artillery, Colette gritted her teeth, the reports of numerous casualties reaching her ears down within the concrete bunker that served as the eastern command bloc.

“Captain Light!” an operator called out, taking Colette’s attention away from the holomap she and Hoffman were standing over depicting the battlefield.

“What is it?”

“An enemy mage officer has infiltrated our trench lines!” The soldier reported.

One?

Colette had a sinking feeling she knew who it was.

“Details, get us more information,” Hoffman demanded, with the technician sending the relevant information to a large monitor.

“Cameras fifty-three and fifty-six are up on screen. Feed live from South Bloc-4.”

Colette and her adjutants gathered around the screen, watching as six 120mm cannons fired in unison at a plume of smoke.

“Switch to HE and airburst! Hit near him! Direct shots won't work!” a line officer at the front barked.

Then Colette's and Hoffman's jaws dropped, their hearts sinking in horror as a man wearing nothing but a blue Selfian uniform with silver wings on his back stepped unharmed from the smoke.

“Jack…” Colette whispered unconsciously, drawing Hoffman's eyes.

“KEEP FIRING! Where is our mage support?!” The Line officer barked, drawing his sidearm and firing alongside the barrage of cannons.

“Commander Light and the Sand Mage are gone! They've fallen!” A radio operator reported as Jack drew near. “HQ is dispatching MECHFrame reinforcements! Our orders are to hold! We cannot allow him to attack our train lines.”

“Then keep firing!”

Colette flinched as a cannon fired at Jack with the shell exploding and releasing hundreds of flechettes that were carried away by the wind.

“He's not stopping! Nothing’s working!” A loader cried, dropping a shell and fleeing.

“Fall back! Get the fuck out of here!”

“Where are you going?! Come back here! Stand your ground! Your family is depending on you! The future is depending on you! ARE YOU NOT MEN OF ROLAND?!” The Line officer spat, grabbing a fleeing soldier only to freeze as a shadow descended over him.

Hoffman turned to Colette, “Captain, allow me to sortie with a squad of mages to support the QRF.”

Colette peeled her eyes away from the man and his black-armored shield maiden.

Four years. Four years had passed since she'd last seen him. Four years since she gave up Celeste…

“No, I will go. Inform Major Light of my departure,” Colette said, grabbing her sword as she readied herself to meet Jack in battle.

Chapter 45

Colette

Standing beside an empty anti-ship cannon, Jack stood on the tip of his toes, groaning as he pushed up against the barrel of the weapon.

“There's gotta be a better way to do this,” he hissed, while Ruby fought off an Imperial mage officer attacking her with a scythe.

Finally, the metal of the tungsten cannon groaned, the barrel bending as Jack winced from the sparks from a nearby ricochet.

Just need to bend it a bit more! Jack huffed, surveying the battlefield as his eyes picked up a flurry of cores.

Two greens, an indigo, a blue and several cyans–Imperial mages using flight gear to travel towards him.

At least one named… and model four MECHFrame reinforcements.

Jack frowned. Dealing with running infantrymen and Awakened was one thing, but fighting a MECHFrame was another. While he could drop the air pressure and choke out soldiers at a whim, reaching into a full-sealed machine to attack the operator wasn't something he could quite do… yet.

There was also the problem of the machines initially being anti-demon weapons, constructed with armyrethium-lined blades and heavy weaponry. If these were anything like Damocles or Lovelace, Jack would be hard pressed.

Eight awakened and three MECHs, Jack listed them off before his eyes settled in place on the blonde woman leading the charge.

“Colette…” The name left Jack's mouth as the woman's armored boots touched the ground.

“Halt. Under wartime law, we offer you this one chance to surrender peacefully,” Colette said, the words stinging Jack in a way he wasn't accustomed.

Jack took in the mother of his child fully. At five-foot-four, she was petite, with an athletic body honed by war. Her red armor brandished her affiliation.

“After all these years, that's the first thing you say to me?” Jack said, his tone almost resigned as the mage officers and GEN IV MECHFrames spread out to flank him.

Blue. Jack noted. His eyes focused on Colette's core, which indicated her hard work over the years.

“So, am I to take it you won't surrender?”

“No. Not today,” Jack replied before turning his head to a nearby cyan core. “I would like some space to talk in private, please.”

The mage opened his mouth to speak, yet all sound was drowned out as the wind picked up, the Awakened feeling their strength waning as Jack began siphoning them.

Immediately the MECHFrames reacted, shifting their weapons upon Jack as he closed his eyes.

Sahaqiel.

The ground exploded, a wind storm rising with Jack at its epicenter.

The strength of his wind currents pushed the MECHFrames back, the Awakened sent tumbling into the air, as those aboard the Selfian air carriers observed Jack with awe.

Wide-eyed, Colette could only gawk at the man floating from the ground, exuding power that shouldn't have been possible in a mana-dampening field. For common mages, they could use basic skills, conjure up mana barriers, and release attacks to repel assailants, but nothing like what Jack was doing!

Colette could feel the wind blowing past her like a raging ocean of air formed at a whim that made her simultaneously terrified and awestruck.

Aboard the SIA: Fuck You Roland, Admiral Skirita rose from his command chair, watching the storm that had suddenly swelled up within the Roland lines.

“Admiral! The wind spike is threatening to pull us in!” Lieutenant Harper reported.

“Full throttle, pull us back six hundred yards and have General Olivia hold her assault,” Skirita commanded, pursing his lips as he tried to make sense of what was going on below.

Jack opened his eyes. The might of the wind at his beck and call, the energies swirling around him in a vortex of mixed mana. His body seemed to be overcome with the sensation of weightlessness.

A hurricane formed, tropical-level winds picking up with the energy of the two Anti-Army skills reacting to Jack's command.

Through Jack, Sahaqiel called and nature answered, wiping away Roland cannons and drowning out screams.

At the center of the storm, Jack stood before Colette, the two face-to-face for the first time.

“You can't win, Colette. Roland is a lost cause,” Jack said, standing firm amidst the storm. “It's time to come home.”

“Is this what you think this is about?” Colette spat, drawing an armyrethium blade from her scabbard. “My allegiance is to House Light, not that shortsighted bastard. So long as they require, I shall be their stalwart blade. And nothing, not even you, will dissuade me from my duty as a knight.”

“Not even your daughter?” Jack glared, stepping towards Colette whose face twisted with rage. She swung her blade, striking Jack, who didn't react to the weapon stuck in his collarbone. “Feel better?”

“Tch! What do you know?! Don't look at me like that! You filthy dimmie!” Colette hissed, ripping her weapon from Jack's body. “You were dead! Dead!”

Colette’s body hummed with energy, as she summoned a whip of manifested lightning, an impressive feat given the mana-dampening field.

The knight went to swing, yet this time a black chain stopped her. Ruby appeared from behind, binding her wrists while Jack caught her blade.

“I’m here now,” Jack assured, his hand attempting to guide Colette to release her weapon. “Celeste's waiting for you.”

“No! You can't come back into my life after all these years! I forgot you! I left you behind! I gave her up so I wouldn't have to be reminded about what you did to me!” Colette spat, grinding her teeth as lightning sparked from her body.

“Did to you?” Jack replied, caught off-guard by the outburst.

“You dimmie bastard! Did you forget? You twisted my mind! Made me fall in love with you and then-!”

“Colette…” Jack took the woman’s callous hands, holding them as Ruby disappeared. “I’m sorry. That's all I can say. You know I never intended that to happen. I never wanted to hurt you… I never wanted to hurt anyone… These powers, this strength. I never wanted this.”

Jack's eyes were downcast now, shoulders slumped as the pair stood there amidst the storm.

“How is she?” Colette whispered.

“She's doing well. She's going to school-”

Colette looked up, eyes wide with fear.

“-for an education to be something other than a soldier. Other than a killer like you and I,” Jack continued, this time getting to one knee. “Colette, you can be a part of our daughter's future. Be a part of-”

“I can't!” Colette snapped, freeing herself from Jack's grasp. “Not when the fate of House Light is at stake. Even if we surrendered, we'd be assassinated, punished, hunted by the Bell familia for the crimes we committed. I won't allow my family to die.”

"Your family? Celeste is your family!" Jack spat. "She is your daughter who deserves a living mother, not one rotting away in a dungeon or a corpse on a field!"

"You just don't get it," Colette raised her mana. “They gave me everything. Adopted a worthless girl like me and gave me purpose, gave me a home! I can't let them die! I won't! As a Knight of House Light, I will cut a path through any obstacle that stands in their way! Even you!”

Jack rose to his feet. “I see. I'm sorry Colette.”

"I... I have to do this, I..." Colette put on a fake smile, tears flowing from her face as she held her sword aloft, sparks radiating from her body. “Please protect my baby.”

“Goodnight Colette,” Jack sighed as he held his palm outstretched, the woman unable to breath as the wind wrapped around her head and stole her breath. “And forgive me for what I'm about to do.”

Chapter 46

Strength of an Angel

“Take her,” Jack ordered, placing Colette’s unconscious body on a gurney. Helena’s team of Black Rose knights was there to receive her, as well as several other white-haired nobles, who lay unconscious nearby.

Jack climbed atop a ruined gun emplacement, surveying the battlefield.

“Is that all, sir?” Captain Belfusa asked, standing beside Jack with Jessica as allied MECHFrames walked by.

Jessica stood in awe of the destruction. Jack's attack had carved a path of destruction through the Roland defenses. It wasn't enough to bring in Skirita's airships and send their air fleet, but it was still impressive, allowing Selfian soldiers to flood the trenches with MECHFrames moving into positions.

Jack looked down at the silver bars in his hand, a captain’s insignia stripped from Colette's collar. He cast them to the side, throwing away the emblems into the mud as his eyes took in the hellscape before him.

He could hear their cries of anguish, pain, and rage. The wounded and whole alike bellowing their lives into the sky amidst the rounds of lead.

“Don’t lose yourself, Jack,” Sahaqiel cautioned, hovering beside Jack and embracing him. “You are a good man.”

The more I fight, the more I feel as though I’m just a pawn, Sara. A puppet being masterminded by the High Table, with my loved ones as collateral. I’m tired of being a pawn. I’m tired of being used.

In the sky, the Roland airforce stayed back, hovering closer to the city just shy of the shield, perhaps wary of Jack's display of power.

This is my chance to make a statement. Jack narrowed his eyes at the massive airship.

“Oh. I like this.” Lilith snickered, her hunger rising from within Jack.

“Tell Admiral Skirita that all members of the Light familia are to be captured, not killed. Anyone who violates this order will answer to me,” Jack said, sweeping his gaze across the battlefield swarming with gunfire.

Helena furrowed her brow, the officer apprehensive about Jack's order. “Sir, what you’re asking is-”

“I'm well aware of the blowback. Consider it a standing order from your King, Captain,” Jack said, stepping off of the smoldering cannon to stand face-to-face with the blonde officer. “I want them brought in. Alive. But if it comes to it, and you're left with no recourse, do what you have to do.”

Jessica and Helena shared a look, one of subjects guessing what their liege was up to.

“Sir, you should rest. After a display like that, you must be tired,” Jessica coaxed, attempting to bring Jack away from the front lines.

“I’m not,” Jack replied, staring at the tattoos on his hands, which were glowing slightly. He took out a gunblade from his storage device. “The Roland defensive line is broken. Go with the captain and secure the prisoners, in return I will give Selfia victory.”

And like that Jack was off, flying into the air, and leaving little room for discussion as the silver-winged angel headed towards the Roland Air Force.

“Commandant!” Hertz barked, the observer turning to the RIN: Bloodhound’s captain. “Scanners are picking up a mage officer! Closing fast!”

Commandant Gareth Chalky glared at his monitor, the display showing a singular man soaring through the air above the flak cannons, which couldn't reach him.

Silver wings? Shit, it’s the same one from the report!

“Deploy interceptors and have the marines on standby to repel boarders!” Chalky snapped, a sensation of unease welling up within as he tracked the Awakened.

One Awakened charging an airship? Madness. Suicide under normal circumstances, but he had seen the Anti-Army skill firing off in an area that shouldn’t have been stable for him to do so, and watched as thousands of his compatriots were swept away by a raging storm.

This Awakened was dangerous.

Chalky grinned, images of the first war playing in his mind as he recounted a run-in with a certain burning devil.

“Sir?” Asked a nearby officer perched at a console, his tone incredulous.

“You heard me! Do it now! If this mage officer is coming at us, it's for a damn good reason!” Hertz replied as a transpo screen of their launch bay appeared beside him, displaying two squads of MECHFrames readying their flight gear.

Chalky turned his attention to the view before him, the blue-uniformed mage officer floating roughly sixty yards from their bow.

“XO, do we have a targeting solution?”

“Forward cannon is locked, starboard CIWs are loaded, gunners waiting on your command, sir,” Hertz replied.

“Fire at will,” Chalky ordered calmly before the floor beneath him suddenly groaned.

“What the hell?” An officer let out, mirroring Chalky’s thoughts as his view of the outside world seemed to shift.

“Navigation!” Chalky barked.

“Sir! We’re listing! We’re moving off station! Sensors are picking up massive wind turbulence!”

Chalky’s head snapped towards the man in the distance before his eyes shifted to the monitor focused on the mage.

He was floating there, eyes closed, hand outstretched toward them. Chalky turned his attention to the screen showing the launch bay, the MECHs within moving frantically to stabilize themselves as engineers ran.

“Reverse engines! Fire up propellers to counteract the f-”

Suddenly the airship lurched, knocking Chalky and his staff to the side as the groaning intensified. “-Fire! Fire! Fire everything we have at that bastard right now!”

Jack cocked his head sideways, gritting his teeth. Sahaqiel hovered behind him, instructing him as she diverted the storm of gunfire and heavy rounds aimed in his direction.

“You are getting so much closer now. Feel the flow of the wind and direct it, coax it. Gently guide it as you visualize what you wish for.”

Jack closed his eyes, the deafening booms around him mute to his ears as the world peeled away, and he gave his body over to the wind.

Was this what being a true mage felt like? Was this what being free was?

Jack could sense the pull and push of mana, the energy in the air like a full balloon just waiting to pop. Every waking moment he could feel himself grow stronger, more attuned with the world and able to call upon the natural forces. And now, he was about to call upon those same forces to bring a hundred-and-sixty-yard air destroyer down upon a city.

Slowly, Jack opened his glowing gold eyes, embracing the power as the vessel, still firing its one-twenty millimeter guns at him, careened into the city wall and exploded.

Chapter 47

Men Among Monsters

“Confirm sir! Roland troops are in retreat. Infantry are boarding trains and carriers en masse and are evacuating the city,” Harper reported from her terminal upon the bridge of the command ship. “Shall we pursue?”

Admiral Skirita pursed his lips, the graying officer standing beside the transposcreen with his hands clasped as he surveyed the destruction of the city defensive line.

“Incredible…” Skirita whispered, his gaze unable to look away from the storm sweeping across the battlefield.

Beside him, Director York rubbed his chin at the spectacle. “Lieutenant Harper, are we recording?”

“Yes, Director.”

“Document everything, lieutenant. The eggheads back home may make some sense out of this,” York said, ordering the crew despite being a guest aboard the ship.

Skirita took out a cigar, a bad habit he'd developed over the years after watching so many young men die. “Five years.”

“Hm?”

“Since I last saw that punk,” Skirita said as York reached over with a lighter, igniting the cigarette for the older officer. “And look at what he's become.”

“If I didn't know any better, I’d say you sound annoyed at our new king, old friend,” York said as he wiggled his nose at the sweet pungent scent coating the bridge.

Normally it was against regulation to smoke on the bridge, but who was going to stop a full bird admiral?

“Not annoyed, Director, just tired. Men like you and I, what hope do we have against monsters like that? An entire destroyer? An entire defensive line, broken in a day, which would have taken us months,” Skirita shook his head.

“Sir,” Lieutenant Harper butted in, “Shall we give the order to pursue?”

“Negative, lieutenant,” Skirita replied, taking a long drag of his cigar.

“The city defenses are still online. Looks like they aim to flee while having the city cover their retreat,” York surmised. “Do you think our king would be so kind as to level the city for us?”

Skirita grunted, “You want a kid to slaughter an entire city?”

“Why not? You all ask my daughter to do so,” York quipped, his eyes settled on the raging battle below and his daughter stuck in a cryo-pod due to her injuries.

“Remind me how old you are, Director York?” Skirita said, his cigar nearly finished.

“Thirty-eight.”

“And yet you look almost as old as me,” Skirita grumbled, sweeping the cigar ashes at his feet with his boot. “Lieutenant Harper, contact the Jericho and the Vigilance, I want those destroyers advancing to support General Olivia on the ground. And get flight command on the comm, it's about time we got into this fight.”

“Aye sir. Major Vulk linked to your station, instructions sent to the destroyers,” Harper replied as Skirita took a seat at his command chair whilst Director York stared at the silver-wing angel hovering over the city in the distance.

Hoffman fell to his knees, his jaw agape as his gaze focused on his home.

Retreat. The order had been given.

All Roland forces were being ordered to retreat, to regroup around Rolanda, the capital of the new Empire.

Hoffman could scarcely believe it, even as he watched his fellow soldiers board trains, even as he watched his comrades climb into land ships and flee the frontline.

In ‌a day, hell had been brought down upon the Roland army, not because of the Selfians, but because of one man.

“Sir! The last train is leaving!” Corporal Ferdinand shouted, joining Hoffman beside the entrance of the command bunker that now lay in ruins. Following standard retreat operations, the bunker had been destroyed, along with anything that could be valuable to both Roland and Selfian soldiers. “Achmad and Conrad can't stall them anymore! Sir, we've got to move!”

Adolf Hoffman didn't budge, his body rooted to the frozen soil beneath him. His home. His city, which was being sacrificed to buy his king time.

“For a better tomorrow…” Hoffman whispered.

“Sir!”

“Go ahead, corporal, I won't be coming,” Hoffman ordered as he turned his attention towards the figure in the sky watching the Roland soldiers retreat. Fortunately, ‌Jack was ignoring the Roland Air Force, allowing their army to escape.

“But High Command-”

“If it was your home, would you run?” Hoffman demanded, with the corporal falling silent to the echo of gunfire. “Go, join the rest of the army. I will stay behind with the vanguard to defend my home and buy our army time.”

“I…” Ferdinand began but trailed off, a sudden feeling of patriotism welling within the man.

Hoffman turned to the sound of a four-wheeler puma pulling up beside him, the titanium-chassis off-road vehicle operated by a familiar face.

“Sir, the trains are set to depart,” Corporal Conrad reported, visibly bloodied as he sat at the steering wheel of the open-top truck. “Colonel Lambert wishes to know your intentions.”

“I’ll be staying here, corporal. Go join the rest of the army.”

“Understood, sir, if that was the case the Colonel instructed me to stay behind and relay your orders.”

“Go ahead,” Hoffman said, rising to his feet.

“Per Colonel Lambert and General Light orders, I am to relay that you are to defend the city to the last man and to congratulate you on your promotion, Captain Hoffman,” Conrad said, handing Hoffman a pair of silver bars and beckoning him aboard the puma. “What are your orders, Captain?”

Hoffman looked down at the insignia. Under different circumstances, he would have been elated, but he, just as everyone here knew, was just being promoted posthumously.

The blonde Imperial turned to the sky, eyeing the blue skies beginning to be replaced by dark clouds.

“Take us to the wall,” Hoffman said quietly, boarding the puma as his eyes shifted from the clouds to the two destroyer-class airships bearing down on his home.

Chapter 48

Hoffman

With his eyes closed, Jack levitated above the city of Windermere, floating there in the cool breeze even as droplets of rain caressed his skin.

“You know you'll catch a cold if you continue to sleep out here. We should head back and rest. Taking a nap out in the open isn't really safe.”

I know. But it’s not like they can do anything. Jack replied to the angel, opening his eyes to take in the port city below. Well… it's time to get to it.

Soaked, Jack descended, moving towards the city that the Roland army had abandoned. That didn't mean they were defenseless, however, as black artillery pieces on the city walls opened fire.

“Well… they're committed,” Jack sighed, his barrier of mana blocking the flurry of explosive flak.

Anyone else would have probably been shredded into thousands of bits, but thanks to Jack's body constantly funneling mana, it was almost as though his barriers had become unbreakable.

Jack waited until the smoke was clear, allowing himself to be seen under the moonlight as several spotlights across the iron wall focused on him.

Sara, can you help me propel my voice?

“Speak your mind,” Sahaqiel said as the air visibly shifted.

“Citizens of Windermere! Your leaders have abandoned you!” Jack barked, broadcasting his voice across the city, with the wind carrying his words to every citizen within its walls. “I am Jack Cordelica. Under the grace of Her Majesty Queen Selfia Cordelica, I offer you a chance to surrender. Send out your delegate so we can...”

Jack frowned, trailing off mid-sentence before a sniper’s round bounced off his mana barrier.

“Rude…”

“Parlay. The word you’re looking for is parlay.”

“Parlay! And discuss the terms of your surrender,” Jack continued.

“Why ask them to surrender when we can simply beat them into submission?” Lilith hissed in Jack’s ear.

“And what? Destroy the town? Wipe out the innocent men, women, and children cowing in their bunkers?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I understand what you meant, Lilith, and it would be easy. But would you rather fight a thousand soldiers or a handful of loyalists? If we butcher them, word would spread of a massacre and embolden the rest. I rather not stain my hands with more blood than necessary,” Jack replied as he floated above the bustling city teeming with soldiers, and waited for the garrison’s response. More specifically, a certain officer who would no doubt cease to remain silent with Jack at his door. “Plus, all this mana manipulation is stressing my body. I'm not bleeding, but too much more, and it'll start hurting.”

“Then let's hope your little display scared them enough.”

“If he doesn’t surrender,” Sahaqiel began. “What will you do?”

“Whatever I need to,” Jack said to the angel as the massive metal gate of the city opened up, revealing a lone man stepping from the fortified city.

Lilith frowned at Jack’s response; something about his demeanor unsettled her.

Jack floated downwards towards the man with a blue core, wearing what appeared to be an assortment of enchanted gear.

“Hoffman, or should I say, Captain Hoffman? Congratulations on your promotion,” Jack said as the rain seemed to pick up and lights from the wall cut through the torrent to illuminate the two men.

“Congratulations to yourself, sir,” Hoffman said, standing before Jack, his mana signature akin to a burning star from his ornaments. “I heard you had a daughter?”

Jack eyed the armed men and women atop the walls, hundreds of rifles pointed at him alongside a multitude of cannons and machine guns.

No MECHFrames…

"Looks like they really abandoned them..."

“Celeste,” Jack said as Sahaqiel analyzed the man’s gear. It wasn’t uncommon for Jack to encounter people using enchanted items; however, none of them, save for the hammers he’d stolen, were of any use to him as they just complicated his already growing kit.

“And Fraulein Nguyen?” Hoffman said.

“We’re expecting,” Jack replied as he listened to Sahaqiel’s report while his eyes moved toward the black obsidian chest plate.

“Lowest grade is D, his cape is a shield, his bracers channel lightning, his boots grant what I think is flight, the sword has a flash effect, and his chest plate is… it's like the gauntlets… but different, I need more time to analyze it!”

“Congratulations again, sir,” Hoffman flashed Jack a warm smile, almost as if he weren’t talking to a man standing at his home with an army at his back. “Do you know what it'll be?”

“We’re hoping for a boy.”

Staring at Hoffman, Jack’s eyes hurt, almost as if the mere sight of the man was causing a strain on his senses. However, Jack quickly realized that it wasn’t Hoffman but the smooth chest plate he was wearing.

“The armor is causing a distortion, almost as if the-”

“It's made to amplify my power,” Lilith cut in as Sahaqiel began her report.

So what? The armor eats data?

“No, the gauntlets are made to intake data, while the chest plate is made to distort and mask it. The distortion you're seeing is the armor in effect. Those enchantments on his gear won't last long,” Lilith reported as Jack inhaled, feeling his connection to the wind lessening in the armor's presence.

The Black King… always a step ahead…

“So, Captain Hoffman, where did you get that armor?” Jack asked.

“A gift from my King, to halt the invaders,” Hoffman said, his tone almost proud as he stood defiantly before Jack.

“So I'm an invader now?”

“Isn't that what you are? This is my home, sir. And you bring an army to raze it to the ground even after I offered to give you a tour.”

Jack pursed his lips.

“Hoffman, listen to me. Roland is being used, same as he's using you. You've seen the papers, you've read the documents about the High Table,” Jack said, raising the wind to knock Hoffman out; yet try as he might, the armor shielded him. “Surrender the city and we can talk.”

The rain picked up, the falling droplets torrential now as lightning roared in the sky above.

“I am a knight, under his Imperial Majesty King-”

“Hoffman!” Jack barked as the officer unsheathed the blade at his side.

“-Roland, rightful ruler of the Empire. And I have been charged to halt the enemy advance.”

Jack exhaled. “You realize that if you force my hand, you won't walk away from this.”

“Then so be it,” Hoffman said before slashing at Jack, who shifted his head back just in time to avoid the blade aimed at his throat.

Jack winced, blinking twice before his hand rubbed his neck where a thin line of blood oozed from his skin.

“It would be wise if you did not look down on me, sir,” Hoffman said coldly, rousing his mana that rapidly shifted from blue to an indigo hue.

Lilith!

“The armor is igniting his core, boosting his abilities.”

Like Soul Ignition…

Jack clenched his teeth, reaching out, attempting to probe at Hoffman's defenses only for the distortion effect to knock away Gehenna.

“Tsk. So be it,” Jack said, drawing his revolver from his hip, the rain water moving along the engraving on the barrel that spelled out ‘Jill.’

Jack put the barrel into his storage bracelet, removing the weapon, which was now affixed with a silver blade.

“Thank you, sir,” Hoffman said before raising his left hand, flinging two disks of light at Jack, who flicked them away as the mage officer drew near.

Jack parried the man's blade, the enchanted sword suddenly igniting into a star as Jack backpedaled and opened his mouth, spewing frost at his assailant.

Hoffman raised his arm, erecting a barrier of mana that quickly became covered in ice particles and obscured his vision.

“What's the point of this, Hoffman? Why fight me?!” Jack demanded, more annoyed than angry as he rubbed his eyes from the sudden flash from Hoffman's sword.

“I don't have a choice,” Hoffman said, the man circling Jack.

“We all have a choice. Now stand down!” Jack spat, pointing the barrel end of his blade at Hoffman.

“I have my orders!” Hoffman yelled, clenching his jaw and adjusting his feet. The Roland officer dry-swallowed, with fear in his eyes, “And I will obey them.”

"I'm so sick of this loyalist shit!"

Hoffman charged, swiping left and right as Jack sent his feathers to intercept. Yet as he did so, the feathers fell short, their connection with Jack waning as he reluctantly pulled the trigger on his gun.

The revolver roared, hitting Hoffman squarely in the chest and sending him off his feet and into the mud.

An audible gasp reached Jack's ears–onlookers worried for a moment as their officer lay on the ground.

“Agh…” Hoffman groaned, the wind clearly knocked out of him.

Jack allowed the man to rise to his feet, watching as every defender on the wall cheered for their champion.

“Hoffman,” Jack’s face twisted, his eyes squeezing shut, “Is this what you want? To be a martyr for a cause? To be a pawn?”

Hoffman opened and closed his mouth repeatedly, the Roland officer staring down the invasion force behind Jack that stood like an audience to their fight

“I only wish...” Hoffman huffed, visibly out of breath. “To be useful to my king. To be a part of his vision for the future.”

Jack could feel his anger rising, a sensation akin to lava boiling in his veins.

First Colette, now Hoffman!

Suddenly Hoffman was off, charging at Jack, who reacted by moving his feathers into a shield and blocking the attack with a dull clang.

Alarm rang through Jack's mind, his connection with his wings distorting as the silver feathers hit the ground.

“From the bottom of my heart,” Jack said through clenched teeth, “I want you to survive this. Roland has already lost the war–you don't have to go down with him. Cede the city to us. Order your men to surrender!”

“Do you know what Selfia has done?!” Hoffman hissed, his strength seeming to grow exponentially with Jack forced to dig his boots into the muddy soil. “She turned weapons on us! Weapons of mass destruction that obliterated entire cities! Massacred thousands! The age of the matriarchs must end! The future of the empire depends on a king!”

To Jack's eyes, he could see Hoffman's core churning, the energy swirling within threatening to explode as steam rose from the officer’s body.

“Hoffman! That armor you're wearing!”

“I… am deeply sorry, but I can't give the order to surrender!”

“Hoffman!”

Hoffman closed his eyes, only to open them a moment later, with tears streaming down his cheeks. “I can't let you pass! I am Adolf Hoffman, officer of Lord Roland’s Royal army, and I SHALL NOT YIELD THE WAY FORWARD!”

With a roar, Jack was blasted back, the eruption of mana from Hoffman akin to a grenade set off at point-blank range.

Jack pulled up his revolver and pointed it at Hoffman, who closed the gap almost instantaneously and moved around his weapon's range. His sword cut through the air, blade aimed dangerously at Jack's neck; he reacted on instinct, hand reaching out and punching Hoffman in the face.

Oddly, the man took the hit. The force of Jack’s punch could usually disable or kill a normal man. Yet the mage officer merely stumbled, dropping his sword.

“Hoffman, take off that armor! Now! It'll kill you!” Jack ordered, only to be met with a fist from the mage officer.

"Shut up! Shut up and fight!"

“Damn it! You idiot! Why won't you listen?!”

Trading blows, Jack reluctantly answered in kind, attempting to beat the man into submission, whilst the latter cried and continued his assault.

The blonde tackled Jack, forcing him to pick the man up and fling him into the mud, where he slid for several feet.

[-22 HP]

Jack winced, looking down, noticing a silver dagger lined with armyrthium stuck in his side. Suddenly the weapon began to heat up, burning Jack's flesh. He calmly reached down and removed the enchanted blade from his body.

“Enough games, Jack. You've done all you can, kill him and take his armor. We need it,” Lilith whispered in Jack's ear.

Discarding the dagger, Jack approached the man with a murderous glint in his eye.

Hoffman rose from the ground, picking himself up to meet Jack face-to-face, the former bleeding profusely from his injuries despite Jack holding back.

“Hoffman, stop," Jack said, tossing the enchanted dagger to the side. "Last warning, or I will kill you!”

“That's..." Hoffman chuckled, wiping the blood from his mouth. "The thing, sir–I'm already dead.”

Jack dry-swallowed before his mouth opened, releasing a roar that prompted Hoffman to do the same. The two charged one another. One shouted the name of his monarch, while the other bellowed his rage against the world.

As the two raced towards one another, Jack felt only regret and anger, the two emotions mixing as he moved to kill a man he had once fought beside.

Yet, before the two could clash, Hoffman stumbled, sailing past Jack, who on reflex, reached out and grabbed the soldier, who fell limp in his arms.

“Hoffman?” Jack said, his tone a mix of confusion and shock as he turned his head to gaze upon the other man.

His confusion didn't last long; instead, all he was left with was a hollow feeling as Hoffman's core ceased to exist to Jack's eyes.

Chapter 49

Future

“Are you okay, sir?”

Standing aboard the observation deck of the Fuck You Roland, Jack was approached by Jessica, the latter holding an Intellipad close to her chest. “Lady Ada is calling.”

Jack's eyes shifted from the MECHFrames launching from the hanger of his air carrier to join the battle to his reflection on the transposcreen.

“I'm fine. Leave the Intellipad.”

“Will you need anything else, sir?”

“No… that will be all, lieutenant.”

On his order, Jessica set the tablet on a table, allowing Jack to be alone as the bulkhead doors sealed behind her.

Well, as alone as a man with three personalities inside him could be.

“Lilith… was there anything I could have done differently?” Jack asked as he hovered near the table, his hand reaching out to touch the tablet, only to stop just shy of its black casing.

“He was dead the moment he put on the armor,” Lilith said, standing beside Jack as Sahaqiel hugged him and tried to provide comfort.

“This damn war!” Jack hissed through gritted teeth. “THOSE FUCKING BASTARDS!”

Jack balled his fists and screamed, his rage-filled cry vibrating against the soundproof room before he took a moment and collected himself.

Despite Lilith's tampering with his emotions, it did little to dissuade the guilt and anger. On one hand, boiling rage slithered beneath his skin like lava; on the other hand… he didn't care. The two aspects of himself collided against one another, as indifference fought against difference, ultimately ending with Jack sighing and sliding against the wall to sit on the floor.

“Every step we take… the King is ahead of us…” Jack muttered. His eyes turned to the black chest plate, peeking from beneath a piece of cloth. “What if I just turned and ran? Took Ada, took Celeste and just-”

“You know that’s not an option,” Sahaqiel cut Jack off, standing before him with her hands on her hips. “Michael won’t stop searching for you.”

“I know…” Jack sighed, head cocked to the side as he stared at the metal floor. “What sucks is that Hoffman wasn't a bad man… just misled…”

“And there was nothing you could have done. Hoffman made his choice, Jack,” Sahaqiel said, sitting beside him. “All you've gotta do is keep moving forward, no matter what. Keep doing what you need to ensure your future. You'll get through this, I promise.”

“Once the Black King is dead, you'll finally be safe.”

“Michael,” Sahaqiel said suddenly.

“What?”

“His name is Michael.”

“And how is that important right now?” Lilith scoffed.

“He's no king. Michael is… I prefer if we call him by his name. It helps me come to grips with him being alive.”

“Tch, whatever,” Lilith replied, before fading away.

Ignoring the pair, Jack sat there against the wall, his eyes staring at the ceiling as he collected his thoughts. After a few moments, he stood up, reaching over for the Intellipad. He turned it on and was greeted by an incoming call message.

“Hey, honey,” Jack said, smiling at Ada, who was lying in bed propped up. A bowl of crackers balanced on her stomach, which appeared to have mustard smeared on them.

“Hey, how are you? I saw you on the TV. Are you okay?”

Jack furrowed his brow. “TV?”

“Yeah, all the news networks are covering the battle,” Ada said while munching on her crackers.

“What are they saying?”

“That the fighting is intense, that the city had an airship crash into it, and that you were challenged to a duel,” Ada explained, her porcelain face marred with heartfelt concern. “Are you safe?”

“Everything's fine, honey. The battle here is nearly over. Roland's army is retreating to their capital, so once that's dealt with, I'll be home,” Jack assured with a smile.

“Okay… you’d better hurry. I want to introduce your sister to Ito when he's born,” Ada said as she rubbed her swollen stomach. “Dr. Alencia says it'll be soon.”

“I can't wait,” Jack said, before his expression turned grim. “I'll ask Selfia to increase your guards, maybe have Kam-”

“Nonono, don't worry Tanji, everything's taken care of,” Ada assured as she spun the camera on her tablet around to face Leona and Kamila, who were entertaining Celeste with several action figures. “Everyone's here keeping me company.”

“Hi Jack,” the room collectively said, waving at Jack's image as Celeste perked up and began running towards the camera.

“Daddy!”

“Celeste! Celeste! Be careful! Auntie Ada is delicate,” Leona said, catching the little girl attempting to jump onto Ada’s bed.

“Hi Daddy!” Celeste shouted, waving enthusiastically at Jack, who felt a warmth ignite in his cold chest.

“Hey Princess. You behaving?”

“Yup!” Suddenly Celeste ran off, returning a moment later with a piece of paper that had a massive red A stamped on it. “I got an A!”

“Wow! That's really good, princess!” Jack exclaimed, putting on his brightest smile despite so desperately wanting to be there with his family. “Since you've been such a good girl, I've got a surprise for you when I get home.”

“Ice cream?!” Celeste shouted, her golden eyes widening with excitement as she hopped up and down.

“Maybe,” Jack teased, “But only if you're a good girl. Only good girls get rewards.”

“Celeste honey, I need to talk with your dad for a moment,” Leona said, coaxing the girl away, with Ada handing the other woman the Intellipad.

“Okaaay…” Celeste groaned, putting on a sad puppy-like look before Kamila offered to give her a cookie. The little girl spun away, all memory of Jack gone as she ran off with Kamila in search of treats.

“What's up?” Jack asked, his jovial expression evaporating the moment his daughter was gone.

“I know you've got a lot on your plate, but it's about Celeste-”

Suddenly Jack stopped breathing, an unconscious move as his subconscious mind prepared him for bad news. “What about her?”

“She's… exhibiting,” Leona said slowly, and Jack narrowed his eyes.

“Exhibiting?”

“Mana.”

Jack dry-swallowed, “I… see.”

“She doesn't have a system, as far as we can tell, but Dr. Alencia has noticed anomalies in her blood cultures. We’ve also determined that she emits mana.”

Jack wet his lips with his tongue, his hands clasped together in front of his face as he processed the news.

“Is she… is she in any danger?”

“No, we're monitoring her closely,” Leona said with an assuring expression, “But she seems to be maturing faster than the other kids in her class. She's reading at a first grade level at only four years old. She's articulating her words extremely well and is already solving second grade mathematics. Madam Hightower did an IQ test and Celeste scored a hundred and forty. The principal is still doing some tests, but she'd like to put her in extra courses.”

“So… Celeste is a genius?” A sense of pride blossoming inside Jack.

“She's gifted. Madam Hightower won't pull her from her regular courses, so they can establish some normality and she can have kids she can play with,” Leona explained, “So she's just suggesting additional schooling.”

Jack rubbed his chin. “I don't reckon Celeste will be happy.”

“Of course not,” Leona let out a laugh, “So?”

“So what?”

“Should Celeste attend extra classes?”

Jack blinked repeatedly, his brow furrowing. “Why are you asking me?”

“Because you're her father… duh? You should be the one deciding.”

“Ah… right, I know, just… a lot on my mind,” Jack sighed. “I want whatever is best for her. If you think she needs extra classes, then yeah. Have her take them.”

“Okay, then,” Leona said, looking over Jack, who stared back at her with a calm facade. “Everything will be fine.”

“Thank you, Leona,” Jack said, “For everything.”

“Please, I only want what's best for her.”

“I know,” Jack said as the Intellipad was handed back to Ada, whose warm smile lifted Jack's mood. The pair spent an hour talking, with the world around Jack fading away as he made plans for the future.

Occasionally, his eyes would shift to the black chest plate, the piece of armor just outside of his field of vision, beckoning to him.

Chapter 50

Phase 1

“So… our little bird has found its mate. I suppose it’s nearly time. Rook, prepare the Khloros while I begin the first phase.” - The Black King.

“Sir, before you enter, please know that the restraints are in place to keep her and the crew safe,” Jessica explained, standing in front of the black bulkhead that blocked mana flow. In her hands, she held fatigues—spare clothes for the prisoner within.

“I understand,” Jack said, before taking the clothes and moving Jessica to the side.

Suddenly, she caught hold of his arm, giving Jack a certain look. “You might not like it, but it's standard procedure when dealing with Awakened.”

“I said I understand, lieutenant. Leave me. All of you.”

“Yes, sir. Understood, sir,” Jessica said before bowing her head and taking off with the Black Rose guards who had been lining the hallway of cells.

Jack waited until the bulkhead closed, leaving him alone in the gunmetal gray hallway with his thoughts. He inhaled, settling his beating heart before reaching out and tapping the door controls that opened the cell.

The sight of Colette greeted him, clad only in her underwear. Special chains that prevented her from casting any skills suspended the blonde woman above the floor.

“Colette…” Jack's jaw clenched as he approached the woman, who responded to his voice with a sullen glare. “The battle is over.”

Colette’s face twisted, her glare replaced with disbelief and heartbreak, as the realization that her house had been exterminated dawned on her. “You! NO! NO!”

Unable to stand the sight of Colette in chains, Jack set the clothes down and approached her, grabbing the chains that bound her and breaking them. Immediately she lunged, attempting to attack Jack, yet his strength won out, the Awakened knight unable to match his might and power.

“Colette…” Jack said, bringing the woman close; despite the difference in strength, she still resisted his touch.

“You bastard! You BASTARD! You killed them!” Colette shrieked, the metal cuffs on her wrists preventing her from activating her skills.

Jack remained motionless, standing there until Colette finally stopped struggling, the only sound in the cell being her sobbing and cursing.

“Come with me. I want to show you something,” he finally said, releasing her and taking off his officer’s jacket that he used to cover her. She stood back, hesitating for a moment before taking the blue coat.

“I brought you some clothes. When you’re dressed, knock on the door and I’ll show you something,” Jack said, stepping out into the hallway with his back turned to the woman. He closed the door, allowing Colette privacy as he waited outside.

A few moments passed before a dull knock was heard, prompting Jack to open Colette’s cell.

“I’m here. What do you want to show me?” Colette demanded, her gaze fierce as she eyed Jack like a predator.

“My, you know how to pick them. She’s still trying to rouse her mana to smite you,” Lilith chortled, appearing behind Colette, who was none the wiser.

“This,” Jack said before tapping his Intellipad. A moment later, the screens beside each cell lit up, showing those contained inside each unit.

“This…” Colette let out, eyes wide as she stared at the footage of the white-haired men and women in each cell.

“It was difficult to do, but I got most of them who were lingering about,” Jack explained, as though he had simply been rounding up stray animals.

“Everyone… every single…” Colette was at a loss for words, her gaze fixed on a nearby screen.

“House Light is being given a stay of execution,” Jack said, sitting on a nearby table as he waited for Colette’s reaction.

“H-how? The Bell’s--” Colette spun to Jack,

“I’m their king, remember?” Jack replied, “They might not like it, but consider House Light under my protection. It’ll make a lot of people unhappy, my aunt included, but…I’ve got a place where they can go, far away from the political reaches of the Empire–IF they behave.”

“You did this for me?” Colette whispered, her face one of disbelief as she eyed the man illuminated by the dim prison light.

“Not just for you. The truth is… I’ll need them in the coming fight.”

Colette furrowed her brow, “They won’t turn traitor, Jack.”

“Nor am I asking them. I don’t want them to fight against Roland. In fact, this whole war is just a prelude to something bigger. Something worse,” Jack said, “There is something more at stake here than a throne.”

He turned, eyeing the dozens of prison cells, each one holding an S-, B- or A-class Awakened; prisoners he’d captured after the battle of Windermere, all being forced to listen to his words.

“And if they don’t? Will you execute them?”

“It’s certainly one option,” Jack replied coldly. “If my children's future require the earth they walk on to be built from corpses, then so be it. I’ll become the best architect in history. Understand this, Colette: there are very few things I care about in this world. I’ve done this as both a personal favor to you, and for those I care about. If House Light chooses to stand against me, then I’ll bring the guillotine down myself.”

Colette remained silent, her eyes downcast, as she tried to process every word spoken by Jack.

“I… understand,” she murmured, before Jack signaled Jessica on his Intellipad. The woman entered the brig, along with Captain Helena and her Black Rose knights.

“Good. Help Captain Helena, and make the state of their situation clear to the prisoners,” he said, before rising to his feet.

“Jack… I just… I’m sorry,” Colette said as Jack walked past, “I-”

“Submit.”

Suddenly a chill was felt in the air. Jack's body locked up for a moment, as something seemed to pierce his chest and mind.

“What?” Jack ground out, as Helena, Jessica, and Colette all fell to the ground, alongside several of the Black Rose knights.

An attack?!

Jack could feel a sinister energy in the air, his sight abruptly flickering between his angel sight and his normal vision, his body convulsing.

“JACK! GET THEM IN A CELL RIGHT NOW!” Sahaqiel shrieked, as he suddenly felt his body move on its own, his consciousness supplanted by Sahaqiel, who immediately began chanting.

“What's going on?!” Jack yelled, finding himself suddenly dragged into his inner sea as Colette and the others convulsed.

Sahaqiel didn’t have time to explain. She threw open the door of a prison cell and dragged the other bodies in as she continued to fire off strings of mana code, with the other Black Rose knights watching in confusion.

Inside his inner sea, a crimson glow caught Jack’s attention from behind, prompting to spin and spot his core. The golden orb was pulsing red, a flicker of scarlet like a flame, beating like a second heart. Beside it, Lilith lay unconscious, the specter spasming as Jack picked her up in his arms.

“Sara! What the hell is going on?!” Jack demanded as Sahaqiel dragged in Helena and ordered the standing knights to shut the prison door. His eyes were bleeding, as boils appeared on his body.

“NOW!” Sahaqiel screamed.

The door slammed shut, and the knights raced off down the corridor as alarms rang across the ship.

“Sara, what's happening?!” Jack asked. He was suddenly in control of his body again, but now stood in a room with multiple unconscious bodies.

“Curse… effect. Eyes. I… didn’t… they’re all connected!”

“What? Sara? SAHAQIEL?!” Jack yelled as he felt the angel’s presence dim.

“Jack, whatever you do… don’t open the door. At least, until I can finish my spell…” Sahaqiel said, her voice a quiet whisper as she roused what mana had infiltrated the space.

“Sara? Sahaqiel?!” Jack cried as a vile sensation welled up within.

Elsewhere, Imperial Selfian Imperial Capital.

Selfia scowled, standing upon the balcony of her palace as screams echoed through the air from the city below her.

“What the fuck is going on? Don't you people know I'm trying to win a war?!” Selfia hollered, her sleep-deprived eyes glaring at the city in chaos.

“My queen!” Jin yelled, breaking down the door of Selfia's office.

“Jin?! What the fuck?”

“It isn't safe. There's been an attack,” the green-haired man said as he and several other royal guards began fanning out around the room.

“Situation update, now,” Selfia demanded as she moved to her chair, with a dozen arms floating around her. Suddenly, her sanctum lit up, multiple screens displaying the thousands of cameras to which she was connected.

“What the shit?” Selfia muttered, narrowing her blue eyes.

Everywhere she looked, people were spasming; citizens of the Empire and even feeds in the Hoshido village and the Corporate alliance showing the same thing.

People were dying.

“Great, another thing I need,” Selfia sighed before she began issuing orders.

Chapter 51

Situation RED

Standing on the bridge of Fuck You, Roland, Jack stood in the room surrounded by what remained of the command staff.

Director York was down. So too were Lieutenant Harper and Captain Helena. Anyone with red eyes was locked away in the brig or was a corpse down in the ship's cold storage.

“It's worldwide, not completely widespread, but at least every major city has been hit, from the Alliance to our lands,” the hologram of Selfia said, her words seeming to drop the temperature in the room by several degrees. “Mass reports are still coming in, but from the data, it seems only those with red eyes are affected.”

“What does this mean? Is this some new biological weapon?” Admiral Skirita asked.

“It means you were all played,” Sahaqiel said, suddenly manifesting to the crowd of officers in regal armor of white and gold.

Immediately Admiral Skirita spun, handgun raised, as several officers began moving to detain the sudden intruder.

“It's okay, stand down. She's friendly,” Jack ordered, sighing, as he looked down at the holotable displaying various cities in states of panic and despair. “Sahaqiel, explain please.”

“Thank you,” Sahaqiel said, flapping her wings gently, as several guards gawked at her majestic appearance. “What you all know as the purity of the Imperial blood was actually a curse.”

“A what?” Skirita asked, furrowing his brow.

“A curse. A spell similar in scope to how the system works, but much more subtle and more sinister,” Sahaqiel said as she phased through a Black Rose agent to stand beside Jack. “Every person with red eyes bears a mark on their soul, one commanded by the one you call the Black King.”

“Windows to the soul…” Selfia scoffed. “And you're just now telling us this? Knowing that an entire population is cursed would be something PRETTY important to know.”

Sahaqiel closed her eyes for a moment, her figure flickering in and out of existence briefly.

“I suspected something was off about the people with red eyes, but it's not like I examined them. Even if I did, I probably wouldn't have detected it until it was too late. Even with Jack's system, it took me days–weeks–to fully understand the complexity of the system curse that willingly makes itself known. This? The red mark was never meant to be discovered until it needed to be activated,” Sahaqiel explained. “I've-”

“I'm sorry–who are you?” Skirita asked.

“That’s not important, Admiral,” Jack cut in, beckoning Sahaqiel to continue.

“My apologies, Lord Consort, but I disagree,” Skirita said before turning to the hologram of Selfia, “Respectfully, Your Highness, if my crew and I are to take the opinion of this… woman, I would like to know with whom we are dealing.”

“I am Sahaqiel Riah Ereshikal Vel Lunet Ter Hess Tia Estelle. An Awakened from the dawn of mankind's civilization,” Sahaqiel said, her form shifting to glow softly as her wings flapped and her eyes glowed with iridescent power, “The first to fly and touch the sky.”

Skirita merely furrowed his brow.

“She’s a goddess, with my King Consort as her vessel. Do not besmirch the living angel. Consider her words as to my own,” Selfia interjected, with Skirita doing a double-take. “Sahaqiel, what are our options? How do we treat this?”

Sahaqiel turned to Jack, who clenched his jaw, every iota in his body screaming to smash something.

“We attack the source of the problem,” Jack hissed, pulling up the display of the Roland capital on the holotable. “The Black King.”

“Are you asking me to launch a full assault on a heavily fortified city? Do you realize the state that our forces are in?” Skirita asked, staring at Jack with an angry scowl. “That's suicide!”

“I’m aware of the reports, Admiral, but these are my orders. I'm sure my wife would agree.”

“We don't even know if the HVT is even with Prince Roland.”

“No, he's there, I'm sure of it. I can feel him…” Jack said, looking to Selfia.

“Sahaqiel?” Selfia said, her attention on the angel.

“Jack is right, we don't know fully what the Black King is up to, but it's clear his plans are already underway. A mass exodus of souls like this is a prelude to gathering power. If we don't stop him, the number of dead won't matter, as no one will be left to care,” Sahaqiel said, the harsh reality settling down on everyone.

The air went still, those present running various scenarios as they tried to assess what was being asked of them, while Jack's thought turned to the fallen angels who had yet to show.

“Do whatever needs to be done, Jack,” Selfia said, breaking the silence. “Admiral Skirita,-”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Prepare your fleet. I'll send reinforcements and meet you en route to Roland's home.”

“My Queen? You wish to take to the field yourself?”

“Of course. I can't let you boys have all the fun. Besides…” Selfia said, her blue eyes shimmering with a predatory glare, “It's been so long since I've last seen my dear brother.”

“How are they?” Admiral Skirita asked. He stood beside Jack in the brig's hallway, his gaze on the unconscious Colette.

“Stable, for now. So long as they remain inside Sahaqiel’s protection spell,” Jack replied, his eyes turning to Helena. Although he didn't like the woman much, he couldn't allow her to die, as he'd done with her sister Eleanor.

“Do you smoke?” Skirita asked, offering Jack a cigar from a metallic black case encrusted with gold hearts.

“No, but I'll try one,” Jack said, taking the cigar.

“I want you to know, I don't dislike you,” Skirita said, with Jack's mind elsewhere.

More specifically, Hoshido, the new city, had fortunately been unaffected by the Black King’s curse; it was just outside the range of the attack. But what if it were? The question prodded Jack. Unlike Celeste, whom he knew was safe, his home wasn't.

“That's comforting, I guess,” Jack said, lighting the cigar with Fira before inhaling.

“You really shouldn't smoke,” Lilith hissed. “This isn't just your body.”

Jack frowned, snuffing out the cigar.

“You have a lot on your plate. I, and everyone else, can see it clearly,” Skirita continued, “But, if I'm ordering my men to their deaths, I have to know if you have the mental clarity to handle this crisis.”

Jack slowly turned to the man. “Are you doubting me?”

“No, not at all. But I remember you as the kid who stepped up on my landship and saw the sky for the first time.”

“Well, I'm not that kid anymore.”

“I can see that. A word of advice from an old man among monsters. Two things I've learned are that a little patience goes a long way and having friends to rely on is a must. Colonel Potter seemed to think so, at least.”

“Thanks, but I don't need advice, Admiral,” Jack replied, brushing the man off. “Give the order. We have a war to end.”

Skirita frowned, watching the man go, “Aye, Lord Consort.”

Chapter 52

Railgun

“As casualties continue to mount, a state of emergency has been declared across the Corporate Alliance and the Empire, with the Selfian administration blaming the terrorist organization known as the High Table for this devastating attack. According to the General Surgeon of the Empire, this attack is biological ‌but is not infectious or transmissible. However, civilians are being urged to shelter in place while government officials and security forces restore order. In other news, Imperial academy students have been deployed to assist in security efforts.”- Korriban News.

“Hold the line! The fate of the empire depends on you!” Sergeant James Conrad barked, the newly promoted NCO taking cover behind a tree from Selfian soldiers blasting his surroundings into craters with artillery. “Enemy MECHFrames! Get AT now! Where the hell is our armor!?”

A soldier landed beside Conrad, the man bleeding profusely. Conrad immediately moved to render aid as he recognized the man to be a runner.

“Lieutenant Morrison and the 5th Armor are being struck by awakened lightning! We're cut off!” the soldier reported with gasping breaths. Conrad ground his teeth as he took gauze from his pouch to pack the wound.

“Okay! Hold this in place, we're gonna get you to a healer!” Conrad ordered, reflecting on the choices that led him to being bombed in a trench. “Fucking Selfians!”

Achmad and Ferdinand were dead; so too was Hoffman. In fact, everyone who had been in his original platoon was gone. Conrad had only survived thanks to an injury that had gotten him a ticket on the last medivac out of Windermere.

Healed by an Awakened and sent back out with a medal in tow, Conrad was now under orders to slow the enemy advance at all costs. Yet now, hiding behind the debris of several trees, covered in sweat, dirt, and blood, he could only curse at the futility of his actions.

“Damn it…” Conrad huffed, looking down at the medal pinned to his chest. He took it off, eyeing the once-pristine metal emblem, now covered in dirt, before he tossed it aside.

Should he surrender? Defect? No, it was too late for that now, not to mention it would dishonor Hoffman's valiant stand and memory. No, he had to see this through, bleed as many of the Selfian bastards as he could before he died. This is what it meant to be a Roland soldier. This is what it meant to fight for the future.

Conrad clenched his teeth, peeking from cover to gawk at the blue-armored man standing atop a pure black MECHFrame.

“Ah, aren't I just lucky!” Conrad hissed, identifying the man as the Selfian King.

A blossoming flame of rage welled up within. The man who murdered the only decent officer he'd ever had the honor of serving was in front of him, ten meters, practically spitting distance on the battlefield!

Conrad turned to his left, preparing to give orders before realizing why the Selfians had stopped shooting in his direction.

Everyone was dead; by some stroke of luck, only he was alive. He turned to his right, checking on the man beside him, whose head hung limply, with his hands still on his bloodied gauze.

Conrad's eyes pulsed, his mind going blank as rage propelled his next actions.

He reached over, grabbing a bundle of anti-tank grenades off a dead soldier before rising from his cover and racing towards the man in blue.

“DIE SELFIAN DOG! FOR KING AND COUNTRY!!!” Conrad roared, pulling the pins off his grenades and throwing himself at the man who turned and-

Jack lifted his gun blade, pulling the trigger, and blasting the charging Roland soldier. He exploded into a red mist from the grenades he held in his hands.

“Should have just stayed hidden…” Jack muttered before ordering the tanks, MECHFrames, and armored soldiers under his command to advance through the shrubbery of the densely packed forest to move upon the outskirts of the Roland capital. “Area clear, anti-armor guns and partisans are down. Advance, admiral.”

Above Jack, the Imperial navy cast a shadow on the dank forest, blotting out the sky with the might Selfia had brought to finish her brother once and for all.

“Jack,” Selfia said from the bridge of her flagship, the Middle Finger. “Our forces are in position, demonspawn interception teams are in place, and the blockade is complete. Remember, Jack: we need you to conserve your strength. Ivan reports that the Black King is still within the capital citadel with my brother, so we're going to go in first. Remember, we want to trap him here so they can’t escape.”

“Yeah, got it,” Jack said, taking the back seat as he watched airships above engage the Roland aircraft in the distance.

“Tangerine, are you okay?” Jack asked as he checked the black Rochi harness he wore.

The MECHFrame pilot took a moment before responding, “I prefer you address me as my callsign, sir.”

“Damocles, how are you doing there?” Jack said as he scanned the fog of war that lay stretched out before him. It was unnatural, man-made smoke of ash, soot, cordite, and gunpowder, creating a grey bleakness that stretched out to near infinity.

“I'm green, sir,” Tangerine replied, the MECHFrame pilot clearly unhappy being relegated to being Jack's bodyguard.

“I'm not asking if you're ready, I'm asking how you are,” Jack prodded, only to be met with silence, although the pilot was talking to his AI.

Despite working together at Hoshido and in the Theocracy, their relationship was still strained. Jack had made several attempts at reaching out, yet every time he was met with hatred and angst from the teen.

A teen who was on the war front. At the very least, there were no other Kindersoldats; almost all the youth troops had been disbanded, forced instead to attend schools and academies thanks to Selfia's new initiative.

Still, Tangerine wanted to be here–had volunteered, in fact– so Jack would give the kid what he wanted so he could at least watch over him.

Sara, how's the battle going?

“Jin is leading the charge. Without House Light’s support, the Roland army seems to have few Awakened remaining,” Sahaqiel reported. “Both sides are taking lots of casualties, but we have the numbers.”

Jack frowned, rubbing his chest. He didn’t like sending so many to their deaths, especially if he could do something about it, but he needed to conserve his strength, especially if he was going to fight the Black King.

“This waiting is killing me,” Jack muttered, clenching his jaw as detonation after detonation rang out. The fighting in the distance was escalating as Imperial armor traded blows with Imperial armor. Jack had to manipulate the mana in the air to drown out the constant roar of cannons and the screams of pain and death.

Jack yawned, turning his gaze upwards to the air carrier above, the vessel from where Selfia watched the battlefield.

Suddenly sensing an influx of mana, Jack’s head snapped to the battlefield, where a conflux of red and black energy clashed.

“Selfia, what's going on over there?” Jack asked into his comlink.

“The Knight of Two and the Knight of Six have taken to the field,” Selfia said, the annoyance in her voice evident.

“House Lamperouge?” Jack said, recalling the list of Imperial knights that, mostly, had remained neutral during the war.

That’s Ruby’s family… Jack said to himself, feeling his knight stir inside.

“Yeah. I’m not sure why they’re fighting for the losing side, but I can feel something annoying is about to happen,” Selfia said.

“Can Jin handle them?” Jack asked. While his cousin was also a Knight of the Round, he was only ranked eleven, meaning the two he was fighting were ahead of him.

“Violet is with him, and so is M’ishka.”

Ruby stirred again, this time more violently, as her desire to protect poured into Jack’s consciousness.

“M’ishka?” Jack blinked, taken aback that the heterochromatic man was on the field. “Is he okay?”

“Yes. He was a bit haggard, but it seems whatever affects the red eyes only has a diminished effect on those with other bloodline eyes,” Selfia said before barking orders to some unseen officer.

“I see,” Jack said, biting his cheek. “I’m sending Ruby out to assist.”

“I’d rather you didn’t-”

“Too late,” Jack shot back as the knight’s armored shadow took off. “I can spare the mana. Besides, I’m tired of waiting.”

Jack floated, rising into the air to survey the battlefield. Casting an Anti-Army skill would cost too much from him now, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t help.

Spreading his wings, the silver feathers combined, shifting to form two rods of tightened metal attached to the end of his gunblade.

“Jack, what are you doing? You’re supposed to be conserving your strength!” Selfia yelled over Jack’s comlink as his vision flickered, targeting the mana source in the distance.

“I am,” Jack replied, imbuing his feathers with lightning as sparks danced between the two rods of silver feathers–one positive, one negative.

With his sight and senses, Jack could make out Jin and his party clashing against a group of Awakened, while MECHFrames from both parties struggled.

“Like hell you are! My sensors are detecting a fuck-ton of mana!”

“Huh, is that what you consider a fuck-ton?” Jack replied, as a spearhead, shaped by his extra feathers, touched the two poles.

This was followed by a boom, Jack’s shoulder dislocating as the impromptu railcannon blasted a feather at an opposing Awakened. She threw up a purple barrier, a credit to her strength and reflexes, attempting to block the projectile that pierced through and impaled her into the earth.

“W..what?!” Jack could hear the surprise and shock clear in her single word.

“Explode,” Jack ordered, and the feathered spearhead unraveled to detonate inside the purple-eyed woman, who could only gasp before she was turned into chunks of viscera. And just like that, one of the strongest knights of the empire was killed.

The battle between the Roland Guard and the Selfian soldiers ceased, as both sides turned towards Jack, whose injuries were already healed. Hovering there, his features were shaded by the sun, his shadow casting the visage of a black-winged beast upon the earth.

“HEAR ME, MICHAEL! COME OUT, YOU BASTARD!” Jack roared, his voice carried by the winds across the battlefield to reach the ears of a smiling man in a white suit, sipping tea on a balcony overlooking the battlefield.

“Ah, seems like the little bird has finally spread his wings,” Michael grinned, his golden eyes shifting towards the man in the distance.

Chapter 53

Infiltration

In her bedchamber populated by pillows, stuffed animals, and plates of half-eaten food, Ada shook. With eyes settled on the TV screen before her, Ada could only stare as the news reporter pointed up at the father of her child.

“You shouldn't be watching that. The stress could harm the baby,” Leona said, entering the room and turning the TV off as Kamila followed behind her. “Jack will be fine.”

“I know…” Ada said, rubbing her belly as Kamila went around to clear the dishes. “How is Celeste doing? I heard it was pretty bad at the academy.”

“She’s fine. Ho-sook has been keeping her company, and she's tucked in for a nap now. Nothing for you to worry about,” Kamila said as she fluffed a pillow for Ada.

“How are you? Not exactly the life you were expecting, is it?”

“What do you mean?” Kamila asked, the little brunette cocking her head to the side.

“Well, when I met you, you were trying to stab a man and you weren't thrilled that you'd been kidnapped… then there was the whole wanting to murder every Roland soldier and-”

“Well, Jack is taking care of that for me now, isn't he?” Kamila beamed a smile at Ada, who could barely hide her horror.

“Hey Kami, would you mind checking up on Celeste for me? Make sure she isn't sneaking her gamescreen under the covers again?”

“Sure. I've got something in the oven I need to check on, anyway,” Kamila said before leaving the room.

Leona waited until Kamila left before sitting on the bed beside Ada.

“Sometimes that girl…” Ada muttered, rubbing her stomach.

“You know she doesn't mean to offend anyone,” Leona replied.

“I know… but she doesn't see what Jack goes through, the weight he carries on his shoulders,” Ada sighed, “He doesn't show it, but he doesn't like fighting.”

“Oh? I thought he did.”

“No! I mean, he enjoys fighting, just not… the killing. Not leading. Not… being responsible for people,” Ada explained, her eyes welling with tears. “He's scared, Leona, and I don't know how to help him.”

Leona sighed. “Well, you can't help him by stressing over his well-being. Jack's strong, he'll pull through. What you need to worry about is taking care of yourself and your baby before you can take care of him.”

“Do you think he'll become an Awakened? Celeste is displaying symptoms… Maybe he'll be-”

“Hush,” Leona interrupted, placing her hand over Ada’s mouth before putting a finger over her own lips.

It was quiet. The calm before an attack that Ada and Leona both knew too well. Reaching over, Leona grabbed the monitor on the bedside table, turning it on. She and Ada both went wide-eyed.

Figures in black.

There were strangers in the palace.

Leona stepped from around the bed, moving towards the entrance of the bedroom, where she summoned her shotgun from her bracelet.

Damn it, where are the guards?

She reached down, taking out the specialized armyrethium shells and loading them into the shotgun. It was an Awakened killer: the shells and manufacturing were not only illegal, but expensive, at least if you weren't in the military.

Or the personal bodyguard of the royal family.

She paused at the door frame, staring at the nearby wall, where she could sense something was off.

Leona put the barrel of her shotgun to the wall, her eyes narrowing as she readied herself.

Click.

Leona fired, her shotgun blasting a hole through the sheetrock that caught a black-clad man in his chest.

“Watch out!” Ada screamed as two men flooded into the room. One smacked Leona’s shotgun to the side while another tackled her.

Two more men rushed in, ignoring Leona grappling with her attackers to go after Ada. She reached out, her hand aimed at the closet where the nodachi came swinging out, bisecting one man while the other dove to the ground just in time.

“Get off!” Leona spat, stabbing one man in the throat with a blade. The other, who had tackled her, put the barrel of his pistol into her stomach and fired repeatedly. She screamed in pain but she wasn't out of the fight; she fired a blast of green mana at the man, knocking him off of her.

“Ada! I'm coming!” Leona hollered, taking her combat knife from the throat of the corpse and throwing into the back of Ada’s attacker.

"Gah!" The assailant let out before being kicked through the opposite wall by Ada's foot.

Leona climbed to her feet despite bleeding profusely from her stomach, moving to face the onslaught of assailants. The red-haired woman began to glow green. Grabbing the head of another man attempting to grab Ada, she snapped his neck.

“Leona, look out!” Ada yelled before throwing up a mana barrier. It shattered as armyrethium bullets ripped through it, catching Leona and sending her through the window and over the balcony. “LEONA!”

Ada gripped her two-handed nodachi, the sight of the heavily pregnant woman clutching the weapon almost comical to the group of black-clad men and women advancing on her.

“Stay back!” Ada demanded, rousing her mana as she felt her belly cramp up.

“Purple Pawn, subject Alpha secured, moving to deliver,” One soldier said, directing the others to move on Ada, whose lower half continued to cramp.

“STOP! Go away!” Ada shouted, swinging her blade only for it to be caught by a man as two others grabbed her legs and began dragging her out of bed. “Sto-”

*Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.*

Suddenly six shots rang out, so quick it took Ada a moment to comprehend that she was covered in blood as a blond man with a cowboy hat strolled into the room.

“Howdy ma’am. Sorry I'm late.” The man said, reloading his revolver as he stood over a still-breathing soldier propped on a wall.

“You! Tr-traitor!” the soldier spat before being silenced by the gunslinger.

“W-who are you?!” Ada demanded, before taking the gun of the dead man that lay across her legs and shakily pointing the weapon at the cowboy.

“A friend of a friend. You can call me Ivan,” the man introduced before pivoting and firing his revolver into the hallway, taking out two more assailants. “There isn't much time, we've got to go.”

Ada turned to the window, worry clear on her face, but she didn't have time to check as Ivan helped her out of bed.

“What about Celeste? My daughter?!” Ada asked, carefully rising to her feet as her body continued to spasm and seize. “We have to go save her!”

“She'll be fine. Right now, I need you to move as fast as possible,” Ivan said, peeking his head into the hallway. “I have to get you out before the Purple Pawn realizes I'm a spy.”

“Where are the guards?” Ada asked as Ivan half-carried her down the hallway.

“Preoccupied with the Nest agents at the gate, no doubt,” Ivan said, stopping Ada before they entered the foyer, where a squad of black-clad soldiers were heading their way. “Okay, be quiet and follow my lead.”

“Sir! We heard gunfire. Are you okay?” One soldier asked.

“I'm fine. I've got the HVT in tow. Clean up the bodies,” Ivan ordered.

“Understood sir,” the man said, saluting before taking off with his squad.

Ada watched them go, finally breathing when they were out of sight as Ivan began pulling her forward through a hallway of windows.

“How are there so many soldiers here?!” Ada demanded, clutching her stomach as she felt Ito kick.

“Secret tunnels. That's the problem with being a noble: too many hidden entrances and exits,” Ivan said, turning the corner as an explosion rocked the manor. Ada spun, eyes wide as she gazed through the windows at the other wing of the manor, now in flames.

“Celeste!” Ada was off.

Ivan let out a curse before chasing after the pregnant woman.

Ada rounded the corner, running into the group of soldiers from earlier who immediately raised their rifles.

With rage in her eyes, Ada roared and barreled through the soldiers, splattering one into a wall as Ivan followed suit and gunned down the survivors.

“Ada! Ada, stop!” Ivan yelled. But it was too late, as the duo came face-to-face with the purple-haired woman with a pawn tattoo on her forehead.

“Oh? What. Do. We. Have. Here?” The woman giggled, her forked tongue licking her black lips.

At nearly six feet, her porcelain skin was covered in tattoos. Her body was adorned in spike-covered leather, leaving little to the imagination. She spun towards Ada and Ivan, her purple high heels clicking against the floor as her lips parted to reveal serrated fangs.

“Number three, are you so weak that you can't contain a pregnant woman?” The woman said, dropping a gold-armored knight, who had been one of the palace's guards. “Oh my, for a sow, your skin is absolutely glowing. Do you like how it feels?”

“My lady, she merely slipped away,” Ivan said, clenching his revolver as he bowed. “I am correcting this issue.”

Ada paid the two little attention. Instead, she focused on Celeste, peeking from beneath her bed before Ho-sook covered the girl's mouth and dragged her back to cover. Ada could see Kamila lying on her side beneath a crater in a wall, showing she'd been attacked. Fortunately, she was still breathing, but it was evident she was hurting.

Outnumbered and outgunned, Ada dry-swallowed as her maternal instincts demanded she do something, ANYTHING! She took a step forward, already calling out for her nodachi until Ivan stopped her, an act that didn't go unnoticed by the black-clad soldiers.

“Oh well, now that you're here, you can take these backups,” The Purple Pawn said as she sauntered into the room, flipping the bed with one hand and exposing Celeste. Ho-sook immediately jumped in front of the smaller girl with a kunai in hand.

The Pawn leaned down, flicking her long tongue out so that it hovered close to the frightened Ho-sook’s face, “My, aren't you feisty, I can't wait to break-”

“STAY AWAY FROM MY DAUGHTER!!!” A voice of pure fury roared as Leona came barreling through the nearby wall, tackling the Purple Pawn.

Immediately Ivan's hands came up, gunning down all twelve soldiers as Ada called out for Celeste and Ho-sook.

The pair moved, Ho-sook picking up the frightened child and carrying her past Leona. She was punching the purple-haired vixen, who merely giggled in response before opening her mouth, letting out a shrill scream that shattered the windows and sent Leona through the roof.

“Ada! Run!” Kamila cried, finally rising to her feet and conjuring chains of light to shackle the Purple Pawn.

“Let's go! Now!” Ivan barked, pulling Ada away as something wet trickled down her leg.

Chapter 54

Another Bait’n Switch

Beneath the palace in the secret garage, Ada cried out as her cramps got worse.

“Come on!” Ivan spat as he dropped two High Table soldiers inspecting an armored limousine.

“I-i…” Ada let out, her legs wobbling.

“Are you okay?” Ho-sook asked as she helped Ada up.

“Mister! Something is wrong with Momma two!” Celeste called out as Ivan opened the back door to get Ada loaded inside.

Ivan spun, immediately frowning as he locked eyes with Ada, “Oh, you've gotta be shitting me. Isn't this premature?!”

“Yes!” Ada screamed through clenched teeth as Ivan rushed over and began helping her into the black limousine.

“My oh my…” the sweet voice of the Purple Pawn cooed, echoing through the tunnel. In her hands she dragged Leona and Kamila by the necks, dropping them onto the floor as Celeste made to run to Leona, but was caught by Ada.

“Oh, don't worry about these two. They're still alive. They'll make fine additions to my collection,” The Purple Pawn said, brandishing her pointed teeth. “Now, where are you going?”

“Ya know… places…” Ivan chuckled nervously as he grabbed Celeste and Ho-sook and pushed them into the car along with Ada.

“Places?”

“Yeah,” Ivan readied his revolvers, “Places.”

“And that involves shooting our own men?” The Purple Pawn drew near, the walls vibrating as Ada let out a pained cry from within the limousine while Ho-sook was busy holding the frantic Celeste. “After everything we did for you? Gave you your revenge, embraced you into our family, brought your lover back to life?”

The Purple Pawn struck a pose, her lips pouting as she cocked her head to the side.

“Yeah… well, what can I say? Selfia offered me better dental,” Ivan fired two rounds. However, the armyrethium-tipped bullets were ineffective as they slammed against a moving black mass that quickly shielded the woman's face.

“Tch, damn nanomachines,” Ivan gripped, still trying to figure out his options. He couldn't throw a grenade or risk collapsing the tunnel, and he couldn't penetrate the Pawn’s nanotech shield or overpower her with brute force. In layman's terms, Ivan was up against the proverbial wall, not to mention that the pregnant woman going into labor behind him was NOT on his vision board.

If it were just him, he could probably escape.... probably.

Ivan fired repeatedly, his weapons doing little against the chief torturer of the Black King.

“Well, fuck,” Ivan let out before teleporting, firing his guns from different angles as the Purple Pawn giggled.

“Ivan, darling, we’ve already done this little song and dance. You should already know your little toys aren't gonna work on me,” Purple Pawn cooed, suddenly snatching Ivan's wrist mid-teleport and lowering herself to lick the barrel of his gun. “You need a much bigger barrel if you want to satisfy me, let alone kill me.”

Ivan smirked, his eyes darting from the melting barrel of his revolver to the crazed eyes of his assailant. “Yeah well, my plan isn't to kill ya–it’s to stall ya.”

“Stall?” The Pawn raised a brow before her eyes went wide and she spun, catching the two-handed nodachi with her now-armored black arm. “YOU?!”

“ME!” Tenno laughed, his muscles bulging before he sent the woman flying into a nearby wall. The Purple Pawn bounced, rebounding off the cracked wall before Tenno’s foot forcefully buried her several feet into the tunnel wall. "HAVE YA MISSED ME, PURPLE?!"

“You're late,” Ivan hissed, throwing away his ruined revolver.

“Had a bit of traffic,” Tenno grinned before turning and blasting the Purple Pawn with a deafening mana shot that drowned out her shriek of rage.

“Ada! Ho-sook!” The voice of Kenichi barked, the blindfolded Hoshido leader racing down the hall with several samurai and palace guards in tow.

“Shit,” Ivan muttered, covering his face with a hand and turning away before realizing the man he wanted to avoid was blind.

“Over here! She's going into labor!” Ho-sook yelled, guiding Kenichi past Ivan to the car where Ada was crying and bleeding on the floor of the limousine.

“Step back! Make space!!” An Imperial medic barked, the awakened doctor pushing Kenichi away to get into the back cab.

Seeing her opportunity, Celeste finally wrestled free from Ho-sook’s grasp, the little girl tearfully calling out for her mom, only to be caught by Ivan.

“Shhh. Shh, she'll be fine, she's ok. The doctors will take care of her,” Ivan assured, attempting to soothe the sobbing girl as medics tended to the two injured women and moved to bring them into the limousine.

“But Mommy–!”

Ivan walked to the car, lowering himself to place the girl within. “It's ok, just let them do their job, o-”

Ivan froze, his gaze fixed on the blind man beside him, furrowing his brow repeatedly as his face stared at him.

The gunslinger coughed, clearing his throat before raising the bass in his voice.

“-just behave, you're safe,” Ivan said before letting the girl go, who rushed to the injured red-haired woman.

“Do I know you?” Kenichi asked, cocking his head to the side as though angling his ear at Ivan. The man's hand was on the katana at his side, a sense of bloodlust oozing off him as Ivan's hand rested on his revolver.

Does he recognize me? No, I never spoke to him. And he never saw me. I don't think…

“Can’t say we've met,” Ivan replied, the sound of Tenno’s clash against the Pawn shaking the very foundation of the palace. “Go, Tenno and I will handle the Purple Pawn. Just make sure the kid and the girls are safe.”

Ivan took off, racing into the tunnel before Kenichi could say another word or hopefully recognize him.

Chapter 54.5

At the End of a Rope

“Nien! Nien! Nien!” The silver-haired man barked, slamming his fists against the table as he stood within the command bunker to direct his troops. Roland was at his wit’s end, surrounded by his officers. All anyone had to give him was bad news.

His main army had been defeated at Windermere, with those that managed to evacuate suffering almost fifty percent casualties before linking up with his reserves.

All lines of logistics were cut off to Rolanda, effectively isolating and grounding their airships, rendering their Air Force ineffective.

And finally–the last nail in the coffin–his city was surrounded, and they’d been abandoned by the High Table, with thousands of what remained of his military dying to a mysterious symptom that only affected those of the pure bloodline.

But then, why was he spared? Was it because of his noble lineage? Roland didn't know; all he knew was that the war was lost and the Black King was no longer answering his calls.

“Milord…” Garnet Lamperouge, liaison of House Lamperouge and one of Roland's longest supporters, began, “Should we… surrender?”

“Surrender?! Have you taken leave of your senses?!” General Grimm spat. The balding officer had been newly appointed as Marshall to defend their capital from the Selfian threat.

Lamperouge narrowed her purple eyes, tempted to smite the man who dared speak so brazenly to a member of nobility.

“Garnet, Grimm has a point,” Roland said through gritted teeth. “Selfia would rather torture and hang me on the side of her palace wall than ever let me surrender peacefully.”

In truth, the thought of Selfia laughing at him while giving him the middle finger irked him to the core. In fact, he'd rather kill himself than ever allow himself to be subject to such humiliation.

“Then what are your orders, my Fuhrer?” Colonel Cazador Hoffman asked. He was an influential man who had served him well in his previous campaigns against the Cintelli Theocracy. “The 5th Reserves and Kindersoldat stand willing and waiting. Your Excellency need only give the word and we would gladly go to our deaths.”

“Eager to join your son, Colonel?” Lamperouge said, drawing the ire of the non-Awakened man.

“And what would you mean by that, Lady Lamperouge?”

“Your son ran out to face our enemy, remember? And what did that achieve?”

“My son died a hero in defense of the Fatherland!” Hoffman retorted, pointing a gloved finger at the Awakened woman, an action which, under normal circumstances, would have spelled his death. Yet these weren't normal circumstances. “He delayed the enemy, which is more than I can say for those pitiful assassins you call mage officers.”

“You have a lot of bravado for an un-Awakened; perhaps, because of the stress, your senses have taken leave of you, colonel.”

Roland closed his eyes, contemplating his choices as his officers bickered. Finally, he opened his mouth, prepared to cut through the backdrop of arguing.

“You will fight to the last,” the words echoed through the chamber, freezing the audience of commanders and nobles in place. These words didn't come from Roland, but a bald man wearing a white suit and a mask that shielded his face.

He looked different from when Roland had last seen him, but there was no mistaking that ego and suit.

“You!” Roland spat, pointing at the smug man grinning without a care in the world. “GUARDS! SEIZE THAT MAN!”

Cazador Hoffman and the officers moved, drawing their sidearms and weapons, yet that was as far as they got before they too were frozen in place.

“How rude. Is that any way to treat a friend? I dare say, you wound me,” The Black King said, sauntering across the room and past the frozen guards. Roland unconsciously shrunk back, finding that he couldn't breath as a crushing pressure fell on his shoulders.

“Y-you! Where have you been?!” Roland let out, stuck in place as two firm hands planted themselves on his shoulders. “You were supposed to bring me victory! Bring me an empire! Instead, you abandoned me as thousands of my men have been ravaged by some Selfian bio-weapon and her army comes knocking at my door!”

The Black King chuckled, casually pushing over the frozen Hoffman, who fell to the ground stiff with a thud.

“Abandoned? Oh no, I have a purpose for you, King Roland,” The Black King said, his tone sarcastic as he addressed the noble. “A purpose, which is what we all crave, don't we?”

“Purpose?! Selfia will have me tortured! My purpose was to lead the empire into a new dawn! To be its king! I did everything you asked for Project Khloros–gave you men, supported your expeditions, and this is how you repay me?!” Roland snapped, his anger momentarily triumphing over his fear. However, he was quickly reminded of the power dynamic as he fell to his knees.

“And I delivered, no? An empire under your command, which I say was more than you ever deserved,” The Black King said, casually taking a seat in the chair meant for Roland. “Every promise I've made I kept. It is not my fault you pissed it away.”

Roland bit his tongue, pushing his tangled silver hair back and controlling the outburst that would have sentenced him to death.

“What… do you want?” Roland asked, barely containing the seething hatred beneath his calm veneer.

“Victory,” The Black King replied as a black-clad figure with green eyes materialized into the room. “This is your knight. He will assist you when you take to the field tomorrow, to ensure… you perform as needed.”

“What?” Roland's face twisted with confusion. “You expect me to commit suicide?!”

The Black King laughed, his face revealing a cruel grin that had been hidden beneath his calm veneer. “That's the thing, my dear King… you're already dead.”

Roland's eyes pulsed, the red-eyed prince doubling over as something pulled at his very soul. The tip of well-polished boots filled his vision before his head was lifted by a finger, forcing him to stare into the face of Queen Slayer, the man who had murdered his grandmother.

“You live because I allow it. You breathe because I say so. If you deviate from my will, what befell your red-eyed brethren will befall you, too. After all-” The Black King smiled as he turned Roland's head to face a familiar silver-haired woman with a golden sword at her side.

“M-mother?!” Roland could scarcely believe it.

“-I created this empire for one singular purpose,” The Black King said, his golden eyes turning red, “To serve me.”

Chapter 55

Jack, The King, The Lance, And the Ghost

“Breathe Ada! Just breathe!”- Kenichi

“I AM FUCKING BREATHING!!!!”- Ada

After days of fighting, Jack now floated above the golden palace used by the man who had proclaimed himself king. Under a storm of black winds, Jack furrowed his brow, glaring down at the figure in the distance adorned in white and gold, who stood before the gates of his castle.

Roland Cordelica, the usurper and White Knight of the Black King.

“FIRE!!” Selfia's voice screamed through Jack's earpiece, her voice ordering her airships to open fire at the Awakened traitor.

The canons of all fifteen airships under Selfia's banner roared, unleashing round after round at the man who, in Jack's vision, remained unmoving despite the blanket of shrapnel and gunfire coating the city.

In the past, Jack would have been worried about the civilian casualties, but now–well, they had been warned and told to flee. Anyone who stayed would die. Cruel? No doubt. The bodies that lay draped across the city painted a haunting image in his mind, but he couldn’t afford to falter. Not when everyone he loved counted on him. Instead, Jack shut his mind and closed his heart to the horrors of war.

Sara.

“Yup, I see. He's wearing nothing but enchanted gear, and he's not alone.”

Great, so I'm not hallucinating… Jack said to himself as he eyed the distortion standing beside the white-haired man.

“Hmm, this is a trap,” Jack frowned, switching his view from his angel vision as the smoke and dust dispersed.

“God-fucking-damnit, why don't you just fucking die already?!” Selfia fumed. Jack could see her in his mind's eye, stomping around furiously on the bridge of her command ship.

“Looks like we're up,” Jack said to Selfia.

“What? Gonna railgun him?” She sent back.

“No. If I do that, he'll die and I won't be able to have a one-on-one chat with him,” Jack said, descending as Roland opened his mouth, beginning some grandiose speech to his soldiers.

“You think you can take him? We still have to contend with the Black King.”

“I'm sure.”

“Are you really sure? Seriously Jack, this is no time-”

“I'm sure. After all, he flinched,” Jack said, referring to the usurper prince flinching under the barrage of Selfia's warships.

Selfia moved immediately to bark orders, deploying her troops to prevent enemy retreat.

“-Of course my sister sends her patsy to face me instead of fighting me herself!” Roland roared, pointing at Jack with a golden blade, which he realized was Excalibur. “See the cowardice their BELOVED queen displays, as she not only ignores my call for challenge but fires indiscriminately at our city with her navy!”

Jack's feet touched the ruined street of concrete and rubble, his back to the Roland soldiers in the bombed-out houses and dug-outs, who dared not act against the man who brazenly entered their defensive lines.

“Roland, I take it?” Jack said, eyeing the man with red eyes, white hair, and handsome features, the model image of a king. On his shoulders, he wore a protective fur cape, capable of hardening like iron. On his forearms, artifacts that boosted strength and conjured shields. On his feet, boots of speed that allowed him to teleport, while his chest plate seemed to have a similar effect as the Savior chest plate he’d taken off of Hoffman. “We haven’t been introduced.”

“Oh, please. I’m well aware of what you are. Don’t act coy–you’re nothing but my traitorous sister’s attack dog,” Roland sneered, pointing Excalibur at Jack, with the weapon warping the space it sliced through. “Like father, like son, traditions of a bygone era.”

Jack eyed the blade before focusing on something out of normal sight that hid behind Roland in his shadow, a specter similar to Ruby, yet… not.

Through his angelic vision, Jack could see it staring back at him, green eyes behind a mask. A relative? Jack didn't know, but it was clear it didn't want to be seen.

Roland glared at Jack, realizing the latter wasn’t paying attention to him but was preoccupied with something else.

“You stand before me, King Roland Cordelica of the Arthurian Empire, the man who will usher in a new age for the empire and the world!” Roland boasted, standing with the confidence of a man assured of victory, yet as Jack’s eyes flickered to the self-proclaimed king, he saw not bravery, but fear. The same fear of a man forced to do something.

So that’s how it is…

“I’m only going to ask once,” Jack said, tapping his foot and releasing a shockwave of mana that blew away the spectators and forced the traitor guardsmen back. “Where is my sister?”

“How dare you-”

“Wrong answer.”

In the fraction of the time it took to blink, Jack vanished, closing the distance to Roland with his palm outstretched to grab the usurper’s face. Suddenly there was an attack, as Roland’s shadow produced dozens of crimson spikes that nicked Jack's mana barrier and forced him back.

Jack narrowed his eyes at the black-clad specter, his cheek leaking smoke from the gash from the spike strong enough to break his barrier.

Blood technique?

“Hm,” Jack let out, already feeling the intrusion of foreign mana attempting to wiggle its way inside him. Against a lesser Awakened, the attack would have left them a bloody mess on the floor.

It didn't go far before submitting to Jack's command.

“Coward! To attack me mid sentence? You're nothing but a trashy cur, and in these darkened times, it falls on me to take out the trash!” Roland yelled, striking a stance, his body radiating with a silver light that moved along the blade of gold.

Jack found his heart racing, feeling an anger within–not Lilith's, Ruby's, or Sahaqiel’s, but his own. The sword brought back terrible memories.

“You really like hearing the sound of your voice, huh?” Jack asked rhetorically, noticing that the surrounding soldiers were moving in.

“Clashing with that sword is going to be a problem,” Sahaqiel advised. “One cut could be fatal, and it's not like we have weapons that can block it.”

Yeah, and judging from his bodyguard, I'll need you or Lilith to purge his attacks, Jack sent back as he readied his gunblades.

For once in a long while, there was someone who actually posed a threat to Jack; not the man himself, granted, but the gear he wore.

“Ruby,” Jack called out, summoning the knight, “Deal with the fodder.”

Roland shot off the ground, the Imperial prince roaring his battle cry as Jack took to the sky.

From above, Jack unleashed his salvo, firing flechette rounds that peppered the man protected by his armor and the shade who took the brunt of the attack.

“COW-” Roland yelled, but not before a proximity HE round from Jack’s gunblade blew him back.

Jack reached out, attempting to drain the White Knight’s bodyguard, who bounced between the ruins, using them as footholds to rapidly close the distance with Jack.

“Seventh! Solomon!” the black-clad blood user hissed while smashing Jack through a nearby building.

Rolling to his feet, Jack's wings moved, blocking the punch that smacked against his feathers with a resounding crack.

Jack's feathers shifted, wrapping around the man's arm. He immediately slashed it off, leaving the appendage behind to detonate, sending them both flying through the walls of the ruined building.

“SOLOMON!” The voice of his assailant roared, moving through the smoke, the stump of his severed appendage oozing blood that shaped into penetrating tendrils.

Activating Hardened and putting up a barrier, Jack moved to shield himself, yet the attack pierced his body through, locking him in place.

[-183 HP] Gone in an instant.

Jack felt himself moving, the tendrils poking out of his back forming into hooks to reel him in as the spikes attempted to force his blood to explode.

Fortunately, Lilith kept that from happening, her mastery of Gehenna turning what would be a death sentence into an annoying injury instead.

Still, the man knew what he was doing. Every spike inhibited his movement, with the tendrils piercing ligaments, joints, and tendons.

The man's free hand reached out, commanding the crimson liquid to form a dagger in his palm that he moved to put in Jack's eye.

Suddenly, a black chain wrapped around the man's wrist, stopping his attack. Jack's gunblade came up, snapping the head of his attacker back from the force of the fifty caliber round exiting his weapon.

The man hit the floor with a thud, the only sound in the stillness that echoed through Jack's surroundings.

But the Awakened wasn't dead.

Over his face was a barrier of crystalized blood, stopping the attack. Jack dropped a blast of fire on the man, boiling away the blood spikes chasing him as he made his escape from the building.

Barreling through a window, Jack took to the sky, his movements still sluggish as his body worked to expel the foreign mana.

“Jack! Fall back! NOW!” Selfia's voice barked.

Jack shook his head, alarm bells ringing in his mind as Sahaqiel turned his body to catch the golden spear an inch from his face.

“Hi dimmie cur, how's my son-in-law doing?” Lancelot grinned, the gold armored man appearing before Jack with a floating fortress in the sky behind him.

“LANCELOT!” Jack roared.

Chapter 56

Anti-Army Clash

Jack roared, releasing an Arc Repulse that blew apart the rooftops of the nearby buildings and sent the legendary knight flying. He spread his wings, the feathers moving to impale the man, only to be blocked by the black specter.

“Solomon!” the shadow spat, its back sporting tendrils of blood that acted as legs to suspend the man mid-air.

Jack inhaled, eyes focused not on the black knight that impeded him but on Lancelot, smirking as he stood unharmed below, with Roland at his side.

“GET OUT OF MY WAY!” Jack yelled. Supercharging a feathered spear, Jack struck the knight down before enchanting his feathers with Lightning and unleashing a storm upon his enemy.

Lancelot laughed, twirling his spear, which sparked each time it deflected one of Jack's feathers.

Jack activated Energize, his body radiating with red lightning as he torpedoed into the earth.

“Fancy meeting you here,” Lancelot smirked, taking Jack's attack straight on. The pair clashed, Jack's gunblade smashing down on Lancelot's spear.

“I'm gonna rip out your intestines with my teeth!” Jack roared.

Roland and his knight attempted to intervene, yet were caught in the explosion of Jack's Arc Repulse.

“Ha! Now that's the spirit!” Lancelot yelled, using the force of the detonation to launch into the air and perform a flip before landing on a tilted street light. “Come on Jack, show me a good time!”

Lancelot’s body now sported blue scales, his body almost reptilian as blue lightning danced around his body.

Jack grit his teeth, his heart pounding angrily with the air swirling in response to his will.

“Jack! Jack, you need to get out of there! The Solarus is about to fire!” Selfia barked, her transmission barely audible as his blood pounded with his own heartbeat.

In the distance, the citadel of gold floated, nearing the city as Selfia's fleet moved to engage.

“Damn it,” Jack hissed, sensing the swelling of mana.

“Jack, that thing is about to fire!” Sahaqiel warned, prompting Jack to soar downwards just in time to avoid the torrential flood of mana that smashed through the barrier of Selfia's command ship.

“SELFIA!” Jack called out, but he didn't have time to focus on the burning flagship crashing into the city.

Lancelot and Roland were upon him, the two pincering him just as the shadow moved to flank him from behind.

Shit! Jack ducked beneath Excalibur, his wings blocking Lancelot's gungnir while Ruby engaged the shadow.

Dodging Roland's attacks Jack attempted to go on the offense instead, using his feathers to harass Roland while he dealt with Lancelot. However, this was proving to be a daunting task. Although not as quick as his father, Roland's blade was damaging his feathers each time they made contact, not to mention his teleporting, armor protections, and enchanted gear were proving a nuisance to his skills.

Jack opened his mouth, unleashing Frost Breath at Roland while kicking off the ground to gain distance from Lancelot.

With three-to two-odds and Roland soldiers now racing out, Jack retreated, at least for now.

To his assailant’s surprise, Jack's body emitted smoke, the area around him rapidly blanketed by magical fog that hid his mana signature as he fled.

“Learning new tricks, are we?!” Lancelot shouted, swiping at the space where Jack had been, only to be greeted by a flashbang. “Fuck!”

Taking shelter in a nearby building, Jack used the ruined structure to act as both cover and concealment to hide his presence from the enemy. He took a moment, listening in to the combat chatter on his COM-LINK as Admiral Skirita took command of the battle and moved the fleet to engage the Solarus.

“Selfia! Come in! Selfia!” Jack barked, attempting to raise the queen on every channel he had.

“Oh, my God! Stop yelling in my ear, you're making my headache worse!” Selfia snapped, the sound of screams audible in the background.

Jack exhaled, satisfied that Selfia was alive, at least. He looked down at his arm, which was bleeding but not healing.

“Problem. Lancelot is here,” Jack reported, ducking down to breathe for a moment as soldiers neared.

“Then get out of there. While I'm sure you can handle my brother, I don't think you can handle both him and my father. Retreat if you need to. Jin and the others are still fighting their way through Lamperouge soldiers,” Selfia reported as Jack winced from the injury on his arm.

“I can't leave just yet,” Jack replied. “Not until Roland tells me what I need to know. I'll try to capture hi-”

The line cut off–signal interference it seemed.

“Fuck,” Jack muttered, cursing his own overconfidence while loading his gunblade. Although they were the enemy, they weren't stupid. The Roland soldiers were still Imperial guardsmen, trained soldiers.

“I told you we needed to be careful about that sword,” Sahaqiel chastised.

“Yeah, well, kinda hard managing three attackers at once,” Jack retorted, clamping a hand down on the painful wound.

“Spread out and bring him to me!” Roland shouted, ordering his troops to search the building.

“Tsk, I need mana,” Lilith spat, materializing to tend to Jack's injury.

Guess Roland can scheme, too. Jack frowned before punching through the nearby sheetrock and pulling a screaming soldier through.

The man fired his gun wildly, hitting his comrades before falling to the floor as a dried-out husk.

“AMATEUR!”

Immediately Lancelot was upon Jack, stabbing at the latter with his legendary spear. Jack ducked beneath the weapon, limited in its use in such tight quarters.

“Did I ever tell you about your father, Jack?” Lancelot goaded, unleashing a torrent of blue lightning that was met by Jack's red. An explosion ensued, the positive and negative energies detonating the space between them.

“Uninterested,” Jack replied as Sahaqiel reported Roland on the move. Jack turned his free hand, cycling his gunblade, which blasted the knight through a wall as he attempted to flank.

Through the crumbling debris, Jack could hear the usurper cussing, barely able to take in breaths from the large caliber round that smashed against his armor.

“Look at you, Jack. Four years and you've become akin to a war god,” Lancelot laughed, retracting his spear and adopting an expression that was almost one of pride. “If you weren't born to a bastardized race, I could almost be proud to call you my son-in-law.”

Jack responded with a gunblade, the weapon unleashing a round that Lancelot immediately moved to deflect.

However, this proved to be a mistake; the moment he did, the micro-proximity fuse within it activated, unleashing the armythieum flechettes that detonated, piercing Lancelot's mana shell.

“GAH!” the golden knight screamed, stumbling before Jack's roar flooded his ears. He was tackled out of the building and into the rubble-filled street. The knight swung wildly, attempting to counter, yet Jack's feathers clamped down on the man's wrists and legs, pinning the Knight of One down so Jack could go to work.

It started with a punch to the face, one that sent joy and ecstasy echoing through Jack's body and propelled him to punch again. And again. And again. Each subsequent punch came out faster and faster, as he screamed obscenities and beat the strongest Knight of the Empire in front of an army of witnesses.

Jack smiled, his face twisting with glee. “You once told me I couldn't siphon you! That you had plenty of mana! Well, let's put THAT TO THE TEST!

Lancelot roared with rage, his body igniting with power, which became Jack's as he slapped his palm over the man's face.

“Where is all that power?” Jack asked, his trauma transforming into catharsis as he forced the screaming man down into the dirt, pressing him into the ground despite his struggles.

This time, Lancelot couldn't escape. Couldn't overpower him. Couldn't mock him! Couldn't taunt him! This time, Jack was the one with overwhelming strength.

Jack's hand glowed, searing Lancelot's face with Fira as the mana mixed with Gehenna, permanently scarred the Knight's face.

“How does it feel? How does it feel to be scarred?” Jack hissed, his eyes glazed over with madness as the knight’s screams of pain came to a halt.

“Jack! Behind you!”

Jack spun, rolling off his unconscious prey to avoid the blood spear and chains of light aimed at his back.

“I'm going to kill you both,” Jack said flatly, as Selfian soldiers appeared nearby. “But not before you tell me where my sister is.”

“Tch,” Roland let out, drawing his blade close, the once-regal model of a king now coated in blood, debris, and dust.

Roland charged, slashing at Jack, who calmly dodged and kicked the man in the shin, knocking him to the ground.

“Why!?” Roland screamed, rolling away just as Jack's foot came down. “Why must you impede me!? Would you deprive a nation of its future?!”

“You’re goddamn right I will. I’ll kill everyone who gets in my way,” Jack replied, firing a blast of mana, which Roland deflected using Excalibur. “Now tell me, where is the Black King? Where is my sister?!”

“And why would I tell you, a mongrel who is about to die?”

“The only one who will die is you!” Jack spat, his anger rising, but not enough to blind him to the shadow attempting to attack him. He shot with his gunblade.

Roland gritted his teeth, rousing his mana.

“I have spent twenty years planning! I will not have it all undone by some sniveling mutt who could never grasp that what I fight for is mankind! For the world! For a better empire!”

Jack paused. “Is this hell your definition of fighting for mankind?! Is kidnapping children, waging war against your own sister and conspiring with evil your definition of just?!”

Roland’s face scrunched.

“I could never expect you to understand!” Roland slashed his blade, shaving off a portion of Jack’s hair. “A puppet of the Black King! How dare you raise your arms to me! Arise o will!!”

Jack backpedaled, detecting a large influx of mana as the man's core shifted from purple to silver, all indications he was preparing for an Anti-Army skill.

While Anti-Army skills could cancel each other out, the truth of the matter was that the point-blank activation of such skills didn't so much as nullify the skill effects, but implode them, mushrooming the mana in a condensed space rather than blanketing the field when two skills clashed in the open.

Roland was attempting to blast Jack away, perhaps hoping that with Selfian troops nearby, Jack would hesitate.

He was wrong.

“Fine, if you want to throw down Anti-Army skills, then let's throw down!” Jack barked, rousing his core, much to Sahaqiel’s shock and reluctance. “I offer thee calamity-”

“You bastard!” Roland seethed, realizing that his gambit had been called, “Shine with Brilliance-!”

“Erase from my sight and begone,” Jack and Sahaqiel’s voice twisted as one, the two reciting the skill as fast as Roland cited his.

“-Let all those unworthy know thy glory!”

“Let my winds carry the will of destruction and bring forth tragedy!”

“I, the inheritor, I, whose ambition knows no limit!”

“I, guardian of the gates, the avatar of freedom-!”

“I who topple mountains, I who am king! I who cast judgment!”

“DENY YOU! BEGONE! MANAWRAITH TEMPEST!”

“EXALTATION! JUDGEMENT SLASH!” Roland roared, the mana in the air suffocating as both he and Jack called upon the energy of the universe to unleash their attacks, with the world obliging their bidding.

Roland swung Excalibur, the weapon of gold unleashing a beam of pure radiant energy that pierced the heavens. Jack's skill manifested a hurricane at point-blank range within the city center, the storm ripping away their surroundings.

All sound was lost. The light was drained. Every shadow was gone as a brilliant explosion ripped the world asunder.

Chapter 57

End of World Scenario

“Gah…” Jack let out, clutching his left eye while down on one knee, as his blood dripped upon the ruined paved road beneath him.

Before Jack stood the shadow knight, standing tall despite almost half his body being missing. However, contrary to Jack’s expectations, the knight wasn't facing him, but away, his back turned to Jack to take on the brunt of Excalibur’s unique properties, which had melded with Roland's Anti-Army skill to cut through Jack’s and Sahaqiel's hurricane.

The knight wrapped in black turned his head slowly, clearly struggling with such a simple movement until his green eyes settled on Jack.

“H-h-hey... kiddo,” Mike said shakily. Roland’s attack had shaved off his helmet, which had obscured his face, revealing the specter Jack had been fighting against all this time was…

“M-mike?” Jack whispered incredulously, his eyes shaking as his uncle smiled, crimson ichor flowing freely from his lips.

“I’m so proud of you,” Mike whispered before hitting the ground with a loud thud that seemed to echo in Jack’s mind.

“Uncle Mike?” Jack whimpered, his head cocked to the side, disbelief in his voice as his lips quivered.

Almost a yard away, Roland fared no better. The man’s enchanted gear was ruined as he lay embedded in the earth.

“MIKE?!” Jack screamed, falling to the side before rapidly crawling over to the body, despite his healing disrupted by Excalibur and his shoulder bleeding profusely. “No! Nonononono!”

Jack turned the man over, his lifeless eyes gazing out as Jack reached down, his first instinct to drain the man to try to-

“No,” Sahaqiel said, she and Lilith materializing, along with Ruby, to stop Jack from attempting to take Mike’s soul.

“No?” Jack whispered, “NO?! Sara! H-h-HE- I-!”

“Your body can’t handle another ego!” Sahaqiel reasoned, the tears flowing down her face, reflecting Jack’s emotions, “Any attempt like this would shatter everything we’ve done to repair your core. It would kill us. Worse, it could turn us into a Nest! STOP!”

Jack attempted it anyway. Yet despite his hand being placed down on Mike’s chest, Gehenna didn’t answer his will.

“Did you forget where your power comes from?” Lilith shook her head as her hand, Sahaqiel’s hand, and even Ruby’s hand latched onto Jack’s body to pull him away.

“B-b-but-How? Why? WHY?!” Jack could only scream, the shock of his uncle's death to-

The vibration of heavy machinery landing nearby took Jack’s attention.

It was the Damocles, Tangerine’s MECHFrame cutting through the Solaris’s Valkyrie force to land beside Jack.

“It’s time to go, sir,” Tangerine said, the black-armored MECHFrame scooping up a stunned Jack in its massive metal hands. “Package secured, egressing to friendly lines.”

The boosters of the MECHFrame ignited it, its metal chassis ascending into the air, with its CIWs engaging in all directions to repel the Valkyrie pilots attempting to intercept it. However, against his new type of machine, one of pilot melded with AI and metal, the MECHFrames of old were relics, their machines falling short against the pinnacle of Selfian Titan technology.

-Sir. Five GEN-3 and Two GEN-4s have locked on- Damocles reported as Tangerine’s hands danced across the controls of his machine. He didn’t actually need the AI’s report; it already told him what the sensors on his MECHFrame fed him. Still, its voice was a comforting reminder that despite being surrounded three-dimensionally, he wasn’t alone.

“Deploy chaff,” Tangerine ordered, shifting his flight gear to avoid the incendiary hail of bullets tracking his machine.

Flare after flare fired from Tangerine’s mech, the strips of metal confusing the missiles that detonated upon reaching proximity.

Tangerine’s eyes darted to his HUD, with his hands occupied protecting the King Consort. He had only the two close-in defense weapons mounted on his back and the rocket systems attached to his thighs and shoulders. Still, he wasn’t done for–the Damocles was more than enough to handle relics of the past.

“Shields to rear and prepare FFBC,” Tangerine ordered, the Damocles routing power from its auxiliary obsifitor generators to the Forward Facing Beam Cannon mounted on its chest, a weapon that would momentarily deplete his reserve energy.

-Sir, if I may, shouldn’t we use that energy to boost our flightpack speed?- Damocles inquired as Tangerine maneuvered himself in front of the pack of MECHFrame pilots.

“No, the more High Table bastards we eliminate now, the less that will chase us,” Tangerine replied, shooting down the AI’s suggestion as his console beeped green while flashing a yellow color to indicate heavy shield damage.

Despite being in lesser machines, the Valkyries lived up to their namesake; however, faced with overwhelming power, they, just like any other soldier on the field, would die.

The young pilot reached down, flipping the ignition switch for the beam channels that made his MECHFrame glow, the obsifitor particles a byproduct of his machine harnessing mana to supercharge the Cintelli-tech in his chest.

-Bogeys locked-

Tangerine narrowed his eyes, turning his controls to pivot his machine into a full one-eighty. “Fire.”

Noticing the influx of energy, Tangerine’s pursuers attempted to break off, a valiant action if not for the fact that despite being called a beam, the FFBC was less like a beam and more of a wave, unleashing a wide-range pulse of energy that simultaneously damaged the mechs and shut down their systems from the EM damage.

-Tracking. Seven titan class enemies disabled and falling.- Damocles reported as Tangerine pivoted to take the King Consort away to report to Queen Selfia, commanding from the ruins of her flagship.

“Damocles, what is the state of Angel?” Selfia demanded over the sounds of disarray.

“Injured but stable,” Tangerine reported, his eyes downcast at the ruins of the city below. What remained of it, at least.

“Good. The Solarus is chewing up our fleet. Link up with admiral-” Selfia began, but her voice was lost to Tangerine as his entire world shook.

“What?!” Tangerine shouted, alarmed as the transposcreen of his cockpit flickered.

-Contact! Beam rifle three hundred meters bearing forty-six degrees-

“I see it!” Tangerine spat, eyes wide and glaring at the wolf-like MECHFrame soaring through the air, onto which his sensor systems were struggling to lock.

The young pilot didn't need his system to register the MECHFrame as a Named, he knew its name, the same machine that had slaughtered his companions.

“KHLOROS!” Tangerine roared, his heart rate spiking so rapidly his cockpit flashed with red lights.

Immediately the barrels of his weapons spun, the CIWs opening fire with thousands of black-tipped rounds trailing behind the mech, whose erratic movements made it hard to track.

Tangerine gritted his teeth, almost moving the Damocles’s arm to draw its sword. However, his package was in his palms, and judging by how the man wasn't moving, Jack wouldn't be helpful.

-Sir, the Khloros is deploying drones-

“I can see that!” Tangerine replied, maneuvering his forty-ton machine away from the streams of criss-crossing black beams that coated his surroundings.

The cockpit shook, a slight graze.

-Shields at 75%-

-Left bicep, minor damage.-

A slight graze and it was enough to cut through the barrier that protected his mech. Tangerine clicked his teeth, flipping switches to send all spare energy not used for his shields towards his flight gear.

“Split power between shield and boost, calculate a route to allied guns and-!” Tangerine ordered, activating the thrusters on his chest to air dash back from the gold-plated claws that warped his shields.

“Damn it!” The Damocles shot upwards, soaring into the sky with the howling Khloros nipping at his heels.

As much as Tangerine didn't want to, he needed to get away. He couldn't fight the pilot with his hands metaphorically tied behind his back.

“How the hell is that thing faster than me?! Divert all power to forward shields!” Tangerine spat, cutting his engines and abruptly reversing to put himself behind the black machine.

Tangerine reached down, disengaging the lock on his missile pods and opening fire point blank, allowing the resulting explosion to give him distance.

“Thrust! Thrust! Thrust!” Tangerine yelled, twisting his machine’s body to realign his thruster to a-

The Damocles lurched, alarms blaring as gold talons reached out and raked its back, sending a shooting pain through Tangerine’s mind.

-Warning! Flight System severely damaged.-

Damocles was tumbling, free falling through the sky, with Tangerine screaming with rage as the bestial machine latched on.

Tangerine’s eyes pulsed, emotions invaded and his skin grew goosebumps.

The enemy pilot was just like him, a GEN5 pilot equipped with a Syn system.

Jack.

The singular name ran through his mind, the word transmitted between the two mechs that filled Tangerine with hateful rage.

“Khloros! KHLOROS! KHLOROS!!!” Tangerine began screaming, his words laced with madness as he began yelling out the name of his attacker, who was attempting to pry open the Damocles's hands to get at its prize.

Immediately his CIWs moved to open fire, yet the Khloros made short work of them, using the serrated teeth of its wolf-like head to tear into the machinery from the Damocles.

-Sir! We're reaching terminal velocity!-

“ARRRRGH!” Tangerine screamed, yanking his MECHFrame controls to the left and activating his hip and leg thrusters to flip the wolf-frame from above him to below him. “CUT SHIELDS! OVERLOAD ALL POWER TO THE FFBC!”

Damocles hesitated for a moment, the safeguard protocols running the odds of pilot safety.

“NOW!”

The Khloros’s wolf-like head opened again, biting into the Damocles’s shoulder as its chest opened up.

Damocles lifted its hands, the groan of metal against metal audible in Tangerine’s cockpit as the enemy attempted to rip his hands off in a fervor that was borderline suicidal.

“This is for Diane!!” Tangerine spat, slamming his hand down on his console, which glowed green.

The enemy mech released a sickly scream, shouting as the FFBC opened fire point-blank and separated the two mechs just before they hit the ground.

Tangerine gnashed his teeth, his titanium coffin rattling as green inflatable airbags deployed, smacking him from every angle to preserve his life.

“GAH!” Tangerine gasped, vision pulsing, breath heavy, his heart beating so loudly he could only hear the singular name echoing in his mind.

Khloros.

Despite his HUD displaying multiple broken ribs, fractures, and a possible concussion, Tangerine quickly took hold of the Damocles' controls, piloting it to pull itself from the dirt to face his damaged archenemy.

-Tangerine! Shields are offline and our main reactor is damaged. I suggest we-

Tangerine silenced the AI, unleashing a roar of rage as he charged the enemy MECHFrame, still struggling to rise from its crater and recover from the EM blast.

Noticing the Damocles at full sprint, a multitude of the Khloros’s drones moved to intercept, firing beam after beam at the machine that charged through the barrage.

Damocles tackled the Khloros, pinning it to the ground and causing it to roar at the indignation. It moved its arms, its talons attempted to rack Tangerine's mech, but Tangerine expected the reaction and grabbed both arms before placing the Damocles’s foot squarely onto the Khloros’s chest.

“DIE!” Tangerine yelled, pulling at its arms until they broke free, allowing him to wrap his mech’s hands around the enemy titan's maw and chest. Then he squeezed his palm, the action causing the Damocles to tear off the metal door of the cockpit to reveal the enemy within.

Wasting no time, Tangerine hit the cockpit release, opening the hatch of his MECHFrame, much to his AI’s dismay.

Tangerine fell out of his mech, landing atop the Khloros with an audible yelp of pain before scurrying to face the enemy pilot, gun in hand.

Reaching the cockpit, Tangerine could see his prey, a green-haired girl, not even a teenager, strapped to a variety of wires, machines, and fleshy tendrils that ran along her convulsing body, which was marred by patterns of black veins.

Tangerine recoiled, the innards of the machine more than he'd expected.

“Jack!” The pilot let out, her face obscured by the mechanical black mask attached to her face.

Tangerine raised his sidearm, barrel pointed at the thing that lay writhing in the cockpit akin to a nest’s home.

“For my friends,” Tangerine spat, just as the girl whispered, “Help me.”

*Bang*

“Huh?”

Suddenly Tangerine was falling to the side, his worldview sideways as his body hit the smooth carapace of the Khloros and slid off the mech.

Jack lowered his gun, his eyes wide, before scrambling to the Khloros’s cockpit where his sister lay.

Chapter 58

A New Angel Ascends

“Help me.”

Fresh off the heels of Mike's death, Jack had reacted on instinct, the two words uttered by his sister snapping Jack from his stupor. His hand had come up, gunblade firing an armyrethium-tipped bullet that ripped through the teenager’s chest.

Tangerine fell to the side, his face one of confusion and rage as he moved to fire at Jack, yet lost balance and fell.

Yet... what was done was done as Jack stood atop the cockpit of the Khloros, bleeding from his shoulder, head, and left eye.

Despite being wrapped in pulsating flesh and wearing some odd mask fixed to the machine, Jack could tell it was Jill. After so long, he had found his sister. Just not in the way he had hoped.

“Jill?” Jack whispered. Despite bleeding from his injuries yet to heal, he reached down, ignoring Sahaqiel’s and Lilith’s warnings.

-D#&10(//*

HelpNogoaway! StOp! heLp! RUn!

Jack recoiled, his mind beset by a flurry of foreign voices that lashed out at his psyche, causing an influx of system glitches to fill his vision.

Recovering quickly, Jack shook his head, his vision picking up traces of red energy latched onto Jill. The same energy he had seen before Colette and the others had collapsed.

In a frantic rush, Jack reached out, his body immediately racked with pain as system notification after notification flooding his senses. He could hear–no, see–voices, the data clouding his vision, giving him a migraine that threatened to break his skull apart.

Still, Jack clenched his jaw and wrapped his hand around the mask on Jill’s face and pulled, attempting to rip away the device that tethered the strange energy.

“NO!” Jill screamed, her voice akin to a banshee’s wail before the Khloros moved, sending Jack flying with a smack of its arm.

Jack bounced across the ground of mud and broken debris, the only sound being the crunch of his broken bones and Jill’s wail.

Rising to his feet, bleeding profusely, Jack gawked, staring at the monstrous MECHFrame suddenly expanding in mass. Black flesh grew from the cockpit, putrid and vile, with tentacles sprouting forth to wrap the metal humanoid in muscle.

The Khloros shrieked, unleashing a malevolent energy that rivaled that of a Nest Heart.

Jack recoiled, the corruption in the air so vile, his surroundings fogged up with corruptive smog as the nearby flora wilted.

Sara! Sara, what the hell is going on?!

“I don't!! I don't know! Keep your mana barrier up and don't breathe it in!” Sahaqiel warned, the panic in her voice clear.

Then Jake heard it: echoes of voices, a singular word chanted by the chorus that sung a singular word of Brother.

The Khloros screeched, racing towards Jack with its new arms of corpse flesh reaching out with bone-like talons.

“Brother…BroThEr? bROtheR?brother?brothErbeothe!"

“Jill?” Jack whispered to the cacophony of hundreds of voices calling for a brother.

Frozen, Jack could only stare as the machine neared, the Khloros casting a shadow over the warrior, with tears in his eyes. Then, it stopped, merely a few inches from rending Jack, its metallic fleshy body visibly straining from some unknown force holding it back.

“Brother…”

A whisper before the Khloros spun, racing away from Jack as it trailed corruptive smoke towards the Selfian lines.

“I…” Jack reached out, unable to stop his sister.

“Jack!” Selfia called out.

Selfian reinforcements, a dozen MECHFrames flying past Jack, with Selfia's own machine, Jormungand, landing beside him.

“Jack! Are you okay?!” Selfia yelled.

“No! Selfia! Stop! Call off your soldiers! That's Jill! That's my sister in there!” Jack snapped, attempting to move, yet his injuries just weren't… healing?

Sara... what's wrong with my eye?

“The effect of the Excalibur. It's dampening your recovery and has cut off a bunch of data. Lilith blunted most of the impact, but healing your injury will take some time!” Sahaqiel reported with Jack gnashing his teeth.

Never mind that! Tell me how to save my sister! Jack barked, summoning his feathers, still attempting to get into the fight.

“I…” Selfia went silent for a moment, “I can maybe figure something out, but it would involve getting close!”

“Are you insane? Jill is-” Lilith began, but trailed off.

“Then I'll do that,” Jack winced, the vision in his left eye extremely blurry.

From within her MECHFrame, Selfia furrowed her brow. One good look at Jack, and she could tell he was injured and exhausted, just pushing through the pain.

“Jack, I need you to retreat from the field,” Selfia ordered, blocking Jack's path as he made to intervene with the squadron of Mechs attacking the Khloros. “Now. We will handle your sister.”

Despite one-versus-eight odds, Jill was holding her own. The Khloros had morphed into a wolf-like beast equipped with a multitude of tentacles that were tearing the Selfians apart.

“Handle?” Jack muttered as another Selfian MECH lay in the ground, destroyed.

No. Jill was his sister. He had to be the one to… do something.

“Jack? Jack?!” Selfia barked as Jack stood firm with fresh resolve.

“I need your men to pin her down. Do whatever you can. Just buy me a few minutes to close in,” Jack said, gathering his mana.

“Jack, we can't deal with the Solarus, demonspawn, and your sister! If she gets closer to our lines, she could infect-”

“Do it!” Jack turned and spat, the mana in the air wrapping around her MECHFrame and causing it to groan. “I have done everything you've asked. Now you will do what I need you to do.”

“Fine,” Selfia said before issuing orders to her MECHFrame team, who began switching from lethal to non-lethal tactics. “I pray you know what you're doing.”

“I thought you didn't believe in a god,” Jack retorted, repairing his shoulder with Healing Hands.

“I don't, but if there is one listening, I'd hope she won't fuck me over.”

“Let's get to work,” Jack said, taking off with Selfia at his back.

“For now, we can't have Ruby engaged. This smog is extremely corrosive, more so than the attack on Frelia. We need to be careful and limit our injuries,” Sahaqiel advised as Jack drew close to the battlefield around his sister.

The Khloros was still spewing vile energy, shrieking in tandem with the girl exposed in its cockpit, howling her anguish at the world. Jack grit his teeth, the malevolent energy almost calling out to him. The Khloros suddenly sprouted wings, its wolf-like features metamorphosing into something with scales and spikes.

“Pin it down! If that thing gets airborne, we're all fucked!” Selfia ordered, as the multitude of mechs fired cables to capture the Khloros.

Two MECHFrames rushed in, the titans raising massive metal shields to slam into the Khloros from both sides, while a third one slashed at the mechanical tendons behind the Khloros's knees.

Jill screamed at the indignation, stabbing at her assailants with fleshy tendrils that were caught by several fresh MECHFrames that joined the fray.

Selfia’s machine moved in, severing a wing with a pure armythieum blade that sent the Khloros into a frenzy.

“Jack, we're detecting a massive spike of mana! Whatever you're gonna do, do it! Sara, you've gotta do it now!” Selfia barked as Jack raced forward, dodging tendrils that arced out to claim his life.

Jack moved past the damaged MECHFrames locking the beast in place, using their sacrifice to climb upon the Khloros, where Jill convulsed uncontrollably.

“Sara! What do you need me to do!” Jack asked, hoisting himself up while taking care not to touch the tendrils of flesh.

A moment passed as the storm picked up, Jack's eyes scarcely able to comprehend what he was looking at. Jill's form was shifting rapidly, afterimages of herself flailing back and forth inside the Khloros's cockpit.

“Sara.”

Give me a moment!

“Sara, we don't have a moment!”

“I… I don't… I don't know,” Sahaqiel said, much to Jack's dismay.

What?

“I said I don't know! I'm sorry but I don't! Not if we're trying to save her! Fuck! I didn't want to resort to this!” Sahaqiel replied, her tone laced with fear, something he hadn't known from her before.

“That's… no! That's not good enough!” Jack said, shaking his head as he reached out to touch Jill’s mask.

Like before, he was met with pain and a flurry of voices that screamed his name, with Jill opening her mouth to release a blast of putrid energy at him.

[-ERrOr Data corrUption. WaRning! WARNING!]

“If corruption was so simple, we'd have solved it back in my day. The truth is, it's not, it's complex and-”

“TRY SOMETHING!!!”

“I AM!” Sahaqiel snapped, “Please, Jack I'm trying everything I can, racking my brain for every code, every data sequence I know and I… I… I need more time.”

Jack opened his mouth, closing and opening it repeatedly as he felt the corrosive energy eroding his control over the nearby mana that shielded him from the smog.

“Jack! The smog is getting worse! Our scrubbers can't hold under this pressure!” Selfia called out. “Squad! Prepare to disengage!”

“Selfia!” Jack snapped, yet he could feel it. The situation was getting worse, much worse, each moment that passed ate away at Jack's protection.

“Jack… we… we have to, I'm sorry. Please forgive me-”

“Sahaqiel…” Jack whispered, his hands shaking as he drew closer to Jill. She was so close, so very close! Yet as much as he tried, he just couldn't reach her. “There's gotta be something I can do. Lilith, please! ANYTHING!”

Jack screamed, pushing against the malevolent energy to reach his sister, who looked up at him.

“Jack… I can walk,” Jill whispered, lighting a spark of hope within Jack that his sister was still there.

“Yeah! I can see that! Everything's going to be okay! I'm here! Your brother is here! I'm gonna, I'm gonna get you home! You're gonna meet your niece and your nephew and I-”

“Kill. Me.”

In that instance, the world froze, the two words uttered by his sister stopping Jack cold.

Jill's mask fell away, revealing her long green hair, which obscured her emaciated head. She looked up, staring at Jack with a face devoid of its eyes.

“KiLl… mE…” Jill’s voice quivered, the air around Jack dense with miasma as she suddenly burst free from her MECHFrame captors, dragging Jack along.

“Jack!” Sahaqiel screamed, “Jill’s going to explode! We have to get-”

“NO! I can’t leave her! We still have time! Still-!” Jack yelled, before screaming out in pain as the corruptive energy seeped through and burned the tips of his fingers.

“Damn it, Sahaqiel! Get him under control or we'll all die!” Lilith spat, busy deleting as much invasive corrupted mana code that began seeping into Jack. “She’s corrupting too much mana! If she blows up, we won't be able to escape the blast radius! DO WHAT YOU PLANNED TO DO! DON'T BACK OUT NOW!”

Despite Sahaqiel not wanting to agree, Lilith was right. Jill was dangerous, a ticking time bomb priming with energy that would wipe out and infect everyone on the battlefield, Jack included.

"If only we had more time..." Sahaqiel lamented.

Jack and the Khloros were still rising, the monstrous thing hanging above the battlefield, with a multitude of Selfian cannons firing on the pair. They wouldn't survive if Jill finished priming.

Sahaqiel made a choice and enacted Selfia's plan B.

“I'm so sorry,” Sahaqiel said through Jack's mouth, her will piloting Jack's body.

“SARA NO!” Jack screamed before Sahaqiel plunged his hand into Jill's heart. With Lilith's help, the pair pierced through the veil of corruption, attacking the source of the machine, which didn't fight back.

“Ah… was I help..ful?” Jill's final words, her body limp as the Khloros released her, allowing Sahaqiel to grab the woman and fly away from the exploding mech.

The resulting explosion sent Jack reeling, his body tumbling through the sky before he lost consciousness.

A moment, perhaps an eternity, passed before Jack woke, his mind a mess, body burning, vision blurry before his working eye fixated on the figure lying amidst the debris.

With no strength in his broken arms, Jack crawled forward, kicking at the dirt, calling out his sister's name until he finally reached her. With his arms healed, Jack dragged himself up to hold the body of his sister in his arms.

“Please… please…” Jack kept whispering, his voice the only sound that echoed across the battlefield. “PLEASE!”

Jack released a cry to the sky, a howl of pain that contained the burdens of his soul.

That cry soon turned into a chuckle and then a laugh, a manic laugh, as the mana in the air responded to his madness. The earth shook, the sky wept, the very molecules unseen to the naked eye reacting violently to the laughter of anguish that compelled it to move.

Finally, something inside Jack snapped, shifted, his entire morphology now tuned to the fracturing world around him.

[Congratulations On Completing the System Tutorial, Angel.]

Brilliant gold and white energy left Jack's body, radiating with such purity, the Black King could only smile as he stood at a distance, watching with glee on his face.

“Ah… forty thousand years later and a new angel is finally born,” Michael said as across the globe, old things stirred: beings of malevolence, and forgotten gods reacting to a demi-god awakening.

Chapter 59

Mundane Day… Meet Angel…

Corporate Alliance Territory

Eden City// Cordell Industries Central Territory.

Six months later…

“Everything kinda sucks..”

Underneath the neon lights, a jaded, dark-haired man stared blankly into the night sky, watching as drones wove through the collapsing debris from the endless night above. Or, at least, what made up a sky for the massive underground city wrapped in flames, the only defense between the humans that lived inside it and the hordes of monstrosities on the surface pouring in to tear them apart.

“And every day is the same,” Jack muttered as his one-eyed gaze wandered from the collapsing ceiling to an alleyway where several demonspawn were desecrating the corpses of two tech-junkies.

Standing in the rubble of his old apartment, Jack closed his remaining eye and breathed in the memories of a place he hadn’t seen in five years.

The late nights with his uncle Mike offering him whiskey and crackers.

The bedtime stories with Jill, who would interrupt to regale him about her favorite Mecha-man TV show.

The hard times, when money and taking care of his sister’s medical bills were Jack’s chief concerns.

Bad times. Jack had often thought, but little did he know those hard times would be his fondest memories. Now, he would do almost anything to go back, to change his fate and never stand upon the roof that faithful night. To never have met Sahaqiel or gone along with Mike’s plan to enlist in the Imperial army to evade his pursuers.

No, that wasn’t true. He loved Sahaqiel. Loved Ada. Loved his children. This he knew, yet if he could undo the nightmares… the voices that lingered with him. To go back and just be that same struggling teen…

However… that was the past, and now Jack stood in the present, looking to shape the future for those he loved.

Or die trying.

“You… can’t... stop him…” Cynthia Rockefeller choked out as she clutched her bleeding throat, the leader of the Corporate Alliance gagging on her own blood as her killer stood over her. “He'll always be a step ahead…”

“Maybe. Maybe not, but I sure as hell can kill everyone he knows,” Jack said, his foot placed on the woman's body as she looked up, pleading for mercy from him as Armageddon unfurled around him.

“Mercy? This is my mercy–you’re lucky I’m letting you die so quickly,” Jack replied as he kicked the still-breathing woman down the slope, where she was immediately set upon by the horrors of humanity.

Cynthia’s screams choked the air; it was a sound Jack knew all too well as an angel hounded by monsters.

Noticing Jack, a few of the abominations turned towards him; zombified humans snarled and moved to satiate their hunger for fresh meat.

Unfortunately for them, they were snuffed out the moment they came within five feet of Jack.

With his authority, Jack merely willed it, and it was so. The snarling, corrupted nightmares were ripped apart at an atomic level to join with the collection under Jack’s control. This was only possible thanks to his vast difference in strength.

[+34MP]

The other demonspawn quickly took the hint, returning to feast on rotting corpses as they recognized Jack’s existence as something akin to their own.

“I’m sorry,” Jack whispered, as he gingerly clutched a red action figure in his hand. A final gift from his sister.

Jack looked down at the rubble beneath his feet, which he once had called home, and dropped the toy, watching as it slowly fell and hit the ground beneath his feet with an audible clack.

The sound of flapping wings suddenly caressed his ears.

“Jack…” Sahaqiel murmured, the golden-haired archangel driving the demonspawn into a frenzy as her gold sabatons touched down gently against the pile of rubble.

“I’ve finally found you,” Sahaqiel said, her hand reaching out to caress the man she had known since he was a teen, a man who knew her soul and desires. A man she loved. Yet… as she reached out, she felt no warmth from the tormented man who had desperately wanted to live in peace and protect his family.

Now, all that was before her was a man who oozed venom and hatred. A man whose features held no joy. Instead, all she saw was a… void.

“You know Ada is worried about you, right?” Sahaqiel said, attempting to reason with Jack, “Celeste is getting so big, Ito's already crawling and-”

“Stop,” Jack said, the singular word sending a chill through Sahaqiel in a way that only a being like herself could do.

Jack spun towards her, the two golden-eyed angels face-to-face amidst the chaos of a city under attack.

In Jack’s eyes, she saw a coldness, a darkness like a shell to mask the pain she knew dwelled within.

Sahaqiel clenched her jaw, choosing to stand her ground.

“It’s time to come home, Jack. Time to be with your family,” Sahaqiel said, furrowing her brow. She took his hand, the warmth of her soft flesh pressing against his hard, callous one. “Please… Everyone’s worried. You've already missed the births of your daughter and your son. You don't want to miss being in their lives.”

Jack pulled his hand away and turned from the angel, staring at the carnage below.

“They won't have a life unless I do what needs to be done,” Jack replied, his hand outstretched, pointing towards a massive building in the distance, the crown jewel of Eden City. "Michael is still out there. Just because we’ve lost a few battles doesn't mean the war is over."

Cordell Plaza. Home to Cordell Engineering, an organization under the control of the Black King, responsible for engineering parts used in High Table projects.

Parts were used to create the monster Jill had become.

Alarmed, Sahaqiel went wide-eyed, her gaze swapping rapidly from Jack to the distant forms of the Alliance military, fighting off swarms of demonspawn.

“Jack, don’t do this! You’ve already killed the Gold Queen!” Sahaqiel snapped, realizing what Jack was about to do as mana warped around him. “You read the report! They’re just engineers! They didn’t know what they were doing! Jill wouldn’t want this!”

At the mention of his sister’s name, Jack’s eye twitched.

“Sorry, Sara,” Jack said coldly, the air vibrating violently as the rubble beneath their feet rose. “But I won’t stop until my family’s safe. That includes tying up all loose ends.”

“JACK-”

"Fira."

At that, Sahaqiel’s vision warped as a dense beam of black energy left Jack’s palm and carved a path of carnage through the city, a straight line that consumed everything in its path, only stopping upon reaching the tower in the distance.

A miniature sun manifested around the tower, swallowing Cordell Plaza, the swarms of demonspawn, and the survivors, who were instantly atomized.

Jack’s feet left the ground, the wind responding to his will as he prepared to leave.

“Jack…” Sahaqiel whispered as the light died down, revealing a perfect spherical crater in the earth, all signs of civilization within the center of the metropolis deleted by his attack. “JACK!”

Sahaqiel reached out, willing the mana like telekinesis to wrap around him. The effect lasted only for a moment, the mana under her control usurped by Jack, who not only dominated it but made it his own.

The archangel fell to her knees, suddenly out of breath. A heavy weight pressed down upon her, as her own energy was easily inverted by Jack, thanks to her shared connection.

Jack paused, turning to face Sahaqiel, who looked up at him through teary eyes. “Please… come home.”

“This is my home,” Jack replied, taking off into the night, with Sahaqiel unable to follow.

Chapter 60

Quest for Vengeance

“Please.”

Jack’s eyes quivered, his body still despite the cascade of explosions, gunfire, and cries of pain flooding the blood-soaked air.

“Please…”

He could hear a voice, someone… someone who spoke, their voice laced with desperation, fear, and disbelief. Raw emotion given form in the way of a single syllable.

“Please…”

Denial? Begging? A ringing took hold of Jack’s ears as he knelt amid the chaos of a battlefield. Yet despite the hail of bullets, the savage war cries, and the incredible booms of cannons, the only thing Jack could focus on was the innards of a black MECHFrame, revealing the body of a mangled thing with green hair.

“Please…” Then Jack realized whose voice he was hearing.

It was his. Only one word could leave his mouth as his blood-stained hands cradled the body of a girl named Jill.

His sister.

His family.

The teen was a far cry from the cheerful girl he’d once known. Gone was her infectious smile, her bright eyes, and her youthful energy. Instead, what had replaced her was a thing in the guise of a human, a being composed of metal, wires, and growths that dotted her body like a cancer.

“Jack…” Jill gasped, her eyes unable to see the world being torn apart around her.

“I’m right here, Jill. Your big brother’s got you,” Jack’s voice quivered, holding the girl close as a tank shell deflected off his mana barrier.

“Did you see? Did you see… me?” Jill asked, the strength in her body rapidly fading as her skin began to flake and turn to ash. “I was walking… I was… helping…”

“I saw you. I saw you, baby girl, I saw you,” Jack said, rocking back and forth as tears fell from his eyes and his hands stroked Jill’s blood-caked hair.

“Jack,” Sahaqiel said, the angel standing beside her host alongside Ruby and Lilith. The trio could do nothing for the man to whom they owed their existence.

Jill twitched, the cancerous growths spreading black lines that snaked across her flaking skin.

He could feel it, an ominous energy that only demonspawn gave off. Jill was changing, the machine that she was-

Jack awoke with a start, sitting up in the ruins of a building on the surface of Corporate territory.

“About time you woke up,” Lilith said, the black-dressed spirit standing over Jack with her arms crossed, red eyes glaring down.

“Hm,” Jack grunted, sitting up, surveying his surroundings of rubble and filth. “Did you find it?”

“I did.” Lilith said, the spirit vanishing and melding with Jack, her memories merging with her host.

Jack narrowed his eyes, his mind aflame with images of sterilized white tunnels, winding halls, and pulsating vines of flesh and death.

There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of demonspawn, but his quarry was here. A man in gold armor, waiting for him with a spear.

Jack wasted no time. The mana in the air responded to its master and levitated him off the ground till he floated above the ruins. Breaking free from the decrepit building, Jack saw mounds of corpses around the ruins: men and women in black, being feasted on by demonspawn, as Ruby stood guard.

They had been agents of the High Table, hunters who had been pursuing Jack since he'd started his own hunt.

“Somehow, despite the world going to shit, they still threw these fanatics at me,” Jack murmured, turning his gaze to the blood red sun that hung above.

Jack closed his eye, embracing the heat on his skin, his thoughts of happier days with Ada, Kamila, and Celeste. Days at the castle, weeks wandering around playing at being a noble, politics, and smiling mouths.

Of course, Selfia hadn’t been so bad after a while, but…

Everything had changed when Jill had died. When Jack transcended the limits of humanity.

With demonspawn attacking in numbers never before seen, and new types of monstrosities appearing, victory for humanity seemed all but lost. If anyone could reverse the hell that plagued the world, it would be the Black King, who had yet to meet Jack face-to-face.

Like an arrow, Jack flew, tearing through the sky at unprecedented speeds toward his objective. Before long, he stood above a fortress blanketed by snow, a castle settled in the middle of a frozen lake.

Solarus, the Flying Fortress.

A citadel of immense power housing the former empress of the Arthurian Empire, as well as treasures taken by her after her usurpation by Selfia.

But Jack wasn't here for the treasures. Nor was he here for the former queen, but the man who had put a permanent scar on his chest, had laughed at his grief on that battlefield six months ago.

Today about settling old debts.

Jack's skin tickled, the energy in the air rising as the citadel’s main cannon came online.

Despite being overtaken by rotten tendrils of rust and decay, the magical machinery of the angels was still operational and intact, with the red crystal aimed at Jack.

It fired a dense magical beam, which consumed the space in which he floated, an attack that could lay waste to entire towns or blow apart capital class airships.

Yet it did nothing to Jack, who merely held his hand aloft and allowed the energy to supercharge his body. Patterns lit up across his skin, his body alight, sparks crackling around him.

When the attack finally ended, Jack was like a star, his body radiating energy.

“Jill,” Jack said, the trigger word for his spell.

Immediately, lighting fell from the sky, a glorious bolt of super-heated white that struck the citadel, shattering thousands of years of history, with arcs of electricity dancing across the flying fortress.

He floated down, stepping onto an open space ringed by broken MECHFrames, skeletons, guns, and pulsating mounds of flesh. These were the remains of the once-famed Valkyries, an elite force of MECHFrame pilots, to whom a dear friend of Jack's once belonged.

Now they were nothing but corpses, soldiers loyal to a mad monarch who had abandoned everything, including her own people, to serve the Black King.

Jack stepped past the deceased, entering the Citadel proper and up a familiar set of massive stairs. Before long, he stood before a large golden throne, where none other than Selfia waited for him.

“Took you long enough,” the current queen said, standing beside the throne, wearing armor of gold. Next to her were Sahaqiel, Jin, and an entire complement of blue-armored commandos.

“How’d you know I'd be here?” Jack asked, stepping past the group and the throne to ascend the stairs.

“Please,” Selfia scoffed, “After your fiasco in New Eden, it wasn't hard to track where you were going, especially since you're using MY intel.”

“Hm,” Jack replied, joined by the others. “And instead of killing your mother, you sat on your ass and did nothing?”

“Hey! I waited for you–ain't no way in hell I'm putting myself in Excalibur’s line of sight,” Selfia protested. “After all, only you and blondie here can deal with it.”

“Right. Ever the pragmatist,” Jack said before, spinning and flinging a lightning bolt at Selfia.

“Rude,” Selfia spat, the hologram flickering and reforming.

“Why are you here?” Jack asked, turning to face the hologram and Sahaqiel.

“To check up on you, Jack,” Selfia said. “It's been six months. You don't call, you don't write. Don't you know a married woman gets lonely?”

“Is that it?” Jack said, glaring at Sahaqiel, who looked away in shame.

“No. I…” Selfia sighed, “I know what you're here to do. I know why you're doing it. But… I need my mother alive.”

Jack narrowed his eyes.

“I know what you're thinking, Jack. But she is a source of numerous Imperial secrets, lost arts, and techniques. Please, once you deal with my father, do me this favor. I promise it'll be worth it.”

“I'll see what I can do,” Jack said before turning away and climbing the golden stairs.

Chapter 61

Jack VS Lancelot

Entering a chamber that lay beyond the throne room, Jack paused, his eye settling on the deformed man clad in golden armor.

“I must say Jack, bravo… bravo indeed,” the smug voice of the red-eyed blond said, brandishing a smirk as he readied his golden spear. “When I threw you off the citadel walls, I truly hoped that you would survive. Now look at you–so rugged. So dashing! You're a spitting image of your father! And after-”

“Do you ever shut the fuck up?” Jack asked, raising his hand to catch the spear which hung a mere inch away from his face. He let it drop to the floor with a clatter.

Lancelot grinned, his scarred face twisted in a maddening expression that irked Jack to his core. “My, that's quite a grip you've got there.” The spear rose and returned to his hand.

Jack said nothing, instead deploying his wings, the silver feathers arcing through the air towards the Knight of One.

Lancelot backed off, spinning his spear, deflecting Jack's feathers in a stream of sparks as he laughed.

“Yes! Now this is a fight I've been wanting! Finally–an equal!” Lancelot barked, summoning arcs of blue lightning as scales dotted his scarred body.

“That's where you're wrong, Lancelot,” Jack said, appearing behind the gold knight and learning to whisper in his ear, “You aren't my equal.”

“WHAT?!”

Lancelot spun, swiping at Jack, who caught his wrist and broke his hand.

Immediately, Lancelot swiped at Jack, only for his nose to be smashed in as Jack headbutted him in the face.

“Fuck!” Lancelot spat, kept in place by Jack's grip. “You mongrel-”,

“Kneel,” Jack ordered, glaring at the man, whose eyes couldn't look away from the golden glare. He could feel something intrude into his mind, a jab that… that…

“N-no,” Lancelot let out, his voice almost a whimper, all bravado lost as he fell to his knees, still attempting to pull away.

“What do you see?” Jack coaxed. His hands reached up, grabbing the man's face and forcing the knight to stare into his eyes. “What do you see?”

“NO!” Lancelot spat, snapping his head away, his body releasing a blast of energy that dissipated when it touched Jack's skin.

“What. Do. You. See?” Jack repeated, Lilith”s hand reaching out to embrace Lancelot from behind as spectral chains rose from the shadows to bind him.

“I… I see them! Those scum! Those curs! Filthy maggots!” Lancelot struggled, still trying to move his eyes away from the gaze that bore into his soul. But it wasn't Jack's stare that Lancelot was trying to flee; it was the memories flooding his vision.

Jack released the man, watching as he stumbled about.

“You! What did you do?! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!” Lancelot roared, “Ah! GO away! GO AWAY!”

Lancelot grabbed at his face, his golden gauntlets digging into his eye sockets to rip out his eyes. “STOP! STOP! STTTTTTOP!!!”

“How is it? The weight of your sins? The memories of every misdeed you've ever done?” Jack said, standing over the man ripping his face into a smoldering mess of steam and flesh.

“Stop! You filthy fucking dimmies! You scum! SCUM!” Lancelot screamed, the knight falling to the floor and writhing in pain.

Jack crouched over the man, “Look at their faces.”

Lancelot smashed his head against the ground, cracking the floor over and over again, with red marks expanding with every hit.

Jack stood up, leaving the man to drown under the weight of the souls that clung to him, the data that lingered in every action he’d ever taken. They hung around all living things, only perceived by those of true strength.

Jack stood before an ornate door covered in moss. With his angelic vision, he could see the enchantments; there were nearly a hundred different defensive elements to safeguard the former queen's quarters.

He raised his hand, placing it on the door as his authority took effect. The enchantments fell away, Lilith's power consuming the defensive spells, until all that stood before Jack was a regular door.

Jack opened it, side-stepping a blast of white energy.

“Vargas… you've come back to me…” the velvety voice of Camilla Cordelica called out from the queen-sized bed, which was sitting in the center of the massive chamber. It was littered with gold trinkets and illuminated by red sunlight leaking from above.

Jack exhaled, deciding to play along with the former tyrant, who’d mistaken him for his father.

“Yes. Yes, I have,” Jack replied, crossing the room to stand before the woman who was an older, twisted version of Selfia. Red eyes, white hair, pale skin covered in black boils; the former Queen's face was lined with tears as she clutched the legendary weapon Excalibur with one hand, while her other reached out for Jack.

“Vargas…” the woman murmured, still calling out the name of Jack's father, the only man she had truly ever loved.

“Camilla. Look into my eye,” Jack prompted, guiding the former queen to meet his gaze with his hand on her chin.

The two made eye contact.

“What do you see?” Jack whispered.

The woman giggled, “I see red…”

Jack furrowed his brow, his jaw clenching as he eyed the broken woman.

From his point of view, he could see hands reaching out, the traces of hatred latching onto the woman, remnants of those who died and cursed her.

Yet, despite the echoes of the victims hanging in the air, the former queen paid them no mind; the memories Jack brought out of the woman brought her comfort, not anguish.

Jack sighed, pulling away from the woman, his back turned to the former queen.

Despite coming here, the strain on his heart felt no better. The sight of two powerful people he had once feared, now reduced to this state… It was a grim reminder that at every turn, the Black King was there: an omnipotent god whose machinations ran so deep, Jack felt as though he were nothing but a puppet on a string.

“Vargas?” the disheveled woman cried out, falling out of her bed to chase after Jack. “Where are you going?”

“Someplace you can't follow,” Jack said, watching as Sahaqiel entered the chamber with Selfia’s hologram in tow.

“Thank you for sparing her, Jack,” Selfia said as vibrations wiggled through the air, and the telltale sound of an imperial dropship nearby pricked Jack's senses.

“In the state she's in. You won't get anything from her,” Jack said, looking over to the Excalibur nearby, “I suggest you keep that sword handy. The number of apostles cropping up keeps escalating.”

“Noted. But we'll take it from here,” Selfia said as dozens of blue-armored soldiers entered the chamber. “Speaking of, we could use your help to deal with one.”

Selfia’s holopad deposited a data chip, which she offered to Jack. He locked eyes with the woman who was technically his wife before his gaze settled on Sahaqiel. The angel's eyes were downcast, guilt and shame hidden behind her irises as Jack took the chip and left.

“Are you seriously going to keep acting this way towards her?” Lilith asked, floating behind Jack.

He remained silent, stepping back into the adjoining chamber, where the corpse of a man in golden armor now lay. Standing over the body of Lancelot, his glowing hand reached out to grab hold of the lingering source of powerful mana, the very essence of the man–his ego and spirit, which cried out in pain and confusion as Jack held it.

Before long, the spirit would be pulled away, drawn into Infinity, where it would be repurposed, recycled, and churned out as an abomination to prey upon humanity.

But not if Jack had a say.

“I grant you mercy,” Jack said, crushing the orb of essence between his fingers. Lancelot’s power became Jack's, with his ego entering Jack's body, where it immediately attempted to wrestle control from its new host.

However, Jack's will won out in the end, and Lancelot’s screams faded into oblivion as he became a new source of strength for Jack. This was the true use of Gehenna: to destroy. To consume. To own. It was a fragment to mirror the Infinity Machine, a key to save humanity by cleansing it.

At least, that was what he'd been told by the Gold Queen before he’d slit her throat.

I wonder what the weight of my sins would be? Jack said to himself, walking out of the Solarus to stand upon its balcony. Below, the Selfian forces were taking apart the ruined Valkyrie MECHFrames and stripping the bodies of weapons. It was a sad spectacle, but this was the state of the world overrun by monsters.

The Black King had won. The world was over, and as far as Jack could see, there was nothing but hopelessness on the horizon.

But… as futile as his efforts had been, people still needed him. His son and daughter still needed him.

So he would hunt down every threat to ensure his family's safety. Unfortunately, because of his status, his very presence endangered everyone.

Jack looked down at the data chip, thumbing it on to display the image of a headless winged beast holding a spear aloft in one hand while the other held its head.

“Athena…” Jack whispered, dredging up a memory that wasn't his own.

Chapter 62

Jack vs Athena The Headless

Standing on a beach, Jack ran his hands through the sand, his eyes taking in the endless sea of crystal blue water, now full of ruined boats and destroyed structures that had once been piers, harbors, and docks.

This was Windermere, the southern hub of Roland's forces. The home of Adolf Hoffman. Or, it had once been, before Jack had marched through here with his army.

“You can't keep running, Jack,” Lilith said, standing behind her host as he dug out a canister from his storage device and buried it in the sand. “This is coming from me, of all people.”

“I'm not running.”

“Aren't you? Instead of making up with her, you ignore her and run away every time you see her. She only did what she thought was best–saved your life too.”

“I'm not- I'm not. Okay? I'm doing what needs to be done. What only I can do,” Jack rebutted, poking his hand into the sand and digging into the grains with Wind.

“No. What you're doing is torturing yourself. Do you not realize that I feel everything you feel? That I am you as much as you are me? You can't hide your intent from me, Jack, so stop lying to yourself. It's pathetic,” Lilith spat, the spirit taking flight.

Jack exhaled, moving several feet to bury another canister into the sand.

“She left me. When I needed her the most…” Jack's brow furrowed. “She left me.”

“Because you couldn't hack it, the world was falling apart, demonspawn were everywhere and you were-”

“I KNOW!” Jack snarled. “I know what she did was the right thing. I understand that… But I can't help feeling how I feel. At the end of it all, I thought I would still have her.”

“You fucking idiot! You DO still have her. You are the only one she loves. The only one she cares about, except for your cute brats,” Lilith said, sitting beside Jack.

Jack turned to the specter. “Hey… you think my kids are cute?”

“Shut up.”

Jack's shoulders slumped. “I know you're right. I do. But I can't help how I feel about it, especially since I know there's something she's hiding from me.”

Lilith turned away, knowing full well the plot between Selfia and Sahaqiel, but choosing to remain silent.

“Then let's finish what you came to do and leave,” Lilith said, before fading away. “Besides, she could have left your body at any point after we entered the capital. Just know she had a good reason to after.”

Jack stood up, walking to the edge of the beach, where the tops of his boots touched the water.

“You were right, Hoffman… it is beautiful,” Jack said as he closed his eye and reached out, his body glowing with power, like a beacon calling out to those sensitive to such fluctuations.

Jack's eye opened, sighing as he gazed over the city, now devoid of life.

“I really wished you could have shown me around,” Jack muttered as the sound of beating of wings echoed through the air.

It was time.

Jack turned, facing the headless woman.

Standing at seven feet tall, with four black wings adorning her back, the apostle that stood before Jack was a Dullahan-type. She bore a tarnished gold shield in one hand. Under her other arm was a head whose face was obscured by black plates save for her mouth.

Athena. A former angel, who had been consumed by the Infinity Machine. She was now one of the many Apostles of the End who had been summoned by Jack's awakening, and ‌one of many reasons Jack couldn't go home.

Not yet.

As much as Jack was hunting, he too was also being hunted, tracked down by abominations which were drawn to his presence like a child to candy.

Last week it had been Gilgamesh; the week before Brahma; this week, it was Athena.

“You are not Sahaqiel…” the apostle’s head spoke, its voice echoing with the tormented spirits of a thousand damned souls.

As Jack stood before the being once hailed as a goddess, every hair on his body stood on end as a sickly sensation akin to tar caressed his skin. These were telltale signs of corruption.

“I am not,” Jack replied, his silver wings flapping gently as his golden eye took on a red glow and the wind answered his will.

“You… are… us?” Athena said, cocking her head to the side, confusion in her tone. “No… Deviant.”

The world around Jack stirred, the Apostle releasing ghostly blue flames that covered it from head to toe. The fires she emitted burned the wind, sapping Jack's control of the element and robbing him of his most-familiar tool.

“It's never easy, is it?” Jack grunted.

This would be a hard battle, but that was why he had chosen this battleground.

Humid, with water everywhere, and sand he could use against the angel. Despite causing its destruction, Windermere would become Jack's salvation against the fallen goddess poised to take his life.

“Well, then,” Jack sighed and adjusted his eyepatch, “Let's get this over with.”

To the human eye, the two vanished, leaving behind craters in the earth from the sheer impact of their movement. The earth split apart, the sand turning into smoldering glass, as Jack's feathered spear struck Athena's shield.

Back and forth the two went, trading a flurry of blows with neither backing down. Finally, Jack retreated because of the rising heat.

Damn. If this doesn't work, I'll be dead.

Several of Jack's feathers broke off from his spear, the weapon curving around the Apostle’s shield to strike at the armored specter.

Shit.

The air exploded. Jack was pushed back as the Dullahan morphed into a raging blue inferno. Athena raised her head towards Jack, her mouth elongating, glowing with spectral power as it fired blue magma at him.

Ruby. Keep her contained.

Out of Jack’s shadow, the black-armored einherjar poured forth, screaming to deflect a blast of scorching magna with her shield, as Jack conjured a stream of Wind and slammed it into a hole in the earth. Buried in the sand were canisters of liquid nitrogen, courtesy of Selfia.

Twelve canisters rushed up through the sandy beach, propelled by Jack's Wind to explode out of the earth. Immediately, the surrounding sand boiled and turned into glass. Jack's winds guided the grainy particles into a tornado of molten shards that flew around the Apostle.

Athena roared, spreading her leathery black wings, attempting to leap from the ground. Yet Jack had anticipated this, keeping Lilith on standby.

From the sand, spectral chains emerged, shadowy tendrils that latched onto the Apostle and dragged her down as Jack focused on creating a dome of swirling sand and glass. It was hard for him to breathe, but what happened next helped ease his problem, albeit temporarily.

The liquid nitrogen containers created a chemical reaction of flash vaporization that snuffed out the Apostle’s hellfire before exploding, sending Jack careening safely into the water.

If it had been mana, Athena would have sensed it and moved, but this attack was neither magical nor otherworldly, but chemical. A little knowledge he had picked up to combat the beings of mythology.

Using his mana, Jack floated back up to the surface, taking in the aftermath of his trap. His eyes settled on the glass sculpture of the trapped Apostle.

He knew he wouldn't have long.

Shooting forward, Jack reached out, placing one hand atop the glass to stabilize himself. With Gehenna in full effect, the sculpture began to shift and glow. With his angelic vision, Jack could see the being was still very much alive. It was also angry and gathering mana to unleash a devastating attack.

“I give you mercy,” Jack hissed, pulling back his free arm to deliver a blow that shattered the hard carapace and punched a hole through the goddess’s chest.

Jack's hand tightened, grabbing a hold of the tendril of energy within, as flames spurted forth and immolated his quarry in a cacophony of screams.

“Be at peace,” Jack said as the flames licked his skin. He crushed the condensed mass of souls, and was sent tumbling across the beach as the fallen goddess exploded.

Covered in burns, with blood in his eye and ears ringing, Jack coughed, as his internal injuries forced blood up through his trachea and out his mouth. Still, despite his injuries, he was alive.

His gaze settled on the mound of broken glass that was all that remained of the angel hailed by humanity as the Goddess Athena.

“Thank you…” a soft voice whispered in the wind, one that came from everywhere and nowhere at once. A hallucination? Perhaps, but Jack neither knew nor cared as he laid down and closed his eye to sleep.

Chapter 63

Nightmare

“EAS: This is not a test. This is not a test. This is a nationwide alert for the Empire of Cordellica and all territories. We are under attack. All citizens are ordered to shelter in place while the Imperial Army moves to restore order. Those with Class 2 designation however, are ordered to report to their local garrison.”- Imperial Emergency Alert System.

“Dad, I don't want to go to school!” Celeste cried, the small child struggling as Jack carried her, half-dressed, under his arm while his other cradled a crying baby boy.

Disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes, and in the wrinkled, vomit-spattered uniform of an Imperial mage, Jack glided through his messy mansion as he attempted to get his kids ready.

“You've got to go to school if you want to grow up big and smart, princess,” Jack said, setting his daughter on a marble counter and handing her an apple from a nearby basket. “Don't you want to make friends?”

“Nope!” Celeste said earnestly, shaking her head. “I have you!”

Jack smiled. “Well, don't you want to help your mom out? Remember, she's counting on you.”

“But she's not my mom!” Celeste yelled, throwing the apple onto the floor.

Jack sighed before placing Ito in his crib, his son cooing as Jack activated Soothing Touch on the boy and ruffled his patch of black hair.

“Celeste, we've talked about this,” Jack said, placing both of his hands on his daughter's face. “Selfia… is your mother. She's your mom. Look at me, Celeste, Selfia. Is. Your. Mother. Leona is just your aunt. Do you understand? If you tell anyone otherwise, you will be in big trouble, ok?”

Of course, all that was a lie. The child's mother was really Collette, a knight in service to the enemy, whose loyalty to her adopted family had kept her on the sinking ship known as the Roland Empire. She had entrusted her daughter to Selfia and the Selfian Empire, perhaps the only place she knew would keep her child safe.

“Okaaay,” The four-year-old sighed, as a sense of guilt bubbled up within Jack.

“Celeste, look me in the eye when I'm talking to you,” Jack directed in an authoritative tone, attempting to be firm yet kind. “I need you to promise me you will call Selfia mom.”

The girl's golden eyes met Jack’s. “I promise,” Celeste pouted.

“Pinky promise?” Jack said, holding his finger up.

“Okaaay.” Celeste said as Leona looked on from the doorway.

“At this rate we'll be late for school,” Leona said, tapping her watch.

“Sorry. Ada was tired, so I had to change Ito's diaper, feed him, and put him down for a nap,” Jack replied, helping Celeste off the counter. “Then this one tried to sneak off into a vent again.”

Celeste stuck out her tongue.

“You do know you have servants for this, right?” Leona asked, as Celeste rushed from Jack to take her hand.

“And miss out on the joys of parenting?” Jack replied, giving off a not-too-convincing smile as he rubbed his sleep-deprived eyes and reached for his spare uniform, dangling on a nearby chair. “I think not.”

“Riggght. Well, Kamila is always willing to lend a hand. There's no shame in asking for help.”

“I know, I just…” Jack trailed off, his hand stroking Celeste's hair. “I missed out on a good portion of Celeste’s life, and I don't want to do the same with Ito,” Jack said, setting the baby monitor beside the crib. “I at least want to be here to see him walk.”

Leona leaned over, planting a kiss on Jack’s cheek.

“W-what was that for?” Jack asked, caught off-guard.

“You're a good man, Jack,” Leona said before her watch beeped, followed by Selfia's voice angrily complaining.

“Hey you two! Where the hell are you guys?! You're going to make me late for my own damn grand opening!” Selfia yelled, “Are you two banging?! You better not be having sex or so help me ME I'll drag-”

Jack reached over, tapping a button on the watch that hung up the call.

Celeste looked up, blinking repeatedly before her next words made Jack's blood run cold.

“Daddy, what's sex?”

“Nothing you'll ever, ever, ever need to know or worry about, princess,” Jack said hastily, ruffling his daughter’s hair.

“Why did you kill Auntie Jill?”

Jack froze, the entire world coming to a standstill.

“What did you say?” Jack asked, looking at his daughter.

“Why did you kill your sister?” Leona asked, as both she and Celeste stared at Jack, the pair pointing at him.

“Why did you kill Jill?”

“I-i didn't-” Jack began, taking a step back only to stop as hands reached out, pushing Jack from behind.

“Why did you let me die?” Eleanor said, the blonde officer covered in blood, her red eyes glaring at Jack. He immediately jolted and attempted to flee, but he couldn't, as something caught his boots.

“Why did you kill me?” Hoffman said, staring at Jack from below as he latched onto Jack's boots.

“I had no choice!” Jack spat, attempting to look away, a sense of dread and helplessness taking him over as he screamed and pulled away from the ghosts holding onto him.

“But you did…”

“Stop! This isn't real!” Jack yelled, swiping through the air that made the ghost of Eleanor vanish into smoke.

“Why did you get my father killed?” Yukino asked, replacing Eleanor, with her father's severed head in her hands. The man Jack thought of as a father asked him the same thing.

“Stop… stop!” Jack roared, firing a bolt of Lighting that disintegrated the specter into an echo of maniacal laughter.

Immediately Jack spun, attempting to run, yet before him were his daughter and Leona, the pair joined by Tangerine, asking why his friends all died.

“It wasn't my fault,” Jack spat, backing up only to bump into a green-haired girl covered in blood.

“Why are you alive?” Jill whispered, her form rapidly twisting, morphing into an abomination sprouting tentacles, which reached out for the horrified Jack.

“IT'S NOT MY FAULT!” Jack's eyes snapped open, his breathing ragged as he sat up in a bed in a desolate ruin.

"You need therapy."

“Where the hell am I?” Jack asked, scanning his unfamiliar surroundings.

“Ruby dragged your ass into the city’s town hall. What's left of it, anyway,” Lilith replied, the specter laying down beside Jack on a dusty mattress.

“I see…” Jack said, rubbing his now healed face and sitting up, “What time is it?”

“Somewhere around five in the afternoon, last clock I looked at.”

“Fuck,” Jack said, looking out the window at the mounds of demonspawn corpses: Ruby's handiwork. The spectral knight had apparently worked round the clock to keep Jack safe.

“Who's next on the list?” Jack asked.

“Red Rook. Blondie dropped off a list before leaving.”

Jack spun to face Lilith. “Sara was here?”

“She showed up, fawned over you, stroked your head, cried, bitched, then left. The usual,” Lilith replied as Jack picked up the Intellipad to read the dossier it contained.

“Red Rook… General Dorian Jazz. Former commission officer of the Empire and… Second Solomon survivor,” Jack trailed off.

Second Solomon. Jack smiled faintly. Finally, a lead.

Sahaqiel had once said that Heaven was located over the continent known as Africa. And here a member of the Black King’s party was amassing soldiers, survivors from the expeditions, to board specialized craft known as boats to reach the continent.

But why?

The Black King had won, hadn't he? Kickstarted a new apocalypse by summoning the Apostles of the End to wipe out humanity.

So why gather soldiers? Why buy supplies?

Was it to secure his chosen ones? To protect the people who would be a new foundation of humanity’s reclamation?

According to the King, Jack was a savior, but what Jack became instead was a beacon that attracted monsters.

Jack sighed. He didn't know the answers to any of these questions. All he knew was that his next target was there.

With the Gold Queen dead, the White Knight in chains, the Green Bishop in a basement being experimented on, and the Purple Pawn’s head mounted in Selfia's office, this left only two top members of the High Table.

The Red Rook and the Black King.

There were also the subsidiaries, organizations and businesses that supported the High Table, but those would come later. For now, he had to deal with a high-value target while they were still in the midst of preparing.

Jack shifted the page on the Intellipad, eyeing the list of resources to help him assault a compound with at least a thousand hostiles.

Twelve Dropships.

Three gunships.

Two MECHFrame squads.

Sixty commandos.

Four tanks.

Five Awakened.

Jack pursed his lips, underwhelmed by the lack of support. But, considering every remaining city across the world, including Hoshido, was fighting off hordes of demonspawn, Jack didn't complain. After all, being outnumbered was practically his day job now.

“Did Sarah say anything before she left?” Jack asked, storing the Intellipad onto his storage device.

“Only that you should visit your children,” Lilith said, as Jack looked out the shattered window to gaze upon the ruined city. “It's important, she said. Extremely so, and you should be there.”

“Fine,” Jack said. “I can swing by before I tackle the Rook.”

Chapter 64

Jack versus the Son of the All Father

A day of flight and Jack slowed down, his silver wings retracting as he glided through the airways choked with smog to land within the verdant forest below. His boots touched the ground, and Jack let out a yawn as he found a large tree to settle in for the night.

Immediately, Ruby came out, the specter preparing for her nightly duties as howls echoed in the distance. From the sound of it, they were wargs–nothing Ruby couldn’t deal with.

“I really miss having a bed,” Lilith griped as Jack lay against a tree and shut his eyes.

“You’ll make do,” Jack said as his thoughts drifted.

[Spiritron Destroyed!]

Suddenly a pain shot through Jack, his system alerting him of Ruby’s destruction just as his entire body lit up with pain.

“Look alive, Jack!” Lilith spat, and Jack shifted just in time to avoid the blur that took out the tree in which he'd been laying.

WHAT THE HELL?!

Jack's eye couldn't track it, didn't feel… whatever had passed by, meaning one of two things.

Either it was faster than Jack.

Or stronger than Jack.

Neither options sat well, meaning-

[-87HP]

Jack’s head snapped left, the force of the impact releasing a boom as his bones cracked and his neck broke.

What?

Falling on all fours, Jack went wide-eyed, his injuries regenerating fast enough to allow him to conjure a protective dome of mana just before he was sent flying.

Crashing through several trees, he finally came to a stop when his body hit a boulder, his eye focusing just enough to see the fist about to slam into his face.

REPULSE!

Jack's body exploded with power, knocking back his assailant, the humanoid blur flying back, only to disappear as the familiar sensation of an Apostle tickled Jack's skin.

“Fuck, I can never get any rest,” Jack muttered before rising to his feet, his body arcing with electricity as he wiped the blood from his mouth.

If Sahaqiel was here, he could have probably detected the Apostle. She wasn't, however, leaving Jack to figure out what he was up against.

Lilith, how's Ruby? Jack sent, his eyes scanning his surroundings as he maintained his barrier of wind and lightning.

“Hurt, but otherwise fine. She'll be back in commission in a day or two.” Lilith reported, as the black specter appeared from Jack's shadow to join him.

“What are we dealing with here?” Jack asked, delegating Sahaqiel’s old role to Lilith.

“Speedster–unsure which one,” Lilith replied as Jack readied his feathers.

“Great,” Jack muttered as he reached out, the wind mana in the air growing denser as he dropped his mana barrier and spread his particles.

Dealing with speed-type enemies was always a pain. Besides the obvious outmaneuvering, the only way to directly hurt a speedster was to hit them with an AoE or predict their movements, both of which were hard to do against a being moving at the speed of light.

So, Jack did a third option: he dug his heels in and let his enemy strike him.

[-35 HP]

“Ouuf!” Jack let out, blood flowing from his mouth as a series of punches hit him. Left hook, right hook, a blow to his stomach, forcing Jack to clench his teeth as he awaited the next blow before springing his trap.

The next attack took out Jack’s right eye, the organ ripped out of his skull before he clenched his fist and spread his feathers.

On command, the wind grew denser, a dome of mana solidifying to trap the speedster within a ten-foot circumference around Jack just as his leg was bent backwards.

“Fuck!” Jack growled, clenching his fist and closing the dome, the air growing so dense with mana that the earth cracked and the forest knelt in response.

“There! On your left!”

Jack spun, coming face-to-face with the black-armored Apostle, who was struggling under the weight of Jack’s mana.

With the lower half of a mutated deerling, and the upper torso of a black-armored man, what ran towards Jack was a hybrid abomination. It was akin to a centaur from Greek mythology, if said centaur was covered in writhing tentacles, twisted faces bulging from its body, and black scales covering its flesh.

Hermod.

Jack recognized the angel from Sahaqiel's memories.

Once known as the Son of the All-Father, the being once known as an Asgardian was now no more than a mutated monster.

It was being crushed by Jack's mana, as Lilith’s chains siphoned its energy.

Regenerating his broken leg, Jack stood up and walked over to the creature, which was vibrating in place.

Too bad for you that won't work on me again.

Hermod was attempting to displace Jack's mana, to shake free the shackles that bound him. But Gehenna’s authority was absolute, and after months of being on the run, Jack was no stranger to dealing with speedsters.

“Where… is … Sahaqiel?” Hermod asked as Jack placed both hands around the Apostle's throat.

“Safe,” Jack said, increasing his grip.

“Good.” Hermod closed his eyes before Jack crushed the Apostle’s throat and drained the creature.

[+50 Mana Reservoir!]

Jack sighed, sitting down in the middle of the now-destroyed forest and taking a moment before he opened his system as his vision restored itself.

Angel System Status Level 10

TITLE: Angel [Regeneration++ Mana Synthesis++]

User: Jack Tanjihiro Chae-wong

Total Class Level: 20

HP 387/750

CLASS: Key Holder Level 5

CLASS: White Mage Level 5*

CLASS: Wind Aesir Level 10*

MP 120/350[050/750] [Reservoir]

Free Points: 0

AFFINITIES

LIGHT[80]

WIND[65]

FIRE[25]

ABYSSAL[15]

STATS:

STRENGTH: 85

VITALITY: 75

SENSE: 52

AGILITY: 48

ARCANA: 200

POTENTIAL: 10

SOUL STRENGTH: 2

Spiritrons Available: 2(View list)

Spiritron Slotted: Ruby Viole Lamprouge(Loyal)/Incapacitated

Summon Class: Soulfire Shielder(70MP)

[BUFFS]: Partial Rune of Atalanta(Left+Right Leg+10 Agility modifier) Sigil of Gehenna(STR+10),Fractional Blessing of Sahaqiel(+20 Wind Affinity+10 Light Affinity) Skill Siphoning. Pain Tolerance LvL 5. Sense of Bodily Self(Detect bodily belongings) Mental Fortitude LvL 3, Fire Resistance LvL 3, Mana Control LvL 5, Master of the Wind(+15 Wind Affinity) Mana Recovery LvL 5(Passive Recovery+8 MP/s), Elemental Resistance LvL2, Streamline LvL2.(Reduce mana cost of skills), Ride the Lightning, Lightweight+, Aesir constitution. Angelic Constitution. Mana Resistance LvL 2. Blessed(+1 Potential).

[DEBUFFS]: [?1h^&a)o3”] Soul Binding -20MP, Soul Fracture.

[RESISTANCES]: +5 Radiation +175 Anti-Curse, +105 Anti-Corruption. +10 Inertia +25 Fire Resistance +25 Mental Resistance, +15 Paralytic Resistance, +10 Freeze Resistance, +15 Poison Resistance, +15 Light Resistance, +15 Void Resistance, +15 Wind resistance, +15 Life Resistance.

Jack seldom had use for his system since that day six months ago. After the trauma of the battlefield forced his evolution, he found himself capable of doing more than just imitating magic. He was now a full-fledged angel, a being who didn’t require the crutch of Eve’s curse known as the System.

Still, it was a handy tool to have. With it, he could eye his status in real time, allowing him to track his strength, skills, health, mana, as well as Ruby’s condition. So it wasn’t totally useless.

“You should rest,” Lilith said, materializing beside Jack. “If you keep going like this, you will burn yourself out.”

“That's rich, coming from you,” Jack replied.

“Tsk, I'm just protecting my investment,” Lilith hissed, fading away with a swear.

Sitting there, Jack knew the woman’s words to be true. Despite his injuries regenerating at a rapid pace, he was losing HP at an astonishing rate in return. Another fight like this and he’d probably be dead.

Or worse… corrupted.

Jack eyed his chronogear. Selfia’s raid team was waiting on him, and at this rate, he'd be late. With a sigh, he rose to his feet. He was still a day out from the staging area, another hundred miles, give or take.

“Thanks for your concern, but I'll be fine,” Jack replied as yet another tingle touched his skin.

Chapter 65

What I'm Fighting For

Another day, another demi-god from history dead on the ground.

Jack wiped his mouth, removing the blood as he picked up his severed arm and reattached it with Mend.

In the crater below him was another Apostle, this one named Lugh. It was lanky, with a multitude of arms that had borne many weapons when it had attacked Jack, ambushing him as he attempted to rest once more.

Yet it, just like the other Apostles, fell to the might of Gehenna.

“I hate nagging, but you should see your kids,” Lilith said, the violent specter shaking her head at Jack with disapproval. “As much as I enjoy fucking shit up with you, you haven't eaten in four days, and haven't drunk anything in two. You're no good to anyone if you're dead. Selfia's strike team can wait long enough for you to shower, at least.”

“I rather not lead more Apostles to my home.”

“Whether or not you want to, Sahaqiel’s presence there alone draws them in. If you die, don't you want to see your son at least once? At this rate we'll be dead and then what?”

Lilith had a point. The Selfians were still setting up at their staging point for their assault–plenty of time for him to visit for a moment before going back to his hunt.

But only for a moment… then maybe everyone would stop hounding him to see his kids.

“Now Jack,” Lilith said with the sternness of a mother rebuking her child, “Holy fuck! When did I become a mother scolding her child?! Fuck, do whatever you-”

“Yeah, yeah, I'll get to it,” Jack replied before summoning a mythical hammer that he’d kept for such an eventuality. With one hand holding the hammer and the other outstretched, Jack muttered the activation phrase “Bifrost teleport” before being whisked away.

Sitting at a desk that had once been Kenichi’s, Selfia stared blankly as she listened to Lita and Kenichi reading their daily reports.

With Lunacrypt Capital now a cesspool of dead bodies, demonspawn, and abandoned debris, Selfia had been forced to move her base of operations. Now she was far from the clutches of the Apostle invasion, which had brought about threats never seen since the founding of the Imperium.

Moving her capital had been a herculean task, more so because of the displacement of millions of Imperial citizens and infrastructure that no one city could hold. Fortunately, the floating city of the Theocracy had given her housing and protection to the thousands who followed her to the last gasp of the world.

Unfortunately, with the migration of such large quantities of refugees, so too came the problems.

Food, for starters, was scarce. Coupled with ammunition shortages, replacement parts, and infighting between nomad, Paladin, and Imperial survivors, Selfia had her work cut out for her.

“The tribal chiefs aren't happy that their food supplies are being cut again to give to the Paladins,” Kenichi grunted. “The Shi-liyu are threatening to close the fisheries, and the Goguryeo aren't working the mines.”

“Lumenese, my Paladins require that food. As the bulwark to the demonspawn threat, my warriors require sustenance to sustain our fight, especially against the Apostles that probe our city defenses,” Lita, the de facto leader of the Theocracy, interjected.

“If my miners and workers don't get food, they won't be able to supply your warriors with more ammo and materials,” Kenichi frowned. “Remember Paladin, this is our land. We have bled and toiled for the soil beneath our feet. To demand tithes makes you no better than invaders.”

“Would invaders offer protection? It is only because of Lord Jack’s request that Hoshido remains safe. Without the blessing of Saint Citri offered by our city, you would all succumb to the poison that blights our world.”

Lita had a point, but so too did Kenichi. Although Selfia's air fleet had brought their own supplies and materials, the constant influx of refugees and attacks was draining their reserves. And while Selfia hadn't broadcast their location, rumors quickly circulated of the flying city that kept the hordes at bay. Perhaps from soldiers radioing home? Perhaps from the High Table? Either way, Selfia had a better grasp of what Jack had to endure when he led these people.

“Kenichi, how many Awakened warriors can the tribal leaders spare?” Selfia asked as Di'luk and Kamila served them tea and biscuits.

“How many do you need?”

“At least a platoon. Maybe we can pull Tenno from guard duty. Lita, if we eliminate the Apostles probing our defenses, can your men do with reduced rations?” Selfia said to the Templar commander.

“If we can open up logistics to Commandant Victoria’s wall, then yes, Lumenese,” Lita bowed.

“So we just need-”

Suddenly a tingling sensation blanketed the room, a chill in the air that turned everyone’s attention to the hammer now lying in the corner of the room.

A bright beam illuminated the chamber, while ice-cold air dropped the temperature of the space by several degrees. Jin and the rest of the royal guards charged into the office space.

“Stand down,” Selfia said, blinking repeatedly as Jack stepped out from the sigil of ice that lay painted on the floor. “About time you came around. I take it the headless horseman has been dealt with?”

“Athena is gone,” Jack replied, stepping past his uncle to dump a plant out of a vase before drinking the water. “So are Hermod and Lugh.”

“Three Apostles in one day?” Lita whispered, almost in awe.

“It's getting worse out there,” Jack said as Kamila handed him a biscuit and a bottle of water. “In the past, I’d run into one once a week, but now it's several times a week, maybe twice a day.”

“We're faring no better. Tenno and your aunt have been busy fending off the swarms, but we're noticing more and more Apostles showing up,” Selfia reported.

“Intel on the Black King?” Jack asked, walking out of the office, with Selfia and an entourage trailing his heels.

“Python's been busy, but nothing yet except for what you already know. I take it Sahaqiel already got you the intel?”

“Yeah, I'm here to see my son before the opportunity passes,” Jack said as he stepped out of the building used as a city hall to gaze upon the city of Hoshido.

Gone were the rural trailers, the hovels on wheels, and the log cabins. Instead, what replaced the rustic village he had left behind was a city of stone, mortar, and nomad-style buildings of red shingles painted with cherry blossoms.

Around the city, Jack could see flags with emblems of angelic wings embroidered on silver tapestries, the symbol of the city state of Hoshido.

Stepping from the office space, the nomads going about their business froze upon noticing Jack. The crowd outside collectively turned, bowing to their leader, who remained indifferent to his people.

There was work to be done. Every moment he delayed was another moment an Apostle locked onto his position.

Still covered in his own blood, wearing tattered rags, Jack moved through the city, walking through the crowd, which parted with respectful bows.

Although Jack hadn't seen his home, hadn't been to the village since its reconstruction, he knew the way towards Ada and his children. He could feel them. More specifically, Celeste, his senses evolving, keenly attuned to others similar to himself.

Others that the Apostles would come for if he didn't hold them at bay.

Despite wanting to talk to Jack, Selfia hung back, allowing him to climb the steps of the homely cabin built beside a pond. He paused, eyeing the tapestry on the outside wall, a colorful hand-drawn image of a stick figure with wings battling against monsters.

“Pew pew…” Jack muttered, reading the words drawn around what he assumed were guns in the man's hands.

Suddenly the door opened, revealing Yukino in a floral hoshidan robe, who gasped before composing herself.

“What is it?” Ada called out over the sound of a TV blaring.

Yukino said nothing, instead standing to the side to allow Jack to enter the home.

“Daddy!” Celeste yelled, dropping her game controller and zooming across the carpeted floor to tackle Jack's waist.

“T-Tanji!” Ada let out, falling from her couch before scrambling across the floor to hug Jack with tears in her eyes, despite the blood still coating his body.

“Hey… honey,” Jack said as Ada pulled away, her hands on his face.

“W-what happened to you? Why are you wearing an eye patch? Are you ok? Oh my god!” Ada screamed upon touching the scars below his left eye.

“It's okay, Ada. I'm okay. It happened during my battle with Selfia's brother. I'm okay,” Jack assured before he caressed Celeste’s blonde head. She was growing fast; only four years old, and she was already up to his waist.

Still, despite seeing his daughter for the first time in six months, it brought him no comfort. Instead, he was filled with fear, dread, and panic at the prospect that, because of his morphology, he had endangered his child.

But that was why he would fight, and keep fighting until every threat was exterminated.

“I'll let you guys be alone,” Yukino said before quietly leaving.

After an hour of talking and letting Jack clean up and change, he and Ada sat alone in the white-tiled kitchen as Celeste lay napping nearby with a half-eaten taco on her chest.

“Ada-” Jack began.

“It's okay,” Ada said, her soft hand reaching over the table to touch his hand.

Jack closed his eyes, accepting her warmth, taking in the gentle touch of another being who wasn't trying to kill him or beg for mercy.

“How was the… birth?” Jack asked, unsure of how to word it.

“Ten pounds!” Ada exclaimed. “That's what I had to squeeze out of me! Do you know what it's like having to push another human out of you?! Absolutely NOT a fun experience, I'll tell you that!”

Jack smiled softly, his eyes focused on the woman's beautiful glow. “Can I see him?”

“He is your son, I'd hope you would want to,” Ada teased before rising to her feet, her figure almost as slender as she was pre-pregnancy. “Come on.”

Ada took his hand, guiding him through the hallway until they came to the nursery illuminated by deep blue lights that gave the room a soothing feeling. Inside, ocean sounds came from a little speaker beside a camera that pointed at the crib where a sleeping baby lay.

Jack clenched his jaw, fixed in place as Ada gingerly reached down into the crib as she picked up the now-cooing infant.

“Your grandma was a lot of help with the set-up. Min and Mo Ye did most of the building, but the crib is actually Yukino’s,” Ada turned, bringing the little baby to Jack. “Ito Chae-wong, meet your papa.”

Jack hesitated as Ada suddenly handed him the baby, whose golden eyes fixated on him.

Ito’s tiny hands reached out to Jack, who remained frozen, his gaze unable to look away from the being who was so fragile, so weak and tiny in his arms.

His son.

Before Jack knew it, tears were streaming down his face, his lips quivering as Ada quickly moved to assure Jack and take their child.

“I'm sorry, is it too much?” Ada said, her eyes darting from Jack to their child repeatedly as he turned away with Ito, cradling the infant close.

“I… I’m okay,” Jack said, smiling despite the fresh tears flowing from his eye. "I... I'm just..."

For the first time in months, the cold vice that had gripped Jack's heart had shifted, and in its place, something warm developed as Ada hugged him.

He couldn't save Eleanor.

Couldn't save Mai, Itadori, Mike, and so many others.

But his son... his daughter…

Jack would fight a thousand battles so long as they were safe.

From above, Sahaqiel sat atop the red-shingled house, slender legs tucked in as she listened to the man cry, aware that the news she had would both hurt and help him.

Chapter 66

Lies and Deceptions

Cradling his infant son, Jack shifted gently back and forth in an oak rocking chair as he stared at the soundless child.

“Is he supposed to be this quiet?” Jack whispered, turning to Ada for assurance as the woman, dressed in the traditional robes of the Hoshido, leaned on the nearby doorframe, observing Jack lovingly.

“The doctors say he's fine, he just doesn't really cry much,” Ada explained before noticing the blonde woman standing in the hallway. “You have a visitor, honey.”

“I know,” Jack replied before reluctantly handing Ito off to Ada.

“I'll take Ito and Celeste out to see your grandma so you two can talk,” Ada said, before flashing a look at Sahaqiel as she took her leave.

Jack waited until the front door closed, remaining motionless until the blonde woman retracted her wings to stand before Jack in the dimly lit nursery.

“We need to talk,” Sahaqiel said as Lilith manifested, boxing Jack in.

Jack inhaled, closing his eyes for a moment before focusing on her

“About what?” He replied casually, narrowing his gaze at the archangel. “That you abandoned me? That you had a body this entire time? That not only did you lie to me, but that Selfia covered it up? How about the fact you used my hand to kill my sister? Or maybe we can talk about the fact that when my daughter and son Awaken, they'll be hounded for the rest of what little lives they have?”

“Wow, just right off the cuff, huh?” Lilith quipped.

Silence permeated the room that became heavy with tension.

“I’m sorry, Jack… you know I've only ever done what I've thought was best for you. Only ever-”

“I know,” Jack intervened, “Yet since I met you, everyone I care about keeps dying or getting hurt. And no matter how strong I get, it’s never enough. I always fail. Eleanor, Mike, Mai, Fujimaru, Itadori, Hoffman, Yun, Tyrah, Jena, Jill… the names keep piling up. How long until I lose you, too? How long until I lose Ada, or Leona, Kamila, my children, and my home? How long until I have nothing?”

Jack pursed his lips and shook his head. “I am filled with such fear, and so much hatred. I can see the thing I'm becoming and I just don't care. I've killed thousands, consigned them to fates worse than hell and I've reached the point where I'm doing all the things my enemies have done and I…”

A low chuckle escaped Jack's mouth. “I don't care.”

Sahaqiel didn't need to be one with Jack to understand his emotions. The angel took Jack's hand in hers, feeling his skin upon her skin that sent a shiver down her spine. Yet she fought the impulse, choosing instead to look the young man in the eye.

“You haven't lost everything, you won't lose everything,” Sahaqiel promised before turning to Lilith. “It's time.”

At Sahaqiel’s command, Lilith suddenly produced an orb, a small flickering sphere of green and red that sent a pain arcing through Jack's body as his eyes registered the intangible ball.

“This is why I had to leave, to give Lilith time to secure and place her safely in a coma,” Sahaqiel said as Jack stared at the sight of the wisp.

He didn't need an explanation to know what it was. He knew because he'd seen one before Lilith had awakened. It was a soul. Not as fractured and distorted as the thing known as Lilith, but a blackened mass with motes of light stuck upon it.

Jill's soul.

Jack chuckled, closing his eye for a moment as a maddened smirk settled on his face. Not exactly the reaction Sahaqiel had hoped for, but she continued on.

“Selfia… had been aware of your sister's whereabouts for a while. At least she had a sneaking suspicion when the Khloros began attacking her troops. It was all but confirmed when your cousin Lydia died to get us the intel. She consulted with me the moment we entered the palace, hence the house arrest. In that time we worked to figure out a plan in case of such an eventuality,” Sahaqiel explained, “This is what we came up with.”

Jack hung his head low, his shoulders slumping. “So she lied about Lydia’s whereabouts too, huh… the entire journey to the Theocracy was just a waste of time.”

“Please, Jack, please believe that if I had told you, it would have endangered everything. That-”

“My pain was necessary? My suffering? Watching Mike die and my sister draw her last breath was necessary to save the day?” Jack said bitterly. “You two conspired behind my back, and withheld information that hurt me. Am I supposed to be happy that my sister's soul was ripped from her chest and now occupies the space where you once sat? Am I supposed to be happy that the person I trusted the most kept me in the dark at this time?”

Jack cocked his head sideways at the angel. Instead of anger, hate, or annoyance, all Jack displayed was a silent, cold calm.

“I did it for you. I knew you couldn’t hurt Jill, and it wasn't supposed to-” Sahaqiel said, her voice breaking as glimmers of liquid pooled in her eyes. Jack turned away, allowing the cold quiet to take the room once more. “Please say something.”

Jack’s jaw clenched, his brow furrowed as his hand clenched.

“I forgive you,” Jack sighed, rising to his feet. “I've known for the last five months. You aren't the only ones that can keep a secret.”

Shocked, Sahaqiel’s mouth hung open, the angel turning to face Lilith, who shook her head.

“When? H-how?”

“My fight with Tarhanna, the first Apostle I fought. She knocked me unconscious, forcing Lilith to pilot my body. I noticed a new orb in my core, shards of things that shouldn't be there because Lilith had been reformed. I knew then what had happened, but I turned away. Shutting my mind and doing my best to cement the feeling of my sister gone, to let it fuel the anger and propel me through my grief,” Jack said as he stared out of the window, his broad back turned to the angel as his eyes settled on the children playing beyond the wooden fence of his home.

“But what does this change? In the end, we're just pawns in the Black King’s palm. Even when we thought we had an upper hand, we still failed. The world is ending and everyone I love is threatened with fates worse than death. Your intent doesn't matter if we all lose.”

“We can't give up!” Sahaqiel shouted, rising to her feet to force Jack to face her. Yet the look on his face made her do a double take.

“Who said anything about giving up?” Jack said, his expression contorted with such hatred even Lilith seemed to smile. “I will kill Michael. There is no outcome that ends without him dead. But the question remains–how? I've been a decoy for six months, Sahaqiel. It's time to show me what you've been doing with the time I bought you and Selfia.”

Chapter 67

Before the Raid

Underneath the running water, Jack sighed as he took in the warm stream.

A shower. The first in five months.

Jack looked down at the pool of soot, blood, and dirt that swirled into the metal drain below.

He took a breath, listening as footsteps drew near.

Of course, it was Ada, the woman knocking on the door and announcing her presence before Jack beckoned her in.

“What the hell is with you, women, and showers?” Lilith said, the bystander sitting on the nearby toilet seat as she filed her claw-like nails.

Ada stood behind the shower curtain, her shadow clearly visible to Jack ,who paid her no heed.

“Can I join you?” Ada asked, her voice almost hesitant.

“You’re the mother of my son, I don't see why not,” Jack replied with Ada joining him a moment later.

Jack remained still, his eyes focused on the pink bathroom tile as Ada’s hands gently glided down his back.

“H-how?” Ada asked, rubbing the scars on Jack's back.

“The Apostles,” Jack explained, keeping his face away from Ada. “I can heal from their attacks, but sometimes it leaves scars. Something to do with corruptive code.”

“There are so many…” Ada whispered before drawing close, hugging Jack from behind, with her hands resisting the temptation to go lower. “I've missed you.”

“... I've missed you too,” Jack said, the pair standing under the heat of the running water.

“How long can you stay?”

“Not long. Tonight I’ll go talk with Selfia and her generals, tomorrow…” Jack trailed off as Ada’s hand moved to his face, to get him to look at her.

“Let me see,” Ada coaxed, with Jack finally turning so she could look at him directly without his eye patch.

The sclera of Jack's left eye was black, the iris turned red as thin lines of corruption pulsed from the injury. In a way, it was unsettling, almost like a demon peering into her soul.

“Does it hurt?” Ada moved her hand, her thumb rubbing Jack's skin and drawing closer to his eye. “Is it dangerous?”

Jack caught her hand, bringing her palms close together as he looked at the woman who held such love for him. His heart felt as though it would explode.

“Sometimes,” Jack answered truthfully, “Corruption twists data flow, often nullifying system abilities and skills. If I catch it early, I can expunge the code, but this one was too late… am I hideous?”

“No! No, of course not, you're the most handsome man ever,” Ada smiled, drawing close, standing almost on the tips of her toes as her breath intermingled with Jack's. “Ito and Celeste are with your grandma and Leona. How about I show you just how much I missed you?”

Skin to skin the pair hung there for a moment, the air heavy with steam and heat from both of their bodies and the shower.

Jack smirked, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he grabbed Ada by her slender waist, his eyes danced with lust.

“I think I'd like that,” Jack said before leaning down and hoisting Ada up against him.

Clack. Clack. Clack. The golden stilettos worn by an archangel vibrated across the floor.

Sahaqiel. Not Sara.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Her full name being spoken by the one closest to her unsettled the angel as she paced back and forth within the suite that served as Selfia's office.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

Jack never used her full name. That it was eating away at the angel was getting on Selfia's nerves.

Clack. Clack. Clack.

“Your pacing is giving me a headache,” Selfia said, the white-haired woman slamming four of her floating prosthetics onto the table littered with battle plans and logistics for the upcoming raid.

Sahaqiel floated upward.

Selfia sighed, closing her eyes that still bore her red contact lenses.

“Go! Go away and bring Jack! How is it you two always annoy me? Please leave before I throw-” Selfia frowned, noticing that the angel was gone as her adjutant Di’luk and Python entered the office with a stack of reports.

“Goddess.”

Ignoring the two Paladins, Sahaqiel took to the sky, hovering above the lush city of Hoshido, surrounded by high stone walls and gorgeous countryside scenery. At least, it would normally be gorgeous if not for the red sun casting its hateful rays over everything. This was a byproduct of the Apostles, the perverted mana in the air warping and distorting the world.

In the far distance, she could make out the echoes of battle carried through the wind, faint traces that were unnoticeable to the masses below. But Sahaqiel could see it, could make out the thousands of soldiers fighting the demonspawn hordes moving on them en masse from all directions.

Fortunately, with the flux of mana back in the air, the Awakened were empowered. Unfortunately, this also applied to the monsters as well, whipping the demonspawn into a frenzy.

They had maybe two to three months before the artillery cannons fell silent, before the bullets stopped freely flowing and the MECHFrames were left without charge. Even now, the airships that Selfia had brought were being used as massive barricades that drew the defensive line, serving both as bulwark and barracks for the soldiers defending their bastion.

Thanks to its geological location, the mountains acted as a natural barrier, and with the old demon heart purged, the buildup of demonspawn in the area had been significantly less severe than in any other city. However, the only thing that truly kept the Apostles from ransacking the city was the statue of herself venerated by the Cintelli Paladins.

Which… drew in a whole different slew of issues…

Sahaqiel sighed, fluttering in the wind, as Awakened such as Tenno, Belia, and Jin fought at the front lines.

After settling her heart and finding the courage to face him again, the archangel took off, flying down towards the non-descript three bedroom home. She hovered outside, waiting for a moment before flying past the fence and towards the door, knocking on its oak surface.

A moment passed, then another, the angel frowning as she missed her astral form. At least when she was ethereal, she didn't have to worry about things like doors, etiquette, or being “goddess-like” in public.

Sahaqiel sighed, her wings fluttering in irritation as gazes of nearby pedestrians settled on her.

Deciding to flee the eyes of her onlookers, Sahaqiel gave up and entered the home, where she was immediately greeted by a familiar scent of sweat mixed with other odors.

“Oh…” Sahaqiel let out, realizing immediately what Jack had been doing for the last few hours. The angel slumped her shoulders, her feathers almost vibrating and her skin tingling as she spotted a shirtless Jack exiting from Ada’s bedroom.

Wide-eyed, she could make out the naked woman splayed out on the bed with a smile on her face as the door closed.

“I thought the meeting wasn't until another hour?” Jack asked, clad only in a towel. Sahaqiel refocused, at a loss for words for a moment.

“Oh, uh, yeah…” she mumbled, her toes curling as she resented having a body for the first time since she’d gotten it back.

“Sara. Eyes up here,” Jack said, walking past the angel, whose hands nearly moved to slap the buttcheeks hidden to her by a thin cloth. “So?”

“Uhm… Selfia is calling the generals early. Time is of the essence, she says.”

“Got it,” Jack said, opening the front door and walking out half-naked, much to Sahaqiel's surprise. Following behind, she attempted to coerce Jack into getting dressed, but he merely blew her off, walking through the city until he was ascending up the city center stairs with a myriad of eyes following him.

“Goddess,” the twin Paladins in gold armor said as Jack walked by.

“Is there something I missed?” Jack said as Sahaqiel caught up to him in the hallway.

“Well, you know how there's a statue of me in their flying city?” Sahaqiel said, obviously flustered.

“Oh…” Jack said, putting two and two together and connecting the dots.

“It's embarrassing. I mean, normally I wouldn't care, but it hits different when you’re at the end of the world.”

“Hits diff–…” Jack repeated, passing by a shocked Kamila, who immediately raced off.

“Slang I picked up from Celeste and Ho-sook. They're basically inventing a new language these days.”

“Uh huh…” Jack said as he approached the double door of the councilmen’s chamber, guarded by a team of Black Rose knights.

“Sir?” The knight let out, putting her arm out to stop Jack. “Forgive me… sir, but perhaps more proper… attire should be worn for this meeting.”

“I agree,” Jack put on a petty smile, lifting the woman's arm out of his way. “How about you go fetch me some clothes? In the meantime, time is of the essence and I'm needed. Consider this an order.”

Jack brushed past the guard, opening the double doors, where dozens of officials from the tribes, Theocracy, Empire, and a group of cyborgs Jack didn't recognize stood around a massive map.

“Ladies, gentlemen, what do you have for me?” Jack said as he walked around the crowd to stand beside the flabbergasted Selfia.

Chapter 68

K-Class End of World Scenario

“Well? I don’t have all day. Someone want to speak, or am I going to have to torture someone for information?”

Suddenly a floating prosthetic elbow found Jack’s side, followed by an angry Selfia pulling him to the side.

“What are you doing?!” Selfia hissed. “Where are your clothes?!”

“Attending a meeting about another great plan to which I wasn’t privy,” Jack replied, pulling away with a glare of his one good eye as Kamila suddenly appeared and handed him an Intellipad, “Somehow the more things change, the more they stay the same, huh Selfia? So, are we going to start this?”

Selfia closed her eyes, taking a moment to compose herself before addressing the crowd of officers and delegates.

“Right, now that we are all here, I would like to thank everyone for taking the trip to meet under such dire circumstances, I know-”

“Selfia,” Jack interjected, his eye down at the dossier in his hand which displayed everything that had been gathered on the High Table and the ongoing fight, “Get to the point. Time is of the essence.”

At his demand, Jack received a glare from Selfia, followed by Python inhaling as he pretended not to notice Jack’s behavior.

“-Right,” Selfia let out. “I’ll be brief. Everyone here has a dossier of our situation, so we all know the current state of the world and how fucked up everything is. We know who's responsible, what their goal is, and how to fix it. But, we don’t know where the leader is-”

Kamila rolled in a massive white screen, one large enough to capture enough of the briefing for the crowd to see.

“-Which we are working on,” Selfia continued as one of her many floating arms moved to align the projector nearby. “Combining the intel obtained by our resident angels here, satellite imagining, and my Black Hearts, we have pinpointed large movements of equipment and personnel into the port city of Zanzibar. Which, given our current situation, wouldn’t be uncommon for an influx and stockpiling of manpower and arms. However, a few months ago we lost contact with that city, an oddity considering they had little to no demonspawn traffic and were firmly on the outskirts of Imperial territory. With all this, we’ve identified the chief enforcer of the High Table, Dorian Jazz, as the Red Rook.”

An image of a man with metallic add-ons to his face appeared on-screen. At five-six with brown hair and red eyes, the man was as ordinary as any other Imperial citizen, save for his cybernetics and the distinct hollowed look in his eyes that most soldiers had.

Jack eyed his dossier, reading up on the man’s information as quickly as it passed.

“A former Imperial commander under my mother’s regime, Dorian Jazz served in the Seventh Solomon Expeditions, which were organized search parties for the High Table using our collective nation’s resources,” Selfia paused, sweeping her eyes across the crowd. “We believe he is gathering resources and personnel to organize another expedition into the Forgotten Continent, now that most of the demonspawn and Apostles that inhabited it are flooding our shores. Our aim is to apprehend Dorian Jazz and seize their boats, potentially taking down the Black King as well-yes?”

One cyborg raised a metallic hand, a brunette woman Jack vaguely recognized, her thick alliance accent slightly familiar. “Why are we taking their ships?”

“The miasma in the air disrupts our skyships,” Mi’shka said, joining the conversation while handing a set of fresh Imperial army fatigues to Jack.

“This is Colonel Mi’shka Domino, a veteran of the Forgotten Continent, with well over a dozen combat sorties and recon missions under General Solomon. He will lead the expedition force,” Selfia introduced, stepping to the side as the heterochromatic man stood at the front of the crowd in his freshly ironed colonel’s uniform.

“Pardon my crassness,” Mi’shka flashed a small smile at Jack as he spoke. “The Forgotten Continent is a shit-hole, choked with corruption and demonspawn. That means any non-Awakened soldier not being constantly supplied with filters will die within seconds, and obsifiter generators and anything that feeds on mana will be starved. MECHFrames will shut down, airships will stall, Awakened will be poisoned with prolonged exposure, and even ‘bots will short out. The Forgotten Continent is aptly named because it's so terrible that everyone wants to forget it exists.”

“Hence the boats,” Selfia continued, “Expeditions into the continent are a logistics nightmare; even my satellites can’t image through the smog. To make matters worse, the empire doesn’t keep a heavy stock of seafaring craft, as there hasn’t been a need considering our landlocked nation. So this operation will be multi-faceted in nature. Seize the city of Zanzibar, interrogate the Red Rook, and capture the boats, which are essential to our survival.”

“So what do you require from the Alliance?” A red-haired cyborg asked, raising his brow. From the look of him, he was no older than Jack, which made him an oddity within the crowd of gray-haired officers and aristocrats.

“Supplies.”

“Because of the crisis, the Empire’s current stockpile of filters and armyrtheium is enough for a division of soldiers to journey into the Forgotten Continent for about forty minutes without resupply. We can, at best, have an airship in the air for an hour before the corruption eats away our shields and stalls it. That isn’t enough. Judging from our previous expeditions, the subject of the High Table’s fascination is located beyond the scope of our previous surveys or within the boundaries of our seventh expedition, which means outside the limits of our supplies.”

“You want us to give up our stores of armyrtheium?” The redheaded man asked.

Selfia sighed as Jack dropped his towel and dressed, despite the crowd now more focused on him.

“Nice,” Mi’shka smirked.

“And convert landships for sea-faring operations,” Selfia continued, despite the disruption. “Once we’ve interrogated the Red Rook and pinpointed a location, we’ll need everything and more to reach the Infinity Machine.”

The brunette cyborg shook her head. “That's a lot to ask of us on conjecture. You don’t even know where their objective is, or if this Machine is the answer to our red sun problem. Unlike the Empire, there's nowhere for us to run when our cities get breached.”

“It is,” Sahaqiel butted in, the angel having passively been observing the conversations.

“And how do you know this?” the red-haired man said, drawing the ire of the Paladins in the room. Including Lita. “I get that you’re supposed to be a super-powered ancient angel and all, but how do we know what you say is true?”

A radiant warmth filled the air, powerful mana that raised the hairs on everyone’s body, with Jack’s soul seeming to stir.

“Because I was there when the machine was created. The Infinity Machine taps into all data flow. What you call mana is just data; the molecules of molecules are read by the machine and translated, allowing each one of us to be connected,” Sahaqiel explained as her body shimmered with an almost ethereal glow. “Think of it like a computer. The Infinity Machine is one giant server and router that moves data around the world. During the original outbreak, we used the machine to halt the flow of mana in the world and reverse it, pulling in a specific spectrum of data that eliminated those who exhibited mana capability.”

Jack frowned, a hush falling on the crowd as they processed what the angel had said.

Eliminated.

“You want us to wipe out all Awakened in the world?” Jack asked, breaking the silence.

“No, today's Awakened and the Awakened of the past are different. In the past, we used a broad spectrum targeting sequence because we weren’t sure of what we were dealing with and couldn’t risk the rest of humanity succumbing to the disaster. So we had no choice but to rob them of their potential and eliminate those who had the genes to produce more true-Awakened.”

Jack furrowed his brow. There was something more, something else that Sahaqiel wasn’t saying, yet the implication of her words put a heavy strain on Jack’s heart. If angels and demonspawn were going to be wiped out… What about him and his kids?

“Fortunately,” Sahaqiel said, her eyes glancing over to Jack, “I know enough to target just the demonspawn and pure-bloodied-angels.”

The angel’s words weren’t lost on Jack, nor where they on anyone else as the collective realized the sacrifice being asked of the two people who fit the criteria for angel.

“So then, if you eliminated them, how are they back? How do you exist?” The brunette cyborg asked, drawing all eyes.

“If the Infinity Machine is a computer, that means it has storage. There’s a limit to how much it can hold and process. As the eons passed, the data it collected built up pressure, almost like a cork with it leaking. And like any machine without maintenance, it faltered, releasing more and more of the corruptive code leading to our current situation,” Sahaqiel said, glossing over the woman’s last question and turning to Selfia. “With what I’ve learned from being in a vessel of a multitude of souls, and the research obtained from the High Table, I believe we can not only wipe out the demonspawn threat but also repair the Infinity Machine so such a disaster never occurs again.”

“But to do that, we need to locate where the enemy is going,” Selfia said as she took a cookie from Kamila, who was handing them out to the guests. “The Red Rook will have that information.”

“And if they decide to blow up their boats? Delete their intel? What then?” An Imperial nobleman asked.

“If the Red Rook is brought to me alive, he’ll tell us everything we need to know,” Jack cut in, leaning against a nearby wall with his arms crossed.

“Torture probably isn’t going to work,” the red-haired cyborg smirked, almost condescendingly, as if dismissing Jack.

“What I do isn’t torture,” Jack replied, causing the trio of Alliance delegates to look at one another in amusement. “It’s worse. I grab onto their souls and I read their memories. Sometimes if I don’t like them, I pick out the dark bits and force them into an eternal nightmare that plays on repeat, but in fast-forward. A minute to us is a hundred thousand to them, permanently reliving their worst memories until they kill themselves.”

The room fell silent.

“So, yeah,” Selfia added, chopping up the uncomfortable atmosphere. “If we apprehend the Red Rook, we’ll have what we need to intercept the Black King’s plans.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” the red-haired cyborg said, “We’re still trying to stabilize things as is; many on the board think we can just wait out the crisis. Most aren’t even aware of the massive swarms surface-side.”

“Just give us what you can. It's not like we’re talking about the fate of the world, after all,” Selfia said sarcastically, before clapping her prosthetics together. Kamila rolled in a cart of food, alongside Granny Cao and several of the elders of the Hoshido, who gave Jack warm smiles upon seeing him. “Okay! Who’s hungry? Let’s eat while we discuss our plans.”

Selfia turned to beckon Jack to sit beside her, yet the space he had once inhabited was void, the man-turned-angel already gone, with Sahaqiel nowhere to be seen as well.

“Great… no one has any decorum,” Selfia sighed to herself.

“That went better than expected,” Python said, handing Selfia a plate. “Maybe it would have been better to just tell him.”

“No, I know I made the right decision. He could never do what needed to be done, not when it involves family,” Selfia said, looking down at the steamy white rice and fish on her porcelain plate. “That's why I wanted to kill his sister before they met. To spare them the suffering.”

Python remained silent, the dutiful soldier turning away as he eyed the delegates eating lavishly. A telltale sign to all soldiers of just how fucked everything was about to become.

Chapter 69

Final Goodbyes

“I wish you could stay longer,” Ada sniffled, as Jack said goodbye to their baby son within their home crowded by Leona, Yuki, Sahaqiel, and the children.

Carefully, Jack handed the baby to Ada before stepping to the side and ruffling Celeste's head.

“When will I see you again?” Celeste asked, her mouth caked with pudding.

“Soon. I promise,” Jack said, leaning down to hug his daughter. He sat there for a while, embracing his child, who buried her head into his chest.

Finally, a hand reached down, touching his shoulder.

“It's time, Jack,” Sahaqiel murmured.

Reluctantly, Jack let Celeste go, standing up with a forlorn look in his eye as Leona picked up the little girl.

“Be safe,” Ada said, “Will you visit Colette before you go? Did you say goodbye to the others?”

“No,” Jack said, eyeing Celeste, who still didn't know her biological mother. “All the inflicted are still in a coma so, not there’s really any point. Everyone else is extremely busy, so...”

Jack had seen Colette once before he ran off; knowing she was alive and being treated was enough for him.

“It's okay, I understand,” Ada said, smiling softly at Jack, who grabbed his dual blades from a nearby rack and turned to leave.

Yuki put her arm out, blocking Jack at the entrance.

“You know you and I still have an appointment,” Yukino said, with Jack raising a brow.

“Oh?” Jack replied, surprised by the woman's boldness.

“Yeah, don't think I'm out of the race yet,” Yuki whispered, planting a kiss on Jack's cheek, much to Ada’s irritation. “I'm even in therapy now!”

“Right… good for you?” Jack replied, unsure of how to reply. He opened the door, stepping out into the yard, where he was greeted by dozens of familiar faces. Mo Ye, Jin, Jiang, Min, Kwon, his grandmother, his cousins and Granny Cao. Even Kenichi was there to see him off.

“You weren't going to leave without saying anything, were you?” Jiang asked, holding a baby in his arms.

“Well, not anymore, I guess,” Jack said, taking hold of a bag of food packed by his Elder Cao, while his grandmother handed him a heavy box of ammo for his gunblades and a bundle of blades.

“You come back soon. Ain't no grandson of mine going to be a deadbeat. Bad enough one son is–I don't need this to be a generational thing,” the old woman spat as Jack took the box of specially crafted bullets and blades, storing the spares into his storage bracelet.

“I don’t plan to, thank you, halmeoni,” Jack said, addressing his grandmother in her native tongue before turning to Jiang. “Congratulations. What's his name?”

“Jay,” Jiang replied triumphantly, “Named him after you. After all, without everything you've done, we probably wouldn't be here. Sick eyepatch by the way, bud.”

Jack smirked, eyeing the small child with a tuft of brown hair and suddenly imagining his son having friends and playmates. He turned his head, gazing upon the crowd of people there to see him off. People for whom he was fighting.

“Here,” Mo Ye said, the former blacksmith pushing out a cart that carried a suit of silver armor with red accents. “Your friends Victor and Bridget aren't half-bad. They'd be here, but the old man can't get around without his walker these days.”

“Thank you,” Jack said, lifting the cuirass that felt oddly familiar. “Is this-?”

“From the black metal you left behind? Yeah, blondie there helped us to purge the bad enchantments,” Mo Ye said, pointing a thumb at Sahaqiel. “Should be the best armor you've ever worn, if I say so myself.”

Jack stared at the chest plate, rubbing his hands over the armor set designed by the Black King to boost his abilities.

It was lightweight, soft, with black fur and armyrethium lining to disperse attacks to the chest. From inside, he could see Kevlar interwoven between the chain mail and metal.

Reluctantly, Jack put it on, feeling the soft armor synchronize with the tattoos on his arms, which glowed.

[Keyholder LvL 3-> 4]

Jack inhaled, feeling his mana pathways clear up. It wasn't a substantial boost to his abilities–at least not that he could see–but now he at least had armor.

Paired with the greaves that slipped over his boots, the silk-lined metal gauntlets that bore knuckle spikes, and the titanium thigh plates, Jack was now adorned like a crusading silver knight.

“Looking good, bud,” Jiang whistled. “I wish someone would make me armor like that for Christmas, wink-wink.”

“Shut your trap,” Mo Ye spat. “That armor is made of the same stuff ship hulls are made of–you could build fifty engines for me and you'd still never afford it.”

Suddenly, Bridget appeared, the seamstress/blacksmith racing out clutching a velvety red cape, with a pattern of wings embroidered on its back.

“Oh good! I got you before you left!” Bridget said, out of breath and doubled over.

Jack smiled, taking the cape. “Thank you. It seems every time I'm heading out to something important, you're always there to properly equip me.”

“H-huh?” Bridget blushed, shaking her head repeatedly before stumbling back. “Ah, shut up! You still owe the old man and me money for our last commission! So you better survive and come back!”

Bridget turned and ran off after that, leaving Jack smiling as he donned his new cape.

He turned his head towards Kenichi, but the latter turned away, trotting off as Di’luk intercepted him and dragged him away.

“Thank you. Thank you all, I promise that I'll fix the world,” Jack said before gathering his mana, rising into the air, with Sahaqiel joining him. They floated above the city, taking in the gorgeous nomadic-style architecture that was so different from other cities to which they'd been.

From below, the citizens of Hoshido pointed upwards, gawking at the pair of winged folk hovering in the air.

For the Paladins on the nearby floating city, the sight inspired them with hope, knowing that their goddess stood watching over them. For the citizens below, they felt awe and inspiration as their silver angel was heading to war with their banner on his back.

“Good luck, Jack,” Sahaqiel said, unable to hide her longing. “I'll stay here to defend the city and help Selfia prepare for the expedition. Whatever happens, Jack, know your family is in good hands.”

“Are they though?” Jack replied, his words stabbing the archangel in the heart.

“Jack, I-”

“I forgive you, Sahaqiel, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to forget what happened. What you and Selfia did,” Jack said, facing away from the angel with his silver wings spreading. “Even though Jill's soul lives within me, I'll never forget the feeling of my hand piercing her heart. Or the trauma I endured, which YOU contributed to.”

“Jack, I-”

With a sonic boom, Jack was gone, a shockwave of sound left in his wake as he flew away.

“-did it because I love you…” Sahaqiel whispered as she closed her eyes and curled into herself.

Chapter 70

Stand Off

“So. Are we going to talk about that or-?” Lilith said, floating alongside Jack, who was soaring through the sky at incredible speed.

“No. I talked to her. Isn't that what you wanted?” Jack said, “Be lucky that you're stuck with me after being complicit in their scheme.”

“Tch, don't get all bitchy with me because you couldn't off your sister. Remember, we did this for you, and it's not like she's dead, just-”

“A shell of her former self locked in an endless dream within her brother as a ghost? Even if we could restore her body and use the Infinity Machine to reincarnate her, it doesn't change the fact that she still died. That she was put through so much suffering and I was the one to kill her and suffer for it,” Jack replied, pulling out an Intellipad to double-check where he was going. “You, of all people, should know what I'm feeling.”

Lilith went silent, not speaking for a while as Jack gained altitude.

“Yeah, well… I ain't a bitch.”

“Classy,” Jack replied, pausing for a moment as he surveyed the topography below teeming with demonspawn. Fortunately, he was just high enough to escape their ire.

He took out a periscope, the little metal cylinder signaling the assault team down below, who had been waiting for hours for him outside the city limits.

“There, to your left by the river bank,” Lilith pointed out, directing Jack towards a beacon that sent an infrared signal to his periscope.

“Got it,” Jack said before descending towards the flowing water, cutting through the trees beside a mountain range. He passed the high green canopies, landing in a dense floral forest where, to the naked eye, all that could be seen were bushes, boulders, and trees.

But Jack knew better, his angelic eye picking out the souls of all twelve individuals hidden in the bush.

“Get me up to speed,” Jack ordered, walking forward and beckoning a soldier, who hid in the yellowing grass within her matching ghillie suit.

“Milord,” the sergeant said, rising to her feet before kneeling with her head bowed. “Admiral Skirita is waiting for you at our FOB.”

“Take me to him, sergeant,” Jack said, beckoning the NCO forward with the commandos breaking from their hiding spaces.

Jack paused as he stood before a large opening in the mountain, obscured by hanging moss. It was a vast cave, wide enough to allow the transit of armored cars. Its interior had been hollowed out to reveal a spacious area large enough to land VTOLs from the opening in the ceiling.

Stepping into the base proper, Jack eyed the retinue of sixty men and women in camouflage fatigues and combat gear preparing for their assault.

He could see Mechs lined up, Gen threes and Gen fours, beside the boxy dropships that made the space cramped, with four tanks taking up what little space remained.

“Sup,” Ivan said, the gunslinger in full western style hopping off an APC to greet Jack.

“We aren't friends. Don't talk to me unless it's important,” Jack said, shoving the man back when he attempted to wrap an arm around his shoulder.

“Right, fine, whatever, have a stick up your ass,” Ivan shrugged, walking behind Jack towards the large table in the center of the cave.

“What do you have for me, Admiral Skirita?” Jack asked, joining the gray-haired officer standing over a portable holotable reviewing the layout of Zanzibar. He was one of the few Imperial officers with experience sailing airborne, land, and sea ships, and was vital to their ongoing operation.

“No doubt they're expecting us, so our plan is to hit them when the sun goes down. There are ten ships docked at the port, so our commandos will split into six-man teams to seize each ship,” Skirita explained, drawing a raised brow from Jack.

“Only six soldiers to capture each ship?”

“Numbers alone don't win wars-”

“No, but they sure do help,” Ivan scoffed.

“-You will land on their port here, preventing their soldiers from rallying to their boats while our commandos take their ships,” Skirita continued, “Then our main force will move to breach their city walls and pincer them between you and our tanks.”

“What's our headcount?”

“Two hundred, one-third of which will work to secure the boats.”

Jack cocked his head to the parked aircraft. A small force for an entire city. Although Zanzibar wasn't as big as Windermere or Lunacrypt, it was still a heavily fortified base housing hundreds of troops. And that was just what they could see on the surface; there were no images of the bunker nor what personnel were onboard the boats themselves.

“What about the Red Rook? The rest of the army?” Jack asked, stroking his growing stubble.

“Listen closely, because it's going to be something you won't want to hear,” Skirita said, staring at Jack with his piercing gaze. “Our objective, foremost, is the security of those boats. Without them, this entire operation is a wash. You alone are all that's needed to protect those boats once they're secure. The others are there to buy you and the commandos the time to do so.”

Jack flicked his tongue against the back of his teeth, understanding full well the implications of what the old officer was saying.

“Gotcha…” Jack said, turning his head towards the shadows encroaching the cave entrance from the setting sun. “Alright, let's get this done.”

Under the cover of darkness, hidden within the vapor of the clouds, Jack surveyed the port, watching the soldiers on duty who seldom looked up.

“No one ever tells you how itchy clouds are,” Jack groaned, putting his periscope to his eye as he waited for the signal. “So that's a boat…”

Jack had never seen one before. He had heard about them, of course, but he expected them to look like airships, or giant landships bristling with weaponry and bays. Instead, all he was left with was… disappointment at their dull gray-metal appearance.

How the hell are they supposed to fight off attackers?

“Hmm,” Jack could make out the outlines of the commando teams, the Selfians moving in the water like piranhas circling their prey. “Looks like it's started.”

Jack tuned the comlink in his ear to the commando channel below.

“Foxtail in position.”

“Gamma in position.”

“Silverfin in position.”

“Whiskey in position.”

“All teams synchronize…. Synched. Take, take, take.”

“See you lads on the other side.”

Jack continued to watch as the commandos climbed the sides of the ships like spiders, delicately but effortlessly skirting around the guards on duty and the ship’s crew to sneak aboard.

“Great, now all we have to do is wait until the shooting starts,” Lilith snickered.

“Ya know, your angst was cute at first, but you're getting on my nerves.”

“Oh? Now you know how it feels. If you keep your end of the bargain, we won't be bothering each other much longer.”

“Yeah,” Jack said as he sighed. “How's Ruby?”

“Sleeping. Give it another day and she’ll be usable.”

“Good,” Jack replied, suddenly feeling guilty that he couldn’t let the ghost spend time with her twin while they were at home.

Jack continued to watch the city below, eyeing the groups of High Table soldiers transporting supplies and materials, unaware of the Selfian infiltration. Or perhaps they were aware and didn’t care? Despite the smuggler’s base being twenty miles away, and precautions taken, Jack didn’t put it above the High Table to be expecting them.

A few minutes passed–six to be exact–with Jack looking down at the chronogear on his wrist that felt as though time was at a standstill.

Ten minutes.

Twelve.

All ten teams were being asked to secure ten one-hundred-and-fifty-meter ships in fifteen minutes or less. The ideal time was set to ten minutes, but they had already surpassed that by two.

“Silverfin, bridge and crew secured.”

“Lancer, bridge and crew subdued.”

Jack let out a breath as the teams radioed in.

Suddenly, sirens blared on one ship before an explosion ripped the vessel apart.

“Shit,” Jack let out, the entire base up in arms as the boat exploded.

Immediately, his ear was bombarded by the commandos checking in, each team leader attempting to piece together the sudden break in the midnight quiet.

Jack moved, dive-bombing the port as floodlights coated the air with the sounds of shouts and screams. Landing on the dock, Jack sent his feathers out, snuffing out the guards moving towards the ships to investigate as the base alarms blared.

“Well… so much for the quiet way,” Jack grumbled, weaving a dome of Wind to protect the boats as whistling sounds were heard overhead.

Suddenly, mortars struck the city, with artillery barrages sent out to soften the defenses as Skirita’s assault began.

“Strike teams, report in! What happened?!” Jack sent, breaking radio silence to demand an update to why a boat had exploded.

“Sir! This is Whiskey-One, we’ve got bombs all across the reactor room!”

“Foxtail-One here, IEDs in the bunk beds. Wires stretching around the ship!”

Jack frowned, a sinking feeling bubbling up within as he realized this… was a trap.

Chapter 71

Check

Jack clenched his teeth as another ship exploded in a fireball. This was a trap, a ruse meant to lure out the Selfians. Or, at least he believed so as the commandos aboard the floating coffins raced to disarm the bombs.

Spinning to face the oncoming horde of enemies, Jack erected a barrier of swirling Wind, blocking the hail of gunfire with gale forces that rocked the boats.

Seeing their bullets be ineffective, several High Table guards rushed Jack, one armed with a wrench and another a knife.

Jack shook his head, decapitating one man while grabbing the other by the face. Holding the squirming man aloft, he settled his gaze on the soldiers rushing towards him.

“If you don't want to die,” Jack said, crushing the man's head and coating himself in a fresh veneer of red viscera. “Surrender. This is your only chance.”

The situation was outside Jack's control now. All he could do was hope the commandos stopped the bombs and killed everyone that attempted to stop them.

Of course, the High Table goons didn't surrender; instead, they raced forward, charging Jack, who merely sighed and readied his hand to unleash a blade of wind that would kill the angry mob.

“Enough.”

A high-pitched squeak cut through the battlefield, a prelude before a singular word from a deep voice ordered the men to stand down.

“Welcome to Zanzibar, Your Majesty. Would you refrain from killing my men?”

Jack narrowed his eye, hand outstretched with a swirl of mana ready to wipe out the crowd before him. He turned his head to the left, focusing on the camera that was focused on him.

“And if I don't?” Jack raised a brow.

“I'll hit the detonator in my hand and destroy every ship docked in port. Call off your attack.”

Jack clicked his teeth, waiting for a moment before reaching up to his earpiece.

“Admiral Skirita, halt your attack,” Jack said, giving the order as Selfian aircraft appeared in the distance.

“What?” the officer replied over the sound of tank tracks.

“The boats are rigged to blow. Call off your attack!” Jack barked as the Selfian gunships drew closer.

Silence.

For a moment, Jack was concerned that the admiral would disregard him, but as the Selfian Wyvern fighter craft soared overhead without releasing their payload, Jack knew the admiral had heeded his order.

“Now what? What's the point of this trap?” Jack asked, staring at the camera.

“To meet you, of course,” The Red Rook said, stepping from out of the crowd to stand before Jack with an army of his followers at his back.

At fix-six, the Rook wasn't impressively tall, nor was he physically intimidating. Instead, to Jack's eye, he appeared to be just an average man in an officer’s uniform with cybernetics and no mana core. Yet despite his lack of magical talent, he stood before Jack with a detonator in his robotic hand.

“Well?” Jack asked, locking gazes with the man.

“Hm. You look a lot like him,” Dorian Jazz said, standing a foot away from Jack, “So, you are the one who killed Cynthia.”

“The Gold Queen? Yeah, I killed her,” Jack said, watching as the Red Rook held the detonator with its glowing button.

“Amazing isn't it? The fate of the world, determined by a button, and as powerful as you are, I, a mortal man, hold you captive,” Jazz said. He turned, exposing his back to Jack, and walked towards a soldier who took the detonator from him.

“What has the Black King promised you? Why do you still fight?” Jack asked, his angel eye picking up a mana flare in the distance from Ivan, who was watching them through his scope. “What makes you all so loyal to him?”

“Loyal to him?” Jazz turned, taking off his officer’s coat to reveal a muscular physique laced with metal. “That is where you’re wrong, King of the Empire. Every man, every woman, every soldier that you see before you belongs to neither nation nor organization. The people you see are the scorned, the forgotten, the ones abandoned by our nations for profit and greed. We are survivors.”

Jack eyed the tattoo of a staff and blade over the man’s heart, the symbol of the Solomon expedition.

“Who all work for a madman,” Jack said scornfully, narrowing his eye at the man who had an air of authority to him, reminding him of Hoffman.

“A man who gave us purpose, opportunity, a chance to build a paradise after we were abandoned,” Jazz said as a pair of soldiers set down a large crate beside him. “But of course, we were used…lied to, just like you. After all, it’s what monarchs do.”

Jack could detect mana within the large box, the type of signature indicative of an enchanted item.

“So, what's the deal here? You set this trap to regale me with a sob story? You being lied to isn't an excuse for the atrocities you’ve committed, the suffering you’ve inflicted on the world, the countless lives lost. Look around you–is this hellscape a paradise to you?”

“You are right,” Jazz said as one of his subordinates handed him a crowbar, which he used to pry open the crate. He reached in to pull out a large silver buster blade. “But you kill too, when it suits your needs.”

Jack stared at the man, doing his best to ignore Admiral Skirita in his earpiece. From the crowd a table was produced, and various melee weapons were laid out on it.

“Anyway, enough of that,” the Rook said, lifting his massive sword, which swirled with energy. An inscription ran down its length, showing a stylized dragon baring its fangs. “Let’s get down to business. I wish to have a duel.”

“A duel?” Jack repeated, brow raised.

“Yes, a duel. A fight to the death. You took someone from me, someone who was extremely precious, which I suppose is fair, given all that you've lost,” Jazz said, “An eye for an eye. So, I am determined to fight you. No powers, no mana, just skill.”

“Is he serious?” Lilith laughed.

“And if I break your rules, I assume you'll destroy the remaining boats?” Jack replied, eye turned to the table filled with weapons.

“Of course.”

“And what guarantee do I have that you won't just blow up the boats? That your subordinates won't do so once I kill you?”

The Rook smiled. “You have only my word. However, if you do triumph over me, I ask that you spare the lives of my men as prisoners of war.”

“Fine,” Jack said, flexing his hand before approaching the table filled with enchanted weapons. He grabbed a short sword, a gladius that was small compared to the massive sword held by the Rook. From the intricate carvings and runes etched across it, he could tell it was enchanted long before he felt the energy of the weapon.

[Broken Gladius of Achilles]

-Error.

“Well… let's go,” Jack said, shooting off the ground, his blade smacking against the massive enchanted weapon that moved to endure his attack.

“Tch!” Jazz let out, the great sword absorbing the brunt of Jack's strength.

Jazz roared, slashing at Jack, unleashing a wave of kinetic energy that sent Jack back.

“This is Gram, a legendary blade. It was said to have been used to exterminate dragons,” Jazz said, holding out the great sword., “It empowers and protects its wielder, absorbing kinetic force and either storing it or unleashing it against aggressors. A direct confrontation is ill-advised.”

Jack eyed the black-edge blade; the legendary artifact was dangerous to Awakened.

“Say the word and I'll dome him. All ya gotta do is secure the detonator,” Ivan said, whispering in Jack's ear through their shared COM-LINK.

Jack's eye shifted to the man holding the detonator–a simple task, if they timed it correctly. But then what of the crew? What of the men and women under the Rook’s command who stared at him?

Easy: he'd just have to kill them all.

Jack considered for a moment how easily he could massacre everyone here.

“No,” Jack said, pulling the COM-LINK from his ear, much to the surprise of Jazz, who raised a brow. “I have a sniper positioned on a hill who's very keen on taking you out. Dorian Jazz, I, Jack Knight, accept your duel.”

This put a small smile on the Rook's face. “I, Dorian Jazz of the High… of the Lost Battalion, stand before you with my blade aloft and my heart aflame, to face you, king of the empire.”

Jack charged forward, slashing at the man with expert aim learned from his hardships, but Jazz was no slouch, the officer using Gram’s auto-defensive features and his cybernetics to keep up with Jack, whose movements picked up.

The Red Rook activated Gram, sending a shockwave through Jack, who merely clenched his jaw and continued his assault, working through the constant feedback of kinetic energy.

Blurs and sparks flared up between the pair, the very air heating from the two clashing as the Red Rook’s body visibly tore and bled. First it was his left arm, the cybernetic ripping from his flesh as he held onto Gram.

Then it was his eyes, the strain exploding the blood vessels within.

And last, the man's shoulders and waist, the rapid shift in movement tearing away the skin and fastened metal to reveal bleeding flesh and torn muscles.

Finally, the pair separated, the Red Rook still standing despite his body falling apart.

“Tell me… did Cynthia suffer?” The old officer asked.

Jack adjusted his blade. His body was already regenerating what damage had been done to him. “It was over quickly.”

Of course, that was a lie. He had dragged the Gold Queen screaming through the city after crippling her, before depositing her in the ruins of his old apartment and feeding her to the demonspawn.

But the Rook didn't know that. Or maybe he did. Either way, it didn't matter, as Jack stood over the man's ruined body.

“The problem with autonomous weapons is that they only protect you if they can react,” he said as the Red Rook lay crumpled, his arm missing. Jack held Gram aloft. “Seems I'm too fast now.”

The Red Rook chuckled, bleeding profusely, a normal man who had stood against a demi-god.

Jack spun, holding Gram aloft with both hands. The crowd, surprisingly, did not try to stop the execution. There were looks in the eyes of the gathered soldiers: fear, hesitation, anger. But they made no move to resist as the Rook simply smiled at his soldiers.

For a moment, Jack considered the idea of sparing him, but… he knew what the Rook had been complicit in, what he had done to raise an army in the Archangel Michael's name.

He had to die.

“Any last words?” Jack said, his new weapon held aloft.

“None… only… that you spare my men,” Jazz wheezed, turning his head and nodding to his officer, who disarmed the detonator. “Do this, and everything you need to know will be on my desk.”

“Very well,” Jack said before he brought the blade down.

Chapter 72

Introspection

Jack exhaled, his eye reflecting the flames of the pyre that lay drifting at sea.

“So… that's the ocean… thought it'd be more…” Jack muttered, stroking his chin as the soldiers of the Red Rook paid their respects to their fallen leader.

Nearby, observing the spectacle, several Selfian soldiers murmured in disgust, with one loudly saying “Bullshit” before storming off.

“Is there a reason you waste time doing this?” Lilith said, arms crossed and watching the display. “That man was your enemy. A monster. Why give him a burial at all?”

Jack narrowed his eyes, observing the men and women that belonged to the Solomon expeditions.

He was a soldier. A puppet much like Hoffman. In the end, his last thought was about the people he led. He may have been my enemy, but he made an honorable request and kept his end of the deal, Jack sent as Admiral Skirita rolled into the town uncontested with his mechanized division. This much I can do.

“Eight destroyer-class boats, three cruisers in drydock, and over two thousand in prisoners,” Skirita reported, “Commander Houlihan is organizing them, but overall, not a bad haul with only twelve casualties.”

Jack sat at the Red Rook’s desk, holding a framed picture of the man he’d just killed, standing beside a familiar woman, whom Jack had also killed.

He put the picture down before reaching across the desk to grab a piece of stationery covered in neat handwriting.

In the letter, the Red Rook explained his misplaced faith in the Black King, and love for his soldiers and the Gold Queen. In it, he cited the reasons behind his ideology, his dream to make the world a better place, his distress about being abandoned by the crown, and his feelings of powerlessness in not saving his lover.

Jack realized he had noted some of the same things in Jena’s journal. She had also been part of this lost battalion; another citizen who’d been failed by her nation. Emboldened by the Red Rook and the Black King, she’d fed dreams of change.

Another person failed by those in charge.

Oddly, the Rook didn't blame Jack; rather, he accepted his fate as simply… a bad hand.

To Jack, despite clearing the board of every other piece, he felt hollow, as though he had achieved a pyrrhic victory.

He sighed, placing the letter back on the desk. “What are our plans to deal with the prisoners?”

“My recommendation? Execution. We line them up and be done with them,” Skirita said nonchalantly as he eyed the Rook’s liquor collection.

“Out of the question.”

“Right, of course. In the interim, your orders?”

Jack exhaled. Of course, he could let Selfia make the call, but it had been his decision to spare the Rook's men, and they had upheld their end of the bargain, disarming their detonator.

But then again, was this another of the Black King’s ruses? Was the archangel Michael still again another step ahead of him, sacrificing his Rook?

Jack closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose.

No. No matter what, he couldn't get paranoid. All he could do was to keep on keeping on, even if the path led straight to hell.

“Is there any way we can use them? They're skilled sailors and battle-hardened soldiers.”

“And also traitors,” Skirita said, placing a shot glass on the table and pouring some clear liquor for himself and Jack. “I shouldn’t need to tell you that employing them in any capacity is a volatile security risk. Here, drink this–it'll take the edge off.”

“Bit early to be drinking, admiral. Plus, I'm Awakened; alcohol doesn't do much,” Jack said, eyeing the clear liquor that had no smell.

“At a hundred and ninety-two proof, I'd hope it does,” Skirita scoffed, holding the bottle to the light. “Normally you'd use a mixer for this, but this’ll give you-”

Jack downed the shot in one go, drawing a look from the admiral, “-right. Guess not, son.”

Jack sighed. “What's Selfia's take on this?”

“She doesn't care what happens to them, so long as they don't prove a threat. Until we can vet them, she’d prefer we keep them away from the boats while we disarm the IEDs.”

“Why ask for my opinion if you already have your orders?”

“I’m under no orders other than to secure the boats and the city. If you wish the prisoners to be spared, then so be it, milord,” Skirita said, pocketing a bottle of alcohol as his COM-LINK beeped. “Her Majesty will be here tomorrow. If you need me, I’ll be inspecting the ships.”

Jack nodded as the admiral left, turning his head to the window that overlooked the port and sea.

“Lilith,” Jack said, drawing out the specter, who appeared where Skirita had sat.

“Yes?”

“How sure are you that Jill can be restored?” Jack asked.

“As sure as I am that you can restore me. If there wasn't any merit to your proposal, I wouldn't be putting up with your ass. You were the one that suggested it, after all. Why? Are you having doubts now?”

“I'm not. To be honest, when I made the offer, I was bluffing, grasping at straws,” Jack chuckled, drawing a glare from Lilith.

“Unbelievable…”

“But you say it's possible, and Sahaqiel thinks so, too. I just want to know that at the end, some good will come from this.”

Jack opened the drawer of the Red Rook's desk and reached in, pulling out a pack of cigars.

“Whoa! Hey! Don't smoke that, don't you know that's my body too?!” Lilith spat, as Jack lit one up.

“Why do you care?” He said, taking a long drag, which was sweet to the taste. “It's not like it harms us.”

“Yeah! But it smells! Put it out!”

“Go find me some tea and I'll put it out.”

Lilith scowled, her head shaking with frustration, but ultimately disappearing.

Jack continued to stare out the window, observing as Selfian commandos marched the prisoners down the street. Outnumbered ten to one, they could easily overpower the Selfian vanguard.

Suddenly, he felt a chill, a sensation Jack knew all too well.

An Apostle was near.

Jack sighed, rising from his chair to pick up the massive greatsword that lay propped against the wall.

“Well, I guess it's time we tested you out,” Jack said as his system interface lit up, connecting him to the enchanted weapon called Gram.

Chapter 73

Gram

“Admiral, I'll be stepping out for a bit,” Jack said as he passed the man speaking to Commander Houlihan.

“Your Majesty,” the commander bowed to Jack, who continued on his way.

“Sir?” Skirita said, eyeing the massive blade on Jack's shoulder.

“There's an Apostle nearby. Finish securing the boats. I've got to test out a new toy,” Jack said, spreading his silver wings and taking flight before the admiral could stop him.

Above the port, Jack narrowed his eye, sensing a powerful presence east of the city.

“Lots of demonspawn, a horde led by agents and an Apostle.”

“Great,” Jack said, drawing mana to himself as he twirled the massive two-handed blade before taking it firmly in hand.

[COMPATIBLE HEAVENLY HOST DETECTED!]

However, it wasn't her reappearance that irked Jack, but that she wasn't alone.

A winged being covered head to toe in white chitinous material stood beside the black-armored Apostle. His imposing form towered over that of the Dullahan, who appeared like a teenager beside it.

It pointed at Jack.

“Shit…” Jack ground out, realizing why he hadn't felt the Apostle before. It was compressing its energy, the mana it emitted barely a flicker in the wind, but from looks alone, Jack could instinctually feel his aura.

“Judgement, be upon thee,” a low voice, laced with a simmering rage, took Jack by surprise.

“Ah fuc-”

Immediately, invisible claws wrapped around Jack's body, dragging him down in an uncontrolled plummet as hordes of demonspawn pounced on their quarry.

For a moment, Skirita held his breath, the officer watching from a periscope as a horde of monsters buried his king.

“Houlihan! Spin up the Wyvern jets! Have our mechs ready to deploy and our soldiers on the up!” Skirita barked, with the other officer racing off and yelling into her radio as Skirita went back to observe the battle.

Jack roared, unleashing a blast of electricity that swirled around his sword; energized by Fira, it disintegrated his assailants into motes of black dust.

Standing there in the smoldering field, Jack rose to his feet, glaring at the monsters who balked at making eye contact.

Hesitation. Fear. Two feelings believed to be impossible for the primal creatures made of shredded souls to feel. But that was false; the fact that the swarm snarled and skittered around Jack was proof of that.

Athena, the headless knight, held her black-clawed hand, her mouth opened wide to let out a shrill shriek that spurred the demons forward.

Jack lifted Gram, his hands arcing with lightning that imbued the great sword as he swung.

Devastation.

A slash of electricity that shot out in an arc eliminated the front wave.

“Huh… I could get used to this,” Jack smirked, admiring the weapon before his focus shifted back to the two Apostles.

“You. Are not Sahaqiel…” The Apostle in white armor growled, while his companion continued to shriek; no doubt she had suffered a loss of intellect since her last run-in with Jack.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” Jack replied, gripping his weapon as he prepared his silver feathers.

Suddenly, spikes of a bone-like material erupted from the ground and aimed at Jack. He blocked them with his silver wings. He then pivoted before taking to the sky, his eye picking up traces of overwhelming mana as the bone knight spoke.

“Judgement.”

Jack was blasted back; thankfully, the shield formed by his wings blocked the spikes erupting from the ground.

Turning away from the stakes of bone, Jack was then greeted by a gout of flames. The blue heat caught one wing, while his other took the brunt of more chitinous spears rising from the earth.

“SCREEE!”

A scream, as a Nest agent leapt at him from behind. Flapping his wings, Jack allowed the two Apostles’ attacks to clash, pushing his way backward into the Nest agent which flew over his shoulders.

On solid ground, Jack spun, grabbing an oncoming Nest guardian’s fist and crushing it before twisting and pulling the monster close, driving his fist through the bird-faced monster’s beak and out its neck.

Jack latched his hand onto the back of the monster’s skull, spinning and using the corpse as a shield against the ghastly flames spewed at him by the Dullahan.

“Lilith, keep the small fry busy!” Jack ordered as his left wing broke off, the feathers now under Lilith’s control. She began harassing Athena so Jack could face the skeletal knight.

“Shit!” Jack shifted his head, avoiding another bone spear before ducking beneath the Apostle’s weapon as it spread its calcified wings.

“Damn!” Jack hissed, moving Gram, the two-handed weapon blocking the skeletal wings stabbing at him as more Nest agents converged on him.

In response, Jack activated Repulse and Energize while imbuing Gram. The weapon’s innate force absorption caused the blade to hum with power as he blasted his surroundings. Pivoting on his feet, he swung upwards, unleashing a wave of electricity as he took flight to escape the skeletal spears rising from the earth.

“Do you ever fuck off?!” Jack spat, twirling his weapon. He bisected a Nest agent before slamming the sword into the earth, sending a wave of wind that split the column of blue fire aimed at him.

Jack let go of Gram, grabbing the crawling torso on the ground and draining it before summoning a gunblade from his storage bracelet. Throwing away the shriveled corpse, he opened fire repeatedly at the skeletal Apostle, who caught the first round with its mana barrier before the second one punched through, allowing the first bullet to explode.

Jack had learned this trick to counter Awakened, firing a delayed HE round before shattering the mana barrier with an armyretheium-tipped bullet to catch the Awakened by surprise.

Unfortunately, Jack wasn’t greeted by an exploding corpse; instead, out of the smoke came a hail of bones that broke from the Apostle’s wings to pursue Jack.

Fortunately, Lilith was there to counter the barrage. She took control of Jack’s right wing and sent the feathers to clash against the deadly chitin in a show of sparks as Jack picked up Gram and threw it at Athena.

The Dullahan effortlessly avoided it, tilting its body and allowing the massive blade to soar past. But Jack wasn’t done. He wrapped the buster blade with Telekinetic Hold, pulling the sword towards him to smack Athena in her flank. He then activated Dash and summoned the kaldr hammer, which he had regulated into an emergency teleport item.

Athena’s body immediately ignited, its ghastly face greeting Jack, who smacked the Dullahan’s wrist away and closed the distance.

“CALL LIGHTNING!” Jack barked, activating the weapon’s skill. He struck the Apostle squarely in the chest, planting the old-world goddess into the earth with a thunderous crash of lightning.

[-56 HP]

Jack’s jaw clenched, his eye wide, the proximity of the skill charring the side of his face.

“WATCH OUT!”

Jack spun, instinctually lifting the hammer to deflect the chitin spear that pierced his shoulder and sent him rolling backwards.

[-14 HP]

[WARNING! ERROR! Corru-]

Jack dismissed the notification, already feeling the corruption attempting to take root in his dislocated shoulder as his enemies gathered together.

“Judgement be upon thee.”

Those words activated invisible claws that reached up to pull Jack down. Yet this time he was prepared; he swiped and activated Gehenna, the power canceling the enemy skill and allowing Jack to regather his feathers to form a shield against the torrent of flames.

“Shit! It’s bad enough fighting one of them!” he hissed angrily, wishing Ruby was healed, or that Sahaqiel was there to help micromanage this fight.

If he had time. A moment of surprise. Maybe he could-

“RETREAT! GET OUT OF THERE!”

“Huh?” Wide-eyed, Jack backpedaled at the sound of the voice from his COM-LINK, allowing him to dodge as the whir of machine guns and explosions coated the air.

Two Wyvern aircraft flew overhead, dropping their payload on the swarm as a multitude of IFVs and tanks opened fire at the Apostles.

With this momentary reprieve, Jack caught his breath, summoning Gram as the two Apostles turned their attention towards the Imperial guard.

One jet made another pass, opening up with its 30mm machine guns, which shredded the Apostles’ mana barriers, forcing the bone knight to conjure a carapace of chitin to protect itself as Athena roared and melted the bullets.

In response, the bone Apostle launched a spear, striking the jet clearly and turning the state-of-the-art aircraft into a plume of trailing fiery debris.

I guess this is my chance. Jack said to himself, watching the pilot’s ejection seat shoot into the sky.

“Lilith… come to me,” Jack hissed, feeling the woman’s innate rage bubbling up within. The spiritron of the fallen spirit rose behind Jack and drew the Apostles’ attention. Made manifest, her form attached to Jack’s body, forming murky ink-like tentacles that spread out as she sunk into Jack, their bodies merging.

As one, Jack stood with Gram in both hands, his back adorned with six raven and silver wings, his skin alight with runes as the air danced with lightning.

“Die.”

Jack’s voice was laced with calm rage as his wings flapped, and he vanished. The earth below him split, the barrier of sound broken. With Energize, Dash, Gehenna, and his own strength pushing against the earth, he slashed, delivering an attack only possible thanks to surprise, distraction, and the support by the Imperial guard.

Chapter 74

Strength Attracts Strength

Athena fell to the ground, looking like a humanoid porcupine with silver and black feathers littering her corpse.

Jack lifted its writhing head aloft, the pale-skinned monster still spewing flames that were snuffed by the fingers crushing its skull.

“You…” the chitin-covered knight spat out. The Apostle had been cut cleanly in half from shoulder to waist, and was glaring at Jack defiantly despite its grievous wound. “Strength attracts strength… We will come for you, deviant. You have our attention.”

Jack stood over the Apostle, catching the bone spear that suddenly erupted from the ground.

Before him suddenly was an angel, a being he vaguely recognized from what lingered in Sahaqiel's memories.

Without his bone helmet, he was pale of skin, with red eyes and a face that was covered with healed scars. Jack felt feelings of regret and loss, lingering emotions from his Archangel guest.

Maybe Sahaqiel knew who this man once was.

But Jack didn't.

“And how is that working out for you?” he asked, before raising his boot and dropping his heel on the monster’s face.

“We are immor-”

And like that, another Apostle was dead.

Reaching out, Jack gathered the ambient data to himself, contesting the call of the Infinity Machine. Lilith deleted the information of what remained of the Apostles’ souls.

This time he didn't half-ass it; instead Jack checked and double-checked as a circle of a hundred feet around him became gray and clean, completely devoid of life.

After a moment, his shoulders slumped. Out of breath, he took stock of his destroyed surroundings as his black feathers melted away.

“Is there a reason you didn't help?” Jack spat as he turned his attention towards the jingle of spurs on boots, signaling Ivan’s approach.

“What? You didn't notice the lack of Nest agents attacking you?” Ivan chuckled, much to Jack's chagrin. “Losing your grip, bud.”

Jack elected to ignore him.

“Sir,” Commander Houlihan said, standing beside Jack with a radio receiver held out. “Her Majesty the Queen.”

Jack blinked, rubbing the sweat from his brow before looking up at the sky, where a fleet of airships hung in the distance, before taking the phone.

“Couldn’t have gotten here quicker?” Jack said, sitting down to catch his breath, his heart pounding as his left eye bled beneath his eyepatch.

“We're on a timetable,” Sahaqiel said in the mayor’s office, now crowded by Jack, Selfia, Mi’shka, Python, Tenno, and various officers from the Empire, the Theocracy, and the Corpo Alliance. “Jack fought Raguil, an overseer who manages other Apostles. If he is active, that means more Apostles will wake up and get stronger. Sooner or later, we'll be staring down Anti-Army skills.”

“But Jack just killed him–deleted its data–so we shouldn't have to worry about him, right?” Python asked as Sahaqiel shook her head.

“It's not that simple. The Infinity Machine employs copies of its strongest warriors. Even if you defeat or delete a copy, it will create a new clone. We found this out the hard way when we imprisoned Ares and severed his connection to the machine.”

“So what stops the machine from spitting out clones?” Selfia asked, as Di'luk and Kamila brought in her boards and monitors.

“Protocols, as far as we can tell. We ended up having to deal with two Ares and that became a bloodbath,” Sahaqiel sighed.

“Then we'll just beat them as they come,” Tenno gave off a hearty laugh, “After all, one-eyed over here beat not one but two-”

“I got lucky, and I had support,” Jack cut in, dashing the man’s hopeful words. “Athena wasn't at full strength and Raguil said that they were coming. We are running out of time, which leads me to my next question: how close are we until we can launch the boats?”

A question directed at Admiral Skirita.

“Seven days till we can take them out to sea. Admittedly, most of our crewmen and troops aren't trained for naval warfare or how to operate -”

“Then use the prisoners,” Jack said, drawing a look from several commanders. “I understand it's not ideal. They present a security risk, but out of how many Awakened we have, how many can stand against an Apostle? Thirteen? Fourteen? All it takes is one slip up and we're down a man while the enemy keeps on coming back.”

“We can't trust them,” Selfia dismissed.

“But what if we could? What if I asked for volunteers and found out whether they could be useful?”

“And how do you plan on doing that? What makes you think they'd follow you after you killed their beloved general?”

“For the same reason they aren't rebelling now: they want purpose,” Jack said as he drew odd looks. He placed Jena’s notebook and Jazz’s letter in front of Selfia. “I believe we can give them that.”

“Your mind-ripping thing?”

“Something like that,” Jack said before turning to Commander Houlihan. “Gather the prisoners. I think it's time we had a chat. Skirita, I need scouts to survey the field and make sure no Apostles interrupt us while we get the boats together. Tenno and Ivan, go with them to defend the walls. Lita, have your Paladins on standby with the prisoners. Just in case things don't plan out, Python, go with Houlihan and have the troops on standby as well. I want no surprises.”

Silence.

“Well? You heard your king. Get to it,” Selfia barked, waving the officers off. “Go!”

“Anything you need us to do?” Asked the red-headed cyborg from the Alliance.

“Sorry, I don't think we've been introduced.” Jack said, cocking his head towards Selfia.

“I'm Ryoma. This is Harley, and Bax,” the red-haired man said, extending a robotic hand out to Jack. “We did some odd jobs for the queen. I believe our fathers were friends.”

“Is that so?” Jack said, his eye wandering to Harley, the brunette cyborg. Then it clicked: this woman had been in the vault when he’d last seen his mother!

Which meant she was part of the resistance.

Guess that's how Selfia knew so much about the Corpos.

“We’re pretty handy, so if you need anything, just ask,” Ryoma continued.

“If you're handy, then help Admiral Skirita with the boats and the IEDs. The sooner we get them sorted out, the better,” Jack said. The cyborg gave him a mock-salute before leaving with his cohort.

Now Jack was left in the office with Selfia, Sahaqiel and Violet, the bodyguard in the corner of the spacious office staring at Jack while Kamila and Di’luk went to work hooking up Selfia's office.

“Well, let's see what you have planned, milord,” Selfia said as she leaned across her desk with a smirk on her face.

Chapter 75

The Con

“That's the worst part: we were lied to. Not once, but twice. When we came home, all the laurels, accolades, and praise meant nothing. We had no war, no expedition, no purpose. And in the end, even the nations that brought us together abandoned us. Then the Black King came; his words guided us and gave us a cause, even though he was the reason we had lost all our support, something I learned of too late. But what was I to do? Trapped by love, held captive by narcissism, and imprisoned by honor… What was I to do?” - Excerpt from the Journal of General Dorian Jazz

Standing before the crowd of dissidents, Jack inhaled, sweeping his gaze across the men and women of the Lost battalion. They waited for what they assumed to be their fate, handed down by the man standing before them.

Gathered around the prisoners was a contingent of Lita's Paladins with Superbia, clad in heavy armor, standing at the forefront. Joining them were several samurai, led by Min, while Imperial soldiers watched their every move.

“Soldiers of the Solomon expeditions… you know of me, as I know of you,” Jack said, staring at the crowd, the winds carrying his voice to the entire city. “I will keep this brief. You are considered enemies of the world, traitors to humanity. Your false prophet has abandoned you, and leaders who sought to turn your grief and pain into instruments of chaos led you astray. Simply put: You. Were. Deceived.”

Jack paused, allowing his words to wash over the stirring crowd.

“But does this mean you are not capable of redemption? That you should be put down like dogs?” Jack continued, stifling his sudden urge to wipe out the crowd. “No. General Jazz sought to spare your lives, to give you such a chance so you could make a home for yourselves. To give you purpose! A desire I know too well. But what have you done in your dogmatic pursuit of a home? In your quest for recognition? The evidence lies around you. Look at the sky, the sea, the earth, the blight and horrors that roam this land. You have caused this. You have poisoned this world, ruining any hope for our children to flourish-”

Jack stepped from the podium, walking into the crowd of prisoners, much to the dismay of most gathered, as it was a significant security risk.

“-any hope of change, but… you have the power to fix that future, make amends for your past. Steer the course of humanity away from damnation IF, you lend us your strength,” Jack paused, standing before a common-looking man with brown eyes who held no mana. Jack removed his eyepatch, brandishing his corrupted blind eye for the gathered men to witness his scar. “If you become not an instrument of chaos, but of salvation. Will you be that instrument?”

The soldier dry-swallowed, looking away, unable to stare into Jack's eyes.

Then, much to every Imperial’s shock, Jack did something that flustered the dock worker.

He knelt.

“I, King of the Empire, ask for your aid.”

Silence.

The workers looked shaken, and Imperials and guardsmen alike appeared dumbfounded at the display of a royal bending the knee.

But of course, Jack didn't care. This was all a ruse, a ploy to tug at the heartstrings of those he needed in order to accomplish his goals. A con to trick those he needed.

“Will you help us save the world?” Jack asked, looking up at the man.

“Y-yes, your Majesty!” the man shouted, his eyes alight with a spark of hope in a hopeless situation.

Jack didn't know if it was because the man had genuinely bought his ruse, or if he hoped by doing so Jack would spare his life; either way, he didn't care. He had accomplished what he wanted.

“Then,” Jack said, rising to his feet as Lilith materialized while Sahaqiel descended from on high to land beside him. “In order to trust you, we shall weigh your sins.”

Some of the Cintelli prisoners recognized Sahaqiel, a few even prostrating themselves as they saw their patron saint clear as day.

Jack took hold of the man’s hands, locking eyes with him as Lilith and Sahaqiel flanked Jack, as they’d rehearsed.

“Look into my eyes and be judged. You will either stand beside us as a hero, or be cast down as a villain,” Jack ordered. The brown-eyed prisoner trembled, but ultimately allowed Jack to peer into his soul, to view his data.

“You know you play the part well,” Lilith commented, with Jack ignoring her.

Within seconds, Jack saw strife, conflict, turmoil; the man's hopes, desires, lusts, and fears. Unlike ripping apart his usual victims, Jack instead sought hints of deceit, traces of evil, or anything that could harm his mission.

In the end, all Jack saw was an ordinary man. A human who sought comradery and purpose. A terrified person in the palm of a greater strength.

“Adamska Ocelot,” Jack said, releasing the man who fell to the ground in tears as Jack released him. “You have been judged.”

Jack nodded to Sahaqiel, the archangel stepping forward to comfort and heal the man with a radiant smile.

“Congratulations, Adamska Ocelot, you are of a tender soul,” Sahaqiel said as Lilith relayed the words from Jack to the angel.

Four Days Later.

Jack's judgments went on for two days, with nearly every second spent weeding out the helpless and the useless. In the interim, a massive fleet had gathered; a hodgepodge of landships, airships, and caravans. They sought everything, from desiring to aid in the expedition to bartering for supplies, with many being refugees following the trail of materials entering Zanzibar.

But with most refugees, so too followed demonspawn, with Apostles butchering many before Sahaqiel and Selfia's teams could intervene.

In those last two days, the lands beyond Zanzibar were covered with the butchered corpses of both demonspawn and humans. The flying Theocratic city hung high overhead to provide an aerial countermeasure and shield against the never-ending terrors.

However, the flying fortress also housed Jack’s loved ones, the entire community of Hoshido aboard, along with many airships converted into shelters and storage for the expedition.

Jack pulled Gram from the body of an Apostle, the three-winged creature reaching a withering arm out at him before he shot it in the face with his gunblade.

Another monster leapt at Jack from behind, the creature hissing before it was struck by a blast of lightning.

“That’s the last of them for now,” Sahaqiel said, descending, her lightning bolt staff coated in demon blood. “I have to say, fighting alongside you has-”

Jack flew off before she could finish, returning to the city. The soldiers of the Coalition celebrated his return, greeting him with salutes and bows.

That's what they were calling it now: the Coalition to Free Earth, with Selfia hard at work prepping the armies of the world.

What remained of them, at least.

Jack entered his tent, a patchwork of cloth that mirrored the hundreds of others scattered around the port.

“H-hello!” Kamila let out, placing Jack's laundry to the side as he sat down on a stool. She went to work, handing him a cup of tea and helping to unlatch and remove his armor. “Are you hungry?”

“I'm fine, just sore,” Jack groaned, sipping his dandelion tea and shaking his head at the offer of a cookie from Kamila. “Where's Leona?”

“At the school,” Kamila said, lifting off Jack's armor and massaging his scarred shoulders, activating Soothing Touch to comfort Jack.

“School? They’ve set up a school?” Jack said with surprise.

Kamila nodded her head, her soft hands gliding across Jack's back as her body tingled.

“Madam Hightower doesn't want to disrupt her lesson plans too much, and the parents need someone to watch their children, so Lita agreed to host Madam’s academy.”

“I see. How are Ada and the others?” Jack said, as Kamila seemed eager to remove his bloody boots.

“Busy. She emailed you, detailing everything going on.”

“Good,” Jack said as Kenichi entered his tent. “Nevermind–keep the boots on. I have a feeling I'm going to be walking around soon.”

“You realize there are buildings in which you can sleep? Or do you enjoy being uncomfortable?” The blind man said, avoiding Kamila, who left with Jack's bloody clothes.

“I'm fine. The Lost Battalion are stuck in tents so I'll be living as they do, at least until they get the cruisers ready,” Jack said, looking up at the other man. “You know… if you want, I could probably fix your eyes.”

Kenichi paused, the samurai frowning. “I think I'll pause for now. Besides, with my eyes gone, I see more than I ever have… It's especially good for ferreting out secrets.”

Jack cocked his head to the side, staring at the man whose core was now a deep shade of purple. “Oh? The training with Tenno seems to be paying off.”

The two fell silent for a moment, tension thick between the pair. They both knew the topic of Ivan needed to be discussed, but couldn't.

“Yes…” Kenichi said before Yukino came charging into the tent, disrupting their standoff and almost tackling Jack, who quickly side-stepped the woman.

“Ow…” Yukino groaned, sitting up. “So mean!”

“Something you need?” Jack asked, pouring himself another cup of tea from a jade tea set.

“Selfia needs you at the clock.”

“You mean the TOC?”

“Yup, she's calling everyone together so that she can begin her speech. Oh! Are those cookies? Gimme! I swear I haven't eaten in days!”

Jack handed the pink-haired woman his cookies, exiting the tent with Kenichi in tow. They made it to the command center, where an injured Tenno, Jin, and Mi’shka sat being tended to by medics.

“What happened to you three?” Jack asked.

“Another Apostle at the south wall. Annoying fucker with six arms,” Tenno groaned, perhaps the first time Jack had seen him upset. “Killed a bunch of my boys.”

“Best get on in there. Things are looking grim,” Mi'shka said, plucking what appeared to be teeth from his arm.

Jack walked into the bustling command tent, where Selfia was waiting for him alongside the leaders she had gathered. The first thing he noticed was that it was muggy, the temperature in the room on the rise from the crowd of bodies.

“Let's get to work, people,” Jack said as he made his way towards a disheveled Selfia, who was kitted out in a tank top and military fatigues, her red contacts flicking up at the man standing beside her.

Chapter 76

The Grand Speech

On the docks of Zanzibar, thousands of souls gathered beneath the swaying silver and blue banners of the Soldiers of the Coalition, ready to end the threat of the demonspawn terror that plagued the world.

“For thousands of years…” Selfia began, standing before the crowd in a bloodstained tank top and fatigues, a far cry from the respectable appearance of a monarch, meant to convey the absolute enormity of the undertaking. “Humanity has been fighting for our very survival against genocidal monsters, whose sole purpose has been our annihilation.”

Jack stood beside Selfia, his gaze sweeping the crowd before his eye turned to the dozens of aircraft overhead trailing behind a carrier-class airship. This was the tip of the spear that would open up the beachhead for the rest of the invasion force.

“For years, we held them at bay, developed tools of war, and evolved our arsenal to take on the most craven horrors of our world. But now, with the appearance of the Apostles and their hordes, we can no longer continue that fight,” Selfia said as pillars of molten energy struck the plains of Zanzibar in the far distance.

Satellites. On cue, Selfia's orbital array discharged its accumulated solar energy to unleash hellfire upon the earth.

“The enemy stands at our doorstep, knocking on our walls, baying for our blood. As I speak to you, bastions of humanity that stood for eons are now rubble, trampled by the insatiable hordes,” Selfia said, pacing the podium. “Lunacrypt, Soldaer, Clausterfiell: monuments of our existence are being wiped out, with even the crown jewel of our Imperium, the Solarus, in ruin. And soon... our very species will be exterminated, cleansed from the world, with nothing left to defend unless we end this threat now.”

Jack adjusted his eye patch, his face facing the camera that televised Selfia's speech on all channels.

“Citizens of the empire, members of humanity, what I ask is not an easy thing, but it is necessary. If we are to see tomorrow, to experience peace, to rid the world of this blight, to correct our path away from this apocalypse, our only option in this darkest hour is... To attack.”

Selfia paused, allowing her words to wash over the soldiers standing at attention.

“Today we embark on the greatest expedition undertaken since man went to space. Today we end the threat of the demonspawn. Today, we ensure our survival. Today, we shall take the reins of our future and make our destiny!”

Jack swept his eye over the crowd of cheering soldiers.

“So go forth, soldiers of the empire, bulwark of humanity, and end the threat against mankind, once! And! FOR ALL!”

Applause and celebration followed this announcement. Many in the crowd were just youths who had no concept of war.

But these were desperate times, as Jack spotted a familiar mech pilot beside a jet-black MECHFrame. Tangerine scowled at Jack and turned away, melding with the procession of soldiers marching onto the floating metal coffins that would take them to foreign shores.

“Jack, with me.” Selfia ordered, with Jack following in tow.

Inside the Tactical Operation Center, Jack frowned, eyeing the tactical deployments on the holotable and the list of projected casualties, as Kenichi, Lita, Ieyasu, Duchess Bell, and Selfia observed his reactions.

“This…” Jack muttered, his face twisted into a pensive expression. “How many?”

“Our first wave…” Selfia began, “Will see about seventy percent casualties, roughly about four thousand dead before we properly secure a foothold to allow our boats to moor on the beach. Anyone not on an airship or on a boat will be left here to buy us time.”

Jack frowned, turning his gaze to Tenno, who had been selected to hold the line here to cover their departure.

“Then I should be there to establish the foothold for us,” Jack said, turning to leave, but stopping as Sahaqiel blocked the door.

Ieyasu, the strategist of the Hoshido, turned his head. “You can't. If you go, your presence alone would draw so many there that we'd never be able to establish the breach. We have to set up the logistics before we can engage the Black King’s forces operating in this area.”

The holographic blue map shifted, revealing a partially constructed three-D rendition of the base of operations used by the Black King. A last gift of the Red Rook.

“So you're telling me thousands will have to die in order for-”

“Our mission to succeed?” Selfia said, nodding to Ieyasu to change the screen. “Yes. We'll be sacrificing everyone here to buy us time. Sacrificing thousands to open a breach. I suspect many here will die; even I may lose my life.”

“I know the stakes,” Jack said, flicking his gaze towards Selfia. “If this is what it takes, so be it. If thousands need to die in order to save millions, then that's what needs to happen.”

Selfia seemed genuinely taken aback by Jack's response. But he was no longer the empathetic young man filled with self-doubt and fear.

“Okay. We understand what's going on. You're all dismissed,” Selfia said, before calling Jack to stay behind, with Sahaqiel hovering at the entrance.

“What is this?” Jack asked, noticing the two women blocking him in.

“We want to talk,” Selfia said.

“Then talk,” Jack replied coldly.

“Look, Jack… I know, we haven't seen eye to eye on a lot of things-”

Jack's gaze shifted, his eye almost rolling.

“-And I know what you think of me. What you think of us. But, before it's too late, from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know… I'm sorry.”

Fickle words that did nothing to move Jack. “Is that it?”

“Jack-”

“Prove it.”

“What?”

“Prove it,” Jack said as he held his hand out.

Selfia hesitated, taking a step back as Jack advanced on her. The queen turned to Sahaqiel, who seemed frozen in place as Jack trapped Selfia in the corner of the command room.

“Well?” Jack said, his hand shaped in an open vice at a low angle for Selfia to kneel and place her neck into.

“Y-you can't be serious.”

The pair locked gazes, Selfia petrified as Jack's warm breath caressed her skin.

“The plan is already in motion. With the number of advisors and tacticians here, I don't really need you anymore, Selfia. So give me a reason,” Jack said, his voice sending a chill down Selfia's spin. “How will you be useful to me?”

“What? Do you want me to suck your dick?” Selfia asked, chuckling nervously at Jack, who didn't smile.

Selfia's shoulders dipped, her eyes downcast for a moment before slowly, she lowered herself, placing her slender neck firmly between Jack's fingers.

“There,” Selfia looked up, “Are you- AH!”

Jack's mana shot into the queen, his mind peering into her soul as the white-haired woman screamed.

Despite the commotion, no guards came running. Jack had conjured a barrier, blocking Selfia's shrieks as he delved into her consciousness.

In her mind, Jack saw anger, doubt, fear, and turmoil, with every emotion and experience the white-haired woman had felt in her lifetime pulled to the forefront of her mind.

The world around Jack warped, his consciousness pulled into a reality that was Selfia’s soul. He stepped forward, his feet touching something wet that drew his attention.

Blood.

The floor beneath Jack oozed with crimson ichor. His consciousness shifted to gaze upon the mountain of corpses that surrounded the sobbing white-haired woman.

Covered in blood, with her hair stained red, Selfia sat sobbing, the backdrop of her inner sea covered by ruins of buildings and homes that seemed familiar yet unnatural to Jack, with every single window filled by eyes.

He could see how Selfia saw herself, a lonely, chained-down woman surrounded by corpses and burdened by the weight of those thousands looking toward her.

Selfia gazed up at Jack, her tear-stained eyes turning away, unable to face him as she clutched her heart and doubled over. A loud cry of sobbing echoed through the space, Selfia's hidden emotions on display for Jack as he turned to the memories playing around him.

A happy girl who had loved the world and finger painting it.

A scared child, unable to comprehend why she was being punished.

An angry child without arms who swore to make the world a better place and uproot the empire.

A girl forced to hide her emotions and become something more to accomplish her goals. Never knowing love. Never knowing the comfort of trusting another.

Selfia's intentions. Jack could feel it, her purpose now the same as it had been when she lay upon her bed, with bandages covering her amputated wounds.

One singular purpose.

Freedom.

“Satisfied…” Selfia hissed, doubled over with tears streaming down her face as their surroundings shifted back to the command center.

“Yes,” Jack grunted before turning his back to her. “If I’d gotten a different response, I would have killed you here and now.”

He left, exiting the command tent as the flying city overhead began to leave the Zanzibar airspace.

Chapter 77

Family Time

Beneath the statue of Sahaqiel, Jack smiled to himself, watching as Leona spun Celeste in circles within the garden of an abandoned mansion, one of the few intact buildings left after Jack had waged war in the floating city.

“Weeeeee!” Celeste exclaimed until immediately deflating as Leona set her down. “More! More! More!”

“Not right now, Celeste, I'm a bit tired,” Leona said, with Celeste immediately pivoting towards Kamila pushing a cart of food.

“Okay! Thank you! Love you!” Celeste yelled before running up to Kamila and demanding to be picked up.

“Hard to believe there's nothing but miles of water below us,” Leona asked, sitting down beside Jack on the garden bench. “In a day, we'll be off the shores of an unexplored continent. Exciting, isn't it?”

“Exciting isn't exactly the word I'd use,” Jack grunted, taking out a cigar, only to stop as Leona flashed him a look.

“Since when do you smoke?”

“Since the world ended,” Jack replied, leaning back as Kamilla chased his daughter around the garden, refusing to give back her stolen cupcakes.

“It's not healthy, you know.”

“I know. Takes the stress away though, and if I get cancer, I can just purge the cells. Everything is just data, after all…” Jack said, his eye reading the ambient data that hung in the air.

“Jack,” Leona said, her well-manicured hand on his thigh. “You're supposed to be spending time with your family, but you're distracted. The world could end in a few days and you aren't even savoring this time. Do you want one of Celeste’s last memories to be you sulking?”

“I'm not sulking,” Jack shot back. “This is me relaxing.”

“Please, I've seen you relax. Normally, it involves you shirtless, suntanning on a balcony and smiling. This ain't none of those.”

“First off, I was only on that balcony because I was on house arrest. Secondly, how do you know I was shirtless?”

Leona fished out a scrap of paper, handing it to Jack, who furrowed his brow at the tabloid image of him half-naked on a palace balcony.

“So you just carry around a picture of me?”

“Nooo,” Leona said, plucking the paper from Jack and stashing it away in her uniform’s breast pocket, “I confiscated it from a soldier.”

“And again… now you're just carrying it around?”

“As the bodyguard to the royal family, I’m just protecting government secrets. Besides, your ass is government property, same as the rest of us… for however long that is.”

Jack almost smiled.

“Right… thanks for that, by the way, I heard what happened during my fight with Roland, what you did while I was away,” Jack said as he turned to face Leona. “Thank you for protecting my family. If you ever need anything, I'll be there for you.”

Silence between the pair, the mood shifting.

“Oh… uh, yeah,” Leona blushed, the red-head looking quickly away from Jack's face. “Don't mention it.”

“I mean it, if you weren't there-”

“I said don't mention it! Ugh!” Leona exclaimed, shoving Jack over and running off.

“Holy fuck, why do so many bitches find you attractive?”

“Lilith, behave or I'll chain you up again,” Jack said, picking up his chair and turning to Kamilla. She was holding the squirming Celeste who, in a desperate bid not to have her stolen sweets taken away, began cramming them into her mouth.

“Celeste,” Jack said, the little girl immediately shifting her head towards her father. “Come here.”

In the time it took for Jack to blink, the little blonde girl was already in front of him, jittering up and down from the sugar coursing through her veins.

“Yes?yes?yes?yes?yes?” Celeste shot out in rapid hyper succession.

Jack reached over, ruffling the little girl's head, “How’s uh… how's school?”

“School?!” Celeste immediately paled, fleeing to the far side of the garden screaming, “I don't want to go to school!”

“Ce-!” Jack let out, but it was too late. The little girl scurried beneath the garden gate and vanished into the manor.

“I'll go get her,” Kamila said, grabbing a jar of cookies from her cart and going in pursuit of the energetic child.

“Smooth, even I know not to use the S-word around a child,” Lilith chastised, clicking her teeth as she manifested beside Jack with her legs crossed.

“Yeah…” Jack sighed, shoulders slumped as Ada opened the garden gate and strolled into the garden with Ito in her arms.

“Why was Celeste crying?” Ada asked, sitting beside Jack and resting her head on his shoulder as she nursed their baby boy. “Hey! Eye up here.”

Jack smirked, peeling his gaze from Ada's swollen breasts.

“Ah, right, that's where your eyes are.”

Ada rolled her eyes and shook her head. “So, what's wrong with Celeste?”

“I uh… mentioned the S-word.”

“Ooooh,” Ada shook her head, “Yeah no, never use the S-word around her.”

“Why? Is she getting bullied?” Jack asked, worried that Celeste wasn't fitting in.

“Oh no, she's extremely popular! You know, being the princess and all.”

“Ah… right, right,” Jack muttered, confused.

“She can't sit still and falls asleep in class a lot, earning her demerits and detention, but Leona has been pretty good at managing her. Plus, Kamila’s always on standby with cookie bribes. Nothing you need to worry about, babe.”

Jack smiled, his gaze softening. “I see… everyone's got everything figured out without me around.”

“That's… not how it is. We're just doing our best to support you so you can focus on other things,” Ada said, planting a kiss below Jack's eye patch. “Speaking of, I've got a surprise for you. In an hour from now, after I drop Ito off with your grandma.”

“Oh?” Jack raised a brow, an inkling of what the surprise was.

Ada giggled, standing up, “You know, when all this is over, we should travel. I've always wanted to see the world, explore. Visit new sights.”

“Oh?” Jack asked. “What do you have in mind?”

“I don't know. I just want to travel. Nothing in mind, just you, me-”

“Our two kids? Bodyguard, cook, and entourage of paparazzi?” Jack smirked.

Ada smiled, standing up and kissing Jack on his forehead. “You should be kinder to Sara.”

Jack blinked, looking up at the woman.

"Where's this coming from?"

“I'm serious,” Ada continued, “Knowing what I know about your relationship, she's the closest person to you. The one person who cares about you just as much as I do. But unlike her, I'll never have the relationship you two had. She was… a part of you. Literally. Something like that, you don't just throw it away.”

“She lied to me, Ada. She was the person I trusted the most, and she kept me in the dark. Lilith, Selfia, I understand, it's in their nature to lie-”

“Rude,” Lilith spat.

“-But Sara? She knew how important my sister was to me. How much family means to me, and she-”

“Did it to protect you. If she didn't, you wouldn't be here to see your son, and I'd have lost you.”

“But she put me in that position, Ada, she didn't give me a choice!” Jack snapped, only to immediately regret it. Ada, however, remained unfazed.

“I understand, honey. I'm sorry for bringing it up.”

“No,” Jack sighed, “You're right. I hate myself because I know… I couldn't do it. I was about to sacrifice myself, kill hundreds of others because I was too selfish. I would have left you alone to raise Ito and…”

“But you didn't. And I'm still here. I'll always be here for you,” Ada said before looking down at Ito fast asleep. “I'll put Ito down for a nap while you two talk.”

Ada left, allowing Jack to be alone with Sahaqiel, who stood beside a garden pillar wearing a floral white dress, something different from Jack was accustomed to from the angel.

“Turning your empathy off and dampening your emotions is a double-edged sword,” Sahaqiel said as she approached.

“What are you saying?”

“I'm saying that the choice you made wasn't in your best state of mind.”

“So what you're saying is I would have killed my sister?”

“I'm saying we'll never know. If you need to hate me, I understand, but… please don't shut me out.”

Jack sighed, standing up, his height several inches above the angel who gazed up at Jack.

“I don't hate you. I'd never hate you, Sara. Just… I just need time.”

Sahaqiel’s eyes went downcast, her face twisting, “Well… it's better than nothing, haha.”

Jack spread his arms out, wrapping them around Sahaqiel, who stood shocked for a moment before accepting the embrace and holding tightly to Jack.

Jack moved to pull away, but Sahaqiel refused to let him go, instead holding him as tightly as her flesh would allow, her body so badly wanting to just stand there and be embraced by the sensation of his touch and scent for eternity.

“I've got things to do,” Jack said, finally pulling away from the angel, who looked away with her hand raised to block her eyes.

“Y-yeah. I'll uh… see you later,” Sahaqiel said before quickly spreading her wings and flying away.

Jack stood there for a moment, watching the angel fly, his mind turning to the manor where Ada was waiting.

Chapter 78

The Last Day

*EEEEER**EEEEEER*

Jack’s eyes shot open, the claxon horn echoing through the city, jolting him out of the trio of naked bodies on his king-sized bed.

“What the hell is that?” Ada asked as Kamila rolled to her feet and Leona stood, brandishing a rifle summoned from her wrist storage.

*All personnel to battle stations! All personnel to battle stations! Second stage pilots, on deck!*

Jack rushed to the window, opening the balcony door to spy the wall of purple miasma in the distance.

“Shit…” Jack whispered as the others joined him, the enormity of the massive cloud of corruptive smog causing everyone to pause.

“Is that-” Ada began.

“The lost lands,” Leona frowned. Despite being miles away, the sight of such a massive wall of miasma sent chills down their collective spines.

Jack turned and grabbed a telescope before stepping out onto the balcony. Ada quickly handed him a towel to cover himself as he took flight.

Up above the floating city, Jack peered into the magnification device, watching as the boats below ferried troops into the smog, from the dozens of airships hovering over the water supplying them.

Jack frowned, lowering the telescope and turning to the manor where his loved ones stood.

“I was hoping I had more time…” Jack muttered as a swarm of thousands of black dots emerged from the black miasma. “Get to a shelter! Now!”

Immediately the hordes of demonspawn were met by gunfire, the CIWs of the fleet of boats and airships shredding monstrosities in droves.

Jack turned and landed on his balcony, the trio of women already getting dressed.

“Here,” Leona said, handing him clothes, as Kamila got his armor from the nearby closet and Ada brought him his dual gunblades.

“Thank you. I can take it from here. Now get to where you need to,” Jack said as he turned to the armored archangel touching down on his balcony.

Covered in splendid armament, Sahaqiel gripped her lightning bolt staff tightly, sweeping her golden eyes across the room that bore the signs of an intense intimate battle. She frowned, sweeping the room with a wind that cleaned the stench of sweat, oil, and bleach from the chamber.

“That bad?” Jack asked, much to Sahaqiel's irritation.

“Yes… get ready. Python and the others are waiting at the airfield,” Sahaqiel said, flapping her wings and taking off as Jack summoned Gram to him via the wind.

Adorned in his silver armor and cape, Jack knelt, giving Celeste a kiss on her head as she marveled at him and the dozens of aircraft and MECHs preparing to leave.

“You're a knight!” Celeste exclaimed, pointing at Jack's armor as he adjusted her headphones to muffle the sound of aircraft taking off. The little girl suddenly shoved her hands upward, making a sign with her fingers that spelled out Knight.

“Yes, yes I am,” Jack said, ruffling the girl's head before signing, “Who taught you that?”

Celeste cocked her head sideways. “Uhm. UHM! Huh!”

The girl balled her fists and crossed her arms over her chest, making the motion for love.

Jack smiled, returning the gesture as a hamster poked its furry brown head from her shirt pocket and squeaked.

“Are you taking care of Hamtaro?” Jack asked, happy to see Yun’s pet keeping his daughter company.

Celeste nodded repeatedly as Jack's grandma approached, the elderly lady shuffling towards Jack with his cousin carrying various satchels and straps.

“More bullets. You will need them,” the wrinkled woman said, handing Jack the burlap sack filled with speed loaders and ammo. She quickly added a plastic canister of rice topped with seasoned meat.

“Thanks, Granny,” Jack said, furrowing his brow as he noticed Ada crossing the hangar, wearing red Hoshido samurai armor with her nodachi on her shoulder.

“What are you doing?” Jack asked, stepping in front of Ada and Yukino, who were trailed by several Hoshido warriors.

“What? You didn't think I'd sit this fight out, did you?” Ada asked, her brow raised.

“Its-”

“Too dangerous? Too risky? If any of the next words are those from your mouth, you are about to get a reality check, mister!” Ada sassed, standing face-to-face with Jack, “Because this is a fight for the fate of the world and I'll be damned if you THINK for a SECOND I'm going to let my man fight alone while I'm sitting in a house raising our kids.”

“But-”

“Your grandma and cousins are taking care of Celeste and Ito, so, like it or not, I'm coming,” Ada said, brushing past Jack, with Yuki sticking her tongue out at Jack as they passed. “Love you though!”

Jack sighed, looking down at his daughter, who produced a cookie from somewhere and was munching down.

“Behave while I'm away, okay?” Jack said with the little girl nodding and being guided by her great-grandma.

“That is a good woman,” Python said, looking towards Ada as he stood beside Jack with a small box that would filter the air of the Lost Lands. “Enough supply for twelve hours.”

“I have extremely high corruptive resistance-”

“Take it. Just in case. We don't know what we're going to experience inside, so no chances lad,” Python said, taking a daylily leaf from his uniform and sticking it in his mouth.

“Did Selfia secure a large enough supply for this offensive?” Jack asked, taking the canister as Sahaqiel landed beside him.

“She got what she could. Most of the filter producers are owned by the High Table. I'll brief you on the way,” Python reported as they began walking to a dropship. “General order for troops on the ground is to scavenge and recover. So as long as the filter remains intact, we can rotate them and charge them.”

“How many soldiers are on the beach?” Jack asked, boarding the dented aircraft.

“We landed with an initial force of six thousand.”

“Casualties?” Jack said, his gaze turning to Ada who sat down across from him beside Sahaqiel.

Python cleared his throat. “Roughly three thousand and counting. The beachhead came at a cost but the supply lines are fully functioning now,” Python yelled over the roar of engines, prompting Jack to create a barrier of air so he could hear the man. “Selfia's already on the beach establishing the TOC. She'll give us a better picture once we're on the ground.”

“And why isn't she commanding from the city?” Jack asked, scooting over to make room for several soldiers and Paladins, with the latter obviously nervous to be in Sahaqiel’s presence.

“Interference from the miasma. We have to be within the smog if we're going to call in a fire mission. One of the many unique qualities of the Lost lands.”

“Great,” Jack muttered as his dropship rumbled. He turned, looking at Ada directly. “Honey, last chance, it will be extremely-”

“Stop worrying. I'm a warrior, I can take care of myself and I'll be damned if I let you fight alone,” Ada snapped, steeling her resolve as the VTOL closed its iron doors, taking off from the airfield alongside dozens of other transports.

Jack turned his head to the viewport nearby, looking down at the impressive line of airships and the hodgepodge of smaller naval vessels scrambled from all corners of the earth.

“All or nothing, huh…” Jack said, gripping his blade as he prepared for the worst.

Chapter 79

Bloodbath

Standing on the sandy shores of a new continent, Ada froze, her quivering gaze taking in the mounds of corpses, flesh, and sinew that stained the sandy ground beneath her feet. Touching her boots gently were the waves of poisoned water, laced with sand and dyed red from the lives that had breathed their last on these foreign shores.

Around her party, Imperial soldiers and Paladins scavenged, pulling off masks and taking gear off of the deceased.

“Jack! Look alive! We need to get to the command post!” Python snapped, tugging on Jack's arm as their boat pulled away to bring in fresh reinforcements from the airships delivering them.

“Right. Ada, you okay?” Jack asked, grabbing the woman's attention just before she threw up.

“Peachy,” Ada replied, with Yukino helping her forward as Jack shifted the air to ease the rancid copper scent permeating the air around them.

Jack furrowed his brow, scanning the beach, where several tents and structures lay just before the arrangement of dozens of artillery pieces belching their contents into the air.

Entering the largest tent on the beach, he saw Selfia and an arrangement of officers were screaming into various radios, with thousands of reports flooding in.

“I’m here. Where do you need me?” Jack asked as Selfia quickly approached.

“There are three Apostles on the forward frontline: a speedster, a knight, and an assassin. Mi’shka and Superbia are engaging them with a squad of Awakened, but they need help,” Selfia barked before pointing at Yuki and Ada. “You two! Captain Jin’s got loads of injured and not enough medics! I need you to move up to the western flank and support their Awakened, now!”

Ada opened her mouth, wanting to respond but closing it and nodding as she glanced at Jack.

“Go. Fighting an Apostle isn't something you can help with,” Jack said as he took the Intellipad and stashed it in his storage bracelet.

Ada frowned, suddenly feeling useless but heading out of the tent trailing a Paladin who led the way.

“Python, I need you back on the ship. Tell Admiral Skirita we need salvos on these coordinates for phase two,” Selfia said, handing the man a slip of paper.

“But I just got here! Why not send a runner?” Python frowned.

“Because I trust you not to fuck it up and I need someone to make the hard calls in case something happens down here,” Selfia snapped, before turning to Jack heading to the exit.

“Jack,” Selfia said, with one of her many arms floating to block his exit. “Seismic activity underground has been spiking for the last hour. Whatever the Black King is doing, it's close. I plan to handle the larger swarm.”

“I got it,” Jack affirmed before exiting the command center, taking to the sky, where Sahaqiel was throwing bolts of lightning into the distance.

“What's the situation?” Sahaqiel asked, holding her staff closely as the anti-air emplacements shot down a large screaming mass of tentacles.

“Three apostles. Mi'shka and Superbia are engaging, but they need help,” Jack reported with the pair taking off over the sea of debris.

Below them were hundreds of wrecks, some new, some old. Many were remnants of former expeditions, with ruined structures littering the landscape and now filled by soldiers moving equipment and wounded.

It didn't take long before Jack and Sahaqiel were at the rear of the forward line, where dozens of people were being loaded onto MECHs and carried away from the swarms of monstrosities attacking the entrenched defenders.

Jack could hear thousands of voices, shouts of pain, the barking of orders, the roaring of gunfire as humanity clashed against… well, humanity.

“There!” Sahaqiel pointed, firing a bolt of lightning at a three-winged monster attacking Mi’shka, who blocked the attack with a talon.

Jack descended, landing in a massive pool of liquid crimson that was too much to be natural. No, it was a skill controlled by Mi’shka, who used it to slow down the blur in Jack's peripheral moving at supersonic speeds.

“Mi'shka, jump!” Jack barked as blackish-blue lighting coursed around his hand.

The white-haired man did as ordered, shooting into the air as the slick ground conducted the lightning from Jack's palm.

“AKG!” the blur screamed, tumbling across the sea of blood before being entombed by red ichor as the winged Apostle charged Jack with metal claws.

Jack readied Gram, swinging the massive blade at the Apostle, who caught it with one claw. Its other hand stretched, unleashing long dagger-like talons at Jack, who shifted to avoid the claws trying to pull him in.

“Blood Spike!” Mi’shka snapped, the pool of crimson creating spikes that shot up, pushing back the Apostle, who blocked the attack with its wings.

Sahaqiel moved to join the fray, her lightning bolt staff elongating with arcs of electricity before the vibrating speedster smacked her.

The archangel tumbled, rising to her feet just as she was beset by a flurry of attacks that left her curled up on the ground.

“Sara!” Jack snapped, before reaching out in a fit of rage. His will cut through the miasma to wrap around the speedster Apostle, who came to an immediate halt before being crushed by overwhelming wind pressure.

A snap decision, a reflex that tracked the impossibly fast Apostle and ended the threat.

However, before Jack could process what he had done, the winged Apostle was on him, its chest bursting open with corruptive black tentacles that shot out at Jack.

“Piss off,” Jack hissed, slashing upward and severing several tentacles with Gram as his gunblade came up. He shot the Apostle with an armyrethium-tipped bullet. It roared, shielding itself from Jack’s attack with its wings before suddenly being peppered by hundreds of bullets from charging Imperial soldiers.

“For the King! For mankind! Take its head!” A commissar barked through his gas mask, the unawakened man brandishing an armyrethium-lined blade at the ten-foot tall fallen god. “Die, fiend!”

The creature raised its talon, its attention turned from Jack to smite the attacking humans.

However, Jack wasn't idle. With his body energized, he was in front of the guardsman, slicing the Apostle's arm off with Gram before placing the barrel of his gunblade down the being’s throat and pulling the trigger.

The fallen angel froze, twitching, its arms flailing wildly before its body crumbled and turned into ash.

“Sara!” Jack called out, racing to the angel, who shook her head as she rose to her feet.

“Sorry, I'm fine. Just hard to maneuver my body sometimes…” Sahaqiel said, healing her injuries as Mi'shka joined them.

“Where's Superbia?” Jack asked, noting the lack of the blue-haired paladin.

Mi'shka raised a bloody arm to a crater nearby where the person in question lay breathing in ragged breaths, half her body gone.

“Shit,” Jack rushed over, leaning down to heal the woman who had corruptive mana infecting her flesh.

“About… time…” Superbia let out, her eyes already marked with black ooze that were telltale signs of corruption.

Around the fallen woman lay dead Paladins and broken MECHs, remnants of the group defending against three Apostles.

“Lilith, Sahaqiel, help me,” Jack said as he placed his palm on the woman’s forehead. “Superbia, I can save your life, but you won't be able to use your arm.”

“Whatever. I don't… need it to cast… spells,” the woman gasped as Jack sliced through her mangled flesh and healed her wounds faster than she could wince.

“Mi'shka, get her back to medical and rest,” Jack ordered, the man running on fumes against the Apostles that were a far cry from the agents and guardians he was used to fighting.

“I can-”

“I'm not asking. I don't need more people I care about dying on me–now go.”

Mi’shka nearly smirked, but the detonation of an artillery shell in the distance reminded him of the gravity of the situation.

“What about you?” Mi'shka asked, picking up the groaning woman.

“I'll lead the tip of the spear,” Jack replied, turning to the commissar and his squad of Imperials. “Good work soldier, but leave melee to the Awakened.”

“Sir!” The commissar knelt. “As your Majesty wills. I shall relay your order to the rest of the men!”

“What's your name, captain?”

“Kain, sir!”

“Get me up to speed with this sector,” Jack ordered over the cascade of artillery explosions ripping apart the demonspawn hordes.

“We are willing and ready, sir! We've sustained heavy casualties, but we are still in the fight. The traitor’s base of operations is several miles north. If we continue our assault, we can push the demons back.”

“Jack!”

Jack spun at the sudden outburst, noticing Yukino rushing towards him.

“What?! What's wrong?!” Jack demanded with his heart dropping as his greatest fear bubbled up.

“Selfia is ordering you to retreat!”

“What?” Jack replied, confused, before raising his palm and sending a wave of lightning that danced around the battlefield and tore through the swarm of demonspawn.

“Now! The left and right sides of the battlefield are pushing up. She wants to…” Yukino shook her head, catching her breath before making a pinching motion with her hands.

“Pincer?”

“Yeah! That!” Yukino said as Jack turned to the commissar.

“You heard the woman. Get your men back,” Jack said, the officer doing as ordered.

Rising into the air, Jack summoned the wind, the mana in the air moving like tar to respond to his will.

“THIS IS YOUR KING!” Jack barked, the wind carrying his voice to everyone in the sector. “ALL FORCES! RETREAT!”

At the sound of his voice, the multitude of men and women fighting the demonspawn turned and fled, breaking from trenches and falling back.

“Sara, help me cover their retreat,” Jack said as he began moving the mana in the air, hoping to capitalize on Selfia's plan.

“Fall back! Fall back!” The commissars below Jack ordered, raising battle standards as Jack and Sahaqiel combined their strength to form a tornado of rampaging mana to cover their soldiers.

Jack watched his handiwork swallow the creatures and create a gap for the humans below to flee.

“Jack! Apostles!” Sahaqiel yelled just as Jack's senses picked them up.

Twelve of them, reinforced by agents and guardians, beside thousands of fractured souls, no doubt drawn by Jack and Sahaqiel's actions.

“Good,” Jack said, grabbing Sahaqiel’s wrist and dragging the angel away as the Apostles drew near, brushing past the tornado.

“They're gaining on us!” Sahaqiel exclaimed, firing a bolt of lightning at a snarling horsehead Apostle.

Suddenly the sky above shone, as several satellites opened fire and blasted the Apostles and demonspawn hordes.

That was only the first salvo; what came next was a choir of whistles, the prelude of thousands of shells raining down on the demonspawn survivors as two King Raven-class airships entered the fray from the shoreline.

Jack smirked, watching the enemy get incinerated and explode. However, despite their best efforts, several Apostles had survived, the creatures regenerating and continuing their zealous pursuit of the angels in the air.

*SNAP*

A crisp snap in the air took the head of the lead Apostle, followed by the others falling from the cascade of projectiles fired from the railguns held by the contingent of MECHFrames positioned further away.

A simple attack Jack could easily block, IF he knew they were coming. Fortunately, the Apostles weren't up-to-date on modern warfare.

“Man… if only we’d had those, we probably wouldn't have lost the war…” Sahaqiel muttered, marveling at the technological progress of humanity.

However, their joy was short-lived as the air vibrated, the earth below them violently shaking as the miasma and mana swirled.

“What… the hell is that…?” Jack muttered eye wide as the earth ruptured, pulling apart to reveal a massive structure rising from beneath the blood-soaked soil. “Sara, what-”

“Heaven,” Sahaqiel said in dismay, her mouth ajar as a structure bigger than anything Jack had ever witnessed floated into the air. “We're too late.”

Chapter 80

Near the End

“Shit,” Jack whispered, his eye tracking the rising structure coated with hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions, of demonspawn falling from its edges.

Before him, the entire landscape was torn apart, the land ahead replaced instead by a gap in the earth and an ancient bastion, rusted and caked by demons and soil.

“Sarah, what's our plan?” Jack asked, flying upward to track the vessel, whose massive thrusters lifted the hidden fortress that dwarfed even the Imperial capital.

“We need to stop it! Get onto it and try to stop it from going higher! The more it rises, the stronger its connection to-”

Detonations, the sound of hundreds of explosives hitting the structure, cutting the archangel off.

Yet it wasn't enough. Even the barrage of the satellites in orbit firing again could not damage the structure as a magical barrier of intense energy reflected the beams.

It was over.

The Black King had won.

But Jack wasn't going to lose quietly.

He turned, noticing Selfia and dozens of others disembarking from several MECHs to appraise the situation.

“Sara, what can we do? How do we bring it down?”

“I…”

“Think! You know these type of things better than anyone else! So tell-”

“If you use Gehenna, we can breach the barrier! Then Selfia can coordinate her guns to strike the main thrusters on each side of the fortress!” Sahaqiel shouted, pointing at one of six massive thrusters lifting the structure. “We knock those out, and we can stop the link!”

“Okay! Lilith and I can do that. Tell Selfia to get her troops ready!” Jack said as Sahaqiel descended, reaching the Imperial Queen, who was wearing a mask over her face, as Jack flew upwards.

Lilith! Jack sent, analyzing the barrier of mana that hung heavily in the air, almost as if the miasma were responding to the rising citadel.

In fact, it was getting hot, too hot, with an itchy sensation crawling across his skin that indicated corruption.

“Lilith!”

“I'm already working on it. Calm the fuck down!” Lilith hissed, the spectral reaper attempting to cut her way into the barrier.

Then, a small hole formed, followed by large parts of the barrier falling away as Sahaqiel’s voice carried through the wind, shouting “GET AWAY!”

Jack bolted, soaring away from the citadel with demonspawn in pursuit as the airships opened fire.

“We've got one engine down, all we need is the other five!” Jack sent back, deploying his wings to shred the flying bonebats and mutant slicers pursuing him.

Selfia frowned, turning and ordering her MECHFrames into the fray to engage the demonspawn as Jack simultaneously fended off the demons while trying to tear a hole through Heaven’s enchantments.

Under the barrage of the airships, the mana propulsion device Jack had exposed finally ceased working, visibly slowing the vessel's ascent.

“Got it! On to the next one!” Lilith relayed as Jack fired a dragon's breath shell at the swarm pursuing him, igniting dozens of demonspawn.

“Next engine exposed!” Jack called out before racing through the sky until a bolt of condensed water knocked the air from his lungs. Spinning, he attempted to orient himself, only to be met with a multitude of stinging blasts of water that were halted by his wings.

“Damn it, more Apostles!” Jack hissed, his skin and body feeling lethargic as he continued to rise with the floating citadel.

“The miasma is intensifying! Fly faster and closer!” Lilith hissed as a thunderbolt from Sahaqiel blasted several monsters who were chasing Jack.

Jack soared to the side, watching in horror as the airships nearby were breached by the many monsters latching onto their hulls. He frowned, watching a jet take off, only for the aircraft to be intercepted, falling to the earth in a plume of flames.

Yet, despite the hopeless situation, the soldiers continued working as Jack tore open a breach to another engine.

“It's not stopping fast enough!” Sahaqiel exclaimed as her skin turned black, pockets of corruption latching onto the angel.

“Sara!” Jack yelled in alarm, racing towards her.

“It's fine! I'm fine! We need to continue! Go! I'll protect you!” Sahaqiel ordered, ushering Jack forward while sending bolts of lightning down at their pursuers.

Below, Selfia fell to one knee, the Queen scowling as a swear left her mouth.

Her body was fatigued, her arms weren't responding, and she could feel the connection between her magical limbs faltering.

“It's not enough…” Selfia frowned before turning to the hole in the earth where millions of demonspawn began charging their direction. She turned to her forces, the culmination of her work still moving to meet the enemy head on.

However, with their numbers…

“Keep fighting! It isn't over yet! The angels need our support!” A Paladin chaplain ordered, rallying the lethargic defenders, with commissars ordering Imperials to fix bayonets.

Thousands against millions, with whatever air support they had falling from the sky and the MECHs already breaking down.

“The miasma is getting worse…” Selfia frowned, realizing what fate would befall her if they didn't succeed.

“Well… time to die I guess…” Selfia let out a maniacal laugh as she picked up a bloodstained sword off the ground, nearly slipping if not for Ada and Leona helping her up.

In the command deck of the King Raven-Class airship, Python unloaded his gun, dropping the empty magazine onto a stack of other spent magazines and bullet casings.

“Admiral! I'm running out of bullets and mana!” Python yelled as Lieutenant Harper stumbled into the passageway, handing him a shotgun before slumping against the bulkhead wall and falling over.

“Harper! Harper, stay with me!” Python ordered as he racked a shell and fired the buckshot loaded with seeds at several screeching slicers.

The bridge officer wheezed weakly, disconnecting her filter and offering it to Python. “Go…” the blonde officer let out before going limp as corruptive energy latched onto her body.

The ship shook–an explosion or perhaps an attack? Either way, Python didn't know as he used what little mana he had to turn the seeds embedded into the monsters into a wall of vines.

“Admiral!” Python yelled, turning his head as the monsters cut through his barrier. “Admiral!”

No response.

Python snatched the filter off the ground and rushed into the bridge. The old man lay slumped over his command console, with every person nearby dead or dying.

“Damn it, damn it!” Python swore, rushing to the admiral, only to pause at the sight of Jack and Sahaqiel through the viewscreen being overwhelmed by demonspawn while trying to expose weaknesses in the massive structure.

“Time to cut off a leg, I guess…” Python wheezed, feeling incredibly weak.

“Sorry, old man,” he said, grabbing the decorated officer from his chair and sitting down to take command.

On the screen, he could see Skirita had slaved all systems to his command chair as his crew passed out, allowing Python to have executive limited control of the massive air carrier that was filled with enough ordinance to level a city.

Seeing the controls before him and the two angels fighting against a dozen of apostles, Python Est made a choice.

The air carrier wouldn't be able to destroy the massive thing in a collision, but it would definitely slow it down.

“All Coalition forces!” Python slammed on the intercom, blaring his message on all signals. “This is Colonel Python Est of the Imperial Army! Assuming command of the FYR! All hands prepare for impact!”

Python's left eye involuntarily twitched, a slight delay in his actions as he moved to disengage the safety parameters of the airship and alter its trajectory to the opening in the shield Jack had made.

Warning! Collision! Five thousand feet!

Python dry-swallowed at the ship’s safety alert, taking a shallow breath as he took a daylily leaf and placed it into his mouth. He smiled while he held an image of himself and a woman named CC, beside a drawing of himself and long-lost friends.

Warning! Collision! Two thousand feet!

Python closed his eyes, the screeches of demonspawn drawing closer.

Warning! Collision! Nine hundred feet!

“Serves me right trying to look to the future,” Python smirked, the images of his loved ones falling to the command deck as someone kept calling his name.

Warning! Collision! Two hundred feet! Pull up! PULL UP!*

“Python!” Jack yelled as the familiar airship coated by demonspawn soared past and slammed into the floating structure. “PYTHON!!”

Sahaqiel grabbed Jack, pulling him away from the brilliant explosion of the colliding titanic air carrier detonating against Heaven.

The two tumbled, the pair latching onto one another for safety, their wings forming a ball as they fell to the earth.

Hitting the ground, Jack quickly recovered, his eye wide as his hands balled into fists.

“PYTHON!”

Heaven listed. With half of its engines gone and the air carrier ramming it, the entire citadel rotated, flipping as its propulsion lost control.

“It's falling,” Sahaqiel muttered, the angel noticing she could breathe ‌easier.

Jack screamed, his voice carrying his rage, sorrow, and frustration. It was overwhelmed by the shockwave that was released as the structure smashed into the earth.

Sahaqiel and Jack held onto each other, forming a massive barrier of Wind to shield themselves and those behind them from the carnage of the earth being torn apart.

A moment passed, then another, the shock fading, as Jack stared out into the ruined landscape overturned by the crash.

“ALL FORCES!” Selfia's voice, boosted by her MECHFrame’s megaphone, called out, piercing the silence. “The citadel has fallen! All soldiers charge! The fate of humanity is decided here and now! The war is almost won! Citizens of the world! Get up! Just one more push!”

Jack stood there for a moment, clenching and unclenching his jaw as survivors charged past him, heeding Selfia's words as the world slowed.

“Jack, we have to go. They're depending on us,” Sahaqiel said as Jack's body sparked with black lightning.

He shut his eye, jaw clenched, before he opened his eye with renewed determination. “I won't waste your sacrifice, Python.”

Chapter 81

Anti-Army?

At the border of Heaven’s outskirts, where coalition forces were fighting tooth and nail against demonspawn, Jack landed like a missile, smashing down into a horde of monsters and disintegrating hundreds of nightmarish creatures in a flash of lightning.

“MICHAEL!” Jack roared, picking up Gram and throwing the weapon, carving a swath of death through the horde.

“COME OUT, YOU COWARD!” Jack yelled, grabbing a leaping Nest agent by its head and crushing the monstrosity with sheer strength before using its body to bludgeon a demonspawn into a bloody pile of gore.

“Jack!”

“RAH!” Jack screamed, smashing his boot down onto the corpse before firing his gunblade repeatedly at the demon crowd.

Standing upon Heaven, Jack let out another roar, taunting any to dare attack him as he sent a burst of power that blasted back the hordes of feral monstrosities.

In response, several Apostles emerged from the nearby ruins of marble and stone, drawn by Jack's angelic power, only to be wiped away by Gehenna as Lilith devoured them.

“Out. Of. MY. WAY!” Jack spat, swinging his arm. A vast area of the citadel was wiped out by his anger.

[Authority of Gehenna Level Up!]

He wanted them dead. He wanted Michael dead! He needed him dead! Fueled by his desire for blood, Jack's mana grew, his magical signature flaring and pulling in the miasma and mana that swirled around him. Answering him.

All across the fallen isle, demonspawn stirred, reacting to Jack, with those who had been asleep for thousands of years waking.

Jack could feel an indescribable sensation bubbling up within, a flow of energy from his core that seeped through his body and demanded to be let out.

So he did.

With a roar, Jack slashed, unleashing an invisible edge of gale force winds that cut through bone, sinew, marble, and enchanted steel to annihilate thousands of demonspawn. But his attack didn't simply destroy them; it wiped the creatures out at an atomic level, dissolving the monsters entirely, with no hope of their regeneration or resurrection.

“Jack!” Selfia called out to Jack, joining him with her MECHFrame, alongside what Paladins and coalition forces broke through to the city.

Above, the airships were faltering, the electronics giving out with even Selfia's MECH let out a groan.

“Refocus! We need to push forward!” Selfia spat as Ada ran up and spun Jack to face her.

“Tanji! We have to go!” Ada yelled, with some cognition returning to Jack’s eye as he gazed upon the blood-covered woman.

“Sorry,” Jack grunted.

He spun, calling Gram it to his hand as several Apostles came out to face him.

“Move or die,” Jack said, pointing the greatsword at an Apostle with the body of a deerling and the naked torso of a man.

Jack was greeted by a hoof stomping down.

“You. Are dangerous,” it said before shirking away as its body disintegrated from Jack activating Gehenna.

“You’re right,” Jack spat, charging through the ancient city with Gram in one hand, his gunblade Jill in the other, and the Coalition forces at his back.

What followed next was chaos and pandemonium, nonstop running, slashing, cutting, stabbing. Every movement through the rustic city of gold that humanity took was met by enemies who soon became corpses or erased from existence.

“We’re almost there! Do not sway from the path!” Sahaqiel shouted, unleashing a massive blast of lightning skyward to deal with the aerial attackers.

Jack grit his teeth, tossing away another speedloader and firing at various attackers.

Suddenly he heard a thud, and a cry from Selfia reached Jack's ears.

He turned, and time seemed to slow down on him as he spotted her MECH depowered and on the ground. In fact, the amount of soldiers that had followed him had thinned incredibly.

Mi'shka was pale, standing with his severed arm in one hand and using it as a weapon while Jin stood back-to-back with him against their assailants.

Nearby, Ada was covered head to toe in blood and panting heavily, her armor broken in various places as she used her massive nodachi to cleave through a Nest agent.

Above her, Yukino was being carried away by a demonspawn, her cybernetic arm down its throat while Jack's aunt attempted to help her by throwing her axe.

Then there was Lita, pinned to the ground beneath her shield against an Apostle stepping on her while several soldiers charged with bayonets to assist.

They were losing.

At this rate he would make it to the grand castle in the distance, but he would be alone.

Jack needed something. A tool, a prayer, a power unlike any other to save those on the brink of destruction.

He couldn't lose anyone else. Here at the end, they were so close, so very close! He could see the entrance of the island center.

[Radiant Skill Unlocked!]

It clicked. The answer to Jack's plea.

[Anti-Army Class Skill available!]

[Please Name-]

“Silent Sanctuary.”

The name uttered by Jack activated his Anti-Army skill, a culmination of every experience recorded by his system, finally granting him the apex of awakened skills.

Not a borrowed skill, not something shared, but a culmination of his inner will and experiences, something his heart had yearned for with the system granting him the means to fulfill his wish.

The flow of mana in the air shifted, an invisible change felt by all beings, demon and human alike.

The battle space flickered, day turning into night. Jack's will reached out into the miasma and mana until it became his and bore forth the weight of his desires as a soothing sunlight.

Jack ordered it and the world answered, shaping his surroundings into a world of light and cherry blossoms. Structures in the nomad style of red shingles and bamboo replace the dilapidated ruins of heaven. Large trees of cherry blossoms and green reeds replaced the withered soil.

A hundred meter space around Jack became still.

Silent.

A perfect paradise for an afternoon day of leisure.

A phantom world of Jack's desires, brought into reality and forced upon the world by his will and power.

Anti-Army? No. This was simply a classification given by those who didn't understand mana. The power of will and shaping the world.

Jack reached out, taking a sip of tea as his allies sat on soft futons in bewilderment.

His enemies, however, fared worse.

Wrapped around various tree trunks and burrowing through the earth were chains. Blacker than night, made of a dark iron that moved with the viscosity of vipers.

The snake-like guardians of Jack's sanctuary immediately skewered Apostles and demonspawn alike–any who dared to break the peace. Those who fled or attempted to fight were bit into by steel chains before being dragged screaming into the soil, where their screams became nothing but a memory of the past.

Was it real? Jack didn't know, as his body moved on instinct, with his anger and fear left behind in the face of tranquil peace.

Various soldiers looked around in confusion, while some simply sat and sobbed as their limbs and injuries were healed at a visible pace. Others, like Selfia, were already trying to figure out how to escape, or questioning how this anti-army skill had deployed so rapidly.

Jack's tired face bore a soft smile as he gazed upon Ada, the woman calling out his name as she and others realized what Jack had done.

He wanted to stay here forever.

But he couldn't.

Jack rose to his feet, his mind clear, his expression one of determination as he gazed upon those at the table who could see each other but couldn't see him.

Jack turned and left, stepping from the distortion in the world to return to reality, where he was greeted by snarls and howls for bloodshed.

“Come on then,” Jack said, opening his break-action gunblade and reloading the revolver cylinder by hand now that his speedloaders were all spent.

He rolled his shoulders, taking a breath as the monsters recovered, standing between him and his objective: the castle in the distance. His illusion would protect his comrades for as long as he was alive, and it would erase anything that it deemed a threat. All that was left was him to fight his way through and put an end to this madness.

“You weren't really thinking of fighting alone, were you?” Sahaqiel asked, emerging from the rip in reality.

“Of course you could get out,” Jack smirked, realizing the woman was still attuned to him. Try as he might to shut her out or keep her pinned, the angel of freedom could never be trapped against her will.

“We started this journey together, Jack. We sure as hell are going to finish it together,” Sahaqiel said as her lightning bolt staff appeared in her hand, followed by dozens of demonspawn incinerated by her attack. “You can’t do this alone.”

“If you can keep up, then let’s go,” Jack said, cutting down a Nest agent and taking off towards the castle with Sahaqiel at his back.

Chapter 82

The World on Fire

Beside the ruins of the gate of Zanzibar, Tenno frowned, the large man taking a seat on a recliner as the world around him burned.

His shirt was in tatters, his body covered with dozens of wounds that were healing slowly thanks to the corruptive properties of the Apostles.

“Quite the sight, huh?” Tenno sighed, reaching down and taking a bottle of beer from the ice chest beside him.

“Said the asshole to the blind man,” Kenichi said, breathing out a sigh as he gripped his father's cane sword.

“Would you like me to describe the sight, then? Maybe put it in braille?” Tenno quipped, handing Kenichi a beer. “You know, you could have left.”

“And had I done that, you would have been dead twice over,” Kenichi grunted, wondering what Di'luk and his sister were up to.

“Fair. Can't say you weren't useful, Kenichi,” Tenno said, surprising him. He wasn't used to receiving compliments from the man who had been training and berating him for close to a year.

“... The world really is ending,” Kenichi retorted, sagging his shoulders. “How long until the barrier fades?”

Tenno cocked his head to the side, staring at the thousands of demonspawn led by several Apostles circling around his dome of protection.

A final countermeasure; not exactly his best work, but it had bought him and Kenichi at least a few moments.

“An hour?” Tenno replied before the dome of energy protecting them from meeting the same fates as the mounds of corpses flickered. “Maybe less?”

“Hm,” Kenichi grunted, slumping forward. “Do you think-”

“We wouldn't have hedged our bets buying them time if we didn't think otherwise,” Tenno cut in, pushing back his disheveled hair. “By the way… you know that man killed your father, right? Surprised you let him go when you could have killed him.”

Kenichi took a moment to respond.

“I beat him, which is enough for now,” Kenichi grumbled, twisting the cap off his beer and taking a brisk sip that seemed to soothe him internally from the surrounding hellfire.

“Well, as long as you're satisfied,” Tenno said, stretching out with a loud and dramatic yawn. “Wake me when the barrier fails.”

“Sure, will do,” Kenichi replied to the man, who was already asleep.

“At least one of us can sleep,” Kenichi muttered as the sounds of thousands of demonspawn baying angrily for his blood reached through the barrier to touch his sensitive ears. “This better have been worth it, Tanji…”

Elsewhere.

Aboard the flying city of the Paladins, Commandant Victoria, Commander of the Seventh Imperial Defense Brigade for the city, slumped against the bulkhead door that separated her from the claws scratching at the metal.

The monsters were upon the city, attacking in droves, with multiple airship escorts offline or under attack from demonspawn boarders.

The city fared marginally better. Despite their firepower, preparations, and number of Awakened, the sheer numbers of the enemy outpaced the ammo they could fire, resulting in the city being under siege and the populace under attack.

Fortunately, the barrier kept them somewhat at bay, but their numbers were becoming untenable. Some sites had to evacuate underground to stem the tide of demonspawn via tunnels and kill zones.

“Damn it, maybe I should have just stayed behind,” Victoria spat, looking down at her wound, which was refusing to heal. After catching her breath, she picked herself up from the floor and moved to the radio blaring out desperate voice traffic. From maydays, last stands, and cries for reinforcements, Victoria heard it all as she opened a tactical map nearby that displayed the hundreds of stranded units still in the fight.

Sadly, the rest of the command staff had retreated as the upper sectors became choked with demonspawn, leaving Victoria behind in the chaos as she dealt with the monsters.

“Great,” Victoria muttered, looking down at her wound, which was now displaying symptoms of corruption. “This is what I get for sticking out my neck, I guess…”

Victoria reached over, grabbing a headset. She had never been one for self-sacrifice–hell, she didn't even like other people save for her servants and direct subordinates. But here at the end, in a bunker overrun with terrors from hell, Victoria could clearly see what needed to be done.

“No time to be a slouch…” Victoria groaned, flipping a switch to broadcast orders to the stranded and cut-off units. “Carmine squad, this is Commandant Light, come in.”

She was still alive, so there was still hope she'd survive.

Standing at the entrance of the castle, at the edge of the unknown, Jack exhaled. Covered head to toe in demonic blood, his eye swept the abyss of the chamber where he was greeted to the sight of multiple red eyes gazing back at him.

Demonspawn. But unlike the ones out back, these were more restrained, less rampant.

Old.

He could feel it. Something was different.

A being with six black wings stepped forward from the darkness, a man wrapped in matching armor, with a barbed trident in his claws that radiated with power.

“Az…” Sahaqiel whispered in disbelief, recognizing the angel once known as Azrael, who gazed dispassionately at her.

His usual smirk, which Sahaqiel remembered fondly, was gone. His once bright blue eyes were now darker than black, and the power that oozed off his frame was sickening and vile rather than the comfort of an ally Sahaqiel had once known.

“What… year is it?” Azrael asked coldly, his head cocking to the side inquisitively as he gazed at the ruined marble interior before his body shifted into a combat stance.

Caught off-guard by the man's question, Sahaqiel hesitated. Her mouth opened to reply, only for a trident to nearly take her head. Fortunately, Jack caught the pole of the weapon with his hand.

“Interesting…” Azrael blinked, his head moving slowly, almost struggling to turn and face Jack. “I don't recognize you. But you're strong.”

“No, but I know you,” Jack said before crushing the enchanted weapon into two pieces, the remaining half being consumed by Lilith.

Azrael flapped his wings and retreated, a smirk on his face as his eyes twitched violently.

“Ah, so you told him about me, Sarah? I'm touched,” Azrael said, as a choking sound came out of Sahaqiel's tear-streaked face.

Suddenly, Jack realized why these surroundings were so familiar.

This was a place he had visited in Sahaqiel’s memories. It was the last time she had seen the archangel who led the angels of death against a being known as Adam.

From the shadows came a chorus of clinking armor, as the ancient defenders from the age of angels rose once more to defend their home.

Lilith,” Jack said, his voice summoning the specter who released a banshee's wail to destroy the gathering of shadows. Their withered forms flickered and wavered, vanishing into oblivion as Gehenna unraveled them.

At least, all but one.

Azrael stood intact, the archangel a cut above the rest, only wincing at the command.

“Interesting… I don't know what you just did,” Azrael laughed, his body twitching, unable to resist the orders given to him. “BUT I'M EAGER TO FIND OUT!” He raised his claw-like gauntlet, pointing a summoned blade of blue flames at the sanctum’s intruders.

“Azrael…” Sahaqiel whispered tearfully as Jack stood in front of her and readied Gram.

“I'll handle this. Stand behind me,” Jack said as his skin tingled.

In a flash of power, the two angels moved, Jack versus Azrael, the pair unleashing swift strikes with the weight of their strength and speed releasing thunderous applause.

The ground shook, breaking apart the sanctum as the flow of mana warped and became pervasive. Corruptive data flowed into Jack, yet as quickly as it touched him, Lilith wiped it away.

Two swings followed, the clash of Jack and Azrael’s arms blasting the pair backwards as their strength mixed into a condensed ball of violent mana that shook the castle.

Jack clenched his jaw, rolling his shoulders, his eye hyper-focused on the fallen angel still in one piece.

Another five-second clash. One that devastated the entrance of the ancient castle.

“So this is a new angel. I would have loved to have sparred with you!” Azrael smirked before racing towards Jack, who spun his blade, parrying the Apostle's sword with Gram before a loud bang echoed through the castle.

Azrael looked down, an expression of surprise on his face at the many holes peppering his body, with dozens of shards protruding from his armor.

“Huh?”

*Bang*

Jack unloaded his gunblade, firing repeatedly at the angel, whose senses didn't react to the non-magical attacks smacking his body. After the second shot, Azrael finally moved, attempting to teleport, only for Jack’s eye to track his movement and blast his kneecap out.

“What is that?!” Azrael exclaimed as the armyrethium-tipped projectile cut through his knee, sending him tumbling across the floor.

“It's called a gun,” Jack said with the barrel of his gunblade pointed over the man.

“Wait!” Sahaqiel cried, stopping Jack just as he went to pull the trigger.

The angel stood beside Jack, looking down at Azrael, who cocked his head sideways and immediately sent a blast of mana at Sahaqiel, which Jack grabbed and crushed.

“Sorry,” Azrael smirked.

“I know,” Sahaqiel said sadly before raising her staff, poising it to strike the fallen angel, “We will free you from this nightmare.”

“Good luck,” Azrael chuckled, the archangel visibly shaking as he struggled against the urge to consume and join the pair before him into eternity. “Head. Aim for my head. It'll buy you the most time...”

Sahaqiel shook, her hands tightening, eyes welling with tears as she struggled to kill her comrade-in-arms. Her lightning bolt sparked, the weapon so close to the man who had sacrificed himself for her once before.

"NOW, SARA!"

*Bang*

“J-Jack!” Sahaqiel shouted, stumbling back from the loud roar of the fifty-caliber armythreium round blasting the fallen angel away.

Jack lowered his gunblade. “We can’t hesitate, Sara. More Apostles are on the way. We need to move.”

“R-right… right,” the angel replied, wiping away her tears as the body of her friend faded away.

Chapter 83

Open The Door

Entering the outer sanctum of Heaven, Jack swept his gaze across the ruins of what had at once been a magnificent antechamber to those entering the inner sanctum.

Standing beside the metal gate, he could almost see the splendor of what it had once been.

A haven. A home.

A place where the brightest and strongest of humanity once gathered to discuss affairs around the world.

Sahaqiel crouched down, picking up a metallic plate and brushing off the dust that obscured the symbol etched on its surface.

“We need to push on,” Jack coaxed, staring down the entrance they had come from and the lack of sound. Outside of the demonspawn in the sanctum that had come out to greet them, the enemies who had been nipping at their heels were gone, leaving an eerie silence in their wake.

Jack pushed forward to the hallway ahead, walking through the remnants of a history unknown to modern mankind. At least, for Jack it was history; for Sahaqiel, it was a memory.

The angel paused, standing over the skeletal remains of warriors she once knew.

“Sara?”

Silence. The angel stared at the remains.

“Sara, come on,” Jack repeated. When the angel didn't move, Jack stood beside her, hand on her shoulder, causing the woman to flinch.

“Sorry…” Sahaqiel whispered, with her words seeming to be directed not at Jack, but to the twin sets of bones that had withstood the hands of time.

The pair continued walking, moving down the hallway of dust and bones, with nothing to accompany them but eerie silence and the stench of decay.

“Did you know them?” Jack asked, stepping over an ancient shield.

“Epona and Toltecatl, friends who stayed behind so I could go ahead,” Sahaqiel replied softly.

“I'm sorry, Sara,” Jack said, coming to a stop and turning to Sahaqiel. “I know I've been insensitive, but I am sorry.”

“It's… fine. Knowing the world you once knew is gone is one thing, but… Actually seeing the remains… I guess it just didn't register. Almost like it was just a dream.”

Jack moved, embracing Sahaqiel in a hug with the angel caught off-guard for a moment. Her eyes widened, body frozen in time until her expression softened and she accepted Jack’s touch.

“Thank you…”

“I’m here for you Sara, now and forever. You won’t lose anyone else, I promise,” Jack said with such assurance that Sahaqiel could only softly smile.

“Yuck, you're gonna make me puke,” Lilith hissed, putting a finger in her mouth and making a gesture for throwing up.

“Lilith,” Jack and Sahaqiel said in unison.

“What?”

“Shut up.”

Moving on, Jack activated Fira, keeping a ball of light in his palm to pave the way through the near-suffocating darkness of the confined hallway.

Walking, he could feel the call of the Infinity Machine. It was near. But so too were the lost. Every step Jack took, he could feel whispers, echoes of those lost. Anguished souls crying out in warped confusion, with some seeming to be faces he recognized.

But it was an illusion, the remnants of souls imitating the trauma and bloodshed that wafted off him.

"Tanji..." A specter resembling Ada called out, barring Jack's way with soulless eyes that bled fetid blood across pus-filled skin.

Jack waved his hand, destroying the corrupted data with Gehenna before pushing on.

A few more feet, Jack could make out an immense source of mana, a wall that hung ahead of that became almost akin to a blinding light to his angel senses.

“This is it,” Sahaqiel said as the pair came to the source of the mana, a large sealed stone door with intricate carvings along its otherwise smooth surface.

Sahaqiel frowned, her face scrunching as her hand touched against the barrier.

“What's wrong?” Jack asked, standing beside the angel.

“This barrier… it's been untouched.”

“Untouched? Isn't that a good thing? Doesn't that mean we got here before-” Jack trailed off, realizing that he and Sahaqiel were no longer physically alone.

A tingle on Jack's skin, every hair on his body standing on end as a malicious smile broke out behind him.

“No no, don't stop talking on my account. Finish your senten-”

Jack spun, swinging his blade only for the edge of Gram to be caught by the fedora-wearing figure in a white suit.

“-ce... Rude, is that how you greet your father?” The man known to the world as the Black King said, goading Jack with a face that was eerily akin to his own.

Jack hadn't sensed him. Neither had Sahaqiel or Lilith, for that matter.

To his vision, the man held no core, generated no mana, yet he could clearly see the shimmers in the space that announced his presence.

“Bastard!” Jack spat, releasing his sword and firing his gunblade as Sahaqiel flung a bolt of lightning at the man.

Both attacks proved ineffective. The bolt of lightning was caught and the bullets merely hung in the air as though stopped by time.

“Jack, wait!” Sahaqiel shouted as Jack took off, yet he didn't get far. A foot away from the archangel, Jack's hand, shaped into the visage of an electrified claw, froze in the air as he became unable to move. Jack grit his teeth, his entire body shaking from his effort, but try as he might, he simply couldn't take a step forward to reach the man named Michael.

Then it hit Jack, the reason there were no demonspawn pursuing them. No Apostles coming for them despite their battles.

The Black King had been following them this entire time! Quietly eliminating each threat.

“Quite the zealous young thing, aren't you?” Micheal said, a smirk on his face as dozens of silver wings left Jack's holsters to attack the archangel.

Yet, much like Jack, they too didn't get far. Jack attempted to activate Gehenna, but with his body under the control of another, his energy wouldn’t rouse.

“Any other tricks you’d care to indulge?” The Black King asked, standing before Jack with a nonchalant look on his face. “No? Is that all? Very disappointing, Jack.”

“Michael…” Sahaqiel let out, pointing her lightning bolt at the man. “Let him go.”

“Or what?” The angel asked, forcing Jack to his knees with some unseen power. “What are you going to do? Please, unleash your wraith upon this sinner."

Sahaqiel clenched her jaw, her face one of absolute rage as her body cackled with the essence of a storm and her eyes danced with lightning.

"Oh please, turn off that little light show. From the looks of things, it seems you aren't even at full power, let alone accustomed to your own body.”

An accurate assessment, one Jack also surmised as he suddenly found himself on all fours with his body sweating profusely as he tried to resist the Black King's control.

Lilith! Options?!

“Working on it! He’s moving the metal in your blood, constricting movement. I can purge his control over the mana, but he'll know as soon as I do it!” Lilith replied, the specter identifying the threat of the Black King.

“After all this time... I didn't want it to be you...” Sahaqiel whispered, her eyes meeting Jack's gaze with the pair coming to an understanding as Lilith manifested behind the Black King mouthing Stall. “What happened to you? The leader I followed would have never done the things you've done."

Michael paused.

“The leader you followed died when our world ended. But fret not, I will make it anew–better even,” Michael said, standing before Sahaqiel with open arms. “Now... Little bird, I will ask once nicely, out of difference to our shared bond. Would you kindly open the door?”

Sahaqiel's eyes blazed, her body wafting with lightning as the air ionized. She threw her palm out, blasting an electrifying stream of radiant energy that flooded the cramped hallway and hit the Black King directly.

For a moment, Jack could feel himself regaining control of his body, but it was only for a moment, a false hope that was squashed by a chuckle.

Sahaqiel’s eyes widened as the man calmly waded through her beam of power.

“Disappointing,” Michael said, standing before Sahaqiel, who could only stare at the man who grabbed her wrist. “I didn't take you for one dull enough to raise your arms against me.”

Michael dusted his pristine white suit, taking a moment to clean himself before-

*Smack.*

Sahaqiel fell to the floor from the force of the Black King backhanding her.

Jack's eye twitched, his rage boiling up within.

“Ready?”

No. Hold on. Lilith sent back, his eye hyper-focused on the angel.

Despite the anger coursing through his veins, Jack reeled in his temper, deciding to bide his time.

“Since you didn't respond tactfully to my asking, I will now offer you a proposition,” Michael said, raising a hand coated with runes. Jack's body suddenly rose as mana began to pull at him. "Open the door, or your boy toy dies,"

Jack winced, his body being constricted as his armor became a crushing cage.

“Now?!” Lilith shouted in alarm, but Jack shut her down.

No!

Seeing Jack in pain, Sahaqiel sparked with power, only to stop as Jack's armor crumpled and his bones let out an audible crack.

“Now. Little bird, tick-tock,” Michael goaded, his face twisted with a gleeful look that unsettled Sahaqiel.

“Michael… Please, there's still time to undo this. I know you–think about what you’re doing!” Sahaqiel pleaded as a firm hand found her throat.

“And what is it I’m doing?” Michael replied, hoisting the angel up. “Do you know? Do you have any inkling? Any understanding of my scheme? Who are you to presume to know me, shadow?”

“I'm your sister…” Sahaqiel whispered, struggling to breathe. “Please.”

“NOW?! He’s choking her!” Lilith hissed. The specter brimmed with such rage the archangel turned to face Jack, almost as if he could feel Lilith squirming.

No! Wait. We’ll have our moment! Jack replied, his eye locked onto the Smiling Man.

twistedDon’t let your anger get the better of you, Jack,” Micheal said as Jack’s neck began to twist, his head moving at an awkward angle that would snap his spine. “Sahaqiel, you're trying my patience.”

“Please, Michael…”

“Now,” Micheal demanded coldly, ignoring Sahaqiel's tears as Jack let out a groan of pain as his arms bent at awkward angles.

“If you kill him, you’ll never get it open!” Sahaqiel hissed, “And If I die, you’ll always be denied!”

“But then you’ll doom the world,” Michael pursed his lips, his expression almost playful as he cocked his head to the side. “Would you rather you both die, along with everyone else you love? Or would you simply do one task for me?”

Sahaqiel squeezed her eyes shut, her body tensing momentarily before her shoulders slumped. Then her hand came up, the angel displaying a middle finger to Michael's face.

“Fuck you,” Sahaqiel swore, much to the Black King’s surprise.

“Very well,” Micheal said, lifting his hand, with Jack rising into the air.

Shit, I-

Then Jack fell, hitting the earth as Sahaqiel’s body also fell, the pair suddenly released from the archangel’s control.

Shaking his head, Jack spun, ready to attack but freezing in place as the translucent light that secured the sanctum of the Infinity Machine died down.

"It matters not, really," Michael smiled, his face contorted with amusement as the sealed entrance opened, revealing the pathway to his prize. Beside him, a blonde woman with snow-white wings and gold eyes had manifested. She was a familiar figure who shared the face of the angel of freedom, glaring up in horror. “Fortunately, I brought my own key.”

Chapter 84

Bait

Two Sahaqiels.

An impossibility appeared before Jack and Sahaqiel as they lay stunned by the copy of the angel that stood beside the Black King.

Or was it a copy?

Jack didn’t know.

From appearances, she looked like Sahaqiel, felt like her with her essence clear as day to Jack's eyes. But her eyes bore no life, showed no signs of sentience, her body seeming to be more of a husk than a spirit.

“Surprise?” Michael said as invisible chains of mana wrapped around Sahaqiel’s and Jack’s necks, dragging the pair into the inner sanctum. “I would have thought the failed project I left you in the Theocracy would have sufficed, but I suppose not.”

Within the inner sanctum was a lavish chamber, one of golden opulence and stately pillars, a far cry from the ruins and debris in the hallway outside.

Ahead of Jack sat a throne with skeletal remains at the foot of the chair. A myriad of ancient weapons and armor lay scattered about the room.

“It took me forty millennia to perfect the process,” Michael said, the angel standing before the golden throne in triumph. “But I did it… I finally did it.”

He rubbed his hand upon the armrest of the chair, gently caressing the dusty furniture as if greeting an old lover.

“What is that? What did you do?!” Sahaqiel demanded, her eyes dancing between the copy of herself, the archangel, and the skeletons that lingered at the base of the throne.

“I saved you,” Michael replied as he sat on his throne and let out a sigh, closing his eyes, his face twisting to one of satisfaction. “When the kill order was given, unlike you lot, I was prepared.”

The archangel waved his hand, revealing images of a bygone time. Golden warriors stood within the sanctum, bloodied and injured, with weapons at the ready as the enemy beat at the door. Chief among them was Sahaqiel, the woman in regal splendor, chanting as her eyes blazed with defiance against a shadowed figure.

Adam. The first fallen.

From the memory, Jack could feel his power, feel the fear emanating from Sahaqiel, whose eyes quivered at the sight.

Then, suddenly, a pulse flashed. Every living angel fell to the ground from some unknown force, with even Sahaqiel dropping.

Silence. The last defenders of heaven rested in their tomb, forever undisturbed by outside forces.

Then, disturbing the quiet of Armageddon, a figure emerged, a child who stood before Sahaqiel’s body.

"No," Sahaqiel whispered, the angel realizing just how the archangel had survived. He had transplanted his consciousness and had used a non-Awakened child as a host to drag away Sahaqiel’s body from the inner sanctum just as Sahaqiel's spell activated and sealed the chamber.

“I learned much from Eve. About the soul, about runes, about the lengths we would go to correct mistakes,” Michael gloated as the images shifted to the boy pulling energy from Sahaqiel’s body. “But it would take me thousands of years. Hundreds of experiments. Millions of materials wasted until my vision could come to pass.”

Thousands of images littered the chamber, hundreds of lifetimes lived through different bodies to continue his mission.

In one, Jack saw a girl in the likeness of Sahaqiel, flesh and blood, who sang at a coven of nuns as the Black King, dressed in the vestments of a priest, looked on.

In another, The Black King, now in the body of a woman, placed a golden-eyed boy onto a manger.

Dozens of lifetimes, all with the archangel Michael perpetuating a cycle of Sahaqiel's rebirth and death. From cloning, to breeding, to creating constructs. Each time breaking pieces of Sahaqiel's soul to use as material, but preserving just enough to keep her soul intact.

From the stone age to the present, so many lives. So many deaths.

That was until he came to Lilith. When he awakened Sahaqiel’s consciousness into a vessel he could control.

The final split.

The culmination of forty thousand years of testing, experimenting, and dying to produce the final specter that stood now beside him as his key.

Sahaqiel shook with horror, realizing the depth of violation to which she’d been unknowingly subjected. She was completely mesmerized by the lifetimes about which she knew nothing; her gaze settling on the final version of herself singing at the top of her lungs as her body turned to stone, preventing the horrors from reaching the people fleeing into the mountains.

The Saintess of the Theocracy.

Michael cast his eyes down, enjoying the moment of monologue as he called his version of Sahaqiel to wrap around his shoulders like a cape.

“And now, here at the end, I have not one, but two angels,” Michael smirked, rising from his throne as an ominous presence tickled Jack’s skin. “My saviors.”

Michael waved his glowing hand and the wall behind the throne fell away, the defensive enchantments disabled to reveal a chamber full of pulsating flesh and crystalline figures.

A sickness crept into the world, a horrid scar of anguish and pain that seeped from an open wound.

Amidst the crystals was a shackled figure, a tanned-skin man wearing nothing but decrepit trousers, hanging suspended above a pit by writhing tentacles and chains.

“No, impossible! You wouldn't!” Sahaqiel exclaimed, recognizing the figure.

Jack didn't need the angel’s memories to recognize the man. Instinctually, he knew who he was looking at, knew the enormity of the threat before him and Sahaqiel.

The man from the memories of the angel was Adam.

If the Black King felt like a void, the man suspended was an abyss. A wretched creature in the guise of a man, with crystals adorning his body.

“Oh, but I will,” Michael’s lips shifted, unveiling his trademark smile. He raised an arm, his hand radiating with the sigils of Gehenna that spurred his will.

Jack roused his mana, attempting to activate his own Gehenna, but stopped as Michael snickered and shook his head.

He wouldn't be able to activate an attack this way, but at least he still had an ace up his sleeve.

Something the Black King didn't know.

“Adam. The first Awakened. The first hunter. Able to hunt down the magically gifted from anywhere across the globe. Even in his weakened state, a direct confrontation with him would spell the end of any living being,” Michael said, coming to stand a few feet away from the suspended figure. “Oddly, he only ever pursued us angels… never lessers, almost as if he knew they were beneath him.”

Michaell turned to the duo. “Fortunately, you two fit the criteria for his hunt. You are beings strong enough to draw his ire, while I pursue the salvation of all mankind.”

“You… monster!” Sahaqiel exclaimed, “Why? WHY?! After all our sacrifices?! You want to awaken Adam?! If you free him, he'll kill us all and doom the world!”

The Black King laughed, his golden eyes fading as he looked down at the pair. “My dear little bird, I am not dooming the world–I’m fixing it. After all, were we not once exalted as beings of compassion? Consider your demise the foundation of a newer, better world. Try not to die too soon, will you?”

Suddenly, the chamber shook, the world around Jack trembling as tentacles of flesh grew around the throne room. The ground beneath them rumbled.

The crystals upon Adam's body began to crack and shatter, the ancient seals that bound him being undone one by one by Michael.

Below the prisoner, the pit shone, bubbling forth a black light that drew Jack's eye. He could see it: data. Raw magical information rising, pouring out of the wound in the earth to awaken the slumbering man.

But most shocking to Jack was the whirlpool of mana, the information twisting in such a way that he recognized it as a teleportation ability similar to Ivan's.

“At long last, I will take what should have been mine,” Michael said as he turned away and dropped into the pit, cementing Jack's theory.

“Jack! The Infinity Machine! If he gets it, it's all over!” Sahaqiel exclaimed. She and Jack were still bound by the Black King’s strength. Neither could move, not while the magic of the Black King inhibited their mana flow.

At least, that's what Michael assumed.

“Do you trust me?” Jack asked, sharing a look with the angel as the portal shrank and Adam stirred.

“Of course. With my heart and soul,” Sahaqiel replied, her eyes darting between Jack and the figure slowly raising his head.

“Now!” Jack spat, giving Lilith the go-ahead to dispel Michael’s bindings.

He raced forward, grabbing Sahaqiel and picking her up in his arms as Adam made eye contact with Jack, his head snapping to track the nearest source of mana.

Time seemed to slow, a moment stretching out into eternity as fear gripped Jack's heart.

“FUCK!” Jack screamed, leaping forward, all his magical energy igniting at once to propel him and Sahaqiel into the portal just as a hand reached out for him.

Chapter 85

Proposition of Distraction

Tumbling through a vortex of energy, Jack and Sahaqiel screamed as they spun wildly in each other's arms.

“Hold on!” Jack exclaimed as his body glittered, his form shifting, with Sahaqiel faring no better.

“What's your plan?!” Sahaqiel asked over the screaming of data streaming past them.

“I don't know!”

After jumping into the whirlpool, Jack and Sahaqiel's surroundings had become a stream of data, a tunnel made of mana that pierced the boundaries of reality, sending the pair hurling through a white void.

Sahaqiel moved her wings, wrapping them around Jack. They held each other as close as possible to avoid separating.

Then it stopped.

They hit a field of white, which became their new surroundings.

“Hm?” Michael turned, eyes wide. He had been in the midst of moving towards the only source of color in the white void, a massive tree of pulsating red veins emanating from a gunmetal sphere.

Jack was up, racing forward, the archangel caught by surprise. The archangel's face scrunched with anger and he moved mana to bind the oncoming man. Yet Lilith dispelled the attack, forcing Michael to back away as Jack's fist cratered the space where he'd been standing.

“What?! How?! You shouldn't be able to activate Gehenna!” Michael spat, avoiding an uppercut and firing a blast of energy at Jack, who batted it away.

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Jack sneered, as Sahaqiel formed a bow of lightning and began firing a stream of arrows, forcing the enemy archangel back.

The pair was immediately on Michael, both angels sparking with lightning as they attacked the man, Jack up close and Sahaqiel from afar. Still, despite their combined efforts, Michael was holding out well, batting away magic attacks, parrying Jack's sword, and avoiding the pair with expert ease.

Suddenly lightning spells manifested, sigils lighting up around Micheal before firing towards Sahaqiel.

“His Sahaqiel is in the fight! He's not alone!” Lilith reported, as Jack avoided a stray bolt and charged forward.

“You shouldn't be in here!” Michael hissed, catching Jack by the throat as the surrounding space shook. “No! NO!”

Suddenly, the chamber started to corrode, pockets of flesh and tendrils invading through holes that seemed to burn into the white canvas around them.

“Do you two realize what you've done?! Your purpose was to be an offering for it! Not lead it here!” Michael hissed as a shadowed hand gripped the edge of the void and began forcing its way into the space.

The figure from before had chased them, entering the sanctum that held what Jack could only assume was the Infinity Machine.

Jack opened his mouth, spewing frost as Sahaqiel fired a massive bolt of electrified energy.

Michael moved Jack in the attack's way, using him as a shield, only for the lightning bolt to curve and slam into the archangel’s mana barrier.

Lilith activated Gehenna, dispelling Michael’s shield to allow the lightning to strike him and release Jack, who swiped with his gunblade.

“So you can dispel my barriers, but can you destroy my attacks?” Michael spat, raising a hand that Jack attempted to absorb, only to be blown back.

Why can't I absorb it?! Jack sent, clenching his jaw as he took the brunt of the magical beam.

“It's because of his version of Gehenna. It’s infusing his attacks. We can disrupt it, but can't fully absorb it.”

Jack rolled his shoulders as he eyed the sphere in the distance.

Wait…

Realization dawned on him, prompting him to give orders to Lilith.

“Fools. You've doomed yourselves coming here. You've only delayed the inevitable,” Michael said, catching a lightning bolt from Sahaqiel and crushing it in his fist. “Do you think because you've delayed my progress that you've achieved some feat? That you've accomplished a grand goal?!”

“Yeah well, this story doesn't have to end with only Sahaqiel and me dying,” Jack said, glaring at the Black King as he pointed at the shadow entering the space. “We can all lose.”

Michael went rigid, standing still for a moment with his eyes closed, before they opened again with a wide grin on his face.

“You can't beat me, Jack.”

“No, but he can,” Jack said as Michael's eyes shifted to the metal sphere hovering nearby and then to the figure poking his head into the space. “Try to run for it–go ahead. You might be stronger than me, but I sure as hell can slow you long enough for him to get in.”

Michael shifted, his facial expression changing rapidly.

“That you can… Congratulations are in order, young angel. It's been an age since I've felt… annoyed,” Micheal said, unaware of the black specter flying past him.

Or perhaps Jack had thought too soon as the archangel turned towards Lilith.

“Hey!” Jack spat, hedging his bets. “You can either help us and maybe survive, or go for the machine and die.”

At Jack’s proposition, Sahaqiel spun, facing him as the enemy archangel laughed. It was a coarse sound, one that was both unnatural and unsettling, like something mimicking a human noise.

“You would join hands with the man responsible for so much of your suffering? The man who commanded your father's body, experimented on your sister, and brought ruin to so many of your loved ones?” Michael bared his teeth, summoning six splendid wings that hung upon his back.

Sahaqiel shook, the angel furious.

“I'll do what I have to,” Jack replied as the portal above finally expanded, allowing the man known as Adam to descend.

Michael raised his head, a wide smile upon his face, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are my sons.”

“What the duck?! What the duck? Holy spit, are you for ducking real?!” Selfia screamed at the tranquil world around her. “What kind of spell makes you unable to ducking curse?!”

“The kind Jack would envision,” Ada said, as she planted her nodachi into an earth saturated by flowers.

The crunch of boots against the soil captured Selfia's attention, turning her to the Awakened officer.

“General Olivia, status report,” Selfia demanded, while kicking over a garden gnome.

“We've amassed our forces. Six hundred and eighty-five personnel accounted for and combat effective, Your Majesty. The Regalias are waiting for you at the restaurant.” said the general clad in purple armor, snapping a salute.

“He built a whole darn town,” Selfia growled, walking across a redwood bridge suspended over a serene river. “Ugh, it's so ducking quiet.”

“Weren’t you always complaining about everything being too loud?” Leona said, trailing behind Selfia with Ada.

“Yes, but everything is TOO quiet. It's irritating, and I don't enjoy being coddled,” Selfia hissed.

“Now you know how Jack feels,” Ada said, drawing a glare from the queen.

The group continued through the peaceful town, passing cherry blossom trees and verdant shrubbery until they came to a large redwood building with white walls and red shingles.

“For fudge’s sake, why does nomad architecture have to look so similar?” Selfia groused.

Outside stood a crowd of six hundred souls, all the people who had been caught in Jack's Anti-Army skill.

“What do you have for me?” Selfia demanded as they entered the restaurant, where the leaders of the alliance sat at a fully-furnished dinner around what appeared to be a crack in the world. It was one of many that began to appear around the fake settlement.

Anala, Bell, and Igwhell–the three highest ranking noblewomen of the Imperial beneath Selfia, the last of the great noble houses–sat inside, joined by a bald-headed nomad named Min, who was the liaison of the Hoshido and Lita, the leader of the Paladins.

“We’ve studied the fractures, and we can definitely escape-,” Duchess Bell began.

“But?” Selfia raised a brow.

“-but, to do so would require all three of us and would exhaust our magical might. This world eats our mana; in fact, it destroys anything it perceives as a threat.”

“There's also the fact that we can only breach the barrier for a few moments,” said a short redheaded woman belonging to House Anala.

“I need a timeframe. Tangible numbers.”

“Three minutes. Then it closes”

“Three minutes to send six hundred people back,” Selfia surmised, pursing her lips.

“We also don't know what's out there,” Mi’shka added, flexing the hand that had grown back thanks to Jack's spell. “For all we know, we could be walking into a swarm of demonspawn.”

“It doesn't matter,” Selfia said, “Jack is out there, fighting for the world while we're in here being ba… huh.”

Selfia trailed off, realizing the irony of the situation she found herself in: sidelined and in a position unable to do what she wanted.

“Now has it sunk in?” Ada said, leaning on her nodachi to poke at Selfia, who recovered quickly.

“What do you want us to do? The strongest of us won't be able to fight if we open it,” Duchess Bell said.

Selfia closed her eyes, mulling over the decision for a moment. They still had guns, ammo, and high-quality explosives, the keys to success that Selfia always tried to keep on hand.

“Get it open. This isn't a fight I'm going to sit out of. Jin, Mi’shka, get your strongest people together. General Olivia, muster all the ammo you can find. I have a feeling Jack and Sahaqiel are going to need all the support they can get.”

Chapter 86

Free For All

As Adam finally descended, Jack flashed a look towards his allies.

A forty thousand year-old woman once hailed as a goddess of the wind.

A trained assassin with a giant shield who lived inside of him.

An invisible spirit of a tortured angry girl, hatching a daring plot.

And a megalomaniacal, body-snatching man who wore the guise of a person proclaiming to be his father.

All of this versus the being known as the first Awakened, who even the mighty archangels feared.

Eyeing him, Adam looked like an ordinary man, yet to his angelic vision, he was a black spot in the shape of a human. An echo in the world, one that sent shivers down Jack's spine in a way he hadn't felt in a long time.

Fear?

Excitement?

Jack didn't recognize the emotion; all he knew was that his survival was in the balance.

Michael was silent, no doubt contemplating how he would sacrifice Jack and Sahaqiel. With his goal only a few feet away, all he'd have to do is reach the grey metal sphere.

Jack narrowed his eyes, feeling the Black King weaving mana around Jack.

It wasn't debilitating, nor did it seem like a prelude to an attack. However, Jack wasn't taking chances.

“Try it,” Jack said as he ordered Ruby to be on standby.

The archangel's eyes shifted between Jack and Adam, calculating the odds.

“You would do better to focus on Adam rather than me,” Michael smiled, before a blur appeared beside Jack.

“JACK!” Sahaqiel yelled, her warning too late as Jack's elevation changed.

Jack winced, suddenly bouncing off the ground, his body an unwilling ragdoll that his assailant made into a club to hit the archangel Micheal in the back before attempting to run.

The pair tumbled, separating as Jack's boot found Michael’s chin, sending the archangel away from the grey metal sphere.

“Tch!” Micheal let out, rolling backwards and spinning to fire a beam of golden energy at the caustic wave of mana unleashed by Adam.

Sahaqiel took to the sky, unleashing an electric net at both Michael and Adam as Jack opened fire with a gunblade.

Michael backpedaled, taking control of Jack's bullets and arcing them around himself to strike at Adam, who ignored the attack and turned his attention upwards toward Sahaqiel.

Then he was gone.

Suddenly, there was a boom, and Sahaqiel found herself planted into the ground.

“Sara!” Jack yelled as Michaell soared past.

Suddenly, black chains, wielded by Ruby and amplified by Lilith, obstructed the archangel's path.

“Begone, shadow,” Michael spat, raising his hand to cut down the specter, only for his attack to clang against her shield, which was augmented by Gehenna. “Hm?”

Caught off-guard, Micheal retreated, evading and batting away the chains that supported Jack's shielder.

Meanwhile, Sahaqiel was screaming, pulsating with lightning as she kicked at Adam, who was holding her with an indifferent expression on his face.

“GET OFF OF HER!” Jack snapped, descending from above and slashing with his gunblade, only for the blade of the weapon to shatter as Adam lifted his hand. The man turned, black eyes now focused on Jack before a fist imprint appeared on Jack's chest armor.

“UhMP?!” Jack let out, flying backwards and into Ruby, who caught him with her body.

With Jack and Ruby entwined, Michael seized the opportunity to rush towards the Infinity Machine. Jack, bleeding profusely from his mouth, reached out, throwing what few feathers he had at Michael’s ankles. These latched on with a crisp clasp.

The archangel looked down, then back up at Jack with a brow raised.

“Really?”

“Yeah!” Jack hissed as the silver feathers let off loud bursts of light from flashbangs going off. To make them more effective, Jack had empowered the skill, supercharging the flashbangs with as much mana as possible.

But Jack didn't stop there. He charged forward, using Ruby's shield as a springboard to tackle the archangel while activating Mana Release.

Michael blinked and frowned, completely undisturbed by the detonations of mana and unmoved by Jack hugging his waist. “And what did you intend-”

Wide-eyed, the archangel realized too late what Jack was doing.

The sudden burst of explosive energy, and Jack unleashing a gush of mana besides Michael, was more than enough to take Adam’s attention away from Sahaqiel.

Adam was beside them now, using Sahaqiel’s body as a weapon, with her throat as his handle.

Jack ducked low, avoiding the impact of Sahaqiel hitting Michael and delivered two jabs into Adam's face.

He didn't blink.

But when Jack activated Gehenna, the man took notice, spinning to face Jack and avoid the palm that reached out for his wrist.

Adam released Sahaqiel, instead targeting Jack directly.

“Oh fuck-” Jack said before a hand entered through his stomach. He blinked once, then twice, as Sahaqiel screamed his name.

“What… are you?” Adam said, his voice so cold against Jack's skin as his insides bled. “So much pain. So much suffering… I see you.”

A storm brewed, as Sahaqiel summoned her bronze lightning bolt to smite the first Awakened.

“SAHAQIEL! STOP MICHAEL!” Jack roared, halting the archangel in her tracks as Michael smacked Ruby away.

Jack grabbed hold of Adam's arm, pulling himself closer. He dug in his heels to pin the man, turning his attention away from Sahaqiel, who had become the biggest source of mana.

At least until she threw her lightning bolt.

Michael spun, catching the bolt of lightning with his hand and absorbing the energy with his own Gehenna before catching Sahaqiel's symbol.

“Sic’em, boy,” Jack hissed, as Adam slid his arm diagonally through Jack's body, as if cutting through a cake before rushing off to attack Michael.

[-355 HP]

[Warning! Fatal Damage!]

Jack fell, his eyes blinking repeatedly as a sickness took root, and he felt an overwhelming urge to vomit.

Yet instead of bile, blood flowed, red ichor leaking from his wounds and his mouth because of the severe damage of Adam's arm sliding out of his body.

“Jack!!!” Sahaqiel screamed, appearing beside him and struggling to hold his internal organs in place.

“L-lilith. Lilith's at the…gh buy. Time!” Jack let out, struggling to communicate as his injuries refused to heal from Adam’s corruption.

“Jack! Jack! Stay with me!” Sahaqiel yelled, her voice seeming to echo.

Laying in his own blood and staring into the white emptiness around him, Jack could feel the pull of the Infinity Machine. It was a call like no other, singing to him a sweet melody of peace and harmony.

This wasn't Jack's first near-death experience, but it was the first time he felt the pull of the Infinity Machine so strongly. It whispered to him, a muffled chorus of thousands–no, billions–of voices that invited him into the collective.

All that he was. All that he had experienced. Every action and inaction. Jack could see his entire life passing by like a movie.

A movie that was being read by the Infinity Machine.

“Breathe! Just breathe, Jack!” Sahaqiel said, her shaking hands coated in blood as Michael fought off Adam.

“Sarah… I'm tired…” Jack whispered, his vision darkening.

Deep within the object known as the Infinity Machine, Lilith stood frozen, unsure of what to do as Jack lay dying on the floor.

He had sent her towards the machine, hoping she could tamper with it or block the Black King, but she didn't have a clue what she was doing. Intricate lines of code streamed into the funnel that was the Infinity Machine.

Unseen by the naked eye, the little grey machine was connected to… everything. Every action, reaction, change in temperature, airflow, everything, was funneled through the sphere.

Lilith hesitated. As close as she was, she could feel it calling to her, pulling at her. Would she survive if she touched it? Was it safe?

She didn't know, but if she didn't do something soon, everything would be over.

“Fucking hell.” Lilith reached out, her corporeal form lighting up with tattoos as she activated Gehenna.

The data stream parted ways, opening like a door to warp the world from a white void to a canvas of symbols. Her consciousness melded with the machine, her soul completely pulled in alongside the tidal wave of data.

Drowning in the sea of existence, Lilith activated Gehenna, repelling the information that threatened to devour and consume her.

Standing at the root of reincarnation, Lilith couldn't make sense of the numbers.

Until she could.

Suddenly, the data warping around her changed, painting images, showing equations, and creating a sort of translucent interface before her.

So much power. So much data that could harm or heal.

Her thoughts turned to Jack, resulting in the interface displaying an image of the dying man as Sahaqiel wept beside him.

Lilith frowned, her thoughts shifting to Ada, which then made the screen display a live feed of the woman, along with Selfia and a crowd standing in a dilapidated throne room.

Then it clicked. The machine was reading her thoughts and reacting!

Jack and Sahaqiel needed help, that much was certain, so Lilith directed her thoughts into bringing them aid.

A fissure opened up–the same tunnel that would draw Selfia's warriors into the fight.

Suicidal? Fruitless? Maybe.

But she needed time. Time to understand the Machine. Time to figure out how to use the incredible source of power before her. Fortunately, she knew what to direct it at, as the interface showed the image of a wounded Jack.

"Let’s-" Lilith began before she froze in place as a figure in white abruptly manifested and approached her.

Chapter 87

Convergence of Souls

“He’s dying!” Ada exclaimed, doing her best to heal Jack, whose body was seizing.

“Hold him still! Hold him!” Mi'shka ordered, using his blood control to stem the flow of Jack's blood, while Ada and Sahaqiel continued to apply healing magic.

"Damn gorilla keeps breaking my arms!" Selfia hissed, her multitude of prosthetic limbs failing to pin down the convulsing man.

“Sarah! Sarah, what do we do?!” Ada asked as Jack's body refused to heal, as the corruption turned his flesh necrotic.

Behind them, Selfia's troops and what Awakened Lilith had pulled into the space were converging on Michael and Adam, the soldiers paying with blood to delay the enemy who was hellbent on taking his prize.

“I-,” Sahaqiel began before Lilith manifested, showing herself to the group that was trying to keep Jack alive.

“Bring him to the sphere! I've got a plan!” Lilith spat as Michael cut down Jin and made his move to reach the Infinity Machine.

“Go!” Sahaqiel shouted, turning to get ready to intercept the Black King.

"Sahaqiel, take this," Selfia said, drawing out Excalibur and handing it to the angel, who took it and moved to attack the Black King.

“Jack… Jack. Jack, wake up. Jack? I know you're -”

Jack's eyes shot open. He sat up, taking in his surroundings–his old, barren apartment in New Eden.

“What?” Jack muttered, moving his body, which was now devoid of tattoos and scars, and free from the usual hum of mana he felt pulsating beneath his skin.

An illusion? A dream? No… too real to be a dream.

Jack removed the paper-thin blankets draped his body to plant his feet on the floor as he scanned his surroundings.

Lilith? Ruby?

Nothing.

He roused his mana, attempting to break free from this illusion, yet all Jack felt was…

Nothing.

He stood up and walked across his apartment, standing beside the window which overlooked a city untouched by demonspawn.

Untouched by his act of vengeance.

“Jack.”

At the call of his name, Jack spun, swinging his fist at a woman who caught it.

“Eleanor?”

“Hi, Jack,” Eleanor said, the red-eyed blonde in an Imperial officer’s uniform flashing a smile.

Immediately Jack was on the offensive, throwing a flying knee kick that was blocked, followed by several jabs that were parried and blocked by the woman, who retreated across the room.

“You've become quite the fighter,” Eleanor said, smiling at Jack, who raised his palm, willing energy to attack, yet nothing came of it.

“What is this? Is this another ploy?” Jack hissed.

One moment he was dying, and the next he was trapped in this… illusion?

“No. Not a ploy," The Imperial Mage replied, her expression softening, "You're dead.”

The two words made Jack momentarily pause.

“This isn't exactly what I imagined my afterlife would be like,” he replied, his eyes scanning his surroundings.

Dead? He couldn't be dead. Not when there was so much to do, so much at stake. No, something else was happening.

“No, it wasn't what I pictured, either.”

There were many things Jack wanted to say to the woman, but he kept quiet, unsure if this was a ruse.

“Lilith sent me,” Eleanor said, a small smile on her face as she calmly walked towards Jack and stood before him. She looked him up and down, taking in the full image of the man Jack had become from the teenager she’d once known.

Jack's brow furrowed, distrust clear on his face.

Michael didn't know about Lilith. Most didn't. It was a well-kept secret that was his trump card against the Black King.

Was this a ruse? A lie? Maybe a spell where his mind had been probed for information and Lilith had been spotted? Jack didn't know, but he wasn't taking chances.

“How do I know you're telling the truth?” Jack asked.

“You don't,” Eleanor replied, raising her hand to touch Jack's face, only to stop as he flinched. “But time is of the essence. You. Are. Dying…”

“Yeah. I know,” Jack replied deadpan, turning to the window. “So what's her plan, then?”

Eleanor sighed, staring at her palms.

“To win.”

“How?” Jack said, snapping his head towards the woman beside him.

“She’s working on something to give you an opportunity to disable Adam… but you aren't going to like it.”

Jack blinked. “And where is Lilith? Why isn't she telling me this?”

“Because she's busy managing that, and keeping the Black King at bay,” Eleanor said, handing Jack an Intellipad. It displayed Michael clashing with Adam while attempting to gain access to the Infinity Machine.

Jack's mouth dropped open as he spotted Selfia beside the Infinity Machine, yelling indiscernible words while Ada and Mi’shka dragged his body to the sphere.

“What is Ada doing here?!”

“Buying time. Your angel friend can't look after you and deal with the Black King and Adam,” Eleanor reported, her eyes crinkling at the sight of Mi'shka; he was helping to move Jack's blood into his body and circulate it.

They were a small team: Mi'shka, Jin, Leona, Ada, Selfia, and Lita, all of them trying to keep Jack alive, while Paladins and Imperials threw themselves at the enemy archangel, who swatted them away.

“What does Lilith need from me?” Jack asked as he looked at the former pilot, whose focus was on the white-haired man. Her face was full of genuine love and longing.

Whatever doubts Jack had were dispelled as the woman raised her head and blinked away the tears in her eyes.

“She needs your consent.”

“Consent?”

“Yes,” Eleanor said with a frown, her eyes wandering to the sleeping green-haired girl curled up on the floor. “Because what your friends are about to do is going to hurt. A lot. And there's no guarantee of survival.”

"When does it not hurt?" Jack sighed before locking eyes with his former friend. "Whatever it is, I'm ready."

Jack gasped, his eyes snapping open to the sounds of gunfire, explosions, and his final gasps of life.

“Tanji!”

“Jack!”

A multitude of voices, people calling his name, as he lay bleeding out over a machine with tiny tendrils picking corruptive flesh from his wound.

Suddenly Jack spun, pushing away a frantic Ada to call out to the angel, who was doing her best to keep Adam and the Black King back.

“SAHAQIEL! COME TO ME!” Jack roared through the blood gushing from his mouth.

At his command, the angel spun, racing towards him, her bronze lightning bolt in hand, impaling him through the chest and into the Infinity Machine.

Stunned, Mi’shka and Selfia stood wide-eyed at the sight of Sahaqiel killing Jack.

“TANJI!” Ada shrieked before swiping at the angel, only to go flying as a sudden eruption of light blinded all those gathered.

A scream sounded, the unified voices of Jack and Sahaqiel crying in pain, as intense voltages sparked wildly around the room.

Immediately Adam disengaged from the Black King, moving toward the source of the light with fist raised, only for a hand to leave the light and catch the First Awakened by the throat.

As the light faded, Sahaqiel was gone. In her stead stood Jack, his eye patch falling away to reveal two burning orbs of gold that glared angrily at the world. Upon his back were six wings. Four were of pristine white and two were of shadowed black. On his arms were shackles connected to obsidian chains.

“T-Tanji?” Ada gasped, as the being known as Adam suddenly dissipated into ash.

Jack stepped forward, lightning coursing around his glowing body, pulsing from the runic tattoos that covered him head to toe.

This… feels better. Jack sent as he flexed his hand.

“I couldn't agree more,” Sahaqiel replied, manifesting her spiritual form to hug him from behind.

Much like their first meeting, Jack and Sahaqiel had merged. However, unlike their first encounter, the conjoining of bodies was that of an archangel and an angel. Two beings ahead of the fake Awakened and the humans.

Jack raised a hand to point at the Black King while in his other, he manifested a large obsidian shield.

“Michael, I'm going to fuck you up,” Jack growled as a portal opened and chains appeared, snatching Ada and the coalition forces away.

“I see,” Michael chuckled, adjusting his white suit and picking up his fedora. He straightened the creases in his torn jacket, gold eyes narrowing as he realized Jack had more tricks to show him. “Come on then. I’m sure you need an attitude adjustment.”

Chapter 88

Delay And Deny

Michael and Jack. Two archangels staring at one another, waiting for the other to make a move.

“Ready?” Jack whispered to Sahaqiel. He pulled Gram to himself, holding it aloft before seizing the initiative to attack.

“Ready.”

He disappeared, slashing his weapon, Gram’s edge cutting through the Black King’s mana barrier.

Michael leaned back, avoiding the attack and raising his hand. Suddenly Jack could feel Gram’s metal shifting, the Black King attempting to yank the weapon from Jack’s control. But Jack wouldn't have it.

His black feathers segmented, flying out, each one laced with Gehenna and attacking Michael, who furrowed his brow before backpedalling and swiping at the air to erect a mana barrier.

It was ineffective.

The feathers pierced through the barrier, impaling Michael through his white suit and drawing a look of shock from the angel as Jack swung Gram.

“Ignite, Dandelga.”

Jack uttered these two words, then a massive blade of black burst into existence from a flash of fire.

In Micheal's hand was a two-handed slab of flaming metal, a sword that clashed against Jack's with a resounding clang.

Suddenly, Gram reacted, heating up, the blade engulfed in flames.

“A cheap copy, wielded by a cheap copy,” Michael taunted. “Now that’s ironic.”

“Go kill yourself,” Jack hissed, spitting into the archangel's face before unleashing a Repulse point-blank.

Michael scowled, wiping the spittle away from his face before raising his palm. “Enough.”

A beam of gold energy, intertwined with corruption, poured forth from Michael's hand. It struck Jack, who cast it to the side with Gehenna before rushing forward in a stream of lightning. The pair clashed, releasing flames and sparks, with each strike of their metal smashing against one another.

Lightning manifested around Micheal, as he began firing bolts at Jack, only for the latter to twist the energy to return and strike Michael.

“What?” Micheal muttered before being blasted by a thunderous bolt of lightning that drowned out all sound.

He tumbled, hitting the ground and skidding to a halt as his hand dug into the ground. Twitching, his body spasmed slightly before embers spewed from his mouth. Suddenly, the man immolated, his body wafting with flames as his wings ignited.

“Good. Good! Show me what I've made!” The archangel shouted as he shot forward in a stream of fire.

“RAAAH!” Jack roared, answering in kind and racing forward, slashing at the archangel, who ducked and delivered a blow into Jack's stomach before releasing a fireball point blank from his palm.

Covered in flames, Jack retreated and sent his feathers forward. Michael dodged his attacks, either expertly evading his feathers or parrying them before closing the distance and lifting his burning blade.

Jack raised Ruby's shield and blocked Michael’s sword. The impact made Jack wince as the Black King’s strength lifted him off his feet and sent him a few yards back.

“You're running out of time, Jack,” Michael taunted, directing Jack's attention to the mass of flesh growing out of a vein from the Infinity Machine, which now sprouted ligaments and bones. “Once Adam reforms, we'll be back to where we were before. And no matter how many times you dispel him, he'll come back. Oh, and your little friendship-is-magic-trick? Well, you've just removed another body from this fight.”

“Jack. It's time.” Lilith said.

Jack smiled, standing upright, his wings flapping lightly.

“Pray tell, what are you so smug about? You've only delayed the inevitable. You and Sahaqiel alone still aren't enough.”

“Well, it's a good thing we aren't alone,” Jack replied as the metallic sphere behind them pulsed.

Suddenly the white room flashed black, the tree-like roots of the Infinity Machine throbbing as intense pressure built in the space.

“What? What did you do?!” Michael snarled as the white room dimmed.

“Hello, Father.” said Lilith, smiling as she revealed herself to the man responsible for her creation. “Did you miss me?”

Realization dawned on Michael as, eyes wide, he stood in a state of shock, staring at the being before him, gold Gehenna tattoos covering her body.

“You… I see. So you were the blind spot,” Micheal hissed, his words lost on Jack.

The white room fluctuated, the mass of flesh suddenly deflating as a shock of energy washed over Jack and Michael.

Michael could feel it, the call of infinity. The same feeling he had felt forty thousand years ago when the kill switch had been activated.

“So this is what you've chosen,” Micheal hissed, “All that power at your fingertips–and this?! This is what you choose to do with it?! Do you realize all the good you've undone? How far you've set humanity back?! You were supposed to be the ultimate weapon! The one to stop Adam, and now you've doomed us all!”

Michael slashed, sending forth a chaotic wave of flames that Jack cut through with Gram.

“It doesn't matter, it's not your problem now,” Jack glared, his wings glittering away.

“You fool, you've only temporarily halted Armageddon!” Michael spat, his composure broken. He vanished, only to appear beside Jack, sword in hand.

Jack stood motionless, eyes closed, a smile on his face as the edge of Michael's Dandelga neared his neck.

Then the two vanished, both archangels ripped from existence as the world rebooted.

Tenno frowned, waking with a start as he felt a mysterious energy sweep across his skin.

He looked to his left, then he looked to his right. All signs of the demonspawn hordes were gone as Kenichi sat beside him, drinking a beer.

“Did I miss something?” Tenno said, sitting up and flexing his hand, which no longer held the strength he was used to. “We aren't dead?”

“No… no we are not,” Kenichi sighed as he removed his bandages on his face to reveal eyes that could witness the hundreds of people milling about in a confused daze.

“I take it we've won?”

“I think so?” Kenichi said, attempting to pull up his system, which didn't respond. “I can't access my system.”

Tenno had no luck either. In fact, he couldn't feel the energy in the air, or the mana he was so used to flowing through his veins. “Interesting… very interesting,” he murmured as he lay on his recliner and went back to sleep.

Elsewhere, Selfia narrowed her eyes as her floating limbs fell to the sandy beach upon which she'd been deposited.

“Well… that's disconcerting,” Selfia said, unable to feel her mana.

“What's going on? What's happening?” Ada said as she attempted to lift her nodachi from the sand. It wouldn't budge. “Why do I feel so weak?”

“I take it Jack activated the kill switch.”

“Kill switch?” Ada asked, as the flying city in the distance crashed into the sea.

“Yup,” Selfia said, turning away from the ocean to eye the landscape before her, which was now devoid of the corruptive purple smog. The queen scanned the horizon, eyes sweeping over the massive crowd of people standing around, looking confused. There were some faces she recognized, and others she didn't.

There were thousands of them, men and women wearing outdated uniforms and armor.

“Great… this is going to be a fuckload of paperwork,” she looked down, eyeing her arms now strewn in the sand. “Mi’shka, can you help me install my limbs?”

No response.

Selfia looked up, eyeing the white-haired officer who was staring at a blonde woman with red eyes wearing a MECHFrame pilot’s uniform.

“Eleanor?” Mi’shka said, the woman turned with wide eyes filled with shock to stare at the man. The two ran to each other, embracing tearfully as Selfia's eyes settled on a familiar face, wearing black armor and sitting in the sand with a confused look.

“Ruby?” Selfia whispered. The girl's violet eyes shifted to face her, her skin tone vibrant with life. But perhaps what surprised Selfia the most was the group of officers standing beside her, alongside a narrow-eyed man. “Python?!”

Python looked around, confused, his eyes darting left and right before he chuckled as Ruby shot up and approached Ada.

“Where's Tanji?” Ada asked, her eyes almost pleading, fearing the worst.

Ruby lowered her head for a moment before taking the woman's hands and uttering her first words as a living person.

“He says to wait for him,” Ruby told her, delivering Jack's last message for his loved ones.

Chapter 89

Catharsis

Deposited in a field of reeds, Jack rolled to his feet before kicking off the ground to deliver a flying knee kick into Michael's chin. The man stumbled back, blinking repeatedly before Jack's fist found his jaw, followed by a spinning kick that knocked the archangel onto the ground.

“You impudent whelp!” Michael spat, raising his hand to blast Jack, only for nothing to happen.

Jack's boot found the man's face, this time breaking Michael's nose with an audible crunch.

The archangel staggered and rose to his feet, his eyes glaring at Jack as Sahaqiel and Lilith flanked him.

“What is this?” Michael hissed as Jack began wrapping his hands in what appeared to be tape from a table that had suddenly manifested.

“I believe I told you I was going to fuck you up,” Jack said, turning to face the depowered archangel. “I didn't lie.”

Jack raced forward, throwing a jab, the archangel backpedaling to maneuver Jack's fist to the side and deliver a throat jab that was greeted by a kick.

The two traded blows, attacking one another with a flurry of fists, kicks, and throws.

Finally, the pair separated as a fist found Michael's jaw while his fist struck Jack's chin.

“What's the point of this catharsis, Jack?” Michael spat, before Sahaqiel suddenly punched him. Lilith followed by striking out with a chain, only to be caught by the archangel as he caught and twisted Sahaqiel’s fist. “You've doomed humanity into another cycle of mediocrity, another forty thousand years of unenlightenment! Billions will perish again and their blood shall be upon your hands!”

Michael kicked Sahaqiel away while pulling in Lilith and headbutting the woman.

“Do you understand the good you've undone? The thousands of years of cultivation that you've wasted? You were supposed to be the ultimate weapon! The one who would destroy Adam and usher in a new age of mankind!” Michael spat, walking towards Jack. “We could have journeyed to the stars! I had plans!”

“Sucks when things don't work out, doesn't it?” Jack replied.

“Don't work out? You troglodyte! You held the power of the entire world in your palm! The controls to reshape humanity, and you use it to build this illusion? This pathetic show of self-serving delusions?! I would have made you glorious! The greatest hero to bring down Adam and end generations of suffering!” Michael spat, before his head involuntarily twitched. “I saw it! I saw it! I-I! AHGH!”

Michael’s face contorted, his white suit suddenly ripping as his body abruptly stretched, then rubber-banded.

“What?” Michael cried, before his hands suddenly rose, gripping his head while Jack looked on in confusion. Then the archangel snapped his own neck, the man falling to the ground before putting out a hand to catch himself just shy of falling.

“You infantile cur!” Micheal hissed, his body glowing. The archangel coughed, droplets of ichor visible on his blackening hand, which he used to wipe away the blood. “The fate of all mankind hangs in the balance! And yo-”

Jack narrowed his eyes at the monologuing angel, who spasmed as two grotesque wings burst from the back of his suit.

“What's happening to him?” Jack asked, turning to Sahaqiel and Lilith.

“I'm unsure,” Sahaqiel said, standing at the ready.

Then, Michael screamed, a chorus of voices leaving his body that momentarily multiplied before re-merging.

“GaaaaH!” The archangel's body exploded, a flash of light blinding Jack for a moment, only to die down and reveal three bodies: the clone of Sahaqiel, Michael, and an unknown man with sickly white wings, a skinny frame, and golden hair that flowed past his shoulders.

The man with wings stood with a scowl, his gold eyes darting between the body in a white suit, and then to Jack.

“Michael…” Sahaqiel said, immediately recognizing the archangel’s new form.

“So this is what you really are,” Jack said, staring at the scrawny and frail man, his form a far cry from the large body he had once inhabited. “You're… small.”

At the word small, Michael snarled, opening his mouth to berate Jack, only for a fist to greet his jaw before he could speak.

Then a foot met his stomach, followed by Jack's heel stomping his cranium before the angel could recover.

“Where are you going?” Jack asked as the depowered angel crawled away. “I know what you've done. I know what you are.”

Jack stood over the crippled figure and reached down, grabbing the archangel by his long, blond hair. “A monster in the guise of a man.”

“Monster?!” Michael spat, his face twisted in an expression of offense before Jack punched him.

He reeled, skidding a few feet as Sahaqiel turned away, and Lilith grinned.

“Monster…” Michael repeated, wobbling to his feet, almost unable to stand as his eyes shook with rage. “What do you know?”

Jack and Michael locked eyes, the latter not backing down despite Jack towering over him.

“Since the inception of this new world, I, and I alone, held the will to see my vision through. Even as heaven split apart beneath my feet! Even as every comrade I outlived faded to memory. Even as I wandered this world for twenty millennia!" Michael sneered. "Monster? So what? Villain? Who cares? I'd do it all again if it meant saving humanity from this doomed cycle of warfare!”

“Next you'll tell me it was all necessary? For a greater good? All the pain? All the suffering?” Jack said, kicking the man, who fell and curled up into a fetal position. “All my suffering?”

Michael attempted to rise, but just as he found his footing, he was greeted by Jack's boot breaking his jaw.

“An angel… can only come from the awakening of a being… with the potential who undergoes an outburst of extreme emotion,” Michael hissed, turning to Sahaqiel, who looked away as Jack headbutted him. “I made you. If you had just followed my vision, I could have made the world perfect. Fixed it.”

Jack frowned at the thought of a world envisioned by such a man.

“Yes, you made me, and look at what I've become,” Jack said, before lifting the archangel by the throat. “You're wrong about one thing though: this cycle won't continue.”

Suddenly, the field of reeds vanished, replaced by a space of fleshy tendrils and twitching black masses. A horror show, an Eldritch nightmare of flesh and meat. The collective gunk of corrupted data that had been pulled into the Infinity Machine from across the world.

All of the mana in the world, held in one space. Bottled up and threatening to explode.

All the power in the world… so close to Michael and yet so far.

At the far end of the space, a familiar figure, the one known as Adam, hung suspended by Lilith’s chains above the core of the Infinity Machine.

“What is this?” Michael spat.

“The rest of your life,” Jack said as Adam raised his head, his eyes glaring with power.

Hours Earlier.

In the illusion of his old apartment, Jack furrowed his brow, listening to a recording of a curly-haired brunette woman in a white toga, shown to him by Lilith on his desktop.

“I am Eve, the creator of the Infinity Machine. Transcribed here is my last legacy. If you are watching this, you possess incredible tenacity and strength, which means the seals have failed, and the world is doomed…” The woman trailed off, the message shaking for a moment before stabilizing. “To understand your predicament, I created this tool to resuscitate those fallen in the great war. To catalog and guide the lost souls back to us who were victims of petty wars and grandiose schemes-”

The world around Jack changed, revealing a room where Eve stood with a dagger in hand, surrounded by armored angels led by a figure wearing white armor.

Michael, albeit a less emaciated one.

“-But I was betrayed. What was a dispassionate tool to return lost loved ones to the world became a weapon. A corrupted object to be used to deem who was worthy and who was not. To sift the souls of those loyal to Michael and grant them immortality, while dooming the others into being recycled.”

The scene turned to Eve being pinned down, shouting to not touch the golden sphere.

Yet the man with six wings didn't listen.

“He said we needed to be selective. Needed to only allow those who were worthy. But I knew better. I could see it in his eyes.”

The illusionary world changed again, revealing a shadowed figure who tore through the angels.

“Adam… My beloved. The strongest amongst us…” Eve said, touching the man's face; he didn't react. “The machine wasn't complete when Michael attempted to activate it. Perhaps because of my rage, perhaps because of my sorrow and feelings of loneliness… Adam was called forth from the world of oblivion. But he wasn't my Adam…”

Jack hovered over a Heaven on fire, the city engulfed in flames as angels rallied around Raphael and the other archangels.

“We told a lie, Michael and I, both complicit in the death of our world. One out of love. The other, power. We spurred thousands to die for us, sacrificed billions to fix our mistakes…” An explosion lit up the illusion, painting it entirely white until Jack was back in his apartment. “And we nearly extinguished humanity because of our hubris.”

Eve turned to Jack, the woman softly smiling.

“Time ran out for my world. I could not finish my life's work. But, if you are here, and if you possess the strength and intellect, perhaps you could finish what I started,” Eve said as her form disappeared, replaced by Lilith, who held a white orb in her palms.

“What is that?” Jack asked, looking at the swirl of information.

“Schematics… everything we need to fix the machine, I think.” Lilith said. “Protected with admin privileges, but with Sahaqiel’s help, we can override it, reverse everything.”

“And Eve?” Jack asked, with Lilith shaking her head.

“The usable soul data stored only goes back about fifty years. Except for those selected with certain strengths, almost every other soul is corrupted or fractured,” Lilith said as their surroundings turned to one of numbers amid a rotting field. “This message was all I could find.”

“I see,” Jack said, “So… all we need to do is repair the machine, right?”

“In theory? We'd have to purge the corruption, and that could take… years? Decades? Our data is saved under the admin tab, so we'd be effectively immortal. We'd also have to purge Adam and… If this goes wrong, we could make everything worse. We could rob everyone of magic and only delay this happening again.”

Jack closed his eyes, taking a moment to process as the fight raged outside the machine.

He opened his eyes. “Tell Sahaqiel, it's time-

Present.

“-we cleaned up this mess,” Jack hissed as he threw Michael to the ground.

The archangel sprawled, his body glowing with the power of Gehenna.

Then it clicked for the man herald as the Black King.

“This could take millennia!” Michael snapped, his body augmented by the Infinity Machine. “How are we supposed to win against that thing?!”

“Oh, don't worry,” Jack said as Adam vanished, decapitating Michael, only for the angel to reform a moment later with a shocked look on his face.

“We've got time,” Jack said as his body arced with power and golden tattoos caressed his skin. He turned to Sahaqiel and Lilith, the pair standing with him, their bodies glowing in unison.

Sahaqiel smiled, readying her staff of lightning, while Lilith summoned a black scythe wrapped with obsidian chains.

Although it would take some time, Jack wouldn't be alone in this battle as he looked to the soul of a young girl with green hair, gestating in a dream where she could walk.

"Let's get this done," Jack said, summoning Gram and charging the figure known as the First Awakened.

Chapter 90

The Final Chapter

5 Years Later

Listening to the lapping of gentle waves on the sandy shores, Ada closed her eyes, taking in a breath before she cast her gaze onto the sapphire waters of the beach before her and the city floating in the distance.

The Bastion of the New Frontier. Or Jacksonville, as they called it. Lita and the Hoshido had come together to establish a sovereign country on unexplored land.

With much of the debris from the battles and expeditions cleaned up, the sunny shoreline had become a fantastic summer space to wind down and relax. In fact, it had become a popular tourist attraction, with many families and kids running and playing on the beaches while old fishermen used the piers to fish.

Or, if you were Ada, it was also a good place to wait to meet up for the anniversary of Victory Day. The day the world won against the demonspawn. The day humanity lost all of their mana.

Some called it V-day; some, Resurrection Day; others, the Shutdown. But no matter what name it went by, it was the day that Jack had disappeared.

A loud vrrm took Ada’s attention from the scenic beach, her head shifting to the convoy of vehicles that pulled up on the nearby road.

“Lady Nguyen, the Republic’s delegation has arrived,” Ruby said. Jack's former einherjar, now made of flesh and blood, had been her bodyguard for the last three years.

“Thank you, Ruby,” Ada said, rising and dusting the sand off her jumpsuit, which was laden with ropes, tools, and digging equipment.

The door of the black-armored limousine opened to reveal a white-haired woman in a red dress, flanked by green-haired guards in suits.

“Madam President,” Ada said, bowing her head slightly to the sleep-deprived Selfia, who was flanked by Violet, wearing a black suit instead of her usual black armor.

The procession drew eyes, as dozens of beach-goers gawked at the sight of the president of the Republic walking among them.

“Councilwoman Nguyen, you didn't have to meet me out here,” Selfia said, extending a silver robotic hand as her blue eyes scanned the beach for threats.

“Please, aren't we beyond that Selfi?” Ada said, pulling the woman in for a hug as Violet stiffened up. “How are things?”

“Busy… too fucking busy,” Selfia sighed, dragging a robotic hand over a face with black circles beneath her eyes. “Being a president is a lot harder than being a queen… maybe I should have just been a dictator.”

Ada smiled at the notion before turning to the man with sharp eyes. “Python, it's been a year. How are things with you and CC?”

“Same ol’ same ol’,” Python shrugged, the man sporting a gold wedding ring that complimented the gold stars on his shoulders, a rank and reward for his selfless sacrifice. “Complaining a lot that I'm not home on account of being the Secretary of Defense.”

“Bandits?” Ada frowned.

“Still a problem, but we're dealing with it, lots of the revived have been causing problems,” Python said as the group climbed into the armored limousine and took off through the streets.

Ada smiled at the guards in the president’s detail who filled the spacious cabin: Yun, Tyrah, and Jessica, who led their entourage past large statues of Jack and Sahaqiel.

Every year, as part of an agreement between their two nations, Ada and Selfia met at the remains of Heaven.

The Republic and the Frontier.

After the Shutdown, many technological advances such as airships, mechs, and power generators were rendered inoperable without mana. For a while there was chaos, with Selfia and the others having to manage the hundreds of thousands of people who’d been resurrected cropping up across the world, sometimes in seemingly random places like people’s bathrooms, ship engine compartments, or even in water wells, and old military installations.

But… somehow, despite the tensions of various groups arguing about how to run things, they had quelled most of the violence and chaos. Although it came at a cost in the way of two nations on separate continents run by different systems of government.

Selfia and her Republic, and Ada and the Frontier, led by the appointed Speaker Lita von Strongarm, with Kenichi and the other tribal chiefs as a council.

Despite the unification of the world’s governments for the last expedition, it didn't wash away all the resentment and blood that had been spilled over the years. All the pain, loss, and betrayal.

Lita and her Paladins weren't fans of the empire, and Kenichi and many nomads still distrusted the Imperials. Without Jack around, the glue that had held the Coalition together soon fell apart, as thousands of resurrected tried to find their way in a world that had moved on.

Still, these delegations helped, with Selfia journeying across the world, with what may once have taken days now taking weeks of travel.

“Madam President, we've arrived,” Jessica said, stopping the car at a massive dig site that was teeming with workers dressed similarly to Ada.

Heaven. Or at least what remained of it after being transformed.

With thousands of newly resurrected needing homes, the former bastion of the demonspawn had become the capital of the Frontier’s government. It was the forward base for enterprising explorers and thrill-seekers looking for lost treasures. Now, wires and electric signs hung on gold walls and marble pillars, with old ruins turned into homes and shops.

Along with banners of silver wings circling twelve chairs that represented the Frontier’s council, the ruins of Heaven beat with the hum of civilization.

Of course, it wasn't easy excavating and tilling the land, especially without mana, but every day they were expanding the city’s underdark, and every day they were exploring uncharted territory of the vast new continent.

“Oy, Ada!” Mo Ye called out, the lead engineer, covered in dust. He waved down the entourage as they neared the edge of where construction crews were working, as well as where the media outlets were setting up. “Leona is asking for you. Says it's an emergency.”

Ada sighed, “Celeste and Ito again?”

“Yeah, they're in sublevel fifteen, sector six. Colette ordered the area shut down and everyone to stop working,” Mo Ye replied, calling up the lift.

“Alright,” Ada said, with Selfia noting the lack of alarm on the woman's face.

“A common occurrence?” Selfia asked.

“Something like that,” Ada smiled softly. “It's harder to rein her in now that she's older. If you'll wait here, I'll deal with it and meet-”

“And miss up a chance to see my daughter?” Selfia said, a playful nod to a ruse told so long ago. “I'll come with you.”

Selfia dismissed her guards save for Violet, ordering Python to handle the press, who were already snapping photos.

They stepped onto the orange lift, waving at the media crew before descending into the bowels of Heaven.

“So, it's been a year since we've last met. No sign from Jack?” Selfia asked, attempting to break the ice between the clacks of the gears moving the lift.

“Nothing. But I'm sure he'll turn up,” Ada said, smiling casually as they passed by scores of workers on other levels.

“You seem so sure.”

“Because I am,” Ada replied, “He asked me to wait, so that's what I'll do.”

Selfia turned away with an almost wistful look in her eyes.

“What about you? I notice there's no man in your life even after all this time,” Ada asked, waving to a group of workers they passed.

“Kinda hard to top the savior of the world,” Selfia mumbled, turning away. “Anyway, it's not like I don't have people lining up. They're all just too boring for my taste. Besides, Mishka and Eleanor’s kid runs rampant enough as is around the presidential palace, I don’t need a mini-me doing the same.”

Finally the lift stopped, and they were greeted by Leona, wearing ruined overalls covered in soot, and Kamila, whose flowy dress was filthy.

“Smoke bomb?” Ada asked, stepping past the dejected pair to stand in the narrow hallway.

“Smoke bomb,” Leona and Kamila groaned in unison, as Kamila held up her empty basket. “She even stole my cookies.”

“Great… so no bribes,” Ada sighed, walking into the cavern with Selfia and the others trailing her. “I'll deal with her.”

“Common occurrence, huh?” Selfia said, eyeing the intricate carvings and tunnels that led into darkened sections. Besides looking pretty, whatever enchantments and magical properties had gone away the day Jack left.

Of course, Selfia would never admit it, but she missed him.

She also missed having mana.

“They both do,” Ada sighed, drawing Selfia’s attention. “Ever since Yukino started training her in martial arts, Celeste's gotten a lot quicker at disappearing. Ito, too. They're both stronger and faster than us and it also doesn't help that Ho-sook eggs her on and Colette gives in to everything Celeste asks.”

“Seems rough. You know if you would allow my techs to analyze them-”

Ada’s head snapped towards Selfia with a glare.

“-I’m kidding,” Selfia said. “You know I’d never harm them.”

“You wouldn't, but what about more resentful people looking to regain their powers? Or people who are too curious?” Ada retorted, as swift footsteps echoed through the cave. “I rather their powers be kept a secret.”

“Oh, you're here! Thank goodness, I'm about to lose my mind!” Colette shrieked, racing through the tunnel and grabbing onto Ada for support. Ada paused, eyeing the woman also bearing the telltale signs of a Hoshido smoke bomb going off in her face.

“She got you too, huh?” Ada giggled.

“Don't laugh! She crawled into a sectioned-off area with Ito! We haven't secured that tunnel! What if it collapses? What if it has demons or asbestos or brain-eating amoebas?!” Colette ranted, the woman shaking Ada in a panic.

“I'm sure she's fine,” Ada assured, removing the woman's claws from her jumpsuit.

She stepped forward, walking towards the small hole beneath a wall that Colette pointed out. Taking a breath, she composed herself, taking in the cave-like scent of stone and oil.

“Are you-?” Selfia began.

“CELESTE!!!” Ada bellowed, her voice sending a vibrating soundwave through the complex, echoing out into the chasm behind her, where hundreds of workers tensed up. “IF YOU DON'T COME OUT HERE THIS INSTANT, I WILL GROUND YOU UNTIL THE WORLD FREEZES OVER INTO A NEW ARMAGEDDON!”

A moment of silence, the entire world seeming to come to a standstill.

Then, there was a rustle, followed by the sounds of shifting dirt echoing from the crawlspace before a blonde-haired head poked out, gold eyes focused on Ada.

“Hi!” Celeste smiled, her dirt-covered face lit up with joy.

Ada narrowed her eyes, “Don’t Hi me, missy. You are in trouble!”

Celeste deflated, her expression souring to replace her false jubilation.

“Uuuugh. Party pooper,” Celeste grumbled under her breath as Colette pulled her up before frantically checking her for injuries and rambling about the dangers of exploration.

“Party pooper?! I’ll have you know I’m tons of fun!” Ada retorted, with Celeste rolling her eyes. “Where’s your brother? Do you know how dangerous it is to crawl-”

“Hi Mom!” Ito shouted, crawling out from the tunnel and moving so fast he appeared to teleport to hug Ada’s waist and hold up a misbegotten treat. “Cookie?”

Ada sighed, taking the ill-gotten loot and patting the dark-haired boy with gold eyes who looked so similar to Jack. “Thank you Ito, you’re such a good boy.”

Celeste and Ito shared a mischievous look between themselves, one unnoticed by their parents, who were too busy worrying over their safety.

Selfia leaned forward towards Ada’s ear, “You know they’re playing you, right?”

“Probably,” Ada sighed, stroking Ito’s head.

“What were you two thinking?” Leona demanded, standing before them with her hands on her hips and a stern look. “Do you know how dangerous it is to explore these caves?! Time and time again we tell you not to do so and you keep-”

“We had to!” Celeste exclaimed, interrupting Leona and standing firmly.

“Oh, really?” Ada said, pulling Kamila close and pointing at the woman. “You had to set a smoke bomb off in your auntie's face?”

“Yes! Daddy said!” Ito chimed in, drawing all eyes to the boy with an uncomfortable silence taking hold of the space.

“What?” Selfia said as Ada crouched down to bring herself to eye level with her son.

“Ito, what do you mean by ‘Daddy said’?” Ada asked.

“Daddy said to get your attention, so TV people don't see!” Celeste chimed in, with Ada’s eyes quivering as a shadowed silhouette formed behind the child.

Immediately the echoes of guns being drawn from holsters resounded, every able hand pulling out a firearm, with Ada placing the children behind her.

The shadow grew denser, tightening until the shimmer of a humanoid outline became a black mass in the shape of a man.

A flash of light. Ada’s skin tingled, as a familiar sensation she hadn't felt in five years touched her skin.

Mana.

Suddenly, her breathing became easier, her body light and energized, with her senses expanding in a way that momentarily blinded her.

Ada wobbled as she and every adult within the space became disoriented. Ito and Celeste looked on, unperturbed.

“Daddy!” Celeste exclaimed excitedly, brushing past Ada to hug the waist of an unknown man.

At least, that's what Ada thought until she focused her eyes and locked onto the face of the man she hadn't seen in five years.

“Tanji?” Ada said with disbelief at the figure with six wings on his back: two silver, two white, and two black.

“Hey, guys,” Jack smirked, standing in front of the group in robes of white that accentuated his golden tattoos. Behind him stood Sahaqiel and a little girl with raven-black hair.

“Oh God, please don't tell me you made another one,” Selfia said as her prosthetic arms reacted to the mana in the air and lit up. “Wait? Lilith?”

“Yes, yes, take a picture, it'll last longer,” the child said before her black wings expanded, lifting her into the air as Ada rushed Jack. “Well, see ya, good luck with your lives. I'ma go enjoy having a body.”

Jack smiled, bidding the child adieu as he held Ada in his arms and eyed the stunned and shocked looks of those gathered.

“What took you so long?” Ada asked, looking up at Jack through teary eyes before she noticed the scars that ran along his body. “W-what? What happened?”

Jack smiled softly as Leona and Kamila closed in, the two medics trying to get a look at his scars that told tales of a hundred battles. Some were jagged, others neat, a few akin to burn marks or healed-over skin exposed to radiation.

“It’s fine, I'm fine. Just a byproduct of… cleaning up.”

“So… does that mean you're here to stay? No more fighting?” Ada asked, observing the man whose eyes were cold-almost distant, the unknown burden he bore unseen by anyone else. But there was still a twinkle there, a small light that called out to Ada.

Jack lifted Ada’s chin with his finger, the woman nearly melting in his arms as she savored his touch.

“I’ve waited so long for you,” Ada said, her eyes glistening with tears.

“I know, I'm home, Ada,” Jack said, hugging the woman tightly as Celeste bounced happily up and down. “And… I want you all to meet my sister.”

A blue vortex opened up nearby, revealing a small green-haired figure, with a white flower obscuring one eye while her other, golden eye viewed the world. She took a step forward, shrinking a bit into herself at the multitude of eyes staring at her.

“Uh… hi? I'm… Jill,” the girl said, stumbling a little but stabilizing using Sahaqiel's hand. “Ah, haha, sorry, walking in the actual world is… weird. Legs are weird.”

“Auntie!” Celeste cried out, almost knocking Jill over.

“Actual world? Where have you been?” Selfia asked.

'I’ve got something to show you.” Jack smirked. “To show all of you.”

Jack lifted his hand, and the surrounding ruins suddenly glowing golden, reacting to the mana in the air.

“Awaken, Angel System,” Jack commanded, opening golden translucent interfaces that displayed before all those gathered. However, unlike the ones beside him, his was labeled with the word Administrator.

“What… what is this?” Selfia asked, noticing the similarities to the System and her abilities, which were lost five years ago.

Jack's eyes flashed, his body radiating a warmth that gave off comfort.

“The future of mankind.”

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Greetings Owo. Ducky here.

I'm Asian. I like ducks. I like light novels, and I like anime maid girls with large swords and plate armor. Bonus points if they are forklift certified.

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