Trila, Theales. Year 2602 (One year later.)
In a small office, one housing multiple bookcases, two Special Forces officers were reporting their latest mission to their superior officer, General Alanus Abiah.
The room was painted white, with many black and yellow strips outlining the roof. A single chandelier remained hanging directly in the center, while a golden yellow couch and a coffee table were situated to the side, right by the largest bookcase.
The black door perfectly contrasted the white walls. Adjacent to the door were many battle medallions awarded to General Alanus for his countless victories.
Located in a large building just outside of the metropolis, the office's window subjected viewers to a nice view of the city in its glory.
The two soldiers moved forward and stood before Alanus, who sat in his chair with one arm holding up his chin. He tailored his usual white suit, but the cape alongside it was removed and hung to his right. The luscious blonde hair that rested atop his head was fluttering by the wind from the open window behind him.
The soldier on the left, the one with thin black hair and a receding hairline, began his report. "Over the past year, the Special Forces and the Land Military have obstructed over 130 terrorists pretending to be military personnel to inspect and kill civilians."
The second soldier, who had broad shoulders and a patchy beard, continued, "Unfortunately, during the process of termination, 78 of our soldiers died." Alanus' expression darkened as he sat straight and waited for the second soldier to keep going.
"Many of the terrorists possessed supernatural abilities. However, they were dissimilar to the Elevated."
"We have yet to discover the root of their power, and it has hindered our abilities to stop these murderers. Researchers have, however, made ties to the terrorists' abilities being related to some of our Trusted Scrolls." The first soldier, Ignal, exhaled.
Alanus' deep blue eyes surveyed the soldiers in front of him. They both donned dark black cargo pants, compression shirts covered by dark green military jackets, and black boots that tightened around their ankles.
Sighing, a light command left his voice, "I see. Tell me about the murder of Christa Hartmol, High Chancellor of the city of Spait."
The broad-shouldered soldier, Ramus, flipped through some papers. "High Chancellor Hartmol was assassinated on June 13th, just a couple of days ago. She was leaving her home to head to the minister's office for work.
"As she went on with her usual routine, officers of the police approached and apprehended her for a crime that she did not commit. While in the holding cell, Hartmol was brutally killed by the 'cellmate' she was deliberately faced with. Neither the real police nor the military had enough time to respond; the entire sequence took place in 30 minutes."
Ignal took over this time; it seemed as though they spoke telepathically because their sentences flowed together so swiftly.
"When analyzed, her body showed visible signs of restraint. It means she fought back valiantly but was overpowered by her opponents.
"We suspect the officers that arrested her are a part of the scheme and that they had help from external powers." Both of them spoke monotonously. The death of Christa Hartmol impacted Spait severely, causing major backlash from the citizens despite the emperor's urgency not to leave their homes.
Alanus placed his hand right above his heart, in a closed fist. He shut his eyes and began an invocation, "I pray her death does not go to waste. We will stop at nothing to find the assassins and their organization, putting an end to this disgraceful disturbance once and for all."
Ignal and Ramus followed suit and prayed accordingly.
After slowly parting his eyelids, Alanus stared at the two men. "Continue."
"Of course, sir. The resignation of General Jay Wallus has sparked outrage throughout the Naval Military. His reason for departure was to protect his family during these dire times."
Jay Wallus, a man of mystery and benevolence, was one of the Naval Military's four generals. During the Selection, Alanus and Jay were battle rivals. But once they graduated, their paths separated.
Ignal continued, "The riots stemming from Jay Wallus's resignation, both civilians and naval military personnel, have gotten so severe that Commander Flora Wales warned them about decorum."
"Obviously, the riots stopped instantly." Ramus picked up; a faint sweat droplet slid down his temple. Even throughout the Special Forces and Land Military, Flora Wales was just as feared.
It was not an overstatement to conclude that besides Emperor Magnus, Flora Wales had the most authority and influence in all of Theales. Her name was synonymous with power and resilience; even those who didn't live anywhere near water hear of her battles.
Flora, you've gotten strong. Alanus' lips curved upwards as he thought of the powerful commander. Her being was the epitome of strength and raw potency. It has been stated that when she wills, her gaze alone can knock out and even kill regular civilians.
Her swordsmanship was unmatched; not even Alanus could hold a candle to her in that aspect. The trusted weapon by her side, that which she called Righteous Might, has never once disappointed her in real battle.
Throughout Alanus' battles and spars, he had only faced Wales once. Their long and grueling battle ended in a draw. However, their sparring took place in secret, meaning no one else saw either of their full capabilities.
Many citizens fail to recognize the sheer dominance that radiated from Alanus. Despite Flora Wales being seen as the strongest, it would technically be false to place her unanimously at the top.
General Alanus Abiah had abilities on par with or maybe even stronger than hers, but he decided not to put them on full display, which is why he still has not been promoted.
Heaving a sigh of disappointment, Alanus began, "Even though the issue of not leaving homes has been changed by Emperor Magnus, it's still forbidden to meet up in large groups. It seems as though citizens have disregarded this months ago, as gatherings became more and more common."
Everyone was outside now; the wait and pause were too much to handle, and people became restless fast.
Why do they care so much that Jay resigned? It's not like he's a commander. Alanus tried to rack his brain for answers.
"Is that all? How are our relationships with Gliasia and Lebrad currently"? He massaged his temples and directed the question to the pair.
Ramus took the initiative to answer, "Emperor Edmund Evermoor has not made things easy for us. Gliasia has been slowly conquering the islands surrounding the Western Cradle."
To date, there are a total of 139 islands, 82 of which are not under government control. Access and authority over these islands can prove helpful, especially for future conflicts and large-scale wars.
Edmund... The man responsible for the massacre of Quinton Maxi, former emperor of Gliasia. It's still unknown how he managed to kill Quinton and proclaim himself king. Apparently, the citizens have not spoken out either, solidifying his chilling supremacy.
Gliasia was once a powerful nation, thriving and posing constant threats to Theales. But once Edmund Evermoor took control, the economy slowly cratered. He allocated all funds and budgets toward the military, disregarding every other aspect of the country.
Those who call him out; killed.
What Edmund had planned for the future, no one knew. Speculations were on the rise about him waging war on and conquering the kingdom of Lebrad first, cutting the total number of countries in the Western Cradle from three to two.
He was a sinister man, cruel, cunning, and unpredictable.
"They want Preole Grye that badly, I see." Alanus acknowledged, scratching his hairless chin. Who wouldn't? Preole Grye, the largest island south of the Western Cradle, was full of mystery and power.
It was stated that the sole conqueror of the world, a man whose name has been erased from history, had left his riches in Preole Grye. However, no country has yet come across anything.
It was mainly due to the fact monsters appeared in Preole Grye much more often than they would in any other area. Leaving expeditions extremely dangerous.
"Thank you for the report; you may leave now." Ramus and Ignal bowed before scurrying out of the office.
Alanus looked out the window; he could see the vast houses of east Trila.
He began remembering his childhood.
A boy neglected by both his parents, raised by his brother in the slums of a rural area. He remembered crying out for his parents to come, but they never did. His brother is trying his very hardest to make life easier for Alanus.
Stretching his feet for a brief second, he yawned involuntarily. Maybe I should check on Kaila… It's been a while since I've seen her.
A faint smile unhid itself from his face.
The air cracked, causing ruptures in the fabric of space before he warped out of the vicinity.