A golden glow shone across the vast green plains. The evening sun, setting beyond the horizon. The atmosphere was warm & the windy breeze felt nice just like every other day out here in the small town. Children were playing in the open space while the voices of their parents called out to them to return for dinner. Such a scenery was a sight to behold, the peaceful days near the end of the Arcana Wars.
??: Ahh, so this is what an end to the war will bring, peace. How utterly disgusting..
A huge figure sits afloat in the clouds above, watching the town below it. It descends, casting a shadow of what seems to be pure white wings.
Jino: Hey grandpa look, a flying lizard!
The young girl called out in excitement while pointing at the sky. Her grandfather, who was holding her hand just a second ago, let go of it and began shaking.
Old man Jiki: T-that's no lizard- Jino! Run away and inform the othe-
Within the blink of an eye, he was engulfed in bright hot green flames. His body, or what was left of it, dropped to the floor. The young girl couldn't comprehend what had just happened.
Jino: Grandpa-?
She stared blankly at the burnt remains of human flesh right before her. Her body acted on its own, taking a few steps back before it hit her that her grandfather was dead.
Jino: AHHHHHHHHHHHH-
The young girl screamed at the top of her lungs, her hands on her head & shaking it while tears ran down her cheeks.
??: Well that certainly was unfortunate that he burnt too quickly. That aside, I do enjoy your scream little one. This is it! This is what the world should be like! Peace can never satisfy my desire..
A white dragon descended before her, staring down at her with its green eyes. The young girl's legs gave up on her as she fell to the floor, her body shaking the whole time. A liquid began flowing from where she was anchored.
White Dragon: Hahah, poor little thing, Did you wet yourself? Hahah that's very good, this is what fear should be like! Don't worry, I'll be letting you join that man I just burned real soon. But first, I'll need you to be my bait. I was sent here to investigate this town but it's too peaceful for my tastes so you and everyone here will just have to die for me okay?
The dragon proceeds to unleash multiple breaths of green flames all over the town, burning and destroying multiple structures. A loud bell rang from the centre of town atop a building. The townsfolk ran for their lives, screaming in fear. There was barely anyone there who could use magic except the town's guards, who were frightened at the sight of buildings, as well as their comrades, being melted by the green flames. The dragon picks up the young girl by her clothes with her claws. In the face of fear itself, the young girl stopped moving and succumbed to her fate.
White Dragon: Giving up so soon? Now that's boring, I wanted to see you struggle more.. And it looks like even the so-called guards are not coming so your worth as bait here has diminished. As promised, I'll let you join that man. Your grandfather was it? Hahaha-
??: Flame Arrow!
A magic spell was casted at the dragon but it shrugged it off as if it were nothing.
White Dragon: Ohh? What do we have here, a brave looking little one. Or perhaps you're just trying to be brave.
A young boy with brown hair had his hand out, ready to cast another magic spell. His blue eyes were that of someone putting on an act of courage, his legs stood as firmly as he could but would shake occasionally. He could not completely hide his fear.
Young boy: Let her go!
White Dragon: You have some backbone, more than those town guards of yours. But what do you hope to accomplish by shooting those tiny weak flames? These are what real flames are!
The dragon charges up mana in its mouth and shoots out a breath of even stronger green flames at the boy. The boy covers his face with his hands.
Young boy: (Is this it for me? In the end I couldn't even protect myself, let alone Jino)
The green flames closed in and burnt everything where the boy stood, melting the very concrete itself. The dragon finishes breathing the last breath of flames before taking a look. The flames dissipated but there stood a man with lengthy white hair and gold eyes. The boy opens his eyes and removes his hands that were covering them. To his surprise, he was still alive. The man before him had acted as his shield, or so it seemed.
White Dragon: Wha- Who are you-
The dragon stares at the man who didn't seem to be fazed at all.
White Dragon: That's impossible, the only people who could resist my acid flames are those of a higher rank than me so why is this guy-
Before finishing its sentence, the man's hand formed a fist and the back of his hand showed his crest.
White Dragon: It can't be! What's someone who's Arcana Class doing here-!
The man's hand ignited into a bright blue flame.
White Dragon: Those blue flames- You're Lancelot from the Resistance!
Lancelot: Indeed. You said earlier to the boy that your flames were the real deal. Shall we test that out right here and now?
Lancelot's body began being covered in mana, ready to make his move at any time.
White Dragon: (This is bad, I figured I could have a little bit of fun before heading to Aspheria but then this guy went ahead and showed up. Nghh.. I've had it, this will have to do for today..)
The dragon threw the girl directly at them, stretching its wings as soon as it did. Lancelot jumps and catches the girl before she hits the floor. Knowing full well that he'd turn his attention to catch her, it made its way up into the sky and flew off. The young boy ran to them to check if the girl was alright.
Young boy: Jino!
Lancelot: She's unhurt, just unconscious.
The boy took the girl from him and carried her on his back.
Lancelot: Head to the town hall, the other people who evacuated should be there. I'll tail that dragon to ensure it doesn't return here. You can take her there on your own right?
The young boy who was on the verge of crying toughened up and gave a nod.
Lancelot: Mhm, you were a very brave kid. Now go on, this area is filled with rubble and smoke.
Lancelot gave the young boy a pat on the head before walking off. The young boy ran in the opposite direction but stopped after a few steps to turn around.
Young boy: Thank you for saving us! I didn't catch your name!
The man kept walking straight but held out his right hand up in a waving position.
Lancelot: Lancelot, just a passing by knight.
Blue flames surrounded him before he vanished into thin air, along with the flames. The young boy smiled and headed off to the town hall.
??: Akai? Helloooo, can you hear me? Anyone there??
Someone's hand was waving right in front of his face. He blinked and turned to his left where another knight of the Grand Order was waving her hand at his face.
Akai: Sorry Jino, I was deep in thought. You were saying?
Jino: You were daydreaming again? We're about to be assigned under a branch of Grand Knight, aren't you nervous?
Akai: I guess so, after all these years I finally get to meet him again.
Jino: Sir Lancelot, the one they call the Azure Knight. I know he saved our town and I'm grateful for that but personally I want to be under the branch of a certain other Grand Knight.
Akai: Well there are quite a few of us here, hopefully we'll get our chance.
There, in a very large hall stood many people who were dubbed as knights of the Grand Order after passing their entrance exam. They were gathered there in white uniforms which had been given out to them as they awaited at the very heart of Alpha City itself, Grand Order HQ, to receive their positions in the order. The Grand Knights who took an interest in them would select them out and place them under their branch. As there were 12 Grand Knights, each of them has a branch that governs multiple areas on Tellus with multiple cities under their jurisdiction. Right then, the horns were being blown and the huge door opened. 4 silhouettes can be seen emerging from the entrance. As they walked in, the room became silent. The 4 Grand Knights continued as they made their way to a stage at the end of the hall. They stood on stage, their white uniforms bearing a golden epaulette on their shoulders signifying their position as Grand Knights. Each of the 4 also had a white cape hanging from their uniforms, with one of them having a shorter cape than the rest. The woman with a short white cape adjusted her bright red hair and took a few steps forward. She gave a bright smile before speaking.
??: Welcome to the Grand Order. I am Anastasia Bloodworth, a Grand Knight of the order. I would like to congratulate those here standing before us in successfully making it through the exam. However alas, it was just an exam to determine if you have the skills required to protect the people of Tellus. It does not mean that your heart is in the right place. A small test right here and now will see if you truly are determined.
The room instantly felt denser as she released her mana, forming a crimson weapon in the shape of a scythe out of what appeared to seem like a red thick liquid. The pressure from her mana made a few of the knights standing there kneel. Those who didn't kneel clenched their fists and stood strong.
Akai: That's one intense show of mana-
Jino: Naturally! She's the one I was talking about! It's her branch that I want to be under. Dame Anastasia Bloodworth, also known as the Bloodless Empress. They say that she uses Blood Magic which is just like the scythe she's holding there. It's said that aside from her magic, no one has ever seen her bleed in combat! How cool is that!
Akai: That does sound impressive, she's also one of the 4 Arcana Class in the whole order right?
Jino: Yes she is, along with Sir Lancelot, Sir Albert and Sir Julian. Sir Lancelot is the one behind her right there as you know. I believe the one next to him is Sir Cody who's World Class and uses Barrier Magic. I'm not sure who the other one is.
They took a look at the Grand Knight on the right who had light brown hair and wore glasses.
Akai: That's Sir Gintoki who's also World Class, his magic is unknown. Or at least to those who have never gone into battle with him. Those who did never disclosed it.
Jino: Ehh? Sounds like a mysterious guy.
Gintoki noticed their gaze and simply smiled.
Anastasia: Ohh? Even after feeling my mana, none of you felt afraid. Although some of you did get on your knees, which is understandable. Now for the real test, we will conduct a real battle in which us Grand Knights will try to kill all of you. If you can last 1 minute without dying, you pass. If you fail, well..
Her warm smile fades into a cold stare.
Anastasia: You die.
The knights looked at each other in worry.
Jino: You've got to be kidding me-
Akai: Looks like this will be a tough one..
Anastasia raised her hands and pointed at the huge door behind them.
Anastasia: Those who wish to leave, you can try again in the future. However if you do stay, high chances are that half, no, more than half of you will die. There's no shame in turning tail from battle, your life depends on it after all. So what will it be? You have 1 minute to decide.
The knights looked at each other and some of them began walking out the door. Out of the 85 knights gathered there, only 16 remained. Akai took a deep breath and turned to look at Jino who was stunned to even move on his left.
Akai: Are you scared?
Jino: O-of course not.. Well maybe a little.. But if you're staying then so am I. Besides, if we work together, I'm sure we can survive a minute. I hope..
Anastasia: Well then a minute has passed. Congratulations, all of you standing here passed.
Jino: Wha-
The knights looked confused as to why they did without even battling.
Akai: Ahh, so that's the game she's playing at..
Anastasia folded her arms and her smile returned.
Anastasia: The test was to see who'd remained despite knowing that their lives would be at risk. While it is true that there's no shame in running away in a battle that you can't win, a knight has to be brave when protecting the innocent. If you run away, who will protect them? The 16 of you have shown me that you have what it takes to be true knights and with that I welcome you with open arms. As such, I shall let each of you choose which of our branches you wish to be under. She turned to face the other 3 Grand Knights and gave a nod. Then, each of the grand knights stepped forward to announce themselves.
Lancelot extended his invitation first.
Lancelot: My name is Lancelot, if you wish to join my branch please raise your hand.
Akai without hesitation raised his hand, along with 3 others.
Lancelot: 4 of you, please follow me this way.
Akai: Well then Jino, i'll be heading off now, see you soon alright? Take care in Dame Anastasia's branch.
Jino: Will do, see you soon Akai.
They waved at each other before Akai headed off.
Next was Gintoki's invitation which had 4 hands raised as well. After that, Sir Cody who was rather short, had dark orange hair with circular rimmed glasses was next. He had 2 hands raised. Finally was Anastasia's turn whom all of the remaining 6, including Jino, raised their hands for.
Anastasia: I look forward to working with all of you. Please head to the HQ's shipyard near the south outer section. I shall meet you there after collecting some documents.
-Somewhere in Aspheria-
The room was wide with 2 rows of cylindrical pillars. Small glows from the magic chandeliers lit the dark room in which a throne can be seen at the end of the room. In Front of it, a woman with long red hair and blue eyes was leaning against one of the pillars. The sound of footsteps could be heard as it drew nearer to her. A familiar figure emerged from the shadows.
Bhima: So, you're the only one here then Angelica. Waiting for Aria to give you an assignment? Or did you simply have nothing to do?
She rolled her eyes and answered with an annoyed voice.
Angelica: That's none of your concern.
Bhima: Not very sociable as always.
A portal opened before the throne. 2 cloaked figures walked out of the portal, one of them wearing a black mask. The portal closed and one of the cloaked figures stood beside the throne while the one who wore a mask sat on the throne.
Bhima: You're back Aria.
The masked figure dismisses the cloaked person next to the throne and faces Bhima, letting out a distorted voice through the mask.
Aria: Indeed, just some trivial matters I had to attend to. You did well in securing the blueprints of Tetra City's layout. Once we secure what we need from Tetra City, we can begin Phase III.
Bhima: Hey, as long as I'm paid in full, I'll do whatever I can.
Aria: You will get what you desire eventually, patience my friend.
Bhima: Ohh yeah, I saw something interesting in Yorome City. A girl by the name of Sylvana Skoll used a technique called Silver Slash.
Aria: Silver Slash you say, are you certain?
Bhima: Definitely, I saw the whole fight take place in the stadium. I had to leave because that Ren girl was being persistent, you did say I can't kill anyone for now so I had to evade her before I lost control. I would have ended her right there and then had you said the word you know..
Aria: Raiden Ren, the 3rd Division Commander of Hakumai and student of Noir Homura. We will deal with her eventually. As for the girl Sylvana Skoll, she may have ties to the legendary swordsman who was the leader of Kizuna during the Arcana Wars.
Bhima: You mean the one they call Sword?
Aria: Yes Sword, Sword of the Silver Snow. I'm certain he died back then but no matter. Get one of the others to investigate his whereabouts, assuming he lives that is. Leave the Sylvana girl to me.
Bhima: You're acting personally hmm? Seems like things are getting interesting. I'll take my leave now then. The sooner we get on with it, the faster I can get what I want.
Bhima walks out of the room into the shadows.
The masked figure's gaze turns to the redhead, who didn't seem very pleased.
Aria: Well then as for you, it's time to proceed with the plan to give Hakumai our hospitality.
Angelica: You better keep your promise, It's the only reason I'm complying with your demands.
Aria: Of course, you will get what you wish in due time, Angelica Bloodworth.