>. He looked towards his beloved daughter, Violet, whom he always pampered. The minister shook his head and realized it"s useless to debate about it, thus diving straight into the appointment ceremony.The tray, containing the coat of arms, proof of a palace knight, lies next to the throne. King Esvobus slowly stood up and took the coat of arms into his hands. With Violet giving a slight push from behind, Yuusuke walked up the podium and knelt in front of the king.
Thus the King attached the coat of arms onto his uniform, and from this point onwards, Yuusuke was officially recognized as one of the knights, thus concluding the appointment ceremony without any incidents. After the ceremony, there was a song of the 4 great G.o.ds being sang to swear loyalty to the king. Skipping various parts of the procedures, making the appointment ceremony simple, the main point of the ceremony was to get the coat of arms that is bestowed by the king.
Amongst the captains of each corps who were looking at that appointment ceremony, yet again it seemed like another selfish request from the princess, but it seems that there wasn"t any need to get involved as they did not have a problem with it.
The recent favorite of the Princess was this black haired youth who had been bestowed with the coat of arms by King Esvobus, and it seems that there were reports of him having a close relationship with Zeshald. Thus, King Esvobus was driven by the feeling of curiosity and listened to the various stories he might have had.
"Yuusuke, are you --"(King Esvobus)
"Yes?"(Yuusuke)
As he was retreating away from the throne, King Esvobus called out to him, and Yuusuke stopped in place as though his body was floating. However, it seemed that King Esvobus was hesitating to say something, and closed his mouth --
".....nothing, forget about it."(King Esvobus)
Although he wanted to call out Zeshald’s name in this occasion, he held back. Holding this thought back, he held down his hands without saying a word.
"Ahh that was so nerve wracking. However, it seems that the King felt like an ordinary old man."(Yuusuke)
"Wahaha! Well, my dad does give off that kind of feeling. Did you see how much scheming those bureaucrats were doing?"(Violet)
After the appointment ceremony, Yuusuke followed Violet towards the resting rooms of the palace knights. As Yuusuke is leading the newly inaugurated group known as the Darkness G.o.d corps within the palace, he had to show his face as a new establishment to the palace knights. He was brought through the knights dining hall and bypa.s.sed the porch.
Incidentally, the carriage and horse that belonged to Zeshald, which Yuusuke had used to ride here, has been delivered back to Rufk.
"During the afternoon, you will need to head over to the construction site of the fortress, as it will become an important facility. For the time being just go and take a round trip to look at the site." (Violet)
"That"s great, but is it okay for you to guide me?(Yuusuke)
"It"s alright right? That"s what the color is for, special treatment."(Violet)
"....although, it will be troublesome if I were to get entangled with someone like Hirvodir again."(Yuusuke)
As Yuusuke complained about it, Violet seemed to be having a lot of fun as she brought them back into the palace. As Violet was proceeding ahead, right in front of his line of sight, Yuusuke turned his head and looked behind him due to a difference in interest, as he began to feel that the introduction was tedious, but he returned to what he was doing.
In that manner, he remembered to bear in mind that it is his establishment, thus turning back. Finally he arrived at the last resting room of the G.o.d corps. Compared to the royal knights" pointlessly luxurious waiting room, this room seemed to be pretty simple, or in order words, functional, as it emits an atmosphere of "some sort of tavern".
Although they were in the same type of room located within the palace, Yuusuke found it peculiar that the upper floors and lower floors had a lot of differences in dignification..
"It seems like this place is as shabby as usual."(Violet)
"Well, isn"t this Lady Violet! What kind of business do you need today in such a place?"
Laying down half slanted on the sofa, the commander-like soldier of the G.o.d corps jumped up in a hurry to greet Violet. The rest of the soldiers scattered the gambling bills off the table, hid their wines and began to form up in line.
"Yusuke, select people from amongst this group."(Violet)
"Eh? What do you mean?"(Yuusuke)
Yuusuke tried to protest, as there wasn"t much information given to him for the selection, whereas Violet on the other hand, dismissed his protest saying,"Currently the newly founded darkness G.o.d corps only have you. For the time being, take some of these G.o.d corps soldiers as subordinates. In the future, when you go on missions, you will at least have some underlings to utilize.”
"Such an important thing should have been told before hand....."(Yuusuke)
"Setting the missions aside, in any case you will still need to have subordinates for the current construction of the fortress."(Violet)
For the construction of the fortress, wouldn"t it be easy to just instantly create it, like the observation tower in the gate square? Yuusuke showed a shrug while looking at Violet.
After the completion of this mission, it seems that he will have to become a special person who changes the cuisines for Violet under the pretense of a "Special mission", but this time around, for the sake of appearance, he had to bring along some underlings.
"I can confidently say that you will be able to select about five appropriate people to bring along."(Violet)
"Appropriate?"(Yuusuke)
While the two of them were conversing with each other, the G.o.d corps soldiers were all curious about the black uniform of "the newly founded establishment, Knights of Darkness G.o.d corps". Hearing that they are able to get chosen and become one of the subordinates, they began to straighten their posture.
If one is being recruited by the palace knights, although the work is much tougher, one can expect better compensation even if there is easier work. Without fail they began to smile, trying to appeal their eagerness of wanting to be selected.
Yuusuke took into consideration the type of personnel that may be required during this mission. First he needed a wind arts user who could speed up the carriage and a water art user who could rejuvenate the horses. In case if the return trip happened late at night, it would be good to have a fire art user who could light the way. Other than that, he also wanted a wind user who had experience in communication, in order to send transmissions to the construction site and a water user who could attack in case of a battle.
The commander of the G.o.d corps is guy whose age is around 30 years old. He is one of the chosen fire art user, his name is Vermeer.
Another person, who is in the same G.o.d corps and holding the position of the vice captain, is a man in his mid 20s. He is an attack type water art user, his name is Shaheed.
Next is a lady in her early 20s. She is a healer type water art user, her name is Aisha.
Another lady who is in her late teens. She is a communication type wind art user, her name is Isotta.
Next is the guy in his mid 20s, who tried to hide the gambling bills just now. He is a wind art user, his name is Fonke.
Thus, these selected five will be accompanying Yuusuke, as his underlings, to the construction site. After each and everyone of them introduced themselves to Yuusuke, the group was disbanded for lunch. They were to gather at the porch to board a carriage and set off for a mission after lunch.
"Well, for the time being we have to settle our lunch. Will you head back upstairs Violet?"(Yuusuke) (TL: it"s weird when he says will violet head back upstairs)
"Yea, it"s a pity as I have a promise with my father."(Violet)
As it was a condition to perform the appointment ceremony earlier in the morning, they had to eat their lunch separately. Violet tried using her coaxing voice, but, as it didn"t work, she ended up taking the easier route of having a meal. "What a foolish parent", as Yuusuke thought while worrying about the future of Violet.
"I have to say that. In the future will you be either a captivating queen or a devilish princess."
"What was that about? No .... wait, maybe it actually sounded pretty "cool"....?"
As the friendly conversation between Yuusuke and Violet filled the atmosphere, the soldiers who were all looking at them were silent in amazement. Yuusuke, who realized that they were being stared at, began to inquire Vermeer, as he was the eldest amongst his underlings. Without reservation, Vermeer begins to ask a question to him.
"Erm it"s nothing much...... listening to how you called the princess, we were wondering what"s the relationship between the captain and the princess."(Vermeer)
"Ah~...."(Yuusuke)
The way the captain called out to her seemed a little awkward, thought Vermeer. As Yuusuke began to consider that "Certainly it might be pretty bad to address her without honorifics". Even Hivodir, who is one of Violet"s fiance candidate and holds a higher social status also called her princess.
"Lady Violet...."(Yuusuke)
"Yes?"(Violet)
Yuusuke tried to call Violet with a t.i.tle, but hearing her name, Violet tilted her head and asked, "Yes?".
"Violet! Violet! Violet!Violet!"(Yuusuke)
"Wa!? What’s up with you so suddenly?"(Violet)
"Nothing, I was getting rid of the uncomfortable feeling, after uttering something in front of your name."(Yuusuke)
"......Is my name as disgusting as strong vodka?"(Violet)
It had become a habit. On top of that, even the person herself had given him special treatment, thus Yuusuke decided that it would be better to leave it as it is. Thus, he faced his underlings and answered, "Well, it"s that kind of relationship."
Afternoon~~
"Hurry up and finish your mission so you can come back early."(Violet)
"Yeah, yeah..."(Yuusuke)
Violet sent off Yuusuke and his 5 underlings who boarded a G.o.d corp"s carriage. Departing from the palace, they headed towards the direction of the planned construction site for the fortress. "Gear Hawk Fortress" The fortress is built on the plains, which is facing the borders of Blue garden. It"s foundation is about half way complete, and even the building section has been 1/3 a.s.sembled. Although it is not yet a fully functional fortress, it still can be used a base to monitor the border, by deploying some soldiers and bringing supplies in.
"I heard that the captain built that gigantic tower instantaneously. Will you be building the fortress in the same way?"(Vermeer)
"We will have to see. As long as there is enough materials it would not be impossible."(Yuusuke)
"In...incredible........ I would like to see.......the building process."(Isotta)
As Yuusuke answered Vermeer’s question, Isotta clam her hands in front of her chest while directing her sparkling eyes toward Yuusuke.
The materials required for the fortress should be sufficient as Shadeed explained that he was previously attached as security to the site, and has returned from duty just 10 days ago. During the change of guards, they had brought large amount of materials along with replacements for duty.
Since there was enough materials to make this customization job easy, Yuusuke began to relax comfortably, as they headed towards the site.
"Captain, we can see the site."(Vermeer)
"And, I will contact them to inform about our arrival...... to let us in, okay?"(Isotta)
Even though the Gear hawk fortress is in the middle of construction, you could still see a ma.s.sive, dignified silhouette built out of cobblestone, nestled in the middle of the plains. Wooden scaffolding extended out on both sides of the wall. The cobblestones that were piled up in regular intervals on the wall could also be seen.
Although the height is just midway, it is already 30m tall. Fortress from the edge to the edge was probably around 50m in length. It is such a huge building.
"Ah, ehhh...... this is weird"(Isotta)
"What"s up, Isotta"(Vermeer)
Using her fingers to tap her head while trying to flap around restlessly, she tilted her neck as it seems like she was talking to herself. Vermeer, who was on the driver seat, slowed the carriage down and he turned his head around and asked.
"Ah, it"s just that...... the wind… I can"t seem to contact anyone."(Isotta)
Being unable to contact the fortress or the town, Isotta was bewildered as she answered. In the mean time, the carriage seemed to have arrived at the fortress ground. Pieces of wood and materials were scattered across the grounding site, and only a large piece of cloth turned up by flapping in the wind.
".....this is weird, it"s too quiet."(Shadeed)
Shaheed felt uncomfortable, as the atmosphere on the site was totally different from the time when he was last here. As it was pretty much noon, the number of workers should be scuffling around the scaffolding and the site. Fonke brought the carriage alongside the entrance of the fortress, and using his wind arts, he covered the body of the carriage with a wind wall.
"Fuee~~ good heavens, is everyone on their breaks? Though I want a cup of fruit sake."(Fonke)
"Hey, we"re in a middle of a mission. Be careful with your unscrupulous behavior in front of the captain."(Aisha)
Being warned by the serious Aisha, Fonke shrugged it off with an "ahh~scary".
"Anyway we should disembark, have you heard anything about this, captain?"(Vermeer)
"Nope, for the time being....... doesn"t t the atmosphere here seem weird to you?"(Yuusuke)
While Vermeer led the disembarking of the carriage, Yuusuke began inquiring Shaheed. Shaheed started to explained that during the time he was here, work was always ongoing till sundown. Since this is such a bright time and there wasn"t anyone around, he warned us to be vigilant.
"Alright, then everyone lookout around your surroundings--" (Yuusuke)
-- Something is aiming at you from the back!-- (Reifold)
Yuusuke gave out a warning order, as he heard something that sounded familiar. Reflexively turning his head behind, he saw that, standing in front of the entrance of the site next to where the soils have been piled up, there was a green hair man dressed in a similar uniform of that of the G.o.d corps swinging his arms upwards.
The man’s clothes began to flutter unnaturally and intensely. The dust around his feet began to dance as his hair fluttered. He swung up his arms to a familiar posture. It was the same stance when that green hair guy, whom I encountered in the gate square, released a wind blade. ~pov yuusuke
Yuusuke instantly spit out a command and opened his customization menu. Next, he created a customized earth wall right in front of his feet. Right as the wall appeared, the green hair man released his wind blade simultaneously. *Slicing sound* As he heard the sound of the earth being sliced, the top half of the wall became an inverted triangle.
"Wha- What"s going on!"(Isotta)
"A Wind Blade? Where did it appear from?"
"It came from there, the entrance next to the soil hill! I"ll create another wall, quick gather around me!"(Yuusuke)
In a kneeling position, he began to create another wall while increasing its divine arts resistance parameter. A light effect surrounded the earth wall. Meanwhile, after releasing the 2nd blade , the man began to flee from the field of vision of Yuusuke"s party. But immediately after the wall was formed, Isotta’s shriek reverberated while, at the same time, Shaheed shot a water ball.
The opponent side also had another guy who poised ready to release another wind blade. While the wind blade was diverted to counter the water ball attack released by Shaheed, Yuusuke"s party immediately jumped back into cover behind the wall, as remnants of the attack left scratches on the ground.
The wind blade, which was released from the vicinity of the entrance, showed that it even had enough power to pierce through the increased divine arts resistance of the earth wall.
"This is bad! That fella is from "Wind Troupe"! Blue garden"s elite unit!"(Fonke)
"Why are they here in such a place like this ....... tsu!"(Vermeer)
"Oh no.....! Well then, the people who had been working here should all be...."(Aisha)
The face of Fonke and Vermeer changed as they realized who their opponent was. Aisha"s face turned blue while she covered her mouth.
"If we remain like this, we will be sniped. Let"s retreat into the fortress."(Vermeer)
"Alright! For the time being I"ll leave the commanding to Vermeer!"(Yuusuke)
Yuusuke created a tunnel-like wall towards the fortress, and, following Vermeer"s orders, everyone retreated to safety. "That"s a good decision," said Vermeer, as he admired Yuusuke’s decision.
Preparing for an ambush, Shaheed led the pack while aiming at the top of the fortress with his divine arts.
The wind blades, one by one, hit the wall of the tunnel and broke it. Meanwhile Yuusuke managed to respond by repairing the walls in succession with his customization.
"Isotta, Search for the enemies"(Vermeer)
"Ye,Yes...."(Isotta)
Shaheed set himself up by the side of the door as he guarded the entrance to the fortress. Isotta began using her wind to search the compound of the fortress to ascertain whether there was anyone lurking inside.
At the same time, Yuusuke created a few layers of wall, making it like onion, and was holding up against the relentless a.s.saults of the wind blades. It seemed that they couldn"t be compared to the blades of the man whom he fought in the gate square. This is the power of the divine arts these so called "elites" of the divine arts warriors wield. Yuusuke realized that his overconfidence with his abilities have been tamed by such power.
~~ Although the wall of earth would hold up, but for the lowest category of divine arts, the wind arts, to be able to do so much damage....~~(pov Yuusuke)
"Ther, there isn"t any.....presences of enemies"(Isotta)
"Alright Captain! Let"s head inside the fortress!"(Vermeer)
As they rushed through the entrance without a door, Yuusuke touched the wall of the fortress to check if there was chime indicating the possibility of customization. The moment he heard the chime, he opened his customization menu and blocked all exits that seem likely for intrusion.
After all the intrusion paths were blocked, he further solidified the stones of that make up the wall into an impregnable fortress by increasing its strength and resistance against divine arts.
Gear Hawk Fortress, although it was in the middle of construction, it was splendidly enormous. Isotta’s search radius begin to expand as it was a extremely narrow indoors, and the blockade made it possible to move around. she began to search the bas.e.m.e.nt and top two floors for the existence of enemies.
It seems that there is a wind art jamming all contacts to the city, thus there won"t be any reinforcement coming. Tomorrow, if we can hold on until tomorrow, Violet will have sensed something amiss with Yuusuke"s party and will come with reinforcements. She might even send the G.o.d corps out after 14 hours.
For the time being, Yuusuke"s party moved to the nearest room to barricade themselves and begin planning on the counter measures.
"This has become a terrible first mission.....”(Yuusuke)