At the central building of Stellar Magus, the last of the representatives took their seat. Six figures occupied their chairs around a polished table, with a single empty chair standing out as a silent reminder. The air was thick with discontent, muffled murmurs echoing in the spacious room, lit by cold lights reflecting off the metal walls. Everyone seemed irritated by the sudden summons.
"This is absurd!" exclaimed Henric, a burly director, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "I was pulled from a critical operation without any warning."
"I agree," added Minerva, her curly brown hair swaying as she fixed a piercing gaze on the others. "This meeting is disrupting our military commitments."
The murmurs of dissatisfaction grew, a hum of frustration, until General Belial stepped to the front of the room, raising his hands to calm the tension. "Well, unfortunately, it seems the marshal won't be joining us, so let's begin…" he started, but his voice was cut off by a cold, authoritative presence.
"Without my permission, Belial?"
The voice rumbled like low thunder, and all eyes turned to the door. Belial, the General, snapped to attention in an instant. The directors, as if moved by reflex, rose from their chairs, rigid with respect.
At the entrance stood Marshal Irish, her presence dominating the room like an impending storm. Her icy blue eyes, marked by a thin black line of a cybernetic implant running down to the base of her right eye, seemed to pulse with contained energy. Her white hair swayed gently with her firm steps, the sound of her boots echoing on the polished floor. A palpable tension enveloped the room, the air growing heavier. She walked to the empty chair, sat with deliberate poise, and crossed her legs, her gaze sweeping over each director with an intensity that seemed to dissect their intentions.
"Marshal Irish, thank you for joining us," said General Belial, his voice cautious, accompanied by a respectful bow.
Irish gave a simple wave of her hand, the gesture almost dismissive, and the directors relaxed, returning to their seats, the chairs creaking softly under their weight.
"Once again, my apologies for the sudden summons. This kind of matter should be handled at the capital, but due to its urgency, I decided to convene you here, as it was the closest branch for everyone. I believe this is an issue of utmost importance," Belial explained, clearing his throat. "Let's begin the meeting," he continued, activating the projector. The screen lit up, displaying grainy images, like slides from a scanner showing a silhouette resembling a human body enveloped in an intense purple aura. The quality was poor, the shapes blurred, but the energy it exuded was undeniable. "This human body, found near Pluto, is heading toward Earth and emitting an unprecedented amount of mana energy. Initially, we thought it might be some other material with an embedded fragment, but the data indicates it's purely organic. The energy it radiates is comparable to divine fragments of historical significance, like Shunyata's masterpiece or the Sword of Life itself."
The representatives studied the images, their expressions ranging from shock and fascination to skepticism. Henric leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "A body? A body in space? Is that even possible?" he questioned, his voice laced with disbelief.
"General, that's a bit far-fetched," interjected Ashley, gesturing toward the screen, her posture firm. "The image quality is terrible. We all know anything organic would be disintegrated in open space. Isn't it too early to claim it's a human body?"
"It's hard to believe," muttered Lars, his hand resting on his chin, his eyes narrowed as he analyzed the silhouette.
"According to the data from the Pluto squadron, who observed it clearly, it is indeed a human body," Belial replied, his tone calm but firm. "We couldn't identify the exact race, but it's certain it's a man. Due to the distance, this is the best quality we could obtain."
"Very well, General, please continue," said Chen Hao, the most reserved director, waving a hand at Belial, who nodded slightly.
The General went on, "It's projected that the body will collide with Earth in approximately a few months—we don't have an exact date, but the location will be specifically in the maritime region near Japan. The Kurotaka Corporation, responsible for the Asian region, will be directly impacted and will likely take possession of the body. Given the density of mana it carries, it's probable that it will partially withstand the impact."
"And they'll take possession of the body… Beyond the data, I'm sure you have an opinion on this, General Belial?" Alexander asked, his voice calm but heavy with expectation.
Belial hesitated, aware of the situation's delicacy. "Even if the body is reduced to fragments, the mana it emits is extraordinarily high. I suggest we cooperate with the Kurotaka Corporation for a joint recovery operation. After all, we're both committed to global security and managing magical threats."
Henric frowned, his discontent clear on his face. "Cooperate with those arrogant Kurotaka folks? Absurd! They don't have our efficiency or capability," he retorted, his deep voice echoing through the room.
Minerva, on the other hand, fixed her gaze on the projector, thoughtful. "It's not a bad idea," she said, her voice calm but calculated. "A strategic collaboration could strengthen our international standing and ensure no other group interferes with the operation."
Lars, the youngest director, crossed his arms, his face marked by a defiant air. "And what if they try to sabotage us? We can't trust them. Who's to say they won't just take the entire body for themselves?"
Ashley, with her pragmatic stance, interjected, "We also need to consider public exposure. If the Nocturnia rats get wind of this, they'll try to meddle. We can't risk losing this unique resource due to a lack of cooperation."
Chen Hao remained silent, his eyes half-closed as he weighed the political and military implications, his fingers lightly tapping the table.
Irish, who had observed the debate with a cold gaze, finally spoke, her voice like an icy blade cutting through the air. "We will not cooperate with Kurotaka. Our resources are sufficient to handle this alone, without relying on their inefficiency and distrust. Besides, mobilizing large-scale magical forces could draw unwanted attention."
The directors exchanged nervous glances, Irish's authority weighing on them like a shadow. They knew she had the power to decide alone, and openly defying her was a risk few would dare take.
Belial, weighing his options, tried to find a middle ground. "Marshal Irish, I understand your concerns. However, the current situation demands joint action to ensure no adversarial group interferes with the recovery," he argued, his voice cautious but firm.
Henric, visibly irritated, raised his voice again. "They're practically our enemies, General! We can't just trust them with anything. We can find a way to legally justify our presence in their territory without needing their cooperation."
Minerva, still focused on the projector where the purple silhouette glowed, pondered for a moment. "Perhaps we could claim a potential threat to international security. If we secure the support of some smaller organizations, we could justify an emergency operation under the pretext of protecting their interests in Asian territory."
Alexander, ever cautious, added, "We also need to consider the diplomatic repercussions. Kurotaka can't accuse us of violating their sovereignty without triggering a larger crisis. A diplomatic approach might be the key here."
Lars, impatient, leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with boldness. "Why not mobilize our forces quickly and recover the body before they can react? It'd be a surprise strike."
Ashley, more pragmatic, raised an eyebrow, assessing the proposal. "We still need a solid legal justification. We can't just invade Kurotaka's territory without consequences. That could spark conflicts between multiple nations. Besides, Lars, do you really think they wouldn't notice something like that?" she asked, her tone dry, gesturing to emphasize the risk.
Chen Hao, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke, his voice calm but carrying authority. "We have the advantage of initiative since we discovered the body. I propose we begin preliminary negotiations with key representatives of the affected Asian nations immediately. Combined with Minerva's proposal, if we secure official support, we'll have a solid foundation to justify our operation, regardless of Kurotaka's actions."
While the directors and General Belial continued the tense debate in the Stellar Magus meeting room, Irish observed with a stern, authoritative expression, her white hair unmoving, her blue eyes glinting with relentless determination. There was no room for doubt in her posture, and she seemed ready to take full control of the situation.
"I agree with Chen Hao's proposal," Irish declared, her firm voice cutting through the air like a blade. "As the most critical issue, I will personally initiate negotiations with the Japanese prime minister. I will ensure we have the necessary cooperation to move forward with our plans. And you," her piercing gaze swept over each director, "must secure the approval of the other Asian military organizations by any means necessary."
The directors, despite their reservations and internal rivalries, knew that openly challenging Irish was futile. Her reputation for imposing her will, crushing any obstacle, was legendary. The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the faint tapping of Chen Hao's fingers on the table.
"Understood, Marshal. We will proceed according to your instructions," General Belial replied, choosing his words carefully, his voice firm but respectful.
Henric, still skeptical, couldn't contain his irritation. "And what about Kurotaka? We can't just trust that they won't interfere while we're trying to sort this out with Japan," he said, frowning, his deep voice echoing through the room.
Irish shot Henric an icy glare, the black implant in her right eye seeming to absorb the light. "Kurotaka won't dare interfere," she retorted, her voice laden with authority. "I'll make it clear that any hostile move will be seen as an affront to international security. This will be a temporary alliance on their own turf, under strict non-intervention terms."
Minerva, thoughtful, added, "Yes, Marshal. We also need to clearly establish the terms of this 'non-intervention' to avoid future misunderstandings. Any violation must be treated as a declaration of hostility."
Ashley nodded slightly, signaling agreement with the outlined plans, her eyes fixed on the projection of the purple-shrouded body.
Chen Hao concluded, "Marshal Irish, allow me to coordinate the preliminary negotiations with the other Asian governments. I'll ensure we have the necessary support before proceeding."
Irish gave a curt nod. "Very well. You all have your orders. Dismissed," she commanded, her voice cold and authoritative, her gaze sweeping the room like an unquestionable decree.
The directors rose, their chairs creaking against the polished floor, and began to leave. As Belial turned to exit, Irish stopped him. "You stay."
A chill ran down Belial's spine, the weight of her voice like an invisible chain. He stood still, knowing hesitation would be a mistake. The room, now empty except for the two of them, felt even more oppressive under the marshal's presence.
Irish stood with a smooth but deliberate motion. With a wave of her hand, the chairs and table dissolved into particles of light, revealing they were magical constructs of the room. The silence was almost tangible, broken only by the firm sound of Irish's steps as she walked to the projector, the image of the purple-shrouded body glowing on the screen.
"General," Irish began, her voice cold and controlled, "this body. What else do we know about it?"
Belial took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "Marshal, we know it's moving toward Earth at an unusual speed. Its composition is predominantly organic, but the energy it emits is equivalent to a superior divine fragment. This is unprecedented."
Irish fixed her gaze on the image, her eyes gleaming with calculated curiosity. "And what about the potential impact? Are we certain it will land in Japanese territory?"
"Yes, Marshal. Headquarters' calculations indicate it will collide in the sea, near the Japanese coast. However, given the unique nature of this body, there are still many uncertainties," Belial replied, maintaining his composure.
Irish continued staring at the projection, her expression unyielding. "Have you ever heard of the Golden Law, General?" she asked, her eyes locked on the body.
"Yes, Marshal. It's the law created by the goddess of magic, Althea, during the Golden Age of Faith, intended to save humanity and limit magic," Belial answered, serious but with a slight frown, puzzled by the sudden question.
Irish lightly traced her fingers over the right side of her face, the black implant glinting under the projector's light. "Yes… that's the most well-known version. But there are some nuances to that story. Centuries ago, the first divine fragment was discovered. It was used to forge the legendary Blade of Life, something that completely shifted the world's balance." She paused, her eyes narrowing. "Can you imagine? A single sword gave humans the ability to kill gods…"
Belial listened in silence, the weight of her words growing in the room. Irish continued, "But, of course, after some unfortunate choices, our ancestors decided to offer the Blade of Life to the goddess Althea herself, in exchange for using it as a tribute to create the Golden Law. An artificial law of nature… something that serves no purpose other than limiting human potential."
She paused, her fingers tracing the outline of her implant. "If the analyses are correct, and this… body truly holds that amount of mana, can you fathom its value?"
"It's a truly staggering amount, Marshal," Belial replied, hesitant. "That's why I humbly request you reconsider the alliance with—"
"Belial," Irish interrupted, casting a piercing glance over her shoulder, silencing him instantly. She turned her attention back to the projector. "Don't you understand? We cannot allow an artifact of such power to even pass through the hands of Kurotaka or any other organization. Our actions must be decisive and based on certainties, but, of course, we need a contingency plan. Any suggestions, General?"
Belial felt the weight of her expectations, knowing his response could determine his fate in the corporation. "Marshal, I suggest we establish a discreet presence in Japan immediately, under the pretext of international cooperation in magical security. We have the advantage of acting first. We can mobilize our elite troops and position them strategically to intercept the body before any other corporation has a chance to act."
Irish pondered, her cold eyes fixed on Belial. After a moment that felt eternal, she nodded slowly. "Positioning troops early won't be much help, as other corporations will eventually detect it too. But something bothers me…" She paused, her eyes narrowing at the image. "You're assuming this plan will work if it's just a corpse, Belial. But what if it's alive?"
Belial swallowed hard, the idea defying all logic. A living person in the vacuum of space was inconceivable. "Marshal, the likelihood of it being alive is…"
Irish cut him off, her voice sharp. "As I said, I'm not interested in probabilities, General. We must deal in certainties, and for that, we need to think beyond our usual understanding." She paused, her eyes fixed on the purple silhouette. "If it's alive…"
Belial stared at the image, still skeptical, but a chill ran through him. So much power in a single body… he thought, his gaze shifting to Irish, whose presence seemed as overwhelming as the body on the screen. "Understood, Marshal. In that case, we'll reinforce our team with top-tier containment specialists, prepared to handle a possible living entity."
Irish nodded. "Do it."
Belial bowed his head respectfully. "As you wish, Marshal." He turned to leave, his footsteps echoing in the quiet chamber.
"One more thing, Belial," Irish called out.
He stopped mid-step, turning slightly to face her. "Yes, Marshal?"
"Take Caspian and Kale with you."
Belial's jaw tightened briefly. The siblings were a nightmare—frighteningly powerful but a headache to manage. Caspian, the egocentric mage, was a self-proclaimed prodigy whose arrogance made him utterly repugnant. Kale, his sister, was a volatile force, her instability only barely reined in by her brother's influence. Still, he nodded. "As you wish, Marshal."
Alone, Irish turned back to the projector, staring at the image of the body floating in space. Where the hell did you come from…? she wondered, her mind racing. There were no records of spatial incidents that could explain its origin. Unless… this is from outside our system… Her eyes narrowed, fixed on the mana reading in the image. If this body truly carries the energy of such a powerful divine fragment, securing it could mean a second drastic shift in the world's balance of power.
A faint smile curved her lips, her overwhelming confidence shaping her next moves. She was about to enter a dangerous game of power, where a single misstep could be fatal. But Irish had no doubts about her ability to manipulate the situation. The prize was unmatched, something that would place her above all others. Determined to win, no matter the cost or who needed to be sacrificed, Irish was destined to claim this body and wield the absolute power about to be uncovered. Everyone would see that no one was more capable or worthy than she.
-
Amid a noisy and vibrant scene, Eldric landed his Meka in the bustling facilities of Moonshadow, the organization led by Narui. The organization's symbol—a black crescent moon with a lunar circle at its center—was emblazoned on crates, walls, and even the workers' uniforms. The place pulsed with activity: people carried gleaming weapons, swords, daggers, and mana-infused equipment that glowed with a subtle energy. Massive Mekas hauled heavy loads back and forth, their metallic steps making the ground tremble slightly, the air thick with the scent of heated metal and residual mana. It was an illegal depot in full swing, every movement screaming secrets and power.
Eldric leaped from the Meka's cockpit with a carefree smile, the wind tousling his blond hair as he adjusted his suit. His eyes scanned the surroundings, catching familiar faces in the crowd. He pulled out the rune Yusha had entrusted to him, the small, cold object resting in his hand, and tucked it carefully into his pocket before stepping down.
"Eldric, my man!" shouted a worker, Jack, waving enthusiastically from behind a stack of crates. "What's the word?"
"Haha, same old, Jack. Green stuff!" Eldric replied, returning the wave with a quick gesture, his steps confident as he navigated through his colleagues.
Jack let out a hearty laugh, the sound muffled by the clatter of the Mekas. "That's what I'm talking about, man! If you need me for that gig, you know where to find me."
Eldric flashed a knowing grin and nodded, continuing on his way. His eyes lit up with interest as he spotted an attractive worker, Seena, organizing a batch of mana weapons, the blades reflecting light in shades of blue and purple. He approached, his smile taking on a charming edge. "Seena, always so busy. When are you gonna make time for a drink with me?"
Seena looked up, her face a mix of disdain and amusement. "Haha, Eldric. I sincerely hope never," she shot back, an ironic smile curling her lips as she returned to her work.
"You don't know what you're missing," Eldric said, shrugging with a mischievous grin, unfazed. He moved on, his Meka lumbering heavily behind him to an area where other workers were unloading cargo. One of them opened the storage compartment of Eldric's Meka and widened his eyes at the sight of the stacked saussureas, the plants glowing with a soft luminescence.
"Wow, you got a hell of a haul this year, huh?" the worker exclaimed, impressed.
"Yeah, it was a good one," Eldric replied, a satisfied smile on his face as he oversaw the unloading, ensuring everything was handled carefully.
After confirming the cargo was secure, Eldric turned to a nearby worker, the noise of the Mekas partially drowning out his voice. "Where's Narui? I need to talk to her."
"Narui's out for now, should be back later," the man replied, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But you know how she is—she always shows up when you least expect it."
Eldric nodded, thanking him with a quick wave. He decided to wait, leaning against a stack of crates as he observed the bustle around him, his eyes sharp to every detail of the depot. The clang of metal on metal, the laughter of workers, and the constant hum of mana equipment created a chaotic but familiar symphony. He tapped his fingers on the pocket where he kept the rune, the weight of Yusha's mission lingering in his mind, while he continued to interact with colleagues, his smile never faltering.
Hours later, inside the Moonshadow facilities, Eldric stood alone in the bathroom, a towel hanging nearby as he stared at his reflection in the fogged-up mirror. Steam from the shower filled the air, the hot water trailing down his body, leaving glistening paths on his skin. His thoughts swirled around the rune Yusha had entrusted to him, a subtle weight in the pocket of his clothes tossed in the corner.
Why would she use an advanced rune for something so simple? There's something off about this… he thought, curiosity nagging at him. Earlier, he'd tried consulting a friend knowledgeable about runes, but the artifact's complexity had stumped them. Something this suspicious… Could it have to do with Astrid?
Astrid's name sparked a different, more visceral heat that surged through his chest. Images of her flooded his mind—her delicate face, her crimson eyes glowing like embers, her pale skin almost luminescent. God, that girl… The thought ignited a spark of excitement, and he let himself get carried away, the shower water streaming down as his hand moved, picturing Astrid in intimate, vulnerable scenarios. I need her… I want her for myself, that body… Desire consumed him, and he lost himself in fantasies, the steam blurring the world around him.
A firm knock on the door snapped him out of his reverie, the sound echoing like thunder. "Eldric, Narui's here," a worker announced, his voice hesitant from the other side.
Eldric stopped abruptly, his heart racing. He grabbed the towel, wrapping it around his waist, and turned off the shower, the water ceasing with a metallic groan. Composing himself, he tried to erase any trace of his arousal as he quickly dried off. He threw on a simple shirt over his pants, grabbed the rune, and stepped out, the cool corridor air soothing the heat on his skin.
In the depot, Moonshadow's organized chaos continued: Mekas hummed, hauling crates, while workers shouted orders, the scent of mana and metal lingering in the air. Eldric found Narui in a corner of the warehouse, discussing with supervisors. Noticing his approach, she waved a hand, and the others scattered like shadows, leaving them alone. Narui turned, her imposing posture commanding attention, her yellow eyes gleaming under the ceiling lights.
"They told me you wanted to talk, Eldric," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I hope you're not here just to bore me with your little jokes."
Narui was a striking figure. Her Usagimimi fur had a light tan hue, contrasting with her wavy blond hair streaked with pink. Her black tech top, minimal panties, and sheer thigh-high stockings screamed exhibitionism. A gleaming robotic arm replaced her right one, and weapons hung from her waist, her flowing overcoat completing her commanding aura. Her yellow eyes sized Eldric up, a scornful smile curling her lips. Her sharp senses caught a faint residual scent and the tension in his posture.
"Ha, hope you weren't getting off thinking about me again, Eldric," she said, her dry laugh echoing. "I wouldn't hesitate to cut your 'little friend' off if that's the case."
Caught off guard, Eldric forced a smile, his embarrassment masked by a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, Narui, you know how it is… just warming up for our meeting. Nothing like a good dose of motivation," he shot back, his tone teasing.
He pulled the rune from his pocket, and Narui, with a fluid motion, made a cigar appear in her hand, the ring on her finger glowing faintly. She lit it with a snap, the scent of smoke wafting through the air as she took the rune, her eyes fixed on the object. "I saw how many saussureas you brought," she remarked, her voice calm but attentive. "Even with a suppression module, controlling a Meka with that kind of mana density isn't easy. Nice work, I'd say."
"You, praising me?" Eldric teased, tilting his head. "I might need to hit the bathroom again."
The rune glowed a deep green in Narui's hands. She examined it, thoughtful. "A tier-3 rune from Yusha… must be something serious," she murmured, intrigued. "Do you know what kind of information this could hold?"
Eldric shrugged, his smile casual. "How would I know? If I did, I wouldn't need the rune."
Narui shot him a suspicious glance, the cigar releasing a thin spiral of smoke. "Yeah, yeah, of course you don't know. You'd never try to crack it before handing it over, right?" she said, her tone cutting with irony.
Eldric repeated the shrug, his smile now a bit forced. "Probably why Yusha used a tier-3 rune," he replied, maintaining his facade.
Narui studied the rune, her eyes narrowed, clearly intrigued. Eldric, noticing her focus, seized the chance to add, "I don't know what it's about, but it might have something to do with that girl Yusha's looking after," he said, his tone blending curiosity with a faint smile.
Narui raised an eyebrow, surprised. She vaguely recalled the story Yusha had told years ago, about a girl found in strange circumstances. But mana scanners had never detected another living aura in that region, only Yusha's. The idea of Yusha "becoming a mother" seemed like the absurd fantasy of an eccentric elf. "Oh, really?" she asked, genuine interest in her voice. "And what's this girl like?"
Eldric, trying to mask the desire still burning in his chest, answered with a loaded tone, "Her name's Astrid. Looks like a half-elf, but she's got a tail, so I wouldn't even guess her age. Short, light hair, red eyes that stick in your head. Her beauty's… rare. The kind that'd make anyone lose their mind."
Eldric's tone betrayed his intentions, the desire evident in the glint of his eyes. Narui noticed immediately, an ironic smile curling her lips. "Oh, so you've got your eye on this girl, huh?" she remarked, her voice teasing. "I don't care who you chase, but a word of advice: if Yusha sees her as a daughter, you'd better not get involved. Yusha might sleep with you because of her condition, but don't think you know her. Don't underestimate what she's capable of if someone targets her 'daughter.'"
Eldric laughed, his tone dismissive but tinged with amusement. "Come on, Narui, I'd never do anything to a girl, especially not family of a colleague. It's just a passing interest," he said, his smile hiding the truth.
Narui shook her head, sighing, her eyes half-closed but accepting his response. "Oh, Eldric…"
She turned, her overcoat billowing. "Alright, follow me," she ordered, her steps firm and elegant, the workers around her saluting respectfully as she passed, the sound of her boots echoing on the metal floor.
When they reached a private room, Narui gestured for Eldric to wait outside. He leaned against the wall, his eyes following her with a seductive gaze as she entered, the door sealing with a click. Narui's aura of authority and mystery lingered in the air, leaving Eldric with the rune delivered but his mind still swirling between Astrid and the secrets it held.