Making her way to her lab, Clover walked along the hallway with Rose beside her, coming into the busy section of the castle, they spotted the place in a panic, the guards were on alert, and the maids were all asked to go somewhere safe.
Princess Diamond was seen surrounded by the royal guards and was barking orders, Clover and Rose approached worried about what was going on…
"sis Dia?… what's all this about, why is everyone in a panic?" Clover asked with concern…
"oh Tio, you should look for a safe place to stay immediately" Princess Diamond cried out in panic…
"why?" she asked very confused…
"we are under attack again" princess Diamond responded with a dreadful look on her face…
"who?… why?… how?… from where?" Clover asked now truly confused…
"didn't you hear that loud bang a couple of minutes ago?… and I sent scout to go check out where it came from, and they reported it was the training dome… (hearing that, Clover and Rose exchanged looks of relief then giggled)… why, what did you find funny with what I said?… this is serious, Tio" princess Diamond lamented in confusion with the kind of response she got from Clover and Rose…
"oh, please do forgive us sis… you shouldn't worry about that anymore, I can assure you we aren't under any kind of attack" Clover explained, but Princess Diamond still felt she wasn't taking it seriously…
"um, your highness, princess Clover is right, we aren't under any kind of attack, that was our friends from Righteous testing out the new weapon princess Clover gave to them"
Rose explained further, but princess Diamond just looked so lost now…
"remember in the meeting I told them I had a weapon crafted with the material they were looking for.. (she nods)… that was what Erica used, and that was what caused the sound you heard and the state of the training dome too" as those words left Clover's lips, it was impossible to believe by princess Diamond, but upon more clearer thoughts, she saw it really happening now with soul energy, and after hitting that realization, she felt so stupid for assuming the worst, she just really wanted to disappear…
"oh no, oh no, oh no…. you there… (she pointed at one of the royal guard closest to her)… go inform the others it was a false alarm, and offer an apology on my behave" the guard left, then princess Diamond buried her face in her hand, in utter embarrassment…
"are you alright big sis?" Clover asked a little concerned but still laughing on the inside…
"I panicked so hard… I really thought we were under attack again, and I gave a speech too… arggh" she sobbed, as recalling the speech increased the shame she was feeling… Clover placed her hand on her back trying to cheer her up…
"it's alright, I mean just look at the bright side… you just proved you will be a fantastic queen and the guards respect for you have grown more now" ... "arggggh why me!!!" princess Diamond screamed, she just wanted to turn back time to that moment and change everything, she also noticed her sister was teasing her on top of trying to cheering her up, which made her smile a little… they laughed together as they walked back to the castle with princess Diamond.
The rest of the grand Four General all assembled at the capital of Menssai, as they got word Jace was on his way back and he requested for their presences.
Nass, Nalia and Drako were all present, and awaiting Jace's arrival, they sat in silence, and heavy sighs can be heard in the direction of Drako, as he was already feeling bored, Nass was shooting nervous glances at Drako, as she recalls what he said the last time they talked, it was a very new experience talking to Drako like that, one she isn't sure she will ever get use to, but what caused the change in her as she struggles to make eye contact with Drako was the things he said to her that day, no one as said stuff like that to her before, it was a new experience and very unexpected, and some part of her actually liked it, even if she would never admit it, Nalia noticed, how strange Nass was acting…..
"hey… is everything all right with you?… you are acting really weird… was it my fault?… (gasp)… did I do something again?… (sob)… am sorry Nass, am so sorry" hearing her, Drako turned his attention to their direction for a moment, then just looked away again, not caring about the tears in the eyes of Nalia…
"h-hey… no no you did nothing wrong Nalia, I promise, a-am just tired that's all, that's all" Nass explain, trying to cheer Nalia up…
"are you sure?" she asked with tears and snot on her face…
"um..y-yes, very positive.. (takes out an handkerchief)… now take this and clean your face before lord Jace gets here alright" Nass gave her the handkerchief, and Nalia used it, and offered it back to Nass, all soaked and slimy snot…
"ugh… you can keep it, just in case" Nass rejected it instantly.
After what seemed like an eternity, a guard came in and informed them Lord Jace was back, and he will be making his way to them shortly, they all began to adjust themselves and sitting up right, then minutes later Jace walked into the room, with Demiurge and Kolpa by his side, the others stood up from their sits and keeled before him as he walked past them to his sit.
He told them to sit, as the meeting was about to begin…
"lord Jace… pardon my curiosity but, I don't see Pyon, was he given another mission?" Nass asked as she was the first to notice Pyon wasn't with Jace, Jace sigh, which the others saw as a bad sign, he then finally spoke…
"of course you are quick to notice Nass… Pyon was defeated in battle… (the ladies were shocked, but Drako looked like he gave a sigh of relief and then a light smile)… he foolishly underestimated them and payed the ultimate price for it… let this be a warning to the rest of you, in this new age of soul energy, do not feel you are invincible, enter every battle like it might be your last, no matter who you are facing, the moment you look down on anyone you've already lost before it begins, you are all just mortal after all, not like myself… do not bring shame to my faction as Pyon did, I hope am clear… (they all responded)… good… now I summoned you all here cause we have to discuss what went down at Warmark, and also what our next move is going to be, moving forward" Jace adjusted himself on his sit as he continued, he went on to tell them what transpired at Warmark, how his main objective was met without any issues except the death of Pyon, and close to half his army, and also his big discovery about the masked man Drako told them about…
"so you came face to face with this person my lord?" Nalia interjected with a question, Jace nods in response as he continued…
"and my next discovery was equally as shocking… that masked man, was my big brother Jericho, someone I was so sure was lost to the war three and a half years ago" as Jace concluded, only Nass was hit with the wave of shock, Drako wasn't surprised as he already knew, and Nalia didn't know who Jericho was, in fact this was the first time she was finding out Jace had a bother…
"but how… how is that even possible?" Nass asked still finding it hard to believe the news…
"he survived somehow… I don't really know the details, and I didn't ask… I just want to let you all know, I do not have a brother anymore (this time shock ran through every corner of the room, including Drako)… I offered him a place by my side, I asked him to join me so we can change this disgusting world together, I wanted us to avenge our father together… but he turned me down, siding with the three great powers instead… (sigh)… so hear me, from this day forth my generals, Jericho is our enemy, see him as another obstacle to crush as we reach our goal, do not hold back or underestimate him, I think he was the one who killed Pyon, he is truly powerful, I could feel it, do not let your guard down against him" Jace ordered, and they all responded shapely, Drako exhaled with relief after hearing what Jace said, when he first started, he was thinking Jace killed Jericho, so he assumed that was why Jace said he didn't have a brother anymore, so hearing the rest of it was a huge relief to him, as his one truth king is fine.
"that is that about our exploit in Warmark… next is where we go from here… we will now be shifting our attention to the other continents for a while, we do not have much time, especially now that my brother… I mean… Jericho is here, he will surely be involved in a lot of resistance against us… so we need to rebuild our forces, and this time we need the beings from the other continents, as soon as possible… Nalia, Nass (they answered)… we are now going to go all out in both the Demonoid and Drakiel continents, that will now be our main target for now, and speaking of Pyon, a replacement will be chosen soon… but for now we should start making preparations to increase our influence in the other continents… Nass, I need all the information you can get about your birth nation and continent, so I can be able to plan accordingly… and Nalia, call off you push for now in your nation, let them think you've retreated, it will be crucial for what I have planned" Jace concluded, and the others nods in agreement…
"Drako… I have a new mission for you… you will return to Righteous and keep an eye on Jericho, any move they make, any plans they concoct, no matter how insignificant it is, you are to inform me immediately, understood?" Drako had a smile on his face as he took the mission, to Jace he thought Drako was excited cause he was planning on fighting Jericho again, so he quickly warned him against engaging Jericho, and he was only suppose to keep an eye on him… but to Drako it was the complete opposite, to him it was the best mission he could have ever asked for, cause he can finally be by the side of his king without having to sneak around, and actual assist him physically, it was the best gift of a mission in his eyes, and cause of that he couldn't stop smiling…
"understood lord Jace… I will not let you down" he replied, still with a huge smile on his face, Jace just sighed and moved on…
"Nass… you are to assign any of your trusted subordinates to take over your current mission in developing the nations I bestowed upon you for now at least, and get started with the information gathering on the Demonoid continent" Nass bowed as she accepted her new mission…
"those are you orders, go make preparations" Jace commanded, and the three generals stood, bowed and exited the room, leaving Jace, Demiurge and Kolpa…
"now Kolpa… about that Pyon replacement, I leave it up to you, get Prince Jazz" Jace requested locking eyes with Kolpa, and with a smile he responded…
"already on it, lord Jace".
A week has passed, and the entourage of Emperor Riko had just left, and also the king of Righteous, escorted by Alice and Sir. William, only Jericho and Erica remained a bit longer as Jericho had already begin training the military of Warmark in the art of using soul energy, with Erica assisting him.
It was settled before the emperor of Kosuke left, that when Jericho was done with Warmark, a delegation of high ranking military personal, whom has mastered the art to at least it's basics would then be sent over to the Kingdom of Kosuke, to also instruct the samurais of Kosuke, as Jericho had a pending mission that can't wait any longer, then once he returns from said mission, he can put in the finishing touches to their soul energy training.
The recovery efforts of Warmark was proceeding quite well, thanks to the ancient technology on display, the rubble had been cleared, disaster shelters was created for the citizens that lost their homes to make due until the rebuilding was completed, and a funeral was held to honor all the life lost in the attack.
And also the preparation of the academy that was discussed was now finally in the works, as a blueprint of it's architectural design was being drafted, so they can begin construction.
Vetra had fully recovered, and has began soul training under Jericho, and of course he is the most impressive among the army.
princesses Clover, Diamond and Spade and prince Ace were all just practicing their soul control with Erica, while Jericho takes care of the military that had shown compatibility with soul energy, with assistance from Erica from time to time when she is available to help.
Two more weeks flew by, and the military of Warmark have now gotten the basics of soul energy, with a few already manifesting their element, among them was Vetra whom ability is the wind element, and unsurprising to Jericho, it is the third and highest class, which is Storm.
The Princesses and prince at this time under the guidance of Erica, had also mastered the basics, Princess Diamond had already discovered her element, which was mist or fog, the second class of the water element, and as it was discovered, the twins are the first humans after Jericho to command the illusive chaos class elements, Spade had Lightning, while Ace commanded sound waves or Sonic Waves, but Clover opted to call it Thunder cause of how powerful and loud it is, and also to compliment his twin sister.
Since that discovery everyone referred to the twins as "The Thunder and Lightning Twins of Warmark or The Twin Storm", and yes Jericho had a hand in the name, Erica didn't agree, which made her suggest the second name instead, which the twins themselves loved, but as the first name came from Jericho, Clover wasn't taking no for an answer from anyone, and so they settled on both nicknames.
Princess Clover on the other hand haven't discovered her element yet, but she was the first to master the basics of it's flow, and most impressive when it came to control, which didn't surprise anyone in the slightest.
Few days later, Erica, Jericho and Vetra made their way to the lab of Clover, via her request, she had something she wanted them to see that sounded urgent, and so they made their way to her.
On getting there, Jericho knocked and Rose answered the door, letting them in. They walked to the center of the room, then they saw Clover,with goggles on, standing beside a table with a clothe covering the content on the table.
She welcomed them and pointed where they should stand as she prepared to explain why she called for them…
"welcome, all of you, you must be wondering why I called you all here, which will be a valid question, so just bare with me, I will explain" Clover spoke, which increased the curiosity the others had even more.
"As you know even if he has a very tenacious spirit, and he has indeed improve even with just an arm, Vetra will be a bigger asset in the coming war and for the kingdom when he is a hundred percent... (they exchanged confused looks)… and I know he opted against Jericho returning his arm, for a valid enough reason, but I feel I can make him more powerful too, (she moved closer to the table beside her)… and so that brings me to this table and what am about to reveal"
Clover concluded as Rose joined her, holding on to the other side of the clothe as they uncover what was underneath it.
The contents on the table was now revealed for all to see, it was a mechanical arm, complete with a very sophisticated design that looks more like a normal human arm than mechanical, it was gray in color, slender and slick looking.
Jericho, Erica and Vetra stared at it in complete awe, as it was one of the most impressive thing they had ever seen…
"C-Clover…. where did this come from?" Jericho asked, still surprised by it…
"well remember the weapons I showed you and Erica that were also made from the materials that you are looking for, the Luxton star?, you picked the sword and told me I will find someone more worthy to use the soul gun here at Warmark, so thinking about Vetra, I decided to create this for him, as thanks for saving my life and also an apology for how stubborn I acted that almost caused him his life… (she sigh)… I broke down one of the soul guns, using the Luxton parts in the most vital points of the arm, so it can be able to withstand the pressure of soul energy, and then I constructed the other less important parts with some Tungsten metal… the Tungsten metal's durability and lightness because of it's chemical compounds was the selling point in me deciding to use it, and also how easy it is to forge with… (they all stared at Clover like she was speaking in another language… she gave an exasperated sigh, before breaking it down more)… it is very much compatible with any form of soul energy meaning, Vetra doesn't need a catalyst to use his ability, this arm will be his catalyst, his weapon… you get it now?" Clover concluded after summarizing it in a way the others should understand.
They all made their way towards the table, to investigate the arm closely, and upon closer inspection, it was indeed beautiful, Jericho ran out of words to describe how much Clover impresses him…
"so what happened to the other soul gun?" Jericho asked as he kept on inspecting the arm…
"it is here, and I believe Vetra is the right person to use it, he is the best gun user we have at Warmark by far, it's only fitting he has a weapon that suits his talents… yes I went ahead to rename the weapon a gun" Clover move to the other side of the room to retrieve the second soul gun, and brought it over to Vetra, she opened it so he could see it, he was so moved by her gesture that he couldn't stop smiling…
"are you certain am worthy enough to have all this my princess?" Vetra asked again just to be clear it was his…
"of course, it's the first of it's kind captain, the very first generation of what's to come, use it with pride" Clover handed both the arm and soul gun over to Vetra, whom accepted it without any hesitation, also cause he doesn't want to disrespect his princess by complaining or rejecting it…
"it will be an honor to accept this gifts my princess… am eternally grateful" Vetra bowed as he accepted it, Jericho smile after seeing that exchange…
"what are you waiting for captain?… go test it out" Erica suggested, looking really curious and excited, Vetra nods in agreement, then they all made their way outside, with Erica, Vetra and Rose leading the way, and Jericho walking side by side with Clover at the back…
"hey Clover… never change okay, I really like you the way you are, but still don't over exhaust yourself, take a break every now and then, I want to be sure you will be fine before I leave for my mission soon, so promise me, as much as you surprise me with your beautiful mind, also offer me the relief of knowing you are taking care of yourself… that's all I ask of you" Jericho stated with a very warm smile that made Clover's heart skip a beat and then she turned beet red, she nods in response still very much flustered but extremely happy Jericho is worried about her, as they continued on their way.
Now out in an open space, Vetra stood with the others ready to test out his new upgrades, Clover stepped up fixing the arm for him…
"how does it feel?… any discomfort?" she asked…
"none at all my princess, it's like I never lost an arm, and it's so light too, this is truly incredible" Vetra couldn't stop praising the arm with a huge smile on his face…
"excellent, here have this too" Clover handed over the soul gun, Vetra collected it, then she stepped back to where the others stood, and signaled for Vetra to start the test.
He then took a deep breathe, aiming the soul gun at the distance, passing his soul energy through it, he fires… "BOOM!!" an explosion of a round shaped wind flew out the gun, and made contact with a tree, shattering it to pieces, and then it ignited like a bomb when it made contact, taking out two percent (2%) of it's surrounding.
The wind traveled towards where the others were, causing them the look away for a moment, when everywhere settled, they turned to investigate the damage caused, and it was indeed huge, Vetra stared at what he just did, feeling a bit speechless, after a moment of processing what he just did, he got ready to finally test out the arm.
Creating more distance between themselves and Vetra just in case, especially after how the soul gun did, they weren't taking any chances with this next one.
Vetra collected himself, concentrating as he raise his left mechanical arm… "Soul Casting… Storm Strike" Vetra called, then the wind around them started picking up fast, his arm started glowing brightly, the wind around got much much more intense, Jericho had to create a rope out of his ability, tiring everyone down so the wind won't pick them up.
The wind gathered around Vetra's arm, then he blast it into the sky, it disappeared into the clouds, then suddenly, a flash of lightning rained down from that same spot his attack flow to, as it hit the ground it shook the earth and obliterated it's surroundings, with the clap back heading their way, Jericho then created a wall with his Mercury ability before it got to them, it hits Jericho's wall with real force but it was steady enough to keep standing, as the others looked away as it was too windy.
When the dust settled, Vetra looked pretty stunned and impress with what he just did, although he went down to one knee as he was out of breathe, cause of the amount of Soul Energy he dispense all at once for the very first time he was using his ability.
"wow… that was huge… never saw a wind user before, they seem really powerful, well I guess it's also down to the fact that Vetra is in the Storm class of the wind ability, but if am being blunt I felt that was still the weakest among the four core elements… I guess Vetra just proved me wrong" Jericho stated as he looked impressed with Vetra's display…
"Jericho you of all people should know none of mother nature's element are weak, it just depends on how you use them" Erica argued…
"true" Jericho agreed with her input…
"s-so is he alright, he has been down on one knee for a while now" Rose asked feeling concern…
"he will be fine, this is the first time he is unleashing soul energy from his body, would take a while for him to get use to it, this reaction is normal, just give him some space he will be alright" Jericho responded to Rose's worried, easing her mind…
"oh Rose (she answered)… you have been acting really strange lately, especially when it comes to Vetra, you get worried about him easily… is it what am thinking, my dear assistant?" Clover asked, with a devious smile, staring at Rose suspiciously, Jericho and Erice turned their attention to her as Clover asked that question, Rose the shook her head profusely, in an attempt to deny any of Clover's ailgation…
"o-of course not my Princess (nervous laugh)… your imagination is at it again… I just feel bad for him, y-you know he has really been through so much already, just don't want more misfortune on him, that all, nothing romantic about it, I assure you" Rose nervously explained, while trying hard to look convincing, Jericho and Erica couldn't help but laugh with her reaction.
After a moment Vetra made his way to their location, dawning a huge smile on his face…
"so… how was it?" Jericho asked, the smile on Vetra's face increased…
"it felt amazing lord Jericho, the energy flowing through me and out, it was truly an experience, but I think I need to work on my control more… thank you so much for the training lord Jericho" Vetra stated with a bow and a smile…
"no Vetra, it was all you my friend, it was all you" Jericho responded with a smile…
"so how's the arm, after you used it, does anything feel off about it?" Clover asked as she stared at the arm…
"oh it fantastic my Princess, I didn't feel and temperature raise or fall while I was using it, it was perfectly stable" Vetra replied to Clover question, she nodd as she said…
"great, but you will be coming in for maintenance at least once a month, so I can make sure it's still in it's top condition, of course you can still come in anytime it start to feel strange to you okay?" Vetra nods then bows as he thanked Clover too, they all then made it back to the Castle.