Chapter 107: To the Mission Sites
The Flying Magical Vehicles soared across the landscape, bypassing mountains, forests, towns, cities, and scattered battlefields. Eventually, they arrived at their designated location, where a temporary base would be established. Once they landed, the group dispersed into the nearby town to gather information and secure supplies.
There, they encountered several cultivators—individuals who had once belonged to the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect, but were released after failing to meet the required cultivation standards by a certain age.
Some of these former disciples, if competent enough, could still attain positions as elders of small sect branches. Others merely carried the prestige of once being affiliated with the sect. A select few, however, had been appointed as Outer Disciples with special privileges, acting as spies or emergency contacts for the sect. It was among these that the group made contact.
"Things have really gone downhill in this country… Actually, it's been like this for half my life, but it's definitely gotten worse," said Elton, shaking his head in pity.
"That's just how it is, Gege. Doesn't matter. Let's just focus on getting our mission done as quickly as possible," said Christy, her tone indifferent.
After securing the necessary intelligence and resources, the group donned their uniforms pieces and white star patterned masks identifying them as the White Star Radiance.
Suddenly, a Sword Bird descended and landed nearby. Shirleaf, Joe-Pine, and Shia leapt down from it.
"Zoro, your crew of gloomy comrades should arrive in about three hours, judging by the speed of their vehicle," said Joe-Pine with a smirk. "That's also when the three noble houses' armies should arrive to escort us to our assigned areas."
Shia stood silently behind her veil, one eye glowing faintly with the Aka Boshi no Tengan. Shirleaf, meanwhile, was using a summoning spell to command over a dozen large flying insects for reconnaissance.
"…I never asked them to come. It was those damned twins," muttered Zoro, visibly annoyed.
"Help is help, whether you asked for it or not. Might as well accept it," Joe-Pine replied nonchalantly.
Three hours later, as if on cue, the 18 children—now dressed in sleek black uniforms and star-patterned masks—arrived.
"Seriously, who's making all these masks? And why does it seem like everyone's getting one?" murmured Ramiro, baffled.
"Beats me. But Duchess Aeloria seems to be distributing them somehow…" Joe-Pine replied, scratching his head.
Soon after, three full military fleets rolled in—rows of ground-based Magical Vehicles mounted with weaponry, along with eight airborne units. At their head were three commanding officers, who stepped forward and saluted. The White Star Radiance members responded with polite bows.
"Greetings. To confirm your identities, may we see the emblem?" asked one of the officers.
Christy gestured to Micca, who stepped forward and revealed a glowing silver emblem imbued with subtle energy. The officer pulled out an identical emblem, and the two pieces resonated in unison.
"Confirmation complete," said the officer with a nod. "Welcome, allies of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect. I am Captain Bruesell, under Viscount Carlson. These are my counterparts—"
"Captain Moorlock, under Baron Emerson," said the second man in a flat tone.
"Captain Rodriguez, under Baron Leon. A pleasure, mi amigos," said the third officer with a warm smile.
(Translation: My friends)
"El gusto es nuestro, amigos," replied Ramiro, grinning.
(Translation: The pleasure is ours, friends)
"Ohooo!? ¡Un compañero!" Captain Rodriguez exclaimed with delight. The soldiers behind him cheered in agreement.
(Translation: A fellow comrade!)
"Alright, back to business," said Captain Bruesell, restoring order.
With formalities concluded, everyone boarded their respective Magical Vehicles and set off, led by Viscount Carlson's convoy.
Two hours later, the sun dipped below the horizon as they approached a ruined town—now a sprawling battle zone teeming with soldiers, demonic beasts, and chaotic activity. Towering buildings formed a fortress-like base at its center.
"This is the central base of this region," explained Captain Moorlock. "As you can see, we're stretched thin. Our three armies are spread across multiple fronts, and we're running low on manpower. Your help is greatly appreciated."
The other two captains and their soldiers nodded in agreement, visibly relieved.
"No worries. We'll clean up as much of this mess as we can," said Elton, smiling behind his mask—though his eyes sharpened with thought. "I suspect our deployment here has a deeper purpose than just a sect mission."
"Ah, Daoist Blue Heavens Sword, is it?" A man approached, flanked by 14 experts. "It's an honor to meet you. I'm Carlton, from the Aka Boshi no Tengan Clan. We're members of the sect as well."
"Oh? A pleasure to meet you all," Elton said, momentarily surprised.
"What exactly are you all plotting?" asked Christy, narrowing her eyes.
"Plotting? No, no, no, Young Miss. We have no reason for that. We're simply here to assist," Carlton replied with mock innocence. The others around him echoed his assurances.
"Hmm… Alright. I'll take your word for it, Sir Carlton," said Christy, though the suspicion in her gaze remained.
"Glad to hear it! By the way, Daoist Blue Heavens, how old are you? You looked quite young last time I checked," asked Carlton with an overly friendly grin.
"I'm 15," Elton replied casually.
"Only 15?! And already Gold Tier 3? Incredible! And our Christy here is a Gold Tier 2 at 14! What a heavenly pair… of talents!" Carlton exclaimed, almost theatrically.
"Get a load of this guy," muttered Ramiro. Several others nodded in awkward agreement—including Rija, who stood nearby. "Eh?"
"Haha, it's not just me. Zoro, Ramiro, Erica, and the rest—everyone's worked hard," said Elton with pride.
"True, true! Say, since you're at that age… The Young Miss's parents, for instance, had Christy as teenagers. What's your take on that?" Carlton asked, smiling with faux curiosity.
"Sir Carlton. I'd like to speak with you. In private. Now," Christy said coldly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Eh? But he ha—"
"I. Said. Now."
She dragged Carlton away to "have a word."
"That guy's a moron. You see, little Erica should stay away…" muttered Rija under her breath.
The group suddenly went silent as realization dawned.
"Wait a sec… Rija?! Why are you even here?!" shrieked Erica.
"Probably the same reason those Aka Boshi no Tengan guys are here. Right, Sarkies?" Rija replied casually.
"Hmm, yes, likely," said Sarkies, as he and the Soloman Clan members arrived. The surrounding soldiers watched with quiet amusement.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you officially… Daoist Blue Heavens Sword, was it?" said Sarkies. "I'm Sarkies, and I hope we can work together from here on."
"The pleasure's mine, Sarkies. So it looks like we've got four Gold Tier 3 experts here. Let's work as one!" Elton responded with a proud, confident smile.
"Uwaaa…" came the collective sighs of admiration from certain female onlookers.
But for the sake of the story, we'll ignore that—for now.