Chapter 425: Battle
“Is everything ready for tomorrow?” whispered a shady voice as the 16th May’s sunny day divulged into the night.
“Yeah, I think so,” returned another shadier with a hint of desolation. “Didn’t the boss say we’re ready for anything? Those guys who settled at the edge of town have so of us worried.”
“Are the rumors that bad?” asked the first.
“I heard that the buildings around the mansion were taken by force. The people were sent to god knows where.”
“Man, they really must be ballsy,” exclaid the first.
“Why do you think so?”
“They right up and ca to Tale. Good thing the actual deal is taking place sowhere else.”
.....
“Shut up, don’t speak loudly, the walls have ears.”
“My bad, let’s get to work.”
The further the sun sank, the harsher beca the night. In said harshness stood the leaders of various platoons. It hadn’t been long since Phantom’s sudden arrival. Lady Lerado, the leader, viewed as the Queen of this particular chess ga, sat and relaxed in luxury. There wasn’t a need for further action on her part. Word on the street, perpetuated by the Black Unit, was that she had brought in help from Godfather Renaud.
Kendy’s platoon remained on stand-by for the whole ti. As for the Black Unit, they were assigned a covert operation. One of which details were known to only Boss.
“Are you sure it’s here?”
“Yes, the information lead to this location,” said éclair rather confidently. Hovered above the province of Skouso; the coming dusk made for easier movent. Skouso was primarily known for being rural and sowhat old-school. Here, not to say there wasn’t any developnt, was primarily based on agriculture and mariculture. They were very important as the food ca from their harvest. The whole continent depended on their fertile lands. Going east from the province, one would co across the port. One of many around the continent. Here, any and everyone could gain entry. Argunt could be said that narcotics and arms could be imported via said route. Neither good nor bad, the situation of Skouso differed from the rest. Their livelihood depended on the sea, and the sea was a lady who never blinked when taking a life. Fishing and other boats were allowed entry, as for the rest, they were sent to Scaica.
‘The exemption of being searched is given to a few boats. Inspection by the Anti-Narco unit is frequent. It’s a sha, the well-established idea is naught but childsplay. The AN-U in charge of Skouso is corrupt. Paid in full by Cimier, I presu. It might go deeper since one of the five conglorates make their ho here.’
Salty ca the scent of waves crashing against the man-made reef of docks. The bigger the boat, the more stable it seed, the harshness of the waves was only apparent on small boats. Among those who were exempted from being searched, most were from a certain organization. Their , simplistic as it might have been, held the letter ‘K’ and ‘R’ with the Trader’s insignia as the backdrop.
‘How are they related?’ thought Staxius stood atop a warehouse. Ti on the wrist showed 20:00. The workers went back and forth unloading rchandise from trucks. Forklifts, though seed to be toys, lifted weights twice their weight. It wasn’t rare to see people with inhuman strength carry the loads barehanded.
“éclair.”
“Yes, master?”
“Do you realize what this ans?”
“Yeah, I do.”
‘I do hope it’s not true. If the search brings proof, then I know it’s certain.’ *All-Seeing Eyes.* Calm to fierce as the crashing waves, he searched around the massive compound. Jumping from people to people, listening to conversations, catching their thoughts – the ideal intel-gathering ability.
“Why are these so heavy?” complained a worker holding a crate. The greyish dirtied floor rendered walking that difficult.
“That’s why you need to use a forklift,” honked another joyously, “-your powers have their limit.”
“I know,” the crate dropped. “Can you carry it outside for ?”
“I knew you’d see it my way. What truck?”
“The one for Patek’s.”
“Ohh, the Patek’s. Did you peak inside?” winked he in the machine.
“I don’t want to die, what the hell?” cried the man sharply, “-don’t make fun of ’em. The last guy disappeared because of a similar comnt.”
“My bad.”*Brrrr,* it continued the journey.
‘Interesting,’ the trance-state broke. ‘If I’m guessing this correctly,’ snuck towards the back where the cargo was being loaded. ‘There it is, the Patek’s truck.’ Bigger and more secure than the rest – a bit overkill. The yellowish carrier ca with the crate. Soon to stop and align with the truck, *Blood-Arts: Crimson Threads,* a single flick had the crate topple and break. Sighs of agony echoed as the item broke. Those on the trucks glared with murderous intent, “-quick, cover it up,” scread one of the workers.
‘Got it,’ smirked Staxius, ‘-that’s their deal.’ Sprouting wings, he flapped in towards the continent. “Have a deeper look at Kura’s Trading Corporation.”
“Yes, master.”
The glittering of the star-strutted sky was masked by the ever bright lmark. Landed atop the hotel – the air felt soothing despite its strength.
“Kura’s Trading Corporation is ranked as the third most powerful conglorate in Alphia. Their business deals in trading, mainly food and other consumables. They own the majority of the factories specializing in food distribution, manufacturing, and more. There are also markets around the continent. Since master doesn’t shop often, thee might have overlooked the frequency of their buildings. Convenient stores, super-market, hyper-market, you na it, and the Kura’s have it under the na Juro.”
“Run a search if ever the Kura’s had a relation with Patek’s.”
“Yes, there are many connections. A lady from the Kura Clan was married to the Patek Dynasty.”
“Here I thought we’d have inbreeding.”
“Did you say sothing, master?”
“No, forget about it.”
*Clop, clop, clop,* ca the steps of shoes against a wooden floor. A new day rose outside.
“Thempa, Kendy,” said Staxius closing the door behind.
“Good morning, boss.”
“Good morning,” he unbuttoned the suit jacket and sat in a flawless motion. “Take a seat.”
“Y-yes.”
“Kendy, how are the preparations?”
“My platoon left for Skouso two days ago. They should have set up camp at the location.
“Good,” nodded he in agreent, “-what about the BU?”
“The operation garnered crucial information. I have my n monitoring the eting point.”
“Well then, gentlen, I’ll go over the plan one more ti,” a toggle had the lights dimd. “We have intel the Jefferson’s are going to exchange pleasantries with Cimier. Now, I don’t know if the latter will be present or not, the plan will not change. Kendy’s platoon will split into squads and remain on stand-by at these locations. We’re going to lock-down the village of mat. Being close to the port should limit their movent. Rember, we need to keep the bloodshed to a minimum. I want hostages from the Jefferson’s. Thempa’s unit will be on overwatch, they’ll support it from afar if it goes loud. We’re dealing with the underground, don’t expect rcy. Thee already know of my involvent in the Dark-Guild. I hope it stays that way else...”
“Yes sir.
“Any questions?”
“What is the real purpose of the operation?”
“To see who is an ally and who is not.”
The ti ca; Thempa and Kendy were taken to the outskirts of mat. They made a temporary camp barricaded by trucks and armored vehicles. A bonfire made the tranquil night warr as they overlooked the village. The operation was scheduled for 23:00. Faint flickering from the hos was the more reason why the rural Skouso felt peaceful. Thus, ti continued until the opportune mont.
‘Fools,’ smiled Staxius, ‘-the intel acquired by 02 was fake. Cimier sure is cunning. They don’t know I have a mber far deeper in the circle than they expect. The location doesn’t matter; Cimier wants to know whose mole and who is not. If I were to show up at the real location, then, they’d know my spy is in their ranks. Tis the reason why Thempa and Kendy are at mat. There will be a fight – they’ll be ambushed, it’s a trap.’ Stood outside of the mansion, the emptiness of the courtyard was replaced with the sound of engines. Not regular, but rotors, helicopters without crest nor identification made rounds.
“Here they co,” said a lady who stood on the balcony.
“The prediction was right,” added another.
“Intherna, Gophy,” smiled he, “-go ahead and show them thy power.” Turned to lean against the balustrade, the eyes shut to assist the fight at mat. The destruction of the goddesses was very much pleasing to the ears.
“Help, we’re being massacred by t-two u-unknown f-figures.”
“Did the ambush fail?” asked a lady with a classy accent.
“Y-yes ma-am, t-the Lerado m-mansion is still being protected by demons.”
“I don’t care, have all of our n storm the front. We’re not going to stay by and let so unknown faction take precedence on my land, my family’s land, they’re not going to invade our ho, we’re the Patek’s. SHOW THEM HELL.”
“Master, I’ve managed to hack into their channel.”
“I heard that – the Patek’s are involved.”
“Master, we have trouble,” interjected Intherna and Gophy.
“What’s the matter?” he turned to where they hovered.
“There are demons in their rank, actual revived demons from the age of war. It’s going to be a hard fight.”
“Keep the damage to a minimum,” returned he nonchalantly.
“Are you sure?” *BANG,* a charred corpse slamd beside Staxius.
“Intherna,” said he coldly, “-stop playing with the food and get to demon-slaying.” With the sa flare as a volcanic eruption, the daughter of Rah took to the skies with the demons on her tail. Gophy’s more discrete approach had but whimpers echo. Two battles began simultaneously.
Preoccupied with the demons, the goddesses forgot to guard the mansion. The latter was soon surrounded with forces twice as large as the Subjugation Squad. Heads covered with helts, Antis-2 in their hands, the force marched forth.
“How dare thee enter this property,” thundered the words across. “Does thy wish death?” the power had many feel the tension. No reply ca, rather, the n were quick to aim their weapons at he who spoke. Stood openly on the balcony, lasers soon t with the vital organs. “Are the Patek’s wanting a war?” Amidst the questions, a differently dressed man rose his hand.
“You’re invading on private property,” said he.
“And who says so?”
“The Patek’s. We’ve co here to reclaim what is ours. The mansion belongs to us. Give and surrender, tis the only way of survival. Phantom, we know you’ve walked onto Alphia wanting war. The Dark-Guild have beco very gutsy to oppose us, the true rulers of the underworld.”
“The Patek’s are rulers of the underworld?” chuckled Staxius, “-do you take a fool?”
“No,” refuted the other, “-just as Shadow and The kings are one and the sa; so are we.”
“Just who are you?” the tone fell into a monotonous state.
“We’re the ones who will be the downfall of the mighty King of Arda. Heed us well – if you don’t agree to leave our land, we’ll make sure all your information is revealed to the public. The Arcanum is a very destructive tool. What will the scandal say about the Royal Family, will Princess Eira’s marriage not be canceled?”
.....
“Answer now!”
“We’re the Patek’s” laughed he, “-and I’m one of the heirs to the family,” the helt lowered, “-I’m sure Hydra might jog the mories. You who was slain by the beast will be defeated once again by another Hydra. Cut one heir and another two will take his place.”
“How long has this fa?ade been going for?”
“Ever since you t with Mr. Dorino. Majesty, you were careless and overconfident. Tis why you were blind-sided. The Gaso Group and the other conglorates fall into our jurisdiction, the Patek’s are almighty.”
“What about the AHA?”
“I must admit, it was a very good plan. We never expected the Association to be broken in such a way.”
“What of mat?”
“Phantom’s forces are being surrounded as we speak; we’ve made sure every militia we have joined that fight. Give it up, Staxius Haggard, the plan is over. ldorino is back into our company; watchmaking is a great idea. Not to ntion the free advertisent. You’ve lost; Hero King of Arda, you’ve lost.”
“Heh...” exhaling deeply, “-I suppose you’re right,” he stared up to see a mountainous figure holding Intherna and Gophy captive.
“The Holy Church of Kreston sends their regards.”
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