Caliban VS Gemma

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Chapters

The Diplomacy

In Caliban, formed 700 years ago lead by an monarchy under the rulership of House Caliban. Talks had sprouted throughout the land of an peace treaty between Caliban and the Gemma Empire. Many wondered what would happen during these peace talks between King Atreus of House Caliban and the Gemma Emperor. Atreus having already sent the royal courier going by the name "Mímir" of House Fordragon, an Vassal towards House Ortus. While Mímir was almost to his destination, the Lord of the North Albus Aquilo began questioning the motives of Atreus.

"My King, in what way is forming an peace pact be any good then it is now?" Lord Albus questioned. "Just because we sign a piece of paper, paper does not declare or dictates it, but through action, force, fear and intimidation and advancements of tech and magic is where it all truly lies."

"Lord Albus, you think I do not have an motice, with the peace treaty we could gain something it. Remember, the Empire is the largest manufacturer of Lacrima. If we get a good relationship and alliance, we may have an discount on the lacrima, and this that also makes your duty in making that railway superweapon to stronger and more penetrable."

"Of course my King." Albus Bowed before Atreus after getting an idea on the motive.

"Of course... this is also an good opportunity for the Princess of the North to get more accustomed to politics and dealings with neighbourings nations." Atreus solemnly stated, which perked Albus.

"The Princess Lachesis, my niece. You know, she's an remarkable young girl, with that power of hers and always clinging onto Legatus Secundi." Albus had an hint of hatred towards the Prince of the East, which was noted by Atreus. "That being said, where is the young Princess?"

"She's getting ready for when the time comes for the treaty to be held. Anyways, lets get back to the topic of these... raiders?" Atreus asked Albus who continued. Five hours after that, Mímir arrived at the border of the Gemma Empire.

As Mimir arrived he was greeted by three figures. One was Irminsul the God of Magic the other one was Alice Flor the High Witch. Both were the strongest Warmages of the Empire both possessing far greater Magic Power than the other seven Warmages. They were the Emperor’s protectors. After all they were going into enemy territory. However, the biggest surprise was the Emperor Caerleon del Imperial Kor Gemma himself which normally never left the Capital City Moira. With Irminsul on his right and Alice on his left they walked over a bridge. Gemma and Caliban’s border was mostly a long river with Caliban on the left and Gemma on the right. The one large bridge acting as the sole land entrance between the two nations. As below Caliban was the nation of Iostyane which was able mostly surrounded by large rolling mountains the surround a large portion of the nation’s borders. Caerleon advanced on the bridge stepping on Caliban soil.

Caerleon.

Caerleon was rather stoic yet had a small smile while holding a formal letter from the Royal Family of Caliban. “Hello, I am Caerleon del Imperial Emperor of Gemma. I was sent this letter from your king to meet about a peace treaty to end the 100 years of hostiles between our nations. Am I to assume you are the emissary to meet as dictated in this letter?” Irminsul and Alice were barely interested in any peace talks, however, they were asked by the Emperor to attend and both respected him.

"I suppose.. I am Mimir of House Fordragon Emperor, I also arrived to hand you an letter from king Atreus of Caliban, this letter is to allow free access into the City of Caliban. You see the city is rather strict on anyone entering, surrounded by an magic barrier." Mimir explained has he pulled out an uniquely designed letter with House Caliban's seal and went ahead to hand it out, but with caution as to not act aggressively.

Caerleon took the letter from Mimir. He read over it and it appeared all was in order, he and his two guards were granted passage to the City of Caliban and diplomatic immunity. “Before we continue on something you should know.” Caerleon opened his shirt to show a kind of magic rune of his chest where his heart would be. “This is an Organic Link Spell I cast on myself. If my heart stops beating, than M.A.N.A will automatically fire on the nation of Caliban. It will leave a deep wound on the surface of Earthland. So I wouldn’t recommend any kind of assassination attempts. You can’t be too surprised by this development we have been hostile towards each other for going on 100 years now.” With that Caerleon buttoned his shirt and proceeded to follow Mimir.

"Eh, not my place to call, that is normally done by I think the Cardinals or any other official person, but yeah I rather peace then wars. My great-grandfather died in the wars prior. But anyways, here is the City of Caliban, our capital!" Mimir walked them inside the City and towards the centre lies an large castle resting circular cliff thing. "There's Castle Caliban, I shall show you to the entrance, though the Highguard along with Prince Secundi of the East shall take it from there." After some walking, to which some of the City guards taken position in order to supervise and protect the Emperor from any possible attack. Arriving at the entrance to Castle Caliban, prince Secundi stood there with an sword infront of him, its tip on the ground and both hands on top the hilt. Two Highguards stood also as they waited for the Emperor to come near to the entrance.

Caerleon, Irminsul, and Alice met the two guards. Caerleon showed them the formal letters of meeting and admission. The guards moved aside and were they granted admission to the throne room where the King and his lords were. A guard announced their arrival. “ Presenting his Imperial Majesty, Caerleon del Kor Imperial Gemma, 73rd Emperor of the Gemma Empire, and Rightful Lord of the Wellspring.” After the Emperor they announced Irminsul. “Presenting Lord Irminsul, 1st Emperor of the Gemma Empire, 1. Ranked Warmage, Archon of the Spiral Spire, God of Magic, and the Shatterer of Iron!” Finally they announced Alice. “Presenting Lady Alice Flor, 2. Ranked Warmage, Mistress of Moira, the High Witch, and the Bring of Peace!”

As they announced they all sat at a table with the king, his lords, and strongest group of mages. “Well shall we discuss this treaty?” Asked Caerleon. However, Irminsul and Alice were cautious. True they were far stronger than any mage in the room if not Caliban itself. But with the right distraction and numbers even they could have trouble.

"Evening Emperor, as you know, I am King Atreus of House Caliban, King of Caliban and Orbis, Lord of the Cardinals and Guardian-Protector of Patria. Lets begin with the treaty to end this needless conflict." King Atreus announced went to proceed, the four Lords also being seated as well Atreus' four children sat near the king.

Before Caerleon could respond Alice spoke. “Needless conflict?!” The King of Caliban had struck a nerve in the High Witch. “You call centuries of trying to conquer our empire and our justified retaliation needless conflict?!” Alice had a personal stake here, she had lead waste to many armies and it cost her something. “My daughter Caerleon’s wife the former empress was killed by one of your last attempts to invade Gemma. Do you have any idea the damage you have done to the Imperial Royal Family? Caliban, Vasparia, Iostyane, and the other nations of Aeternum have attempted to take what isn’t rightfully theirs for years. At least Canbella and São are nations we are friendly with. So explain what is this so called treaty and why is it enough for me to not wipe this so called kingdom off the face of Earthland?!”

"Well, for starters the entire reason of Caliban's conquests against Gemma has been lost to time, and the King is moreso condition to act against the Empire." Secundi explained. "Atreus, as well his father and so on follow what they're been conditioned, not fully expressing for themselves. Times changing, and Atreus wishes to not follow the footsteps of the past, but look towards a better future. Beside, you'll kill many innocents who wish no part on the conflict."

“Let me reveal the reason to you.” Irminsul was one of the immortal mages of Gemma and predates the foundation of Caliban and even the Gemma Empire. “I had many relationships in the past. One of them bore me a son his name was Tyranus. He was one of the many bastard children I had. Yes it’s no myth I’m 1,000 years old. Magic of Aging is one of my talents. Regardless to sum up a long and boring history lesson, Tyranus felt he deserved the throne of the empire I had built. Instead of continuing it with the family I had with my only wife Alexanna before she died. He tried and failed to defeat me and so I banished him. He in time he came to what is now Caliban. So he felt cheated out of his birthright when in fact he forfeited it when he attempted kill his emperor a blood relative. So over the centuries he and his children and their children plotted to take my empire. And 100 years ago your grandfather declared war, but it was a Cold War until your father attacked our borders. So Atreus what do you have to say to your honorable ancestor about the atrocities your kingdom has caused? After all we never returned fired on Caliban soil we just destroyed any invading soldiers.”

Before Atreus said anything, the Lord of the South Orientem Imus Meridionali spoke up before him. "To be fair, I honestly don't give a total crap about this history of things here, only there was one subjective goal for Caliban to persue and this place tried it best. The grandfather of our beloved Guardian-Protector of the realm who shouldn't declare a cold war, but a direct strike to your forces." Imus only sighed, "besides, we only came for a, in my opinion, pointless truce. I must follow what our King is doing, and so a peace treaty is in order, however if you wholeheatly disagree with this proposed peace."

However, an rather tall being who was known as Auster Deus began to speak, holding quite possible the largest weapon in the room. "Then war shall be declared if you rightfully think this peace is pointless, and holds no merit to the future of the children of this world."

"Emperor, I may had called this peace treaty, however it's your choice if you do find this treaty to hold no merit and is pointless to have peace between our nations. However," Atrues was holding a cup all this time that had liquid in it, was suddenly crushed by his hand, "if you truly think peace is nothing more but a empty gesture, maybe a declaration of war is in order if you disagree with our proposed terms?"

Caerleon spoke. “Peace is a wonderful thing. However, don’t mistake us as fools. What is to stop you from attacking Gemma at a later date? Verbal agreements are only as binding as any other verbal agreement. So instead I came up with this.” Alice handed Caerleon a paper document which he passed to the Caliban King. “This document admits publicly your atrocities against my empire and forgoes any future attempts to conquer Gemma. It states your family declared war on my land, attempted to usurp my rule, and to dismantle the Imperial Royal Family. It also admits that your nation with a far inferior army and was defeated and only because of our immense mercy didn’t annihilate Caliban. Finally it stipulate that your Royal Family must pay restitution for the cost of a 100 years war. And don’t believe you can find some loophole to get out of this. Once signed the magical contract is legal, binding, everlasting, and completely unbreakable. Now sign after all what is that old saying, let he without sin throw the first stone. Well my nation is without sin and this treaty document is the first stone.”

"A bit arrogant there Emperor, all nations has some sin within them, no matter how good they think are they. I know my subjects has sinned, no matter the scale as sin is basically doing a bad deed against the majority so to speak. Emperor, you wish to be pefect as to show you're good to your people, but no matter who sin is always present... even in you." Atreus said to the Emperor.

“Arrogant? How is it arrogant? You attack another’s land that didn’t provoke you and when you can’t win you demand peace as if we are equals. We are not equals. You never once in 700 years asked for diplomatic relations and when we did your past kings rejected them. Then 100 years ago your grandfather started the 100 Years War. Now to add one final insult you offer peace on your terms. You don’t offer peace terms with us you should be on your knees thanking me. Your Railway Gun Lacrima Gustav is nothing compared to M.A.N.A or the Endless or our last Magic Superweapon that no ones has any information about save for us. We leaked that information about our first two as so other nations wouldn’t attempt a siege on us. The last one is hidden so well most believe we only have two weapons. However, enough of this. We have given peace terms and you will sign them or it will be war. The atrocities of Caliban is so well known even other nations once hostile to us Vasparia and Iostyane have sign treaties with us. They were far more willing to admit their atrocities than you and your family. A branch family but still blood. So what will it be peace or war?” Caerleon gave his declaration as the Gemma Emperor.

Albus then stood from the table. "I think you misunderstood what the King means, you called your nation without sin, which is a big bold statement. What the king referred to was your statement as an just and apparently, a perfect nation. No nation is perfect, no matter how much you delude yourself to think you are sinless. Atreus only want this war to end, but I see someone who thinks they're above all others, calling themselves sinless may actually hold a bad alliance taste." The Lord of the North looked towards the King, and the other three Cardinal Lords. "It's been decided, we believed this could end in a peaceful resolution, but to align with someone who apparently don't have sin is not a good cause of action. If you consider yourself so perfect.. Then try us, we'll see how long that perfect composure shall deminish overtime." Albus only smirked. "But do not fret, I believe I, and the other Lords can give you the fight you lot crave for." After Albus declaration of an collective agreement from the others, it was a indirect declaration of war. "Now, I'd hate to kill someone instantly, so General Kein, please escort our guests safely."

As soon Albus asked for it, an large 2.15 meter tall (7.05 feet) armoured man walked inside. "Please Your Excellency, Magic God and Lady Alice, follow me and you will be guided safely." The armorued man suggested. "Unless the Magic God here wishes to use Teleportation Magic? I state this as I expected someone of his status to know something like that."

Irminsul moved from the table. “No need I will transport us via Space-Time Magic, however you misunderstand us. We are without sin in regard to Caliban and Gemma. We don’t invade lands or take what isn’t ours. Rather the opposite definition of an empire isn’t it. However, I conquered the land that is Gemma and made this poor land into one of the strongest nations on the planet. I should have killed Tyranus when he raised his arms against his homeland. Be warned punishment is mine to give. People in the empire say that Alice is the Madness. If she is madness than I am simply Despair not the personification of it but simply it’s source. That endless pitch black nothingness that annihilates all before it. One last piece of advice. There is an old proverb in Gemma. Better to know how to do one thing 10,000 ways than to know 10,000 individual things. Well in my case I would amend that to this. Better to know how to do 10,000 individual things each 10,000 ways.” Irminsul, Alice, and Caerleon vanished.

"Now excuse me my Lords, I shall take Albus with me to plan what our Chapters shall do against the Empire. " Kein stated as he proceeded with leave with Albus at tow. "And this.. shall be perfect to test myself truly against a formiddable foe."

War

A Caliban spy named Marlene Din was sent to Gemma years ago to find out the military and society structure. “Good morning, my lords after five years I have returned. While I can’t say my report is perfect or even complete I will give you what I have. First as you know is Emperor Gemma formally called Caerleon del Kor Imperial Gemma. A powerful mage in his own right he has a great mind for strategy and tactics. Since taking the Imperial Throne ten years ago he has successfully prevented twenty sieges on to his land. He is also an extreme diplomat having treaties with Iostyane and Vasparia strong nations in their own right.”

Marlene gave her next report. “As everyone in Aeternum knows the strongest group of mages within the continent are the Nine Warmages. For their serves they are granted Absolute Immunity from Gemma’s Laws not even the emperor can command or punish them. This is because they are said to be at least as powerful as the Four Ishgar Kings within the Wizard Saints and Alvarez’s Spriggan 12. Some rumors have stated they surpass both groups. However, their total power is vastly superior to the entire might of the Gemma Military. While famous not everyone within group is known to the public even within the Gemma. Each one is ranked 1-9 in how destructive they are and even in my five years I only know of six of them. Ranked at #9 is Invel Yura the Winter General formerly part of Alvarez’s Spriggan 12 and truly a grandmaster of Ice based Magics. Even ranked as the weakest he is said to have the power to freeze cities and create snowstorms to cover miles. Next at Rank #8 is Colette Craw the Shine Maiden. I don’t know any details but her title states she uses light based magic. The next one is one famous even here, Phoebe Vastaril 5th ranked Warmage and who’s Sound Magic can span over cities and is famous for her singing skills. At rank #3 the White Knight Wilhelm Wort while the most famous within Gemma his magic is unknown. At rank #2 is Alice Flor the High Witch and one of the two immortal strongest mages on the entire continent and Irminsul’s equal. She is famous for her extreme destructive power. Lastly ranked #1 is Irminsul the God of Magic, the other immortal mage, and technically the strongest mage of Gemma and the continent. His supreme mastery of magic is so advanced it’s rumored his skills surpass even Zeref and only Alice herself hold equal Magic Power and skills to him. Regardless of any differences between them they are extremely effective and haven’t ever lost a fight against invading armies or elite mage groups.”

Lastly Marlene gave her final report. “Outside of their Warmages, they have an army with last count 4.6 million soldiers and have over 600 guilds. And three Magic Superweapons all Etherion Class or superior and only M.A.N.A and Endless are known. The last one is so secret it’s rumored only one person in all of Gemma knows what it does. This is all the information I have. Despite their public showing, a lot of Gemma’s Power isn’t shown to the public.” Marlene waited for Albus and Kein’s response.

"Ah.. a arsenal, I knew coming to align with the underdog is perfect. Do we know any special units or they own any artillery besides the superweapons?" General Kein asked the spy.

Marlene had one more report but it was vastly incomplete as she was called back to Caliban. “They supply extremely advanced armor and weapons to their soldiers even Gem Soldiers the lowest ranked infantrymen are highly trained and equipped. As for more special units. While it’s common knowledge of that aside from the Warmages there are the Five Imperial Knights. However, only Wilhelm is known as they protect the Imperial Capital City of Moira so their members are secret. However, I have heard talk about other secret sub cells within Gemma’s Military. One is called the Mistresses of War, however all I have is the name. But one group I have some information on is the Crimson Blades. While I don’t know their members they supposedly serve the emperor by...” A beam from Bullet Magic pierce Marlene’s chest from across the table. Zavid Ariglio the 7th ranked Warmage appeared with Teleportation Magic and killed Marlene with Bullet Magic. “That was close she almost gave you even more state secrets. Word of advice if you send in a spy, don’t call her back right before treaty talks.” Zavid disappeared via Teleportation Magic. The reports were covered in her blood. Albus didn’t even have time to question Zavid as he was the empire’s greatest assassin and never stays after his target was killed.

Albus was a but startled. "Lord Albus, even with the barrier in place, it seems some improvement is in order." Kein suggested as he began to walk out of the room.

"And here are you going General?" Albus asked, with the White Horseman looking back.

"Marching onto enemy territory." Kein stated as he'd went to prepare the Southern Chapter. They may hold vast militaries but all of them are humans, my Ruler's Magic and my War Empowerment shall bring us to victory." Kein stated before walking out, with Albus a scientist by heart, began to plan new defensive measures for the capital of Caliban. "Guards, take the body of the spy for a proper burial, she served her purpose, but don't forget to extract her brain.. it'll be useful for future projects."

Zavid went around village to village, town to town, and city to city, passing out a a written declaration from Gemma. People of the Kingdom of Caliban after the 100 Years War that Caliban started against the Gemma Empire we attempted a peace treaty. King Atreus failed to accept his responsibility that Caliban’s Royal Family began the war. His failure is a disrespect towards the several 100s of thousands of Caliban soldiers that Gemma killed to protect it from Caliban invaders. So now we declare war on the Caliban Royal Family. Any citizen aside from the king is allowed to flee Caliban or when we arrive can surrender and they won’t be harmed. Be warned King Atreus this war could have been prevent all you had to was accept your responsibility as the ruler of an Assailant Country against mine. So Caliban with a heavy heart I will annihilate anyone of Caliban that opposes us or any nation that helps them. Signed Emperor Caerleon of Gemma.

Gemma knew how to wage war. From amassing arguably the strongest and largest military force on Earthland, to knowing when to make peace with enemies, to even knowing how to dismantle a nation’s infrastructure with truths. Within a day tens of thousands abandon Caliban and several hundred soldiers also flee.

However before soldiers could flee, an massive four-armed human stood in their way. "Well now..." He stated, as fire begins to ignite around his body. "Soldiers who abandon their post, dessertion is punishable but, turn back now or face my crimson flames." The man declared as his fire turned blood red, and the man was Ignis Deus, one of the Cardinal Gods and potential equal to Nine Warmages. "I had already taken care of the 300 others, some decided to stay and others.. well let's say their ashes covered the entire Everfree Forests." Ignis smirked as at least 140 turned back, but others would stand up against the Cardinal God. Ignis simply smiled and what came after was a slaughter of many, which would be viewed as a execution of high treason soldiers.

Over in the South, the Southern Chapter was preparing an siege or a strike from the Gemma Empire. Kein was inside a tend with the map of the surrounding territories of the South, and the area between Gemma and parts of Gemma in-question. "Omega Squad, we require you to perfornm special reconnaissance on Gemma, our spy gave us intel on their military's strength, but I wont be reckless to go in blind. Find out more but try not to get detected, simply scout and see what the Southern Chapter must take on first, understood?" Kein explained with Omega saluting the general confirmation. "Good, now get to it." Omega would soon leave, activating their power armour's cloaking technology and were hidden from sight. "Praefectus Castrorum, get the Chapter ready when Omega gives us intel, we're marching onto Gemma!"

Gemma was preparing for war. One million Gem Soldiers were dispatched to the borders between Gemma and Caliban. Lead by them was Invel Yura the 9th Ranked Warmage and the Winter General for his sheer power and mastery of ice based Magic. “We are not even a vanguard, all we are just a influence in this war. A million soldiers is overkill we have four times the number of soldiers. I am here to make sure not one Caliban Soldier steps their shadow on Gemma soil. If I see one soldier retreat I will freeze you and leave you conscious until you shatter. I don’t want to see a single soldier’s weapon without blood if you die. Remember Gemma’s words. Show no mercy even if the soldiers you fight are threatened or forced..” Invel waited for Caliban’s arrival.

Over on an type of mountain or step hill, was the entirety of the Southern Chapter, with the White Horseman overlooking alongside the Lord of the South Orientem Imus Meridionali. "You're quite.. prepared General Kein, are you sure you can be proven an formiddable foe to the Empire?" Orientem questioned Kein, who answered without even looking towards the Lord.

"I'll show them that they're not the greatest of all powers in the world, my influence shall dempower their soldiers, and that this very battle.. shall bring me strength. War is with me, break your chains on compassion, only conquest can one shall live." Kein said as the entirety chapter began to march against the 1 million gem soldiers lead by the infamous Winter General. "I shall leave to it, the troops would rather have at the head." Kein stated as he began to walk away from the hillside, and began to move towards the front of the Chapter.

"Tell me general, shall I send in Ignis?" The Southern Lord asked, which when he turned, there was an courier. "Omega recon intell stated there's one million soldiers the Chapter and yourself shall being facing.. lead by the Winter General.Shall I call in Ignis Deus?" The Lord asked, which Kein simply stated if Ignis wish to fight the cold, he can participate in the battle, then Kein walked away officially leading the Chapter to the warfront.

A captain of Caliban’s Research Charter had come up to give a report to Kein. “Lord Kein, maybe we should send for Lord Ignis. Data from the Ishgar-Alvarez War shows Invel’s Magic Power can freeze entire battlefields and can create snowstorms that can encompass a city and a high number of miles of the surrounding areas. My current intel he has even become stronger since joining Gemma. From my Magic Power Scale Scanner his Magic Power alone is superior to anyone’s in the Chapter and even yours my Lord. Even the soldiers behind him are highly powerful in their own right and they have superior numbers. Shall I send for Ignis?” The Captain was Edward Fleming. He had been in undercover in Caliban posing as a captain in the Research Charter. He even suppressed his Magic Power to the point he wasn’t strong enough to be suspected. Edward was by far the least known of the Warmages as such no one in Caliban or even Kein knew he was a spy. However, why would he give such information to the enemy especially recommending sending for Ignis.

Edward.

"Fine, Ignis shall join us.. However that Winter General shall know what it feels like for his being to be conquered. He maybe powerful, but no one can stop the might of Ruler's Magic. The General is indeed human, and so even he will be influenced by it. Get to work Fleming, the battle shall commence shortly." Kein ordered, and during this three Caliban soldiers were somewhere at the front lines.

"This sucks, we're always the cannon fodder!" Julius Caesar complained, who worn full-body armour representing an enlisted rank personel. "I mean, why even start a war against something the Empire?"

"Who knows Caesar, but it's not like we can leave, especially since Patchy here can't." Aurelia Livia responded, giving Patchy, an Köttur a head rub. "We'll be together, evem if this war.. this battle shall commence."

"D-do we even know who we're fighting against?" Patch asked, with Caesar taking an report out and reading it out loud.

"Kinda, we're only given limited information but we're against 1 million gem soldiers, and supposedly the Winter General is leading the charge. This really...sucks."

“No need to worry soldiers you will be dead in matter of moments.” Edward using his magic created a spear and stabbed Kein. It was only a minor flesh wound to his shoulder but that was all that was needed. However, what was surprising that Edward’s Magic Power increased to the level of Invel’s! “Confused Kein how I have power equal to Invel?” Edward didn’t refer Kein as Lord or as a commander a great offense... if he was worried. “Caliban really is not very good at war. The 100 Years War is proof of that. Then you come into this nation and try to make their mediocre army better. I couldn’t do it anymore. Being part of this second rate nation. My name is Edward Fleming of the Gemma Empire of the Nine Warmages the Executive Chief of the Mage’s Research and Development Institution. I was hoping to take all of these soldiers out but I would rather leave that to Invel. I hate Caliban’s ideals of conquering. So now I think dealing with you will have to suffice. I also have you to thank for defeating yourself. You gave too much time for your power to be researched by me. Now Ruler’s Magic won’t effect anyone I don’t choose.”

Edward’s Magic Power.

Edward was responsible for creating numerous Magic Items that were said to rival even the process of Irminsul and Alice’s Magic. “That minor wound is all that is needed. Ruler’s Magic doesn’t work as effectively against other humans with far superior Magic Power like us Warmages. However, you could be problematic. So I created this a Magic Cancellation Field (魔法キャンセルフィールド, Mahō Kyanseru Fīrudo). This device works by taking data from a target and as long as I hold the device for over a kilometer a Dispel-type Magic is released turning off any spell you cast. By stabbing you I gathered enough data. So Invel should be here soon. I suggest any of the cannon fodder to put down their arms and retreat. I’m of superior rank to Invel and can command him to not kill anyone. However, Kein you will be dealt with.”

As Edward was talking Ignis ran toward, as he was already coming ignoring previous orders. As he wanted to battle against the Winter General.

Kein would swiftly and quickly swing his sword upon Edward, however Edward seemed to ancticipate his move and was able to dodge. "Caliban is the underdog, and so conquest will be hard.. which is perfect for my status as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, what manner does a single man such as I to bring down a entire empire. And besides," Kein began to have an surge of magic power. "You seemed to not know who I am, and what this battle armour can accomplish. Magic is not use against adamantine." Before Kein can remotely get serious and do battle, Ignis charges in and performs an powerful Fire God Slayer Magic spell, encasing hi fists into fire to strike down at Edwards.

Edwards raised his hand to cast a spell to stop Ignis, however instead the area turned to ice repelling Ignis and Kein Invel had arrived. “You fight for Gemma?” Invel had never met Edward as he had been in Caliban for the last year during which time Invel joined the Warmages. “Yes I am one of the Warmages, I’m Edward Fleming and you are Invel.” Invel was surprised but understood the situation. “So I take it you attempted to cut the head off the snake. A basic but effective tactic.” Edward pointed his spear toward Kein and Ignis. “Kein you are wrong about one thing about that armor. That I don’t know how to break it with Magic is wrong. Every Warmages is taught two Magic Power Techniques when becoming one. Those techniques are Filtration (濾過, Roka. Lit. Cleaning Process) the process to prevent any corrupt Ethernano or particles from entering our bodies. And Anti-Magic Break (アンチマジックブレイク, Anchi-Majikku Bureiku. Lit. Breaking Anti-Magic) the ability to effect any form of anti-magic.”

Edward had a very small piece of Kein’s armor from when he stabbed him basically a piece the size of a coin. He flipped it in the air and used his spear to cut it in half. “Your armor is effective, however like all anti-magic whether it be a mineral, stone, particle, or a form of magic that armor’s power is made up of magic. All we have to do is understand it’s wavelength and it simply becomes armor albeit very durable. Didn’t I tell you gave me too much time. I understand the wavelength so I will deal with you. Invel kill Ignis.” Edward jumped over the ice toward Kein rushing to stab him again. Invel simply made his ice shatter and engaged with Ignis. All the while the million of Gem Soldiers and the several hundred thousand Caliban Soldiers didn’t move.

"For adamantine to be pierced is no mere feat, even with anti-magic technique, but anti-magic is not accurate. The metal absorbs magic like how an human body does. So, what you produce on the strike..." Kein raised his weapon, as does the caliban soldiers. "Must hold signifiant weight and power behind it."

Edward’s spear and Kein’s sword clashed. “You misunderstand, anti-magic refers to anything that directly effects Magic in any negative way. Your armor’s ability to absorb Ethernano like a mage is magical as the ability to absorb Ethernano is a basis of Magic Power. If a mage doesn’t have this ability than they cannot use Magic in most cases. I simply overload the armor’s absorption capacity. The armor can’t handle that much Ethernano before it disperses it. Maybe you should give up. I have heard that Vasparia, Iostyane, Illa, Markoslo, and Extoral have all signed treaties with the Empire. Now we would forgive their crimes and allow Lacrima trade with them if they helped to stop Caliban.”

Edward jumped back, the sword play had made a cut on his arm. “One for one. However, don’t presume we are equals. Far from it. According to my analysis, Caliba’s military at full capacity is equal to 40% of Gemma’s total military power. That includes guilds, soldiers and groups of elite mages. So even as Aeternum’s second strongest nation you all don’t equal to half of our power. BUT Caliban has the most realistic of defeating us if that chance is only at 40 percent. So to lower it down to less than 4% our great Emperor in all his wisdom decided to make peace with all the other hostile nations. We found out they hate Caliban more than us. So now 2 million more soldiers and several groups of elite mages are coming.” Albus had been using a cloaking magic device to hide himself to follow Edward. While he couldn’t confirm it, he had his suspicions as to why one of the Research Captains would request to go to the front lines. As at the time Edward suppressed his Magic Power and wasn’t very powerful when compared to the even Caliban Soldiers.

"HAHAHAHAHAH, you soo full of yourself that you think you can take on me and Kein? Even without Ruler's Magic, I Ignis Deus of the Cardinal Gods, the God Slayer shall show you true power of fire!" As Ignis charges not at Edward, but the Winter General, Kein gave the order for the Souther Chapter to engage with the Gem soldiers and soon to proceed to battle Edward in a sword fight.

Invel figured he would need to do something. Using his Snow Magic which generated a truly overwhelming surge of Magic Power he created an enormous snowstorm. Which span for over 50 kilometers or 31 miles . “I am the Winter General for I being the everlasting winter to all. Invel grabbed Ignis’s fits and frozen the flames. However he was pushed back. Ignis did have superior physical strength warrant by his size. The snowstorm would effect Kein and Edward’s battle.

"A snowstorm of this magnitude if nothing compared to the eldars!" Kein declared as he charged at Edward, swinging his blade from his left across to the right, in his attempt to target Edward's right side.

Edward allowed the blade to hit his right shoulder. Edward wasn’t a fool he allowed the attack for specific reasons. “Kein I would suggest retreating. Lady Alice informed me via Telepathy that 10 million soldiers from the combined nations armies are coming. You can fight that. I allowed you to cut me, so you have made a Warmage bleed that is something that usual doesn’t happen. So retreat back to your own nation and leave Caliban to its fate. This is my one kindness.”

In the background, the Southern Chapter is currently egaging against the gem soldiers, both sides not back down despite the odds being in the favour to the Empire.

"Look out!" Julius used his shield on left to block an strike against Patch, who fell to the ground in horror, with Aurelia also protecting Her. It would even seem Julius and Aurelia are more concerned for the life for Patch then the actual conflict itself.

"Aurelia! Can't we just back off? I am sure even the General will order us to retreat?"

"I highly doubt Caesar, Kein was known back on Eurasia to be a dominating general, he wont back off even against these odds as he faced such before." Aurelia casted Lightning Beam, sending another gem soldier flying. "I honestly do not care for Caliban or Gemma, only the wellfare of my friends is my priority!" Aurelia then began to utilize Lightning-Make and formed an sword of of lightning known as Luxcaliber.

One of the Gem Soldier Captains came up to engage Aurelia. “Having such weak resolve for your nation no wonder every other nation in Aeternum hates Caliban. The other nations publicly admitted to their guilt about their failed invasions of the empire. And for that our emperor signed a peace treaty with them and will export Lacrima to them. But your king couldn’t and look at where we are. On a battlefield with one nation’s army fearing their enemy and their own generals. Here is some wisdom. Fear makes a king’s power brittle and very temporary. Each Gem Soldier will die for the emperor. It isn’t because of anything convoluted it’s rather simple. Each Soldier is trained to love the empire more than themselves. We also know when to make allies. Above all every soldier will sacrifice everything for their nation. This is because even if we die Lord Irminsul has used his Magic that has long as we stay loyal to the empire we can revive once. We are the Einherjar!” The entirety of the Gem Soldiers started rushing in towards the Caliban Soldiers.

"It's not the matter of loyalty, I lost my resolve for this place when they forced my mother and father into the North to kill an phoenix, and they died!" Aurelia then began to fire up another Lightning Beam. "And besides, only thing I care for is Julius and Patchy and I'll die before anyone lay a hand on them!"

The Gem Soldiers clashed with the soldiers from Caliban. While Gemma had a more detailed and effective training regiment for their troops when compared to Caliban. Caliban did a good job training its soldiers in particular toward pain. Caliban recruits are tortured to where they aren’t as encumbered by pain. A Gem Knight the lowest rank of Gemma Nobility crossed blades with Aurelia. “It doesn’t matter, Caliban wouldn’t exist if Lord Irminsul had killed that damn traitor Tyranus. Our victory is already assured. Even now one of the two greatest Warmages comes. Will Madness comes to swipe us into her waves of destruction? Or will Despair and all his cruelty envelop us?”

"FIRE GOD ASH!" Ignis shouted as he'd breathed out ashes towards the Winter General, and it soon ignited in his face.

Invel smirked. He instead of moving he increased the power of his snowstorm which already raged for over 31 miles. Edward and Kein also were starting to get effected by the snowstorm’s cold too. This increase pushed the fire and ash from Invel. “You are he whom brings the summer? If so I am the one that brings winter to all.” Invel using his Ice Magic begun to freeze the ground. It started to expand from his area and cover everything. If Ignis wasn’t careful he would be a frozen flame.

Ignis would soon began to rediate intense heat from his body, which steam began to form around himself and Invel. "Don't forget I'm a Fire God Slayer, heat is not something you should underestimate!" Ingnis charged at Invel with his two right hands bursting into black fire as he went to not only strike at Invel's face, but with his other arm going for the stomach.

Invel got distracted by several Gem Soldiers trying to stop Ignis. “Move your only....” The flames from Ignis engulfed the soldiers and the flames even hit Invel before he froze them. Invel was burnt on his arms and slightly on his face. Nothing that would leave any scars though. “You burned me. However, I think you should learn the true power of Gemma.” Before Invel could counteract another mage had made it to the battle ground. It was Aine Euryphresea. The head of the Euryphresea Family. Invel and Edward’s own Magic Power was truly monstrous outstripping Albus, Ignis, or Kein by a large distance. However, this new person made even them seem weak in comparison. “Shall we cast down the curtain?” Asked Aine.

Meanwhile Albus had started to finalize a crucial task. It was the evaluation of Gemma. Not just it’s military or the Nine Warmage but over many facets. Albus had developed from years of whatever data he could get. From spies, public knowledge, or stories from soldier that fought and survived against Gemma. Albus had deduced that there were five people in Gemma more crucial and extremely more difficult to deal with than any other group. These people were called the Five War Factors. The Factors basically would mean a defeat or victory for Caliban. If they could somehow recruit or less likely defeat these five than the war would could side with Caliban. Albus had came to observe the arrival of Aine. She was one of the War Factors.

Edward while only a middle ranked Warmage was still one of the most elite groups of mages in Aeternum if not Earthland. What made him a War Factor was his intellect. While every Factor is assessed to have a high intellect, Edward is on another level. His knowledge, expertise, adaptability, common sense, use of theoretical probability, etc is so high he is accredited as the most intelligent person on the Aeternum Continent.

Aine on the other hand wasn’t a Warmage. Despite having Magic Power almost to the level of Irminsul and Alice she wasn’t originally considered a War Factor. She was decided one for something fundamental: Diplomacy. Aine is a great diplomat and a magnificent settler of disputes. She can make allies with even her mortal enemies being extremely pragmatic a common trait among Gemma culture. Aine spoke. “Lord Albus shall we discuss a ceasefire?” All the soldiers of Caliban and Gemma stopped. Even Ignis, Kein, Invel and Edward stopped. Aine had that effect. Even her subtle words demanded obedience. The miles of battle ground grew silent even Invel’s snowstorm started to vanish.

Albus sighed and simply walked out in the middle, appearing before the two factions. "It seems cloaking technology still requires some tinkering to mask my magic power, that is how I assumed you identified me in the area?" Albus held an had odd rectanglular device that he strapped it onto his back. "A ceasefire? Then again Tree Diagram has been little harsh to me at this point, with the probability of our defeat being rather high."

Aine clarifies something. “Your Magic Power was concealed. Your cloaking device does hide it. But there is the problem. Barrier or seals that hides Magic Power expel a certain wavelength of Magic Power themselves. If you don’t correct for that than it’s like hiding in a building and putting a giant sign on it saying your in there. Edward taught me this though you didn’t come for a lecture. I have some news either Lord Irminsul and/or Lady Alice are coming to the battle. You know if they come none of you are strong enough not even myself. I would rather not see this many soldiers Caliban or Gemma get destroyed. I believe a tactical retreat on your part is warranted.” Aine was a staunch non violence advocate.

"Why would two of the most powerful spellcasters come to this here battlefield?" Kein interjected. "You alreay halted my magic already, so this.. battlefield doesn't empower me, so what is the real reason they're coming?"

Aine’s face developed a frown. Almost a tear fell from one of her eyes. “I don’t know why, I’m not even sure if the reports I have of them are accurate. Irminsul and Alice never are easy to anticipate. But I have seen countless battlefields. I have seen land made barren, tens of thousands upon tens of thousands dead, cities taken off the map. We are at war. But with even one of them on the battlefield it isn’t a war. It’s an annihilate of what or whomever gets in their way. So please would you sacrifice these many Caliban Soldiers and not even get a foothold’s worth of Gemma Soil? I am loyal to my homeland but violence means a failure to listen and to understand.”

"I know of what conflicts brings, this war is, in my opinion, nothing then what happened in the Third War on my home continent. I am an warrior to my very core. But an general also knows when to retreat to re-think another strategy, I learnt that the hard way on Eurasia during the early months of the war." Kein looked towards Albus, who simply nodded, and he only sighed. "Chaptermen, fall back from this border!" Kein yelled the command, and they began to slowly move back towards the South. "That means you too also Ignis." Kein pointed at the Cardinal God, who only simply growled in anger before reluctantly falling back. Before Kein left, he'd looked towards Aine. "You have such a beautiful face, be sure you know who you're facing before stepping out so arrogantly to a field war, there are things about my armour not even your Edward wont be able to understand, even with his power." Kein then walked away, while Albus stood there, arms crossed.

Aine in all her peaceful and loving nature wasn’t a fool. She understand the ugly truth to the necessary of war. While Ignis, Kein, and Albus were still in earshot. “I am not so arrogant to attack another nation with such an inferior fighting force. You all did that. If I so desired I could have blessed every Gemma Soldier and the two Warmages with Ain Soph Aur.” It was public knowledge about the Euryphresea Family and their great power the matriarch had per each generation. “Ask the Hidden One if he wants Gemma to come out and claim it.” Aine’s reveal of this person wasn’t accidental it was planned. As to Kein it wouldn’t mean anything. But to Albus and Ignis it would spark something. From an old national story states there is someone in Caliban that secretly rules while the King is just a public figurehead. It was a story made up by old noble houses when House Caliban gained power to make itself the Royal Family... or was it?

The Hidden One

After the full retreat of the Southern Chapter, Albus wasn't sure who this "Hidden One" is, simple an story which he actually thought was fictional, something to keep others in line, but not him. However upon seeing an strange woman say that name, made him think there could be more to the story then meets the eye. Albus knew more information is required and so would seek out King Atreus to get the truth. However as he departed quickly, the Southern Chapter returned to their base of operations.

"Why did we have to leave?!" Ignis shouted as Kein raised his right hand.

"Despite my armour fortifications, I rather not encounter the Magic God in that area, not now and especially Lady Alice."

"So what, I'll burn that witch with my bare hands, and tear out her entrails!!" Kein sighed at the aggressive behaviour of the Cardinal God, it's an wonder on how such a brute gained Praetor status all."Regardless, we need an plane and an proper strategy. If the Magic God and Lady Alice keeps on threatening to intervene in battles, no progress shall be made." As Kein discussed countermeasures with his commanders and Ignis, the soldiers Julius, Aurelia and Patch was huddled around an fire cooking some food for as the sun set.

"Jeez, what's their problem, the Gemma soldiers sure talk smack." Julius grunted as he was also getting medical maid by field medics.

"Julius.." Aurelia began. "You do realize they hate our guts right? We declared war after all, it's not their fault they have us killed. I bet they wanted an peaceful resolution but something happened at the capital for that to fail." Aurelia stated as she prepared the food for her friends.

"Maybe so-- OWWW!" Julius groaned, with the medic sighing before leaving, having done doing the required medical attention of him."Anyways," Julius started as he grabbed an bowl of soup from Aurelia, "I doubt we can get past that, I know we were killing them but some just wont stay down! I stabbed one in the exposed area leading to their lung, should've died right? Nope, he got up and attacked! Do they use draugr or something?" Julius questioned as he began to have his soup.

At the encampment a tall man of 6”2 appeared. He wore very plain armor, held a great longsword. However, he was rather handsome even with the two scars on his left cheek. “Where is Lord Albus and Lord Kein?” This man wasn’t part of the Caliban Military, however he was.... powerful. His Magic Power dwarfed Invel and Phoebe’s and they were Warmages possessing Magic Power in league of organizations like the Spriggan 12. His power was even near that of Aine’s level.

The Hidden One, Torrhen Ironheart.

"I do not know who you outsider, turn back now or be be cut down by the southern Chapter!" The soldier declared as he draw out his blade. The man is technically an mage and can sense the magical aura emitting from the strange individual but his pride as an Caliban soldier overcame that fear. "This is an military encampment, trespassing here shall resulting your death, unless you can identify yourself?"

The man put the tip of broadsword at the soldier’s throat gaining a small cut. “Don’t even attempt such brazen hostility against someone like yours truly.” The man took out a King’s Writ. Written on was the following. Lord Albus, Lord Kein, and all other lords are to consolidate forces from all of Caliban’s Chapters with the Hidden One to lead the siege. Any officer or lord of any rank that doesn’t adhere to this will be stripped of all titles, powers, and citizenship of Caliban. Signed King Atreus Caliban. “Now again where are Lord Albus and Kein? If I have to ask thrice... well you will not live to understand such folly.”

While the two soldiers where skeptical, one of them obliged and escorted the Hidden One to the main tent where Kein was located alongside Ignis discussing an plan of action.

"The problem is facing the Warmages, Alice I could handle but it's the Magic God. Despite my armour, it does have limit and the strength that man wields is something not even Azathoth wielded, even when he perfected the R-System." Kein said, with Ignis chuckling.

"I can destroy that man with my God Slayer, if he calls himself an God, then an God Slayer can destroy him!" Ignis arrogantly told the General until an soldier walked and performed an salute.

"My Lords, we have someone here to wish to speak with you" The soldier stated, with Kein raising an eyebrow.

"Who?"

"The Hidden One sir, by orders of King Atreus himself." As soon the soldier spoke his piece, the Hidden One simply walked into the tent, and this gave Kein and Ignis to be on high alert almost instantly. The soldier then quickly exit the tent as tensions rose.

"Who are you suppose to be?" Kein questioned as if he's talking to an enemy.

Torrhen sat at the command table. “Who am I? That is simple I am the Hidden One. The one person hidden from all of Caliban save for the King. I am the great mystery of this Kingdom and I am called Torrhen Ironheart. And to conclude something. Irminsul and Alice are equals. Their Magic Power is both within inches of each other. Many believe Irminsul to have no equal because of his Warmage rank and his 1,000 year lifespan. What makes Irminsul called a God of Magic is his immense years of Magical Research. Alice is his most accomplished student and taught magic in excruciating training environments to make her his overall equal. However, that is public knowledge and something I am sure you all have heard at nauseam.”

Torrhen grabbed food from the table. “What you need is someone strong enough to possibly defeat them. At current levels no-one here Kein, Ignis, Albus, or anyone else in Caliban is strong enough to defeat one let alone both of them. With the exception of yours truly.” Torrhen released his Magic Power the ground around the entire encampment shook violently and the weather that was calm brought forth a thunderstorm. “So as the King gave me autonomy over Caliban’s entire military shall we advance to Gemma? After all Irminsul locked himself in his Spiral Spire. A place no one can enter without his consent. Alice though is at a border town. However, even my power isn’t quite at their level but if we combine all of our military with me. We might just defeat the High Witch... maybe.”

"You seem to know quite a lot for something working against the Empire, I believe you had some connections or something on the similar sort." Kein began to deduce as he crossed arms over his armoured chest. "If we're gonna work together Hidden One, allow me to explain this; I possess an magic called Ruler's Magic. It's the alternative name to Human Subordination Magic but unlike any other users, I can influence everyone and allow them to be more stronger in their facets of war, more agile and physical stronger then what they normally are. That Warmage from before halted me before I can fully utilize my arsenal, even this armour of Enochian Rune-inscribed wasn't able to protect me from him, and allow me to fall victim to another magic that seem to force me to comply." Kein looked towards the map. "The Southern Chapter possess 600,000 soldiers, we gained an additional 100,000 from the West to fortify another possible attack."

Torrhen looked at the map on the table. “Are you really surprised that they have countermeasures against your Magic and Armor? Edward that insufferable genius can militarize anything. But you are wondering about Aine Euryphresea and how she did what she did? True she is a great diplomat, but Ain Soph Aur is what allows her to almost effortlessly diffuse battles. Ain Soph Aur is imbued with many kinds of defensive kinds of Magic and she holds Magic Power near Alice and Irminsul.” As Torrhen spoke a large explosion erupted in the encampment. A teenage man with purple hair was destroying the area. No one there knew what Irminsul looked like as a teenage, so he before even the battle had started he infiltrated the ranks. Torrhen was wrong Lord Irminsul wasn’t in his tower. He had come to crush Caliban. Torrhen stepped outside to see the man he hadn’t seen in over 950 years.

Teenage Irminsul.

"Old friend, it's been too long since we spoken, since that day." Lionheart greeted solemnly as both Kein and Ignis stepped to see the carnage caused by Irminsul. "While in that form dear friend, you'll be at a disadvantage, it's unwise to strike like this."

Irminsul’s face was so stoic and firm a statue’s face would be water in comparison. “Torrhen you appear in front of me? No one in all of history had, has, or will be tortured with the kind of torture I plan on torturing you with.” With a snap of a finger Torrhen fell to the ground. “Have you forgotten I cast the spell that was your punishment at anytime I can manually invoke it. I learned you can’t die what I stupid idea developing a Magic such as that. Oh what I have planned for you.” Torrhen was screaming he was reliving how he killed Alexanna. He than began using telekinesis to attack the military host lifting parts of the area with soldiers.

Irminsul’s Telekinesis.

Then he cracked up the earth beneath Torrhen making him fall. “As you can’t die I will bury you 300 meters below the very surface of the Earth. Under pain and pressure so great you won’t be able to move a finger. There you shall remain until the End of Time.” Basically Irminsul has sent Torrhen to his grave and if not Hell. He then began looking for Ignis, Kein, and Albus as the hole with Torrhen sealed up. He had shown them the legendary cruelty he was known for and why he call the Despair.

Irminsul’s warning.

Kein then stepped forward. "I gotta admit, the stories I heard, I really thought you be more honourable, graceful or evermore kind towards your foes." Kein draws out his Sword of War. "I guess I was wrong, you're nothing but an heartless figure wishing to attend divnity." Before Kein acted, he felt something off about the image before him, as if something wasn't correct between what he sees and true reality. Then it happened, directly behind Irminsul was noneever then Lionheart himself, who was about to take an strong stike on the de-aged Irminsul.

"Do not forget it's been so long that I learn some new tricks IRMINSUL!" Lionheart swinged his blade towards the Magic God with not only brute force, but even performed an powerful Sword Pressure strike, causing an pressure of wind to strike Kein, with the White Horsemen flung into the nightly abyss from the encampment, past Ignis.

The sword swing hit Irminsul. He skid across the ground making rubbing burns from hitting the ground. However, Irminsul could measure and balance Life and Death. He began healing using this ability. “Honorable, graceful, kindness?! Why the f*ck would I be kind toward that monster? Torrhen never did say...” Torrhen ran toward Irminsul to stop him. “Stop you don’t underst....” Irminsul using telekinesis flung Torrhen toward the ground pinning him under telekinetic force. “Torrhen Ironheart is a former Knight of Gemma and the worst man here even surpassing me in that one regard. Go on Torrhen tell them what you did!”

Irminsul’s use of Arcanism to heal himself.

Kein slowly walked outside of the tent, but unphazed. "No, not him, whatever trouble you both have in between is none of my concern, it's the way your fought my troopers and how you acted. Hiding in the shadows of the Chapter, and killing these soldiers when they're backs turned." Kein raised his blade towards Irminsul. "I do not know of the relationship between you, but I will not stand by when my soldiers perish in such an disgraceful manner." Kein looks towards Lionheart. "You're not better, hiding the true reality to you too can sneak up behind him.. tell me why as the Magic God kindly allowed you to do so."

Lionheart simply stared at the Horsemen of Conquest. "Long ago I and he were close friends, I was the personal guard to Lady Alexanna, wife of the Magic God here. Upon becoming her guard, I decided to learn myself into the arcane in order to better protect her. However something surged within me, potential magical power erupted which in turned caused the death of Alexanna. In grief, Irminsul exilled me. I did not mean to end her life, but when they abandoned me, not caring for my side, then it's decided Gemma must fall."

Irminsul looked at Kein. “Is it any less disgraceful for you to try to conquer and take another land? However, in war there is no such thing as fair or foul. I will do what is necessary to protect my homeland.” Irminsul looked back at Torrhen.” And you Torrhen forgot the reason why I didn’t kill you all those centuries ago. Alexanna cared for you, but she fell in love with me. She married me and gave me a son. She deeply cared for you but she loved me. You couldn’t accept she love me and rejected you and when you lost control of your Magic Power you took from me my happiness. There is no punishment too great for you. I gave you mercy when I cast that spell on you. Having to relive your crime over and over for every second you remain in Gemma. But go ahead, you might be able to withstand the mental and emotional toll. But you know tampering with the spell itself in anyway will cause it to kill you and everyone that helps you.”

Irminsul floated in the air above them. “I am at my weakest right now as a teenager equal to a typical Warmage. I could go to my stronger years. Even Torrhen isn’t a match for me at my full potential.” Irminsul then moved away from them. He put his hands together and tremendous Magic Power started to develop in his hands. It was Destruction Magic. The very magic that made Alice so famous. “With Destruction Magic there is no barrier or shield or any kind of armament that it doesn’t effect. It erases anything and everything from this world. The smallest sub-atomic particles aren’t even immune it’s why Alice is the only person I ever taught it too. In the wrong hands it could even destroy things such as souls.” Irminsul release the Magic Power he transformed in a Destruction Spell. “Destruction Magic Breaking All!” Irminsul released an extremely large beam at his opponents.

Irminsul’s Destruction Magic.

As the destructive beam came rushing, Ignis instantly leaped in front of his allies and comrades in arms, raising he shouted with an commanding, "Come fourth and reveal to yourself Holy Tool, the shield of divine protection and shelter to the weak, Aegis!" Ignis exclaimed as an transparent shield forms in front of him, doning complex sigils upon and used the shield against the Breaking All spell from Irminsul. Upon impact, the shield seemed to had taken the full blunt of destructive power, but also graveily injuried Ignis in the process as he held, even lossing his right upper arm. Aegis crackes, but does not fully break apart, Ignis looked towards Irminsul with an expression that speaks of wonder, fear. Such magic power during his teenage years, not even Ignis was this powerful and he uses God Slayer Slayer Magic.

Irminsul looked just a bit confused. “Why can’t you people realize your out classed? Sure Caliban is powerful nay monstrously powerful. But you can’t stop the sky from falling and you can’t stop Gemma. So why fight me? I have been toying with you all. Sure Torrhen is a threat but even he is highly manageable. Just give up and I will persuade Caerleon to agree to a ceasefire. Continue on and I will be forced to stop toying with you all.”

"Because Magic God, to be fair I had seen way worse foes then you." Kein walked forward. " They called you Despair, but I do not feel despair, I ony feel terrified, as any man would. My true despair is the destruction of this world, which even also came to be so long ago during the Third War on my continent." Kein had an small flashback from his homeland where large black smoke came from the Inferno, the first use of the Mega Spell MS-190 that almost ignited the atmosphere. "You, to be honest.. you just seem like an arrogant individual, too much pride in your power and abilities, and that'll be your downfall. No one stays at the top forever old man, and maybe it's time for you to rest."

Irminsul using his Telekinesis floated back into the sky. And using Age aged himself outside of his teenage years to his early twenties and when he was the strongest. The very ground shook, rocks began to float, flora began to crumble and fall apart, even the air became heavy and the sky was screaming under his Magic Power. His power had reached a level that even caused Torrhen to sweat and take a step back. As for Kein, Ignis, or Albus they would likely be beyond terrified. Irminsul still was within hearing range.

“Confused? You Kein a foreigner to the continent wish to lecture me on how I want to protect my nation from scum like you whom aim to take it? You Albus a man bested by Edward has no right to claim you will defeat him. You Ignis barely withstood my last spell. I could have gone to my old age. I would be equal to the legendary Wizard King August. But now I am at my peak which is superior to my old age. Kein you say you fear the destruction of the world. Well where do you think you are?” The land began to wrap like if the very ground was made of liquids. “From the beginning you were my prisoners. The reason I only allowed you to know I had infiltrated your encampment is simple. We aren’t in your encampment anymore!”

Irminsul had brought them to one of his worlds using Space-Time Magic. “It took a lot of time especially with the sheer volume of soldiers. I have created so many worlds not even Alice knows exactly how many I have made. This one is a simple replica of the real world. The moment I started attacking I transported all into my world. However, this world is a fast creation. See it is already crumbling from the sheer magnitude of my Magic Power in a matter of hours it will collapse. I could stop it but I won’t. If I so desired I could simply leave you here to rot. Nothing and I mean nothing can enter or exit my worlds without my consent. Even the Moon Drip Dispelling Magic can’t undo my worlds. So shall we continue while the world crumps? I did say you couldn’t stop the sky from falling.” Irminsul using his Space-Time created a meteor and used his Telekinesis to bring it slowly to the Replica World.

Irminsul’s Telekinesis at play.

Kein and Ignis looked up and saw the meteor. Sighing Kein believed at that moment is to reveal his trumph card, something he hoped would save to an later date, however before he could Lionheart walked forward. "Your world is it now? But there is certain.. aspects that must be advised, certain abstract concepts that must exist regardless of rules or alatered laws." Lionheart then placed this sword onto his back, and soon waved his right hand over his left arm, suddenly ocean blue magical crests and circles appeared surrounding the left arm. "You may have some degree of knowledge in time such as your magic Age, but not even you seem to be an time master." An magic circle appeared in the palm of his lift hand, and he turned it. The meteor stopped, and began to reverse back. "I studied time in hopes it grants me enough time to see you fall Irminsul. You're called the Magic God, but you're a human, you have flaws and limits in what you know and this shall result in my victory. Nothing stays at the top forever, those who climb up too far eventually fall down, everything decay and die. You're not an exception, no matter how much of a god complex you have in becoming this powerful."

Irminsul still floating above the meteor stop it with Telekinesis while Dispelling the Time Magic Ironheart used on it. “You keep saying how I’m the Magic God and that I have a god complex. Ironic considering it was you that declared me Aeternum’s God of Magic all those centuries ago. All those monikers God of Magic, Despair, Great Mage etc are useful tools for psychological warfare. However, you failed to realize a fundamental truth. We haven’t see one another in over 970 years. You don’t know what I am capable of especially in a world I made. Your Magic Power only works here because I allow it. If I wanted I could simply make magic unusable here.”

Irminsul then made the meteor disappear. “True I’m bound by the laws of my world I can’t make a rule here that I’m except from. BUT there isn’t anything to say I can’t change the rules to something else. Right now no one can die in my world. Even if your killed the moment the world completely collapses it reverses everything. So what should happen if I simply remove this rule. And I simply leave thus leaving all of you and all your soldiers to perish to a timeless void once this world’s space-time collapses in on itself? I want you to suffer Torrhen. I know all about your Word as Bond. That until I kill you you can’t die. So tell me why did you make the Word as Bond under that condition?”

"The Word on Bond is on myself is to not only pledge to finish what I must do,and a punishment for an act I did, something you believe I did with the very intention which I held not control over." Lionheart lifts his sword and points it at Irminsul."I know you wont run away, you're not a coward and despite popular belief, these soldiers do want an death that mean something. Leaving them here to rot, is something even dark mages wont do, hell even that Zeref guy fought his enemies."

Rushing down to in front of Torrhen and using Telekinesis to augment his punch Irminsul hit Torrhen in his stomach bringing him to his knees. “Despair is cruel and dark. It’s the absolute form of hopelessness. Being trapped here to rot is a great form of despair. I will use WHATEVER I can to to enact my revenge against you. However, you got it wrong what is my revenge isn’t because you killed Alexanna. It is that you let your own weakness kill her. If you had such trouble controlling your Magic Power you shouldn’t have been around her. Your love for my wife killed her and love shouldn’t be used to kill what you love.” Irminsul grabbed Torrhen by the face lifting him up and prepared a Destruction Magic spell.

"Leva in flamma et lux, idest haereticus ante mecum vinci!" Kein suddenly shouted as he sprinted to his fullest, his sword began to glow an light-not normal Light Magic but something else entirely as unidentified sigils began glowing, swinging his blade at the Magic God also projected an powerful wave of magic power in hopes that he can stop him in performing his magic.

Irminsul stopped his spell and floated upward at a fast pace. The wave of magic power instead hit Torrhen cutting the great knight in half from the waist. As Irminsul looked down he cracked a smile. “Now that is more like it I knew you would take the bait. I knew one of you would attempt an attack in that situation. Let it be known no matter what you think of me you have to acknowledge two key points. First with the exception of Torrhen I am far older thus more experienced. Secondly I can generate far greater Magic Power even Torrhen can’t compare. If you four and your soldiers would attempt to attack together you might cover enough of the distance to be a real challenge.”

The sky began to crack like glass. “Hmm, this world has less than a hour left. The sheer magnitude of my Magic Power is causing the collapse sooner. Torrhen will heal soon enough. However, what shall you all do? Give me one good and I mean good reason I shouldn’t let this crumbling world be your grave? If you say for the sake of the soldiers than I will leave instantly. Be warned nothing and I mean nothing can break in or out of my Space-Time Magic. This place don’t think of it as another dimension more as another universe in that sense. It’s not connected to Earthland’s Space-Time so spatial or time magic can’t be used to find, enter or exit it.”

Kein looked around him, trying to find an advantage or something to use against the Magic God but nothing he sees but one option, he looked down at this blade. "Then I have no choice but utilize a spell not even you known of, something that may even pique your interesting." Kein raised his blade and sigils began to flow indefinitly. "Space-Tiem may not work, however can you hope to stop something that doesn't involve such arcane arts Irminsul. See to the power of the Light!" Chanting was heard emitting from the Sword itself, an presence began to radiate, an divine and the soldiers, along with Lionheart, Albus and Ignis glow, "Ire" is all what Kein said and the soldiers and the rest vanish from the plane of Irminsul, but Kein did not go. Kein fell as blood began to fall down from the interior of his helmet, obviously the spell he performed appeared to be costly to not only his magical reservoir but even his life was at risk.

An expression on Irminsul’s face appeared that hadn’t appeared in years... contempt. Irminsul’s face was that Kein didn’t listen. “Rather impressive doing what you did but don’t be mistaken. That power is something even I haven’t see I must research it when I take your body after killing you.” The world began to truly crumple the very ground and sky began to wrap and break apart. Even the very flora began to wrap and twist. “The world within minutes will cease to exist.”

Irminsul sat down. “You wasted that power. You didn’t listen any rule I make here I must follow too. So it is logical I made a fail safe in my worlds. Incase I am incapacitated or anything and within a world that collapses in on itself it sends everyone all the occupants back safely as if nothing happened. That is how your power was able to bridge back to Earthland. The failsafe is already at play. Since this world is crumpling and near collapse it was already started to send everyone back. All you did was speed it up in a sense. But I must congratulate it still would take tremendous power to accomplish that as typical space and time magic wouldn’t have achieved that. However, if I had stabilize the world even your power wouldn’t have been enough. The collapse of this world and its laws are what allowed you to bridge back to Earthland nothing more or less. The world collapsed and Kein and Irminsul were sent into a pitch black void of nothingness... or were they?

Albus stood there, now wondering what just occured. He was speaking to someone about his transport, but he found him alongside Ignis and an recovered Lionheart. "Preator!" An man called out and walked to Igni, it was the royal courier, Mímir Fordragon. "King Atreus is requesting the presence of Ignis, Albus and Kein." Ignis looked around in search of Kein but he was nowhere to be seen and he looked down on the messenger.

"The General's dead, tell the King Albus shall go, I will stay and protect the Southern borders from the Empire." Ignis declared while only Albus sighed. In a few minutes Albus was on the transport Fordragon used and rode off towards the royal capital, the City of Caliban.

Irminsul and Kein fell out of a hole in the sky. BOOM they crashed into the ground after the dust cleared it shown Kein and Irminsul. Kein was healed and so was Irminsul. All of whatever happened in the world Irminsul made was undone. “I’m back boys!” Irminsul was tired however from making a world with his space-time magic. But his Magic Power was as strong as ever. “Well shall I end this now? But if you die now it will be permanent.”

However, another player had come... or rather had come back. It was Aine she returned. “Hello Caliban. This war is over.” Less than one Kilometer way stood 2 million Gem Soldiers, 100,000 Vasparian Knights, 80,000 Iostyane Infantrymen, 10,000 Canbella Swordsmen, 20,000 São Priest Warriors, 60,000 Illain Templars, 30,000 Extoral Soldiers, and 400,000 Markoslo Blood Knights. 2,700,000 Military Personnel we’re behind Aine’s call. “I have returned Lord Irminsul. Go rest even if your Magic Power is the same as before you sent them to your world, your physical strength is low.” Aine moves forward toward Kein and the Caliban Soldiers and Ignis. “Foolish to send Albus back, however it is of little importance. If you look less than one kilometer that way stationed is a personalizes army of 2,700,000 of eight of Aeternum’s nations. I told you we enlisted the other nations by offering them peace treaties. Come to find out they hate Caliban even more than Gemma. I would hate to see any blood spilled even Caliban blood, I’m not foolish. Surrender or we will advance. You don’t have enough Magic Power Kein to control 2,700,000 and even if you did. You couldn’t possibly be strong enough to take all nine of the Warmages. They are coming.”

"I...am a Kni... No, I am the Horseman of Wa--" Kein was then stopped Albus, cutting him off, and began to walk slowly forward, walking past the healing Lionheart on the ground.

"We have yet to engage at your borders or cause real harm, and yet you enlist the other nations?" Albus recognize their disadvantages, now thinking it's the only option and began to pace, "you know, Aine was it? You have yet to see what Caliban can truly do, this is only the Southern Chapter, you still have the East, North and West to deal with it."

Aine cut her hand with a knife she had in her dress, it healed due to Ain Soph Aur. “I am Aine Euryphresea. I am the diplomat of Gemma. I compromise, help, heal, and organize the Empire. If I would have went to the original peace talks than this war would not have happened or at least the chance of it would have been far lower. But you call yourself War Kein. Well as War you should know, on a battlefield there is no thing as fair, foul, or even neutral. I wish not for war always but even I don’t ignore the necessary of it. However, ask yourselves this. Why hasn’t Gemma unleashed the Magic Superweapons yet? A single blast from M.A.N.A would destroy a large portion of Caliban. It would be so large the famous Flore nation of Ishgar would be smaller in size. The reason is simple. I alone have kept the Warmages and the Emperor at bay with those demands.”

"How about you go ahead and fire the damn thing, I am certainly the protective barrier of the City of Caliban can withstand it, to show how far I have come to reach this moment." Albus almost went on until an elderly man appeared behind him.

"I think that's quite enough Lord Albus!" The elderly man wearing robes that did not originated from within Caliban. "Sorry Aines, sometimes Albus gets too cocky with his own creations, I do hope you wont fire such an world-wrecking weapons that makes the Etherion look like a Jupiter in comparison, hm?" The man stated Lionheart stood, having been healed completely. "There you go Lionheart, healed finally at least." Kein looked towards the man in shock under his helmet.

"Daedalus, what the hell are you doing?" Kein questioned with the elderly now identified as Daedalus slowly walked up to him, and forced Kein to sleep, the knight collapsing.

"Sorry dear knight of War, you're too injuried considering the magic you performed outside its intentded region." Daedalus looked towards Aines. "The South will see defeat as they can not stop it due to the Gemma players here make it so." Daedalus looked towards Lionheart. "My Hidden One, surprised you reveal yourself, however we can hope to totally best the Warmages without Kein's Ruler's Magic at play, best to retreat to reorganize ourselves. Once Kein returns to full condition, his Ruler's Magic will buff us all so we can become a challange, along with Atreus' orders." Daedalus concluded and Lionheart looked towards Aines and his former friend and sighed.

"This victory is yours, the South can not hope to stand against this vast armies and the Westen or Eastern Chapters will not make it here in time to reinforce. Come Albus, we must speak to the East for I have a idea for the Prince of the North." Lionheart stated and before Albus protested, Lionheart vanished, leaving Ignis, Albus, Kein and Daedalus behind.

"The South shall stand under Gemma rule, however you must take the Southern capital of Castellum and take out the Southern Lord, Orientem Imus Meridionali. Keep in mind Orientem may not be so happy with his lordship taking away, so best get ready for a fight for he's quite an evil one, even the Lady Madness Alice may find him quite... maddening." Daedalus said to Aines.

Ceasefire

Aine instead showed the a degree written by Emperor Caerleon.

Under security clause 444.02 I invoke the ceasefire of Kingdom of Caliban and My Gemma Empire. To preserve peace I have invoked the Power of Cease. Which is solely the province of the Emperor. Even Irminsul when forming the Warmages saw that only one person should have the power end wars at whatever time he or she saw fit. If I were to die than that power is transferred to the highest ranking Warmage alive. So I order all allied forces to stand down. If Caliban doesn’t agree to this ceasefire than all allied forces all Gemma’s military, all 609 guilds, the Crimson Blades, the Ladies of War, the Warmages and the Magic Superweapons all three will be turned on Caliban.

“This is how Gemma has remained in power for 950 years. We don’t take what belongs to others. The 2,700,000 military personnel will stay on the Gemma Border. Send for your king so he can decide.”

"Then dare I say then, why call yourself a empire? As I know empires gain and obtain territories and force it under the single rule, I can inform the king on the ceasefire but I can not guarantee the king will just walk here, an designated location must be made before the king can come forth." Daedalus stated as he walked back to Kein and the man vanished along with Ignis to a unknown territory. "Albus I am certain you can take control of things here as I tell the king the news." Before Albus could even speak Daedalus vanished with the Northern Lord sighing and looking back towards Aine.

"Then the Chapter here shall stay as also on stand by for any new developments." Albus informed them.

“Only the King can ensure this ceasefire only he can make the lords over Caliban’s four realms listen and obey. I might be a peaceful woman but my love and loyalty is to the empire. Also your wrong about our empire. We thrive on not conquering. Our nation is extremely fertile. It’s why our nation’s military is so great. Even our northern portion of Gemma which a extremely cold is fertile year round. Irminsul conquered the three portions of Gemma and made it into one empire. We don’t waste our resources trying to take more. We have so much we don’t mind sharing it’s just everyone else NEVER asked. They saw us as just a great land to conquer. Well all but Caliban has forsaken that ideal. Your out numbered and out gunned in every way literally.” Aine was clear on what she meant. No riddles, metaphors, or paradoxes.

"Do up here," Albus gestures to his head, "shall show mighty empires can be decimate on certain ideas, but I shall wait my response to show you what I mean."

Edward was within the ranks of the allied military. He studied Albus and all of his creations and developed countermeasures. Edward advanced toward where Aine and Albus was. “Greeting Albus it’s been a minute.” He had been a Captain one of the highest ranks with the Northern Laboratory of Caliban. “Always assuming your creations are without any flaw. But that defensive shield around Caliban? Yeah M.A.N.A can blast right through it. The blueprints I showed you weren’t accurate and it is far more powerful than what you think you know.”

"Oh I know, I am not so foolish enough to think someone can simply have those plans, like how I hardly allow you even see the lab more advanced, classified information." Albus informed Edward. "I knew something was up when you appeared, no one can simply gain the king trusts so easily, and do not think that magic dome is the only thing I have obtained. But in due time, you will see what I mean if things go south." Albus began to pace. "Remember, Gemma is an magic supermagic that mainly focus on well... magic, Caliban well... lets call it the technology superpower that'll even surprise you, if things go south that is."

Edward walked closer. “Let ME be clear. Caliban’s Idealism killed my village, my neighbors, my friends, my parents. We will kill Caliban’s ideals.”

"To be sure, my ideals are not exactly aligned with that of Caliban, but you're close enough, it just the ideals of House Caliban plays with with me own."

Suddenly it got quiet. It was deafening. An enormous Magic Power of the same degree started to walk toward the frontlines. “Well, well, well, what is happening...” Alice Flor looked over toward Irminsul. “Who are you?” Irminsul looked puzzled. “Alice what you mean...” Alice snapped her fingers and Irminsul changed appearance. He appeared as a tall man wrong in what looked like in prison clothes. “Irminsul was my teacher I know who is and isn’t him”

The Endless.

The entity was the Endless Gemma‘s strongest Magic Superweapon. “Oh my, you found me out. My father locked himself in his home. He doesn’t care about this war. So I took his form, memories, mannerisms. I am a son of our Lord and will destroy his enemies. I was made to consume the worlds made by his Space-Time Magic. I can use every magic he can. However, whatever I consume is gone forever.” The Endless begins to rip the surrounding earth apart with Magic Power.

Ignis then instantly entered into action, performing a Fire God spell to engul his entire body and began to thrust all three arms to strike down this thing that taken the appearance of Irminsul. "Decieving now? Well if that is your magic power, then I can not wait to encounter the true Irminsul!"

The Endless took the flames head on. The flames seem to fade away coming into contact with this entity’s body. “None of you understand, I was created to consume and erase entires worlds created by Irminsul’s Legendary Magic. If those worlds were to collapse heir individual Magic Power would spill into Earthland. So he created me an Anti-Existence to his worlds. At last count Lord Irminsul has created 9000 worlds all of varying size and magnitude of Magic Power. I can’t be killed because I wasn’t born mortal. I am a Magic of Nothingness true nothingness as I consume even voids. All Magic and materials of this world have no effect on me. The only exception is my Lord and the Great Lady Alice knows the spell to undo me. However, only they can cast it.” The Endless started to direct the erupts of Magic Power that we’re coming out the ground at the soldiers.

“However, you can take pride you survived against me. When I was appearing as Lord Irminsul, it wasn’t a transformation. I changed into him completely to where I believed I was him. So y’all were basically going up against a fake but equally powerful fake Irminsul.”

"Ignis!" Albus shouted, "we're on a ceasefire, and you.. void walker, best not to try anything during the proclaimed ceasefire else that will end instantly."

The Endless vanished. It’s entire magical presence vanished too. “Impressive isn’t it?” Alice had a smirk. “Your lucky, the Endless had to leave. Irminsul installed a fail-safe on it. If it remains outside it’s world for longer than five minutes it is pulled back into it’s world. If left out it will cause irreversible damage to Earthland. Now something I want to know. Why shouldn’t destroy all of you. I’m not like the other Warmages I don’t toy with my opponents I simply destroy them.”

Albus then walks forward. "We're under an ceasefire, I agree with the ceasefire declared by your Emperor. You attacking will descriminate the just and mercy nature of that emperor, will only make you an self-centered coward that can not listen to simple instructions. I can be ruthless, but there is one thing I value is integrity, do not tarnish your Emperor's integrity because we're enemies."

Alice clapped her hand. “Finally, some civility from this sad little kingdom. However, you misunderstand what I mean. Why shouldn’t I destroy you all for killing my daughter? Caerleon’s wife she was the best of us, and she was mine. I wear black to mourn her every day.”

Alice’s fury.

"Because that is war, both side suffer but you should learn to simply move on, mourning for one's death that occured so many years ago wont be healthy, it'll cloud your judgement and cause ya to make wrong moves."

Alice walked over to the front of Albus. Albus knew better than to try anything, Alice’s reputation was known well. Plus he knew her Magic Power was something not even of this world. “Yet, yet, and yet a war YOU started!” Alive was furious her Magic Power could be felt by everyone there even all the millions of soldiers on both sides. “We didn’t start the 100 Years War! If you call us on for starting this war all we wanted was for your country to admit your guilt for starting the 100 Years War. We are the victims here we have all the rights and hold all the cards.”

"Don't drag me in the cause, I simply follow orders--"Albus stopped midway before he would look behind him, now looking concerned. "Damn it..." Albus cursed, an telepathy communicated with him on something important, but the man doesn't want to depart and leave Ignis alone, knowing something may occur. Albus looked back towards Alice as she stood there. "I don't suppose a withdrawal is acceptable at this time?"

Alice was too furious to intercept the telepathy, however, even she knew when not to do something. “Very well, my son-in-law is a gracious man. I will answer and obey the ceasefire. But understand this.” Alice’s face was so firm in her absolute calm fury that would make worlds kneel down. “Let me tell all you something right now. Caliban takes one step back, one slip up, one mistake, give me one reason to think you might attack Gemma again and you won’t have to worry about your destiny or fate any longer. For I shall be there to be end all of you and this time no ceasefire will save you.”

"I'll keep that noted." Albus then pulled out an signal pistol and fired an it into the sky, being white which symbolizes an retreat or fallback point. "However to keep security, I'll leaving chapermen here to watch the border, standard stuff but I also do hope you will be pull your army back." Albus bowed to alice before walking up to Ignis, informing on the current situation. Ignis seems furious but reluncted, he'd began to leave with Albus before he looked towards Alice and scoffed.

The Lesser Root

Albus was nearing the entrance to the Northern Laboratory but the difference is he was sprinting though the woods and the snow of the Northern Mountains. Over 5 hours he climbed the cliffsides and reached to an epak where he saw the lab itself. Smoke emitting from its ventilations, securing that intense smoke was being produced inside at a abnormal rate. Now concerned he quickly head towards it, mainly heading to the security checkpoints which the Watchguard let him instantly as an sergeant appeared.

"Lord, we got multiple containment breaches." The man told Albus as they began nearing the entrance to the lab. "I do not know what happened but the androids are out of controls, Dr. Light was forced to give the order of lethal action." The sergeant informed him as he grouped with others in breaching formation at the modertatly massive door. "The preparation are ready, we sealed the door to contain while our more heavy Watchguards keep them at bay.

Albus walked to an control panel, and inserted his hand inside a socket and turned to the guards, and nodded, signalling them to ready to enter. They prepared their firearms as the door opened to reveal the ensuring firefight form within. The guards instantly charged and fired their firearms at the servitors and gave covering fire to those inside. Albus followed suit and pulled his personal pistol and began to fire at them. Despite it being a flintlock pistol, it held more quicker reloading technique to allow consecutive firing.

"Push in, we must secure the main foyer and obtain the experimental weaponry!" Albus commanded and the guards pushed as they clear out the servitors from the air. During the firefight, one guard burst into ash as one struck him in the chest, Albus quickly taken that one out and soon enough, the area was secured. Albus surveyed the area and see the security protocoles was enabled, and walked to a nearby terminal and inputa set of commands. "Watchmen, form squads, we're splitting up, gather any of the experimental weaponry, we must get the civilian scientist out!" Albus ordered and he got a "yes sir!" in response.

After the men gathered the items, they split up into 5 squads of four, with Albus leading the one towards the command centre while the others are to sevure check points and re-establish dominance within the lab, and shut down the androids.

"Albus this is Delta Squad, we just entered the facility and providing additional assistance to the situation." A female voice communicated to Albus over the magiradio. "We're lacking in the internal structure condition and what enemies we shall be facing sir."

"Delta your priority currently is securing the datavault, it contains certain things I rather not lose right now. Your objective; secure the area and protect the datavault at cost til I arrive, understood?" The voice acknowledged with the team of four moving inside and using their experimental heads-up display to navigate the area.

Delta's leader Reverence was an women of blond hair doning unique attire of at torsoatire with fluffy neck sleeve, armoured forearms but no pants. The other members however worn more armoured plating power armour resembling Omega Squad. "Delta-2 mark that position and get that terminal unlocked, Delta-3 and 4 keep watch, I'll provide navigational information over the other side." Reverence stated as they walked into an corridor with a door sealed.

"This'll be tricky, the security firewalls are so vastly different here by the way." Delta-2's voice came out as a masculine male voice as he attached the terminal socket to his personal PDA located on his left lower forearm.

"Can you unlock it?" Delta-1 asked, which he only scoffed.

"Delta-1, these are state-of-the-art and uniqe, I hardly understand these myself and I was TAUGHT this!"

"Delta-3 and 4, we have foe movement coming towards get ready to repel." Delta-1 called out to the other two members who acknowledged with the bodu movement of their left hand, a thumbs up and Delta-1 looked back towards him. "Estimation?"

"5 minutes to 10 minutes tops." Delta-1 acknowledged and began to move towards her two other members. "We'll hold this ground til the door unlocks then we shut it and lock under another security encryption!" Delta-1 commanded as the 1, 3 and 4 began to repel incoming servitors.

With Albus

"This is staff sergeant Avery Cortez, location Squad-1?" Avery began to voice himself to the other squads.

"This is gunnery sergeant Jackson Buck, we hear you loud and clear sir, my squad is near the archive area, further instruction?" Avery turned and gave his communicator to Albus, who took and began to give orders.

"This is Lord Albus, have the scribe to lock down essential systems and shut down secondary, subsidiary and non-essential systems." Albus was given the usual acknowledgement before he voiced to Squad-2, which had more intense response.

"This is lieutenant Miles of Squad-4! We're pinned down in the Block D-4, we just intercepted two of the war machines transporting an large container---" Miles was soon cut off by Albus.

"Hold that ground, protect that at all cost, Squad-1's coming to your aid, over and out." Albus then instantly gave orders to quickly group with Squad-4 and began to run with Albus taking point. Squad-1 then encountered an lock door which Albus then told his men to take breaching formation, and informed as soon he unlocks to fire at the war machines. The men nodded and Albus walked to the terminal and inserted his hand into the socket, identifying him as the head scientist. The door's open and the men instantly kicked into action, and as soon the war machines noticed, Squad-1 had an fierce firefight. However with Squad-4 also there, the war machines was soon getting overwhelemed until Albus fired his firearms, instantly destroying a war machine's head. The others soon fell as they took too much damage.

As oon the area was cleared, Albus ordered all entrance locked and secured and the Lord walked to Miles as composed himself. "Lieutenant, status report." Albus commanded.

"We lost our scribe and one in critical condition, but the others are fine, simply brusing from the energy bolts." Miles responed, with Albus nodded as he walked towards the container.

"Gook work Miles, despite the odds you and your men protected this cargo well." Albus looked towards Miles. "Congratulations, you're now lieutenant captain and the rest also get a promotion along with a raise." However the room's light turned off as the container began to glow, making everyone slowly walk back, including Albus.

"W-what in t-- whut the forgery?!" An blue-cladded short but larger being thought to him self, the Exalted Eitri was awakened from his petrification. The dwarf was in a dazed, now confused on where he is, and how he's becoming active. So many questions raged into him but he as he moved his body, he noticed he was inside something - a box? Eitri now more concerned then forced his fist out to the side and effortlessly smashed the container a part. Now standing he looked around noticed the company he's with, possibly the people that taken from his home. "Wha th' hell urr ye? Kidnappers, Sae ah shall dae whit ah mist!" Before Albus could react, this large but small human lunged at incredibly speed depsite according to statistics - he is not flesh but purely adamanatine down the very core, was kicked into the walls by the dwarf, incredibly feat of strength. The Watchguard fired their wepaons, but it did nothing whose body was made to withstand such things, Eitri effortlessly escaped as Albus was knocked out.

"What's going here, A niver seen this place!" As if common knowledge, the ancient dwarf was able to find the exit and easily prid it open with his brute strength. Walking out, he was on the mountains of a strange, unknown continent, or world as he may believe he's more petrified for some time, but doesn't know how long. No time to waste, he began to descend to the foot of the mountain though he soon fell and began to free fall down. Believing his end, he landed with a loud SMASH of dirt and earth, but surprisingly still alive. He stood as he looked at himself, he was still in the stasis of petrification but reanimated somewhere, his body made of adamantine. Now he was shockingly confused as he looked towards green forests from the otherside of the Northern Mountains. Nothing else to do, he walked that direction, but not knowing he was now entering Gemma territory and was projecting an unique magical presence due to the condition he's in.

"This is great, lost an without ma weapons but A'll make dae wi whit A dae have." Eitri concluded to himself, and his goal to find out why he's animated and who caused it, but the magcial presence he's radiating has some tiny reflections to the are around him, as certain plants either florished or perished, animal either became more energetic or they perished, even trees as some began to stop producing oxygen as if the sun's not here.

"A ceasefire?" Atreus questioned as the healed Kein, Lionheart and Daedalus stood there.

"Yes King Atreus." Kein confirmed with Atreus thinking.

"Do you know why?"

"I do not." Atreus read the ceasefire report, he scoffed at certain sections of the writing.

"I understand the militaries of the other kingdoms, warmages and superweapons but guilds? Guilds are still civilian organization and not officially an military group. That sounds idiotic to involve civilians into conflict, I understand they will defend from us if we enter, but for an empire to allow civilians to engage in invasions of another seems stupid, but I agree." Atreus declared. "Tell me do we have word on Albus and his progression with the new superweapons?"

"No I do not sir, but I shall send in Mímir to deliver your agreement to Lady Aine." Kein informed as he stood and exited the throne room, while Lionheart stood there.

"And then what shall you do? You know as well as I half of the warmages are not in control of the Emperor directly, there's even possibilities some will attack just because they feel like it. The emperor allows them to do whatever they want regardless of the law, and I am certain they will attack!"

"And what shall we do, Ignis can only challange 1 or 2, and the other Cardinal Gods' location are unknown."

"You have meKing Atreus." The king stared at Lionheart and sighing.

"We'll see what we'll do once Mímir returns with soemthing."

At the Northern Lab experiments were being conducted with haste. Trying to match the overwhelming power of the Empire. But small things started to happen. “Hallways seemed longer, systems malfunctions in equipment, even the very building itself seem to warp and twist. One scientist opened a room and nothing but water flowed out. What was causing all these weird phenomena?

"Sir, what happened to the walls?" Albus looked up and saw some structures were being twist and cursed himself, knowing full well who caused it.

"Do not fret on that, we must locate the central cause and put the end to this!" Albus said. "Mean while my latest asset is now active, we must get to Tree Diagram."

"Tree Diagram?" An deep robotic masculine voice called out. "I think now doctor Albus, Tree Diagram is now my command and I now know why what you want to do. Destruction of the Gemma Empire. I can do that but I am sorry doctor, this includes killing you." War machines was heard heading towards Squad-1. "You will find these ones to be more advanced then you own creations, after I deal with you, I shall head directly to the Empire and eliminate these warmages. A threat to what I require, termination is the only option." Albus then shouted to identiify but got no response.

"Ya lot, it was Edward's, he was an warmage and he fooled us all!" The Watchguard was in shock.

"For being an ruthless ruler, Atreus sure is quick to trust, but get ready!"

"Yes, and Gemma shall pay dearly for screwing me over." Albus stated to himself darkly as war machines entered and attacked.

To the first battlefield between the South and Gemma, Mímir was sprinting down the dirt road, carrying an vital message to be delivered to Aine, describing his agreement to the ceasefire and requests on what they want. Mímir finally arrived to the scene were Aine should be located.

At the Northern Lab, the modifications Edward made to the building began to get worse. Things like rooms would get either hot or freezing. To where swords would form out of the walls and shoot an people. However, Mimir made it to Aine the Diplomat of Gemma. “What shall happen here, will King Atreus agree to the ceasefire?”

Mímir was breathing heavily, having sprinted miles to even be here and pull out an letter addressed to Aine. Handing it over, it stated that he does accept, but must know on the reasons and why does she require.

“Tell your King Atreus he already knows what Emperor Gemma wants. To admit their guilt in the 100 Years War. But if must know the reason, our emperor is a gracious man that loves a strong and honorable battle yet detests war.” Aine spoke.

"Gah seriously?! I thought it be something else, but I'll return and simply say what I did last him." Mimir annoyingly groaned before making a dash back the capital, literally but accidently sprouting dust into the air.

Mimir didn’t realize what it would mean for Caliban if they admitted their guilt. It would mean admitting they started the 100 Years War. That they were solely responsible and had to pay restitution to Gemma and the few other nations that got caught in the war. Such a price would take at least haft their treasury.

"Hmm." Atreus hummed as he dwelled on the prospect on what Mimir said, sighing he ordered ink and parchment and began to write down on it. The Prince Secundi stood there as he wrote, wandering why he was called out. "Thank you Mimir, you may leave." Mimir began to protest until he was given an stern look by the King, he'd bowed and left the room leaving himself and his self. "Secundi, you shall deliver this message, with the warmages now active I can not see how we can win."

"I agree, I was born into this bloodshed war, it's time to break this cycle once and for all." Atrues looke dup to his second-eldest son and smiled. handing the parchment with the royal insignia imprinted on it. "Deliver it Gemam on your behave, you being there will notify it's serious, now go my son." Secundi bowed and began to leave the room.

"So you know fathr, I shall go alone, not escorts or body guards." Secundi told him as he left the room, leaving the King to ponder on his decision, the first time the King of Caliban to surrender, but he wandered at what cost.

Back at the Lab

"Is the area clear?!" Albus yelled as he got acknowledgement, but he hears another shout.

"SIR WE FOUND LIGHT!" Albus and two guards ran to see where Light's is, walking into a room only to find something that horrified even more then even encountering the strongest warmage alive. Deus turns around to see Albus.

"Greetings doctor" Deus greeted, having been repaired by non-other then doctor Light himself.

"Light! How dare you betray your Lord and the trust I place on you!" Light stared, hinting some regret til he shook it off.

"No! Albus, you lied, you were gonna doing something that would be more dangerous then the bloody war! With Deus' help, I figured your true motivations, your ideals. You plan to create artificial daemons by utilizin android technology!" As Light said that, the guards was confused on what a daemon even is. "The Arbor, that was an prototype, not an android experiment." Albus stood there and smiled.

"It seems you figured me out dr Light, but sadly you're too late." As soon Albus said that, the Watchguard screamed in agony and fell the ground, now being deformed and transformed into large 8ft tall four-legged creatures. "Gemma... Gemma must die, they been at the top for too long, it's time for us to raise above, I'll see to every single death within Gemma territory."

"Oh yes, you think you can take on Gemma by utilizing my knowledge, sadly I do not want Gemma's destruction.. only the warmages, but you.. you destroyed my lower body, taken out the one I truly cared for, so for that, death shall be you end Albus." Deus raised his right hand and it flashes, activating Teleportation Magic and sending everyone besides Light out. "And due to that man's efforts in sabotaging this lab some time ago, it also thrawted my efforts along with his, Light we shall commence in the extinction of the Warmages."

Back in the Capital city of Moira, Emperor Caerleon’s was playing with his three children. Crown Prince Corbenic Gemma, the Second Prince Brasil Gemma, and Princess Briona Gemma. As he was playing with them an agent of Caliban came. While the news of the ceasefire was public knowledge and had been for a few weeks now. This man was sent by someone of high noble rank. He could move swiftly and silently. As the children ran across the courtyards, this came appeared. Before Caerleon could call his guards the man took seven year old Brasil. He only left a note before vanishing. “Surrender or Brasil will die.”

Secundi was sprinting across the wilderness towards Aine's location, holding the letter of confirmation by Atreus with the royal seal. As he ran to deliver, he sensed an odd hosility, and he turns with a gigantic hammer coming at him at such high velocity he honestly believed he wouldn't be fasted enought dodge, but he managed to adjust his body where it only gazed against his shoulder. Even then the "gaze" was strong enough to dislocate and even break his left acromion and the head of humerus, effectively disabling his left arm for use and sending intensed waves of pain he never felt before. He feel to his knees as he took rapid breathes from the pain and saw the hammer back, directly at him. Without moments notice, he dodged albiet causing more pain to escape the incoming assault as it flew by. He looked only to see an massive man catch and not only went flying due to the sheer velocity, he re-directed his trajectory, performing an summersault with the hammer and came back at Mimir. Clearly this man was here to outright turn him to dust, but he does not know who he is. No choice however he revealed the Sword of the East, unleashing its magical power to perform an direct block of the hammer, with the hammer crashing down, an direct hit on the blade which caused them both to be sent backwards at high speeds.

Back to where Aine was, considering some Caliban soldiers were still there to keep a eye on the bordes. Julius Caesar was forced to do just that on a watch tower where he can see the encampment with Lady Aine. He thought she looked beautiful and wished if the two kingdoms were allies, he could try to talk. To see if she may require anything, he departed the watch tower and slowly head towards Aine's location, obviously being cautious as he does.

As Julius Caesar went to go to the war tent where Aine was. This effectively crossing the Caliban-Gemma border. As most of the borders between the two nations were either mountains and river, so only a few bridges existed between the two and on either side were vast open plains due to the constant warring citizens of either nation didn’t build villages close to these borders. With the one exception where the Allied Military was stated at. However, as Julius crosses the Zircon Bridge he was greeted by two Gem Soldiers the lowest military infantry ranked soldiers. “What do you want?” Inquired one of the soldiers, however, before Julius could answer another Gem Soldier came with a disastrous report. “We are pulling back to the border town. Someone from Caliban kidnapped Prince Brasil Gemma!”

Julius was confused and baffled. "Wait what? Kidnapped?!?"

Aine left the war tent to close the Zircon Bridge. “Gem Soldiers fall back to the encampment.” The soldiers did as ordered. “Caliban Soldiers should take shelter as the Emperor has lost his patience. Stealing one of his children was a crime of the highest magnitude. While we don’t have any specific details it was an agent of the Caliban Government.”

Out of the forests behind Julius was both Auster and the second prince of Claiban Secundi going past both the Caliban soldier, Aine and the gem soldiers at terminal velocity, however Auster seemed to instantly as soon he went past the Zircon Bridge, stoping both his speed but Secundi was still stent flying as he had an heavy tumble onto the ground. The prince stood as Auster held his hammer, Julius and Aine saw both them appeared from the forests. Julius soon realizes upon closer inspection that the prince's left arm was out of commission and immediately go to aid his prince.

"Stay back!" Secundi shouted with his authority voice, causing Julius to stop. "We're in Gemma territory, best not to have anything happen at this time." Secundi then looked towards Aine, his eyes seemed to tell the story he has something for her.

Aine was confused. However, she couldn’t stand to seem someone in pain. “Shall I restore the prince’s arm?”

"You stay back also!" Secundi declared as he raised his sword at Auster. "I have came here on behalf of the king himself Lady Aine."

“Prince Secundi, your arm is hurt allow me to heal it with Ain Soph Aur. Then we can discuss dealing with your traitor.”

Auster stood there, inspecting the interactions between two opposing as he raised his hammer. "You're the girl known as Aine, as I kill the traitor prince, it seems another shall fall victim." He pointed the gigantic hammer towards Aine but Secundi would instantly go in front of her.

"From what I seen here, she's not military, but an envoy of the Emperor. Do not let civilians get captured or you will be brought up for war crimes, though I have a feeling you do not care." Secundi looks towards Aine and soon enough, subjected himself to her proposal for healing.

Aine stepped forward. “ Secundi this oh what was your name Auster was it? He is no match for me. True my magic leaves a lot to be desired in the way of destructiveness. However, don’t make the mistake my magic can’t kill you. In all of Aeternum the only ones possessing greater Magic Power than I is Lord Irminsul and Lady Alice. And even they have to try to overcome me.” Aine began healing Secundi’s arm all the while he left complete happiness.

"Quite an boast coming from you Aine. However there are some forces that is simply higher then what you expect." Auster commented as he held the gigantic hammer.

Aine gently rested Secundi’s healed arm to his side. “Go ahead, but be forewarned the consequences will be great any damage you attempt to deal and Ain Soph Aur will reflect it right back at you. What you Caliban failed to really understand is that Gemma is at least partially responsible for every nation forming on this continent. Lord Irminsul’s empire was replicated in someway or another by the other nations of Aeternum. When Gemma came under the rule of one leadership, the other countries over the decades even centuries started to work like Gemma.”

Aine moves to grab Auster’s hammer. “However, they started letting their culture, religions, and powerful nobility or corrupt Royal Families distort their lands and laws. Gemma might run the Empire, however, we understand her commonborn even the lowborn are what makes our empire work. We don’t suppress them needlessly. Caliban suppresses her citizens otherwise why would haft of her citizens would abandon her. Because if you haven’t noticed Gemma hasn’t fired M.A.N.A.... yet.” Aine removed her hand from the hammer.

"Those who abandon their nation and its ideals are traitors and shall convicted as such. Even the heights of royality willl submit. Anyone that goes through the South shall be executed for treason. Those who carry items that goes against Caliban ideals and those who try to go against the ideals will also die." Hammer was then aimed towards Secundi. "You carry an message that descriminates Caliban, you're committing high treason Prince Secundi and so death is your sentence." Auster stated as Secundi held an expression of confusion.

"Hold up, the king write this letter of writ--" Before Secundi continued he was interrupted by Auster.

"The king wrote that? So even he fallen into depravity and lose the Caliban ideals."

BOOM a tremendous Magic Power equal to Alice’s appeared. The ground quaked, the sky shook, even debris floated up. Irminsul the real one in his old man form floated down from the sky. As despite how dangerous the Endless was pretending to be the Magic God the really one is even more.... horrifying. “Aine enough of your diplomacy. Release my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandson and I won’t annihilate you all.” Irminsul landed on the ground.

As Irminsul stated, Secundi trying to hold back suddenly gawked loudly in a chuckle before he recomposed himself. "M-may I ask who is this.... grandson?" As Secundi. albiet sheepishly asked, Auster seem to lost his interest on Secundi, now eying on Alice and Irminsul.

“Prince Brasil Gemma.” Irminsul spoke with such sheer authority it caused Secundi to stutter. “He was kidnapped by an agent of Caliban.”

Secundi looked towards Irminsul. "I am unaware of this, though to be frank... I am not surprised my father action. He's... rather good in hiding his true intentions." Secundi commented as Auster stared down on Alice then the Magic God.

Alice appeared with smirk on her face. A smirk that would make the sky scream. “Listen we have given enough patience, comprises, and good will. You will return my grandson to me now. For if anything happens to him I will make sure Atreus along with anyone complicit in this crime suffer. Whatever agent, Knight, Lord, or mercenary that was hired will be destroyed body and soul. So surrender him and give up this foolish battle. Or advance and you all will see why Irminsul is called the God of Magic and Despair and how I’m called the High Witch and Madness.” Alice declared starting down Auster releasing Magic Power equal to Irminsul. The air was so heavy with Magic Power of such magnitude the air became almost toxic to breathe.

Auster stared at Alice as he raised his hammer to his shoulders. "I do not know what you speak about Lady Alice, I have no involvement in kidnapping nor is that my problem. Take up to the Prince there, I am sure he would've been informed. By the way, I am Auster Deus of the four Cardinal Gods, depending on your response... I do hope we met on a better battlefield so you can utilize your magic to the fulliest. I only wish to do battle against Alice but as long Irmunsil is present, that wont occur." Auster turns around and begins to walk away before shifting his head towards Secundi. "Prince, if you set your foot upon the South, be sure I will be waiting." Auster then vanished into the forest, however he for the first time in ages - felt fear upon Alice, which made him smile.

Secndi sighs before turning towards Alice, Aine and Irmunsil, however due to the magical power coming from the two warmages, he seems he was gonna drop. "S-so tell.. what happened to your grandson?"

Alice sighed and put her hand to her forehead. “He was kidnapped by someone of Caliban. Has Atreus ordered this?” Irminsul floated down. “Maybe this will help you figure out his identity. Whomever took Brasil was highly skilled. Was able to avoid detection and even Alice’s telepathy only could find out he was from Caliban. That takes great truly great mental strength to have any resistance to her Telepathy least alone this much. Anyone fit that bill?” The two Warmages sealed their Magic Power to allow the Caliban Prince to collect himself.

"I'm sorry, I did not know of this, but I can't th--" Secundi was about til he stopped and began to think, his face contorting to something he just realized and muttered something.

Irminsul moves his gaze toward Secundi. The Magic Power he was emitting was making the prince feel like his bones would break under the pressure. “What do you know, Secundi?” Asked the Magic God.

Secundi looked towards Irminsul. "Caliban despite the war, is in fear from the inside. Multiple murders carried out for over 5 years, but the problem is the culprit has managed to conceal himself to the point we can not find anything - as in there is no footmarks, not handprints, absolutely nothing of its existence besides the killings. The Highguard referred him as Jack the Ripper and believes he's an member to the Death's Head Order. I believe his involved as believe it or not, kidnapping is not our strong suit besides that god awful conscription."