A full five months have passed since Kloe and I turned twelve years old, and ushered in the new year. It was going to be jam-packed. The scenery had changed entirely.
For one, I was no longer in Liberl.
Year S1198. May 1st.
Crossbell City.
Crossbell Police Department. First Division Headquarters.
A firm voice struck out in what appeared to be a large drawing room, currently holding a stratagem meeting. Several officers and detectives could be seen gathered around, or moving in and out of the CPD building.
"So is everyone in favor of these strike teams? We will be launching a three-pronged attack. Those bastards won't know we're coming.", An aged man's voice said. His voice was loud and firm enough to carry through the entire drawing room.
This place wasn't used to hold meetings to discuss military terms, but that of domestic issues. Today was a special occasion, as several influential figures could be seen donning serious looks in their eyes while they were all glued to a giant orbal monitor. On it displayed several maps filled with different areas on them, all holding a similar icon at its crux. The symbol of the DG Cult. To a normal person, one wouldn't recognize it at all, but everyone present in this room knew what this symbol meant.
"It splits the strengths of our team well so that it may benefit all of us. It's very possible we might encounter something we aren't prepared for, so I do not have any complaints.", A second voice said, only to push up the frames of their glasses currently seen on their face. He had dark green hair and was decked out in a two piece royal blue suit. Crossbell's CPD crest could be seen etched on it. This n
"Hmm...", A third voice said, appearing to contain more wisdom than his peers, belonging to a short, brown-haired man who appeared to be middle-aged. His eyes remained on the current plan of attack that was shown on the large orbal monitor present to everyone in the room.
"Did you manage to spot something we didn't, Senior Detective Sergei?", The second man asked, observing the third man with a calm look in his eyes.
"I am not sure. These cult bastards likely rotate to different lodges, not staying in one place for too long. There are many scattered throughout our respective countries.", Sergei said, still doubtful of the plan presented to him. His eyes then looked at a violet-haired boy present in the room, who seemed to be twelve years old now. But just like the rest of the adults, he already seemed to have a particular air around him that made it hard to discern. Sergei couldn't get a good judgement on this boy.
The boy was now dressed similarly to the bespectacled man, he wore a two-piece black suit and appeared all formal. Everyone in this room was. He was not wearing his violet-white robe that he often wore in front of others. Well, he had it "Equipped" for the stats, but his appearance was different. Still, Sergei observed the boy with a calm look in his eyes.
"Your Highness, you said that they internally keep a record of every person that enters and exits each lodge accordingly, and is kept in a database deep inside their lair, right? The same for the abductees?", Sergei asked. Who else could that violet-haired boy be but me?
"That's correct, Senior Detective.", I replied, nodding my head at Sergei. Presently, several documents could be seen scattered around the long, wooden table we were all seated at. Most of these documents contained lists of individuals with their name, their birth information, and a photo of their last-known appearance. There were several missing persons' lists.
"It still amazes me how you were able to provide such an amount of intel, Your Highness. To think you could give us many identities of who those cult bastards are.", The second man said, keeping his tone respectful.
"Thanks to that, we know most of who these cultists are now, and that alone gives us an advantage. We even know their higher ups, and with this information, we were able to devise such a strategy. All thanks to Chief Commander Bright here. It is right to remain doubtful, Senior Detective Sergei, but knowledge isn't everything. They very well could be anticipating our attack already. If we divert one hundred percent of our forces, our backside will become vulnerable.", I said.
"You do prove a point there, Your Highness. We do have the cooperation of our respective armies as additional backup, but mobilizing them will still take time. Especially, since we need to go to such lengths to do so. We cannot make too much noise either, otherwise it won't be much of a covert operation...", A different man responded. He was the first man who had spoken since this meeting began. The man himself, Cassius Bright.
Next to him were three individuals that would become well-known detectives throughout their respective careers. Alex Dudley, who would later on join the First Division. Sergei Lou, who would later on become the founder of the Special Support Section right here in Crossbell City, or the SSS for short. And last but not least, a hot-blooded detective who rounds off the two before him. The older brother of someone we know very well, Guy Bannings. Sadly, his fate is still in store for him, unless I decide to change it. That's still up in the air.
After Cassius said that to me, Guy laughed.
"Haha, it sounds like you guys need a diversion then.", Guy suddenly said, drawing all attention to him. He seemed to be twenty two years old this year. He had thick and wavy brown hair, and thick eyebrows. Out of everyone present, Guy definitely had the most spirit. He was wearing his casual outfit, the one he would often go out on patrols, unlike those of us who were decked out in one or two-piece suits. Unlike us, Guy wore a brown and white jacket and jeans. That was just his thing.
I saw the same CPD insignia I did on Alex and Sergei's clothing. Guy is already part of the CPD. In fact, I recall that they were all part of the same squad. These three, that is. I just don't know whether that has taken place already, or whether joining the same squad will happen in the next couple years.
"A diversion, huh? I can see that happening. If we could somehow draw away their attention, we could easily strike at the heart of their bases.", A different man said, who sported lush, navy blue hair. Unlike a standard officer or detective, this man carried a katana at his waist. This is the first time I'm meeting this man.
Another Divine Blade.
What, you think Cassius was the only Divine Blade out there? As if!
This man is Arios MacLaine, Divine Blade of Wind! His katana was currently sheathed at his waist. He didn't fight with an orbal pistol like other officers were trained to do. He knew how to get up close and personal. In due time, Arios would clash against Rean to test him!
"If you all require a diversion, then it might be our time to shine. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Commander of the CGF?", another middle-aged man said who had receding brown hair.
"Indeed. With our current forces, we have more than enough room to cause a diversion. It is quite an honor to stand beside you during our strategy meeting today, President. I did not expect someone of your caliber to step foot into a place like this. You stand at the very top of the Calvardian Republic.", A middle-aged woman said, who appeared around thirty years old. She also had dark blue hair and wore glasses, much like Alex Dudley.
"Oh please. While I may be Calvard's acting President, everyone's voices are heard, since we are a Republic. It has been taken to a vote, and our number one manufacturer, Verne, is willing to cooperate and lend us the vehicles we need to carry out this operation. It goes without saying that I am not the only one who wants these bastards off the face of our lovely continent. I am sure you all are in agreement.", President Rocksmith said after letting out a laugh.
Hearing that, I smiled back at this man. Honestly, I did not expect I would meet him this early on. He holds the same standing as Father, and Grandmother do in their respective countries, Erebonia and Liberl. Father watches over all of the governmental affairs of the Empire, while all of it passes through Grandmother in Liberl through Royal Assemblies. This man, on the other hand, is of the powers that keeps the Republic of Calvard in check through its balance of powers.
President Rocksmith, the acting president of the Calvard Republic!
To think he'd go to such lengths and actually give us additional support by supplying us orbal vehicles to carry out the DG Cult Extermination. That's right, we were currently discussing the strategy to take all of the cultists down. The very same flashback you'd see with Cassius Bright at the helm!
I smiled at President Rocksmith after he said that.
"That's more than plenty, President. I am surprised you brought this notion as a bill, and passed it with flying colors back at the Republic. I guess people in Calvard really want these cultists gone just as we do.", I said.
"We all do, Your Highness. And it is truly a pleasure to meet your acquaintance like this. I wish it were under better circumstances, but I've been wanting to sit down to have a chat with you for a while now. Your announcement to overtake Liberl as its next ruler swept the ruling parties.", President Rocksmith said, and laughed again. "And while we may have been dealing with a rise of immigrants on our end, they too want the kidnapping of our precious children to end."
To our surprise, we heard a rather old man speak out next. He already had white hair on his face. Amongst us, he might be the oldest of this group. He was the acting Mayor of Crossbell City, Mayor MacDowell. I haven't seen him in a while, so it's good to see him in good health. He was the one who helped organize this entire event by bringing leading parties around Western Zemuria to the CPD"s first division headquarters. In a way, it was a prelude to the Western Zemuria Trade Conference.
Except this time, we weren't talking about politics. We were devising a strategy to take the DG Cult down.
"That's right. The DG Cult always seems to strike before any one of us could take notice, and by the time we do, they're already moving onto another target. It may be too late by the time we successfully seize them. There are quite many bases for us to tackle. I still can't believe how long it took for this to shed light on their whereabouts.", Mayor MacDowell said, keeping his voice serious. "But it would have taken much, much longer if you did not provide us this information beforehand, Your Highness. On behalf of the citizens of Crossbell City, I thank you."
"Haha, it is no problem. Mayor. I may be speaking out of my reach here, but the DG Cult hasn't spread its influence down into Liberl as it has to Erebonia and Calvard. Just as much as you all want to, I want to erase these bastards from existence. They've caused enough damage. It brings me joy seeing so many of us cooperate for a common cause. I'm glad we can put aside our differences. It sounds like our plan is entering its final stages, it won't be long until we launch our offensive.", I said to everyone. Truly, it was a rare moment seeing so many countries cooperate like this. "You share the same sentiment as I do, don't you, Commander Bright?"
"I think we all do, Your Highness.", Cassius responded, nodding his head. In addition to Cassius nodding, everyone else nodded their heads. "And speaking of which, I do not see Her Highness the Princess beside you today. Did she not have time?", Cassius continued to ask, not seeing Kloe beside me.
"Unfortunately. Klaudia could not make it, and is presently assisting Grandmother in her own affairs at the moment. She has also begun a specialized combat regime, so I'm afraid Her Highness currently does not have a lot of time to spare. She told me to leave matters like this to me. This shouldn't come as a shock to you all, but my words carry the same weight as Grandmother's.", I said, keeping my voice serious too.
"Your Grandmother...", President Rocksmith uttered. "You are referring to Her Majesty the Queen, I take it? You bear a striking resemblance to her."
"That's right. I do hope that through this operation, we can maintain our friendly ties with Calvard.", I said, and nodded my head.
"Hohoho.", President Rocksmith replied, letting out another laugh. "That much is given, no? Unlike us where the voice of people can be heard and spread, you have a whole country riding on your shoulders. Are you alright to be present amongst us?", President Rocksmith said, showing a hint of worry in his eyes.
"You can rest assured, President. It is not like I came alone all the way out here to Crossbell City.", I said, only to gesture to a figure who currently stood beside me. They were mostly hidden away by a black camo top and shortcut pants. The figure's waist was visible, but no one could tell what they were thinking as they presently hid their face behind a combat visor. If one had a close look, one could see they were from a prominent Jaeger corp, Zephyr. If there was anything out of place, it was the giant orbal sniper rifle that was several times taller than the petite figure beside me. But they carried it with ease.
"I was not under the impression that you would be acquainted with Jaegers, Your Highness. I do know they are hired swords and their strength is guaranteed, but you are still here in Crossbell. It worries me.", Cassius said, shaking his head a bit.
"Heh, well the one here is actually someone you've met before, Mister Commander. Would you do the honors?", I asked, shifting my head toward the petite figure.
"Are you sure, Naoto? There's no going back from this.", The figure replied, unsure of whether to reveal their identity to the group or not. But the moment the figure spoke, the voice sounded quite young. Cassius could only raise his eyebrows hearing the voice. To him, it sounded familiar.
"Do it. We aren't keeping secrets here.", I said, and gestured to her to take off her combat visor.
"Very well.", The voice said. It didn't take long for Cassius's eyes to turn wide in shock. Even he was stirred by hearing such a familiar voice. She took off her combat visor, and revealed a plum-haired girl who was about one year younger than I was. She would be turning twelve later on in the year. She waved her plum hair around after taking it off.
"...Emma? Is that really you!?", Cassius asked, eyes full of shock.
"I am sorry Mister Cassius. I know we've previously gotten acquainted, but this is who I am. A Jaeger.", Emma said, and sighed. As she said that, I looked back toward CGF's Commander, who went by the name Sonya, and President Rocksmith.
"As you can see, I am currently in contact with a certain, prominent Jaeger corp. Take Emma with you when the operation begins. She can provide you with air support and take shots from afar. Even a couple hundred arge isn't out of Emma's grasp.", I said, assuring Emma's strength to everyone.
"Understood. It is still a bit alarming to see such a young child already out on the battlefield as a Jaeger, but we cannot question how one is raised.", Sonya replied with a nod. "For you to stand by His Highness, you alone possess enough strength to back up those words. Welcome aboard."
"Then is Operation Pest Control officially a go then? Sooner the better. We need to serve these bastards the overdue justice they deserve.", Alex said.
"Cool your jets, Dudley. It's not like we can move out right this second. At the very least, we know the bases we'll be striking, yeah?", Guy asked, shifting his eyes toward Arios.
"Mmm. You guys have the support of the Bracer Guild so once we receive notice to mobilize, we'll follow suit.", Arios said, explaining his end.
"Good. We mustn't cause too much a disturbance once we launch our attacks. You'll notify everyone once the plan is ready, right, Commander?", I asked, wanting to hear the words come from Cassius's mouth.
"That's right. We've formulated a solid plan of attack now, so we can conclude this meeting and go launch our preparations---?", Cassius tried to answer, only to suddenly get interrupted.
"Haha. I see preparations are going well. So well that the meeting is just wrapping up. It's as everyone said. The DG Cult is a pest in not only your eyes, but ours as well. We wish to rid of them posthaste. You all don't mind if we join in and have some fun too, right?", A rather tall middle-aged man suddenly said, allowing him into the room without anyone blocking him.
This person...
My eyes almost turned wide in shock. It looks like he was quick to spot me out of everyone in the room. Of course he would.
"My presence here isn't going to cause a problem now, will it, Your Highness?", The man said, appearing middle-aged. He also spotted Mayor MacDowell and President Rocksmith. He proceeded to give the two a curt bow. "And it is good to see you in good health, Mayor, and President Rocksmith.
While we were trying to recover from our shock, President Rocksmith spoke out first, acting if he was already used to this.
"Well well well. With such a constant, busy schedule, I didn't think you would have enough time to pay us a visit on such a fine day, Chancellor. But I guess I was wrong. While there might not be as much influence in Erebonia, it is still present. Enough to warrant a visit by the likes of the Blood and Iron Chancellor.", President Rocksmith said, smiling at him.
"Indeed. If there is but a sliver of a chance to nip pests in the bud, then I will not hesitate to take that chance and strike while the iron is hot. We'll deliver a blow they won't be able to recover from. As this meeting is mostly adjourned, how about I provide some manpower of my own?", The man said.
"I don't think we'll turn down some extra hands coming from someone of your caliber, Chancellor. Just know we can't create too many disturbances during this operation. You should have already taken that into account. I'm sure you've figured out the right amount of manpower to support your declaration. Or am I wrong, Chancellor Osborne?", Cassius said, and stared right into the man's eyes. A hidden bolt of electricity streaked across the room. After all, these two were once rivals on the battlefield, and lived through an entire war on opposing sides.
The man named Chancellor Osborne let out a loud laugh. A smile bloomed on his face.
"No. You understood my intention the first time, acting Commander Bright. As for who, exactly, I brought one of my closest confidants. You can attest to her skills.", Chancellor Osborne said. "Come now. Why don't you introduce yourself to everyone?"
"Very well, Your Excellency.", The woman beside Chancellor Osborne said. She gave everyone in the room a salute.
Let alone meeting Father again in a time like this, I had no idea I would come across this woman so soon. She's a beauty. That's for sure. She's known to switch sides, courtesy of being another member of the Ironbloods.
"Captain Claire Rieveldt of the RMP. Reporting for duty.", Claire said, formally introducing herself to us.