Chapter 8
A messenger on horseback approached Xynoria Castle and was given entrance by the guards.
In the Presence Chamber, Queen Doreen sat at the center. Beside her were Aria and Kuto. Aenzil led the messenger to them and gave a slight bow. She stepped aside.
"State your business," Kuto said. "What does Zuest need from the Phoenix?"
The messenger kept his head lowered. "As your servants, the King and Queen request your attention."
Kuto glanced at Queen Doreen, who gave a small nod.
"We are listening."
"Thank you," the messenger exhaled. "The King and Queen ask that you lend us some of your people to help bring the prince home."
"The prince?" Kuto frowned. "What happened and why hasn't the Supreme General been sent?"
"It all began after you left for the tournament," the messenger began. "The followers of Xe- ...my apologies... You know who - has grown more aggressive."
"I see," Aria nodded slightly.
"They attacked towns and villages under our protection. The prince gathered an army to respond... but we lost contact with him."
"Hmm, and what of the General?" Kuto asked.
"She is in the south fighting against invaders who the Fifth Blood of Destruction is leading."
Silence followed.
Kuto turned to the Queen, who had a troubled expression.
As expected.
"Go tell the King this - we will help," Kuto said. "Tomorrow, we will offer you only four fighters to deal with your situation. Tell him the Celestial Phantoms shall bring back the prince."
The Queen, Aria, and Aenzil turned their gaze at Kuto; their eyes widen but no one spoke
"Th- thank you, sir," the messenger said, his voice trembling with relief. "I shall depart immediately."
He gave a bow and hurried out.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" The Queen asked.
"I don't think they are ready yet' Aria added.
"What makes you say so?" Kuto pointed at Aenzil. "See? She's just speechless."
Kuto lowered his head and gave a lazy sigh.
"Don't worry, I will be watching closely. Now go tell your team and prepare."
He paused slightly.
Treat this as a test... let's see if you can live up to your name?"
Aenzil rushed out.
The next day, the team received their farewell before embarking on the journey to the Teleporting Gate located at the east side of the forest.
Several hours passed by, and they arrived at the Teleporting Gates, which were three huge pillars arranged into a triangle; each had symbols engraved on it. Nemisis stared at them, fascinated.
They stood in the center.
Aenzil drew a symbol midair- a lion's head connected to the body of an aquatic serpent, with a viper's head at the other end.
The symbols on the pillars glowed, and then a flash of light followed; they were gone.
The team appeared by the seaside, and they were greeted by soldiers, some of whom carried a red flag on which was the symbol Aenzil had drawn.
The commander stepped forward.
"Welcome to Zueston, Kingdom of the Great Zuest. We acknowledge your presence here, Celestial Phantoms."
Nemisis whispered to Tezuka, "They think we are legends."
Tezuka nodded.
Aren't these just the chosen champions? They don't seem to have any experience apart from the tournament. The name Celestial Phantom was just cover up, the commander thought.
A soldier whispered to another.
"They look so weak, I bet the Commander could wipe them out himself."
"We are sorry we didn't reach your expectations," Aenzil said, giving a slight bow. "Our master is on standby in case we face any problem."
"Well then, let's get going," the Commander said.
At Vakyril Castle, the Commander entered the throne room, followed by Aenzil and her team.
They bowed slightly to the royal family.
The King sat at the center of the throne room, with the Queen on his right, the Princess on his left, and an empty seat next to the Princess.
The King cleared his throat.
"Welcome," he said. "I see the old man sent you four, what do you call yourselves..."
"The Celestial Phantoms, my King," Aenzil answered.
"Ah! A powerful name for infants like you," the King chuckled slightly. "You might be tired. How about you rest up before we discuss the matter at hand?"
"If you say so," Aenzil said with
a slight bow.
"Giovanna," the King called out.
A maid stepped forward and gave a slight bow. "Yes, my King"
"Show our guest where they will be staying."
She gave another slight bow.
She gestured toward the Phantoms, "If you may."
She led them out of the throne room.
As they were leaving, the Princess met Nemisis's eyes for a second, then quietly turned her attention elsewhere.
"My King?" the Commander asked. "You seem to be pleased with this."
The King laughed.
"Can't you see what is before you, a test by the Xercise himself. We must not fail this chance; we must show that our kingdom can stand alongside each other."
The Commander bowed, "I'm sorry, my King."
"You don't need to be," he paused. "I believe they are enough to bring the Prince back."
The next day, the King, his commander, and the Celestial Phantoms gathered in the war room. A holographic map of the Kingdom and its surroundings hovered above the table.
Nemisis stared at the map.
So they use holographic projections too... interesting.
"We will divide you into four smaller units," the Commander spoke. "Each will have a hundred men to command, you shall take the role of captain and can choose a vice captain if you wish."
"Any objections miss Aenzil?" the King asked.
"No, my King," she responded. "We were not given the power to question your decisions."
The King stroked his beard slowly.
"I see, and what would you say if you were given the opportunity?"
"I still have no objections. I will focus on ensuring fewer casualties and having a successful mission."
The King gave a faint smile, "Ah, such a fine leader."
"Thank you, my King," she gazed at the commander. "Shall we continue?"
The Commander nodded.
"You will be sent to four separate locations, and you will need to hold back the threat, secure the villages and rescue the Prince. The downside is we don't know which village he might be in."
"It's all down to luck?" Clara said.
"Indeed it is, and we hope it remains that way," the Commander added
The king stood up.
"There is no time to waste; you may leave immediately."
The Phantoms gave a slight bow.
"May the Octo-Phoenix be with you," the King added.
At the castle's main gate, four military units stood assembled before the Celestial Phantoms.
The Commander cleared his throat.
"Listen carefully. From this moment onward, your captains hold absolute authority in the field. You will follow their commands without hesitation. Your objective is simple: protect the villages and recover the Prince.
The Phoenix, led by Captain Aenzil, will be heading to the Soul Forest.
The Arcanum, led by Captain Clara, will be heading to Liontari Thalassa village.
The Voltspire, led by Captain Tezuka, will be heading to Erimos of Sepro.
Lastly, the Veilbound, led by Captain Nemisis will be heading to the village around the mountain.
Now that it has settled, I bid you all farewell and may Zuest watch over you."
The soldiers cheered and rode out of the kingdom; the settlers watched them pass by, each unit led by a Celestial Phantom. Some cheered as they passed, and the children tried catching up as they rode.