User blog:EzioAuditoreDaHornyrenze/Rogue Crimson

'Hello there! Ezio here. No, not the one from Assassin's Creed. I'm the author of this fic that you are about to read. '

Having rekindled my love for writing months ago, I decided to go and try my hands once more on writing an MGE fanfic, and thus, the planning and writing for this story began.

'Before we start, please be reminded that Monster Girl Encyclopedia is owned by Kenkou Cross. Any other works referenced or paid homage to also belong to their respective owners.'

'Okay, enough blabber from me. Let's start'

Rogue Crimson Chapter 1: A Meeting by the Ring of Fire 

  

A bright blue day once again graces the presence of her window…



Rising from her bed, a few streaks of sunlight illuminate her form.



White, long hair cleaner than a maiden’s bedding, a pair of ominous, glowing red eyes, skin lightly tinted with the color of purple, and most of all, an unmatched beautiful face and a well-shaped body. A pair of horns are on her head, and a pair of white wings are a part of her lower back.



<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A yawn escapes her as she fully wakes up, stretching her limbs as she feels the nice greeting of the morning. Getting of her bed, she heads for her bedroom’s window, opens it and embraces the gentle embrace of the morning wind.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As she was enjoying the cool air, a knock sounded from her door, along with a voice, resembling a young girl’s.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Lady Druella, are you awake? A message has arrived for you.” The voice of the girl says, prompting the occupant of the room, named Druella, to go to her door and open it. What greeted her is the sight of a monster girl, who has a short height, reaching only to Druella’s lower chests.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The said Monster girl has a pair of bright red eyes behind a pair of glasses, long wavy red hair tied in twin tails, a fair skin, a clothing that can be described as a “micro-bikini”, emphasizing her…lacking features. She also wears a jet-black cape. Her hands were furry and resembled clawed hands of a beast, while her legs starting from below the knees resembled that of a goat’s. This monster girl is known as a baphomet, one of the powerful, high ranking magic user class monsters of the Demon Lord’s army.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Ah, if it isn’t my cute little magical goat! Say, shall we have a bit of coffee first? It’s morning, after all. Come in, come in!” Druella declared with a smile on her face, before widely opening her door and gesturing the red-haired baphomet to inside. However, the latter sighed and re-arranged her glasses, similar to an adult who’s about to chastise a naughty child for misbehaviours.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Please, stop calling me that, and call me by my real name. And also, I’m not here for coffee today. I’m here for a message from Miss Moonlit.” The red haired monster girl states, before pulling out a letter out of nowhere, and hands it to Druella, who gave off a sigh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Aww, and here I thought I could finally keep calling you with a cute nickname. Oh well. I will read this little message as soon as I am done with my morning routine, Stella.” Druella says, yawning softly as she goes back into the direction of her bed...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But Lady Druella, it’s about 10 in the morning already…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s still morning, isn’t it? Zzzzz…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The baphomet, Stella, face palmed, closed the door, and left to resume her other duties…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A few minutes later, after waking up again and now having properly done her routine, Druella now sits on a chair, right beside a table containing a cup of coffee. In her hands is the letter from earlier. The lilim’s eyes sharpened with excitement as she finished reading the contents of the paper.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“''So, finally, my little sister saw reason and now has decided to send me a part of her army…Ufufufu…Just a few more years…and the Capital City of Lescatie shall fall under my rule. And with that, the surrounding territories belonging to it…''” Taking a sip of coffee, Druella pops a small smirk as she couldn’t contain the ecstasy of feeling victory around the corner.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, all that’s left is the matter of the Vault…Without it being deactivated, my forces won’t be able to hope to enter the capital city. I sure hope that scholar knows what she is doing…Else, we’d end alerting the humans. Again.”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Darkness…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The insides of the wide meeting is room dominated by darkness, with a few streaks of light illuminated by the small gaps between the red curtains from one side of the room. The air is still, as six people stood quietly around a wide, oval table, with two on the left and right, and one on each of the thinner ends. Due to the darkness, any of them could not recognize the other, other than through their voices.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Will you uphold the principles of our Order, and all for that for which we stand?” And thus, from one end of the table, exclaimed a man with a charismatic voice, fitting the figure of a leader. Even with his appearance hidden by darkness, any normal human could tell that this was a man of leadership and experience.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I will.” The man at the other end of the oval table replied, his voice sounding steely and cold, an indication of a man who has a goal, and will do anything to achieve it, no matter what way.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Will you never share our secrets nor divulge the true nature of our work?” The charismatic voice starts again, and as expected, gets a reply from the voice from the direction opposite to it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, I will keep it within myself.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Will you do so until death, whatever the cost?” The same charismatic man asks, this time with a tone reflecting that of the one he’s asking. A cold, steely tone of a duty focused man.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As anticipated by the people of the room, the reply to the question came out with the very same tone, this time, thought, the voice burned with conviction as it spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I will, until death and whatever be the cost!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Very well,” The charismatic voice starts once more, his tone reflecting the pride of an artist who just finished one of his grand master pieces, “Having proved your skill and loyalty through all the years of training and assigned missions that you’ve endured under our eyes, and having passed our final test, I, Gaius Einzbern, Grand Master of Northern Continental Rite, now approves your induction into the Templar Order!” Suddenly, all the candles in the room lit up after a sudden surge of magic, revealing all six men, whose features were all covered by a red cloak that covered their bodies. However, in one of the oval table they all stood on was placed a tiny box with a ring on it. The ring had an emblem engraved on it: The Crimson Cross, the mark of the Templar Order.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Now, wear that ring, as a sign of your allegiance to us…” The cloaked man named Gaius Einzbern commands, prompting the other one at the other end of the table to obey. Taking the ring from the box with his gloved right hand, the other cloaked man proceeds to wear the ring on his ring finger on his left hand, before returning to his proper standing posture from before, hands on sides.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“And with that, welcome to the Templar Order, Levant Kresnik.” Gaius declared, prompting the other four cloaked men in the room to give their congratulations with a set of applause. However, before any conversation could continue, a set of knocks interrupted the ceremony.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Who is it?” Gaius asks, prompting the answer to be delivered from beyond the door.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It’s Makki, Grand Master. I’m here to deliver a message from Grand Master Yi of the Mist Continental Rite. In private words, Grand Master Einzbern.” The voice from the other side of the door replied, making Gaius sigh as he brings back his attention to the room that he was in.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Forgive me, Levant, but looks like there won’t be any ceremonial celebrations today, it seems.” Gaius says with a serene, apologizing tone, much to the surprise of everyone in the room. However, the newly inducted Templar, named Levant Kresnik, quickly replies…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It is quite alright, Grand Master. Duty comes before pleasure, after all, and we Templars are known for our efficiency, are we not?” Levant says with a confident tone, stating his intention to start working as soon as possible. Impressed by this, Gaius smirks beneath the hood of his cloak, and gives his own reply with a proud voice.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Spoken like a true Templar. Very well, as for your first mission, Levant, you will receive the details from the reception desk of our headquarters, with the information available around three this afternoon. Now, as much as I would love more discussions, I have some more pressing matters to attend to. Let us begin our work, gentlemen. May the mother of understanding guide us!” Gaius declares aloud, standing up simultaneously as he spoke.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“May the mother of understanding guide us!” All the others inside the room did the same as Gaius, before finally leaving the room one by one, starting with Levant…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">A few moments later… 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">After leaving the meeting room and heading outside, Levant decides to rest for a while, and heads for the building named “The Crimson Angel”, a large, magnificient, 50 storey building that serves as the private quarters for the Templars. Not only it does have rooms that nearly outclasses Lescatie’s most expensive Hotels, their dining room and the food served in it are definitely classified as a five-star service, and all of these services are free for its resident Templars since the payments are done by the Templar Order itself. Knowing this, Levant can’t help but slightly shake with excitement as he heads for his very own private quarters in the said building. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“''Holy crap, I’m finally getting my own room! No more sleeping in haystacks and Tavern Inns here!''” Levant thought as he stepped onto the Glyph Teleport Elevator on the Crimson Angel’s Lobby, admiring the red and silver theme of the place, having been made with glossy marble. The sight entranced Levant till the voice of the Glyph Operator, the one managing the mechanism Levant is stepping on, shook the latter back to reality.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What floor, Sir Templar?” The Operator asks, prompting Levant to answer rather quickly in a professional tone, befitting his job.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“7th floor, please.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Understood.” The Operator replied, before the glyph beneath Levant glowed brightly and covered him and a pillar of bright, white light. The said light dissipates a few moments later, making the Templar look around. It appears the he now stands in a balcony with that glyph on it, as the sight of the city from above is visible from where he is standing. On the other side is a door, leading to a wide hallway with multiple doors at its sides, both left and right, with a staircase the leading to either up or down at the end of the hallway.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Not wanting to waste time looking in awe at the building’s walls, Levant goes through the door leading to the hallway, and looks around for his assigned room.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Alrighty then, where’s room triple 7?” Levant muttered as he searched for his room, quickly walking around till he found a door with his targeted number engraved on the wall above it. Levant quickly takes out his keys, unlocks the door, and smoothly enters the room…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Inside was a wide place, being able to contain a large bed on side with a wardrobe next to it, a study table with a lamp beside a door leading to a bathroom on another side, a door leading to a wide balcony on another one, and a bookshelf beside the entrance door. And yet, the whole room still appears spacious. Levant’s jaw dropped as he finished looking around with his eyes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Dang, this is one helluva private quarters for one person! Now, to take off this pesky robe…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">With no hesitation, Levant finally removes the cloak from his person, throwing it aside, revealing his appearance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant appears to be a young man in his late teens, with a spiky, strange two-toned hair, which was gold all over, with a hue of green all over the bangs. He has ivory colored skin, and has a pair of slightly glowing golden eyes. He wears a black and red, leather, high collared long coat that appears to be fully open from the lower frontal areas to allow the legs to move more freely for easier movement. The long coat has a hood as well. Beneath the long coat, Levant wears a long sleeved crimson colored shirt, a pair of black leather pants, and a pair of travelling boots for his feet.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Around his hips is wrapped a white cloth with a red outline, and contains the Templar Insignia at each end, which hangs downwards. Placed tightly around the cloth is a belt that holds the holsters for different weapons: A sword on the left hip, a dagger on the right, a pair of Ether Revolvers (Magitec guns that can fire off both magic-infused rounds and normal rounds) on the rear sides, and on the front are a pair of small bags on the left and right, one containing bullets for the revolvers, and the other for small daggers.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A pair of hidden blades is set beneath Levant’s forearms, hidden by the long coat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Geez, why in the world do they have to make me wear that damn cloak when my coat already has a hood, anyway?! Good thing it’s snowing in Lescatie right now, else I’d be sweating buckets by my balls! I seriously thought we were daffy monks of a forgotten religion there!” Levant complained as he removed his belt that contained his weapons, placed them on the study table, and heads for the bed, laying down on it. Today was really tiring for him. And yet, it was an exciting day. Now, officially, he has found a legit way to earn money, and with it, he can finally support his siblings…well, non-biological siblings back at the orphanage. This way, Sasha, his best friend and sister figure, won’t have to take all of the work in her hands.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Having to maintain the orphanage is one hell of a heroic effort already. Making money to feed all the mouths there is another colossal one. Levant knows about it, having been raised there after his mother…died of the plague that rampaged throughout Lescatie 12 years ago. If it wasn’t for the efforts of the former owner of the orphanage, which was Sasha’s mother, Levant could not imagine what he could have ended up as right now. That’s why, as his first act of gratitude for saving his life, Levant swore to help the orphanage with those that lived in it, aiming to give them food that don’t make them sick, walls that protect from the wind, clean water that quenches their thirst… …In short, a decent life.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And in what way can one earn a fortune to do that? There are so many ways, not all of them legit. Levant remembered having choices, like for example, one can join pirating, where all of the riches across the sea are for your taking, provided you have a good ship, a crew to sail her, the guts and brains for a fight at sea, a strong restraint at your conscience, and finally, being good at running away or, rather, sailing away when danger is imminent. Problem is, when you are caught by the authorities, it’s to the hanging ropes with you. That, or your head’s off with the bounty hunters. Levant avoided this option, having seen the hanged corpses of the caught pirates when he went for an emergency piss at the next town’s harbour one afternoon. Having to go while getting stared at by a rum filled corpse definitely wasn’t a pleasant experience.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Or maybe one can go and join the mercenaries. If you’re so bloodthirsty, why not make your job your hobby? You can slice and stab people, and get paid for it. All that one needs to do kill and survive, and they get the fortune. The problem with this job, however, is that they are often used as meat fodder by the Order of the Goddess on most missions, and sometimes all of the mercenaries have fallen to the monsters at the end of it. There’s also the lack of job during peaceful days. Hence, Levant avoided this option.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, one last option presented itself to Levant, at 4 years ago, when he was having the part time job of helping cleaning the stables of a noble early in the morning. Two drunken guards were gossiping, apparently, about an organization, independent from the Order of the Church but is in a collaboration of sorts with them, now giving trials of combat to people of all ages. Curious, Levant eavesdropped in, and learned from the drunken guards that…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…The organization is known as the Templar Order, a recently “befriended” group of people by the church, although the former didn’t seem to be under control of the latter, as the Templars have their own rule of sorts that gave them freedom to be an independent branch from the church. Now inspired, Levant swore to visit the Templar headquarters the afternoon after his job, and it was thanks to that…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…That he met Gaius Einzbern, the Templar Grandmaster who saw his potential in the combat by trial tests that the Templars gave to Levant, and officially took Levant under his wing for his training, assisted by a General named Merse Dascaros. A lot of time has passed since then, and now, Levant is a full member of the Templar Order.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Those were some fun days…Well, might as well sleep it off and be ready for this afternoon…” Closing his eyes, Levant lets himself get caught in the embrace of sleep…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Inside a room in the Oasis of Love Orphanage… 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Levant was packing his clothes and his things, readying himself for his training around the world along with his masters, the Templar Grand Master named Gaius Einzbern, and the General, Merse Dascaros. A smile on his face was clearly visible, unable to shake off his excitement at the thought of travelling around the world and sailing the seas. As he continued to pack up, a figure entered the room… ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Are you really sure about this, Levant?” A gentle voice interrupts Levant, forcing his attention to turn to the source of the said voice. What feasted his eyes was a familiar person… ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">It was a young woman, about five years older than Levant is. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">She has long green hair, a pair of calming blue eyes, and beautiful fair skin. She wears a beautiful sleeveless light green nightgown. She had a look of concern on her face as she approached the silver haired boy. Levant, on the other hand, sighed, and looked straight at the young woman. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I thought I told you for so many times, Sasha. I’m sure that I’ll be taking this job, that’s why I’ll be joining the Grand Master and General Dascaros. I already decided that I won’t change my mind.” Levant says with reassurance to his childhood friend, Sasha Fullmoon, who could only shake her head at the decision she just witnessed. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“If it’s just money and a job you’re looking for, why not join The Order of the Church? You can work under me, if you want.” Sasha voiced out her recommendation, as she can’t really trust Levant’s new mentor, namely, the Templar Grand Master, with Levant’s safety. As his family, it is only natural that she must always think of Levant’s safety, Sasha thought. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Screw The Church’s Order! A “job” in there damn right near to robbery! For every drop of coin a soldier earns, the priests earn six-hundred more! And they don’t even stick their necks out in the battlefield like the soldiers do!” Levant retorts, with venom lacing his voice as he spout out the word ‘priest’. Apparently, due to an unpleasant experience in the past, Levant has grown a strong hatred for the Goddess’ Order, and will not work for any of their employers. In a work place where the rich and the strong steps down on the poor and the weak, why in the world would he even think of joining in, Levant thought. “Look here, Sasha, the only way we can earn a fortune is for you to let me go and join the Templars. It’s that simple.” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But we don’t need a fortune, Levant! What we needed to do is to stick together as family, and we’ll be alright…You don’t need to go through all this danger!” Sasha tried to argue, yet her voice remained as calm as how it was since earlier. Why would he separate himself from family simply to earn some coin? Why go after that fortune so much? Sasha couldn’t really guess why. Is gold really that important to Levant? Why can’t he just stay together? With her? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But the growling stomachs, the holes in the rooms and the ceilings, and the lack of food and supplies in this orphanage says otherwise, Sasha! I don’t want to see my little siblings suffer through this every day. That’s why…I’ll join the Templars, become rich, and give everyone in this orphanage a very comfortable life. That’s why, please…” Putting the last of his things inside his travelling, Levant takes a deep breath, and looks Sasha in the eye. The latter gasped, recognizing the determined look she is receiving. It appears that, she really can’t do anything to stop him from leaving after all. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“But…I know the nature of your job, Levant. I know that you will get hurt out there! I…don’t know if I might be able to handle it…” Sasha says, clenching her fists as she did. It truly is too late, after all. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Please, Sasha, trust me. Believe in me. I will set things right. Just give me time, alright?” Levant says in a pleading tone, before finally picking up his bag without waiting for a reply, and turns to head out, leaving a sorrowful Sasha behind… ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“…Also, can I ask for a one last favour? I know it’s selfish, but…it’s really important.” Levant said as he stopped right before the exit of his room, causing him to earn Sasha’s surprised attention. ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“Could you…please say goodbye to Silmeria, Elisha, and Primera for me?” Levant states, causing Sasha to look down, her expression unchanged from what it was earlier. What a selfish person, she thought. Considering how close he is to the other three, he really is scared of saying goodbye to them, unless he wants to leave with a heavy heart. Not telling them of his Templar training is already something he already regretted. How much more will it weigh if his three precious family members discover that he’s suddenly leaving them for a few years? ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I will…Since you truly are set on going through with that fool’s errand…” Sasha mutters, with it being audible enough for Levant to hear. However, with a strong, determined look, Sasha continues to speak, her voice somewhat more stern and serious than how it was moments earlier, “…But promise me, Levant…That you will…Apologize to them yourself when you get back. Is that clear?” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Levant jumped a bit at his sister figure’s sudden change of mood. Looks like there is no talking out of this situation, Levant thought. Seeing that Sasha isn’t letting him go until she hears the words from his mouth, Levant proceeds to give his reply… ''

<p class="MsoNormal">''<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">“I will. I promise. And Sasha…Thank you, for believing in me…” ''

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">With that, Levant leaves his room, and in a few moments, the orphanage itself as he heads for the Lescatie’s Eastern Gates, where Grand Master Gaius and Merse Dascaros awaits… 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant gasped as he woke up. Dizziness crippled his mind as he starts to absorb his current situation. It seems that he did fall asleep, and for quite some time. It was about 8:30 when he fell asleep, and now, the clock on the wall in his room says that it is currently 2:00, much to his surprise. He didn’t remember being so tired, and yet, he slept for that long. Is it the comfort of the room that made him enjoy his sleep so much? However, more pressing matters entered Levant’s mind as his dream suddenly made itself remembered…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The Orphanage, huh?” Levant muttered as he goes to the room’s balcony, showing him a view of the Military District, the current district that the building he is on is stationed. The sight of busy people below gave quite the nostalgia to Levant, due to the fact that he himself wandered the streets a lot before his time as a Templar. That is, before the Orphanage took him in.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Even though he swore he’ll support them, Levant couldn’t find the courage to face his siblings, especially Primera, after what he pulled 4 years ago. How could he just return so simply and brazenly, after leaving without even saying a small goodbye? Levant couldn’t bear the possibilities of the reactions that he might ignite by returning to the orphanage. Perhaps, when coin finally rains from his pockets like rain and bills make his wallet fat, he might at least have the dignity if going home with something to show for his sudden selfish disappearance…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Ironic, eh? To think that the same place I wanted to support would also be the same place I really do not want to step onto right now…” Levant commented, sighing as he finished. If it was possible, he really would go back into the orphanage right now, and talk to his siblings once again, to spend time with them again. However, right now, Levant believes that it is impossible. No, not without anything to show them. Without proof that he didn’t leave them for no reason.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Seeing his situation, Levant believes he has only one choice. To support the orphanage from the shadows, and make his return when the time is “right”. Right now, all he can focus is the mission for this afternoon. Yes, his first mission as an official Templar. His first step on getting that fortune he needs to provide for the orphanage…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, then. Time to head out for the Headquarters and earn that gold!” Levant heartily says as he goes back inside his room, and picks up his belt of weapons from the study table, and equips them on his hips. Now already for his job, Levant goes out of his room, locks it, and heads for the Glyph Elevator in the hall way of the 7th floor…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As a Templar, time is gold, and it is not uncommon to see a Templar scurrying about town, dashing from one job to another, as ordered by the higher ups. It is very rare to see a Templar on vacation, they say.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant, now in the snow covered streets, walks as quickly as he can towards the Templar headquarters. Cold air comes out as mist from his mouth as he breaths. For some reason, the snow in Lescatie is a lot more cruel this year, Levant thought. Despite the bright environment and the presence of the sun, the cold air around seems to be steadily getting worse. At every few steps, Levant had to give himself a quick, short massage to his arms to keep at least his upper body a little warmer.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After a few walks and turns around the military district, Levant now faces a large, silver colored building with a structure that resembled a church. Although, despite its appearance, it was not a building used for religious purposes…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…After all, this building is the Lescatie Branch Templar HQ.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Entering through the front door, Levant quickly felt the cold disappear as he gets inside, replaced by the comfortable warmth of the entrance hall of the HQ. Levant then quickly closes the door behind him and heads for the reception desk to obtain the documents pertaining the details of his first mission…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A cold gale rushes through the treelines of the forest and its sounds, causing the echoes of the sound of swaying trees and the wind’s clashes with it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A young woman, whose features are covered in robes, walks through the isolating premises of the forest, trekking through the clearings in the snow. Despite the heavy snowfall obstructing her sight, the woman does not falter in her walk, having memorized the direction and the sight the leads to her destination. Clutching tightly a large basket by its handle with her two hands, the robed woman continues forward…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Hah...hah...The cold sure is merciless today...I just hope the children could hold on much longer...” The robed woman mutters as she kept moving forward, despite the cold, strong air that’s somehow getting in her way, as it blows to the direction opposite her destination. That, and the temperature of her current enviroment really is just cruel. If it wasn’t for her robes and the extra layer of clothing that she wears, she would have mostly died of the cold in a few hours of walking.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In a short distance, the clearing that she walks on seems to lead onto a large house of sorts, complete with lighting inside, signifying that there’s currently people staying inside, much to the robed woman’s relief. Wasting no time, she hurries to the door of the house, where voices of children can be heard...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The robed woman goes inside, closing the door as soon as she was inside the house. She then proceeds to remove the robes that covered her appearance, revealing a woman with beautiful, green long hair...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">As if sensing her presence, multiple monster girl children suddenly came out to greet her…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"">Sunset has passed… 

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, in the harbour town of Neptune, found in the eastern tips of Lescatie’s main city...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A brigantine type ship is anchored in one of the docks, with only a few sailors aboard it, doing their assigned tasks, like cleaning the floors, the cannons, checking the ropes for the sails, carrying crates down into the hold, and many other things. Normally, the sailors are to be singing with joy, as they are preparing for another adventure by sea. However...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This sailors are no ordinary sailors, for they are among those that are disliked and hated among the world’s waters, up to the point where they became known as the ‘enemies of mankind’...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">They are the people known as pirates.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">  

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Having stolen supplies from one of the supply shops in the harbor after knocking out the shop’s watch, the pirates made a silent decision of transferring the stolen goods from the shop to their ship, not wanting to catch the attention of the townspeople whom are all asleep in the dead of the night. Should they fail at being quiet, the pirates are to expect company by the townspeople ringing the holy alarm bell hidden somewhere, and by company, the heroes who will teleport all the way from Lescatie to the harbour town of Neptune, and eliminate all the pirates. The pirates themselves, while not weaker than the average soldier, do not possess the same magical prowess as the heroes, and would rather run away or surrender should they encounter even just one fully trained hero.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And thus, they are quiet in their operation of plunder...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, watching from the top of a nearby building is Levant, watching the whole spectacle, as well as other things that are visible to him at the moment, like for example...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">At an alley near the docks, were three sailors, all unarmed, surrounded by three armed pirates, with each of them having a sword and a flintlock pistol. And at another end of the docks was the area where the holy alarm bell was situated, and as it appears, there are five more sailors surrounded by seven armed pirates as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Looking at the situation, Levant begins to piece together a plan...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Heading straight to the ship would be rather idiotic, considering the fact that there are still the crew of pirates stationed on board. Although defeating them would be no problem since Levant himself can use Martial Artes as well as a few Magic Artes, including his magitech revolvers, their numbers are still considerable and will take a large toll on Levant’s magical energy before he can even assassinate the pirate captain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">And thus, looking at the surrounded sailors he saw earlier, Levant devised a tactic; One way to defeat numbers would be to have your own little army as well.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">WIthout hesitation, Levant jumps from the top of the building he’s on, before landing safely onto a haystack directly on the ground...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, in the alley near the docks...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Three sailors, all on their knees, stared begrudgingly on the ground as they had swords pointed onto them, namely by the pirates. To think that they managed to escape the pirate ship’s hold, only to end up like this...Did the Goddess of the sea threw them away from her care?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, well, didn’t think we’d have some clever scoundrel on board, boys! Looks like we’re having brains for dinner tonight!” One of the pirates declared, laughing with a deep voice, sounding similar to the sound a dog makes before throwing up. Meanwhile, the other two beside him simply laughed along like hyenas, not speaking anything till now.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, their laughing fit was disturbed by the sound of what appears to be coins being dropped, albeit small ones that only the pirates and their captured sailors hear. Without waiting it out, the pirate that spoke earlier nudge his two lackeys with his elbows, before giving out a command, “Hey, twat number 1, check out that damn buzzing!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">One of the pirate lackeys quickly obeys while still laughing, and goes to the source of the sound of the fire crackers, and heads onto a corner out of the alleys. As soon as he was out of earshot and is already covered in the darkness of the alley’s space, however...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">...Levant jumps from the ledge above the pirate, with the former flicking his left wrist in mid-air, unleashing the hidden blade from the tip of his left hand sleeve. He then swiftly stabs the pirate in the neck as soon as the Templar landed on him, killing the pirate swiftly and with little to no sounds, other than a rather almost silent “thud” on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Without wasting time, Levant stealthily advances towards the location of the remaining two pirates, who were too busy verbally abusing the sailors they’ve captured. Not wasting the opportunity, Levant pops the hidden on both his hands, and rushes towards the two remaining pirates. The pirates heard the foot steps approaching...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">...Only to find a hidden blade piecing their throats as they looked back, before Levant slams them onto the ground, allowing the hidden blades to go into the pirates’ throats even deeper, killing them instantly without much noise. Noticing this, Levant smoothly pulls away his hands, and retracts the bloody hidden blades, before turning his attention to the tied up sailors.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s a catch to this rescue, if you’re wondering.” Levant explains, with a serious look on his face as he cuts the ropes that restrained the sailors, before continuing to speak, “You are to become my crew in exchange for this. Is that a good enough deal for you lads?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Without skipping a beat, the sailors gave a fierce, affirmative nod, “I’d follow you to hell just for this, mate!” The who appears to be the leader figure of the sailors declares, with his allies having the same loyal look as he does. A victorious grin appears on Levant’s face at that answer, and proceeds to give his instructions...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Alright, then I want you to procure the weapons of our recently dead pirate friends, and hide yourselves near their ship in the docks. Wait for my signal to strike.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“But can’t we just take the ship with our numbers now, captain?” One of the sailors asked, prompting Levant to shake his head, before replying.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No. Our numbers are not enough. I am going to fetch more of our...fellow sailors around in a few moments. Just hide in the areas near the ship for now. Wait to hear a gunfire followed by my shout. Got it?” Levant declares, causing the sailors to nod and obey, stealthily heading for the docks as instructed. Levant gives a relieved sigh, and proceeds to climb the building near the alleys...and free-runs his way to the other end of the docks, where three more sailors and the holy alarm bell are surrounded by more pirates...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">On the other end of the docks, where five sailors, all tied up by the hands and are on their knees, are at the mercy of seven more pirates, or to be specific, four pirates surrounding them, and the other three busy being piss drunk and puking all over the entrance of the yard containing the holy alarm bell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant, hiding behind a set of cargo near the entrance, sees the situation, and couldn’t help but mentally let out a snort of amusement. Seriously, the reason these pirates fail at most of their raids is because of the fact the they can’t differentiate work day from happy hour. And thus, they go full drunk at most of their attacks on ports.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Taking out three daggers from one of the small bags on his equipment, Levant slides behind one cargo to another, till he reached a distance that allowed his knives to reach the pirates when thrown.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Urrrggghhh...Mah stomach...” One of the pirates groaned as he clutches his abdomen, with a burning feeling cruising through the entirety of his intestines, thanks to the combination of seafood, stolen steak, and barrels of rum he had for dinner. The two other pirates are in just as much of a predicament as he is, but are faring a little better, albeit still puking themselves off.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">After a few minutes of torment, one of the pirates finally stood straight, and was preparing to go back to the other four near the holy alarm bell, only for him to hear a soft, quick whistling from the direction of the cargos...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“...I didn’t dream that up, didn’t I? I sure hope I did!” The pirate trembled as bad memories sprung up in his mind, “Even ghosts these days have an itchy crotch! That’s more scarier than being hanged! Imagine, gettin’ shagged by the freaking dead!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">With shaking legs, and a loud, heavy breathing, the pirate heads for the direction where he heard the whistle. Cold sweat graces every crook and cranny of his face and body, courtesy of the fear he is now experiencing as he headed for a large, blue colored crate...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">...And found nothing behind it.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Phew! I knew it. I just made that bloody sound up in mah mind!” The pirate happily declared unto himself, failing to notice the junping Templar from above...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">...Who proceeds to plant a hidden blade unto the pirate’s neck, instantly killing him without making as much of a sound, other than a short, quick gasp and the sound of a blade piercing his flesh.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant then proceeds to slowly place the pirates corpse unto the ground on its back, before closing the shocked eyes of the pirate. With one obstacle down, Levant proceeds to turn his attention to the two remaining pirates at the entrance of the holy alarm bell’s yard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">With a throwing knife on each hand, Levant proceeds towards the two sickened pirates, with no regard for stealth at all. The two pirates hears his footsteps, and sees him, causing their eyes to widen as they recognized the insignia emblazoned on the intersecting belts on the chest area of his long coat...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Who the hell are you?!” One of the pirates shouted, before drawing his weapon as Levant wordlessly approached. The other pirate then proceeds to do the same thing as his partner, drawing out weapons in alarm.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I’m the sanitary inspector. There’s a dead man over there.” Levant casually says, making a gesture that says there’s something behind him. However, this only riled up the pirates even more.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No. YOU’RE gonna be the dead man!” The pirate shouted as he and his partner prapared to charge towards Levant, who responds by a quick throw of the knives in his hands, quickly piercing the two pirates in the throat, having been taken by surprise. Their dead bodies make a loud “thud” as they dropped dead on the ground.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">This little commotion, however, has earned the attention of the four other pirates in the yard of the holy alarm bell, making them leave the sailors and head out to the entrance of the yard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What the hell is that sound?!” One of the pirates who just came out asked, before proceeding to take a careful look around him. There was...

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">...No one around?

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Bah, those three idiots must have fell from the pier piss drunk or somethin’. Nothin’ much to worry about.. Let’s just take a good drink and hit the sack already! Those sailors will be dealt with by the authorities once they’re found tomorrow anyway.”   Another pirate says, before making a loud yawn and scratching his head sleepily. The others nodded, not really giving a damn about their missing comrades. The moment they turned their backs, however, a gunshot rang.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In a split second, two of the pirates are now frozen in thick ice, having been near each other. Only two of the four pirates are now left unfrozen, with shocked looks upon their faces.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“It…it can’t be! There’s a magic user somewhere around here?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“No, it’s not magic. It’s called magitech.” Levant declares as he comes out of hiding behind a cargo, puts back one of his revolvers back into its holster, and proceeding to take out his sword and parrying knife.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Don’t think you can get away with this, you bastard!” One of the pirates roared, drawing out his sword and charges at Levant. Meanwhile, the other pirate stays behind and takes out his flintlock pistol, and starts loading it with the needed steel ball and gunpowder.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The charging pirate quickly gets Levant in range, and performs a fast, vertical slash, an attack which Levant deflects with his parrying knife. The Templar then swiftly follows up with two consecutive horizontal slashes aimed at the pirate’s abdomen using his long sword, causing the pirate to lose grip of his sword in pain.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In the midst of the fight, Levant hears the cracking of a recently reloaded flintlock. Without wasting time, Levant grabs the wounded pirate in front of him, spins him to face in the opposite direction, and is held like a shield. In a moment of panic, the other pirate with the flintlock accidentally shoots his gun, shooting his wounded companion dead in the chest.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">With the meat shield dead and the other pirate now attempting to reload his flintlock, Levant draws out one of his revolvers, and shoots the remaining pirate at the throat, killing him instantly. Feeling no other opponents around, Levant holsters his revolver, and proceeds to enter the holy alarm bell’s yard.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“…I should hurry before the pirate captain sees something amiss.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Arriving inside the yard, Levant finds the five tied-up sailors, and frees them as soon as possible.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Come on, lads! If we’re to die today, it won’t be here.” Levant says as he proceeds to cut of the ropes that tied up the sailors with his hidden blades.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“There’s a brig at the port, just waiting for us to steal her. Now, procure the weapons of the pirates at the entrance of this yard, and hide behind the cargos near the brig. The assault will start at my signal, which is a gun fire. Savvy?” Levant carefully explains as he unties the last of the sailors. In turn, the sailors gave a fierce nod, followed by a reply.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“We’re your men now, captain! Just give us the word!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“That’s good to hear. Now, do as I ask, lads. To the ship!”

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Those jagabats…they’re too darn quiet to be damn pirates! What the hell are they doin’?!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pirate captain, sensing the silence on the topside of his ship, decides he had enough, and goes out of his ship’s cabin to see if his crew are slacking their asses off, and scold them if they are indeed doing so. Rising from his bed, the pirate captain heads for the exit of his ship’s cabin, opens its door…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…and found no one on the ship’s topside.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Bloody hell…Where did they all went off to?! F*ckin’ idiots…TO think they’d made their captain fetch ‘em…They will pay for this later!” The captain grumbles, before heading down his ship’s side, and down to the docks, where silence still greeted him. The cold air gave a sinister atmosphere, its constant howling not helping the captain’s spirit at all, the surrounding darkness also not contributing anything positive unto the matter. Trembling slightly, the pirate captain treads carefully as he proceeds to look for his crew men…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, as he reached the area of the docks surrounded by cargo, a gunshot rang, followed by a fierce war cry…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Open fire!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The pirate captain turn’s around, only to find the 8 formerly captured sailors aiming their flintlocks at him, and firing them at the same time. The pirate captain screamed in pain as he took 8 bullets to the body, namely one at each arm, 4 at his chest, and 2 on his right knee.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Despite all the damage he has taken, the pirate captain stood his ground, and even drew his sword. The sailors, in turn, also drew their weapons, and only waited for the pirate captain to go near. What the pirate captain did not anticipate, however, was the Templar rushing from behind him…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…before jumping to the air, flicks out his left hand’s hidden blade, and plunges it at the back of the captain’s head as he landed, slamming the pirate dead on the ground. The sailors let out a loud cheer of victory as Levant withdrew his hidden blade, and declares…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Alright, lads! Now, she’s ours! One of you, cut down the pirate flag, so that we may burn it!” Levant shouted in joy, prompting one of the sailors to nod and head for the ship’s mast, climb it, and cut down the flag. Another sailor catches the flag as it flew down, and hands it to Levant, then speaks.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Captain, there are still more of our comrades locked down in the ships hold. With your permission I would like to-”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Yes, please free your comrades, and make sure to recruit them to our crew. We can’t sail with just the nine of us, after all.” Levant calmly replies, causing the sailor to happily nod and run for the ship’s topside, and enter through the hold’s entrance.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Meanwhile, Levant takes it upon himself to enter the captain’s cabin. Upon going inside, he ends up quickly covering his nose, as the unforgiving scent of rum assaulted his nostrils.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">What greeted his sight as he entered were: A table, with naval maps, coordinates, and bottles of rum stacked upon it. A few steps behind the table is the captain’s bed, which looked like it didn’t meet the laundry for years on end. On the left side of the room appears to be a weapons table, with multiple swords and flintlock pistols scattered upon it. On the left side seems to be a table containing a small model of the ship Levant is currently on. Beside it is another table, with a metal treasure chest, which seems unlocked. With his sticky fingers acting up, Levant gave in and headed for the chest to open it…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…And his eyes widened at the contents.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">What was inside were piles and piles of gold bars, clean and untouched. Levant felt like he could go strip himself and start running around the streets carrying his nation’s flag, although by all honesty, he will not do that. Unless someone kind-hearted would be willing to pay Levant a stash of gold bars that would set the orphanage for life, no matter how many orphans are received every day.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">For now, he must think of a way to get the bars of gold transported to Sasha’s orphanage. Asking his men would help a lot, but that would mean he will have to split the gold evenly, as a captain is not supposed to keep the crew’s captured treasures by himself. Moreover, most crew mutinies have always started because of hidden gold being discovered by multiple members of the same crew. Which means that asking the crew for help would not be a viable option.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Carrying the treasure chest would be much more effort consuming, and is more suspicious. It was by then that an idea that pierced Levant’s mind…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Ah, how could I forget about my underlings of loyal Templar recruits! I should have about five of them at my disposal, if my documents are right. I guess I should deliver the pirate captain’s corpse as work evidence first to the headquarters and call for my recruits while I’m there. I should borrow one of the Templar owned carriages as well. For the delivery of the gold, that is.” Levant says as he wanders to the captain’s table, searching its sides for drawers possibly containing the ship’s ownership documents, as well as sailing license. The pirate captain and his crew must have served as privateers for a country some time ago, and they might make profitable clients for the Templar’s naval connections, provided with the right negotiations. Another paper that might be found could be a map or a list of coordinates leading to a hidden pirate cove, which means more treasure and gold for the orphanage.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A few minutes later, a victorious, happy cheer resounded from outside the ship’s cabin. Considering the number of shouts and the intensity and number of the voices, it only means that the other captured sailors were freed, Levant thought. At the same time, at the side of the captain’s table that’s facing the bed, Levant found the drawer he was looking for. A little excited, Levant opens the drawer, and finds a stacked up set of papers and documents. Levant quickly grabs them, before skimming through them enough only to know what they might contain. A big grin encompasses the greedy Templar’s face as he neatly sets the papers, and proceeds to leave the cabin.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well, well, looks like no one’s going hungry back home this year! I can’t wait to tell Sasha…” A tinge of sadness echoes from Levant’s voice as he said the last word. Having not met each other for years now, he couldn’t help but wonder what is she like, and if she still is the same person he left 4 years ago. He felt…scared at the thought of Sasha being a completely opposite person of what she was back then. Last time he heard about her, was that she became a high ranked hero of the Order of the Goddess around three years ago. Considering her position, she might have ended being infected with the same corruption of morals that Lescatie’s “heroes” might have…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…No, that can’t happen, Levant thought. Sasha has always been a kind, strong, and compassionate person, who often puts others before herself. She…has the least possibility of being corrupted. Or so Levant hopes.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“…I don’t think I’ll ever find out if I stay here for too long. I should get a horse drawn cart for the pirate captain’s body and head for the headquarters…I could just visit the orphanage later.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Carrying the documents and ship license he procured from the captain’s table, Levant heads out of the captain’s cabin…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, as soon as he stepped out of the cabin’s door, a sailor runs in haste towards him, with sweat dripping all over his face.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Captain, it’s an emergency!” The sailor says, between tired pants and ragged breath, before continuing, “There’s…there’s a Valkyrie! A Valkyrie is sealed in the ship’s deepest hold!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Wha…what?!” Levant’s jaw dropped at the news. A divine being, sealed within the hold of a pirate’s ship? This…does not bode well, Levant thought, having brought into consideration what the pirates might have done with the said Valkyrie. Heaven’s wrath might be coming in dry with a surprise soon.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Alright, lad, take me to her! Lead the way!” Levant commanded the sailor, who then proceeds to reply with a fierce nod.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Please follow me captain!” The sailor declares, before running towards the entrance of the hold, raising its door before entering, followed by Levant. Arriving inside the small hallway of the ship’s holds, the sailor rushes to the end of the hallway, followed by his Templar captain. What awaited them was one of the ship’s prison cells, albeit looking a bit different from the others.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Unlike the other cells, this one had golden bars, with glowing, carved inscriptions on them. Levant could feel the creeping, restrictive magical energy from the letters, which he deduced to be sealing runes, a type of magic used on the doors of hidden places filled with treasure or the prison doors for powerful monsters. Hanging in the most middle part of the bars appeared to be a glowing, golden piece of paper, and written on it is a contract, that says:

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“With this contract, I shall take in this being as my servant, and in compensation for it, I shall take full responsibility of my actions done with the servant after the signing of this contract.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What? There are no sacrifices needed for this? Now that I think about it…” Levant muttered to himself as he turns his attention away from the paper on the golden bars, and instead focused on the divine being behind the bars…who was chained, and is surrounded by a ring of flames.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“''Ah, that’s right. She’s a Valkyrie, a divine being. She obviously won’t aim for the contract maker’s soul, but, instead, will most likely test his willpower and faith…and I hate the Goddess’ Order.''” Levant mentally sighed as he thought of the current situation. By the circumstances, as the ship’s captain, anything in it would be his property, including the ship’s prisoners, which would mean that if there’s someone who’s supposed to make contract with the Valkyrie onboard, it would be the captain himself. However, there lies another problem; the captain has outright little faith, and is not in any way heroic material at all, with the latter trait being what Valkyries will only accept and work with harmoniously and effectively.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">However, as he doesn’t want to sign the contract, so too does his sailors. They might fight to protect the ship when needed, but, they too, are not hero material, as they are just the types who enjoy their jobs, having loved the sea and sailing on her for a long time. And thus, with no other alternatives visible in his situation, Levant decided…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I have no choice but to try, it seems. Then, so be it. I’m no Hero, but…As a Templar, I work to enforce order and harmony, so that counts…maybe.” Levant mutters before gesturing to the sailor to leave him, which the crew member did obediently. Taking a deep breath, Levant approaches the golden layered prison, and calls out…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“…Excuse me. Sorry to disrupt your kinky alone time, but aren't you hot in there? I mean, fancy heater and all...” Levant asks, unsure of what he is supposed to say to the imprisoned divine being in the ring of fire. Of course, during the course of his training around the world, he got to meet all sorts of non-human beings, apparently those who are human friendly, combat aggressive, and human rapey. And by the last one, he means those monsters which attack humans out of reproductive reasons, which surprised Levant during the time he first encountered one a year ago. He didn’t expect the monster, a werewolf, to assault his pants rather than aim for his vitals, which in turn caught him off guard and allowed the monster girl to pin onto the ground. If it wasn’t for General Merse arriving in time, Levant would’ve gotten into a shotgun wedding via one sided lovemaking. Surprisingly, though, he didn’t felt any killing intent, nor malicious intentions from the said werewolf monster girl during the attack…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Of course, this didn’t impede Levant’s socialization skills with the human friendly monsters, who appeared to be very profitable business partners provided he negotiates smoothly. However, included in his social skills are only those kind monsters, not divine beings, like the Valkyrie behind the enchanted bars he is facing now.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A few seconds passed. Cold air seemingly passed through the insides of the hold, causing Levant to shiver. On that very moment, a bright light emanated from inside the Valkyrie’s cell, forcing Levant to cover his eyes from the blinding display.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I ask of you…Are you my master? The Hero who shall enlist my aid, and bring justice to this world?” A loud, elegant voice resounded from the cell, most likely coming from the divine being that was sealed in it. The bright light dispersed, now once again revealing the Valkyrie behind the bars, whose eyes are now pretty much observing the Templar from outside the cell…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant gulped. This is it. There is not turning back. Taking a deep breath, he voices out his reply, “Yes, I am.”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then, that would only entail that you understand the conditions of the contract, do you not?” The Valkyrie asks with a serious, interrogating tone, making the Templar outside reply quickly and clearly.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I do. I shall take responsibility for my actions after the signing of this contract, as stated in what was written…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Then, now that you understand the consequences, sign this contract by placing the palm of your right hand onto the inscribed paper placed onto the golden bars of this cell…” The Valkyrie declares in an elegant, commanding tone, causing the golden bars and the paper of contact sticking unto it to glow brightly. Levant could feel his heartbeat increase its pace, as if he was dropped into the middle of the sea during a hurricane, with the strong waves signifying the strength of each beat.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">So, this is what the presence of a divine being feels like in the flesh, Levant thought. As he moved forward, both anxiety and endless excitement, both born in the heat of the moment, were crashing inside the Templar. With a slight pause to catch his breath, Levant then proceeds to slam his palm onto the glowing piece of paper on the golden bars. The intensity of the light that glowed from earlier increased, and so did the pace and strength of Levant’s heartbeat. It was as if…an invisible body of water was drowning him, as well as a great, searing pain encompassing his left arm. However, despite his body crying out submission to the overwhelming atmosphere and pain, his heart kept its fast, powerful pace, as if rebelling against what was trying to invade the body of the Templar…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…And thus, Levant chose to obey the latter, going along and joining the strength of his mind with the strength of his heart, and forcing his body to keep his right hand stuck to the paper of contract, and refusing to be blow away by the pain of the light both the paper and the golden enchanted bars that the Valkyrie’s cell were emitting.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“''Hold on…hold on! I can’t lose to some magically induced...physical pain! I've...been through even worse! I have to…prove my worth!''” Levant mentally shouts, in an attempt to keep himself focused, and strong. At that very moment, the light erupted and bursts around the room, with the air whirling about with great strength, as if a small but powerful gale was cast into the room from the Valkyrie’s cell.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">In a few seconds, the light and the strong wind that erupted earlier has now dispersed, leaving a still, quiet hallway, just like how it was before the Templar attempted the contract. However, there were very noticeable changes around the environment…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">First of all, the golden enchanted prison bars that held the Valkyrie now had already faded into specks of light, and no longer appears to keep the divine being inside. The ring of fire also disappeared. Speaking of her…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">…Levant could only leave his mouth agape at the sight of the Valkyrie before him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">She appears to be wearing the very same set of armored clothing that Levant once saw in books of knowledge, down right to the headgear and the shields. The only difference, however, was the personal features of the Valkyrie in front of him.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">She had long beautiful blond hair that reached slightly below her hips, tied in twin braids, and with her bangs beautifully parted that it complemented her delicate looking face. She had a pair of green eyes, which resembled pretty, large marbles crafted by the best of sculptors. Her skin color, a lot lighter and smooth than Levant’s, resembled a healthier variation of ivory, befitting her earlier features.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A grateful smile was plastered upon her face as she eyed the Templar, who was still slack-jawed. Before the Templar could make even a small noise with his breathing, the Valkyrie begins to speak.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I am grateful for your help in freeing me of that seal. In exchange, I shall now come to your aide from this point onward. And thus, allow me to declare my vow.” Kneeling onto the ground on one knee, the Valkyrie begins a loud declaration, her tone of voice not losing a single drop of elegance and pride, “Henceforth, my sword shall ever be at your side. Your fate is henceforth my faith…” As she spoke, streaks of golden colored light emanated and flew away from Levant’s body, much to his surprise. The streaks of light compressed into a ball of golden light floating atop the Valkyrie’s right palm. At the same time, white streaks of light also sprouted and flew away from the Valkyrie’s body, and mixed with the golden orb from Levant’s. In a split second, the mixed orbs exploded into a bright, blinding light.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">The light quickly dissipates, and now the Valkyrie has a beautiful sword held by her right hand. The blade appears to be of pure, untainted silver, while the guard and the handle are colored gold. A bright, crimson cloth appears to wrap the handle.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“…The pact is now sealed. I, Brunhilde, have come to your aid, as written in the contract. A pleasure to meet you…?”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">Levant gulped, realizing that the Valkyrie is now prompting him to reply. With a slightly nervous tone, the Templar replied, “I’m…L-Levant. Levant Kresnik. Nice to meet you as well, Brunhilde…I…uhh, am honored to work with you…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The pleasure is mine, Levant.” Brunhilde declares with a small smile, a gesture that made Levant look away in an attempt to hide his slightly red face. However, before anymore awkward conversation could continue, one of Levant’s sailors rushed into the hold, and calls out to his Templar captain…

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Sir! Sir! The boys have found the quartermaster who escaped with us!” The sailor shouts in urgency, causing Levant to cover his ears at the action.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Really? That’s wonderful! Now, it’d be better if you don’t frigging shout it off your lungs next time! So, where is he?” Levant asks the sailor, who, as soon as the question flew off the Templar’s mouth, looked away in shame…before replying in a meek tone resembling that of a child confessing something wrong he did to his parents…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Well…you see, captain…he…uhh…”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“What? Out with it already. I don’t have all night, mate.” Levant sternly says, similar to a teacher giving disciplinary measures to his students. The sailor gulped, before finally gathering his courage and finally letting out the answer…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“The quartermaster…he…he’s gotten too much alcohol and is picking a fight with the Order Knights who arrived here for investigating the ruckus we raised earlier, captain!”

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">A few seconds of silence encompassed the hold of the ship as Levant palmed his face. Talk about the greatest first impression on your crew’s discipline level…Wait, now that he thought about it…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“I can talk to them, should it be needed.” Brunhilde chimes in, her words making Levant start thinking that the Valkyrie must have gotten a mind reading spell of sorts. He really was just about to ask for her help when Brunhilde suddenly spouted those words. Way too conveniently timed, Levant thought.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“…The fun never stops. W-well, then, Brunhilde, shall we go and greet them?” Levant, despite trying to act all cool, could not stop the occasional stutter of nervousness as he interacted with the Valkyrie. Looks like he will need time to get used to her presence, the Templar admits to himself.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“Of course. Lead the way, master.” Brunhilde declares without skipping a beat, much to Levant’s flushed reaction to it. His eyes landed on the sailor with them, who, in turn, gave Levant a goofy thumbs up of approval. The Templar palmed his face, before proceeding to move towards the exit of the ship’s hold, followed by Brunhilde and the sailor…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“For some reason, I really just can’t shake the feeling I’m forgetting something…Oh, wait!” Levant’s mind alarmed as he remembered one important thing that he now must do after the little fiascos he’s facing…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">“''How am I supposed to explain about Brunhilde to Sasha?! I really just can’t shake this…bad feeling I have if I ever let Brunhilde into the orphanage…''” Levant mentally screamed…

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"">

CHAPTER END.

And it's done!

'Don't forget to leave comments! '

'As I am rarely on the wikia, I may not be able to reply early. I apologize if that ever happens. '