Chapter 228, The Resolution of the Young Brave

"Ahem! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ritter, you can call me Ritty." Ritter, now dressed in the school's uniform stated as she introduced herself to the group that was gathered in our Group Room.

"So, who's idea was it to have her registered as a Brave?" Monica asked.

"Mine. I'm worried it might cause an uproar if the world knows what she really is." I stated.

"The Guardian Dragon that controls the War Hammers." Dustin stated. "It would indeed make an uproar."

"So, have you learned anything?" Seiji-san asked.

"Ritty, explain to everyone why the War Hammers won't wake up." I told her and she nodded.

"The War Hammers and I were asleep in the Sidus Pontem with Lemianile. Suddenly someone called the ship from the depths of the Rift of Worlds and we were woken up." She began to explain. "When we were woekn up, I felt a sudden surge of dark energy and before I knew it I was kicked out of the ship."

"Karin used Dark Essence to control the War Hammers and make Ritty go on a rampage. Thus she was able to temporarily control the War Hammers." I stated. "She has no way of controlling or ordering them in a sense. She is actually just making them go berserk."

"Then why do they come to the school?" Angie asked.

"Because they are moving by instincts, targeting places with a large congregation of Vi. They are drawn to our school where nearly all the Braves of our continent have gathered." I stated. "Because of the Vi that is congregated here, the War Hammers are drawn to our school."

"Then why are the Humunculi not waking up?" Lefina asked.

"Because they haven't been given orders. The Humunculi were woken up suddenly, they went berserk because of the Dark Essence. Now that there's no Dark Essence they returned to their sleep mode." Ritty explained. "They just need orders and they'll be wide awake. However there are only three individuals capable of ordering them right now. Lemianile, Me and Master Arata who has the Blood of Ancients."

"With the War Hammers awakened, we should be able to drive back further attacks by Karin." I stated. "When the next War Hammers descend I'll awaken the War Hammers under our protection. They're much more efficient at subduing War Hammers than us after all."

"So, what's our plan for now? Do we wait for Saint or do some of us head up to the ship to do espionage?" Hiro asked.

"That won't be possible." I stated.

"Why?" He asked.

"The ship is covered in a particular protection, Karin was able to enter it because of Sirius and Pierrot's interference but it's now completely sealed off." I stated. "The ship is wrapped by a barrier only passable by the Asterion. Without the Asterion you won't be able to enter the ship physically."

"Physically? What do you mean?" Will asked.

"Although the ship appears in this world it is actually still partial on the other world. In other words, it's still in the Ancient World. So, if beings of this world enter it, they'll only be able to enter as apparition." I stated. "Their bodies will be forced back to this side, if they stay severed from their bodies for more than an hour they'll die."

"The only exception are those not from this world or those with connections to that world." Ritty stated. "Meaning if you want to go there you must wait for the Asterion. Master Arata and I could easily go their but you can't."

"Even so, someone has to go there and examine the ship. We need to have a layout of the ship at the very least." Van stated.

"Which is why I'm going there. Ritty will help me go there." I stated.

"That's too risky! If you go alone something could happen to you!" Andrew immediately objected.

"I'll be fine." I stated and Will slams his hands down on the table.

"Arata, it's too dangerous to let you go alone." He stated with a calm composure but I could see his rage burning.

"Don't worry, he won't be alone." Out of nowhere, Velti states as he appears beside Van.

"We'll go with him to keep him safe." Sebastian says.

"If we sense any danger we'll force him back here." Siel says.

"So rest assured, he is in safe hands." Sidwell states.

"With us by his side, there's no way he'll be in any danger." Gunilla stated.

"Very well." Will says and slumps to his seat. "We leave Arata in your hands."

"He'll be fine with us." Felicia stated. "Since communication isn't possible by normal means, I'll teach you a way to communicate without the use of Vi."

"How?" Liam asked and suddenly Felicia touches my forehead.

"Arata, I'm giving you the ability to use the Sacred Tree. This should let you connect with Braves." She stated and I feel a warmth flow from my forehead throughout my body. "With you as you are now, I'm sure you'll be able to use this ability."

"Can you guys hear me?" I asked and the others were immediately taken by surprise.

"What was that?!" Theo exclaimed.

"It's the power of the Sacred Tree. Do you recall seeing a tree of light?" Felicia asked and we nodded. "That tree can be called a point of intersection in a sense. Braves of all eras and lands converge there, for that is where the power of Braves first bloomed. I planted the seed, and as time passed Braves spread their roots, the tree grew."

"Right now, Arata is tapping into a small branch of that giant tree. It should make communication easier from now on." Siel states. "Well then, we should be off."

"Right now?" Lucas asked.

"Right now. The sooner we can map out and understand Karin's activities on the ship the sooner we can began our strategy to counter her actions." I stated.

"Alright then." Alex pats my head.

We head outside, I'm about to leave when I get a sudden attack. Someone jumps onto my back, I turn to see Spiro hugging me. He smiles and I pat his head.

"Dad! I'm back!" He smiled.

"Why are you back? Didn't you play with Grandma and Grandpa?" I asked him.

"I missed Dad." He said and then looked down as he hopped off and stood on the ground. "Is that bad? I know Dad has many things to do, but I don't want to be away from him."

"It's alright." I said as I hugged him.

Spiro is so young yet he must know the dangers of our world. Being around me and the others has made him more mature, even though he is only a child. Whenever I feel like it's too much, I remember only one thing. That I fight so that no one else has too. Let me be the last Le Fluer, let my generation be the last, let this war be the last one Braves fight. Let no more youths draw their blades, children and young people have the right to be happy and enjoy life. This battle has taken that away from them.

"I'm going everyone. I promise I'll be back soon." I smiled as Ritty jumped to the sky and became a dragon. "Growth take care of Spiro."

"I will." He answered.

I jump unto Ritty's back and Felicia and the others disappear and become orbs that circle around me. Without waiting any longer, Ritty takes off and I set my eyes on the Sidus Pontem.