Whispers of Silent Glory. (Part 1)

A tempest, a storm amidst the chaotic vortex. Wings unfurl, a waltz of grace against the howling gale. Thunder drums against the celestial realms and our flight continous. Battered by rain, wash by the numbing cold, and blown by the ruinous winds, we fly undisturbed.

Defying turbulence, Gangyi's only seems to only gain more haste as she flies. Her wings beat strong amidst the chaos, navigating across the ashen clouds without any vision. Trusting her to know our location, all I can see below is nothing but the sea, charred black by the lack of sunlight and ravaging waves crashing against each other. Gangyi slowly descends until I can barely see my reflection upon the dark seas light only by the occasional lightning.

"Kakaka! Now this is what I call a flight!"

"Are you okay flying in such a condition!?"

"What~? I can't hear you, Hubby!"

"Never mind!"

Shouting at each other despite being so close as she grabs me by my shoulders, I was still able to catch her voice thanks to my trained ears but it doesn't seem she share the same advantage. Rarely my whole life I have seen or spent near the vast ocean, and noe to see that such a beautiful vastness of blue could turn into such madness in, baffling. The world is vast, yet it can be both scary and beautiful.

"Kaka! This is the first time I ever sense such an empty world! Alrighty Hubby, we're going to the Republic's shores now!"

"Okay!"

"You said something~?"

"Um, never mind!"

"Kaka! Just hold tight, we'll soon reach the shores of that fame port!"

"Eh?"

(Wait, she knows? Wait, how much does she know?)

*Splash*

"Hm?"

I could hear something huge splashing out if the waters when a shadow quickly form beneath my feat. I hastily tap on Gangyi's feet shouting:

"Up! Up!"

*Splash*

"Waaah!"

*Chomp*

"Kaka! Close one!"

"I thought you said there's nothing there!?"

"Yea! I like you too~! We're here!"

*Crackle* *Boom*

With a rude greeting, the darkened mist split apart from giant lightning bolts. From the distant sea I could see the shores of our target. Just like the other 2 beaches, the entire coast has been swarmed by the monster wave. The fortress if I can even call it that can be described in one word... Pathethic.

(I feel bad thinking that but that's...)

From the uneven walls, unfinished barricades that's already been obliterated by the swarm, holes in the plateform as if rust and time has swallowed it before the monster finish the destruction, and even worse none of defenses seem to work as I see the towers and cannons at the rear has catch on fire while the monsters are still far away and there's no aerial enemies in sight. This is simply a terrible man-made disaster and the only reason the coast still stood is simply because of the valiant effort of the defenders.

Compared to the soldiers in dark blue, the soldiers here wear a bright green uniform that has been dampen by mud and blood. Accompanying them are a massive rag tag group of militias of some sort with armour and weapons that all seem to sinply be attached together in a hodgepodge of metal and screws. But despite the unorthodox looks, they are the ones keeping the monsters in check. Especially...

*Bam* *Boom* *Boom*

While the soldiers are at the rear to support, the militias are the one at the forefront fighting with blades. Leading them from the vanguard and funneling the monsters are steel giants shinng bright and firing massive weapons of mass destruction to light up the entire coast in a sea of fire, and from the bottom they continue their fiery assault as they unleash a burst of flames that doesn't even thaw from the storm and form a huge wall of fire similar to Gangyi's performance.

Gangyi flies higher to avoid the flames and monsters as she looks amaze shouting:

"Woah! Aren't those Owlians Mechs, seeing their bulky shape, must've been remnants from the imperial army."

"Wait, what's Owlian mechs!? Did Owlians made those?"

(Wait imperial army as well? What is the Republic hiding!?)

As we finally reach close to the shore, those steel giants spotted us. From afar they don't seem big but now that we're close they are huge. Towering over us like the previous War God upon the stadium.

*Pshu* *Pshu*

From their shoulders, huge boxes pry open from the top and unleashes 2 huge projectile which cause Gangyi to clench on my shoulders harder as she shouts:

"Hold tight!"

Gangyi straighten her wings as she flies towards the projectile. As she descend closer to a foothold, she throws me away, diverting the projectile down and causing them to explode below wheere the monster are. Pushed by the rain, I adjust my balance and weight to land safely upon the brittle platform.

*Kchck* *chick*

Gangyi threw me close to the rear and the soldiers in green starts aiming their guns at me as I see red beans aim at my head. I raise my arms and,

*Crash*

Gangyi drops behind me spreading her wings. The soldiers seeing us slowly lower their weapons as I hear,

"Who are they!?", "I can't see correctly because of the storm!", "Snipers, what do you see!?", "They don't look like monsters.", "It might just be a lure from those monsters!", "Fool that giant size and beast beast form, also her oppresing aura, she's a God from Heaven!", "Heaven!?", "Are you serious!? Have the Heavens finally answer our call?", "No doubt! That strength and Aura she possess can only be seen and felt in the books!", "Those stupid rich folk from the capital finally heed General Sun's advice!", "Reinforcements! Reinforcements from Heaven have arrive!", "We might survive this! We can win this!"

" "HURRAH!" "

" "GLORY TO THE HEAVENS!!!" "

The soldiers at the roars loudly that the storm sway from their sudden explosive reaction. Spotlights shines and aim upon us through the dark night and to the surprise of the militias at the forefront, the gates of the fortress open and soldiers and vehicles pour out with their weapons.

"What the hell!?", "Didn't those cowards refuse to fight? Now they're coming out in droves?", "Captain! Look, up there!", "What is that menacing pressure!? Is that even human!?", "No way, those rich folks finally called upon Heaven?", "Raagh, whatever it is, now we can fight properly, charge for your pay!"

The militias seeing Gangyi also follow the soldier's lead and crash upon the monsters, pushing them back and turning the tide of battle.

(Wow, is the presence and appearance of someone from Heaven could rile up people like this? Now that they say about her aura, maybe because I lost my qi long ago but I cpuld barely tell someone's qi now. Is thid the concequenses of my new power?)

Gangyi now brandishing upon the limelight frolick at the heavy rain that looks like gems underneath the bright lights.

"Kaka? What's this? Are they actually willing to fight? Well, knowing my glorious position. I should lead them, go meet whoever's in charge as you wish Hubby. I have fufilled my end of the deal so don't forget to fulfill yours. This battle should be done when you're done with the discussion."

"Wait, what?"

Gangyi proudly flaps her wings and cause a massive gust as she ascend opposite of the storm. Brandishing her azure armour, the spot lights follow her and everyone charge at her direction. The steel giants as well looking at her turn around and start following her lead. I look back knowing how powerful she is and watch at the few officers exiting the base and approach me. Their purple uniform with similar patterns to the officers of Silla walks out with their capes flaring from the huge storm. The one with seniority, leading them with the most intricate design clasp his hand and bow his head saying:

"I'm General Daegu Ko-En, you must be the secret reinforcements Great General Ja-Sun nim promised, firstly thank you so much for coming! And don't worry, your presence here will be kept a secret from the other board members, our Han-ajam fam will promised you that much."

(Han... Wait they don't recognize me? Well I suppose I'm not that popular here but...)

"Um, we can discuss the details later for now, let's finish this."

I brush aside the misunderstanding for later seeing the dire situation here and the officers all follow the one in front shouting:

" "Yes, we obey!" "

As I walk past them, they bow again before following suit. Seeing the soldiers with vigour rushing out to fight, I start asking:

"Firstly, the monsters here are definitely led by a leader of sort, have it come out yet?"

*Fwoosh*

The huge gust starts blowing over his long brown hair as he tries his best to keep his cap in place replying:

"Truly? I thought the monster waves are simply mass migrations."

"Is that so? The other two shores where the monster comes have monster leading them. Either Rex class ot Champions. As for the Rex class they usually show up after the wave is cleared."

*Fwoosh*

Feeling the wind reverse its currents, a bright flash cast a shadow before us making us turn around to see a giant firestorm. Turning night into day, she cleanse the sky from the chaos with fire, leaving a red trail.

(If this is like what she did before then...)

Pushing aside my worries, and feeling foolish for even worrying how the situation will turn out, I turn around again from the brightness saying:

"This situation should be done when we finish our discussion."

" "Ooh~!" "

"As expected from a God in Heaven."

"Glory to the Heavens!"

"What are those fools at the flower capital thinking not accepting the Greater Gods offer?"

The officers is in awe as they witness the amazing sight and start saying things I wish to ignore. General Ko-En smile saying:

"Haha, I suppose we owe both you and Lord Ja-Sun nim, oh and of course the other winged Lord a huge favour now. Please, follow us inside. We may not have much to offer for refreshments but I hope you please understand and forgive such disrespect, Lord from Heaven."

"It's fine, since Gangyi's taking care of that lets talk about something else."

I say to them calmly which seem to grab their attention. But before they could answer, we have arrived at the door and the soldiers at the gates bows down even at the storm as their hats fly away, helping us open the doors as we then finally enter the building. Just like the outside, the inside is also... Pathethic.

As we enter, soldier guarding the crossing paths and checkpoints bow down upon seeing us. If I can even call the place they guard checkpoints. The steel doors they use to divide the space is already a quarter gone, there's holes at the ceiling, floors, and walls, valves and pipes visible from the cracks, water dripping over the steel edges, overgrown molds, and even-

*Crack*

As my feet step upon an unstable surface it starts to crack and I'm reminded by how heavy I am again.

(Right, I'm like more than twice the weight of Yoo-Ah).

"Please do be careful, Lord from Heaven. Please, allow me to guide you."

General Ko-En and the officers casts magic upon themselves and dries their clothes as he then cast the drying magic on me as well. While the moisture vanish from my clothes, my body is still very wet.

"Thank you."

I thank Ko-En for his kind gesture and he bows down again saying:

"I am most grateful to receive your gratitude. Now please follow my lead."

Ko-En turns around as he straighten his back and starts walking deeper into this decrepid place. The light atop the ceiling swings back and forth when Ko-En stops at a random corridor and one of the officers open the door to let us all in. It's a large office with a small reception at the corner where Ko-En gesture me to sit saying:

"Please do rest here, this is the resting place we have currently."

"I appreciate the gesture now..."

I take a sit and the officers beside him immediately bring upon the beverage and refreshments that looks like of bricks and blue drinks. Despite being curious of the taste, I hold myself back and start with saying:

"Firstly let's clear the misunderstanding first. We are not reinforcements from Great General Ja-Sun or whoever you think."

" "What!?" "

"Wait?"

"Huh?"

"W-What are you saying?"

The officers who's standing beside me becomes bewildered and panicking hearing that and from their faces I can tell they're hoping for me to be joking but I then remove my mask and continue saying:

"Firstly, my name is Sova Anmao. And I'm here to help you on your defense."

"Sova? Wait, I knew I recognize that long blonde hair! She's the famous rising adventurer, that Star Child!"

One of the younger officer shouts as he then grabs a small gun from his shoulder holster and pulls it out shouting:

"You're a Kingdom Spy-"

*Smack*

"Ack!"

General Ko-En seeing such blatant act slaps the weapon away before he can point it at me, he swings swiftly with a baton and catches the weapon that got sent flying with his finger, rotating it right at the trigger as he then puts it down at the table saying:

"Don't display such barbaric behavior, Lieutenant Samjo. Also, use your mind better, and think! While she may not be the reinforcements Lord Jo-Sun promished she's influential enough to bring upon a real warrior God from Heaven with her. If you did that to anyone else, death would be the last of your worries!"

The officer backs away from Ko-En's scowl as he then lower his head saying:

"Please forgive that disrespect, I'm willing to truly sacrifice my arms for him if you will."

He raises his arm and the officers behind him shouts in panic,

"General!"

"No, no, it's okay. So can we continue?"

I quickly gesture him to stop and change the subject and he agrees saying:

"Yes, I can tell, you're from Heaven too, right Lord Sova nim?"

"Well you're not wrong."

General Ko-En seem to be the only one to be calm by my words as I'm please to know I can communicate with someone.

(Also, I'm still confused on what language are they using to speak with people from Heaven? Common tongue? Or their native tongue? Well either way since he's speaking Hwansea I'll follow).

"Let me just say this is my selfish request, I know how the Republic have refuse the help of not only the Kingdom but also Han- Mhm, the Baratai Master himself. But despite all that, I still wish to help all of you since I know how dangerous the monster wave is. If the Kingdom is suffering from both a Champion and Rex class monster I can only imagine what's going on here. I hope you'll let us help-"

I try to speak professionally but General Ko-En gestures me to stop as he raise his hand and show me his palm. Wondering if my words is not proffesional, he takes a sit at the couch before me and grabs the brick snack, before he even brings it near his mouth he dips it at the blue drink saying:

"Sigh... This is going against everything the board wants but..."

Ko-En looks down and despite his youthful appearance he acts like a retired old man as he speaks now. He looks at the stirred reflection and continue saying:

"They can go eat the money they love so much. Sova nim, you should've just stayed in Heaven, really. I heard how you, the Star Child got tricked by the Kingdom's nobles while trying to do a good deed and how you got dragged into the affairs of us mortals. But hearing you speak I can't help but believe that story."

(W-Wait, is that how they see the events? And wait, what story!? Is there more?)

I could hear the sympathy and tiredness in his voice as he takes a bite of the meal and dunk it in the drink befote continue saying:

"Just like what I promised you at the start, we'll keep you and the other one's appearance here a secret from the board. I'll at least report this to Lord Jo-Sun since he should know the proper course of events, we will forever be in your debt."

Bewildered and surprised by his answer, I can't believe he agreed so easily and how thingd moves so smoothly. I clench my knees in joy asking:

"Really? Thank you for accepting our help!"

(I knew honesty is the best policy. Maybe this Ko-En guy is not so bad).

"Wait, a moment General! Are you really going to accept their help!? Just like that? She might have an ulterior motive! Else she wouldn't come here hiding her identity!"

*Twitch*

One of the officer tried to reverse his decision by claiming my intention which he is right but all for the wrong reasons. Ko-En brush that aside replying:

"Of course, that may be true, but... Compared to what those stupid suits think of us, asking them for favour is akin to asking your bully for help with your insecurities. Comapred to this, this is literally a Heaven sent opportunity, and I'm not going to miss it. Concequenses be damned, we'll be dead either way and I prefer to perish later than now."

Being surprised by the way he uses his comaprison, I try to remember his Hwansea when lne of the officers replies with,

"D-Don't you think this decision is too hasty? We could at least wait a few days until communication is back online to contact HQ."

The young officer who's hand he swatted chime in as well as he fan his wounded hand but Ko-En defends me again saying:

"And we'll be dead by that point. I had suspicion that the monster might be led by how coordinated their assault is but hearing her say it confirms my worst conclusion."

The officers voicing their concern starts to reappeal his offer when one of them says:

"General, I hope this is not some hasty decision you make so that you can return to your household. You should know we're all not here by our own free will. Unless we can give a appropriate excuse they will still pull the trigger. You should know Lord Jo-Sun's word will not cover us! DOn't be sO sElfIsh!"

A female officer shout at him with a breaking tone and I can't help but open my eyes wide hearing such revelation.

(What in the world is going at the Republic!?)

I shout internally as Ko-En hangs his head replying:

"I'm sorry but I can't help you with that but to tell you... To better start pulling your weapons out and swing your those swords your parents bought for you. We now have reinforcements from not only a real Adventurer but a Warrior God from Heaven so let's show those fools at the board and get the glowing reviews from soldiers. Do well and all of you might get promoted."

(Wait, what's happening?)

*Boom* *Shake*

Wondering where this is all heading a loud explosion occur outside, shaking the whole interior that the dust falls from the ceiling and cause all the furniture in this empty office to tilt. General Ko-En gets up from his seat and look away at the walls saying:

"Well then, Star Child, please do lead us to victory. I hope your title of Champion Slayer lives up to its name."

(Champion Slayer? When did I get that?)

The sound of battle still echo loudly from outside as General Ko-En then comments:

"It seem your words of the battle being over as our discussion is false, so let's quickly head out and assist your friend. After this wave we should be able to hold out against the remnants, we should show your gratitude by at least pulling out own weight."

I throw all the confusion out the window and nod along saying:

"Thank you for accepting my selfish request."

*Thump*

"Rrgh!"

"Star child!?"

I felt my heart skip a bit and fell on my knees as I try to stand, the General tried to help me stand but I refuse his help as I stand on my own saying:

"It's fine. Let's finish this."

***********************************

The storm Gangyi split apart have return as we exit the base. It returns with vengeance and fury as the wind it produce has seem to be more fierce and ferocious that the things not solidly plant to the ground is being ripped out of the platform, including people.

"W-What is this? Are we close to a typhoon?"

One of the officers comments as she is shocked by the developement, the officers seeing such carnage doesn't dare exit the building as they're holding tight to whatever they can grab. But for me...

"Star Child! Hold on to something!"

"Oh, no need, I'm quite use to this."

" "What!?" "

Compared to the storm that comes at my district, this rainstorm is akin to a normal rain than the previous drizzle. Using the balancing technique, I exit the base summoning my halberd and plunge it solidly to the ground

to see the utter chaos the fort is in. Half of the platform have already been ripped apart and many of the soldiers seem to retreat inside while the monsters is being drag to the sky and into the ocean.

*Swish*

Hearing a familiar cut to the wind, I spot Gangyi flying over undisturbed as she lands beside me shouting:

"Hubby! I finished killing the monsters but this suddenly happened!"

"Is it the leader monster?"

"No! I just killed it! And it sure as hell not making any winds like this when I scald its head!"

*Vwoom*

"Huh? It stopped?"

We shout at each other's face to speak when finally the storm seemingly stops out of nowhere. The soldiers and militia seeing the sudden change poke their heads out to survey the situation until they finally come out. With the monster carcasses being swept by the wind, the whole fortress maybe a wreck but everyone can agree that this night...

"We have won!"

" "WOAAAHHH!!!" "

" "Praise the Heavens!" "

Soldiers and militias comes out in droves as they cheer celebrate, and some kowtow toward Gangyi. The metal giants as well crawl out of their spots to dance creating a bizzare scenery of the night witht the remant flames Gangyi made as bonfires. The group of officers comes out as well following General Ko-En as he raise his hand over the cloudy night sky saying:

"We really did survive, haha! Forget what I said, your friend did finish the fight in time. The Gods of Heaven truly are terrifying- sorry, Amazing."

"What's he saying Hubby?"

Gangyi ask hearing Ko-En speaking in Hwansea and I work as her translator replying:

"Oh? He's just happy he's alive and that the wave is over."

"Over? I saw shadows over the horizon. I say this is not the last, they should be arriving by now."

"Huh?"

I rush over to the edge to watch over the empty beach. And just like what Gangyi said, countless shadows gather over the black sea. Trickling little by little from the ocean, a forboding shroud amidst the watery grave it all slowly rise. Unlike the monsters we've been facing, I can't help but feel the ominous air from this new wave.

With their skin completely cut from the night, they have neither scale nor fur but a rubbery black substance. With a white contrast to show their faces that seem to come from ilusive nightmares, slowly they walk slowly at snail's pace. Soldiers, militias, and the iron Giants seeing the new foe quickly turn around and start engaging.

Seeing their menacing march across the shores, both the soldiers and mercenary seem frightened as they strike from a distance. Thanks to their slow and unresponsiveness most of the attack hits but it proves to be ineffective. The monsters even with only half of its limbs or body, even without a head of half of its lower parts, it moves. Crawlimg, dragging its body ever closer.

"What the hell? Those are definitely not Monster King Vessels."

The Generals and officers stand beside me as they look over the battlefield and some of them run down to shout orders. Gabgyi looking at the slow newcomers clean her feathers asking:

"SO, DID YOU GET WHATEVER YOU'RE HERE FOR!?"

Along with the storm, Gangyi brings her lips close to my ear and shout. I look back at her with a smile to signal my success and shout back,

"Yea! We get to help them out for this single wave and they'll even keepcour participation a secret. Also, you don't need to shout so loudly!"

"KAKA!, you sure do have way with words. Though I don't know how much that will help."

*Crackle* *boom*

Lightning whips from the clouded stars, the storm that barely pass have returned with fury, carrying disaster on its path.

*Splash*

" "Kraeeeaaak!" "

From the dark abyss, a massive arm sprout forth dragging upon an amalgamation of creatures that can only come from nightmares, to call them monsters would be a lie. And it's coming in droves as the soldiers that wete cheering and worshipping recently is now terrified to even raise their weapons.

*Shine*

"Boom!"

A huge ball of fire blast away the new creatures, blasting it to pieces and flames even under the heavy rain.

" "WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OFF! YOU HAVE THE HEAVENS WATCHING YOU! RAISE YOUR WEAPONS AND FOLLOW ME!" "

Gangyi snaps everyone from their fear and lead by an example as she dove into the horde like a falling star and the rest of the people raise their banners and weapons shouting:

"Charge!"

" "GLORY TO THE HEAVENS!!!" "

(Oh? So Gangyi can rile up and encourage people too? What can't she do? I suppose to be expected as one of the best in the country's best school?)

*Smack*

Seeing their valor, I clap my own cheeks and get my thoughts together.

(Why am I worried for someone more powerful than me?)

"Let's do this."

Ignoring the officers behind me, I follow behind Gangyi as I wear my mask and dove into the horde as well.