SPECIAL TASK FORCE

Along with their respective Generals, Raijin and Hiro stood beside their seats listening to the council's statement on the report of the Nephus division. Raijin's eyes still searched for General Yozou but he had only seen the Lieutenant-General of the Yozou division seated on the chair of the 6th General.

If there was something Raijin had wondered at the moment, it is when he had noticed that he, Hiro, and Mitsuka are the only lower-ranked officers. And since General Noguchi had appointed him to be the squad leader and adjutant of hers, he had disregarded the thought of him worthy of being in such a position. Even if he's the sole member of the division.

"Rai," Hiro whispered.

They were standing not far from each other, for the seats of the Generals were positioned based on their particular ranks on the conference table. Akaru was on the first seat followed by Seratsuki and General Kazahana though there was a space between the two women in distinguishing the place of the upper Generals.

"What do you-"

"Ice queen's Lil bro, were you perhaps persuading my adjutant and squad leader to join your division?" Hiro's words were cut off when Seratsuki suddenly decided to interrupt their conversation.

"You're mistaken, General Noguchi" Hiro managed to say, bewildered and surprised by the unexpected nickname.

"Is that so? Do you like red?" said the 3rd General.

This is the first time Raijin had seen the clueless expression of Hiro and how he had lost his composure when talking to a General. The Kazahana heir was at a loss for words that his thoughts couldn't trace the reason why the 3rd General had suddenly spoken to him casually in the middle of something.

"W-what do you mean, General?" Fujihiro asked, trying to figure out the proper response to tell her. He gazed at Raijin whose eyes were filled with disbelief towards his General's approach. "What will I say?" Hiro mouthed to him but Raijin had only signaled him to just ignore the woman.

"Yes or no?" Seratsuki gave them a short glance.

"I..." Hiro contemplated his answer. He had thought that maybe crimson was somewhat a good choice though his sister's liking represents the other way around. He was about to finish his phrase when a voice interrupted him.

"We must pay our respects to the speaker," The 4th General didn't give them a look, her earnest eyes remained in front and it was more than enough to set the temperature low inside. Mitsuka was startled and she gave the two boys a confused gaze, which they had also responded in one.

"The ice queen's jealous...." Seratsuki muttered as Akaru let out a deep breath. "Don't worry I won't take him, brother"

"General Noguchi!" The call of the man of the council thundered inside. "You haven't changed!" his hands holding the paper given by the 7th General went on the table as his face was bellowed of patience reaching its peak.

"That's not fair. Coming from a man who's always blaming someone" even if Seratsuki had interrupted his reports, the statement made Hermes let out a faint chuckle.

"Sera..." Akaru said.

"A slander to the council would cost you, General Noguchi" Fuyumi Kazahana said, this time her glance remained on them.

"How much?"

The careless response of the 3rd General made Raijin step in front.

He didn't know what he was doing and his entirety was as if prepared to give out any moment to avoid the attention fixated on him. "I'm..." he said, lowering himself from the gazes of judgment the council was throwing. He cleared his throat, his hands shook from the tension that he had immediately brought his thoughts into flashing the words that he had spent all night studying before meeting the 3rd General.

He faced the council and Generals, trying to sound formal at all costs. "Apologies, to what my General had said"

The silence made him more nervous. He saw the surprised look of Hiro and Mitsuka. While there was still no response from the man of the council nor to anyone present, and with that he lowered his head and decided to come back to where he was standing. Heavens had known how he had wished for the lightning to just strike him at once or the earth to swallow him whole and not show up once again. Though right now all he could know of was his grandfather's laugh asking him if he was apologizing to a beetle or what.

Yet those words continued repeating in Seratsuki's mind. 'Apologies to what my General had said' it sounded so close to her that she had forgotten where she was. Her thoughts were embraced in nothing but the memories of her past. And Raijin's figure standing before her had made its way towards nostalgia. Their tone may be different as the one she had remembered oozed smooth firmness but hearing it once again made her almost delicate.

They resumed the meeting after hearing the young man's apology. To which Raijin heaved a sigh of relief.

General Hermes Nephus remained in the center, carrying a pile of papers in his hands. The man of the council signaled him permission to begin speaking.

"No introductions needed. But as you heard we have discovered the existence of Phaedrus. Unfortunately, it's broken. We conducted tests to fix the fissure from the barrier, but none of it worked. We also gathered the types of equipment and methods found in Riagi. And upon researching the nature of its energy, we found nothing. It's very much peculiar" Hermes elaborated as he walked around distributing the papers that contained records and proofs. "It is made by Lord Giansh, a god. That is why no one would be able to restore the barrier unless we found a valuable source where compatible energy had resided. Meaning, in Nemiendr to where the nine palaces of the gods are"

After his eyes ran through the records, the man of the council creased his eyebrows. But Hermes had made it quite clear to himself that an old man like that wouldn't be able to comprehend everything written on it.

"Proceed," The elder said.

A smile landed on Hermes when he had known that it had aroused their interest in the proposal. "I issue an expedition with a special task force to obtain samples from one of the palaces"

"A special task force..." The man uttered. "Do you wish to put them in grave danger to capture energy from a god? Enlighten us further"

Raijin may not be able to grasp everything that the 7th General had said. But a captured energy from a god to restore the barrier had only reminded him of his regret in losing their clan's regalia.

"General Hiraoka and I had agreed on the circumstances. With this, we would like to appoint General Noguchi to lead the expedition" said Hermes, eyeing them.

Though the name of the 3rd General had made the man of the council give out a deep breath. "And the other members?" he asked, hoping to get an answer of names that he could use in rejecting the proposal.

"General Noguchi would be the one to decide on that," Hermes responded as he stopped himself from displaying a sly smile.

Massaging the bridge of his nose as if his anger was about to erupt at any moment, the man of the council spoke. "And your reason for summoning those three?". Raijin, Hiro, and Mitsuka exchanged glances.

Hermes remained composed, not letting himself fly in the delight of showing a teasing smile to the old man. "Nothing at all. It just came out as a whim" He looked to General Noguchi—who had later on picked up what he's trying to say.

"Generals, let us hear your side," The old man said. There are still a couple of chances he could usher a rejection with the matter.

For as possible, the council had disliked the thought of a General leaving the land and the people who are crucial when a battle would suddenly break out. They fear the Nemiendlich more than anything, and to keep their lives away from the danger—they wanted the protectors to remain on land, protecting them first.

"I cannot say that it is a wise decision, General Nephus. Have you forgotten the risk we're facing? The special task force must contain people who had incomparable abilities. If the Nemiendlich were to invade our land once again, they're much needed in battle" said General Kazahana, her stern expression unchanging. Nor the way she carries herself, full of pride and honor on their family's name.

"Ice queen, do not underestimate the soldiers" Seratsuki was the one who provoked an answer as their eyes met and the tension had risen between the two.

"I don't have a recollection of giving you the question, General Noguchi. And as the Fourth General, it would be a disrespect to call me that"

Fuyumi's serious and Seratsuki's blank expressions faced each other. Though Seratsuki had not given a single thing about what the 4th General had said and was still willing to call her by other names.

The three youngsters stood by the pressure even if their feet were almost numb in standing. But they still maintained themselves upright despite the wonder lingering through their minds. To attend an exclusive assembly for the Generals is a real honor brought to them.

If it weren't for Akaru who had spoken, the suffocating silence might've never wavered. "You don't need to worry about our forces, General Kazahana. I've spoken to the Kamiyama clan"

The elders of the council filled the room with gasps, bewilderment, and silent mutters about the statement. Their expression was filled with mixed anger and surprise. "The Kamiyama clan had cut ties with us!" spoke the old woman sitting on the edge. "And we cannot allow a group of traitors to help us!"

"If you don't mind me intruding on your account, councilor. The Kamiyama clan stands above everything. And you still speak the clan's name whenever an order and decision were made even if they had not participated in issuing commands. They're still one of the higher nobles, and their job to protect the land as a soldier is unrelated to them cutting ties with you" Akaru said, making the old woman sit back on her chair speechless.

"They have forgotten that! They only care about themselves!" another member of the council had spoken.

"I'm not quite fond of them, though I must say that the Kamiyama clan is not that low, councilor" Lucien uttered, also cutting the man off.

"Silence!" The council leader shouted. "General Hiraoka, proceed,"

"They agreed to help us in exchange for something." there was a short pause in the 2nd General's words. "They said that the council should not appear before their eyes at all costs or they'll put an end to his excellency's life"

The elders' anger was more than ignited. Their expressions were full of contempt and their eyes display nothing but despise for the said clan. As if the nerves on their head would break at any moment.

The council leader gave a glance to his fellow members. He let out a heavy breath, for this is almost the hundredth time his patience was tested. "Well then," he hesitated, his eyes looking back and forth to each elder beside him. "We shall grant their wishes" putting the life of his excellency at stake is nothing he would resort to. "General Corvinus, do you have anything to say?" he asked Nova, who had not let out a single word—for she had busied herself in deep thought and was writing something on a paper given by Hermes.

The 8th General shook her head and remained on her work as Hermes walked beside her watching in judgment on what she was doing.

"Meeting adjourned. General Hermes Nephus, you'll be in charge of this." The elders had immediately left the room as their robes flew through the ground and their sharp glares were directed to Akaru. But their leader, the man of the council gave them a final nod before turning his back on them. "You'll regret any of this, Nephus, Noguchi, and Hiraoka" he whispered to himself.

As the door closed behind them, the Generals sat in their seats in silence once again. Their table held the papers Hermes had distributed and at the center of the semicircular conference tables, the insignia of the Riagi headquarters lie. The symbol was surrounded by crescent shapes on the edges as the center showed knots curving into each other to form a feather piercing on a spheroid that resembles an eye. It was said that it was made based on Lord Giansh's ancient mark when he was still one in the circle of gods.

Raijin on the other hand had known the familiarity of the scene, where he had been almost executed by the hands of General Voigt. The same tension and silence after the council would leave the Generals in the room. And he thought that maybe if General Yozou was here, he would be the first one to break it.

"General Noguchi, now choose the members of your task force," Hermes said, as he took the paper Nova was working on—gazing at it in pure contrast and muttering the words "I'd done it better than you woman"

"Roland, Ice queen's Lil bro, and..." Seratsuki's eyes darted from where Mitsuka was. "Her," she said.

"No. I forbid you from taking one of my soldiers, General Noguchi" said Fuyumi as Mitsuka was left nervous and bewildered at the moment. She didn't know if she would be delighted that the 3rd General had called her "her" or quite frightened because of the tone of the 4th General.

"Then I forbid you to forbid me, Ice queen"

The unreasonable response had almost made Raijin want to drag her out of the room and lock her at sweetie sweet for everything's sake.

But little did he know, everything was the 7th General's scheme all along. When he and Akaru had tackled obtaining samples from Nemiendr, Hermes had to consider the three youngsters in the expedition. For he acknowledges their abilities and it would be important in keeping the other forces balanced on the land if a battle were to break out and he had formed his respect and trust in the 3rd General that she wouldn't fail them.

"As early as possible, we should train those kids how to survive the risks. The circumstances are now different and after ten years we finally had people who can concur to such lengths. Polish their strengths and senses and if they die, then they don't have what it takes" Hermes said bluntly, and remained muttering his comments on Nova's work after.

Raijin wasn't fazed by what the 7th General had said. Because he had agreed that he might actually die just then. Even so, he shook the thought away, strengthening his courage to achieve 'what it takes'. And his will and aim to protect the land had stirred his heart's desire. He didn't know how to prepare himself for the unknown threat that might've been waiting for them outside but he knows that it wouldn't be enough to shake his resolve. Though would it not? I wonder Raijin, drop the cap.

"Mitsuka," General Kazahana called.

"Y-yes ma'am?" she stammered and the tone of her nervous voice became obvious throughout the room, making everyone focus their attention on her.

"Do you wish to join them on the mission?" The 4th General asked, there was some hint of gentleness in her voice.

Mitsuka's eyes darted to Raijin and Hiro, and the two had only returned her look, anticipating an answer. "Yes," she said.

A smile of triumph was seen with the two boys, knowing that she would never say no to the 3rd General.

Fuyumi Kazahana gave Mitsuka a gaze, "Is that so? Alright" having nothing left to say, she held Mitsuka's hand. The young lady was surprised by it, feeling the General's soft and warm touch. Quite ironic for someone who had the prowess of snow and ice. "If that's what you want, I don't have anything against it. We'll be waiting at the base camp, I'll always be there whenever, '' she said, standing up and stroking Mitsuka's hair softly.

Mitsuka muttered a 'thank you' to her, quite conscious and shy of what she was doing.

Meanwhile, Hiro had wished he was the one who had received those words from his family. Though he pushed that thought away. Our Kazahana heir, if only you could see, there are a couple of folks out there who had also wanted to stroke that hair of yours as they squeal like wild hyenas.

"Reinan Noguchi. Hmm, sounds good" the 3rd General broke once again. "Fujihiro Noguchi sounds also good," she said, showing a thumbs up between the two. "We'll make a good sibling. Don't you think?`` With everything she had said, it is still a wonder to Raijin why her blank expression hasn't changed. Was she perhaps used in announcing jokes with a stone face?

"General!" Raijin exclaimed in a whisper.

"It's okay, Rai," said Hiro, letting out a small laugh.

"To make everything clear. Reikun Ikacruzhi, Fujihiro Kazahana, and Mitsuka Hitomi will be members of the special task force. Excuse us, we'll discuss matters" Sertasuki said, her voice was changed in full authority that they had almost forgotten she was the same person who made those careless and unreasonable responses.

"Good luck," said Hermes as he placed the paper he was eyeing on the table. Raijin caught a glimpse of it before the 8th General took it in her hands, and to his disbelief again—it was a drawing of the council leader but the entirety of his face was filled with unnecessary scribbles and writings and his body was not proportioned to his horned head that made Raijin force himself to stop giving a laugh at the mockery.

---

"After I talk to General Nephus about our mission's details, I'll be going back to our land" Seratsuki began as they walked out of the building.

"Your land?" asked Raijin.

Hiro was the one who answered him. "The higher nobles have their restricted land in Anshiantum, the Hiraoka land being farthest from Riagi while Kamiyama and Noguchi are… quite the closest. But only those who have permission and are a part of the clan can enter the premises."

"That's right. Since I'm going home later, for tomorrow we'll be meeting at our place to set off" Seratsuki reached into her uniform's pocket, handing them a charm. Inside it was beads of different colors and the small bag was enclosed in white lace. "That's a pass" she turned to her heels, beginning to walk ahead of them. "And," she uttered, suddenly stopping in her tracks. "Stay alive"