Arising Group Expansion

Then he finally shifts focus on a sweaty and dirty organization-attired Clifford and Cheshie asking for praise if their first test was to his liking and they did manage to let the other recruits observe in awe as Astra apathetically smiles "Ahhhh…not bad for now-" as he awkwardly heads pat them (which their animal features express joy), then he turns to Clifford "Since you would become my manager in this organization under my absence and guidance..can you inform me the diverse species that are now per of our cult?" Clifford wagged his bloodhound tail and spoke "Archaicans (humans) , Dwarves, Mere-folk (Sea related people), Giants, Bestialkin, Elves, and the Qintea (Porcelain/Ceramic people).." they turned their attention to Clifford's barking voice for attention to listen.

Astra was pleased with the performance of Clifford and Cheshie in their first test and showed his approval by awkwardly patting their heads. He then turned his attention to Clifford, recognizing the important role he would play in managing the organization.

Learning about the diverse species that had joined Shadow's Resurgence, Astra felt a sense of accomplishment. The organization was becoming a melting pot of different beings, all united under his leadership and common goals. It was a step towards the realization of his revenge fantasy and the formation of a powerful, diverse group dedicated to his cause.

He also thinks it fits all the species of respective kingdoms in Coloria all 7 now United as he spoke "Okay Cheshie can you evaluate the Age range of all our recruits of 50 members so far?" Cheshie asks as she licks her paw-like hands "Hmm? Well, mwahy? Never mind is there a training regime you plan I can pass on to them or you observe personally based on species and age?"

Astra contemplated the diversity within the organization, considering that it now represented all seven species of the united Coloria. He recognized the importance of assessing the age range of the recruits and also thought about the training regime.

He turned to Cheshie and inquired about the age range of the 50 members. Then, he spoke, "Cheshie, let's develop a comprehensive training regime that can cater to the specific needs of each member based on their species and age. We need to ensure that they all receive the appropriate training to reach their full potential."

She nods as she and Clifford call out the other 44 members (since the 6 are already specially assigned Units Astra met earlier)

Cheshie and Clifford gathered the other 44 members, preparing to discuss the upcoming training regime and organize the members into specific groups based on their species and age. Astra was ready to oversee this process to ensure that everyone received the training they needed.

He then spoke as some of them murmured or nervous expressions as he spoke still in his detached emotional tone "Listen here my recruits, Cheshie and Clifford you shall start evaluating based on your species, then after we list all your names down…I truly hope you all don't mind if we examine your age range as well"

Astra addressed the assembled recruits, explaining the evaluation process. Some of them appeared nervous, but he continued in his emotionless tone, emphasizing the importance of assessing their species and age for the training. The recruits were now prepared to have their information recorded for this evaluation.

Then a wise young adult Mere-folk with fishlike ears and scarlet skin texture of his humanoid appearance (fish-like eyelids to his human eyes) "If I may …how shall we address you since you are a leader and quite the reputation of a Shadow Knight so..just curious since we could ease that feeling we can respect you due to your aura"

Astra paused for a moment, pondering the question. Then he responded in his usual monotone manner, "You may call me Astra, or simply Leader if you prefer." He had no intention of revealing his true name to these recruits, maintaining a certain level of mystery.

The Mere-folk man spoke "Oh apologies, I just want a way to address you Leader so…hmm? Astra is your code name? How about Ad Astra? Is that a good way to address you our leader/lord?" Astra sighs and shrugs with a poker face "I see, tell me your name fishman.."

The Mere-folk man nodded respectfully. "You can call me Finn, Leader Astra." He then stepped back, allowing Astra to continue addressing the rest of the recruits.

Nods and he whispers to Cheshie and Clifford to be up to them how to sort these 44 members for he want to meet up and converse with his special Unit (he called the Nebulis) , which consist of the Giant , Archaican (Human) girl magic caster and the Porcelain quartet as he spoke if they recall their code names and roles

Astra asked his special Unit if they recalled their code names and roles. The Giant spoke, "I'm Anti-matter, the defender."

Silhouette, the Archaican (Human) lady, added, "I'm Silhouette, in charge of finances and cover identities."

The Porcelain Quartet responded in unison, "We are the Polygon numbers, responsible for security and evaluating new recruits."

Astra nodded, satisfied with their responses. "Good, now we have some new recruits to sort and evaluate. You all have your respective roles, and we'll discuss how to proceed later. For now, go ahead and get organized. I'll be back to check on our progress soon." With that, he left the Nebulis to their tasks and went to meet with Cheshie, Clifford, and the other 44 members for evaluation.

Astra listened as Cheshie and Clifford reported that they had successfully sorted the 44 new recruits into their respective species. He nodded in approval, acknowledging their effort. "Good job, you two. Now, let's meet with the rest of the recruits and discuss their evaluation and training plan." They continued with their organizational tasks, ensuring that everything was running smoothly in the newly formed organization, Shadow's Resurgence.

Astra turned his attention to the group of Bestialkin among the recruits. He observed them closely, noting their various animal-like features and expressions. He decided to address them and asked, "Bestialkin, please step forward and tell me about your unique abilities and any skills you may possess." Astra was interested in understanding the capabilities of each member of this species within the organization.

Astra listened attentively as each Bestialkin stepped forward, explaining their abilities and skills. He observed the diverse range of animal-like humanoids, from Canines to Felines, Mammals to Rodents, and many more. He made mental notes of their strengths and capabilities, considering how they could be strategically utilized within the organization. After they had all shared their information, Astra nodded in acknowledgment.

"Thank you, Bestialkin. Your unique abilities will be a valuable asset to our organization. Remember, we work as a team, and I believe each of you will play a vital role in our missions."

With that, Astra continued with the evaluation of the remaining recruits.

Then they make animal noises like a calling of obedience before this time he turn to the mere-folk and spoke "You there Finn , young man..can you explain me how to distinguish your species? It's kind of hard to differentiate and I trust since you are older than me-" Finn flick his fishy/fin ears "wait really Ad Astra? My my , you sure are young so that's what you genuinely look like as an Archaican (human)?"

Astra nodded in response to Finn's comment about his youthful appearance. "Indeed, I am. Now, if you could enlighten me on the distinguishing features of Mere-folk, it would be greatly appreciated. Your insights will help us organize the recruits more effectively."

Finn then proceeded to explain the characteristics and abilities of the Mere-folk, shedding light on how they could be identified and what strengths they brought to the organization. Astra listened carefully, taking mental notes and considering how to utilize these qualities in their future endeavors.

Then he spoke "So besides gender labels if Mere-men and Meremaids…the best part is we can be flexible to both water and land yet..weakness is was if the air is too dry we felt getting suffocated and weak and if we dive too much deep ocean depths we drown.." Astra smirks for a moment and spoke "Thanks Finn , Still what if I tell you despite being an Archaican I can handle both the weaknesses of your people as mentioned?" Monotone voice that made all the mere folk gasp. In awe asking how did he managed such a feat

Astra's eyes shimmered with a hint of purple as he explained, "It's a unique ability I possess due to my particular mana type. I can manipulate the environment, to an extent. However, this doesn't mean I'm immune to all weaknesses, just that I can adapt better than most. It may come in handy during our missions."

The Mere-folk were impressed by Astra's capabilities, recognizing the value of having a leader with such diverse skills. They nodded in understanding and respect.

Then he revert into his usual azure blue eyes "Still , Finn it's up to you to sort their age range as I shall attend to other recruits-" (Astra was internally thinking so many experience to acting and disguises for spy and assassin missions did prove useful when he plays a person in this case a leader)

Finn nodded and took on the task of sorting the Mere-folk recruits by age range. Astra turned to address the next group of recruits, ready to continue evaluating and organizing the members of Shadow's Resurgence.

Then Astra approach the Qintea as he seems curious as they also resemble the fragile kind of body they had like the Porcelain quartet (sized are from teapots to human sized) to ask why they are caled such and some of them even had cracked like some pottery or ceramics…is there a way to treat some of it?

The Qintea, with their porcelain-like appearance, stepped forward. One of them, a taller figure with a chipped teapot body, spoke, "Ah, good leader, we are called Qintea because we are crafted and molded from porcelain and ceramic materials, originating from our ancestor Qin. Some of us have cracks due to the wear and tear of time, but fear not, for we have the ability to repair ourselves. It just takes a bit of our specialized magic. If you notice any of our kind with significant damage, they will often find a quiet place to mend themselves, and they'll be as good as new."

Astra nodded in understanding. He was intrigued by the unique qualities of the Qintea and was glad to learn more about their abilities.

Then he ask "I already accounted the Polygon Numbers or rather they calll themselves the Porcelain Quartet that compare to you all are smooth and malleable in their form for versatile use..care to explain?"

One of the Qintea, a dainty figure with a small, ornate teapot-shaped body, replied, "Of course, Ad Astra. The Porcelain Quartet, as they call themselves, is a special group among us. They are highly skilled in various forms of magic and possess the ability to manipulate their porcelain bodies to adapt to different situations. Their unique talents make them versatile and exceptional members of our kind. You can think of them as the protectors and evaluators of our group."

Astra Pat the dainty figure gently and uttered "that's why there are part of my special Unit Nebulis..tend to them if you need sort of training as they definetely already observe me…" they bow before Astra then check on the Elves with variety of skin colors and features "Hmm , Elves…I hope despite your age gap I don't seem like a child to you all?"

The Elves, with their distinct features, looked at Astra with a mix of curiosity and respect. One of the Elves, a graceful woman with emerald-colored skin, replied, "Ad Astra, age does not define wisdom or capability. We have heard of your legendary deeds and are honored to be a part of your organization. We are here to follow your lead and contribute to your goals."

Then a fair skin elf added that is a teenage elf looking lad "Indeed Ad Astra heed us , despite your violent actions..we know it's just and necessary as you did uphold duty yet knew deep down as one of the survivors of the people born of Ecto-mana that is already a miracle you live beyond the life expectancy and despite us not inheriting such mana..there is some amongst us that does have it yet lacks training to use it or their body just manage to seal it inside.." Astra spoke "then present your elves that are secretly Ecto-mana born to me…I shall tend to examine them properly and do not fret for I has sharp memory how to train base in an ancient text about such practices and it's called the Spiritual Arts only ones born like me can cast unique from the usual Silent Arcana and Vocal Sorcery (Non-Verbal Magic and Verbal Magic).

The fair-skinned elf nodded in agreement, and he signaled to three fellow elves, each of whom stepped forward. Astra took a moment to examine them and could sense the unique mana within them. He spoke, "Very well, I will personally guide you in harnessing your Ecto-mana. Let's begin your training soon." The elves expressed their gratitude for the opportunity.

Then he spoke "The earlier elves that introduce themselves , you the Nature Elf, and the other the Light Elf go on and tend to the age sorting while I handle the other members" They nodded as he walked towards the giants that has all sort of sizes of GIANT yet not too big to cause Kailua level disaster as he spoke , using shadow step to ascend and look at their eye "So Giants, do you see me as a weak leader?"

The giants, in varying sizes, looked down at Astra, who appeared almost diminutive compared to them. One of the larger giants, a massive figure with a kind expression, spoke, "Nay, Ad Astra, we do not judge you by your physical stature. Your reputation as a Shadow Knight speaks volumes. We are ready to serve under your leadership." The other giants nodded in agreement.

Astra nodded in acknowledgment and moved on to the dwarves, who were known for their resilience and craftsmanship.

One dwarf spoke "Hey , Hey…Ad Astra your face reminds me the time I was a Smith for my cover when used to be a cult member before now…Yet he has such bright eyes , green and black hair like yours..with a more heroic erm..merciful aura..Where is that lad? Are you two friends?" Astra gasp before he looks away with melancholic tone "Ahh that's my long lost brother Nova , a rebel against the Anti-Goddess yet also a family I just recently come to meet…Yet apologies he..Has passed away with her wrath despite my skill to end her" grips hand

The dwarf nodded, a sympathetic look in his eyes. "I see, Ad Astra. We'll do our best to help you achieve your goals and honor your brother's memory." The other dwarves echoed their commitment.

Astra felt a mix of emotions but quickly composed himself, moving on to the humans, Archaicans, and other races to continue assessing and sorting them based on age. The process continued as he spoke to each group, getting to know his new recruits and understanding their strengths and weaknesses.

Archaicans are the terms of humans in this world (the only reason he knew that it's because of Nova briefly saying he sees Astra and the Archaicans look like humans from his world wherever that may be) as he spoke "Well, how about you all?…do you think I am not an Archaican due to my powerful abilities than normal and surviving rarity of being Ecto-mana born compare common to all mortal beings, Umbral or Luminous Mana type born..?"

The Archaicans, or humans, nodded in agreement, showing a mixture of respect and curiosity. Astra's unique abilities had made him stand out, and they were eager to learn from him.

Astra continued to sort and assess the recruits, getting to know each group and making sure they were appropriately placed based on their age and abilities. The process allowed him to connect with his new organization members and understand their potential.