"Fuck me they have fifty calibers" he heard a shout from somewhere. Gritting his teeth Sain pushed his barrier out past him by at least a meter and the staggering shots finally stopped. He could see his entire barrier rippling as bullets slammed into it and he pushed it out further and widened it to surround the entire unit. Those around him just blinked and stared at Sain. He ignored them, his face a rictus of concentration. He could feel his core depleting fast but it still seemed like the energy he was losing was simply a river leaving a lake. He could probably sustain this for a long time. But he didn't have a long time.
"Sain, we can't shoot magic past your shield, lower it damn you" Luto shouted but Sain ignored him and instead pulled on more magic from his core.
He gathered it in his right hand even as he directed a separate stream of magic into his left to help maintain his barrier. The air around him began to ripple and he felt hot as the energy in his right hand rippled. He flexed his fingers in his right hand and felt them creak under the pressure. Sain just grit his teeth and looked at the militia men to his front, a dozen or so of them peppering his barrier with bullets. He could see the terror in their eyes, like they knew what was about to happen. He looked up to the second story and saw even more people, all firing down from the second floor, two of them possessing mounted machine guns poised on stands. There they were. They would be his target.
Casting his gaze left and right, he saw walkways that ran from the second story in all directions and connected to other walkways above and around him. There were a few corpses on them, and Sain guessed they had been taken out by the Lieutenants initial assault. Looking around him at ground level, Sain could see gunfire from the west, and the faint outlines of people in his vision. Hearing shouts again Sain focused his attention back to the building in front, his magic roiling in his grasp and distorting the very air around him and the ground beneath him.
Feeling slight tremors beneath his feet, Sain let out a yell as he threw his right hand at the building even as he lowered his left hand and shrunk his barrier back to himself. As his magic raced from him, Sain became dimly aware of the others of his unit releasing fireballs and blasts of their own magic into the building and its defenses.
Sain’s blast hit the building first and it ripped through the sandbags and people there, creating a ten-meter gap and taking out numerous enemy fighters. The blast kept going and tore a hole right through the building itself, sending slabs, splinters and shards of timber flying. The top story of the building was not left untouched either as the blast took out the whole floor ripping a path straight through it until the magic slammed into the rear wall of the building and exploded outwards and into a building behind it.
A shockwave seemed to follow the initial blast and pieces of the building flew out again, plastering the area in debris and body parts.
Sain stood there dumbly, staring at a gaping hole that was left by the blast even as the entire building creaked before falling in on itself. The top story fell into the gap and screams sounded as the survivors of the blast were crushed under the falling debris. The mounted machine guns no longer sounded and in fact very few guns sounded at all. Everyone seemed to be in shock. Sain just stood there, feeling a little numb. How many had he just killed? How many lives had he just ended? How many people's existence had just been snuffed out with a flick of his wrist?
Sain jolted out of his thoughts as his unit rushed past him, shouts coming from them as they advanced, rifles up and barriers kept strong. Sain just stared, feeling his entire body tingling as everything seemed to move in slow motion. All movements were achingly slow as he swept his head from left to right. He was moving normal speed, but everyone else was so, so very slow. He saw the Foxtrot's erupting from their hiding place, magic blowing out the wall of a storeroom that they had used as cover. He saw the Ghost's running past the huge pieces of inactive machinery, rifles up and bullet's erupting from them. He saw the flashes, and the bullet's streaking through the air painstakingly slow. He felt like he could just reach out and touch them, even simply just grab a bullet.
Again, that wave of tingles ran over his flesh and he sighed in satisfaction. It was almost pleasurable, so much so that it almost compared to that night with Kasui. Was this what it felt like to draw huge amounts of magic at one moment? It was the first time he had ever touched on such a vast amount of power. It felt unreal. Tantalizing. Euphoric. Addictive.
"Look boy. Look to your colleagues and see what your actions have achieved" came a deep and sudden voice in his mind. Sain started and felt his head dragged, his gaze moved against his will to stare at the backs of Luto, Roland, Havas and Karar. His body did not listen to him as he tried to avert his gaze. Instead his eyes moved to look to the lower floor of the building as a man appeared, a tube hoisted up on his shoulder.
"Look boy. This is what war is like. This is human nature at its finest. Death, destruction, and ultimately, despair" the voice came again, harsh and deep. Sain felt a terror rush over him as he saw the man with the tube rock backwards and a projectile erupt from the thing. It was an RPG and the man had shot it at Luto. Sain tried to cry out, to raise his arms and draw on his magic to protect his comrades. But his body was frozen, not under his control. Everything was still so slow and it was painstaking to watch, and be unable to do anything.
Sain saw the rocket land, colliding with Luto's barrier and a brilliant orange light erupted as the explosive device triggered. A shuddering boom sounded and a shockwave blew outwards in all directions.
"Look boy. Learn the consequence of power wielded by humans. And what they do with it. Then perhaps you will think again before drawing on what is mine to slaughter those that are weaker than you. And remember this, death is not only for your enemies. It comes to your loved ones also" the voice sounded a third and final time even as Sain stared at Luto horrified at what was so slowly unfolding before his eyes.
Everything sped up then and Sain staggered forward as control of his own body came rushing back to him. And then the shockwave of the explosion hit him hard and he was flung backwards. He cried out, being vaguely aware of bodies flying past him. The bodies of his comrades. Sain felt terror claim him as he slammed into the ground behind him and rolled, his helmeted head cracking against a block of debris, a single image of Clyde, his master standing over him with that emotionless, almost dead expression. And like that time in Rindai, when he had thought he had died, Sain despaired, right before he sank into that familiar darkness.
Chapter 18
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"Nah, I think the Hoofers will win the season this year. Ever since that new coach came on board, they have been near unstoppable" one of the men declared and the others around him scoffed noisily before breaking into heated debate.
Niall just sighed and closed his eyes for a few minutes, relaxing and sinking back into the couch he was sitting in. Until he felt a foot kick him in the shin anyway. He shot his eyes open and turned his gaze lazily to look at his attacker. And there was Rella Sader, a deep-set scowl heavy on her face. Niall let the corner of his mouth twitch up in a slight smirk as he looked the woman over.
"Can I help you lady Sader? Are you lost?" he asked, a sarcastic lilt to his voice. The woman just scowled at him even more, as if such a thing were even possible.
"I was sent to find you. You aren't answering your phone" Rella stated, that scowl still on her face. Niall just sighed and shifted slightly, his hand going to his right pocket. He pulled his small phone out of it and frowned, looking it over and seeing a few missed calls and messages.
"Oh, volumes muted. Didn't hear it going off" he muttered and then stood up, stretching.
"I just sat down too. What is the matter then?" Niall asked as he looked at Rella. Well, looked down at her. He was a good few inches taller than her. She took a step back and looked up at him, still scowling.
"General Harriet has sent an advisor. They will be landing soon. Princess Phidel has said that you are to meet them and be their Commanding offic
er on base. Least that was what she said in headquarters" Rella stated and then just stood there, arms crossed as she looked at Niall, that scowl still on her face.
"Well damn. She is still in HQ. It's the weekend. She needs to take a break" Niall stated and rubbed his hand on the back of his neck as he mulled things over in his mind.
"Alright, you head down to the landing pads and I'll go get changed into my uniform then. Can't meet army people looking like this" Niall stated and gestured to himself. He was basically just wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Casual attire on his day off. Rella just scoffed at him, that scowl getting even deeper.
"I'll follow you Sir. Won't go to the landing pads without you" Rella stated, all business. Niall just sighed and shoved his hands in his pockets before he started to walk out of the common room. So much for time off.
Walking out of the common room Niall made his way through the corridors of the base, all too aware of his shadow. Rella really was following him, albeit at a healthy distance. He felt a pang of annoyance. Was this what Phidel felt whenever her bodyguards stalked her. This was going to take some getting used to.
After a few minutes of silence, Niall arrived at his quarters, and producing his swipe key he opened the door and stepped inside. He turned back slightly though and noted Rella leaning against the wall of the hallway. Seemed she had no interest in entering his quarters. She wasn't even looking at him now, instead seemingly inspecting her nails. Niall snorted and moved inside, letting his door click behind him.
Instantly he heard voices and realized he must have left the television on in his room. He left the main room of the small area and went into his bed room, and sure enough, there was the television with some news program on. He shrugged and set about getting out of his clothes before going to his closet and pulling out his uniform, all ironed and sharp. His dress uniform was something else. Phidel liked her commanders to be well dressed, as it set an example apparently.
As he got dressed, Niall's attention shifted to the news on the television and he frowned. It was some sort of discussion between what looked like an ex Imperial army officer and the show’s hosts. Curious, Niall stepped forward to get a closer look even as he did up the buttons on his shirt.
"I think it is ridiculous that his Majesty is even considering invading this, 'Samite Union'. It is a country of poor criminals. There is nothing there. There is a reason why the Talmaran countries abandoned their colonies there decades ago" the military man stated rather forcefully, setting his heavy frame jiggling.
"Colonel, surely his Majesty wouldn't jest. From all reports, this 'civil war' in the Union is a trigger. Some of Emperor Alden's greatest victories came from exploiting such weaknesses of other nations in the past" one of the hosts, a big chested blonde woman stated, a rather indignant look on her pretty face. Niall finished doing up his buttons and set about looking for his dress shoes, an ear pricked up as he listened to the talk in curiosity.
"Hah! Civil war! It's hardly that. Listen doll, this Union is a bunch of small nations. Occasionally a nation breaks away, secedes and causes trouble. Just because the ruling class attacks them, it isn't a civil war. Just putting down a rebellion. Anyway, his Majesty would not risk another war at this time. The war with the Federation is still far from over, and the Island Republic is flexing its muscles over control of the south sea. Emperor Alden has his work cut out with that" the man crowed on and Niall sighed. Just more gossip and pointless talk from civilians. Niall shook his head and plucked his tie from his door handle where he had hung it.
All dress now, Niall turned and made his way out into his living room, leaving his television on. He opened his main door and exited, finding Rella still there, waiting patiently. On seeing him she looked him up and down, her scowl turning into a forced smile.
"There, much better, so let's go" she stated, and Niall nodded wanting to get this over with. He was used to meeting dignitaries, but they were easier than dealing with those from the army. Army folks always treated the air force people with disdain, called them soft and all that. It was not always pleasant talking to them.
Rolling his shoulders a little, Niall started walking, his hands once more going into his pockets. As Rella fell in behind him, Niall once more felt a twinge of annoyance at her presence. Sighing he looked back over his shoulder.
"So, Lady Sader, what made you want to join the military. It is rare for nobles to do so these days" Niall asked casually, thinking he may as well try to get to know the woman. Who knew how long she would be guarding him after all. He turned his gaze back to the front as he walked and entered the main corridor of the officer quarters. He smiled and nodded at a few familiar faces as we waited for an answer, if one would be given anyway.
"Well, my family has always served in the military. The Sader’s are wealthy, but not as much as other families. So, we distinguish ourselves through military service instead. Or rather, used to" Rella stated, her voice somewhat subdued. Niall thought he could even hear a touch of bitterness there. He turned his head back as he walked and even slowed his pace, eventually coming to a halt at the building's main entrance.
"What do you mean used to?" Niall asked, somewhat curious, his mind whirring as he tried to think back to Rella's personnel file.
"Frankly speaking sir, that's none of your business" Rella stated rather brusquely, shocking Niall a little with her directness. Phidel's warning popped into his head and he smiled tightly. Rella was a fiery one after all. She stepped past him and pushed open the door of the building and exited, letting the door fall back into place with Niall still on the other side. He scoffed and opened the door himself, following Rella down the stairs.
He watched as she approached a car and blinked, realizing she must have called one earlier for the escort. It was a military jeep with a single driver and behind it was another, occupied by four armed soldiers. Niall bounded down the steps and approached the left side of the front car. He hopped in even as Rella got into the front passenger seat. Once there she opened the glove compartment and pulled out a folder, handing it over her shoulder to Niall silently. He took it even as the car started up and began to move.
Niall frowned as he opened the folder and began reading through its contents. It was only a few pages about the officer he was meeting and would be responsible for during their stay. A man by the name of Captain Clark Razmus. Niall flipped over the man's brief military history and then lifted a hand to scratch at his chin. The man didn't exactly have a particularly impressive history, and instead had only been posted in a variety of areas where only small conflicts had arisen. On top of that, his military service was less than five years. Niall just scowled and then looked up sharply when he felt the car bump over something in the roadway. Looking around, he saw they were leaving the base and he furrowed his brow.
"First Lieutenant Sader, why are we leaving the air base?" Niall asked, feeling a bit of irritation. Rella looked back over her shoulder and frowned before turning her eyes downward to look at the folder.
"It's not in there is it? The advisor is landing at the army base at the edge of the city" Rella stated, a look of confusion on her face. Niall just scowled and shook his head.
"Oh, well when we arrive perhaps it would be prudent to make a call to her highness, to see exactly what she is expecting of you" Rella stated, her eyes not wavering once as she stared hard at the royal knight.
"I do not intend to do that Lieutenant Sader. The Princess has enough on her plte at this time" Niall stated and closed the folder before placing it on the empty seat next to him. He retreated in silence as they drove, his gaze looking out over the city streets as they drove through them.
The streets were still relatively empty of vehicles, but people could be seen everywhere. They looked disheveled and poor, but otherwise not exactly rebellious. It had been over a year now that Pagua had been under the rule of the Empire, and no doubt the people considered themselves lucky to be under the military government of Princess Phidel. There were worse peopl
e to rule them. At least Phidel was a fair ruler, by Niall's account anyway. He sighed again as he passed a bakery on the corner of a street and saw what looked like a pair of brothers sharing a loaf of bread. He smiled sadly and shook his head, turning his gaze back to the front trying not to bring up memories of his childhood.
After around ten minutes of driving the small convoy approached a heavily gated compound. Stopping at a small gate house Niall watched as a soldier appeared and walked towards the vehicle Niall was in. Niall flicked his gaze around and noted several mounted energy rifles pointed at him from the compound's guard towers. Hearing the front passenger window of the car being wound down, Niall just relaxed, not even bothering to listen to the murmured conversation and checking of ID badges.
Within moments the vehicle started up again and the gates of the facility began to open. They didn't even get the opportunity to open fully before the small convoy was through and heading towards the compound's helipad.
It didn't take long to arrive and when they did Niall got out of the vehicle and stretched his limbs, hearing a few cracks and pops. Looking out over the helipad he saw a few waiting personnel, including Colonel Godeslas as well as a few more waiting vehicles. Niall frowned and started to walk towards the man even as the Colonel recognized him and started forward to meet Niall.
A New Beginning Page 18