[Hôtel de Ville du Donjon de Monoceros, 19th of After Witching, Year 427, 5:35 PM]

Smolder had come from the University of Foranea where you had finished your classes and faculty meeting. He was sitting at the lobby with some people coming in and out, however he noticed there were more Chergarian officers who got admitted, monitoring and patrolling the city hall employees. Suddenly, he noticed his wife coming towards you. She smiled at him, inhibiting her discomfort and fear.

" My beautiful spider has come webbing her way towards me! " Smolder comforted his wife with open arms and hugged her." Is everything alright? " He asked with concern about sensing the high tension as well.

" Smolder, mon amour, " Charlotte hugged and kissed her professor spouse. Then, she sighed heavily and admitted. " This is going to be my last day of work in the City Hall, after Colonel Reinhart took over as the new mayor of Monoceros Keep. How about you? Are there any people in grey suits patrolling the University campus? "

" Dozens, they're amplifying their lines and keeping the campus under a strict watch." Smolder whispered, and he comforted her with a slow rub on her back." I've done my best to keep my students safe from them."

" The attack of Radio Foranea building is also bothering us. I heard the last transmission of the pianist Ruslan Malinski before it had permanently signed off. Do you think Monsieur Malinski will be safe? " she asked.

" That's what I'm worried about, too." Smolder sighed and calmed his wife by patting her shoulder." I'm positive he'd found a way to elude them, even with a few helping hands that sneaked him out."

" Right, " Charlotte nodded and slightly smiled. " Only the Great Lady can spare him. "

Going out of the city hall, Smolder and Charlotte noticed an elderly dwarven man was being harshly scolded by a Chergarian officer.

" Mein Herr, ich bitte Sie dringend, den Bürgersteig nicht zu benutzen! Verboten! (Sir, I strictly ask you, don't use the sidewalk! Prohibited!) "

The old dwarven man sadly sighed and walked on the streets instead. The former city hall officer and her medical professor spouse felt sorry for him and glared at the Chergarian officer.

" These scumbags cannot do this any longer, when the Resistance is starting to widen and become stronger to be considered an overwhelming threat to the Chergarians, " Smolder whispered to his wife.

" I know, " she nodded as her husband opened the car for her. Then, she recalled. " You mentioned to me about the University of Foranea riot last month. Then, you told me about the fraternity linked with the Umbrals. Do you think some Umbral cults are behind this? "

" The Chergarians are the lackeys of the Umbrals, and only the lowly followers of the Cult. They'll follow them willingly with no regret of their actions." Smolder exclaimed, and shook his head." The leader that's taking the sea of control, is perhaps the one that leads them."

" You know what, I remembered last night when Mayor Fernal declared his resignation in public? I had a bad feeling that an Umbral cultist was setting this up. "

" Maybe Fernal had no choice but to relinquish his title, and I know Gladius isn't one to back down without a fight if shady business was responsible for his seat being taken." Smolder glared at the soldiers, then turned back." A good fireball would set those troops right, and we fight back for our old livelihood back."

" Well, I hope he can retain his position once we retrieve our country back from the Umbrals. "

" Amnon and his friends are planning their next move, and this strike may prove to be the shattering point in making this come true, Char, " Smolder then kissed her forehead." The planning and execution of their next strategy will take time, and we'll do our part in assisting them."

" Even the Blue Knight may be involved with this, I hope he will get this done, " Charlotte kissed him back on the cheek. " But does anyone know who's the man behind the helmet-mask? "

Smolder deeply thought and recalled the day of the campus riot as he saw Ivo, Christopher, and the mysterious armored man. Then, he turned on the engine and drove off.

" Hope can return, only with a forceful opposing bunch, like the Blue Knight, the Dread Wolves, and a certain earth bender I know. They are going to return and strike down the false banner." Smolder said." And that day is coming sooner than we believe."

" Well, I hope they can surpass this mess from this one, " Charlotte smiled.

As the car zoomed around the streets, the Chergarian soldiers were everywhere. They reached their residential flat and parked, leaving the car. Smolder knocked on the door when Shadra opened it.

" Hello my little spiderling, we've wanted to give you a surprise visit, and explore your web way of life." Her father joked and greeted his daughter.

" Papa, Mama! Bonjour! " the dark haired girl hugged her parents.

Enenra, the future athlete, immediately dashed towards his parents as he came from upstairs.

" Here comes our marathon runner! " Charlotte laughed as her son joined the group hug.

" Tell me, Mama, Papa! Did I dash so quickly?! How many seconds?! " the pre-adolescent boy enthusiastically asked.

" More than 10 seconds to be precise! Did you pick up your Mother's legendary legs? " Smolder teased with a little hint towards his wife, and winked back to her.

" Oui, " Enenra grinned at him.

" Papa, Mama, " Shadra sadly broke her silence. " Our neighbor Monsieur Rousseau died of a heart attack when the Chergarians came to invade his house next door this afternoon. Then, Enenra and I were still listening to their angry yelling. Then, his family was shot down. "

Disheartened by the news, Smolder clenched his fist and looked to his wife." They never deserved such a terrible fate, and these monsters...are ruining too many familys for their sick...crusade." he hugged his children next, and nodded to his wife." It's best if you come with us, and head to the Dread Wolves camping grounds, where it's safe. Shadra and Enenra."

" I think we should prepare our things, " Charlotte nodded and asked. " But what about your lectures at the University or your on-call hospital duties? "

" Remains to be seen and decided, it's only a matter of mere hours before the Chegarians decide on shutting the university down, and remobilizes the entire place into an outpost..." Smolder shook his head." I won't allow this to happen, when we're waiting for our friends to strike."

" What about the hospital? " she asked.

" The Soldiers have left it alone...and it's cultivating high suspicion...of what's really going on there." Smolder exclaimed.

" I think we should tell Amnon and Glenda about this, " Charlotte said and saw their children going into their rooms which they were packing up.

Smolder shook his head and got sad by making his children gather their things." No family shouldn't go through with leaving their own home, and finding safety elsewhere." He held his wife's hand." I wouldn't be retreating, when we'll be coming back to fight for our home."

" I agree with you, " Charlotte nodded as she and her husband focused themselves on the magic mirror.

Smolder and Charlotte, the both of you kept your eyes into the reflection. It moved like ripples. Then, you could hear a familiar female voice carrying her child who had just come from a scheduled check-up and vaccination. Just then, you two heard some two men in the background, one with an Akrovian-Foranean accent and the other was a Chergari. They seemed to warn everyone in the household as the image became clear.

" Smolder, Charlotte. Hi, good evening, " Doctor Glenda Montmartre greeted while carrying Emie. " Sorry about the background, it's my husband and brother-in-law who have just arrived and are discussing it along with the others. How is it going? Is everything alright on your end? "

" More importantly our family is united, and we're seeing the tightness of the Chegarian's vice closing around the city...it's no longer safe to stay here, I'm afraid." Smolder said." There's been multiple arrests and break ins of those foul soldiers wreaking havoc on those choosing to stay."

" Goodness..." Glenda heavily sighed. " They're getting unstoppable, aren't they? "

" They took over the city hall, Glenda, " Charlotte sadly replied. " I lost my job because of them. "

" I'm sorry to hear about what's happening. My husband and my brother-in-law got stuck in traffic. They told me of that strict Chergarian checkpoint officer who stood within the fortress gates. Everything's chaotic when that new mayor took over. "

" The new mayor...we're needing to thoroughly investigate his background and shady dealings. He's likely only a small part of this entire takeover..." Smolder replied.

" I think my brother-in-law knows him back in the Chergarian Army. Hold on, " Glenda answered and called the ginger haired man's attention. " Ivo, do you know the name of that new mayor? Would you like to talk to my friends here from the Eluvian? "

" Ja, " Ivo nodded and approached the mirror, greeting them. " Güten Abend, Herr Doktor Ryliea...I mean, Bonsoir. I believe I met you in University of Foranea. My name's Fischer...Ivo Matthias Fischer. "

" Please to meet you Ivo, and your name has spread around commonly." Smolder smiled." A reputation that's well respected among the Rebellion."

" Wirklich?! (Really?!) " Ivo gasped in shock and chuckled. " Nein, I have never thought of that! I am just a blacksmith, mechanic, and an aspiring engineer who's waiting for my first semester classes to start at the uni this year. It's also a pleasure to meet you again after that riot. How can I help you, Herr Doktor? "

" My family is wanting to leave the city, and find our way to the Dread Wolf tribe, and provided with your assistance we can take the peerless journey, while we remain discreet about our business." Smolder said." After all, a Professor needs to protect his students, too."

" I need to warn you about this one, Herr Doktor. The checkpoint officer named, Oberstleutnant Metus Von Krieger and his men are causing a long traffic going in and out of Monoceros Keep. My younger brother and I kept making excuses to avoid Von Krieger's harsh scrutiny. As much as possible, you can cross the Eluvian going to my best friend's tent. His name is Chirox Ludwig Friedrich, a former Heer Hauptmann and Amnon's previous patient. He's willing to help you to get to the Dread Wolves Tribe, but you need to talk to him first since his family are with him as well as Herr Malinski. "

Valuing each option, with the deepest of thoughts the Professor fiddled with his tie, and sighed." When getting stuck in a corner, you always search for a possible way to slip past your foes. And today, I'm willing to have a full hand with this Chirox, and trust him. Ivo."

" Ja, " he nodded and saw Shadra and Enenra in the background. " I can see you and Chirox will get along with each other since the both of you are fathers. "

" Mama, who is he? " Enenra asked.

" It's Monsieur Ivo Fischer, " Charlotte replied. " He's going to help us out of here. "

Suddenly, a loud knock on the door caught everyone's attention and nervously shared their glances. From the other side of the mirror, Ivo looked at his brother and sister-in-law. They also overheard the commotion from the Ryliea residence.

" Aufmachen! Wir führen eine abendliche Hygieneinspektion durch! " a male voice loudly and harshly echoed.

Ivo lowly translated the imperative to the Ryliea family, " They're forcing you to open the door for 'an evening sanitary inspection'. " Then, he warned Smolder, " I don't even think they won't do that, Herr Doktor. "

" Öffne die verdammte Tür! (Open up the damned door!) "

In an act of urgency, Smolder then pummeled the glass with one fist." Listen, our time is narrowing every second, and there's no other exit than what I heard rumors about. Could my family step in through this mirror or I'll be blazing those soldiers, and find my own way there..."

He said in a fit of a father protecting his family." Only seconds are my most crucial moment, so tell me now Ivo, can I step through this?"

" Ja. Just come and step inside like entering like a doorway, " Ivo reminded. " You can stay at my brother's house for a while before going to Chirox. "

" Papa, I think Monsieur Fischer asked us to go, " Shadra lowly said.

" Leave nothing behind, my Spiderlings, for we're leaving our home and going to a friend's home." Smolder assured his children." I promise that one day, we'll return home and live our original lives again." He ushered his children to go first, and he'd soon spoken to his wife." I promise, My spider Queen, we'll return and set things right." He stepped on through with holding her hand, and both reached the other side.

Enenra and Shadra were the first ones who stepped into Amnon's house. Ivo aided the children to enter and ushered them to the living room. Then, Smolder and Charlotte came next. The mirror returned to its normal form.

" Thank goodness, you have just arrived quickly...." Amnon sighed in relief. " Have you all eaten? "

" A little, there wasn't much food left in the University, and my beloved and children needed a large dinner." Smolder checked the mirror one more time." There's no chance this mirror won't open for those intruders?."

" Non. They won't come here. Not on our watch or even the Blue Knight's. " Amnon assured.

" Docteur Amnon, did you know where the Blue Knight is? I can't see him these days, " Enenra asked.

" He can be anywhere, but I guess he's preparing and finding his way to fight. "

" I wish he's here with us, " Shadra sadly sighed. " He could have defended us from those grey suited men. "

Amnon looked at his wife, daughter, and older brother who knew his secret. Glenda turned to Shadra and Enenra and broke her silence, " I'm pretty sure he's aware of what's happening. He's just making and finding the right time to defend us. Who knows? He's watching us and can be anywhere. " Then, she and Emie turned to Amnon, " Right? "

" Yes, " her husband nodded.

" He's biding his time before his next move? " Smolder said." Then he's going to need his own army to fight back against a battalion of those vile fanatic's."

" Ja, I believe so, " Ivo nodded in agreement.

" I'm willing to take a risk and find more allies for the Blue Knight, " Pierre broke his silence and joined the conversation. " Even the Foranean Armed Forces are losing and some just followed the Chergarians. We are supposed to defend ourselves. "

" How I wish I could defend my work, but they had already taken over the city hall..." Charlotte sadly sighed.

" I'm so sorry to hear that, Charlotte..." Glenda sat beside her while carrying Emie.

" The university is already infested, and the only place left alone is the hospital." Smolder said." And I don't think they have it primed for demolition."

Ivo sadly sighed and bowed his head while he was waiting and hoping for his first day of mechanical engineering classes. Marie also felt dismayed since she's graduating from law this year. Amnon felt sorry for his other two siblings and turned to Smolder.

" I heard rumours that Neforie won't be supporting the Health Care Sector, Smolder, " he answered. " Docteur McCoy and his other colleagues tried their best to defend the hospital and keep it running for everyone, but the Chergarians and the cultists are looking after that 'thing' underneath. "

" Don't tell me, it's that..." Glenda paused.

Amnon nodded.

" What thing is down there? " Smolder asked with deep concern." Are the Cultists hiding something devilish down there? "

" According to the hospital staff and the accounting clerks, they heard the singing voice of La Mère Pale haunting them every evening, " Amnon seriously replied. " It resonates everywhere. "

" She's the root plaguing the entirety of it...from your clinic getting burnt down. And everyone is moving over there. It's all become an elaborate scheme to lure more victims there." Smolder theorized." We need to deal with this monstrosity.

" I know, but I need to find out who's behind the Pale Mother, " Amnon answered.

" Amnon, I think your fellow doctor friend and everyone else should know something from you..." Ivo whispered.

" Quoi?! " he whispered back. " I don't think I'm not ready..."

" They deserve to know..."

" The entire hospital should be evacuated before this nightmare becomes catastrophic." Smolder replied." The songs of doom alone will be the least of our problems should it get free."

" My biological father is also there and taking chemotherapy, " Ivo added. " If only we could find a way to stop this madness from the Pale Mother. "

" Let's see what we can do, " Amnon replied to the two of them. " But there's something you should know as well, Smolder.

" Concerning what? Amnon? " Smolder asked with keen interest, while he looked to his wife, and back to the doctor.

" I'm the Blue..."

Suddenly, there was a roaring which the Chergarian Army soldiers rushed to the streets in chasing that loud creature. Smolder and everyone else exchanged glances and wondered where that mysterious being came from.

Amnon paused and sighed in relief as his revelation got interrupted. Emie started to cry as her mother tried to shush her. Ivo recalled witnessing the loud creature back in Martinnois.

" I think it's coming from over there, " the ginger haired Chergarian mechanic pointed at the west side of the street.

" Is it already happening? Is the Pale Mother breaking out of the Hospital? " Smolder urgently said, and rushed outside, breathing out deeply, he inspected the commotion.

" Nein, I don't think so, " Ivo answered and peeked at the window. The Chergarian Luftwaffe planes flew past the large flying reptilian monster which they were chasing.

The giant flying one disappeared as Ivo, Amnon, and Smolder became dumbfounded upon seeing it. The Chergarian soldiers from the outside were mumbling and chattering, becoming confused. The Luftwaffe planes flew back from their positions.

" Ivo, what is that thing? " Amnon asked.

" I don't know. I just saw it back in Martinnois Project Phase 1, " the future engineer shrugged and nonchalantly spoke.

" As you were saying, Amnon? " Charlotte asked, reminding him.

The Akrovian-Foranean doctor looked at his wife, daughter, two brothers, and elderly mother. The elderly uncle and the others who weren't aware of his alter-ego were waiting for him to speak-up. He composed his thoughts and relentedly sighed.

" Tout le monde, je suis le Chevalier Bleu. (Everyone, I am the Blue Knight.) "

" The Blue Knight? " Smolder immediately turned to the doctor and shook his head." Are you serious? You're the protector who's been fighting the Umbrals, and never revealed this to anyone else? "

" You never even told me?! " Marie raised her voice in shock. " Is it because you're still traumatised from your previous exploits across Iliad?! Did someone ever tell you that you have to go home?! What made you become like that mysterious hero?! I thought you're not going to use those weapons anymore?! "

Pierre heavily sighed and defended his brother, " Marie, Smolder. He lost his right hand in Aulia. That clinic of his got burned into smithereens. Those people who tried to stalk him before he got back to Odyssea Academy for work just showed up! You guys have to understand why he's keeping that secret from us. He wants to keep his private life and medical practice despite facing another threat. " He looked at Amnon and sadly sighed, " Honestly, I feel so jealous that the Dread Wolves chose you to be the Blue Knight. I wish I could be one...."

" Pierre, you're doing your best as a soldier, " Amnon sincerely spoke. " You have done everything. I'm proud you have been assigned in Ithis and you spoke to Esme. You tried helping her. Now, you joined us in saving Nirvana from being mutated. "

" Thanks, Sparky...."

" Smolder, I'm sorry that I have been keeping this secret so long. "

" Reasons are upheld and with this vaulted tightly, I'm starting to see the clear picture on the reason." Smolder said." To protect your family and friends. And leaving the Umbra's clueless on who's really taking them down. It's an admirable act, Amnon."

" I never realised that Doc Amnon is the mysterious hero! " Enenra happily beamed.

" It's an honor to meet you in your civilian identity, docteur. " Shadra added.

" Big Bro, I'm sorry that..." Marie heavily sighed and humbly bowed at her brother. Amnon smiled and messed up his sister's hair. Then, she furiously retorted, " Big Bro, I'm going to be a criminal lawyer very soon! I'm not a cat! "

" Your estrogen and adrenaline levels are elevated, Marie! Don't tell me, it's your red flag days! Chill, save your tenacity in the courtroom! " her physician brother joked and laughed.

Ivo joined the laughter and interjected, " You have more people to defend at court! Save your energy for it! "

" Ivo, not even you! " she exasperatedly sighed.

Grinning back at the tension taking a lighten tone, he humorously replied, " We've got evermore reason on fighting back, and that's something the Chergarians will never have, is having the hope for us all, on achieving victory." Smolder chimed in.

" Definitely, we have, " Glenda smiled and carried her sleeping daughter in her arms, while looking at her husband and his siblings laughing at each other. " My husband and the Blue Knight both found inspiration to keep fighting. "

" I agree, " Charlotte nodded. " It's family. "

[Dread Wolves Tribe Village: 22nd of After Witching Year 427, 5:30 AM]

Smolder woke-up early and stood up when he picked up your thick winter coat. He didn't want to disturb his family who was still sleeping inside the tent. He carefully stepped out of the tent and saw a small campfire which your Chergarian neighbour had set up. He was sitting on a log beside his metallic stretched and placing both his hands on his lap. He took a deep sigh while looking at the snowfall and the clouds.

" Good morning, and another cold frosty day." Smolder said and announced himself once sitting down beside him." Any word on what's happening inside of the city? "

" Güten morgen, Herr Doktor Ryliea, " Chirox greeted and smiled at him. " I'm just taking a warm campfire despite the cold freezing day. I tested the equipment just yesterday as Ruslan, Obsidian, and I started to hear some transmissions from my wayward brethren from the North. They have been stationed anywhere in Monoceros Keep and the other towns. " Then, he sadly sighed. " They started to requisition and took over the local offices and even private and public properties. "

" The university is among the locations now transformed into a garrison? " Smolder sighed in understanding dearly of his old life of teaching, it was never going to be the same.

" Ja. " Chirox nodded and sadly bowed. " Je suis dèsolè, Herr Doktor. I know this is getting hard for you and anyone else. I think I have seen or met here a geology professor from my country who lived and worked in the campus. Although he's not from the medical faculty like you, he helped me translate a file written in Chergari. He's also against this invasion, but his father passed away. "

" He's got my condolences, for I've grown worried about my mother who's stayed within the city and refused to leave its walls." Smolder shared with the Chergari." She's making sure those who are trapped are finding shelter, and helping those escape the city through an underground cavern, And I believe she'll escape once the time is right."

" So, your mother is within the city? " Chirox asked. " Perhaps, I have to gain contact with our friends there. What is the name of your mother, Herr Doktor? "

" My mother's name is Lilya Ryliea, and she's currently a widow before the war started. She lost him when the fires set in and burned down their former home." Smolder said." I'd never even known my real father's name either to this day."

" My sincerest condolences to your mother, Herr Doktor. Soon enough, we can bring her here to us. "

" Sooner than a week, maybe the Blue Knight and his compatriots can help me out." Smolder replied." I've been getting back into shape, bursting myself these past mornings, and so far the results are doing fine for me."

" I assume you were from the Foranean Army, ja? " Chirox mused and pointed at some people from a distance. " If so, Herr Doktor, you can join the mixed race warriors to get you in shape. Me, I will just need to prepare some hot vegetable soup for breakfast once my family gets awakened. "

Then, he stretched his both arms and reached his walking stretcher as he slowly stood up and sighed, " I wish I could get back in shape too, but I'm still recovering from my injuries. "

" Stretching out my muscles, in the green pastry of the forest, I think the winter season is perfect for building up my endurance." Smolder then created a ball of smoke, and threw it towards the air." My fire training needs a fresher, too."

Suddenly, a scarlet haired Hurrokan man in his thirties noticed a middle aged pyrokinetic doctor and medical professor doing a fire spell. He approached him and his neighbor who was preparing a pot of water by placing it on the campfire.

" Excuse me, you're a pyromancer too? " he asked.

" He is, " Chirox answered, pointing at Smolder, checked the water, waiting for it to be boiled and started peeling and chopping for potatoes, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and onions. " But not me. "

" My skills are a little rusty at the moment, having not exercised them for a while." Smolder commented." Today, that's going to change by pressing myself into awakening that inner fire of mine."

" I guess I need a training partner this morning. Vakama will be catching up later. My name's Matthijs Brouwer and you must be? "

" Smolder Ryliea, I'm a university professor, at least I was before the invasion occured. Now, I'm a fire caster who's seeking to reclaim our old way of life, with a blazing ferocity." He smiled, and nodded to him." And it's a pleasure to meet another Pyro mage."

" It's nice to meet you. So, you're also a doctor just like Amnon? " Matthijs asked.

" Living my life as a scholar and wanting to spread the wealth of knowledge to my students, in order to help them achieve their greatest potential." From my days of being a doctor, I've come to understand there's a duality of being both a fighter and a life saver." Smolder answered.

" Not bad for being mage and a doctor, I guess I can help you bring your pyrokinesis back into shape, Doctor Ryliea, " he smiled.

" In both categories, we're going to warm up this season with flames." Smolder then gestured to a couple of targets." Show me what you can do with those bottles? "

" Make sure you two won't be burning my cooking here," Chirox reminded and kept stirring the vegetable stew.

" Ja. We will, " Matthijs nodded and summoned a spell of flames on his right hand. He struck down the bottles of each fireball he casted.

" Only the stack of bottles will receive our wrath." Smolder waved his hand forward, and sent only weak shots of fire balls." Back to step one basics though."

" Doktor Ryliea, I know you can do breathing exercises, ja? " Matthijs asked.

" Rushing to create a fireball without the proper concentration, was pretty sour..." Smolder then took a step back, and with breathing in deeply twice, and soon he lifted both arms out, and with a burst of a minute, he unleashed a thick membrane of black smoke, and sent it forward, burning up the targeting stand, once it got fully consumed by his spell.

" Incredible, Doktor! How about this one? "

Matthijs casted a spell which raised his arms upward, moving them and forming flames in circular motion above the village. Just then, the Friedrichs, Rylieas, and the other people witnessed a warm-up fire from him and Smolder.

" Fireworks in the middle of the season, it's an early new year's welcome, into bolstering the rebellion's inner fire." Smolder said." I do remember there's another pyro user I've met, and he's perhaps somewhere in the city with a woman who can emblaze her hair in flames, as well."

" I think we are heating things up for the Chergarians. Anyway, those pyrokinetic couples must be some patients of yours? " Matthijs asked.

A scarlet haired and bearded man in his early forties watched the two and politelty mused, " Bonjour, messieurs. May I join you two? I am also a pyromancer and I enjoyed seeing your fireworks this morning. "

" Vakama, I have been waiting for you. You just look after your friends this morning? " the Hurrokan man called him.

" Oui, je suis dèsolè. They just need my assistance, " Vakama smiled and recognised the doctor and medical professor, saluting him. " Major Ryliea, c'est bon de vous revoir! Je n'avais jamais réalisé que tu étais ici, au village! (Major Ryliea, it's good to see you again! I never realised you're here in the village!) Souviens-toi de moi? Je suis le lieutenant Vakama Laflamme, de retour dans l'armée foranéenne? (Remember me? I'm Lieutenant Vakama Laflamme back in the Foranean Army?) "

" I couldn't forget the cold hardened days of fighting in the cold, and battling alongside my squad-mates. It's great to see you again, Lieutenant." Smolder greeted him with a handshake." And where's the other five, of your group?."

" Oui, Matau is helping out Matthijs's elderly father, since Matthijs continues to visit his mother at the hospital. Then, Nokama is taking care of her son, Marcelin. They are already here in the village, " Vakama answered and sadly sighed. " Onewa, Whenua, and Nuju, they are already mutated. The three of them are very ashamed of their appearance. They have been inside the tent as I keep visiting and giving them something to eat or drink. "

" Solutions on reversing the mutations are underway?, if a possible cure can restore them. They'll return to being their chipper selves, Vakama." Smolder assured his fellow arm veteran." We'll have to discover where this lab is, and find out how it was done."

" If I can remember there is a house in Place Loggen where a Chergarian Umbral scientist and his Elandric associate made their experiments, but I am not so sure about the cure, " Vakama replied.

" Wait, did you say experiments? " Chirox interrupted and finished serving breakfast to his wife and children.

" The mad scientist responsible for all the mutations and inflictions, we may try scouting around and find him, before anyone else suffers from his sick experiments." Smolder nodded to him.

" I think I have a translated file for this one and the cure, " Chirox answered. " Would you like to see it? "

" Stealing a file from right under the evil Doctor's sight, we'll be regaled by your findings, Chriox." Smolder said, and then prompted him to begin." What incriminating details can we discover, and how to hunt him down."

" Actually, it's from the Aldernian Intelligence Agent, Obsidian Gladescale. He gave me those classified files from the Chergarian Army which he had stolen from an army base and asked me to translate all of them. I just met Professor Lukas Solomon Wolf who helped me translate the file about the Robanian Zenigen crystal, " Chirox explained. " I'll take you all to the other tent. "

" Chi, are you going to have your breakfast? " Angela asked.

" Later, mein liebe, just set aside my share of that vegetable stew. "

Chirox gestured for the three pyromancers to come into another tent where he, Ruslan, and Obsidian had been working. Smolder, you could see a medium height antenna beside the tent. Entering it, you could see some communications equipment, headsets, and, microphone taken from the ruins of Radio Foranea. There were wires and cables attached to the antenna. Then, there was a large wooden treasure chest in which the files were kept.

" From dusk till dawn, you've spent the entire time researching and hearing for any strange occurrences or broadcasts from the Umbra's. It's quite the unique setup you have gathered here. Chirox." Smolder commented.

" Ja. Danke schön, Herr Doktor Ryliea. My aspiring engineer friend happened to help me along with an Eseran pianist, a mutated Aldernian spy. Then, the three blacksmith elves created the antenna, " Chirox smiled.

" You mean, Ivo and his co-workers, Mr. Friedrich? " Matthijs asked.

" Ja, Herr Brouwer. We just started our operation two days ago. "

" How many missions have you achieved when all this was set? " Smolder questionably asked, and looked at everything of Chriox radio station.

" I started this mission back in the Heer (Army). I used to listen to transmissions from Hetland and Syrvania. Then, me and my crew also detected some from Robania, Alderny, and other states. Then, we cracked codes and recorded everything, " Chirox replied. " Now, I'm bringing it back from where I have done it as a form of resistance against the Umbral cultists and my wayward brethren from my previous homeland. Me and my fellows listened to a politician's phone conversation and started recording it. "

" Chirox, so you're also working with those translations as well, oui? " Vakama asked.

" Thank you for reminding me, Vakama. I'm going to show them to you by the way. "

" The roaring back on day one of the invasion, are you able to replay the recording of it?" Smolder curiously asked." If you're able to. it does raise the question if that thing was an Umbra experiment as well?."

" I think I have recorded one phone conversation just yesterday, " Chirox intently smiled. " I know this is illegal in your country, but this is an evidence against them. "

The Chergarian telecommunications engineer played the recording from the audio equipment as everyone listened.

Dr. Günther: " Senator Le Roy, it's good to see you again. "

Senator Le Roy: " Bonjour, my good doctor! What a pleasant surprise to talk to you over the phone. What can I do for you today? "

Dr. Günther: " Your return on investment is a success. All of our Chergarian forces are being deployed. Yet, the foolish Foraneans do not know what they can do. "

Senator Le Roy: " You have something executed as they become experiments of yours. Oui, Docteur Günther? "

Dr. Günther: " Ja, indeed. Herr Senator. It seems your Head of State will be pleased to hear that we are creating 'supersoldiers' out of our resources. Then, Foranea's downfall will be a foreseeable fufillment. "

Senator Le Roy: (laughing) " C'est magnificent, Docteur Günther! The Umbral Cults will be celebrating this success. How about I shall give you 20 million Creds? This is double the price I have paid you. It still comes from the futile tax payers money. Besides, I expect more supersoldiers to see. "

Dr. Günther: " I can definitely make more out of them. Perhaps, we shall abduct those foolish citizens, kill them, and summon the Umbral gods to make them more powerful. What do you think?! "

Senator Le Roy: " Perfect! Now, I can make a deal with you! "

The recorded call ended when Vakama, Matthijs, and Smolder shared glances. Chirox sighed heavily and took out the file of Doctor Mutran Günther and Senator Carolus Le Roy from the wooden chest.

" Dit is waanzinnig krankzinnig! (This is outrageously insane!) " Matthijs exclaimed frustratingly. " This country is being sold by a Umbral Cultist politician to a fellow Umbral cultist from Chergaria! My parents had migrated here because of a prolonged curse of terrible weather conditions in my country! "

" Je comprends ce que tu ressens, Matthijs. (I understand how you feel, Matthijs.) " Vakama sadly spoke and sighed. " It is our very first time that our freedom has been compromised because of the Sovereign Empire expansion, but there's a story behind this invasion. Still, we need more to discover their motives. "

" Es tut mir so leid, den Tag ruiniert zu haben, meine Herren. (I'm so sorry to ruin the day, gentlemen.) " Chirox relented and held the files. " I know this is very upsetting for all of us, but we found a collaborator who happened to be another cultist and a politician. "

" Taking out the appointed Government, would be the toppling point of freeing our country from these monsters in the shadows." Smolder vowed, and clutched a fist." And this said man, shall be revealed thanks to you, Chirox."

" Bitte, Herr Doktor, (You're welcome, Doctor.)," Chirox nodded and replied. " You still need to read these documents about those two men in the conversation. "

Smolder, Vakama, and Matthijs started to read the translated documents from Chirox which you picked up from Le Roy first.

Sénateur Foranéen Carolus Le Roy, Disciple de Drachme :

Né en l'an 359, Le Roy a été élevé par des éducateurs et a fréquenté l'Académie Odyssea à l'âge de 18 ans. Il rêvait de devenir mage dès son plus jeune âge et a obtenu son diplôme avec brio à l'âge de 22 ans.

Dans les dernières années de l'ère féodale, Le Roy s'enrôla dans l'armée foranienne et défendit le pays contre les envahisseurs. Rencontré par un très malheureux accident, il est resté dans le coma pendant 3 mois. Une fois rétabli, Le Roy décida de quitter l'armée, rejoignit la politique et pratiqua la magie de l'Umbral. Il prétendit avoir rencontré le Noble Umbral de la corruption, Drachmae.

Ce sénateur fou est l'un des bienfaiteurs de l'Ordrè de Damocles et du reste des cultes de l'Umbral.

Foranean Senator Carolus Le Roy, Disciple of Drachmae:

Born in the Year 359, Le Roy was raised by educators and attended Odyssea Academy at the age of 18. He dreamed of becoming a mage as young man and graduated with flying colors at the age of 22.

In the latter years of the Feudalism Age, Le Roy enlisted in the Foranean Army and defended the country from invaders. Meeting with a very unfortunate accident, He was in a coma for 3 months. Upon his recovery, Le Roy decided to leave the Army, joined politics, and practiced Umbral magic. He claimed to meet the Umbral Noble of corruption, Drachmae.

This mad senator is one of the benefactors of the Ordrè de Damocles and the rest of the Umbral cults.

Savant fou à moitié tiefling : Docteur Mutran Pankraz Günther

Né en l'an 320, Harhaan, Chergaria. Günther est né et a grandi au sein d'un syndicat criminel bien connu. Intelligent, rusé et sinistre, il avait un QI de 230 et a appris le secret de la famille grâce à la magie ombrale. A partir de là, il a commencé à faire ses propres expériences et a fait sa mutation vers ses sujets.

Günther a étudié la biologie et bientôt la médecine à l'Université de Chergaria. Après avoir réussi l'examen d'autorisation et obtenu sa licence médicale, il a travaillé dans l'armée chergarienne en tant que médecin de combat et médecin.

Secrètement, Günther a poursuivi ses exploits auprès de ses patients en les transformant en êtres anthropomorphes. Un officier de haut rang l'avait découvert et l'avait totalement licencié et avait perdu sa licence médicale. En colère, il chercha à se venger et invoqua le dieu Damoclès pour lui demander aide et conseils. Il a muté l'officier et l'a fait mourir des suites d'une maladie en phase terminale.

Après avoir quitté l'Armée, il est recruté par Ehlek Sorge et Valfor Neforie à Ordrè de Damocles.

Half Tiefling Mad Scientist: Doctor Mutran Pankraz Günther

Born in Year 320, Harhaan, Chergaria. Günther was born and raised by a well-known criminal syndicate. Intelligent, cunning, and sinister, he had an IQ of 230 and learned the family's secret, using the Umbral Magic. From there, he started to make his own experiments and had done his mutation to his subjects.

Günther studied in the University of Chergaria for biology and soon medicine. Passed the licensure exam and obtained his medical license, he worked in the Chergarian Army as a combat medic and physician.

Secretly, Günther continued his exploits from his patients by mutating them into anthromorphic beings. A high ranking officer had discovered this and totally dismissed him in duty and lost his medical license.

Out of anger, he sought revenge and summoned the god Damocles for help and guidance. He mutated the officer and caused him to die in a terminal illness.

After leaving the Army, he was recruited by Ehlek Sorge and Valfor Neforie in Ordrè de Damocles.

" Mutran Pankraz Guther, He's going to answer for all the sick projects and side projects on all his victims, and these other potential targets, is only the tipping point on reaching the government." Smolder evaluated." In the other case, Mutran is unaware that you've obtained his file? "

" Nein, " Chirox answered and joked. " If he comes and gets me, I can hit him with my walking stretcher, even listen to his calls and even make him embarrassed to death by broadcasting them! "

Vakama and Matthijs smirked and laughed at the former Hauptmann's remark. Smolder, you also joined the laughter.

" What's so funny, mein Herren?! "

" You must be hungry, Mr. Friedrich! " Matthijs yelped. " You have just cracked a joke! "

" Pas mal pour une vengeance humoristique, mon ami! (Not bad for a humourous revenge, my friend!) " Vakama added. 

(RP with Knightfall077)

(Some OCs belong to @BjornGamR27 and @Knightfall077)