Bigsby's Tavern, Italica

March 28, 2028, 12:32 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The team entered the dimly lit tavern and quickly transformed it into a makeshift command center. Tables were pushed aside to make room for communication equipment, maps, and improvised defenses.

Itami leaned over the map sprawled across a table, his voice sharp. "How long until backup arrives?"

Adam adjusted the radio set, glancing up briefly. "Caldwell said likely tomorrow at dawn."

Itami sighed, his brow furrowing. "Not soon enough. Kuwahara, Tomita, how are the fortifications?"

Kuwahara wiped sweat from his brow. "We're doing what we can, but it's not enough. The defenses are still too weak to hold off a determined assault."

Tomita nodded grimly. "We need more time and resources, sir."

Adam straightened, his tone firm. "Well, we're short on both, so figure it out. What about the wounded?"

Kurokawa, her hands still stained from tending to injuries, stepped forward. "We've set up a makeshift infirmary, but supplies are running low. We've already used most of the bandages and antiseptics."

Andrew, his expression shadowed, added, "The more severe cases need immediate attention, but we're forced to prioritize. Some of the injured won't make it through the night without better medical care."

Adam's jaw tightened. "We'll have to make do. Kurokawa, Andrew, keep the most critical cases stable. Ration supplies as best as you can until reinforcements arrive."

Before more could be said, Perez and Kurata entered, their faces grim.

Kurata spoke first. "The east gate is in bad shape. The damage is extensive, and it's likely the most vulnerable point of attack."

Perez crossed his arms, his tone matter-of-fact. "If they come at us in force, that's where they'll hit first. We've shored it up as best we can, but it's a weak spot."

Itami nodded, his expression resolute. "Understood. Both of you, take a break. You've earned it."

Kurata offered a weary salute. "Thanks."

Perez nodded as well. "Appreciate it."

As the two men stepped away, Itami turned back to the team. "Alright, listen up. We have to hold out until reinforcements arrive. Kuwahara, Tomita, keep reinforcing those defenses. Kurokawa, Andrew, do everything you can for the wounded. Hill, stay with the vehicles—we might need to move them at a moment's notice. Everyone else, assist the townsfolk wherever possible. We don't have much, but we've got each other. We'll get through this."

Adam's voice carried weight as he added, "And remember, our mission is to protect the civilians and hold this position. We can't afford to fail. Let's move."

As orders were issued and the team dispersed, Lelei and Tuka approached Itami. Their expressions were determined, though tinged with concern.

"Itami," Lelei began, her voice calm but firm. "We don't want to be left out. How can we help?"

Itami regarded them for a moment before nodding. "Lelei, can you heal with your magic?"

Lelei straightened. "Yes, I can. I may not be an expert, but I can perform basic healing."

"Good," Itami replied. "Go to Kurokawa and Andrew. They need all the help they can get."

Lelei nodded. "Understood. I'll do my best."

Itami turned to Tuka, his expression softening. "Tuka, I appreciate your willingness to help, but I don't want you in harm's way. Can you assist Lelei and the medics instead?"

Tuka smiled faintly. "I can do that. I want to contribute, even if it's not on the front lines."

"Thank you, Tuka," Itami said.

Nearby, Adam glanced at Rory, curiosity in his eyes. "Rory, do you want to go with them and help out?"

Rory smirked, her expression playful. "Healing isn't my forte, Sir Adam. I'm much more proficient at hurting than healing. But don't worry—I'll make sure no one breaches the defenses."

Adam chuckled lightly. "Good to know."

The conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a middle-aged knight clad in armor. Itami and Adam exchanged wary glances, recognizing him immediately.

"Sir Grey," Adam greeted, his tone measured. "The Princess sent you to watch over us?"

Grey inclined his head slightly. "Apologies for the intrusion. I'm here of my own volition."

Rory interjected, her voice laced with suspicion. "Are you telling the truth, Sir Grey?"

Grey met her gaze evenly. "I assure you, Apostle, I would not be so foolish as to lie to one such as yourself."

Adam's eyes narrowed, but before he could speak, Itami raised a calming hand. "Sir Grey, your presence is unexpected but welcome. We could use all the help we can get."

Grey's expression softened slightly as he surveyed the room. "I've come here to understand something."

Itami frowned. "Understand what?"

"Why do you risk so much to defend Italica, a city aligned with the Empire?" Grey asked, his tone heavy with curiosity. "You could have simply ignored our plight."

Itami and Adam exchanged a glance, the weight of the question sinking in.

Itami responded, his voice steady. "Sir Grey, it's not just about Italica or the Empire. It's about showing there's a better way than endless fighting. We're here because we believe cooperation can achieve more than conflict."

Grey studied them both, his stern expression softening into something resembling respect. "Your motives are noble, though not without peril. Princess Pina has placed her trust in you, and so must I. You have my support."

Itami extended his hand. "Thank you, Sir Grey."

Grey clasped it firmly. "May we all see this through."

Before more could be said, a young messenger burst into the tavern, his breath coming in short gasps. "Sir Grey! The Princess summons you immediately."

Grey turned to the messenger, then back to Itami and Adam. "Duty calls. Stay strong—and may our paths cross again under better circumstances."

"We'll hold the line," Itami assured him.





Formal Family Castle, Italica

March 28, 2028, 12:35 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Grey entered the chamber, his boots echoing softly against the stone floor. The air was tense as Princess Pina and her knights huddled around a large wooden table, their faces drawn and serious. They straightened as he approached, their attention shifting to him.

"Princess," Grey said with a respectful nod. "The messenger said you needed to see me about something urgent."

Pina looked up, her piercing gaze locking onto him. She wasted no time.

"Grey," she began, her voice sharp and precise, "why did you decide to speak with those foreigners?"

The question struck like a whip. Grey blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He drew a steadying breath before responding.

"How did you know I spoke with them?" he asked, his tone measured.

Pina dismissed the question with a wave of her hand, her patience clearly thin. "That's irrelevant. Answer me."

Grey's jaw tightened, but he met her gaze steadily. "I spoke with them to gather information and understand their intentions," he said. "It was a calculated risk to ensure our safety and guide our future strategy."

Beside Pina, Hamilton's expression hardened, suspicion flickering in her sharp eyes.

"A calculated risk?" she said, her voice tinged with incredulity. "Or perhaps a sign of disloyalty?"

Norma, arms crossed and brow furrowed, chimed in, his words cutting. "Convenient, isn't it? You speak with the enemy and suddenly claim insight into their plans. How do we know you haven't betrayed us?"

Grey turned to face them both, his expression calm but resolute. "My loyalty," he said firmly, "has always been to Princess Pina and the Empire. Every action I take is for its greater good."

The room grew still as Pina studied him, her sharp gaze weighing his words like a balance. The other knights exchanged uneasy glances, but no one spoke.

Grey cleared his throat and continued, his voice steady and deliberate. "If the rumors we've heard are true, it would be wiser to have them as friends rather than enemies. They possess resources and knowledge that could be invaluable to us."

Norma let out a derisive snort, shaking his head. "Has old age dulled your wits, Grey? Trusting enemies based on rumors? That sounds like folly, not wisdom."

Grey turned his gaze on Norma, unflinching. "Years of experience, Norma, not idle gossip. I've seen alliances forged in the unlikeliest places bring peace and prosperity. We must consider every possibility for Italica's future. And let us not forget Rory the Reaper—a notorious and unaffiliated apostle—has placed her trust in them. That alone is worth noting."

Hamilton crossed her arms, her skepticism softening to contemplation. "Even so," she said, "it's a dangerous gamble. What guarantees do we have that this risk will pay off?"

Grey nodded, acknowledging the concern. "We proceed cautiously," he said. "We engage on our terms, build trust gradually, and safeguard our interests at every step."

The knights exchanged wary looks, and Pina's expression remained unreadable. At last, she nodded, her tone careful but decisive.

"Very well, Grey," she said. "We will consider your proposal, but proceed with utmost caution. The first sign of betrayal, and we sever ties immediately."

Grey inclined his head, his voice steady. "Understood, Princess. I will ensure every step is taken with the Empire's future in mind."

With that, he turned and left the chamber, his footsteps echoing down the stone corridor.

The silence lingered in his absence. Norma uncrossed his arms and looked to Pina, his expression resolute.

"Princess," he said, his voice steady, "if you'll excuse me, I'll head to the east gate. There are matters I need to attend to personally."

Pina raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Matters? What needs your attention, Norma?"

Norma nodded firmly. "Reinforcements, Princess. With everything that's happened—and Grey's unexpected actions—it's prudent to ensure our gates are secure. The east gate, in particular, requires attention."

Hamilton tilted her head, skepticism still evident in her expression. "Reinforcements? Do you expect trouble?"

Norma glanced at Hamilton before turning back to Pina. "It's merely a precaution," he said. "But in times like these, precautions are not a luxury—they're a necessity."

Pina studied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well, Norma. Do what you must."





The Wandering Wyvern Inn, Italica

March 28, 2028, 15:48 (28th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The once-bustling inn had been transformed into a makeshift infirmary. Tables and benches now served as beds for the injured and sick villagers, their groans mingling with the muffled sounds of the outside world. The scent of herbs and sweat hung thick in the air as Andrew and Kurokawa tended to a young boy burning with fever.

Andrew knelt beside the makeshift bed, his jaw clenched. "His fever's not breaking."

Kurokawa's hands moved deftly, wiping the boy's damp forehead with a cloth. "We've used all the antipyretics we had."

The boy's mother, a frail woman with tear-streaked cheeks, clutched Kurokawa's arm desperately. "Please, you have to do something! He's all I have left. Don't let him die, I beg you!"

Kurokawa paused, her eyes meeting the mother's anguished gaze. She squeezed the woman's hand, her voice steady. "We understand, ma'am. We're doing everything we can. But... we don't have the right medicine here."

Andrew leaned back, frustration etched across his face. "If we had some antibiotics or even an IV with proper fluids..."

Kurokawa straightened, forcing herself to think clearly. "Andrew, do we have any ice packs left? We need to bring his fever down however we can."

Andrew glanced over his shoulder. "Tuka! Check the red box for ice packs."

From the corner of the room, Tuka nodded, swiftly rummaging through their supplies.

The mother clutched her chest, trembling. "Please... I'll do anything. Just don't let him die."

Kurokawa knelt beside her, her voice calm but firm. "We won't give up. We'll find a way."

Moments later, Tuka returned, an ice pack in hand. "Here you go, Miss Kurokawa."

"Thanks." Kurokawa gently placed the ice pack on the boy's forehead, her touch tender but clinical. "This should help a little," she murmured, her frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. "If only we could do more."

Her gaze shifted to Lelei, who was tending to another patient nearby. "Lelei," Kurokawa called, "could you help the boy with your magic?"

Lelei approached and examined the boy briefly. She shook her head, her expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Miss Kurokawa. This isn't just a fever. It's a sickness that requires advanced healing magic. It's beyond my abilities."

Kurokawa swallowed hard, her hands tightening into fists. "We'll keep trying everything we can. We won't give up."

As they spoke, two women entered the room, drawing everyone's attention. One was human, and the other had long, delicate bunny ears. Both were dressed in immaculate maid uniforms.

Andrew straightened, his brow furrowed. "Who are you?"

The bunny-eared maid stepped forward, bowing politely. "We are maids from Countess Myui's household. I am Mammina, and this is Mohmu. We've come to assist with the sick."

Before Andrew or Kurokawa could respond, Mohmu's gaze fell on the boy. She knelt beside him, her expression calm but intent. "What symptoms does he have?"

Kurokawa gestured toward the boy. "High fever, and we're out of proper medications."

Mohmu's face softened. "May I attempt to treat him?"

Andrew and Kurokawa exchanged a brief glance. There was an unspoken understanding between them—they had little to lose.

"Go ahead," Kurokawa said quietly, stepping aside.

Mohmu nodded. "Excuse me."

She placed her hands gently on the boy's chest. A soft, ethereal glow radiated from her palms, illuminating the room with a soothing light. The boy's labored breaths began to even out, his feverish thrashing subsiding. Color slowly returned to his cheeks as the warmth of the healing magic enveloped him.

The mother gasped, her hands clasped tightly in prayer. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered, "Thank you... thank you so much!"

Lelei stood nearby, her eyes wide with wonder. The precision and power of Mohmu's magic were unlike anything she had ever seen. "That was incredible," she murmured. "Where did you learn to perform such advanced healing magic?"

Andrew glanced at Lelei, his curiosity mirroring hers. "Why are you so interested?"

Lelei turned to him, her voice steady. "Because high-level healing magic is rare, even among skilled mages. Most can only manage basic spells, but their effectiveness is limited."

Mammina stepped forward, her voice soft but proud. "The previous Count took in Mohmu. He saw her potential and ensured she received the finest training. Through his guidance, she became the healer you see now."

Mohmu's expression softened as she added, "Count Colt was like a father to me. He believed in my abilities when no one else did and gave me the chance to study under master healers. Helping others is my way of honoring his kindness."

The mother reached for Mohmu's hand, her voice breaking with emotion. "You saved my son. I can never thank you enough."

Mohmu gently squeezed the woman's hand, her voice kind. "I'm just glad I could help. Healing is more than a skill—it's my way of giving back."

Kurokawa exhaled slowly, relief evident in her expression. She turned to the others, her voice regaining its professional edge. "Let's prepare for more emergencies. With Mohmu and Mammina's help, we have a much better chance of saving lives."





East Gate, Italica

March 29, 2028, 03:00 (29th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The night was eerily silent, the kind of silence that weighed heavy on the senses. Suddenly, a desperate shout shattered the stillness.

"Enemy attack! Guh—"

The sentry's warning was cut short as he crumpled to the ground, an arrow lodged in his chest. Chaos erupted as a volley of arrows followed, slicing through the air and striking down defenders stationed at the East Gate.

Norma gritted his teeth, his voice rising above the din. "Damn it! Archers, fire back!"

The defenders scrambled to retaliate, loosing their arrows into the darkness. But before they could find their marks, a powerful gust of wind tore through the battlefield, scattering their shots wide. Squinting through the chaos, Norma's eyes locked onto a flicker of green light in the shadows beyond the gate. It danced like ghostly fire, illuminating a figure—a siren mage, her ethereal presence unmistakable.

Norma's gut tightened. "A mage?! Send word to Princess Pina! The East Gate is under attack!"

A young messenger nodded sharply and dashed off toward the inner city, weaving through the chaos with urgent purpose. Meanwhile, the defenders fought valiantly but found themselves at a disadvantage against the relentless assault.

Further back, Kuwahara and Tomita were assisting with fortifications when the attack began. The sudden commotion caught them off guard, forcing them to scramble for cover.

"Kuwahara!" Tomita shouted over the noise.

"Tomita, get on the radio!" Kuwahara barked. "Alert Adam and Itami!"

Tomita dove behind a stack of crates. He pressed the push-to-talk button on his vest.

"Adam, Itami, do you copy? We're under attack at the East Gate! Repeat, we are under attack!"

Adam's reply came swiftly, calm but urgent. "Copy that, Tomita. We're on our way."

Itami's voice followed. "Stay low and find cover. We'll get there as fast as we can."

Kuwahara wasted no time. Rising from cover, he shouted to the panicked civilians nearby. "Everyone, follow us! We're getting you to safety!"

Tomita echoed the command, gesturing urgently. "Stay close and keep your heads down! Move quickly!"

The civilians moved in a frightened cluster, guided by the two soldiers as they navigated the chaos. Screams and the clash of steel filled the air, but Kuwahara and Tomita pressed on, determined to shepherd as many as they could to safety.

Elsewhere, a breathless messenger burst into the serene garden where Princess Pina sat in council with her knights. His wide-eyed panic shattered the tranquility, his voice trembling as he relayed his message.

"Your Highness! The East Gate is under attack!"

Pina shot to her feet, her expression shifting from calm to sharp determination.

"How many are attacking? Who leads them?" she demanded.

The messenger hesitated, his voice quivering. "It's unclear, Your Highness. But there's a mage—a siren. Our defenders are struggling to hold the gate."

Pina's fists clenched at her sides, her mind racing. If The East Gate fell, the entire city would be at the mercy of the attackers.

"Third Centuria!" she barked, her voice cutting through the tension. "Form up and move to reinforce the East Gate immediately!"

They sprang into action, assembling with practiced precision. Pina followed close behind, her hand gripping the hilt of her sword as they advanced toward the besieged gate.

The scene at the East Gate was chaos incarnate. The acrid stench of blood and smoke filled the air, mingling with the dying cries of soldiers. Fires licked at the wooden barricades, casting flickering shadows over the carnage. Bodies of defenders and attackers alike lay strewn across the ground, their lifeless forms a grim testament to the ferocity of the battle.

Norma fought at the frontlines, his sword flashing as he deflected an enemy strike and countered with a fierce blow. But the attackers pressed their advantage, their numbers overwhelming. An enemy blade slipped through his defenses, piercing his side. Norma staggered, his vision blurring as he fell to the ground.

From the rear, Princess Pina arrived just in time to witness the tragic sight. Her breath hitched, her chest tightening at the overwhelming loss.

"This... this isn't how it was supposed to go," she murmured, her voice trembling as she stared at the carnage. Her knuckles whitened around the grip of her sword.

The resolve in her eyes hardened, pushing back the fear. She turned to her knights, her voice steady despite the turmoil. "Push forward. We must hold the gate."





Bigsby's Tavern, Italica

March 29, 2028 03:21 (29th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

Shouts and cries blended with the distant clash of weapons, creating an unsettling symphony of desperation. Inside the makeshift command post, Adam and Itami stood over a worn wooden table, the flickering candlelight casting long, wavering shadows on their faces. The air was tense, every second seeming to stretch into an eternity.

Adam leaned over the radio, his voice calm but brimming with urgency. "Bravo One-Four, this is Bravo One-One, do you copy?"

Hill's reply came through, clear but strained, the background noise of chaos evident. "Loud and clear, One."

"Can you get the vehicles to the East Gate?" Adam asked, though he already suspected the answer.

"Negative, sir," Hill replied, a tinge of frustration in his voice. "The streets are too crowded. We're packed in like sardines here."

Adam sighed, dragging a hand over his face. "Understood. Bravo One-Three, find a vantage point and start picking off the attackers. Kurata, Hill—cover his post. Keep anyone from stabbing him in the back. Got it?"

"Rog on it," Perez answered, his tone as steady as always despite the mounting tension.

Adam nodded, though no one on the other end could see him. "Stay sharp. Out."

He turned to Itami, who was already reaching for the radio. Adam gave him a curt nod. "Your turn."

Itami picked up the receiver, his expression hardening as he addressed his team. "Kurokawa, Andrew, do you copy?"

"Copy, sir," came Kurokawa's calm response.

"Stay put at the inn," Itami ordered his tone firm. "Prepare for an influx of wounded. Kuwahara and Tomita are bringing them in."

"Understood, sir," Kurokawa said. "We'll be ready."

Itami took a brief pause, his brow furrowed in thought, before switching frequencies. "Kuwahara, Tomita, status report."

Kuwahara's voice came through, strained but determined. "We're en route with the wounded. It's a mess out here, but we're making progress."

"We've got several injured," Tomita added. "ETA ten minutes."

"Copy that. Get them here safely. Kurokawa and Andrew are ready to receive," Itami said.

"Roger. We'll get them there," Kuwahara assured him.

Itami exhaled slowly, shifting his focus once more. "Nishina, take your team and rally at the East Gate. Assist with the defenses and provide support where needed."

"Copy that, sir," Nishina replied, his voice sharp with purpose. "We're on our way."

"Be cautious and stick together," Itami warned. "The situation is volatile, and we can't afford to lose anyone."

"Understood, sir," Tozu chimed in. "We'll move carefully."

Switching frequencies again, Itami called out, "Kuribayashi, Katsumoto, do you copy?"

"Copy, sir," Kuribayashi responded without hesitation.

"Here, sir," Katsumoto added.

"I need you two to reinforce the East Gate as well," Itami instructed. "Link up with Nishina's team and bolster the defenses. Hold that position no matter what."

"Roger that, sir," Kuribayashi said. "We're on our way."

Katsumoto's voice carried the same resolve. "Understood, sir. Moving out."

Itami set the radio down with a heavy sigh, glancing at Adam, studying a map spread across the table. The flickering candlelight casts shadows on Adam's face, emphasizing the weight of his concern.

"When do you think reinforcements will arrive?" Itami asked.

Adam didn't look up, his eyes scanning the map intently. "Maybe thirty minutes, if we're lucky."

Itami's lips pressed into a thin line as he considered their precarious position. Suddenly, his eyes widened, and his heart skipped a beat. He straightened, looking around the room with realization.

"Wait a minute," he said, his voice alarmingly sharp. "Where's Rory?"





East Gate, Italica

March 29, 2028, 03:53 (29th day of the Crescent Moon 638)

The East Gate trembled under the chaos of the bandit assault, but amidst the confusion, Princess Pina remained a steadfast presence. Her crimson cloak trailed behind her as she moved with purpose through the defenders, her voice cutting through the clamor like a blade.

"Hold the line!" she commanded, her tone resolute. "We cannot let them breach the gate!"

The defenders, a mix of trained soldiers and frightened townsfolk, rallied around her. Anxiety rippled through the ranks as the approaching bandits became visible, their numbers vast and their intent clear. Yet, Princess Pina stood unwavering, her eyes scanning the fortifications for weaknesses.

"Do not attack!" she bellowed, her words sharp and commanding. "Let them bleed out on the fortifications we've built!"

The bandits roared and jeered, their frustration mounting as they encountered resistance. In their desperation, they turned to unspeakable cruelty, butchering the bodies of fallen townspeople. The defenders recoiled in horror, their outrage barely contained.

"They're slaughtering them!" one of the defenders cried out, his voice trembling with rage. "We can't just stand here and do nothing!"

Pina's hand tightened around the hilt of her sword, her knuckles white. She felt the same fury boiling inside her, but she forced herself to remain focused.

"Stay your ground!" she ordered, her voice firm despite the tremor in her heart. "They're trying to provoke us. Do not let them succeed!"

But the gruesome sight proved too much for some. A group of defenders broke ranks, their cries of anger drowning out Pina's warnings. They charged headlong into the bandits, weapons raised in reckless fury.

"No!" Pina shouted. "Fall back! It's a trap!"

Her warning came too late. The defenders met the bandits in chaotic melee, their disciplined defense unraveling in the heat of battle.

Amid the carnage, a towering figure emerged from the bandit ranks. He was a giant of a man, his armor piecemeal but imposing, his weapon a massive spiked mace. With every swing, defenders were sent sprawling, their bodies broken under his brutal strength.

"Who among you dares face me in single combat?" the bandit bellowed, his voice echoing over the battlefield. "This is the battle we were promised! The one denied us at the massacre of Alnus Hill! Let it be a tribute to the Goddess Emroy!"

The defenders faltered, fear spreading like wildfire as the hulking bandit cut through their comrades. Then, a deafening thud echoed, followed by the sickening sound of splitting flesh. The bandit leader's roar ended abruptly as his massive body slumped to the ground, his head cleaved in two.

A hush fell over the battlefield. Emerging from the smoke and dust, a figure strode forward, her black dress flowing like liquid shadow. Her crimson eyes glowed with righteous fury, and her massive battle axe rested easily in her hand.

Rory Mercury stood tall, her voice ringing out with an otherworldly authority. "You dare desecrate the name of our Goddess with your bloodlust and savagery? Your actions are an affront to everything she stands for."

The bandits recoiled, fear and uncertainty flashing across their faces.

The silence broke with a desperate shout from one of their leaders. "Kill her! She's just one woman!"

The bandits surged forward, but before they could close the distance, a low hum filled the air. The sound grew in intensity, its eerie resonance unnerving even the most hardened fighters. Suddenly, a blinding flash erupted, followed by a thunderous explosion. One of the ballistae atop the gate was obliterated, the shockwave sending debris raining down.

Itami's sharp eyes caught the fiery burst, his heart sinking. The radio chatter in his ear faded as his attention snapped to the source of the explosion.

"What... was that?" he muttered.

Beside him, Adam's gaze narrowed as he watched the column of smoke rise. His voice was grim. "An FPV drone? But who—"

A crackling voice interrupted him through the radio, sharp and clear over the static.

"Bravo One-One, this is Hitman One," came the familiar tone, calm but urgent. "How copy?"