"Mono/Dialogue"

  'Inner thoughts'

  Narration

  [Message/communication apparatus]

  Date: May 1079

  Location: Data not found

  POV: Narrator

  Terra only has a single known ndmass, a supercontinent to be exact, that has been inhabited since time immemorial. This supercontinent had seen the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, some were higher than others yet all fell the same, time is a cruel arbiter and it only marches forward.

  The devastation of untold millenniums of conflict had been time and time again rewritten by the test tragedy. Of course, there are beings of terra capable of watching all from the start or since time immemorial.

  The most appropriate example would be the Feranmuts and Feraerus. The former had an image and appearance closer to mankind, while the tter had a more animalistic and more primal appearance.

  These beings had been taking a passive stance on Terran people. Some because they thought it to be beneath them, some because they were too weary, and others because it was more amusing to use them in their own game. Of course, some took an active role in ensuring that Terra could be sustained; as what sort of existence varied between them.

  Information from an era long forgotten had insinuated the existence of artificial life forms. These life forms are more human than machine and have been watching over the world with their respective duty. Some are long dead and vanquished, another had been walking the world and keeping order, and a lot more were forgotten...

  A Sarkaz cn was rumored to be one such ancient being that had seen the rise and fall of numerous enigmatic existence, mundane or otherwise. Information regarding its authenticity was scarce and hard to decipher, perhaps by ignorance or design. The thing is, don't judge something you can barely comprehend carelessly.

  Back to the matter of civilization. Since the advent of the 11th century of the Terran calendar, there have been changes pertaining to how civilizations prospered and died. The best and test example would be the Gaulish Empire.

  Their downfall had been a hot topic for schors, historians, and romanticists. Gaul was once the sole undisputed center of Terran culture, Gaulish was also Terran lingua franca for a significant portion of its existence.

  Sadly, like how time and era keep erasing empires one way or another, Gaul fell along with what made Gaul truly Gaul, their cultural prowess and presence. Gaulish Empire's aggressive expansionism had driven other countries away from mutual understanding, and all hell broke loose after their incomprehensibly humiliating demand against Lethanien's Witch King was refuted.

  With the entirety of Gaulish dignitaries being put to death and their bodies, more like deranged artwork of pure madness, sent back to Gaul in a horrid fashion.

  The war with Leithanien had taken the worst possible path, but Gaul as an Empire that held Terra in the palms of its hands demanded more material and human resources to feed its growing industry. Some said that Emperor Corsica I had no other choice. Regardless, however, they turned to Victoria and effectively isoted themselves.

  Victoria fought with all it had, putting more strain on Gaul's declining economy, yet they were themselves almost erased from the face of Terra. The stalemate that had occurred was broken when Gaul supported the Columbian Union to rebel. The rebellion was at one point seemingly incapable of achieving much, but war is an uncertain business.

  Mark Max had rallied the faltering Columbian and the nascent Bcksteel Worldwide, back then called Bcksteel Minutemen, proving themselves as one of the more steadfast supporters of independence. The war of independence turned from a retively controlble conflict into an outright existential crisis for Victoria.

  Left with the worsening frontline against the Gaulish Warmachine, The Draco and Asn rulers decided to grant Columbia independence in exchange for them stepping away from the war. Victoria still felt bitterness to this very day, the more hardheaded amongst them regarded Columbia as merely a child throwing a tantrum and would soon be disciplined accordingly.

  Back to the war, Columbia gained independence, and Gaul think that's enough. Although displeasing, it had surely crippled a rge portion of the Victorian power base. Gaul finally managed to gain more advantage but ultimately was held back by its declining economy and military. Losing their colony stripped Victoria of much needed war support and material after all.

  It had only turned into a total geopolitical nightmare when Tzar Vdimir Ivanovich saw an opportunity to knock a major power out of the picture. Ursus Empire joined the war with an unscathed military might while allying with Leithanien and Victoria, the war now turned into one at home for the Gauls.

  Thus the Battle of Four Emperors had finally begun in earnest and brought radical changes to Terra. Death tolls are hazy, but millions are undoubtedly affected by it. As the saying goes, time is like a wheel, sometimes you’re above and sometimes you’re the one supporting the whole structure and some more. Regarding nations across Terra…

  The most peaceful pce known in Terra is Kjerag, but it had been quite difficult to settle the treacherous cold that rivaled Ursus and Sami. Bolivar is in a state of perpetual civil war, the complete opposite of Kjerag's unshakeable harmony.

  In terms of military, Kjerag is left behind as an isoted country that closed itself off, while Bolivar is too disunited to be a genuine threat. Thus people often only focus on united might in this war-torn world...

  When asked which nation had the best and well-equipped army at the time, people would point at Ursus, Yan, Gaul, and surprisingly... Sargon, if they unite for a certain kind of crisis...

  Who guarded humanity then? Ursus fighting an endless war up north, Sargon keeping the horrors of the south contained, while Iberia fought horrific things that are both known yet unknown... and there are rumors about advanced civilization beneath the ocean fighting... something...

  When being questioned about which has the best arts capability, ordinary people would point at Leithanien, Sami, Yan, and, even with scorns, the fractured old nation of Kazdel.

  Enforcers and agents that can blend into the masses but maintain a grip of authority thou say? Siracusa, Yan, and Ursus know precisely how to.

  Armies that can fight with iron disciplines and night-unbreakable will? Gaul, Kazimierz, and Victoria fought for the position.

  About individual strength and prowess, people will sing praises of Kazimierz, Higashi, Ursus, by the merits of Emperor's Bde and now dwindling Wendigo, Minos, by the virtue and prowess of their Spartakoi Agema Somatophykos, and Kazdel, but Kazdel was instead seen with disdain and fear.

  If asked about which nation is moving forward quickly or holds an edge in technology at the time, Laterano, Columbia, and, a pleasant surprise, Rim Billiton would be the common answer.

  But if asked about which has the best quality of artillery and sheer industrial capacity to bounce back? The only answer is Victoria.

  The fall of a colossus in Terra only gave birth to a new colossus that dominated Terran's way of life, the Empire of Victoria rose ever stronger than before. The Twin Crown of Victoria had risen against all odds.

  Despite the damage it had suffered, Victoria struck back with relentless vigor and fury. Their steam knights tore apart the Grandee Armee trump card, Vioux Vanguard, with ferocious ease. Their artillery, after throwing convention and humanity out of the window, starts using originium shells to commit untold damage and terror.

  Victoria now stands atop the ashes of Gaul as the primary victor with a lion's share. Followed by Ursus, which had suffered the least yet gained a substantial profit by a significant margin, and Leithanien, being the one who suffered the most yet gained so little in comparison. Such would have caused conflict but none of the Victors raised a problem with it. Victoria gained military and political prominence, Ursus gained experience, technology, and much-needed arable nd for their freezing realm, and Leithanien gained respect but not much else of which the Witch King cared little about.

  Victoria had wrenched quite a few mobile cities for their dominion, along with its ruling aristocrats who had to, bitterly, bend the knee else be cast aside and erased from the annals of history as a mere footnote if the victor felt generous.

  With the home front and prestige secured, Victorian war machines were almost unmatched for the next few decades.

  The old ways of Gaul had been erased and with it Victorian culture became the new "unifying" force in Terra. Benefits were gained in such an astounding abundance after enough time passed, while the vanquished can only watch as their culture is being subsumed and repced over time.

  The idea of secession had always been entertained by New Blood Revanchists or Old Guard Orders alike, yet it changed nothing. They had been losing hope, some terror, and museum robbery for their old relics were all secessionists can get. With each success or failure, their numbers dwindled.

  The popuce of Gaul descent who can recall the day when fgs and banners of Gaul hoisted proudly in Lingones are few, their desire to reform Gaul was slowly, silently, but surely extinguished… but is that really all? Only time can tell.

  In its pce rose a new power that had taken the mantle, named Victoria. Graceful and powerful Empire of Victoria.

  Victoria is the symbol of might.

  Victoria is the binding of unity.

  Victoria is the crux of civilization.

  Victoria is the proof of a new epoch of glory.

  But most importantly, without a shadow of a doubt, Victoria is...

  Dying...

  Location: Section 9: High-End Residential District A, Kawalerielki, Kazimierz.

  POV: Nyx

  'For the love of everything dutifully sacred or sinfully debauched, can't these fucks stop bothering me!?' I cursed within the quiet confine of my mind while rummaging around my apartment to start packing. I'll be leaving this country, partly annoyance and partly wanderlust... alright 70% annoyance...

  I had even moved to a more pricy and insoted apartment but they somehow managed to slip through one way or another. The level of secondhand embarrassment I had been forced to suffer for months just made it worse.

  The situation and mercenary work in Kazimierz had stabilized to its pre-10th war period, meaning less work for me and more annoyance from locals. Yet problems always come and nd on my p with greedy lust for my undivided attention, especially since I can't really stroll freely without getting mobbed in 5 minutes ft.

  For some ungodly, nonsensical, reasons, I have myself a hard-core fan base. Even when I made my contempt clear on them, it only roused their already unhealthy excitement! Back in a few of my old lives, I scoffed dismissively at artists and celebrities getting mobbed, now I can't even ugh anymore... is this karma?

  Also...

  'Who the hell would thank me profusely after getting their ribs cracked!?' The incident, which I deliberately did, should have made it clear that I'm not their idol, heroine, or whatever the hell it is that even warrant me as their comfort material!

  'These paparazzi only get worse times and times again.' There was one incident well I may have tried to truly murder them. Ignorant little shit tried to barge into a woman's locker room when I just returned from a contract. Remembering it just made my blood boil...

  "*sigh*... at least stability and peace had returned to an acceptable level..." reflexively said by this mouth of mine. Well... I can reliably not injure my charge on bodyguard missions nowadays... but the constant harassment just made me dislike this nation's rampant capitalism...

  Well, peace is good for most people and it is certainly great for Wdirosa.

  Speaking about Wdirosa, Nelka informed me that she has finally found someone she likes... huh, good luck to her. I had already delivered my best friend's gift and congratutions, sadly I'm unable to return and tease her due to a certain commission and document that I'll expin soon.

  Dad had also said that if I need some peace and quiet, I can return to the chapel anytime. When I bought him a personal terminal, Dad always made sure to call me periodically. I happily reciprocated his intention to keep in touch... He is truly a worrywart, but it feels nice... really nice...

  "Luckily... my ticket to get out from here is in my hand... not like I can’t actually… Ugh…" I said while holding a document, this pertained to an offer to attend Victorian Royal Academy. I was very skeptical at first since Royal Academy just screamed "state-owned institution" but surprisingly... Even non-Victorians can attend it, of course, there were requirements.

  The document in my hand was even stamped with a legitimate seal. After some confirmation, the authenticity is true and I can attend college... well military college... but college all the same, right?

  ... I'm willingly plunging myself into problems to escape the current predicament. My presence in Kazimierz had been rather significant. K.G.C.C still holds an amicable retionship with me, but the Armorless Union has been going in a very eerie manner as of te.

  Speaking about contracts or commissions, I receive a commission from the Country of Toron to help with thinning our local wildlife. Contract from Count Toron would be valid for 3 months tops. That should give me ample time for deliberation and or contemption...

  Well, it is time to go anyway.

  "Goodbye Kawalerielki, hopefully, I dare to step back here after things cool off… God fucking damn it… Real stupid that I got driven out by overly horny admirers…" Heading downstairs towards the garage, I left the apartment at dawn. Immigration had been settled yesterday, my residency ID would be null after crossing the checkpoint of this city.

  I had notified the Nearls of my departure, and needless to say, Margaret was utterly not having it and even ignoring me for days… seeing her puffed-out cheeks look cute at least... took me hours to convince her to stop hiding in her room when I really can’t wait anymore. She made me promise her to bring books and more stories to tell when I returned.

  Kiril just wished me luck while grinning all the same. Ionta and Schnitz told me that I'm always welcome as a family. M?ynar... well that guy beat me bck and blue to make sure I didn't sck off with his training... Margaret, you have one tough and annoying uncle to deal with.

  Sadly I didn't manage to get in touch with Zofia, she has been recalled by her house with urgent matters. A shame really, but nothing I can do about it.

  With that, I mount my bike and start speeding towards the checkpoint... Huh, my "caretaker" is here already, how diligent of them... along with my worst nightmares... paparazzi... They seriously camped my apartment.

  Oh well, Hasta vista or something.

  Several minutes ter...

  There is the border checkpoint I'm accustomed to cross, the securities there had somewhat warmed up to my presence. Not wanting to waste any more time, however, I just headed straight to the border officer.

  "Oh! Hello Lady Nyx, how am I to be of help?"

  "Leaving Kazimierz, here is the ID."

  "O-oh... I see. Very well, just a minute dy."

  "Sure."

  Hmm... the expression is genuine... were they really clueless about my departure? Weird... Well, no matter. My next destination should be Victoria. I'm looking forward to it, wonder if the pce going to have Late Renaissance or Late Victorian vibes...

  The officer came back with the, now verified to be bnk, ID. I just knew that you could keep it for either future use or just a souvenir, just won't be usable unless reactivated by the immigration office. K.G.C.C. is true to its core tenet, anything can be turned into profit and a window of prosperity.

  "Thanks."

  "You're welcome. Kawalerielki will always await your future visit."

  "We'll see about that."

  It is time I left this country for a while. Kazimierz... 9 years had I been living here. I'm not sure whether that's good or bad for a mercenary to stay that long. There are rumors that the nd that was once ruled by Sarkaz is the real treasure trove for mercenary gigs... A region that's potentially soaked to the brim with blood, intrigue, and suffering.

  Location: Data not found.

  POV: ???

  A certain Pythian dy is... an anomaly, according to whatever little information about her that can be gathered. It is like she is suddenly being freed from whatever darkest and most tightly shut secret. Nations all across Terra had been paying her in mild interest, but her stunt during the post-war Kazimierz is enough to warrant her service.

  As, Victoria moved faster. In part encouraged by the need to keep any potential problem within arm's reach and the other part of gaining a sembnce of control with the wild card while fostering a positive rapport.

  When she is under genuine contract, she won't commit any sort of tomfoolery or untoward intentions unless truly and deliberately provoked. Her altruistic heart coexists in harmony with a deranged beast of the most belligerent kind.

  Several people of power had deliberated that she must be destroyed, but it was also opposed by those who argued that as long as they do nothing untoward, Nyx is a perfectly reasonable personage.

  Thus within a dimly lit, and secretive in nature, room, a person was seen and heard to be conversing through a communication apparatus. The subject and topic of this conversation is none other than the famous mercenary who rose from the Kazimierz war of 1072 and her subsequent galntry then turned into a deadly weapon of prominent value.

  The voice quality that came from the other side is distorted, perhaps to maintain secrecy, as a contingency measure, or because the reception is not the greatest. Regardless of its nature, the voice can be faintly surmised as belonging to that of a woman.

  [Had the situation progressed the way I had envisioned and id the groundwork for?]

  "It had indeed proceeded as such."

  [Very well. The Thomson family needs to try and get closer to her. She is a wild card that can be added to the deck or overcomplicate the situation if left unchecked, something neither we nor Victoria needed.]

  "What about the matter of her being overly cautious? Her tenure as a mercenary had always been recorded of being purely business, but there were rumors of her secret holding favors."

  [That is fine too, we need a good foothold first and foremost. Her track record is enough evidence of her commitment. The most important part is to ensure she doesn't turn hostile. Regarding favors, that is nothing to be concerned about. Someone of her caliber will reach high pces and be drowned in a whirlpool called politics soon enough. I had made some arrangements with my contacts for further contingency.]

  "I see, pertaining chances of a more lengthy employment, mayhap we offer so?"

  [... Doubtful to succeed, but given enough interest... she will permit that insatiable curiosity herself some leeway of being sated while also grasping for further understanding.]

  "Oh? The subject in question, perhaps, someone you verily understood? I would expect no less from one such as you.]

  [I'm well aware of my own limitations.]

  "That I can acknowledge wholeheartedly. Perchance you recall owning bargaining chips of significant value other than monetary and conventional exchange?"

  [Yes, she craves knowledge... and a much more intimate and personal desire that unfortunately cannot be disclosed.]

  "That is... a very attractive proposal... but such a proposal would incite wariness and doubt is it not?"

  [That is true, but my contacts and assets have summarized several things about her personality, the document regarding it will be sent to you in the near future. My apologies for that, but parsing and verifying information for the subject in question had been rather... complicated.]

  "No need for apologies, we're always grateful for your support Dame. For the good of Terra as a whole, my dearest subject whom I cherished, and our peace in Terra. May fortune be with you, always till the end of time."

  [... Likewise...]

  With that, the communication was cut. The person then starts ripping the communicator apart to avoid potential leakage or tampering. Guarding peace has always been a backbreaking and torturous work... but it is always worth it.

  "There is much to be done. However! First I would need to procure the necessary welcoming gesture. It won't do to slight a prominent mercenary and an honorary Baroness. Well, time to meet the Thomson… He would know how to handle a nascent of ascension of this Serpent."

  Thus the person left the dimly lit room unto the smattering light outside.

  Date: June 1079

  Location: Buckville vilge, County of Toron, Victoria.

  POV: Nyx.

  "Hmm... this pce is quite idyllic, wonder how they managed to do that." I had finally arrived in Victoria. The pce I’m currently at is called Buckville, just one of several vilges I had already encountered.

  In case you're wondering why consider it idyllic and how they managed that, it's because compared to Kazimierz's vilges, Victorian vilges are much more developed. I had even passed several smaller workshops and factories that clearly produced industrial products.

  When resting in one of them, I asked around about why the vilges here are so industrialized. Inhabitants' answers range from pride to puzzlement as well. When being pointed out about catastrophes, they said that Victoria's urbanization can recover damage just as quickly and that is abstaining from the fact of how rare Catastrophe ever struck this nation’s territory.

  I had done some digging because the news of Victoria's decline is an open secret. There are actually traces of vilges and settlements that struggled with outndish taxes and whatnot. These nobles act with complete authority on their terms. Such information dictated that there are enforcers around to keep the order, regardless of method.

  Well back to Buckville, I'm now just resting and lounging at a local pub. Learning from my mistakes back in Kazimierz, I had brought a hood to conceal my face. Some patrons raised their eyebrows but ultimately left me to my own device, my folded bow most likely gave the message.

  Ordering tea, I'm really in another world Britain, the Britannian Empire, and those Star Legion fucks, to find tea in ample supply. Regardless, I start listening quietly to chats, gossip, and rumors.

  "County of Nordnd had been accused of embezzlement they say."

  "Nordnd blokes doing embezzlement? I would rather believe they ate tuskbeasts raw than that bogus."

  "Oi mate! Ya reckon we goin' to a pub in a big city"

  "Aye, s'pose we can earn that much anyway."

  "Ey Andrew, who is that with a hood on? Reckon a noble' hire?"

  "No idea, but prolly a merc yea. Just don't bother that one, else we gonna get a problem."

  "Isabel left me for that idiotic wanker... Curses..."

  "Ah, Idiotic eh? Cheer up old chap, you got us and the boys ain't cha?."

  "Much obliged, mate."

  "Mademoiselle..."

  "Uh, whatcha say?"

  "Uh no... it's just... that hooded dy looks awfully familiar..."

  "Womanizing again eh?"

  "Non! I did not."

  "Sure..."

  "Haha, I'm gonna win big in Kazimierz Major this autumn."

  "It is that time already? How much did ya willin' to bet?"

  "Prolly around 400 Pounds as a starts. Gotta bet wisely and correctly else Ema will skin meself alive."

  "Ya sure still wanna bet? You have family for god sake."

  "Well, I do it for the family."

  "Yea, yea, ya gambler..."

  'Hmm... nothing worthy of note other than the Major... I suppose that's the cue for me to continue.' With that, I paid my tabs with Victorian currency. Unlike when I was in Kazimierz, they are a rather difficult bunch to deal with in regard with payment. Well, that might be because of LMD which keeps on rising in value, pretty much taking the market with its stability soon enough. Clearly, a maneuver to prevent devaluation.

  Getting out of the pub and hopping on the bike... I sense eyes on me again. But unlike the watchful gaze of Armorless agents, this one is more... appraising and not an ounce of wariness... weird...

  "Well, next up County of Toron."

  Location: County of Toron, Victoria.

  POV: Narrator.

  Several eyes in the shadow had been tailing Nyx quietly from the shadow. These men and women had been hired by a certain personage who had enough influence to affect Victoria as a whole.

  "This is Raven 3 to NEST, Gorgon is en route towards an objective, over."

  [NEST Copy Raven 3. Gloster had been charting and preparing for eventual arrival, break. Raven 6 and 8 will be taking over your current tasking, how about copy? Over.]

  "Raven 3 copy, NEST. Awaiting for further tasking, over."

  [Affirmative, standby for retasking, over and out.]

  The person codenamed Raven 3 is not the only one being tasked with keeping her within their net. Nyx is infamous through the mercenary and trader network for her achievements. Her status as an honorary noble only fanned her notoriety, while it is not exactly common to have a mercenary with a title higher than an honorary knight.

  The tales of both efficiency and savagery for combat made her an extremely desirable chees piece on the board. Her almost pristine track record on contract accomplishment had lowered the negativity of her mercenary career.

  Her beauty had also been a factor for some rather unsavory thoughts, but it would be pleasing to have her as a bodyguard during social affairs, despite the potential risk. Her conduct, as a noble, has been reportedly impeccable.

  Whether or not Nyx would be caught up in some political machinations is yet to be seen...

  [END OF CHAPTER]

  Author' Note:

  Sup, this is me, myself, and I, the author who keeps contempting why life suddenly spiked in difficulty.

  Like what I had confirmed in 11, updates will come sporadically... be it 2 days, 1 week, or even more idk.

  Now, Nyx had stepped inside Victoria' boundary. What will see find there? Honestly I, myself, don't know :D.

  Update as usual.

  Ciao.