The Search Begins!

In the lowest level of The Grandastre, The Councilmen had gathered around in a chamber. There were five in total gathered at the table, surrounded by The Nobles and their vice-commanders. “This is a declaration of war!!!! Duran shall pay for this!!!” Said one of the councilmen, slamming his fist onto the table. This man was heavyset, and had a caesar hairstyle. He appeared to be in his fifties. “Calm yourself Brutus. I understand your anger. But there are many things that we must worry about before jumping to immediate retaliation.” Said one of the councilmen at th head of the table. He appeared to be the head councilman, appearing in his mid-forties. His hair was slicked back and blonde; and his eyes were an ocean blue. The man folded his hands, sighing. “I agree with Adan. In our current condition, we cannot do much.” Said a woman, she appeared to be in her late thirties and had black shoulder length hair. Her eyes were light green. She had a calm look to her. “We have to focus on tending to our wounds.” She’d continue. “Indeed Ophelia. Brutus, may I ask how we’d even attack? Look at our current condition. We don’t even know of General Lionheardht’s whereabouts.” Said a much slender man, bald and wearing glasses. Brutus had gritted his teeth, turning his head away. The man who had just spoke was named Balthazar.

“Listen, we have two main priorities as of right now. To treat survivors and to locate The Oracle. I don’t need to stress the urgency in finding her. With her out of Galatia, there’s no telling what will happen.” Added in a much older woman. She had salt and pepper colored hair and hazel eyes. Her hair had been tied into a ponytail. “Wouldn’t you agree Adan?” Adan had closed his eyes, nodding. “Yes, Sharneil. Those are our current priorities.” Brutus had suddenly turned towards Adan, “Adan!!!! How could those be our priorities!? They have taken the lives of our king and the prince!!!!! We don’t even know if our queen is still alive! Or General Lionheardht!!! We must respond to them with much haste and force!” Balthazar had closed his eyes, shaking his head. “Brutus, why must it always be fighting first? Have you not seen our city? Quite frankly, I’m not even sure it’s a city anymore...”

“Head Councilman Adan, I can assure Councilman Brutus that we will make an effort to respond to Duran’s invasion. I have already had messages sent to Olfrenhyne.” Said Sir Francis. “Good!!! We mustn’t let word of The Oracle being taken get out! If enemies find out about this, who knows what will become of our council!” Said Brutus. “That I can agree on Brutus. Stella, do we still have the decoy?” The pink haired woman from earlier had stepped forth from the shadow, nodding. ”Yes Head Councilman Adan, we have the decoy.” She’d step back into the shadow. “Good. Make preparations for her. So long as Duran does not leak out news of her capture, we can avoid even even bigger catastrophe. Commanders, is there the slightest bit of hope that General Lionheardht is still alive?”

The five councilmen had begun to talk about the matters at hand. There was a brief moment of them arguing with what their priories should be. It was rough to watch. Ultimately, Brutus who wanted to strike back at Duran was outnumbered, 4 to 1. It would be decided they would take care of Galatia first. The people are more important. It was at this time, Adan had posed the question of Leo was alive.

“OF COURSE HE’S ALIVE!!” Edge would burst out. Being so close to what had happened, has affected him greatly. The lives of the King and Queen were within his reach and yet... they are no longer here. Timbur would simply put his head down. “I do believe, the General is alive as well.” Timbur would soon pick his head up to speak. The room had such high tension.

Adan had looked around the room, turning to each commander. “Aye, I too believe our General is well.” Sir Francis had added, agreeing with the others. “As do I.” Orion chimed in. “If anyone were to know, it’d be these brave gentlemen here.” Adan had stated. “So if he is alive, then he’ll surely return to us.” Ophelia said. “That’s if he’s alive. I pray that he is. With him returning, we’d be able to develop a plan of attack!” Brutus had said, crossing his arms. ”If he returns, then that means Queen Elsa returns as well.” From the shadows of the corner spoke Nir. “What do you mean Vice-Commander Oshwalt? Are you telling me that our queen still lives?” Asked Sharneil. ”It is possible. General Lionheardht isn’t here because he went after her. So I trust that he’s managed to save her.”

“By The Great One! If this is true, then Queen Elsa will take command over Galatia. It’d save us the trouble of determining who’d take the throne.” Said Balthazar as he sighed in relief. “That’s if they are truly safe, and if they return to us. For now, we’ll discuss our course of action in preventing chaos and panic in our city. Our people have suffered too much. If they find out The Oracle is no longer here, there’ll just be more chaos. I need you to prepare the decoy and have her ready for a public appearance Stella.” Said Adan. Stella nodded, ”Yes, Head Councilman.” The young woman quietly exited the chamber. “As of now, we have our medical division working hard. Thankfully, our rations weren’t affected during the attack. So we’ll be able to sustain the injured. Three neighboring cities have also offered to lend us aide.” Adan continued. “Praise The Great One.” Mentioned Ophelia as she locked her hands. “Orion, I need you to begin finding a way of tracking The Oracle down. We must’nt waste time.” Adan said. Orion simply nodded, walking out of the chamber as well.

“As of now, The Holy Council will take the seat of control over Galatia. Until our queen is returned to us, we’ll be the head. Commanders, I trust that you will gather allies for us.” Adan had turned to Brutus, “This, after all, was a declaration of war. We’ll need to prepare ourselves to avenge our king.” Brutus smirked. “Consider it done Head Councilman. I shall contact the kingdom of Ventros.” Sir Francis had said before making his way out of the chamber. Ohto had followed him out.

The plans were set. The Galatians would make haste in preparations for the rescue of the Oracle as well as the locations of both Leo and Queen Elsa. “Wait!” Edge has spoke up once more. The room had his attention. “When preparations are complete, allow my unit to become the vanguard. We will break through Duran’s doors.” Edge was adamant about getting revenge.

All attention was on Edge as he asked The Council if his unit would allowed to be the vanguard. “Commander Kiryuu.” Adan had turned to his fellow council members, “If there aren’t any objections, then I see no problem.” Sir Francis crossed his arms, closing both of his eyes. If anyone were to lead a vanguard, then it’d most definitely be Edge. “Aye, Edge and his unit deserve this.” Nir stood there, unable to control to body tremor. All that he could think of was Sarutobi, the man who had taken Persephone from him. “Commander Kiryuu was there when our king was taken from us; when all of them were taken from us. I trust that he’ll be able to avenge us. That he’ll be able to eradicate those filthy snakes!” Brutus chimed in.

“Then it is settled. Commander Kiryuu, you shall head the vanguard with the Second Battalion.” Adan said. “Please be careful Commander Kiryuu.” Ophelia said with a worrisome look. “Commander Crow, you have a task that you may not like.” Sir Francis uncrossed his arms, as if he knew the question that was to be asked. “Please tell me I don’t have to speak the Galatians out there.” Balthazar chuckle, placing his hand over his mouth. “Commander Crow, you’re awareness never ceases to amaze me.” Adan smirked, “I’m afraid so Commander Crow. You need to calm them and assure them that we will rebuild our city. That this will never happen again. The people need you.” Sir Francis nodded, “Okay, I may have something in mind. You can count on me.”

Sharneil had then commented, “I’m sure there are heroes that we owe a thank you to. We should probably thank them Commander Crow.” The large man had nodded once again, “Understood.” He’d take his leave, with Ohto following behind. “May The Great One bless us with our endeavours.” Adan had said.

Upon approval of being the vanguard in the counter strike against Duran, Edge would bow in acceptance. “Duran will pay for this.” His look of seriousness was frightening. The tiger beastman would take his leave.

Town Square

The once beautiful city of Galatia, now in ruins. Buildings cracked and broken. Pipes were exposed from underground, with water leaking out. Multiple hikes in the ground from the once paved streets. Homes and shops destroyed. There were some however that remained unharmed from the attack. Those are what we would call, the lucky ones.

To be able to escape this sudden attack, was a miracle for the average citizen. Men, women and children were left with a tsunami of emotions. Some would stand and cry with each other, alone. Some would cry sitting with each other or alone. Other would have saddened expressions. They were all speechless. Mothers and fathers had been frantically looking for their children. Even children looking for their families. In all of Galatian history, on the final day of the Five King’s Festival. It had become a tragedy.

Galatian soldiers were scattered across the city. They were in search of survivors, the deceased as well as any Duran soldiers left. For those of the Duran army, their dead bodies tossed and piled up in no particular order. It was unkept and messy. Basically, they didn’t care what happened to the Duran soldiers even after death. Meanwhile, the dead bodies of the Galatians were neatly placed next to one another. They would receive proper burials.

In the city square which happened to be one of the larger community areas in all of Galatia, tents were set up all around. These would be medical tents for those were injured. Doctors and nurses would be working harder than ever to assure each patient had been treated. Also in that same area, food lines would be formed. Since Galatia was hit, their food supply inventory had been hit hard. They would need to ration out what they had amongst those who lost everything.

Galatian soldiers had marched throughout the remains of their beloved city. Whether it was to locate any survivors, or collect the dead, they’d search to and fro. Some had even been escorting captured Duran soldiers to private sectors. “Move you scum!” Said a soldier as he hit the Duran soldier in the back. “You’ll pay for what you’ve done here!!” At the center of the town square, where the medical tents and food tents had been set up, there were many being attended to. One in particular was an older man who had been weeping. “Please! Great One, please have mercy! Let my children be safe!”


“How many casualties?” Asked one of the Galatian soldiers. “Hundreds of thousands.” Replied another. “Any news on the children?” The soldier shook his head, “I’m afraid not sir. We only found three bodies. We’ve identified them. They were three men who participated in the tournament. There’s no sign of the children. Not even one body.” The Galatian had looked down at three bodies covered by sheets. “They must be here. Duran wouldn’t take children. They’d be killed. Continue the search.” With that said, the Galatian underling had saluted before taking off.

At the center of the square, there was a myriad of tents. All serving different purposes. One had been larger than the rest, bearing a medical insignia, which happened to be a cross and angelic wings sprouting from each side. Just outside of the tent, a Galatian soldier had found himself confronted by none other than Kane. ”Hey! You’ve got to tell your superiors that I protected The Grandastre! I’m owed some serious Stals! My work isn’t free you know?” Kane had invaded the man’s space, looking into his face with an arched brow. “S-Sorry sir, but I cannot leave my post here. You’ll have to speak to someone else.” Inside, there were many being treated. The space was open, without dividers. In the corner, Van had found himself sitting on a stretcher, shirtless. A nurse had been stitching his wound closed. “Just about done.” She had finished, standing and giving him a smile before turning to his cloak, which had been bunched up on a small table. Rested in the cloak was the severed arm of Noah, the Duran officer. “I-I’m glad to be able to help.” Her smile was awkward as she slowly walked away. ”Thanks...”

Kira had been in the same tent, along with Tobias. They remained unconscious, resting on stretchers. At their side were two nurses who’d constantly monitor them. Tobias’ head had been heavily bandaged. At the arena, he had sustained a deep laceration to the back of his head. “Poor girl.” Said the nurse as she looked down at Kira.

benkei was bandage and stripped of his gear as he was sat beside others injured. Some were fighters of the tournament, others were civilians who suffered from this attack on galatia. Benkei was unconscious and had not woken yet. Benkei last memory was fighting the vile woman venim and being treated as less than nothing. The nurses would monitor his vitals as he began to shake and fight in his coma like state. The medical staff would be alarmed to his Condition but also wonder what to do with him

”Are you for real!? There was such a big fight and no one bothered to wake me up!?” Shinji, wrapped in bandages had bursted up. He was upset about the fight the other day between Galatia and Duran. Biggs and Virgil has tried to calm and hold him down from his excited state. ”It’s not... like we didn’t... want to wake you!” Biggs would say as he had been struggling to hold Shinji down. ”In your condition... you would’ve gotten in the way!” Virgil would add while struggling. The group was no longer in the infirmary under the arena. It was deemed unsafe. They would now be in the tent at the city square.

As this was happening, Remi had stood by the window of the tent, peering out. She had a blank expression. What was in her mind was Greyhawk and his he stole her first kiss. Anna had noticed and would walk over to her. ”Remi? Are you ok?” The little girls voice was so fragile and innocent. Remi turned slowly to Anna. A stream of tears were falling down her face. ”I’m ok.” She would respond quietly, turning back to the window. Anna being as young as she was could tell she wasn’t ok. The boys would all notice. They had saddened expressions for her. Suddenly, Anna would come from Remi’s side giving her a hug. This was a surprise to her and her tear filled eyes widened. Soon the boys as well as Koji joined in. Even the injured Shinji. They held her tightly. This feel that Remi had from this was a measure of security. Her body would begin to tremble as all the emotions were flowing into her. The tears would flow even more so until finally she began to cry in the arms of her friends. She broke down to the floor with her friends following. ”We won’t allow anyone to hurt you again.” Virgil would say after a brief moment of Remi crying.

There was much emotion inside of the tent. The five friends who had entered Galatia with hopes of accomplishing their goals, had found themselves troubled by an obstacle. One of them, Shinji, had displayed his anger. Unable to aid the others in protecting what was dear to them. As for the woman, Remi, she had found herself crying in their arms. From the other side of the tent, Van had watched. He had remembered the three of them from the restaurant. The young man rested his hand on his thigh, laying his head on the other. ”.....”

Tauran had also been in the tent, speaking with Vespina. The bull beastman was bandaged, patched up by the nurses. “Where were you?” Vespina had questioned her counterpart. “I was in the infirmary, protecting Shinji. I had help there.” Tauran had looked to both Biggs, Anna and Koji. “Tauran, don’t you see the effects humans have on this world? They are nothing but savages. All they do is wage war and destroy.” Vespina had made her case. It was true that she had despised humans, unable to stomach their actions. But Tauran was different. Unlike the beastmen of Cedar village, he did not hold any disdain for them. “Those three had come to protect their friend while he recovered. They must have a strong bond. Even now, in the midst of turmoil, they stick together and comfort each other. Vespina, these humans are a testiment to the good that can be found within their race. Do not judge them on what has taken place today.”

Outside of the tent, the Galatian soldiers had been walking outside, pulling the remains of Dolphy. Nir had been walking outside in the town square, having made his way there from The Grandastre. He had spotted the soldiers from afar. ”Dolphy.....” The soldiers had pulled the giant’s body towards the heep of Duran soldiers. “Put this thing with them! We’ll burn it all later!” Nir’s eyes had widened, his hands beginning to twitch. He’d immediately run towards the men. ”What are you doing!?” Outside, both Jangr and Gob had taken notice of Nir. ”You’re just going to throw him in there with them!? To burn him to cinder!? That giant, no, man, happens to be a hero! I saw him myself!” The Galatian soldier had looked to Dolphy, turning back to Nir, “Sorry Vice-Commander.....but isn’t he a giant????” Nir had tightened his fists, ”It doesn’t matter what he is! He protected Galatians!!! You can’t do this to him! I order it!!” Both Jangr and Gob had turned to each other before stepping towards Nir. “OI! The Vice-Commander here is right!!! Dolphy was with us in the arena! He came to our defense!” Said Jangr. “Dolphy deserves a proper burial!!” Gob had added. The soldier had found himself outnumbered, as Galatians who had been saved came to the giant’s defense. “He saved me and my child! We would have been dead if it weren’t for him!” Said a woman.

Outside the tent others were waking up with their own tradigies. Benkei violently shaking from his dreams as nurses crowded him. "I think he is seizing ! Call the doctor's quick!". Benkei body started to generate abnormal misra although little it was different from his normal misra. The doctors would attempt go draw blood and apply a sedative to ease him and figure out what to do with him "who is this man!"

Quite some time has passed, right about now. Biggs and Virgil had been walking through the streets. They in search of something to eat. The boys would bounce the lifelessness amongst the citizens. This attack had left a huge impact in them. ”I can’t believe humans would do such a thing. It’s just like-“ ”Back then.” Virgil has interrupted Biggs to finish his sentence. ”Even though we are all human. We still hurt each other.” Virgil would continue as they walked. ”It’s hard to tell sometimes who the real demons are.” Biggs added.

It just so happened in another tent, doctors and nurses had been frantic. Which caught the attention of both Virgil and Biggs. What was going on? The two would walk over to check things out. They had been witnessing Benkei twitching and shaking in his sleep.

Van had stood from his stretcher, turning to his sleeveless shirt that had been folded on the table. He placed it over, looking to his bandaged right arm. Beneath the loose bandaging was a faint glowing pulse. ”Armor.” Whispered a voice from the shadows beneath the bed. ”Precisely why I took it.” Van grabbed the severed arm, shaking it and pulling the arm out of the armor. Noah’s arm had dropped to the ground, only to be pulled under the bed by a shadowy hand. The young man eyed the armor before suiting his right arm. ”Perfect fit.” Below, were crunching noises. Whatever had taken the arm, had now been eating it. ”Delicious.” Whispered the voicd.

In another tent, Benkei had attracted the attention of several nurses and a doctor. He seemed to be twitching vehemently, worrying them. “I don’t understand. What’s going on here?” Asked the doctor. “Sir, are you okay?” The nurse had placed her hand on Benkei’s chest, beginning to shake him. “Sir!” The doctor had placed his hands over him, beginning to radiate a glowing gold light. “I’m not sure what’s happening right now, but we’ve got to get those vitals stable!”

Outside, the Galatians who had witnessed Dolphy’s aid, had outnumbered the soldiers. They’d turn to each other, beginning to pull the giant’s body away from the pile of Duran soldiers. “Forgive me Vice-Commander. I didn’t know a giant was capable of helping others, especially humans.”

As the doctors and nurses tended to benkei others would notice the commotion from outside. Inside benkei mind his nightmare started to fade and he would be standing in a blank space of darkness "what is this! Where is that vile woman!". In the distance a voice could be heard "Benkei my dear child , you were the one, the chosen to help bring balance and a bright future by her Grace's side but your anger as taken over you once more". Benkei turned his head looking around "that voice.....master?.....no tis a trick of that witch". The voice creeped around benkei "this is no trick but your own mind,your own light warning you my son. This place is your darkness and your anger and pain are making you suffer and forget your teachings". The voice would then stand before him in it's true form of a older monk with clothes similar to benkei but more divine " you were not ready for the final test and yet you took what was not rightfully earned my child, you must let go for then you will truly find your inner peace and prosperityy". Benkei looked on as he teared "you never believed in me none of you did as I was a outsider!". The voice began to fade "remember my son you are who writes your destiny and only you can over come what you have lost....." Benkei began to weep and collapse in this mind scream "urgghhhhhh!!!!!". On the outside benkei awake screaming tossing a doctor out of the tent in anger not knowing what was going on.

Finally, Benkei had awoken from his sleep. He had seemed angry and unaware of his current surroundings. He had no idea what was going on. Many were drawn to his outburst watching him. Galatian soldiers who had been around would surround Benkei. His violent behavior deemed him troublesome. “Alright now. Just calm down before we have to get physical.” One soldier would say. The 3 soldiers surrounding him all drew their weapons. Virgil and Biggs would just watch as things would unfold.

The doctor had been thrown from the tent, landing on his back. “Agh!!” Soldiers had immediately rushed to surround Benkei, drawing their weapons the on the monk. “Oh my goodness!!” Screamed a nurse, holding onto her colleague in fear. Nir, Jangr and Gob, who were all outside, had turned to face the ruined tent. “What in the name of Thogmere!?” Questioned Jangr. Gob had crossed his arms, “What is this one doing?” He asked.

Nir did not hesitate to walk over to the Galatian soldiers, placing his hand on their swords. ”No need for this. We’ve had too much violence in this city as is.” The men lowered their weapons. “Understood Vice-Commander.” Nir had turned to Benkei, ”Benkei....It’s me, Nir.”

Kane had also turned to face the commotion, that had captured the attention of others as well. ”Now what’s going on here?”

Benkei look at everyone as he was surrounded by soldiers now since he threw a doctor out of the medical tent. All the attention was on benkei as he was not his calm and collective self "where am I! Where is that witch of a woman and where are our comrade's! These Duran scum will pay for their torture and suffering of the galatian people and her grace !". Benkei would pause looking at the scared faces of the nurses and the guards as well as the lightning crackling from his body and the unusual misra from his body. He would look at nir as he calmed the guards down "nir your alive dear God, where is dolphy and Alexander I see jangr and gob have made it thank the heavens". He would look at look at his hands trembling and take a deep breath trying to relax and ease up

Benkei has finally calmed down and was throwing out multiple questions. He was trying to understand the current situation. ”You really are a flashy guy.” Virgil has just walked up to Benkei. Biggs would follow behind. With his thumb pointing behind him and a proud expression, ”Biggs brought you over here. You were unconscious so I had Biggs help me out. I was pretty banged up myself.”

Nir frowned, watching Benkei question him on the whereabouts of the others. ”Benkei, I’m afraid that Dolphy was killed during the battle....” He’d gesture to the the body of the slain giant. ”I’m sorry Benkei. I should have been stronger to help him.” He turned to Virgil and Biggs, nodding to them. ”I want to thank you both for doing as much as you can to protect everyone here....” Nir had lowered his head, thinking of Persephone. ”Now I stress the importance of locating The Oracle. They managed to take her.” He tightened his fist.

Kane had overheard this, approaching them. ”Lost The Oracle eh? Maybe I can help.”

Benkei would look at nir with his head down still shocked of dolphy death ".....how many other casualties were their, what other comrade's have perished from this dreadful day". Benkei looked at Virgil and Biggs. "and how did you fare in battle ?" He would look at nir "did we secure her our Oracle".

It was clear Benkei had been affected by the death of the gentle giant. To avoid becoming emotional over the matter, He’d ask Virgil how he fared against Duran. ”Well I didn’t exactly lose but I didn’t win either.” Virgil would screen the back of his head. It was a bit embarrassing for him.

”There were too many casualties. We’ll tally up all of Galatia’s casualties soon. They’ll receive proper burials. I’ll make sure Dolphy is one of them.” Nir had lowered his head, ”As for The Oracle...” Kane suddenly scratched his head, ”Uhhh, I kind of mentioned her being lost no?” He had frowned, being ignored by Nir. ”...The Oracle has been taken from us. Orion has been placed in charge of sending out units to track her down. However, I’m not planning on sitting back and leaving this to him. I’m going to get her back.” Nir said. ”I’ll say it once more, but more directly. I can help you find her.” Nir’d turn to Kane, ”I’m sorry. I don’t know who you are.”

Kane’d scoff, flicking his nose. ”I’m the one and only, top ranking assassin and bounty hunter. Dokku’s explosive, Kane, otherwise known as The Blast.” Nir had stood there, staring at Kane. For a brief moment, there was an awkwardness. ”You’re Dokku’s Blast?” Nir had looked to the ground, sighing, ”I have no time to question the authenticity of your identification. If you’re willing to help, I’ll use it.”

Benkei listened as nir gave him the information he wanted and Virgil and Biggs gave their take on the battle. Benkei would thank Biggs as well "you carried my body here so I thank you for that". Once benkei would hear of the Oracle missing twice from nir and Kane he would become upset "nothing could of been done? Not a single thing! I have train what seems like my whole life to stand by her side and even I know that in the wrong hands catastrophe would arise and powers beyond our control would take over this world!". That lightning would crackle and strike some nurses "titans will rise, demons could plague the lands ,life as we know it will become enslaved to a new world order ! ". He would grab on his dear friend "you better keep your word and not stand around here with these folks while Persephone is in the hands of those monsters". Benkei would turn to Virgil and Biggs "you were around longer for that fight than I was what did you learn and what do we know as a group!". He would look at Kane as he stared as benkei misra started to become unusual "and who is this man and why does he stare in such a way"

Virgil would answer Benkei, ”Well... from what I saw, they do have some powerful people in their ranks...” He’d be rubbing his chin as he thought. ”They made off with the Oracle sooo, maybe she’s part of some plan.”

Nir could not bring himself to answer Benkei. The emotion coming from him seemed to be genuine. All he had trained for, worked so hard for, was lost. In Nir’s head, he was able to make the parallel comparison. Persephone and Nir had a friendship that had lasted many years, since their early childhood. So this had pained him the same as, if not more then, Benkei. With all of that in mind, he stood there, staring at the ground as Benkei held him tightly. ”...I’ll get her back...” He slowly brought his eyes to Benkei, able to face him directly now. Both of Nir’s arms had then slowly moved to grab Benkei back, tugging slightly on his gown. ”I swear I’ll bring her back!!!!”

Kane had watched the two, clapping his hands. ”I believe in you!” His applause gradually slowed down, ”I’m going to ignore the monk here, because I totally just told you who I was. Now, on getting back your girlfriend.” Kane reached for his hat, taking it off to scratch the top of his head. ”This’ll be a little tricky. This is Duran we’re dealing with. Your friend here is right about them having some powerful people in their ranks. You see, there’s a system there, a hierarchy.” Kane had placed the hat back onto his head.

”This isn’t the first time I’ve come across those bastards. So I’ve done my homework on them countless of times. I’ll break it down for you guys.” Kane had knelt down, drawing into the dirt with his finger. ”There are are seven levels to Duran’s hierarchy. The first is the most common, their foot soldiers. They’re the Serpents. Usually, you’ll see their ranks on their shoulders, which is the letter ‘R’ followed by a four digit number.” Nir listened closely, rubbing his chin. ”Next you have the Vipers. They’re the second most common soldiers under Duran forces. A more specialized Serpent. They’re usually ‘V’ followed by a three digit number.” Kane had been drawing the diagram of the ranks he had been mentioning. ”After the Vipers, we start following into some captain territory. These guys are the Pythons. They are infiltry and lead units. If you’re following, they have ‘P’ followed by two numbers....” Kane had looked up at the four young men, smirking. ”Now here’s where it gets interesting. This rank closes out their numerical rankings. They are the final ten, otherwise known as Black Mamba. They carry a ‘B’ followed by their number. And of course, number one makes you the big boss of the Black Mamba unit.”

Nir had tightened his fist, ”There was a Black Mamba back at the colosseum. The one who took The Oracle. His name was Sarutobi....” Kane had stroked his goatee. ”Yeah, must have been. We encountered Black Mamba at The Grandastre too. Duran really sent in some heavy hitters.” Kane said with a chuckle, returning to his diagram. ”Now these next three ranks are outside of their numerical system. They are just called by their names, or so I’ve heard. After Black Mamba is the Cobra Guard. They are The Emperor’s personal guard unit. They only answer to The Emperor, and The Emperor’s Baselisk.” Nir had crossed his arms, ”Baselisk?” Kane nodded, ”Yes. They are the four war commanders of Duran. Superiors to all but The Emperor.”