If you could control matter and energy like a superhero, what would you do? If the basis of the whole universe were a sandbox between your fingers, would you build the greatest sandcastles known to human history? Would you share the joy of building sandcastles with other children? Or would you rather turn all the sand into glass, so you could have a monopoly over who could play with sand? You're free to decide– It's your fated freedom, after all.
From the very early days of human history, those blessed with the gift of wielding a shard of the stars possessed the power to choose their path. So, armed with the power to alter Fate, these fated individuals led the way to great discoveries, land-shaping conquests, and world-shattering legacies. Yet, the gifts weren't without limits. You are but one of many chosen by the shards, constrained in the ways you could use your power. No matter how special you are, no matter how high you flew, the sky is still the limit.
Thus, human history flowed without an eternal king. No matter how great you were, your time is but a footnote in history. That is... Until the shards chose a man unlike others, someone capable of subjugating his shards to his will. Instead of picking a path among the three, he chose all three of them. He will build an eternal kingdom, beyond anything humanity has witnessed; He will share his Empire with his kin; And he will be the eternal king dictating the rules of his one and only Empire for all to share.
Most of humanity does not know of this tale, of the star shards and their chosen, and of knights armed not with armour and sword, but wielding the fabric of reality and shielded by causality. However, in this era, where their king has emerged to save humanity from itself, you might know them as Cyberknights, men and women chosen by the stars and given a mission and purpose by this era's struggle.
Moore observed the pendant worn by the Asian cook who served him and Baltazara their noodles. It was shiny and golden, like a medal, with a small diamond which held above it a bigger diamond that pushed through the clouds around it, making it appear as if the clouds were the petals of the central diamond flower. In a sense, it almost looked like the symbol of the fleur-de-lis. Yet, in the cook's case, it was clear that he wasn't a combatant, judging by the upward-pointing arrows around his diamond.
[Moore] - "Strange to see a knight of the order in such a position, friend. Perhaps there is more to the cover than I realize? "
Asked Moore with a curious gaze.
[Ho Minh] - "Haha, no, unfortunately. The order even wanted to expel me for being of so little use. However, great Angel Michele assigned me a position here... Where my powers serve a purpose, and I live a happy life doing what I love. "
Said Ho Minh, his expression shifting from amusement to sincerity as he spoke.
[Moore] - "Huh... I'm intrigued; what might your ability do? "
Ho Minh laughed and pushed his hands against his hips, a proud gaze lingering on the steaming noodle bowl in front of Moore.
[Ho Minh] - "Why don't you find out for yourself? "
Moore followed Ho Minh's gaze down to his bowl, then at the other customers who were all focusing on finishing their bowls rather than chatting. Even Baltazara, who was usually very chatty in those situations, was busy slurping from her bowl. Convinced and curious, Moore snapped a pair of chopsticks apart and brought the steamy noodles to his tongue. Under Ho Minh's confident gaze, Moore's eyes immediately lit up as the aroma hit him like a shock.
It was unlike anything he had ever tasted, as the flavour seemed stronger than ever as it penetrated his taste buds. Then, Moore slurped again and again until his bowl was empty. It was only then that Moore remembered his original question as he turned toward Ho Minh.
[Moore] - "Let me guess: your ability binds to the mouth of your customers and activates their taste receptors in a way that tricks them into tasting excellence. "
Said Moore confidently as he pointed at Ho Minh.
[Ho Minh] - "Not quite. That would be cheap of me, wouldn't it? Imagine I serve you garbage and you still taste heaven; not my style. "
Moore drank from his cup and suddenly realized that the water tasted horrible compared to the culinary masterpiece he had just experienced in his mouth.
[Moore] - "It has to be something of this sort; I'm sure of it. "
Said Moore after he forced himself to swallow the stale water.
Meanwhile, Baltazara raised her hand and ordered another bowl from Ho Minh.
[Ho Minh] - "Hahaha, chemistry is such a muse. You change a little bit about its behaviour, and it produces something that changes more than its interactions. "
Said Ho Minh while moving behind the counter to prepare Baltazara's order.
[Moore] - "Indulge me, I really don't believe it is an ability the order would easily ignore. "
[Ho Minh] - "To be cursed with an ability of great power is to bear the responsibilities that come with it. I, like many, was fortunate enough to be weak with my shards' gifts. Any ability is useful to the order, except for users who refuse to use it for its intended purpose. "
Said Ho Minh as he began to plate his bowl with spices and dressing.
The young man lowered himself to his knees, making sure he carefully put in just the right amount of every ingredient. There was passion in his eyes as he constructed a beautiful flower at the center with parsley and carrot.
[Moore] - "You defied your assignment, right? "
Ho Minh didn't speak, being solely focused on completing his craft until the last moment when the bowl left his hands and fell into the hungry palms of Baltzara. Even as the girl devoured his noodles without any formality, Ho Minh still bore a prideful smile on his face, being happier with a satisfied customer than proper etiquette.
[Ho Minh] - "It is simple. My ability simply makes the flavour molecules more active; thus, when it hits your tongue, you feel it more than you usually would. "
[Moore] - "Oooh! So that's why she's such a fan of your food... Though, I would say I became a fan too since today. "
Said Moore with a few nods.
[Ho Minh] - "Haha, but you didn't hear me call my ability anytime, right? "
Said Ho Minh as he showed Moore his arm, where his crystals were still dormant.
It was then Moore's mouth slowly opened in shock as he realized that so far, it wasn't thanks to Ho Minh's ability that the meal was so delicious.
[Moore] - "You... So that was all– "
[Ho Minh] - "Passion! "
Said Ho Minh the moment Moore's sentence stuttered.
Baltazara finished her second portion and slammed the bowl down on the table, face glowing with satisfaction.
[Ho Minh] - "The order wanted engineers, molecular engineers capable of synthesizing reactions with their gifts. I was not special; my ability is relatively common in the order's recruit pool. But unlike my peers, I have a different plan in my head. "
Said Ho Minh as he turned to check on the simmering soup behind the counter.
[Moore] - "It's nice that you chose otherwise. It was honestly the best fucking meal I ever had in my life! You know, you know I should put in a little word for you; have you transferred to somewhere more fitting for your talent. "
Said Moore while expressively pointing at his empty bowl, then at Ho Minh.
[Ho Minh] - "Haha, but no thanks, friend. I love it here; this is where I belong. Nothing fancy, nothing grand, just one humble food stall among many, feeding the army belonging to the Angel that first believed in me. "
Said Ho Minh as he proudly looked at his humble stall and the soldiers who filled his tables.
[Moore] - "Either way, thank you for the meal. If you do change your mind, let me know next time I come visit you. And I will come back! You made all other food taste like shit for me, haha. "
Said Moore sarcastically as he stood up to shake Ho Minh's hand.
[Ho Minh] - "It is my pleasure. However, before you go, friend, might I ask who from the order I just served? You know a bit too much for someone ordinary. "
[Moore] - "Touché, friend, touché. But please, keep this between us. I am Knight Exemplar Moore, of the Grand Knight's most trusted. This is my partner, Baltazara– "
Before Moore could say anything more, Baltazara jumped in and handled her own introduction.
[Baltazara] - "Baltazara, Moore's supervisor sent by the Grand Knight to make sure he doesn't make a mess. "
Said Baltazara as she shook Ho Minh's hand.
[Moore] - "–MY ASSISTANT assigned to me for missions that require discretion! "
Said Moore loudly, trying to assert his voice over Baltazara.
However, Moore's loud voice drew in unwanted attention as many of the customers looked up at them to see what the ruckus was about.
[Baltazara] - "See? I gotta keep your ego in check because how are we supposed to be discreet if you behave this way? "
Said Baltazara with a taunting grin as she scolded Moore.
[Moore] - "You're the one who– Whatever! "
Muttered Moore in anger before throwing his hands in the air.
However, Ho Minh didn't seem to share their enthusiasm and ease, as his face slowly grew pale with fear. Taking a step back, the chef couldn't help but hold onto a chair to stop his hands from trembling. It was then that Ho Minh noticed the pendant previously hidden underneath Moore's coat. Unlike his, Moore's was distinguished by the eye that surrounded the diamond, turning the shape into an iris looking down at the smaller diamond.
[Ho Minh] - "I... I didn't know I was dealing with someone of your status... My apologies for my lack of manners. "
Said Ho Minh as he bowed his head in a panic.
[Moore] - "Friend, friend, there is no need for such humility. We were talking just fine a moment ago. "
Said Moore as he quickly went up to Ho Minh and tapped on his shoulder.
However, despite Moore's assurances, Ho Minh still refused to look him in the eyes. Paradoxically, Ho Minh still made an effort to smile despite his nervous demeanour.
[Ho Minh] - "Do not take this the wrong way, my friend. I know... *swallow* I know what you can do with your ability. You're not exactly a small name in the order, as you know. It's just... unsettling for anyone to be standing near a nuclear bomb, if you catch my analogy. "
Said Ho Minh as he pretended to check his broth pot to avoid eye contact.
A little shudder suddenly rocked Moore's core as he heard those words. One moment ago, he was treated like just another normal person, but now that his identity and ability became known, the attitude toward him changed completely. Moore tried to say something more to ease Ho Minh's fear, but stopped himself before he could do so.
[Moore] - "Thank you again, friend. I will take my leave now, if you are not comfortable. "
Said Moore, a bit of hurt surfacing in his voice.
As Moore moved out of sight with Baltazara, Ho Minh immediately felt guilt rising inside his heart. He knew he shouldn't act like this toward Moore, even if his ability caused him fear. Tying a bag of soup together with a pack of dried noodles, Ho Minh moved toward the door.
[Ho Minh] - "Friend, take some of this to go. Good luck on whatever mission you are on. "
Yelled Ho Minh as he waved at Moore.
Moore immediately turned around, his heart pumping with excitement. However, his smile quickly disappeared as he didn't see Ho Minh, but rather only the bag of food he left for him on a vacant table. Seeing as Moore didn't move, Baltazara stepped forward and swooped the food off the table. As she and Ho Minh made eye contact, they quickly exchanged a smile and a wave, though Ho Minh hoped that he could personally face Moore and apologize for acting so erratically. Unfortunately, he couldn't find that courage in himself yet.
[Soldier] - "Who's that guy? Is he some kind of big shot name in your order? "
Said one of the customers as he pointed at Moore.
[Ho Minh] - "That information is above your pay grade; just eat. "
Dismissed Ho Minh with an annoyed wave.
Meanwhile, as Baltazara and Moore walked to the bullet train station, she noticed her partner's mood and immediately put the dots together as to what happened. All the while, Moore thought about his encounter with the Angel and realized how similar it felt to his current experience. Like Ho Minh said, perhaps being blessed with power isn't totally a blessing after all.
[Moore] - "I wonder... Do you ever get uneasy around me? "
Said Moore, his gaze drifting to the upper decks where Michele was.
[Baltazara] - "It took me a bit of time to get used to it. "
[Moore] - "Used to what? "
[Baltazara] - "To you being who you are. I can't feel fear; you know that. But when I was first assigned to you and saw what you were capable of, even I couldn't help but feel unsettled by your presence. "
Said Baltazara while avoiding the path of a Marine.
As Baltazara caught back up with Moore, he suddenly felt her comforting hand slip around his arm. It was a warm sensation that cleared through the fog like the beam of a lighthouse.
[Baltazara] - "But I realized that we were not too different. I was created as a weapon, and people saw me as something wrong and dangerous. Not everyone has to understand you; what matters is those who do choose to understand you. "
Said Baltazara as she leaned in closer toward Moore.
[Moore] - "Heh... Luckily I have you. I can't imagine how lonely it would be without you. "
Said Moore with a smirk as he glanced at Baltazara.
[Baltazara] - "And you said yesterday that you wanted to trade me for one of my sisters. "
Jabbed Baltazara with a grin.
[Moore] - "Never! I will never trade you for anyone. I will fight the whole world if it means I get to keep you beside me. "
Said Moore proudly.
[Baltazara] - "Ewww, dude, don't kill the mood by saying something this cringe. "
Said Baltazara with a grimace as she pulled away in disgust.
[Moore] - "Aw, come on! I think it sounded fine, romantic even. "
[Baltazara] - "Brrr... you know I'm not like my sister Kadyn. This kind of sappy, generic crap makes my skin crawl. Ugh! "
Said Baltazara with a shake before turning her blushing face away.
While the two boarded their train, outside, the 3rd Fleet was stationed right outside the range of Chinese gun batteries on Taiwan. As the full force of the fleet gathered around the Ark of Apogee, the skies darkened with the number of ships in the area. All the while, other fleets, having finished their own conquests, also took position around the Chinese mainland.
Inside the supreme war room, the Angel of War looked at the massive screen beneath his feet displaying the whole of China and its surrounding areas. As numerous as the stars in the night sky, the ships of the Imperial Navy surrounded China. Appearing as dots on the map, the sheer number of vessels formed a solid perimeter all around the target of their next conquest. It was the last holdout of the Old World, and it shall submit under the vengeance of the world it once wronged.
From the grim, silver skull faceplates of the 5th Fleet's Marines to the grinding teeth of the titan crew aboard the 8th's ships, there was an eagerness in every single Imperial's heart to tear apart the root of their grievances. No matter the armour design or the Roman numeral, there was only one singular thought crossing through the minds of every man and woman carrying the Imperial heraldry: Death to the Old World and their supporters.
Looking outside, many witnessed tiny flashes of light as Chinese missiles smashed against the shielding around the ships. However, despite the impatient foot taps of many Empyriarchs and the predatory gazes of many eager for a fight, Michele refused to yet give the order to attack. Due to the size of China and the extensive amount of defences built in anticipation of the invasion, Michele wanted to have all his forces ready before launching an overwhelming assault on all fronts.
After all, for 40 years since its ascension to power, China's massive wealth and resources allowed it to accumulate an insane amount of military forces. Underneath the surface preparations, Chinese factories were pumping out drones and battle droids in the millions. Not to mention, with every conquered nation's forces gathered here, there won't be a lack of manpower and firepower against the invaders.
For now, Michele watched as the 15th Fleet finished conquering the vast Russian territories while the 2nd Fleet's main force prepared to move out of the US to join the main assault. The final countdown was starting, which left Moore and Baltazara with no more than 48 hours before the country plunged into chaos. Leaving the Ark of Apogee on a shuttle, the duo was headed to the 8th Fleet in United Korea, where they will make their insertion into China for their mission.
Looking through the window of the shuttle, the duo was given their first baptism of fire as they watched the columns of smoke rising from Pyongyang. In a flash, they watched as the main-calibre gun of the 8th's mother carrier fired below, reducing whole sectors of a forest into charred and burning canyons. In a display of pure, indiscriminate destruction, the light of the plasma cannon didn't end with its extinguishment, as the dissipated heat of the blast ignited patches of forest for kilometres on end.
Looking up, they saw the mother carrier of the Pillars of the Eastern Skies, the magnificently unconventional Hwanung with tall antennas and radars protruding from the usually smooth hull of the ship. Reaching out, Baltazara could feel tingling on her skin and some of her hair standing up as they passed in front of a series of signal disruptor dishes, each the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Each fleet has its own doctrine and flavour, but this was unlike anything the two had ever seen.
However, before they could get a close-up of the situation on the ground, the shuttle flew over the hull of the Hwanung, obscuring the scene below. Moore breathed heavily as he felt the shuttle's altitude dropping, meaning they were near their destination. He held up his tablet, consulting the information on it one more time as he felt the ship land on the wet forest soil.
To be continued...