Chapter 24:

  Allegiances

  (Elizabeth's POV, Morning After)

  The sun rose too early, but it rose nonetheless, and unfortunately [Von Angeal] took a toll on Elizabeth. It wasn't enough to weaken or really hamper her in any way. She just felt incredibly sluggish. Not really wanting to get up even though she had to.

  If Lucas was here, she'd hold him tight and stay like that for hours, but she didn't have that luxury. Not until this bullshit came to an end, and that would only happen after they found the Crowned Tulip. Thankfully, she knew roughly of where to look. She just had to make it look believable that they wear "searching" for it, rather than being led directly there.

  It was an annoyingly tedious process, but once it was over, she would finally be back home with Lucas. She couldn't wait, and so forced herself to move and get ready for the day. Outside, the entire camp was abuzz with the news that Bryan left camp st night. He had made quite the disturbance before he stormed off, and those who had already been sleeping or off scouting were just now being informed about it.

  There was a lot of talk about what may have happened to him. Many mented the fact that he was probably dead already, while others dismissed it because he was an A Rank, and A Ranks are supposed to be incredibly tough. If only they knew the truth of how weak Bryan really was.

  The only ones who truly knew were those in his guild. The Hawks Guild assembled that morning in sullen silence. Edward had made a decision to not follow him, though Elizabeth knew it troubled him. Despite that, Edward swallowed the loss. Bryan had become more of a hinderance to the guild than he was a boon. Even his own Talon Party held no real love for him.

  Still, to lose their poster boy was a huge blow, but one that they would recover from if they were smart. Elizabeth was curious how they would react once they realized that he was, in fact, dead. She, of course, felt no remorse or pity for that bastard. In fact, she believed she had been too lenient on him.

  "Report," Elizabeth ordered of Richard over breakfast with Zero Squad.

  "Scouts report that the East is surprisingly quiet," Richard read from an electronic tablet, "The perimeter is secure. No conflicts since yesterday. The night was quiet."

  "What do the Guild Leaders think?" Elizabeth inquired, taking a bite of some eggs and she had over toast.

  "With the East clear, they've made a proposal to head in that direction," Richard answered with a heavy sigh, "Honestly, is that even a good idea?"

  He cast a knowing look towards Elizabeth, only for him to suddenly wince, looking towards Ailyah who nudged him in the side.

  "Oh, come on Ricky," Ailyah chimed in, nudging him in the side, "Don't be such a downer. It'll be fine."

  "I'm only worried that-" Richard grumbled as he rubbed his side.

  "I understand your concern, Richard," Elizabeth said, looking up over her cup of orange juice, "However, it will be fine. We head East. After all, the way was...graciously cleared for us."

  Ailyah put Richard in a pyful headlock as Elizabeth sided with her. They were incredibly close and good friends. Trevor and Priscil gave each other a knowing, amused smile. Sigrid, for her part, looked at her food with a pensive, unsure expression on her face.

  "Is the food not to your liking?" Elizabeth inquired, causing her to jump a bit and look up at her.

  "Huh? Oh, yeah, no...everything is good," Sigrid answered, though under Elizabeth's sharp gaze, she soon folded, "Okay, I mean...I'm good, yeah. Just thinking about that man. He really left camp just like that? Doesn't he know the dangers out there?"

  The problem came to fruition. Zero Squad, even Trevor and Priscil, arguably the two newest members, were incredibly devoted to Elizabeth despite this. They had killed in her name already, albeit not as much as they had in her past lives. Still, they knew what happened to Bryan as much as Richard and Ailyah did.

  However, Sigrid was the exception. She knew nothing, and that would have to change, but only after Elizabeth could trust her. In her past lives, Elizabeth found a good ally in Sigrid...for the lives that she survived in, anyway. She did not always live a long life, but she always lived a good life.

  "Sigrid," Elizabeth spoke calmly, but there was a sense of danger in the air, "You've killed people before, have you not?"

  The question caught her off-guard as she looked around to the rest of Zero Squad. Not just the four around the table with them, but the rest of Zero Squad as all eyes turned to her.

  "I...I mean, yes, I have," Sigrid answered cautiously, "Some bastards just deserve it."

  "Indeed, they do," Elizabeth agreed with a nod, taking a casual sip of her juice before she spoke again, "Bryan was one of the worst bastards out there. You shouldn't mourn his death. You're a part of Zero Squad. Of Aegis, now."

  Sigrid looked to the people around her. All of them were smiling knowingly, some even raised their cups to her. It slowly dawned on her what Elizabeth was saying.

  "I pn on ensuring that this world remains safe," Elizabeth continued, eating as normal during the conversation, "That means I need capable, competent, and strong Pyers. Among them, only those who I believe to be loyal may join Aegis, let alone Zero Squad. Sometimes, that means cracking a few eggs."

  Elizabeth saw understanding dawn on Sigrid. She was solemn for a moment, looking down at her pte of breakfast. It was unfortunate that her entire guild had been lost, but she had survived. Elizabeth wasn't about to let that go to waste.

  "I warned your guild before," she expined coolly, "I don't want to lose you, Sigrid, but I will make the sacrifices necessary to ensure that this world survives. So, heed my warning now. Do not mourn him. I need the War Maiden, but I also need...The Bloody Valkyrie."

  Sigrid froze at that name, for not many knew of it. Those who did were either dead or those who had hired her. Closing her eyes, Sigrid took a deep breath. As she opened them, she looked to Elizabeth with renewed vigor.

  "I understand," she stated solemnly, "I do not bme you for my guild. We were foolish. I will not be. You have my spear, Ms. Falcrest."

  "Please, call me Elizabeth," Elizabeth nodded her approval with a slight smile, "Though, it's Captain if you prefer to remain formal. You'll fit in just fine here, Sigrid. Your spear is needed."

  Ailyah finally released Richard to cp Sigrid on the back as a way of welcoming her officially into Zero Squad. The Bloody Valkyrie was a name Sigrid went by when she was a hired killer. While money was a factor, she did not just kill anyone, and often times she did it for free if the person was enough of a bastard. She had her rules, and they were well in line with Elizabeth's own. So, it was easy to win her over.

  [Covenant of Von Angeal: You've Gained 1 New Subject – Sigrid, The Bloody Valkyrie]

  "Ah...the Covenant," Elizabeth smiled fondly as she thought to herself, "Haven't seen that pop up in a while."

  The [Covenant of Von Angeal] was just as it sounded. It was a passive skill that increased in strength for all those loyal to Elizabeth. It only increased when someone fully supported and followed her. To think that it popped up this early for Sigrid. Elizabeth had expected it during this expedition, but for it to happen so soon was a pleasant surprise.

  Of course, this only worked on those willing to follow her. Who were willing to risk their lives for her. Elizabeth had saved Sigrid's life by giving her a second chance. A chance to redeem herself, and so for Sigrid, what were a few lives compared to that? That is what Elizabeth believed that Sigrid thought, and she was pretty good at reading people after all the lives she's lived.

  The [Covenant of Von Angeal] did more than just notify her of people who swear their allegiance to her. It boosted her abilities for how many followers she had, but it wasn't just a one-sided benefit. No, it also granted a percentage of strength to those who followed her. It invigorated them and allowed them to move as one.

  They knew what she wanted and acted as best as they could within those parameters. It was quite effective...even if it all came to naught many times in the past. Despite all her efforts, it was just never enough, or Lucas would die before she could fully realize its potential.

  She couldn't live in a world without Lucas, and so there were many times that Aegis and Zero Squad rushed to their uniteral deaths. They carved many swathes through the ranks of monsters. It wouldn't be wrong to say that they've made entire kes of blood from the amount of times they sughtered the creatures who killed Lucas. Sometimes...those creatures were other humans. Entire guilds.

  She's plunged the entire world into war over his death. She was tired of it. This time would be different. It had to be. With each life she's lived, she's learned more, grown stronger. Still, there were many variables, and Elizabeth was taking no chances. That's why she showed Bryan no mercy after he failed to get her warning the first time.

  The slightest hint that Lucas was in danger would be met with swift retribution. She gave one chance only for her promise to Lucas, but after that...they would be a smear upon history.

  -----

  (Elizabeth's POV Later On)

  Concrete and foliage. They trekked through the D.C. Wild Zone heading East, just as most of the Guild Leaders wished. In truth, Elizabeth had this pnned out, since they had needed to head East anyways to reach the Crowned Tulip.

  It was simply convenient that Bryan fucked up and provided them with an opportunity to travel with ease. "How kind of him," Elizabeth thought dryly, sarcastic. Still, despite his st act of usefulness providing them with safe passage, the guilds kept a keen eye out for any ambushes or possible threats as they were not aware until they started to come across the corpses of monsters.

  They were mid-decay, for the corpses of monsters didn't st long when not harvested. For Scarab Vines, they were nothing but rubble and decayed pnt matter. Some scavengers from the guild checked for cores and any other useful items, but otherwise the mood of the expedition grew dour as they continued their trek. They knew what they were about to find.

  It didn't take a genius to put two and two together and get four. Despite their silent dislike of Bryan, The Hawks Guild still mourned his loss. There, in a clearing surrounded by the bodies of many creatures, was Bryan's spear. Battered and beaten, soaked in the blood of the fallen monsters.

  Edward stepped forward as the expedition came to a halt. Each step hesitant and heavy. With shaky hands, he reached for the spear. Wrapping his hand around the shaft of it, he bowed his head in silent prayer. While Bryan may not have been liked, he was one of their own, and to Edward, he was like the son he never had. Albeit, too damned spoiled.

  "...I don't mourn him, if you're wondering" Edward whispered as he heard Elizabeth's footsteps approach, "I simply regret not teaching him better. The damned fool..."

  "He was spoiled too much," Elizabeth stated bluntly, "However, the bme does not lie with you. It is his own fault."

  "Ha, don't you think I know that?" Edward scoffed scornfully, his tone turning somber as he reminisced, "You know...he may have been a piece of shit, but he had heart. He truly wanted to save people. Well, at some point, he did. It seems the spotlight blinded him."

  "No, he yearned for the spotlight, Edward," Elizabeth spoke indifferently, "He wasn't what people thought he was and paid the price for it in the end. I hope you don't make the same mistakes."

  Edward looked from the corner of his eye at her. A keen gaze, one that Elizabeth met with unwavering impassivity. After a moment, Edward simply sighed.

  "Damn, you're cold, but you're right," Edward stood straight, lifting the spear with him as he turned towards Elizabeth, "Don't worry. I'm not about to let my guild fall over this. I hope you will look kindly upon us in the future."

  Edward's jaw clenched, swallowing his pride and holding his dignity high. He began to walk away, but as he passed Elizabeth, he paused for a moment, lowering his voice to a whisper.

  "Truth be told..." Edward said, his tone serious, "I loved that kid, as much of a problem that he was. Couldn't...couldn't you have just crippled him?"

  Elizabeth's gaze grew frosted as a menacing air surrounded the two of them.

  "Edward, you're not suggesting I did something...are you?" she asked coolly, "Whatever happened to him, it was his own fault."

  "While the corpses are a mess...I know how he fights," Edward kept his voice low as he spoke, "Some wounds, especially on the Hell Hounds, were not made by a spear."

  Dropping all pretenses, Elizabeth pced a heavy hand on his shoulder.

  "You're tired, Edward. Perhaps your eyes are pying tricks on you," Elizabeth suggested calmly, though the threat was obvious, "On a more personal note..."

  Elizabeth leaned in, her grip tightening on his shoulder.

  "That bastard targeted Lucas," Elizabeth whispered menacingly, "I warned you both, he did not listen. I hope you do."

  Edward trembled slightly, taking a deep breath to calm himself. Elizabeth watched him closely, for she saw in him what she had expected. His eyes grew sharp, furious, but not towards her. What Bryan did threatened the entirety of the Hawks Guild, and though Edward thought of him as a son, Edward would choose his guild over him every time.

  "He did what!?" Edward growled, "After I explicitly told him...that ungrateful brat!"

  "Quiet, now," Elizabeth cautioned and Edward lowered his voice as he appeared bashful for losing himself for a moment.

  "I apologize," he stated quietly, "So, he put the entire guild in jeopardy for his pettiness...you're right. I must have seen things. The stress of this expedition and all."

  "You should rest once it's over," Elizabeth patted his shoulder, smiling kindly with a devilish undertone, "Don't say I'm not merciful. I won't give another chance."

  "Don't worry," Edward said softly, "You won't have anymore problems from the Hawks Guild. In fact..."

  Lifting the spear of Bryan in his hand, he presented it to Elizabeth.

  "I imagine some...unsavory things will be revealed," he spoke quietly, somberly, "I don't want-"

  Elizabeth held a hand up to the spear and pushed it back towards him.

  "No," Elizabeth interrupted, "Keep it. The public will want it as a symbol. Proof that he died, and when they realize the truth...you can simply refashion it. You'll need all the strength you can get."

  Edward thought for a moment before nodding, opening his inventory and tossing it in unceremoniously.

  "That damned brat..." Edward muttered as the inventory closed, "Thank you, Miss Falcrest. I'll remember the mercy you've shown us today."

  "And I'll remember your cooperation," Elizabeth stated coolly, "Don't forget, Edward. It's only because he acted alone. If I find out he had more help..."

  "You won't have to worry," Edward assured her, his eyes becoming admirably dangerous, "I'll take care of it if that's the case. The Hawks Guild is my pride and joy, and its members my children. If they step out of line, it's only right that the father disciplines them."

  [Covenant of Von Angeal: You've Gained 1 New Subject – Edward, The Iron Hand]

  "Another one...how amusing," Elizabeth thought, pleasantly surprised at this development. She had expected him to turn a blind eye, but to think he swore allegiance as well. That was quite the reward for killing such a useless bastard as Bryan.

  As Edward returned to his guild, the rest of the groups paid respects to the fallen Pyer. Aegis and Zero Squad stood by stoically. They were unmoved by his death, though they allowed those who wanted to acknowledge it to do so. It wasn't, unfortunately, a rare occurrence that Pyers died. It happened all too often, whether to monsters, the hazards of a dungeon, or...other Pyers.

  Thankfully, with Edward's lips sealed, the others seemed ignorant of what had happened here. She was sure she had mutited the Hell Hounds beyond recognition or utterly destroyed them, but as Edward said. He knows how Bryan fights.

  Truth be told, it wasn't out of Elizabeth's calcutions that Edward found out. He's done so before in the past, and that was one reason she knew he would turn a blind eye regardless. Sometimes, however, very rarely did it actually turn into a fight if he became stubborn. That's why she had to make sure he understood the gravity of what Bryan did.

  What she didn't expect was that it would actually gain Edward's allegiance. It was definitely a first. Because of that, she'd have to keep a close eye on him regardless. With all the lives she's lived, while new things were possible, it had taught her caution. She wasn't just about to trust it just because the skill said so. Especially not something as new as this.

  "Aegis!" Elizabeth spoke over the expedition, "We move in ten!"

  Her guild and Zero Squad acknowledged the order, preparing a small snack and taking a short break before they would head out. For now, she wanted to finish this fucking expedition.

  "Lucas..." Elizabeth spoke his name fondly upon her lips, looking up at the sky, wondering what he was doing now...and if he was safe.

  -----

  Nikushimi