Ennea, Ines and I quickly sped through the air, and descended further and further into Roer, fully cloaked and undisturbed. To think our position would be found out so easily. But that goes without saying, the One of Swords isn't to be underestimated. And at the same time, several cloaked figures started to move toward Roer from the opposite direction, coming from the north...
While both sides began to move, the citizens of Roer had no idea that a night raid was about to befall on the Reinford Group. Meanwhile, a different scene could be seen inside the building itself...
As far as the day went, most of its workers were closing up shop, and were beginning to head home. Presently, the Reinford Building was one of Zemuria's most technologically-advanced buildings to date, with the IBC Building that was situated in Crossbell City coming to a close second, and with Trion Tower coming in third, which was located in Calvard's capital city, Edith. It wouldn't be until the completion of Orchis Tower would the three buildings get thrown out of whack, as far as technological standards go. As far as the Reinford Building went, it was equivalent to that of a castle. Not something you'd expect.
Starting from the very top floor was the Penthouse. You guessed it. The Reinford family lived at the very top of the Reinford Building itself. They had built a couple floors there, which was solely meant for its family members. Right underneath that was the Chairman's Office, which houses several generations of this family. Gwyn Reinford, Irina Reinford, and Alisa Reinford.
This was also the very same year Gwyn retired, allowing his daughter, Irina Reinford, to succeed as Chairman. Or Chairwoman, in this case. After all of Cold Steel's story is over, Alisa succeeds and becomes the newest Chairwoman. As for what remained underneath the Penthouse, it was all of the Divisions within the Reinford Group, each responsible for manufacturing different products. While most workers were departing, a few remained behind in each division who were staying up, pulling all-nighters.
With each passing year, the Reinford Group got busier and busier with new business opportunities. They expanded at a steady rate. At the same time, a certain someone started to feel lonelier and lonelier. Ever since Irina became the new Chairwoman, her mother practically became non-existent. She wouldn't even spare five minutes, let alone a full meal to enjoy together.
Inside the penthouse, a single figure could be seen walking through the large, open corridor which offered a full view of the night life in Roer. Unlike other cities, Roer was one of those that worked around the clock twenty-four seven. As for the person walking, it was a woman who appeared in her twenties. She had short and curly lavender hair. Her outfit was very similar to the maid outfit that Ennea wore earlier in the day. That's because it was!
This person was none other than Sharon Kreuger.
Enforcer No. IX, the Severing Chains.
Contrary to more common weapons like a sword or a spear, Sharon's weapon of choice was a small, ornate knife with a hilt that held even smaller blades, designed solely to kill. To complement her knife, she attacks with chained wires. Hence the title she received, Severing Chains. Along with Ennea, the Oathbreaker, the Golden Butterfly, and Melchior, Sharon once hailed from the Order of the Moonlight Horse. She initially joined up with Harwood's group to join Ouroboros after the order collapsed, and after some time in the shadowy organization, Sharon went on leave after experiencing a near life-and-death battle with Black Alberich.
That's right, Sharon attacks the guy after Isola had her clash with him some years prior. Because of that attack, Sharon's wounds became severe, and by a twist of fate, Irina takes Sharon in, and becomes a family maid. That leads up to the present day, to which Sharon has been assigned to Alisa Reinford, Irina's one and only daughter.
Sharon passed by a couple rooms and their personal library along the way, only to find herself in front of one of the smaller rooms inside the Penthouse. Once she reached the door, she heard the sound of running water. A smile appeared on Sharon's face. Raising one of her hands, she did a polite knock on the door.
"Milady, is the bath to your liking?", Sharon asked, still keeping the door in front of her shut. The moment Sharon said that, an unexpected splashing of water reached her ears.
"E-Everything's fine, Sharon! Geez...", A girl's voice said from behind the closed door. It looks like Sharon wasn't alone. Sharon's smile remained on her lips, only to speak again.
"Hehe, I am merely making sure that the water's temperature is to your liking, Milady. With the Chairwoman out on business leave, it is just the two of us here. Should you require my service, I am but a single call away.", Sharon happily responded, despite the girl's flustering she had just heard.
"I know that already!", The girl yelled back, obviously annoyed. When the girl said that, the voice carried a hint of discontent. Sharon just sighed. She took a moment to recall the latest developments inside the Reinford family. Irina has been growing more and more distant. It wasn't hard to see that there was a rift between the two. It was clear the girl behind the door was unhappy. Sharon's been dealing with the aftermath. She felt guilty with how things have developed to date.
"It's not like I can do much about our present situation, Milady. You know very well that these railway cannons are of utmost importance to the Reinford Group. We'll be able to maintain our strong footing once this project is complete.", Sharon said while sighing.
"Hmph. That stupid mother of mine can't even set aside fifteen minutes of that agenda just to enjoy a home-cooked meal together. All she wants to do is flaunt those cannons toward the rest of the country.", The girl yelled, clearly angry this time.
"It is not like we can turn down a request from the Imperial Army. We're using this capital to lay out several years to come.", Sharon answered. "Still, the least I can do is request Miss Irina to see if she can set aside a few minutes, even if it's for a single night.", Sharon continued, and suggested that. That earned a harrumph from the girl.
"Hmph. What's the point? I've already gotten used to this lifestyle. It'll just be me eating alone. AGAIN.", The girl replied, still angry. That's right, this girl is Alisa Reinford, Irina's daughter. Unlike Sharon, it looks like Alisa hates her mother in a way of not being able to spare even five minutes.
Hearing that, Sharon shook her head, and remained behind the door, leaving it closed.
"I will be here if you require me, Milady.", Sharon said, finding the one thing she could say to not make it worse. As much as she wanted to reach out to the Chairwoman, she knew she was very busy, and couldn't allow any free time at all. A single splash of water followed, then silence. Alisa didn't speak again. Seeing Alisa no longer wanting to speak, Sharon slowly parted from the door, and proceeded onward to continue her duties around the Penthouse.
As for Alisa, she slowly sank into the large, marbled tub. The kind of tub you'd see in a fancy noble's household. All around the bathroom were pearl-white tiles. To say the least, Alisa was rich. VERY rich, even if she wasn't a noble herself. That was how much of an impact the Reinford Group had on Erebonia. And just having one child, that pretty much allows Alisa to do whatever she wants. With such an influence of wealth, you'd think Alisa would develop a superiority complex, but surprisingly, she doesn't. That was likely due to her grandfather, Gwyn Reinford, who actually tries spending time with her.
If Rean actually did get hitched with Alisa later on, he would be set for life. Sadly, that didn't end up happening. It was implied during Cold Steel's story the two did start dating, but split later on, only to go their separate ways around CSIV-Reverie. From there, Alisa would dive into the Reinford Group and take over the reigns.
Creating a few bubbles while inside the tub, the annoyed look still remained in Alisa's eyes.
"Geez, stupid mother. How can she even think those cannons are more important than her own daughter...?", Alisa softly said, and slid further into the tub. When she gets introduced in Cold Steel I, she is seventeen at the time, during S1204. It is still S1199. Alisa would be turning thirteen later in the year. On top of that, Alisa is one who would attend Thors Military Academy, and become one of the core members of Class VII.
Still feeling annoyed, Alisa submerged herself even deeper into the bathtub's water. Her mouth hung over the hot water. She blew out a bit of air, which created some bubbles. Despite feeling initially stressed out from the lack of her own family being present, the hot water was beginning to wash away her worries. Alisa had already grown used to being alone most of the time, and was beginning to accept this as her reality.
Being the only daughter of Erebonia's topmost businesswoman, Irina Reinford, that is. In modern times, Alisa is the equivalent to the sole daughter of the popular confectionery business situated in Calvard, Elaine Auclair, who often butts heads with the company's CEO, aka her father. The Quincy Company.
Finding herself alone while taking a bath, Alisa sunk into her own thoughts for a moment, and started to enjoy the silence around her. The softness of the water continued wiping her stress away. Despite only being twelve right now, she already had the stress of being an adult, since her own family wasn't present throughout most of her day. The times she had spent during this relaxation acted as her savior.
At the very least, Sharon was still around whenever Alisa needed something to be taken care of. Sharon also made most, if not all of her meals as of late. Alisa had no complaints when it came to the skills Sharon possessed.
Sharon is extremely skilled in what she does, both as a maid and otherwise. The latter part, however, Alisa had no idea about. She doesn't know that Sharon used to be an assassin. By the time Irina introduced Sharon and brought her into the family, it was already deeply hidden away. Alisa's curiosity did increase at times, wondering exactly where Sharon came from. No matter how many times Alisa asked though, Sharon never budged on the matter. Her lips were tightly sealed.
And that seal would unfortunately break tonight.
After enjoying some time in the bath with a warm breeze around the room, a cold one slowly drifted in, as one of her bathroom windows cracked open. With a splay, Alisa got out, and proceeded toward the entrance to grab a bath towel. WIth her eyes now open, she dried off a bit, and wrapped the towel around her body. Some water dripped onto the floor from her hair.
Alisa then walked toward her large glass panels that offered enough of a view of Roer beneath her. She was really high up so it's not like anyone could see her.
Except someone could. The moment Alisa realized it, a sole, violet and crimson-haired boy could be seen floating upside, and upside down at that. Alisa's mind sizzled out, not expecting such a sight before her.
"Why hello there. This isn't what you think it is.", The boy said. Which was me, of course. Didn't think I'd arrive at the moment Alisa just finished taking a bath, but it could be worse. I saw Alisa just standing, looking at me as if she was trying to process what was happening now before her.
"Ahhh!", Alisa shouted, not expecting to see someone literally float around outside beyond her window. Seemingless, for that matter. With that yell, it was loud enough to carry into the main corridor.
And to Sharon's ears. It wasn't an ear-curdling scream but it was enough to draw her attention. It was one she hadn't heard in quite some time. If any at all. A serious look appeared in her eyes.
Sharon dropped what was carrying onto a nearby desk, she reached downward into her maid uniform, grabbing a hold of something. It was her hidden blade. The one she doesn't brandish anywhere unless it was life-threatening. Sharon felt a weird, creeping sensation that was crawling up her back, and...a faint hint of bloodlust?
As Sharon rushed toward the door, my gaze was quickly drawn not toward Alisa, but a new shadowy figure that swooped downward from the side of the large building I was on. The person had a dagger in their hand. Their target?
The young missus behind me. I was in the person's way. It looked like a man, but I didn't care.
"Beat it. You're not our target!", The assassin exclaimed, and initiated one of his Crafts.
"Oh yeah? We'll see about that.", I said, and braced for the incoming attack.
I drew my own weapon. I took a moment to observe the assassin's tag above his head, while reviewing his details.
[Garden of Swords Assassin - Lv80]
HP: 1,000,000 EP: 10,000
STR: 4000 DEF: 4000
ATS: 4000 ADF: 4000
EXP: 30,000
A nobody within the Garden of Swords who can't even remember the name that they were born with. A shadow through and through, whose only task is to kill.
I also had another look at my Stat Preview in this split moment. I wanted to see how much damage I would be dishing out now.
[STAT PREVIEW]
A/N: I thought I was satisfied with the previous one, but I am going to streamline this Stat Preview to the damage formula I use going forward.
Name: Naoto von Auslese
Level: 75
Occupation: Child of the Progenitor
Title: Friend of the Vermillion Knight
HP: 31,000/31,000
EP: 93,500/103,500
STR: 9999 (10,500) DEF: 8000
ATS: 9999 (15,200) ADF: 5600
DEX: 550 SPD: 580
Attack Damage: 10,500
Arts Damage: 15,200
RES: -50% ARES: -50%
FRES: -20% FARES: -40%
Status Modifiers:
+75% Attack Damage (Weapon)
+100% Attack Damage (Accessory 1)
+50% Attack Damage (Accessory 2)
+100% Arts Damage (Quartz)
+100% Attack Damage (Quartz)
+100% Arts Damage (Skill)
+75% Attack Damage (Skill)
+75% Attack Damage (Skill)
Bonus: +30% Crit Rate Chance
Efficacy:
+300% Fire Damage
+200% Water Damage
Seeing this, I inwardly smiled. A cold glint of light appeared in my eyes seeing this deadbeat assassin attempt to attack me since I was standing in his way.
Or floating, in this case?
Either way, the night raid has started!
"Piercing Light!", I said, and activated my Craft that I had long since gotten used to using. The rapier I held onto began to glow a bright light...