Chapter: : A Step Ahead of War
The frigid winds howled across the snowy peaks of Greenland, the air biting and sharp with winter's teeth. A line of frost rolled across the icy ridges as Minister Tenzy stood
opens in the cold hush of morning, the wind softly brushing against the frosted glass of Minister Tenzy's office in Greenland. With his back turned to the window, he speaks calmly into a secured comms line. His voice is laced with urgency and exhaustion.
"Have they been dispatched?" he asked.
A voice crackled from the other end.
"Yes, sir. Sir Caelum has arrived in Seoul to reinforce them should The Ten strike again. Knight Óðr is already stationed in Egypt, and Sir Dronachaiya reached Russia late last night."
"And Sir Varion?" Tenzy inquired.
"He's remained in Greenland to guard it personally and protect the headquarters"
Minister Tenzy exhales slowly, his eyes fixed on a map of the world riddled with red flags.
"Very well then, What about the Americans?" Minister Tenzy Asked over on the phone call and He said,
"the Americans can fend for themselves that's exactly what they told me."
Tenzy closed his eyes and nodded slowly. "Very well."
He ended the call with a heavy sigh and muttered under his breath, "Let's hope we're finally a step ahead of these bastards…"
High Atop the Snowy Mountains – Greenland
The world was silent, save for the crunch of boots on frost-bitten stone. Sir Varion, cloaked in a thick white mantle, stood facing the horizon, wind tugging at his silver hair. Beside him, Sakamoto and Sir Solomon, the regent with calm eyes and a katana slung across his back, remained poised beneath the snow-drifted sky.
Varion turned slightly. "Sakamoto. Let's begin we do not have time to waste, Sakamoto what do you know how to do? Show me your technique. All of it."
Sakamoto rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "Honestly… not much just a few things . I only really use the Shadow Clone Technique since I've gotten good at understanding it a bit and also the Shen blocking art."
Varion's brow rose with intrigue. "The Lockwood Family Trait? Where did you learn that?"
"I met someone from that bloodline once. He taught me how to shape the technique and tweak it a bit."
"Let me see," Varion said, voice firm.
Sakamoto inhaled deeply. Then, without a word, vanished.
Fwip—!
In an instant, he reappeared behind Varion, tapping his shoulder playfully. "Shadow Swap. Instantaneous movement. I can use it offensively and defensively at best for any situation "
Varion smiled beneath his fur-lined collar. "Clever. I see your creativity already stretches beyond its original design."
Sakamoto nodded. "I use it in different ways during battle. But there's more."
He picked up a nearby stone, and as soon as it touched his palm, it disappeared in a swirl of black mist.
He held out his hand again—and with a flick of his fingers, the same stone reappeared, glowing faintly with shadowy residue.
"I also have access to a Shadow Plain. A kind of pocket dimension. I can store things inside it. When they enter… they become my shadows. Even… living things."
Varion's expression tightened. "Living things?"
"I have an entire Monkey Warrior Tribe staying there right now," Sakamoto admitted.
Solomon glanced sideways, impressed. "A tribe, you say?"
Varion nodded slowly. "That's an interesting evolution of the technique "
He stepped back.
"Summon one of them," Varion instructed. "Let me see what they look like… under your command."
"I've never done that before," Sakamoto admitted.
"There's a first time for everything," Varion said. "Now try."
Sakamoto steadied his breathing. The wind calmed briefly as he brought his hands together.
"Shadow Manifestation."
The snow swirled violently as a shadow tore through the ground like a ripple in water. From the black pool emerged a monkey-like warrior—fierce and otherworldly. Its muscular frame was carved with primal energy. Elongated limbs twitched with latent strength, and its fanged mouth twisted into a toothy grin. Flowing wild hair draped across its back, and beads clinked gently around its neck. It wore tattered battle robes and clutched a long, gnarled staff etched with symbols of its tribe.
It immediately dropped to one knee.
"My lord… you called."
Sakamoto blinked. "You can talk?"
"Yes," the warrior answered, bowing his head. "Thanks to your connection, we grow stronger within the shadow."
Varion took a step closer, inspecting the creature with awe. "I've studied the Lockwood's technique for years. But this… this is beyond what even they knew. My brother's son truly carries the blood of revolution."
He stepped back and drew his broadsword slowly from the sheath slung across his back.
"Then show me."
Sakamoto's heart skipped.
"I've read about the Lockwood's shadow arts but everyone of them could master it for some reasons unknown … but to think my brother's son would push it this far… It's time for a test. Both of you—attack me. Show me the strength of your bond with the shadows."
Meanwhile — The Ten's Undisclosed Citadel
Beneath the shattered dome of an ancient cathedral-turned-fortress, black banners rippled in the stale air. At the base of a towering, empty throne carved from obsidian and bone, Huey stood with a cold, glinting smile.
A dozen figures—The Omegas—stood in a wide semi-circle, dressed in cloaks of gray and armor darkened with twisted Shen.
Huey turned to face them, hands clasped behind his back.
"You will now move in two units. Each of you will strike a different location."
His voice echoed through the chamber like a hiss through steel.
"This is your first mission… as members of the Upper Echelon of Lord Arcade. I expect no failure."
The Omegas remained silent, eyes fixed and gleaming with anticipation.
Huey's tone deepened. "You've all been strengthened by his grace. You now rival Knights and Presidents of the Hunter Associations. You are weapons of war—so act like it."
He pointed toward the giant stone map etched across the floor.
"Secure the pieces of Yggdrasil . For our Grace. For Lord Arcade."
They all lowered their heads in unison and replied, "For our Grace. For Lord Arcade."
Huey turned back toward the throne.
Soon, the world would burn.