The Advocates exchanged glances, their unreadable expressions marking their displeasure, until one of them finally responded.
"Major, that is not protocol. She could be carrying an enhanced version of the Black Mind, and we can't let her out into civilization."
Cade did not flinch at his words.
"It is also not protocol to kill everyone in town- it is simply done out of expediency and because it is simply cheaper that way."
The other Great Knight who was quiet the entire time stepped forward spinning his staff between his fingers energy ran through the shaft as a 10-inch blade extended from the end.
"That is enough. We are the Advocates we carry out the law of the Federation. We shall not discuss what should or shouldn't be done with you. We instruct and you listen, MAJOR!"
His words had a finality yet Major Cade remained unmoved, his gaze blank, he slowly returned his helmet to his head.
Then- his horns ignited, the energy running through them casting a faint glow, their presence threatening.
"IS that a threat GREAT-KNIGHT."
The words are heavy, deliberate, carrying an unspoken challenge. Cade stepped forward, and in that instant, everyone pulled back.
The battlefield held its breath, the charged air frozen as the three highest ranking figures Major Cade and both Great Knights locked eyes, their postures rigid.
For several long, stretched seconds, no one moved.
Then almost perfect synchronization they all stepped back.
Cade was the first to move, turning his back to the Advocates as he returned to his company calling the lieutenants closer.
"Emergency orders all knights pull back."
The glow of his horns dimmed his calm authority settled over the White Horns.
As he finished giving orders, one of his lieutenants hesitated, his gaze flickering towards the Advocates, wariness still present.
"What happened, Sir?"
Cade's response was blank, factual without emotion.
"The Stygian have pushed a major offensive across all lines, not just in space. Somehow, they've managed to send Beast Styx into a feral state across our planets as well."
The words landed heavily, as Cade turned to leave, the Great Knight stepped forward, his staff lowering, energy fading, but still carrying authority in his voice.
"Cade, this is not the end. We will report your company and the girl."
Cade didn't respond.
Didn't even waste a glance on him.
He simply waved his arm in dismissal.
Gilbert steadied himself, his breathing still labored from the battle as William helped him to his feet.
They both stared ahead as the Advocates moved with methodical precision, securing the perimeter. Their eyes focus on especially Wolfgang and Alexander.
Alexander, ever composed, turned briefly to Gilbert offering a courteous nod.
Gilbert watched him leave, the weight of their fight still burning in his muscles, his mind replaying everything, fingers tightening around his sword hilt.
Alexander had been stronger, faster, wielding a force he never thought possible to his will. Despite everything, all his skill, his strategy, he had been overwhelmed.
"He has gotten stronger… way stronger than I am," he murmured, barely above a whisper.
William, beside him, helped steady him, tone firm, unwavering with absolute conviction.
"Unlike him Gilbert you just finished a difficult battle meanwhile he hardly swung his sword yet. Strength is not only measured in victory. You are the most resilient person I know, Gilbert- a true warrior. Do not mourn the strength of yesterday."
All though his words were encouraging Gilbert didn't move or respond. But William wasn't finished.
"There is no shame in being outmatched, especially against a weapon like his. You are a great tactician- the best in our cohort I would say solar system-wide. And I know this…"
His voice tightened, his gaze locked onto Gilbert with certainty.
"Someday, you shall be a disaster that reshapes the terrain itself."
Gilbert looked at him before nodding releasing a slow exhale.
"But how can he even use a Dread Weapon?" Gilbert asked, still grappling with the absurdity of what he witnessed.
William exhaled, his expression thoughtful.
"You are asking the wrong person. Truth be told, much like Dread Marines, those weapons are more myth than fact. One such myth is that these weapons can have a mind of their own."
Gilbert frown unsatisfied
"But I thought people like you from higher-tier cities had all the answers."
William shook his head calmly as he gained a wistful look.
"That is where you're wrong. Dread Marines are only stationed in areas built to Tier I city standards."
Gilbert studied William for a moment before voicing a question that had always slipped his mind.
"But wouldn't that mean they are only stationed in ten locations worldwide?"
"I can't stay for certain, but it would at least be fifteen locations. The five supreme Academies are also built to Tier I standards." William corrected him after considering his words
Gilbert furrowed his brow.
"Why only Tier I cities though?"
William exhaled, his tone steady as he explained.
Dread Marines naturally emit energy, much like how normal humans give off heat. It's minimal, but over time, any area that a large amount of them inhabit will be affected. For instance, the Dragon Legion's Marines energy causes acceleration in structural decay, causing buildings to deteriorate faster than they would naturally."
Gilbert adsorbed the information, his mind turning over the implications.
"So they need an environment capable of managing and dispersing that energy," William continued.
"That's why there are so few of them. Tier I cities are immensely expensive to build, and maintaining them comes at an equally high cost."
As they were going to continue their conversation Kean interrupted.
"Gilbert, come on we need to go."
Gilbert and his squad joined the others in marching towards their ship, quiet echoes of footsteps the only sound heard other than the occasional attacks of Styx.
Gilbert fell into step beside Anastasia, his voice low.
"How is she?"
Anastasia glanced down at the small girl, her tone soft yet certain.
"She is fine shaken from your battle but otherwise she is okay."
Gilbert looked at Lorelai carefully, taking in the dried tears on her cheeks.
Instinctively, he lifted a hand, to comfort her aiming to pat her head but the grime of war clung to his gloves, the blood, and dust smearing across its tactile surface, halting him mid-motion.
He hesitated, ready to lower his hand but before he could, small fingers curled around his pinky and ring finger, a delicate but firm grip.
Gilbert looked into her eyes.
"It's going to be okay little one, I know somewhere that you shall be safe."
The clearing where their ships had landed was somber, yet methodical, squads moved with disciplined efficiency as they filed toward their ships.
Some platoons carried their wounded, voices low yet urgent, medics already assessing the extent of injuries.
Others who had suffered losses, walked with a different weight, their fallen gathered, their presence now reduced to what could be carried back.
Gilbert watched all of this, the scent of scorched earth and steel clinging to the air as they prepared to leave the battlefield behind.
He followed his squad inside the ship as they found their designated bay, settling in as the engines hummed to life, preparing for departure. As they were waiting the Lieutenant of their platoon Edward approached them,
"The little girl will be placed in a secured chamber until we arrive at the Citadel."
The air inside their bay shifted from the weight of Edwards's words. The squad froze, their minds struggling to process the casual statement that had been delivered.
Gilbert's jaw locked tight as he fully faced his lieutenant.
Edward unfazed by his reaction tilted his head, as if anticipating it but found it unimportant.
"There is no need for concern. Once the girl is proven to be clean, she will be placed in your charge. You may raise her as a daughter-"
A short pause
"Or as a wife, for all I care."
Anastasia stiffened beside Gilbert, her fingers twitching near her belt.
William exhaled sharply, his body poised but on edge as his eyes darted toward Gilbert.
Gilbert the center of all the attention hadn't moved. His hands trembled. The words Edward had spoken still hung in the air.
Gilbert's muscles were tensed, his breathing controlled but tight, his eyes wide as if no thoughts could be found behind them.
The squad remained silent as if afraid any movement may cause an explosion.
The Gilbert moved, no anger could be seen within his movements.
"She is a child, and we will treat her like a child," Gilbert said, his voice low, controlled.
Edward blinked, tilting his head unbothered by the sudden proximity.
"She is an asset or a liability," he replied, his tone indifferent.
Gilbert exhaled slowly through his nose, his fist clenching just briefly before releasing.
Edward tilted slightly before releasing a small smile, then before Gilbert could react he placed his arm on his shoulder trying to force him back down but Gilbert fought against it with all his strength as his knees slowly bent. Eventually, Gilbert was forced to his knees.
Edward released his grip, leaving Gilbert on his knees. Gilbert's fingers twitched against the cold metal floor. Edwards's dismissive voice sounded above him.
"I care less for your thoughts right now, Knight 141. You have brought enough trouble to our company and my platoon. The girl will be isolated in the med bay -you can send your squad's medic to make sure she is okay. Now then you have your orders-"
He pivoted towards his station, his posture utterly indifferent. He signaled two Knights who went over to the squad taking Lorelai away from Anastasia. His steps paused as he glanced at Gilbert on the floor.
"Oh and by the way your entire squad will be stationed at the Citadel's nest upon return, you will have two days of rest before you are to report for duty."
As the sounds of his steps hitting the cold metal floor traveled away Gilbert slowly exhaled, the pressure in his legs still present as he pushed himself upright. Staying on his knees he stared at Lorelai who kept looking back at him their eyes meeting.