868. Goodbye, Gerina Aztra – The Empress of The Bellum Empire

868. Goodbye, Gerina Aztra – The Empress of The Bellum Empire

Gerina finished delivering her speech.

The lump in her chest disappeared after a long, winding sigh. She wobbled on her feet as the strength to stand nearly left her.

Thankfully, a hand caught hers just before she could collapse.

“Your fatigue has finally caught up with you.” Anpu commented, lifting her back to her feet.

“Fatigue isn’t going to stop me. I need to start delegating while the sun is out. The nights by the coast are harsh. Cold winds are brought down by the surrounding mountains as well. We’ll need a stock-check and a survey of the city. Afterwards –”

“Delage harder then.” The White Frost grumpily groaned as she passed through the ruined throne room. “You have your own loyal soldiers to rely on. Ever heard of an advisor?

It had served as their final stand against the Impuritas menace. The narrow structure of the palace had allowed them to create what the White Frost called a ‘Kill Zone’.

The hallway just outside of the throne was painted in blood and gore, resembling the Creeping Ivy of the Crimson Hunger.

“I should go see them…” Gerina smiled. She recognized that the Taleor’s mannerism was not out of spite but was simply the way she spoke. “We should have a lot of food stored around the Empire. The issue is that… I’m certain those storages were moved away. The Red Baron would have brought them in to solidify his image as a hero…”

“That problem is already solved.” The Taleor shouldered her timber firearm. “The Amalgam has brought in a ship carrying months-worth of food supplies. It would have arrived here on the order of the Red Baron.”

“Then there’s nothing to worry about. I’m grateful… for all of you… Are you all going to leave for the Nexus?” Gerina knew that they couldn’t stay any longer now that the war was over.

The Taleor nodded unceremoniously as she passed by Gerina. She gave her a heavy pat and plucked the Adorned Tale from her waist.

“Property of the Original. You’ll do fine on your own. Unless you’re also borrowing the title of the ‘Empress’.”

She then left Gerina alone with the Tear Retrievers.

“We have no reason to remain in Grandis. A blue-haired Wolfwoman will be meeting with you shortly. Her name will be Luna. This Exalted will provide assistance until a Hyperlink Crystal is installed within your Capital.”

Anpu stated kindly as if to apologize for the Taleor.

“Even a Hyperlink…?”

“The Amalgam has made it clear that she wishes to establish a strong relationship with the Bellum Empire. Hyperlink Crystals used to exist around the world. Syndicates and slavers would siege them until a Blessed to appeared. I do not need to recite what happened afterwards.”

It was as Anpu said. The Blessed were persecuted at a lesser degree compared to the Healers. Their powers and connection to the Nexus made them valuable targets for a plethora of reasons, be it for slavery, consorts, conscription, or experimentation.

The difference was the Blessed were powerful in their own right. But unlike the Healers, they were not protected by the Nexus and the Ateliers despite being an integral part of it.

“I don’t intend to speak for the Amalgam, but I believe it does reveal how much faith she has in this Region. Ateliers have the manpower, just not always the will nor the reason to assist.”

Anpu interpreted the decision to place a Hyperlink Crystal in the Bellum Empire as her first steps into officially protecting the Blessed. It was not explicitly claimed by the Amalgam, but it was certainly something worth working towards.

There were thousands of Blessed that had still yet to return to the Nexus.

“The Ateliers helped us despite that.” Gerina smiled. “The Amalgam must care a lot about the Blessed. It’s hard to think about it. The Nexus has always been indifferent to the problems of the world outside of the Corrupted. Am I wrong to think that it’s because of the Amalgam?”

“Much has already changed.” The Tear Retrievers and the Aspiring Moons wore agreeing smiles. “It has not just been the Blessed who have seen favorable treatment from the Amalgam. An established link will allow the Blessed to lend their assistance to your Empire. When the truth is out, and as the missing Blessed trickle back into the Nexus, there will be few countries that will be looked upon favorably by the Blessed themselves.”

“… I understand.” Gerina firmly nodded. “… Thank you, Moon Anpu.”

“Anpu is fine.”

Anpu was about to let go, but Gerina held on for a little longer and suddenly asked:

“Will I get to see you again?”

The jackal wore a rare smile, amused by her innocent question.

“Considering we’re familiar with each other, it would be strange if I wasn’t deployed here in the near future. The Tear Retrievers will have much work to do here as well.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Much more in the north.” Cara shrugged. “Alright, people. Line up for one last headcount before we leave. Captain.”

“Yes~!” Usa’s ears punched the air as she saluted.

“Pick out some meat from the ship. I think we deserve a little break. Empress Gerina.” Cara formally addressed her with a salute. “As the Manager and effective Handler of the First-Generation Tear Retrievers, I would like to say that it has been a pleasure working with you.”

“””“A pleasure!””””

The Tear Retrievers collectively saluted.

“We’ll linger in the Capital for a bit until our boss issues our next order.”

Gerina’s gratitude was infinite. She deeply bowed in the face of these people who did everything their power to save her country.

“Thank you for your help. I’ll remember this. All of it. It’ll be written down as part of our history. Children will be taught of your efforts, your sacrifices… and your names in schools. We will never forget what you did for us.”

* * *

The dream of a better future came at a steep price.

Burials of fallen Inflow Direct and Golden Middle personnel occurred along the archipelago surrounding Atlas. These small islands were reserved for heroes, and these fallen soldiers would be immortalized by the headstones carrying their names, titles, and – for the lucky few – surnames.

Prosthetics and Atelier Items were removed from their bodies. Mechanical claws were mummified in sacred scrolls that carried symbols written in blood. They had to be soaked in a combination of Liquid Nex and blood before they could be transported and stored.

Prosthetics were usually repurposed or handed down from their previous owners. Depending on the ranking of the previous, fallen owner; it could be seen as a way to continue one’s legacy by giving an undying, unrusting piece of themselves.

Some carried a spark of their Ego to assist the next generation.

The Golden Middle suffered the most casualties. Whilst some were buried along Atlas, most were sent back to their families. Justica Arms employed a similar burial ritual.

The Peace Flocks who perished in the wars were sealed in pale-gold sarcophaguses. Sacral Mourners were a type of Elves employed by Justica Arms. They did not have a specific Branch to call theirs, aside from the Originating Branch where Justica Arms was founded.

This place was located deep in the Elven Region of Velvori, east of Spiritas. When a Justica Arms membered died, they would be sent back to be buried alongside the countless who lived in accordance to Galia’s law in the same place where the Colorless Incandescent once called home.

However, Caldera Industries did not have a burial ceremony. Dwarves were not the kind to dwell on deaths. Death was a natural part of life. The nature of their racial profession had been met with many untimely deaths. This paired with high birth rates meant that Dwarven life was expendable outside of the High Dwarves.

As a result, Dwarves were drawn to the happier and jolly moments of life. Why they’d rather drink like it was their last day, feast like there was no tomorrow, and hammer away at the beat of their impassioned hearts.