23 To Brief (1/2)
”As per the Empress' brief overview, Vanguard's mission is broad and varied. By exploring beyond the Zephyrian borders, we're aiming to: (1) Discover new sOr and procure mOre (2) Encounter potential civilisations, learning about their culture and sOr manipulation (3) Create and expand Zephyrian influence, developing political relations (4) Eliminate any potential threats to our kingdom.”
Gale's eyes sharpened.
”Why do I have a feeling that the fourth goal is secretly the most important? ”
Xero nodded in agreement.
”It sure does feel that way, especially given that we're all the highest ranking and most powerful knights.”
Amber scoffed at the sentiment.
”You sure think highly of yourself .-.”
”It's true though..”
”Our other goals are important too. While Ryan is responsible for the sOr technology side of things, he will be left out of the political agenda. The Empress requests his position as prince will remain hidden. Us 7-Star Knights possess the same political powers as the royal family, so we will represent Zephyria as official ambassadors.”
Hikari sighed.
”Xero is right though. We are indeed the strongest knights of the realm, so us forming an official faction does mean that we're also essentially Zephyria's premier military force.”
”Well at least there's transparency.” Gale remarked, before relaxing into Tedi. ”Meh, I don't mind.”
”Yes, I don't mind either.” Yami agreed.
Hikari sighed. Again.
”I hate to butter you all up, but I must emphasise that we really are the only ones capable of this, which is why the Empress chose us, and only us. The kingdom's last attempt at an excursion went horribly wrong.”
”Yea... I heard about that..” Aloe said, scractched her chin. ”What happened?”
”I think it's best if Ryan explained that.”
Hikari ushered the prince to join him at the front, and once he did his previous playfulness was replaced with solemnity.
”As you know, my sister succeeded the Emperor 10 years ago when my father passed away. Official reports were that he and my mother died from a blimp crash, but only the royal family knew that this wasn't the case.”
Everyone showcased mild shock, particularly Gale. ”So what happened to them?”
”Well, they secretly spearheaded an excursion team ”Forefront” to fulfill the same goals that we now are setting out to achieve. But unlike us, their team was filled solely of a few politicians and scientists. They weren't prepared for the unknown dangers out there and.. noone returned. They were assumed dead after a week.”
”But how do we know that they were?! Surel-”